£mi Glass. Book vW\n ? ^. I PAST AND PRESENT OF THE City of Decatur and Macon County ILLINOIS ILLUSTRATED A people that take no pride in the noble achievements of remote ancestors will never achieve anything worthy to be remembered with pride by remote grenerations. " — IMagaulay. CHICAGO THE S. J. CLARKE PUBLISHING CO. 1903 Historical and Biocrapiiical • )1 preface:. HE publishers take great pleasure in presenting this volume to the public. For the general history of the county we are indebted to Hon. J. G. Keller and for the history of the public schools of Decatur to Prof. E. A. Gastman, both being well qualified for the work. The greatest of English historians, Macaulay, and one of the most brilliant writers of the age, has said : " The history of a country is best told in a record of the lives of its people." In conformity with this idea, the biographical department of this work has been prepared, our corps of writers going to the people, the men and women who have, by their enterprise and industry, brought the county to a rank second to none among those comprising this great and noble State, and from their lips have the story of their life struggles. No more interesting or instructive matter could be pre- sented to an intelligent public. In this volume will be found a record of many whose lives are worthy the imitation of coming generations. It tells how some, commencing life in poverty, by industry and economy have accumulated wealth. It tells how others, with lim- ited advantages for securing an education, have become learned men and women, with an influence extending throughout the length and breadth of the land. It tells of men who have risen from the lower walks of life to eminence as statesmen, and whose names have become famous. It tells of those in every walk in life who have striven to succeed, and records how that success has usually crov/ned their efforts. It tells also of many, very many, who, not seeking the applause of the world, have pursued the " even tenor of their way," content to have it said of them, as Christ said of the woman performing a deed of mercy — " They have done what they could." It tells how many, in the pride and strength of young manhood, left the plow and the anvil, the lawyer's office and the counting-room, left every trade and profession, and at their country's call went forth valiantly " to do or die," and how through their efforts the Union was restored and peace once more reigned in the land. In the life of every man and of every woman is a lesson that should not be lost upon those who follow after. Coming generations will appreciate this volume and preserve it as a sacred treasure, from the fact that it contains so much that would never find its way into public records, and which would otherwise be inaccessible. Great care has been taken in the compilation of the work, and every opportunity possible given to those represented to insure correct- ness in what has been written; and the publishers flatter themselves that they give to their readers a work with few errors of consequence. In addition to biographical sketches, por- traits of a number of representative citizens are given. The faces of some, and biographical sketches of many, will be missed in this volume. For this the publishers are not to blame. Not having a proper conception of the work, some refused to give the information necessary to compile a sketch, while others were indifferent. Occasionally some member of the family would oppose the enterprise, and on account of such opposition the support of the interested one would be withheld. In a few instances men never could be found, though repeated calls were made at their residence or place of business. December, 1903. The S. J. Clarke Publishing Co. TABLE OF CONTENTS. HISTORICAL Geographical Early Settlement 14 The White Settler 15 County Government 90 County Officers 27 Agriculture 28 Railroads 29 niack Hawk War 31 Mexican War 31 Civil War 33 Villages fiS Schools 73 School Lands 75 Parochial Schools 70 Tlie James ■\Iillikiii L'niversity 77 The Church 78 City of Decatur 82 The Free Public Library 82 The Woman's Club 83 Powers' Grand Opera House 84 The Anna R. Millikin Home 84 St. Mary's Hospital 84 The Wabash Hospital 85 Goodman's Band 85 The Decatur Club 85 The Country Club of Decatur 85 Parks 86 Police Department 87 1-ire Dei)artment 87 Water Works 87 Greenwood Cemetery S7 Things for which Decatur is noted.. 88 Societies 88 Hanks 90 Decatur Traction li Electric Com- pany ui Manufactories and Corporations.... 91 Bench and Bar 109 Our Honored Dead 118 Christmas Reminiscences 121 Public Schools of Decatur 123 BIOORAPHICA.L Abbott, Xinim (310 Adams, Charles 802 Adams, O. C 833 Albert, G. F 818 -Mexander, James H 769 Allen, D. S 822 Allman, Edward 586 Allsup, Miner R 310 Archer, H. 1 876 Armstrong, J. H 548 Armstrong, William 453 Armstrong, W. C 868 Arnold, Hiram 076 Baker, H. S 815 Baker, N. M 770 Baker. R. N 429 Baldwin, James S 236 Banton, H. J 806 Barbey, L. D 379 Barnes, Dr. Ira N 273 Barnes, Dr. W. A 225 Barron, John 613 Earth, .lacob W 442 Bassey, Edward C 383 Batcbelder, David B 831 Hatcheldcr, John C 063 liatchelder, J. J 471 Batcbelder, Moses E 439 Bauer, C. R 284 Baum, William 601 lieall, Hillory 826 Bean, C. H '. 534 Berkler, Henry .i06 Betzer, George W 834 Betzer, Peter 433 Betzer, Reuben 190 Bixby, J. G 552 Black, John H 753 Blank, William 487 Boggs, Dr. William R 192 Bommersbach, Nicholas 546 Bottrell, J. D 549 Boyce, J. C 395 Boyd, James P 561 Boyer, Melvin F 575 Bramble, W. H 618 Brett, David E 441 Brewer, A. D 710 Brooksbier, William F 655 Brown, Charles H 670 Brown, Henry H 668 Brown, James E 624 Drown, Dr. Josiah 673 Brown, J. W 427 Brown, Travis 830 Buflmejer, J. S 684 Bundy, W. M 347 Burgess, Sullivan 869 Busber, W. F 303 Butzien, Frederick 377 Carmean, W. H 736 Carr, Dr. E. D 386 Carter, J. W 185 Chamberlain, W. D 257 Chenoweth, Dr. W. J 735 Childs, J. S 390 Clark, J. B 746 Clark, William 268 Clipston, Joseph K 850 Combs, Jabez J 435 A Connaghan, Charles 777 Connard, Charles E 228 Connard, Martin E 229 L^onover, George 582 Cooper. W. T 456 Cowen, Charles C. H 423 Crabb, Frank A , . 875 Crane, J. W 203 Crary, John M 209 Crawford, W. M 342 Crocker, John 184 Crocker, John H 189 Crow, E. W , 833 Crow, O. T 374 Culver, J". H 339 Cussins, Dr. J. S. C 263 Daggett. Albion 555 1 )ammeier. Christian 791 Danzeisen, George J 345 Davidson, A. H 556 Davis, Byrd L 862 Davis. Jerome B 607 Davis, Thomas 281 Davis. Rev. W. H 359 Dectz, Charles H 837 * Dclabunty, Walter 498 Denipsey. Michael 690 Dempsey, P. J 644 Denise. D, E 276 Dennis, Andrew 525 Dewein, Victor 499 Dickey, H. E 222 Dickson, Adam 599 Dinneen, Daniel 565 Doiike, Thomas B 545 TAU1.I-: OF ajxri-:\TS. Downey. Charles U 353 A Downing. T. E 64" Downing, \V. T --846 Drake, J. I ^47 Urury, Dr. (1. \V 180 Dukcr, G. !•" ^^^ Dunston, A. .1 880 Ebcrly, U. 1 »50y lihrharl, Joseph 15 819 ^ Elwood, Casper C ^*1 Ewing, Charles A »"9 Ewing, F. N' '** Ewing, Mrs. Sarah Ann 784 Eyman, J. A 380 Eaith, Charles II ■'''3 Eaith, George -l^O I'aries, Robert 183 **■ I-itzKcrald. J. K 540 Kletcher. J. W 881 Inulkc, Edward 309 Foulke, W. ! 608 Frank, John ^3* Freeman, James 828 Freeman, Mrs. Margaret A 416 c;age, Wilson S *97 Garver, William S «2 Gastman, E. A 687 Gepford, S. R "** ^ Gerber, Samuel ^*'^ Gilman, G. Fred 736 Given, J. F 80" Glore, Capt. J. II 682 Gogerty, John 567 Goodc, F. R 673 Gorin, Jerome R 173 Gorin. O. B 207 Graves, J. W 3« Gray. Dr. James L 803 Green, Joshna 713 Greene, O. /. 311 Griffith, James G 591 Grimm, Samuel 656 Gushard, William 827 Gtithriilgc, C. K 816 lladwin, James 847 Hagan, Henry 859 Haines, Frank W 287 Hamman, John \V 592 Hamnian, rhilip P 741 Hammer, W. 1 871 Hamsher, William 396 Hankins. Charles S 849 Hardy. J. K 643 llarpstrite, Augustus 675 Harpstrite, Edward 650 Hartley, C. J 694 Hays, Charles 402 Heckler, Anthony 850 Henard, J. R 579 Hendricks, Jacob C 792 Henshie, David 841 . Highly, H. L 820 Hight, John R 532 Hiphl. Robert W 30C Hilbrant. S. 169 H ildcbrandt, Theodore 503 Hill, Douglas D 867 Hill, H. W 255 llilvety, \V. F 836 Hobbs, Rev. James 505 Hodge, H. D. M 635 Holiday, Harry L 434 llollingcr, James .805 Holman, Carey L 648 Hooper, W. J 811 Hosteller, George F 244 Housley, Mrs. N'. J 789 Hoy, Simon I* 703 Hunter, W. R 209 Ihirst, C. M 821 Imboden, C. M 620 Imboden, J. G 739 Jaeobsen, Henning 812 Jimison. G. A 041 )f Johns, Dr. H. C 700 Johnson, Milton 219 Johnston, \\'illiam 842 Jones, Charles 840 Jones, Thomas 13 707 ^ Jones, William 649 Jones, Yong P 825 Jostes, Henry 667 Joynt, J. J 566 Kaylor, G. W 854 Keck, John A 331 Keister, John F 631 Keller, John G 623 Kemmerly, J. F 857 Kepler, Mrs. Fannie 745 Kile, Isaac W 662 Kincaid, Robert F 283 KnoufT, \. S 447 Koehler, Louis 790 Kohr, Jacob W 691 Kraschel, Frederick 661 Kreher, Adam 724 Krcidler, Henry 860 Krcticr, David 512 Krone, N. L 459 Kuhns, Henry B 494 i.anham, Benjamin F 400 l.aux, Charles 765 Leavitt, T. .\ 724 Lcfbngwell, L. B. C 614 l.cForgee, C. C 838 Lehman. Frank P 712 Lchn, F. \V 394 Lehn, George W 367 Lehn, John P 526 Lewis, Charles 409 Lewis, Dwight F 415 Lonergan. Dr. M. V 403 Love, Joseph 354 Lowe, G. F 335 Lowry, Francis M 324 I^vry, John M 401 Ludwig, Charles 845 Lunn, Henry 858 Lyon, George S 241 Lytic, R, P 327 -McCune, George 564 McDonald, E. S 337 .\lcEvoy, John 593 Mclean, Dr. C. A.. 360 McLean, Dr. \V. T.' 515 Magee, William J 767 .Major, Jacob 454 .Malone, Jones 708 .Matthew, Dr. John B 479 .Matthew, John L 528 .Maxon, Maywood 782 .May, Dr. S. R 483 .Melton, Dr. W. A 210 .\lelvin, L. A J02 .Mendith, F. M 380 .Merris, E. M 3U5 .Mettlen, Alexander T 405 .Meyers, Mrs. Lovina 170 .Miller, John R 718 .Minikin, James 637 Mills, A. H 221 -Mills, Joseph 397 -Mills, L. A 273 Mittan, Dr. F. J 761 -MofTett, W. T 729 -Montgomery, -\. R 371 -Montgomery', James H 533 -Moore, Josiah A '. 7iis -Mowry, H. C 107 -Mueller, Hieronymus 700 -Murphey, Martin P 717 -Myers, Dr. -\. D 270 Nelson, William E 195 Ncsbitt, -V. S 839 Newell, William B 843 Nicholls, R. A 810 Nichols, J. E 70U Nottclniann, J. H 392 Oren, John 11 OSl Usborne, J. E 577 Outtcn, G. C t .V 573 Owen, H. M 527 Packard, Silas 167 Parker, Benjamin 368 Parker, James H 261 Parker, J. P 421 Parker, Dr. O. F 401 Patterson, David 329 I'edicord, J. J 864 Pcrsinger, J. -M 410 Pfister, Charles C 734 Pharo, Isaac F 771 Phelan, Mr. and Mrs. Michael. .. .778 I'ickle. -Newtoif F 089 Pitner, Thomas W 576 Pollock. Dr. M. D 097 Pope, Walter 440 Porter. Dr. D. W 389 Powers, Orlando 165 Powers, Samuel 201 TABLE OF CONTENTS. Powers, Thomas 601 Pratt, Frank M 213 Price, Jacob R 558 Pritchett, Waller 801 Provost, L. R say Querry, Isaiah 3'^3 Query, Titus 305 Race, James \V 641 Randolph, C. C 872 Randolph, Guy A 235 Record, J. H 580 Ritchie, Mrs. C. M 46S Ritchie, Samuel 467 Roberts, Edwin J 698 Roberts, T. T 760 Rbby, K. H 788 Rogers, L. E 755 Uothfuss, Andrew 315 Ruehl, Charles F 267 Ruthrauff. Harry , 852 Sampson, James N 318 Schenck, Will 781 Soberer, Nicholas 232 Schroeder, Fred E 231 Schroeder, Rudolph H 884 Schroeder, W. R 740 Scott, Owen 785 Scruggs, W. R 642 Shanklin, J. G 786 Shellabarger, D. S S63 Shettel, H. A 181 Shoemaker, Andrew 629 Short, George B 297 Sibley, Dr. B. F 298 Simpson, Butler 540 y Singleton, Huston 795 Smith, Mrs. Mary E 550 Smith, S. K 472 Smith, Will L 333 Smith, W. S 882 Spangler, Joseph 711 Spence, Daniel C 504 Spencer, Read 574 Spitler, George 1! 412 Spittler, Fred 843 Spooner, P. D 511 Springer, T. T 493 St. Patrick's Church 092 .Stare, George 321 Stare, \Villiam 11 515 Starr, \V. H 860 Stein, Eckhardt C 876 Sterrett, B. 1 585 Stewart, Francis 615 yt, Stober, John G 215 Stoner, Dr. A. J 873 Stoncr, T. C 759 Stookcy, Daniel 731 Stoutenborough, G. S 539 Stoutenborough, J. B 765 Stoutenborough, J. H 380 Stoutenborough, J. L 804 Stoutenborough, J. P. 674 Stuart, J. T 34S Stuart, Oliver I, 248 Swain, Dr. S. II 481 Taggart, Robert 334 Tait, F. B 721 Thatcher, Charles P 594 Thomas, Dr. E. H 343 Thompson, A. J 616 Thompson, Capt. George W 588 Tomlinson, Tliomas W 832 Torrence, Frank D 748 Towne, F. P 242 Trimmer, .'\braham 292 Trimmer, .\ndrew J 291 Trimmer, Daniel W 289 Trimmer, John F 294 Trimmer, Joseph F 393 Troutman, Jacob 793 Tucker, Cyrus J 562 Tucker, Joseph T 834 Tuppcr, Col. .\nsel 475 Tupper, Col. N. W 445 Tyler, Barton S 316 Ulery, E. S 341 Underwood, James G 368 Van Deventcr. C. J 824 Van Gundy, J. D 883 Wade, Edward SIO Walker, J. W 608 Wallace, William A 840 Walter, Robert 385 Walters, Clement C 399 X Warburton, Joseph 531 Ward, J. T 844 Washburn, S. G 809 Weaver, Samuel 630 Webb, S. T 879 Welge, Henry 553 Wells. F. P 813 Whitmcr, F. It 333 Wilkinson, Mrs. Lamira 796 ' Willard, J. G 796 Williams, A. J 653 y Williams, J. C 851 Williams, J. W 374 Williams, Robert T 603 Williams, W. H 461 Williamson, Solomon 486 Willoughby, W. H 483 Wilson, James A 766 Wilson, R. D 175 Wise, H. H 633 Woodcock, Harold R 262 Woodcock, R. H 861 Woods, Robert 509 ♦^Vohe, J. E 625 Past and Present of Macon County By John G. Keller. In the geographical center of the state, midway between Chicago and St. Loins, the leading cities in the Northern Missis- sippi Valley, lies Macon county. It is one of the banner counties in the famous corn belt of Illinois; bounded on the north by DeWitt, on the east by Piatt and Moultrie, on the south by Moultrie, Shelby and Christian, on the west by Christian and Sangamon counties. Its extreme length is twenty-seven miles and its width is twenty-five miles, contain- ing an area of five hundred and seventy- seven sections or three hundred sixty-nine thousand two hundred eighty acres which is divided into seventeen townships as fol- lows : Austin 36 sections, Friends Creek 48, Hickory Point. 36, Xiantic 29, Blue Mound 32, Mt. Zion 39, Pleasant View 30, Oakley 27^, Milam 24, Maroa, 42, Whit- more 36, mini 36, Harristown 36, South Wheatland 30, South :\Iacon 36, Decatur 29, Long Creek 38^. But a few years ago, much of the prairie land was used for grazing purposes only; at present no wild lands are to be found. Its physical geography differs but little from that of its immediate neighbors. The surface, generally, is undulating containing more prairie than timbered lands. Originally much of the prairie was very low and level, making it unfit for cultiva- tion. This land, which lies in the south, east and north parts of the county, was known as swamp land, and sold by the United States Government at twenty-five cents per acre. These, localities now pro- duce more corn than any other in the coun- ty, and command a very high price. " No locality has better drainage. "The Ridge," as it is familiarly called, extends from Maroa west to the low lands of Aus- tin township and culminates in a round- top in section seven, known as the David Davis farm; this point has an altitude of over seven hundred feet above that of the Sano-amon river where it leaves the county. A ridge extending almost due south from this point forms a mound of about the same altitude as that of the Davis ridge, two miles northeast of Warrensburg on the Powers' farm; extending south to the ex- tremes of the county another mound of sim- ilar altitude is left as its parting farewell. This ridge extending the entire length of the county north and south forms the water shed of the county, the Sangamon river be- ing the only stream large enough to break through. The ridge affords an enchanting view of the surrounding country ; for this reason and from the fact that this land could be cultivated without artificial drain- age, the early settlers, who ventured away from the timber's edge located along this elevation. The Sangamon river with Friends creek and Stephens creek as tributaries from the north, Findley creek and Sand creek from the south, enters the county on the east within seven miles of its northern boundary, trends toward the southwest passing be- tween Whitmore 'and Oakley townships, through Decatur, Harristown and Blue Mound townships, leaves the county within 10 PAST Ai\D PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. eleven miles of its southern Ixmndary; its exit being the southern boundary of Niantic township ; the drainage of the entire county is eventually effected by the Sangamon river. Comparatively few springs remain since the advent of underground tile drain- age, which has almost entirely eliminated the surface water, the source of the spring and the shallow well. Some of the old land marks as the Imboden Springs in the south ])art of Decatur, those in Fairview Park, the Boiling Springs near Bearsdale, the Sul- phur Springs near Mt. Zion, and the Dan- town Springs remain. The Sangamon river, including its tributaries, is bordered by rugged timber lands, among whose blufis are found the only remaining springs of the early settler. The supply of water on the farms comes from deep wells, averaging at least a hundred feet in depth. The village dwellers generally depend upon private wells, with the e.xception of Maroa, Macon and Blue Mound, which have water works, the supply coming from deep wells. Decatur's water supply is taken from the Sangamon river. Some peculiar conditions have been dis- covered in sinking wells. In the Westfield schoolyard, located about three and a half miles southeast of Niantic, at a depth of twelve feet, a stratum of well preserved drift wood was encountered. In the Major schoolyard, two miles south of Warrens- burg, a similar stratum was encountered at about the same dejjth. The soil is of diluvial origin, the whole county at some remote period ha\ing been covered with a rich alluvial dej^osit. The prairie soils are extremely productive, very deep and free from rocks. They produce abundantly, year after year, without arti- ficial fertilizing, luxuriant crops of corn, hay and oats. The soil in the timbered por- tion is lighter in color and not so deep, but it is better adapted to the production of tame grasses and wheat ; here, too, is the native heath of the far-famed blue grass. In the bluffs along the streams, and espe- cially the Sangamon near Decatur, are scores of seemingly inexhaustible banks of sand and gravel. Not only the entire supply for building in the county, including street paving, street car tracks, and about seventy-five miles of graveled roads has been taken from these, but hundreds of car loads have been shipped to outside points. It is said that section eleven in Austin town- ship contains enough gravel, at a depth of six or seven feet, to gravel all the roads in the township. A superior quality of brick and tile clay is found here, which has resulted in large investments in equipments for the manu- facture of the same. Coal, at a depth rang-^ ing from three to seven hundred feet under- lies the county ; four mines are in operation, three of which are in Decatur and one in Niantic ; while a shaft is being sunk in Blue Mound. Discussing the coal deposit leads us back to a history of Macon county beyond even the time of the pioneer, the Indian or the Mound Builder. This history is held sacred l)y those who can, in reality, claim ])riority by right of possession ; these are the rocks. No traces of the early geological revolu- tions that are so remarkable in the moun- tainous localities have here l)cen noticed. ^^'hile the Rockies and .\lleghanies and the heights of land were standing as the nuclei of the North .\merican continent, this coun- ty with the rest of central Illinois was, probably, the bed of a seething, rushing tor- rent. The work of the drift or glacial period is more in evidence ; that being the time when the entire North American continent north of thirty-nine degrees seems to have been overburdened with accumulations of snow and ice, which in its movement southward carried with it soil and surface material de- PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 11 positing it as the temperature of the cUmate melted the ice. In this way we account for the large boulders as well as the clay, sand and pebbles in this region. The following is a list of plants growing spontaneously in this county. Plants are an index to the producing quality of a lo- cality. Prairie, timber, low lands and high each has its peculiarity of productions. We give the family and one example of each : Family. Crowfoot Custard-apple Moonseed Barberry Water-lily Poppy Fumitory Mustard Violet Pink Purslane jMallow Linden Flax Geranium Rue Cashew Vine Buckthorn Stafif-tree Soap-berry Pulse Rose Saxifrage Evening primrose Parsley Genseng Dogwood Honeysuckle Madder Composite Lobelia Campanula Primrose Example. larkspur. paw paw moonseed. May-apple. pond-lily. bloodroot. Dutchman's breeches. black mustard. blue violet. catch fly. common purslane. rose-mallow. bass-wood. common flax. touch-me-not. prickly ash. poison ivy. grape. buckthorn. burning-bush. buckey. clover. black-berry. goose-berry. enchanters nightshade carrot. spikenard. silky cornel. black-haw. butter-bush. sunflower. Indian tobacco. Venus looking glass. cowslip. Begonia Ebony Plantain Figwort Vervian Mint Polemonium Convolvulus Night shade Dogbane Milkweed Olive Birthwort Goose foot Buckwheat Laurel Nettle -Spurge Plane tree Walnut Oak Willow Pine Arum Cat-tail Water-plantain Orchis Amaryllis Iris Yam Smilax Lily Spiderwort Sedge Grass Fern trumpet creeper. persimmon. common plantain. mullein. nettle-leaved vervian. catnip. wild sweet-\\'illiam. morning-glory. common night shade. Indian hemp. common milkweed. white ash. wild ginger. lambs quarter. water smartweed. sassafras. the elm. three-seeded mercury. sycamore. black walnut. white oak. weeping willow. cedar. Jack-in-the-pulpit. cat-tail. arrow-head. showy-orchis. star-grass. blue flag. wild yam-root. greenbrier. tiger lily. spiderwort. bulrush. timothy. fern. It is to be regretted that not more of our people incline toward a knowledge of ani- mal life. Many look upon the study of in- sects and animal life in general as mere pastime; the sooner, however, that we ac- quaint ourselves with nature the better will we be prepared to utilize her donations and receive the benefits derived from meeting difficulties with nature's means. 12 PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. Some years ago the potato bug became such a pest that, it was ahiiost impossible to grow a crop of potatoes. But just at this juncture a small insect made its appearance and attacked the ranks of the potato bug with such energy that the bug is now al- most extinct in this locality. The lady-bug and squash-bug destroy in numerable eggs and young beetles, it might be possible to aid these insects in the de- struction of their more predatory neighbors ii we thoroughly understood their habits. 1 he State Agricultural Department has dis- covered a method of causing a fungus growth to attack the chinch bug, which in a very short time destroys it. The quail, the swallow, and many other kinds of birds are instrumental in the destruction of mill- ions of destructive insects. The snake, the most despicable of all liv- ing things, is constantly waging war upon the mice, ,<;rnh-\vorms and many kinds of in- sects that persist in injuring the growing crops. The rattle-snake is really the only poison snake in the county ; the viper cop- per-head and adder, sometimes so consid- ered, are not capable of inserting poison into a wound. When the Indian claimed this country as his undisputed hunting ground, the buf- falo, the black bear, the Virginia deer, the badger, the Canada lynx and the wild boar were found in abundance, but at present are not in evidence. The following are some of the leading animals found : the wolf, fox, weasel, mink, otter, skunk, rac- coon, bat, mole, squirrel, chipmunk, gopher, woodchuck, rat, mouse, rabbit, opossum. There are so many kinds of birds that it will require too much space for their enu- meration. Some of these pass through to the north or south in their migrations, stopping but a few days for food, others rear their yoimg, later departing for the south to spend the winter. While some are with us all the year. The following are the names of some of our most common birds : the robin, thrush, mocking-bird, cat bird, tit- mouse, nut-hatch, house-wren, lark, scarlet tanager, swallow, martin, wax-wing, shrike, wild canary, gold finch, snow bird, bunting, indigo bird, bobolink, cow-bird, black bird, meadow lark, oriole, crow, blue-jay, king bird, pewee, fly-catcher, whippoorwill, night hawk, swift, humming bird, king fisher, tur- key buzzard, pigeon, dove, grouse, wood- pecker, owl, hawk, prairie hen, quail, plover, woodcock, snipe, sandpiper, heron, bittern, crane, brant, goose, duck and grebe. A few only of the lower class of animals have been identified. There are three tur- tles : the snapping turtle, the soft-shelled turtle and the mud-turtle. We have no lizards ; the salamander is, however, usually called a lizard. The glass or joint snake is a nearer approach to the lizard. The snakes are : the black, blue racer, fox, milk, garter, rattle and moccasin. The Batrachia are: the salamander, frog, toad, and mud-puppy. In fish the following are noted: catfish, buffalo, sun-fish, bass, pike, gar-pike, perch and carp. Many other species exist, but little in the way of investigation of fishes has been done. .\mong the destructive insects is the Col- orado potato bug, propagated in the wild potato region of the Rocky mountains, which made its appearance about 1854. The wild potato bug comes occasionally, doing but little harm. The cabbage butter fly is a great pest to cabbage growers. The cut worm is the larva of a little gray moth ; an- other is the larva of a beetle called the June bug or May beetle. The army worm is the larva of a small gray moth, which appeared about 1844. The chinch bug, which came about 1845, is the most destructive of any that has yet made its appearance. It not only destroys the wheat fields but also the adjoining oat, timothy and corn fields. ^ifacon county is part of the territory ex- plored and taken possession of by Mar- PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 13 quette, Joliet and LaSalle about 1678. Pre- vious to that it was included in a grant by King James I, known as the Virginia Com- pany, which evolved the settlement of the Virginia colony, of which Macon county was, for tlie time, a part. The treaty of 1763 at the close of the French and Indian war decided that it really was English ter- ritory and part of the Virginia colony. By the ordinance of 1787 it became de- tached from Virginia, and formed part of the Northwest Territory. In 1800 it became part of Indiana territory; in 1809 it became part of Illinois territory and in 1818 it be- came part of the state of Illinois. Previous to the meeting of the state legis- lature, in 1829, Benjamin R. Austin, Andrew W. Smith and John Ward were appointed a committee to go to Vandalia, the state capital, and secure the passage of a bill providing for the formation of a new county from the north part of Shelby county. The bill passed and the result was a new county, which took the name of the Honorable Na- thaniel Macon. Originally Macon county included all of DeWitt county, except its north tier of townships ; all of Piatt county, except Blue Ridge township, and all of that part of Moultrie county lying north of the exten- sion of the southern line of Macon county. On the first day of March, 1839, DeWitt county was formed; next day a bill passed adding Niantic township to Macon on the west. At this time what is now known as Maroa, Austin and Friends Creek townships was offered to De\\^itt county, but she re- fused the land, on the score that the terri- torjr was worthless except for grazing, and but a small portion of that was accessible at a late season after the drying up of the spring and summer rains. After the detachment of DeWitt county, Niantic township was added on the west in order to place Decatur as near the center of the territory as possible. This was done to defeat Murphreysboro, platted in Friends Creek township on section seven, township seventeen, range four east, and championed as the county seat by James A. Piatt, from the territory now Piatt county, who served as commissioner from 1834 to 1839. Mur- phreysboro was platted on land now known as the Volgamot farm a few miles south of Newburg. After the defeat of Murphreysboro, the people of the locality represented by Mr. Piatt went before the legislature with a petition praying for its detachment from Macon county, which was granted in Janu- ary, 1841 ; the county assumed the name of its champion. In February, 1843, ^loultrie county was formed, leaving Macon as it now appears. According to the provisions of the bill providing for the .organization of Macon county, a committee, consisting of John Fleming, Jesse Rhodes and Eaton Whitton was appointed April 10, 1829, to locate De- catur as the county seat. This committee reported January 19, 1829, the location of said county seat on the southeast quarter of the northeast quarter of section fifteen, township sixteen, range two east. The town of Decatur was laid of¥ in lots, after the form of Shelbyville as ordered by the court, by Benjamin R. Austin, county surveyor of Macon county. The old town of Decatur consisted of twenty acres, bound- ed by Prairie street on the north. Water street on the east, Wood street on the south and Church street on the west. It \v%s di- vided by a main street extending east and west, known as East and West Main, and a main street extending north and south, known as North and South Main. The land upon which the commissioners located the seat of justice was, by the act creating the county, donated to the county. The same act ordered, "That a sale of lots take place in the town of Decatur, in this county, on the loth day of July, 1829, 14 PAST AND TRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. on the following terms : A credit of twelve months will be given, and note with ap- proved security will be required, and that the clerk of this court will be required to advertise the sale in the paper printed in Vandalia, until the day of the sale." .\t this sale the first lot sold was. lot No. 2, in block No. 3, where the new Decatur Hotel now stands, being a corner lot, was bought by John Manley for $53.50. The second lot sold was lot No. 6 in block No. i, where Cjuinn & Seeforth are, the price was $12. The first house in tow-n was built by Reu- ben Miller on lot No. 3, block No. 3, the next lot north of the Arcade building. This was sold to James Ronshaw and was the first store room in Decatur. The second house was built by Philip D. Williams on lot No. 4, block No. I, the present site of the old Griswold hardware store. The purchasers of these lots were given a bond for a deed, since the land had, at this time, not been entered from the gov- ernment. Later, Parmenius Smallwood, Eaton Whitton and Charles Prentice en- tered it and made a deed to the county com- missioners on the 8th day of October, 1831. The following orders will be interesting relics of taxation: "Ordered, that for the purpose of raising a revenue to defray ex- penses of the county for the year 1829, that a tax of one-half per cent be levied upon the following personal property, to-wit : On slaves and indentured or registered negro or mul^o servants ; on pleasure carriages ; on distilleries ; on stock in trade ; on all horses, mules, and meat cattle over three years old ; and on watches, with their appendages; and on all other personal property except the lawful fire-arms of each individual." This tax when collected amounted to $109.32^. At the same term of court, the tavern rates were fixed as follows: "Ordered that the tavern rates of this countv shall hero- after be as follows, to-wit: For breakfast and horse fed, 37^ cents; keeping man and horse each, night, the man to have supper and lodging, 62J cents; dinner and horse fed 3"i cents ; brandy, rum, gin, wine or cordial, 25 cents per half pint ; whisky or cider brandy, 12^ cents per half pint." Under the act passed February 17, 1851, authorizing counties to adopt the system of township organization, upon the petition and vote of the citizens of the county, the court appointed in December, 1859, David Garver, James Dingman and William Can- trell as commissioners to divide the county into townships. The county was divided, as the report made to the court January 14, i860, shows, into the following fourteen townships: Friends Creek, ;\Iaroa, Montgomery, now .A^ustin, Bull Point, since then changed to Hickory and later to Hickory Point, De- catur, Long Creek, Whitmore, Oakley, Har- ris, since changed to Harristown. Wilson, changed to Mt. Zion, South \\'heatland. South Macon, Madison, changed to Blue Mound, Niantic ; Illini, Milam and Pleas- ant Mew were formed later from parts of other townships. Early Settlement. When in 1492 Columbus discovered this continent, the country was populated with roaming tribes of Indians, who lived off the game of their immediate localities ; they were not cultivators of the soil in the strict sense of agriculturists, yet, the women did raise some corn, potatoes and tobacco, which were all new products to the white people. All of these are now considered staples in this country, and there is not a civilized country in the world that does not consume large quantities of them. The Algonquins were the earliest inhabi- tants of Macon county, of which we have any knowledge ; next in succession, the Illi- nois Confederac}', descendants of the for- mer; they were known as the Illini, from PAST AND TRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 15 which our state takes it name. The term signifies "Superior Men," which seems to have been verified by their rugged phys- ique. About the close of the seventeenth cen- tury, the Illinois, composed of the Tama- roas, Michagamies, Kaskaskjes, Cahokies and Peorias, were driven out by the Potto- watamies, who in turn, were succeeded by the Kickapoos. These Indians were fierce warriors, but they were more civilized than any of the preceding tribes, and they were the immediate predecessors of the white set- tlers. The White Settler. "The youthful eye of the pioneer saw bluer skies and greener trees than the aged eye now sees ; the luxuriant grasses waved to gentler breezes ; cooler, clearer water from rippling brook or refreshing spring laved his heated brow, or quenched his ar- dent thirst ; his quickened ear caught sweet- er strains in the nesting-songs of the feath- ered tribe, and when twilight closed tlie busy day he was lulled into pleasant dreams b}' hap])y toil. Such is some of the glamour which youth sheds over the good old times.'' But when we look into the early history of the county we see that those by-gone limes were not all poetry. The pioneer was compelled to face the stern and practical side, rather than the poetic side of life : hardships and trials fell to the lot of each home. "But interwoven with this life of simple pleasures, primitive J03'S, of alternate smiler and tears, of undiminished labor, there are many life lessons which we, of later days should enshrine in our hearts. Lured on by whispered talcs of abundant resources and future greatness of the new states, the first settlers of this countr}^ left their forest homes in the east and drifted with the tide of immigration into the great Prairie Sea." Reared under the whispering forest boughs of their native state?, they were, as by instinct, guided to the timbered land for their new homes. It was thought for a long time, after the first settlers came, that the prairie soil was unfit for successful cul- ti\ation. We find United States surveyors making such notes as these: "Level or un- dulating prairie ; may be useful at some time in the future for grazing purposes." In 1833 Peter Cartwright, then a member of the House of Representatives of the state of Illinois, was appointed chairman of a committee, whose duty it was to investigate and bring about some plan or method by which the prairie lands of the state might be used for agricultural purposes. \\'hen we consider the sacrifice of home comforts that obtained in the eastern states, we need not wonder at the persistent energy and the. indomitable will of the pioneer, because none but those imbued with unlimited energy dared to make the sacrifice of the parental home for the cabin in the wilderness. When the prospective settler reached the desired spot, a tent was pitched, and the necessary logs were cut for the construction of a cabin. Everybody within reasonable distance was present at the raising of this cabin; this occasion marked an epoch in the staid mein of pioneer times. In fact this was the only event that afforded an oppor- tunity for the assembling of the neighbors, whereby they might become more closely bound together for the general good and protection of the settlements. The size of these cabins was from four- teen to twenty feet. They were usually built in the following manner : First large logs were laid in position as sills ; on these were placed strong sleepers, and on the sleepers were laid the rough-hewed punch- eons which were to serve as floors. The logs were then built up until the proper height for the eaves was reached; then on the ends of the building were placed poles, longer than the end logs, which projected 16 PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY, sonic eighteen inches over the sides, and were called the butting-pole sleepers; on the projecting ends of these were placed the butting-poles, which served to give the lines to the first row of clapboards. These were, as a matter of course, split, and as the gables of the cabin were built up, were so laid as to lap a third of their length. They were often kepf in place by the weight of a heavy pole which was laid across the roof parallel to the ridge pole. The house was then chinked and daubed with coarse mor- tar. In the first cabins of the county huge fire-places, occupying nearly the entire room, were built. "At these fire-places our mothers cooked, and our fathers say that the bread from the Dutch-oven, the corn bread from the Pone- board, the venison from above the coals, and the potatoes from out the ashes, were sweeter by far and formed more delicious food than any of the dishes of modern de- vice." But one door and one window served the inmates of these primitive homes ; the win- dow pane was, usually, a sheet of greased paper. The furniture was home-made; a single puncheon board, with four legs on the under side, served as a table; blocks of wood on three legs were the chairs. The bedstead consisted of two poles joined at right angles, and projecting into the side and end of the room, boards placed upon this frame completed the bed. In these times of simple wants, true, genuine hospitality was developed to a re- markable degree. This was due largely to the fact that, the requirements of want and deprivation are each calculated to make one feel kind to all. While the wants of pio- neer life are simple, yet their gratification is, nevertheless exacting. The pioneer of this country was governed by the same law and cherished the same generosity that prompts the human heart under similar con- ditions, everywhere. In passing from the pioneer times to the present regime, many of the customs, then prevalent were lost ; much of the hospital- ity, them so generously bestowed, is lost sight of. Less of the neighborly feeling now exists. There was such simplicity of demeanor and moral integrity in the character of the pioneer, that but few disputes arose which could not be settled by his good-natured judgment. Xo distance, be it ever so far, would shut out help in time of^ sickness, neither rain nor cold dampened their neigh- borly ardor. Each man's implements were every man's implements. The refusal, either to lend or to borrow, was considered a breach of neighborly etiquette. Oxen served, as the reindeer of Russia, for beasts of burden, doing all the field and road .work, besides supplying the settler with meat, to supplement the wild game. Tlie plows used bj- the eastern farmer, and brought here by the early settler were not adapted to breaking the prairie soil. Even after it was satisfactoril}' demonstrated that the prairie soil was as well adapted to the production of corn as the timber soil the matter of an efficient plow retarded the rapid development of the prairie land for quite a number of years. The settlers secured their lumber from the saw mills along the Wabash river. On the banks of this river and in Sangamon county were the nearest stores and grist mills for a number of years. What grain was not fed was hauled to Chicago and Bcardstown and exchanged for goods. The people, coming to make a new settlement, brought supplies of groceries and breadstufTs to last until a crop was grown. Johnny-cake and pone, made of corn meal, which was the staple article of food, were relished for breakfast and dinner, while mush-and-milk or hasty pudding was the supper dish. .MI kinds of wild fruits grew in sfreat abundance. \\'ild honev was verv PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. r plentiful and maple sugar was extensively made by the settler. Wild turkey, rabbit, squirrel and deer supplied them very gen- erously with meat. The days of ready made clothing and medium priced cloth had not yet been ush- ered in ; thus necessitating the home manu- facture of " Lindsey-woolsey " and " Jeans " in order to suppl}^ wearing apparel for the family. Bed clothing was also a production of home manufacture. Gradually, the set- tlers pushed out from the timber, opening ditches and draining the land which was originally so swampy that it was absolutely dangerous to attempt to ride over it on horse-back. Thousands of acres of this swamp land have recently been dredge ditched and tiled, which has so enhanced their value that nothing less than $ioo per acre will be considered as a fair selling price. The law compelling the people to fence stock out instead of in, proved detrimental to many would-be settlers, since the cost of fencing frequently exceeded the cost of the land. Another detriment was the hold- ings of non-residents, who retarded the gen- eral development by refusing to improve the lands. One large body, in the hands of a person so disposed could, in a wet district, keep hundreds of acres from becoming val- uable in an agricultural sense, by simply re- fusing to permit ditches to be run on his holdings. The government price of land, in the earlier days was fixed at $1.25 per acre. As soon as the monej-ed men of the east began to suspect that these lands had any real value, the country was frequented by specu- lators who bought the land for speculative purposes only, never intending to become settlers. It was not uncommon for men who had exhausted their means in reaching the country, and who had worked hard, and undergone untold privations in preparing a comfortable home and other essential im- provements, and had, possibly, a few acres under cultivation, when they had eventually, secured, by rigid economy, or perhaps, by borrowing enough to buy from the govern- ment, their small farm, found that some speculator had preceded them and entered the land. It seems that in many instances of this kind the hard earned improvements were, in some mysterious way capable of transferring themselves to another farm near by. The first land ever entered in Alacon county was the west half of the northeast quarter of section thirty-one in township sixteen north, range two east of the 3rd P. ]\I. This was eiitered by Lewis B. Ward, November 9th, 1827, owned by him until the fall of 1876, at which time it was sold to Bartley G. Henry. During the year 1827 about eight hundred acres of land was en- tered in the county. The first house built in the limits of the county was at a trading post, about eight miles northeast of Decatur, on land owned by W. C. Johns ; it was a log house, built by the Lortons in 1816. The second house was built by William Downing, in 1820, near the present site of the Capt. D. L. Allen's residence on the hill, just south of the county bridge. This was really the first permanent residence, since the house at the trading post remained, only while the Indian traffic lasted. In the fall of 1824, Mr. Downing sold his improvements to John Ward. The third house was built by Buel Stephens, in 1822, near Stephens' creek, about three miles northeast of Decatur. This locality was soon known as the Stephens' creek settlement, and that south of the Sangamon as the Ward settlement, these being the only settlements in the coun- ty until 1828, after which they began to lo- cate both up and down the river. The first mill was built on Stephens' creek, by William King in 1826; it was 18 PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. sold to James Rcnshaw and known as the Renshaw mill. As long as our cattle were driven to the eastern markets and our hogs to Chicago and St. Louis, there was but little encour- agement to engage very extensively in farm- ing and general stock-raising. The real progress of Macon county dates from the completion in 1854, of the Illinois Central and Wabash railroads. This marks the beginning of immigration ; of manufac- turing; and of the city of Decatur. There are but four men now living who came to the county previous to 1842, they are: Silas Packard, M. L. Krone, Henry B. Cassell and William Evans. These men well remember when business was practical- ly all done b}' barter, there being no money ; the man who came in possession of the large aggregate of $20 was almost a local money king. No local markets existed for anything but corn, which was sold in the shock to cattle feeders or. fed by the grower; cattle were marketed by some leading man in the neighborhood who drove them to market and brought back the money for his neigh- bors. No matches were in use at this time, the above named gentlemen well remember when borrowing fire from your neighbors was the common mode of procedure. In order to give you a faint idea of the rapid strides made by the county we append the following data: In 1830 the population was 1,112; in 1850 it was 3,998; in 1870 it was 26,481. In 1876 there was yet over 111,000 acres of unimproved land in the county ; to-day every acre of prairie land is under cultivation and, is excelled in pro- duction by no other location in the United States. Every one abhorred debts and as a result as few as possible were made. When it became necessary to make a debt a man's word was as good as his note, and it is true that men would sacrifice every animal on the farm in order to meet these promises. Mercliants, on account of the scarcity of money were compelled to do a large credit business; they bought on long time and sold on a margin that justified them in do- ing a credit business. These early settlers had, not only the financial and social problems to solve, but the miasmic and climatic conditions as well. In the spring and fall of each year the great majority of them shook with chills or burned witli fever, alternating at regular intervals, during at least six months in the year. Very often there were not a sufficient number free from the ague to care for those who were aftlicted with it. The country, at that time was subject to more radical climatic changes, as evidenced by the deep snow of 1830 and '31. Early in the season, the snow began to fall and continued at intervals through the entire winter. Occasional sleet alternating in layers with the snow formed a bed of snow and ice from three to four feet deep. The weather continuing ex- tremely cold the snow remained until spring. It was drifted and packed so that heavily loaded wagons were driven over the top of stake and rider fences. Wild game was so tame from want of food that all kinds was very easily caught. The deer, wild turkey, prairie chicken and squirrel were very scarce for some years after the snow. This was the deepest snow within the last hundred and fifty years, .\ccording to Indian traditions from fifty to seventy- five years before the white man came, a snow swept away the vast herds of deer, elk and buffalo, which then roamed the prairie of Illinois. This tradition seems to be veri- fied by the large quantities of bones found on our prairies by the early explorers. Abraham Lincoln lived, at this time about a mile east of the Bend school house, or about three miles south and one and a half mile west of Harristown. The farm on which he lived is now owned by Hostetler and Peerani. Late in the winter Mr. Lin- PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. ly coin and John Hanks, his cousin, went across the river to a horse mill owned by Robert Smith, five miles southwest of De- catur. When they arrived Mr. Smith was gathering corn in this manner: After open- ing a road to the field, the oxen, attached to a sled were driven along the side of the field and the corn that was exposed above the snow was gathered in baskets and car- ried to the sled. When Air. Lincoln was asked whether he labored under the same disadvantage on his side of the river, he replied : " Yes, we have to do worse than that, for we have used up all of our corn, and now have to go to our neighbors for assistance." When spring came and melted this glacier of snow and ice, the country was almost in- undated, and for weeks the streams were swollen and the prairies a vast sea of water, retarding travel as much or more than the snow had done. The Sudden Freeze, which was accom- panied by great loss of life to both man and beast, occurred in January, 1836. Just be- fore the storm a fall of snow had been con- verted into slush bv terminating- in rain. The storm came from the northwest, its general aspect approaching that of the pres- ent blizzard. The air seemed filled with par- ticles of frozen mist and the moment it struck the unsheltered person he was in- stantly chilled through and through ; the particles of ice froze to the eye-lashes so that in a remarkably short time he was blinded and unable to keep his bearing. In a very short time the slush was frozen so as to bear up a horse. Cattle that were not under shelter, were frozen fast in the slush and had to be cut out. Ducks and geese were caught in the same manner. The life of a pioneer was interspersed with but few diversions from the constant struggle for subsistence, so that whenever anything out of the ordinary routine took place every one, within reasonable distance. attended. The annual court, the arrival of the mails, and the approach of the stage- coach, each in succession, marked an epoch. Court answered the purpose of the circus where old friends could meet, at least once a year, to be entertained and for renewal of acquaintanceship. After court had adjourned for the day, the judge, lawyers and citizens betook them- selves to the bar rooms of the taverns, where the evenings were spent in general conversation and story telling. That some good resulted from these gatherings can not be doubted when we consider the social status given by such men as Lincoln, Logan, Douglas, Emerson, Davis and others who have since become leaders in our national afifairs. It was then, customary for lawyers to follow the judge on his circuit, travel being on horse-back, with saddle-bags thrown across the saddle, containing all the neces- sary adjuncts of a journey. This migratory life of the lawyer is said to have been the means by which Lincoln collected his al- most unlimited fund of stories, which in after life made him famous. The arrival of the mails was always eagerly anticipated, but immediately follow- ing a state or national election or some other important event new zest was added to the expectancy. The mails consisted principally of letters, which were more ex- pensive, however, than the present day 2- cent ones, the postage being twenty-five cents ; sometimes the letters would lie in the postoilice quite a while awaiting the funds to meet the government requirements. The postal laws permitted the postage to be paid at either end ; as a rule the writer con- sidered that his contribution was sufficient to balance the quarter at the other end, thus giving the pleasure of the postage to the recipient. A letter was often weeks and even months in transit. The mails were carried on horse-back, subject to many 20 PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. delays, making them very irregular and un- certain. They came once a week, from one direction, and from Shelbyville only. That place was our point of distribution. Later the mails were carried by stage, an improve- ment both in regularity and in frequency. In 1851, we were receiving mail as follows: From Springfield on Monday, Wednesday and Friday ; from Covington, Indiana, on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday ; from Bloomington on L'riday ; from Charleston on Thursday ; from Paris on Thursday ; from Edwardsville on Wednesday. The arrival of the stage with its passen- gers and mail was a greater attraction than the arrival of the mail carrier. Tlie tavern was the stage depot, and considerable local interest attached to it. The stage driver was considerably looked up to and accorded priv- ileges not allowed others. He had a pecu- liar swagger and handling of lines and whip that was the envy of the small boy. When you met him on the road you turned out and he drove on oblivious of your presence. The arrival of the stage created more cur- iosity than the President's chartered train of to-day. The stage was so constructed that it kept up a continual rocking motion, which is likened unto the movement of the camel or the motion of a ship in a storm. A boot, almost as large as the stage itself, extended back from the stage body for the storage of baggage. The advent of railroads has relegated the stage to the mountains or to sparsely settled districts and given us instead means of transportation that will convey us from ocean to ocean, in less time than the journey from Ohio to Illinois formerly consumed. County Government. In the early history of the county its affairs were administered by the county commissioner's court, composed of three men ; usually selected with regard for their inherent (jualifications for the place. This court assumed jurisdiction upon all manner of subjects, except the judicial. This court was established under an act passed March 22, 1819. The following is a complete list of tlie Commissioners: 1829-30 — Benjamin Wilson, Klisha Free- man, James Miller; 1830-31 — Elisha Free- man, James .Miller, I. C. Pugh ; 1831-32 — James Aliller, I. C. Pugh, David Davis; 1832-33 — James Miller, 1. C. Pugh, David Davis ; 1833-34 — Elisha Freeman, Hugh Bolls, Philip D. Williams; 1834-35 — James A. Piatt, William Muirhead, Benjamin Wil- son ; 1835-36 — James A. Piatt, William iluirhead, Benjamin Wilson; 1836-37 — James A. Piatt, William Muirhead, Benja- min W'ilson; 1837-38 — James A. Piatt, Wil- liam Muirhead, Josiah Clifton ; 1838-39 — William Muirhead, James A. Piatt, Abram Chapin. Under an act passed by the legislature March 1st, the term of the County Com- missioner was fixed at three years, one to be elected each year. The terms of the three following mem- bers were fixed by the county clerk. 1839-40 — Elisha Freeman, 3 yrs., Benja- min Wilson, 2 yrs., Hiram Chapin, 1 yr. ; 1840-41 — Elisha Freeman, Benjamin Wil- son, John Rucker; 1841-42 — Elisha Free- man, John Rucker, Abraham H. Keller; 1842-43 — John Rucker, Abraham FI. Keller, Leonard Ashton ; 1843-44 — John Rucker, Leonard Ashton, .\ndrew W. Smith ; 1844- 45 — John Rucker, Andrew W. Smith, James D. Tait; 1845-46— .Andrew W. Smith, James D. Tait, Elisha Freeman; 1846-47 — Elisha Freeman, Samuel Rea, James D. Campbell ; 1847-48 — Elisha Freeman, Sam- uel Rea, James D. Campbell; 1848-49— Elisha Freeman, Samuel Rea, James D. Campbell. By the approval of an act of tlie legis- lature, February 12, 1849. the county court was established in lieu of the commission- PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 21 er's court. The provisions of this act re- quired the election of a county judge and two associate justices of the peace, who were to sit with the county judge as niembers of the court, in the transaction of all county business. ^\'iIliam Prather, county judge; Jacob Hostetler, associate justice and John Rucker, associate justice, served in their respective capacities as follows : The for- mer until 1857, the latter two until 1858. John Ricketts succeeded William Prather as county judge and served to i860, Jacob Spangler and M. G. Cameron served as as- sociate justices from 1858 to i860. The county being divided into townships in i860 in obedience to an act of the legis- lature passed February 17, 1851 ; it imme- diately went into " Township Organiza- tion," which required a representative from each township, vi^ho was known as super- visor. The following is the first Board of Supervisors of Macon county : Hickory Point, J. Y. Braden ; Austin, James Parker; Maroa, William Crawford; Friends Creek, D. K. Wilson ; Decatur, H. B. Durfee; Niantic, J. H. Hughes; S. W'heatland, I. S. Boardman ; Blue Mound, J. C. Armstrong ; Oakley, J. W. Forest ; Long Creek, John Rucker; W'hitmore, Jas. Lichtenberger; Harristown, Abraham Ey- man ; Decatur, John AV. Koehler, Asst. ; ]Mt. Zion, W. C. Meyer; S. Macon, W. D. Hamilton. The above Board was elected in i860. 1861. Decatur, H. B. Durfee ; Friends Creek, D. K. W^ilson; Maroa, W. F. Crawford; Hickory Point, J. Y. Braden ; Niantic, J. H. Hughes ; Oakley, G. W. Forest ; Long Creek, J. C. Rucker; Decatur, John W. Koehler, Asst.; Blue Mound, W. T. Mof- fett; Mt. Zion, W. C. Meyers; S. Wheat- land, L S. Boardman ; Harristown, J. H. Pickerell; S. Macon, L. M. Clement; Whit- more, Henry Rhodes ; Austin, J. S. Parker. 1862. Harristown, J. B. Hanks, Whitmore, Jas. Lichtenberger ; Long Creek, J. C. Rucker ; Niantic, J. A. Pritchett; S. Wheatland, L S. Boardman ; S. Macon, A. H. Martin ; Decatur, John W. Koehler; Hickory Point, J. Y. Braden; Maroa; W. F. Crawford; Mt. Zion, B. W. Davidson ; Friends Creek, Comely Lukins ; Blue Mound, F. A. Brown ; Decatur, H. B. Durfee; Austin, A. Emery; Oakley, Laban Chambers. 1863. Harristown, ^L G. Cameron; Whitmore, John Gill; Long Creek, John S. Kiser; Niantic, J. W. Corbett ; S. Wheatland, L S. Boardman ; S. Macon, W. W. Bean ; De- catur, B. F. Dillehunt ; Hickory Point, J. Y. Braden ; Maroa, W. F. Crawford ; Mt. Zion, B. W. Davidson ; Friends Creek, An- drew Dickey; Blue Mound, F. A. Brown; Decatur, H. B. Durfee ; Austin, J. S. Par- ker ; Oakley, J. H. McCoy. 1864. Hickory Point, J. Y. Braden ; Whitmore, Charles Wooster ; Niantic, J. W. Corbett; Decatur, J. E. Roberts ; S. Macon, Frank Babcock; Maroa, W. F. Crawford; Mt. Zion, John Scott; Blue Mound, W. T. Mof- fett; mini, J. H. Pickerell; Austin, J. S. Parker ; S. Wheatland, L S. Boardman ; Decatur, David Morgan ; Oakley, J. H. Mc- Coy ; Friends Creek, Comely Lukins ; Long Creek, John W. Tyler; Harristown, M. G. Cameron. 1865. Hickor}^ Point, J. Y. Braden; Whitmore, Joshua Green; Niantic, J. W. Corbett; De- catur. O. W. Jones ; Maroa, Anderson Franklin; S. Macon, Frank Babcock; Mt. Zion, John Scott; Blue Mound, W. T. Mof- fett : mini, John S. Childs ; Austin, J. S. Parker ; S. Wheatland, L S. Boardman ; De- catur, David Morgan ; Oakley, O. J. Doyle ; 22 PAST AND PRESENT OF MACOX COUNTY. I'Viends Creek, D. K. Wilson ; Long Creek, John W. Tyler; liarristown, "SI. G. Cam- eron. 1866. Hickory Point, W. F. Montgomery; Wliitmore, Joshua Green ; Niantic, J. W. Corbctt; Decatur, H. B. Durfee ; Maroa, John Crocker; S. Macon. N. Faling; Mt. Zion, John .\. lU-nry; lUue .Mound, W. T. Moffett; mini, John S. Childs; Austin, C. F. Emery; S. Wheatland, John Montgom- ery ; Decatur, W. A. Barnes ; Oakley, O. J. Doyle; Friends Creek, William Daves; Long Creek, John W. Tyler; Harristown, M. G. Cameron. 1867. Decatur, H. B. Durfee ; ^Vhitmorc, Jas. Lichtenberger ; S. Macon, R. Gray; Nian- tic, A. W. Pritchett; S. Macon, N. Faling; Mt. Zion, J. A. Henry; Illini John S. Childs; Harristown, ^l. G. Cameron; De- catur, W. A. Barnes ; Friends Creek, Wil- liam Daves ; Austin, C. F. Emery ; Blue Mound, W. T. Moffett; S. Wheatland, L S. Boardnian : I-ong Creek, J. S. Kiser; Oakley, E. Rhodes; Hickory Point, W. F. Montgomery. 1868. Decatur, PL B. Durfee; Wliitmore, J. G. Plarnsbarger; S. Macon, Joel T. Wal- ker; Niantic, Sheldon Parks; S. ^lacon, John Lyon ; Mt. Zion, J. A. Henry ; Illini, J. C. Tucker; Harristown, M. G. Cameron : Decatur, M. Forstmeyer ; Friends Creek, S. Payne ; Austin, T. B. Campbell ; Blue Mound, W. T. Moffett; S. Wheatland, L S. Boardman ; Long Creek, Joseph Spang- ler; Oakley, E. Rhodes; Hickory Point, H. S. Mannoii. 1869. Decatur, James IMillikin ; Wliitmore, J. G. Harnsbarger; S. Macon, Joel T. \\'a.\- ker; Niantic, Shaw Pease; IMaroa, John T. Lyon; Mt. Zion, R. M. Foster; Illini, J. J. Batcliclder ; Plarristown, M. G. Cameron; Decatur, ^1. Forstmeyer; I'riends Creek, S. Payne and I'". Swantes ; Austin, Robert T. Morris; Blue Mound, W. T. Moffett; S. Wheatland. 1. S. Boardnian; Long Creek, Samuel (iillis])ic; ( )akley, Read Spencer; Hickory Point. A. .McBride; Pleasant \^iew, D. Powles. 1870. Decatur. l\ul)en Betzcr; Whitmore, Jas. Lichtenberger; Niantic, Thomas Acom; Maroa, John T. Lyon ; Mt. Zion, R. M. Foster; Illini. J. J. Batchelder ; Harristown, M. G. Cameron ; Pleasant View, D. Powles ; S. Macon, J. T. Walker; Decatur, M. Forst- meyer; Friends Creek, F. Swantes, J. H. Barr ; Austin, Peter Bennett ; Blue Mound, R. H. Hill ; Long Creek, J. B. Meyer ; Oak- ley, Read Spencer; Hickory Point, A. Mc- Bride: Milam, J. B. Gleason ; S. ^^'heat- land, I. S. Boardnian. 1871. Milam, G. A. Bartlett; Mt. Zion, William Davis ; Decatur, M. Forstmeyer ; Whitmore, Joshua (jreen ; Maroa, Samuel Lowe; Long Creek, J. B. Meyers; Pleasant View, D. Powles; Illini, J. C. Tucker; S. Macon, J. T. Walker ; Harristown, M. G. Cameron ; Austin, C. F. Emery; Decatur, Joseph Mil- ler; Blue Mound, R. H. Hill; Friends Creek, John Marsh ; Hickory Point, A. Mc- Bride : Oakley, E. Rhodes ; S. Wheatland, Hiram \\'ard ; Niantic, S. Parks. 1872. liarristown, M. G. Cameron; Whitmore, Joshua Green ; Decatur, H. Hummcll ; Hickory Point, A. McBride; Mt. Zion, G. A. Smith ; Long Creek, A. T. Davis ; Aus- tin, D. Patterson ; S. Wheatland, Hiram Ward: Pleasant View, John Hatfield; S. I\Iacon, N. Faling; Friends Creek, John Gordy; Decatur, Jacob Spangler; Maroa, Jason Rogers ; Oakley, Read Spencer ; Ni- antic, S. Parks; Illini, J. C. Tucker; Mi- lam. G. A. Bartlett; Blue Mound, D. F. I!arl)er. PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 23 1873- Harristown, M. G. Cameron; Blue Mound, Frank Coleman ; Alt. Zion, William Davis; S. Macon, N. Faling; Hickory Point, H. Lehman; Maroa, John Orr; Friends Creek, R. H. Park; W'hitmore, J. C. Ruddock ; Decatur, Jacob Spangler ; Oakley, Dr. S. Cooper ; Long Creek, A. T. Davis; Niantic, James Dingman ; Decatur, David S. Hughes; Illini, L. R. Morse; Aus- tin, D. Patterson; Milam, J. W. Rogers; S. Wheatland, ; Pleasant View, E. House. 1874. Harristown, I\L G. Cameron ; Blue Mound, Frank Coleman ; Niantic, James Dingman ; S. Macon, W. S. Gage ; Decatur, Jacob Spangler ; Pleasant View, E. House ; Hickory Point, A. AIcBride ; Friends Creek, J. C. Ruddock; S. Wheatland, Hiram Ward; Whitmore, R. H. Park; Oakley, Dr. S. Cooper ; Mt. Zion, W'illiam Davis ; Oak- ley, William Grason ; Decatur, David S. Hughes ; Decatur, H. Hummell ; Austin, Robert Morris; Maroa, John Orr; Milam, J. W. Rogers ; Long Creek, Samuel Gil- lispie. 1875- Blue Mound, Frank Coleman ; Whitmore, J. C. Ruddock; Decatur, H. B. Durfee ; Oakley, William Grason ; Long Creek, Samuel Gillispie; Mt. Zion, J. A. Henry; Austin, Robert Alorris ; Illini, L. R. Morse ; Friends Creek, J. W. Brown ; Niantic, James Dingman ; Harristown, M. G. Cam- eron ; Decatur. M. Forstmeyer; Decatur, Jacob Spangler ; S. Macon, W. S. Gage ; Pleasant View, E. House ; Milam, W. E. Kyker; Hickory Point, A. McBride ; Maroa, John Orr; S. Wheatland, Hiram Ward. 1876. Decatur, Samuel Powers ; Decatur, M. Forstmeyer; Pleasant View, E. House; Oakley, William Grason; Hickory Point, H. Lehman ; Illini, L. R. Morse ; Harris- town, M. G. Cameron ; Mt. Zion, W. H. Wallace; Blue Mound, W. T. Moffett; Aus- tin, Andrew Hawkyard ; Decatur, David S. Hughes; Milam, \\'. E. Kyker; Maroa, John Longstreet ; S. \\'heatland, Hiram Ward; ^\'hitmore, J. C. Ruddock; Long Creek, H. W. Davis; Niantic, A. C. Ed- gar ; Friends Creek, J. W. Brown ; S. Macon, R. H. Woodcock. 1877. Austin, A. Hawkyard ; Blue Mound, W. T. Mofifett; Decatur, Samuel Powers, H. W. Waggoner, D. L. Hughes ; Friends Creek, J. W. Brown ; Harristown, H. M. Cameron ; Hickory Point, Henry Lehman ; Illini, E. J. Roberts; Long Creek, H. W. Davis; Maroa, John Longstreet; Milam, W. E. Kyker; Mt. Zion, W. H. Wallace; Niantic, A. C. Edgar; Oakley, William Grason; Pleasant View, E. House; South Macon, R. H. Woodcock; South Wheat- land, Hiram Ward ; Whitmore, J. C. Rud- dock. 1878. Austin, A. Hawkyard ; Blue Mound, R. H. Hill; Decatur, Samuel Powers, E. Mc- Nabb, D. S. Shellabarger ; Friends Creek, J. W. Brown; Harristown, J. N. Hoyt; Hickory Point, P. F. Lehman ; Illini, E. J. Roberts ; Long Creek, A. T. Davis ; Maroa, John Longstreet; Milam, John VanGundy; Mt. Zion, W. H. W^allace; Niantic, A. C. Edgar; Oakley, H. J. Manecke; Pleasant View, E. House ; South Macon, R. H. Woodcock ; South Wheatland, Hiram \\'ard : \\hitmore, C. H. Garver. 1879. Austin, A. Hawkyard ; Blue Mound, H. H. Rosengrantz ; Decatur, H. W. Wag- goner, Jason Rogers, D. L. Hughes, W. B. Chambers; Friends Creek, W. A. Van- Leer; Harristown, J. N. Hoyt; Hickory Point, P. F. Lehman; Illini, E. J. Roberts; Long Creek, H. W. Davis ; Maroa, John 2i PAST y\ND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. Longstreet; Alilam, John VanGundy; Mt. Zion, S. Mahaniiah ; Niantic, A. C. Edgar; Oakley, H. J. Manecke ; Pleasant View, E. House; South IMacon, R. H. Woodcock; South Wheatland, Hiram Ward; Whit- more, Richard Kirby. 1880. Austin, A. Hawkyard ; Blue Alound, PI. n. Rosengrantz; Decatur, D. L. Hughes, Jason Rogers, W. B. Chambers ; Friends Creek, W. A. VanLeer; Harristown, J. N. Hoyt; Hickory Point, H. C. Mowrey; mini, E. J. Roberts; Long Creek, H. W. Davis; Maroa, John Longstreet; Milam, John VanGundy; Mt. Zion, S. Mahannah ; Niantic, A. C. Edgar; Oakley, H. J. Man- ecke ; Pleasant View, ; South Macon, R. H. Woodcock ; South Wheat- land, Hiram Ward ; Whitniorc, Richard Kirbv. 1881. Austin, A. Hawkyard; Blue Mound, H. H. Rosengrantz; Decatur, Joseph Michaels, James Freeman, B. O. McRcynolds, A. T. Hill; Friends Creek, W. A. VanLeer; Har- ristown, J. N. Hoyt ; Hickory Point, H. C. Mowrey ; Illini, J. S. Childs ; Long Creek, H.W.Davis; Maroa, John Marsh ; ]\Iilam, John VanGundy; Mt. Zion, S. Mahannah; Niantic, A. C. Edgar; Whitmore, C. H. Car- ver; South Wheatland, Hiram Ward; South Macon, C. A. Turner; Pleasant \''iew, W. S. Gage ; Oakley, H. J. Manecke. 1882. Austin, John Johnston ; Blue Mound, H. H. Rosengrantz; Decatur, A. T. Hill, Jos- eph Michaels, James Freeman, B. O. Mc- Rcynolds; Friends Creek, W. A. VanLeer; Harristown, J. N. Hoj't ; Hickory Point, J. R. Hayes; Illini, J. S. Childs; Long Creek, S. C. Davis; IMaroa, M. P. Funk; Milam, John VanGund}'; Mt. Zion, S. Ma- hannah; Niantic, H. N. Clark; Oakley, H. J. Manecke ; Pleasant \'iew, W. J. Evans ; South ^lacon, C. A. Turner; South Wheat- land, Hiram \\'ard ; Whitmore, C. H. Car- ver. 1883. Austin, John Johnston ; Blue Mound, IrL H. Rosengrantz ; Decatur, A. T. Hill, B. O. McReynolds, Joseph IMichaels, James Freeman ; Friends Creek, W. A. VanLeer ; Harristown, J. N. Hoyt; Hickory Point, J. R. Hayes ; Illini, Joseph Brown ; Long Creek, S. C. Davis; Maroa, ]\I. P. Funk; Milam, John VanGundy; Mt. Zion, G. T. Outten ; Niantic, Patrick Graham ; Oakley, H. J. Manecke; Pleasant \'iew, W. J. Evans; South Macon, C. A. Turner; South Wheatland, Hiram Ward ; Whitmore, C. H. Carver. 1884. .\usLin, C. L. Hadley ; Blue Mound, II. H. Rosengrantz ; Decatur, .V. T. Hill, Jos- eph Michaels, John Giblin, James Free- man; Friends Creek, W. H. Wikoflf; Har- ristown, \\'. E. Gouge ; Hickory Point, J. R. Hayes; Illini, Joseph Brown; Long Creek, S. C. Davis; Maroa, M. P. Funk; Milam, C. W. Freeland; Mt. Zion, G. T. Outten; Niantic, Patrick Graham ; Oakley, H. J. ^Manecke ; Pleasant \^iew, W. J. Evans; South Macon, J. L. Hight; South Wheatland, Hiram Ward ; Whitmore, C. H. Carver. 1885. Austin, C. L. Hadley ; Blue -Mound, H. II. Rosengrantz; Decatur, Joseph Mich- aels, James Freeman, A. T. Hill, John Gib- lin ; Friends Creek, W. H. Wikoff; Har- ristown, W. E. Gouge; Hickory Point, J. R. Hayes; Illini, J. C. Tucker; Long Creek, S. C. Davis; Maroa, M. P. Funk; Milam, C. W. Freeland; Mt. Zion, W. S. Smith; Niantic, Elias Ford ; Oakley, H. J. Manecke ; Pleasant \'iew, J. D. Seiberling ; South Macon, R. H. Woodcock; South Wheat- land, Hiram Ward ; Whitmore, C. H. Car- ver. PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 1886. Austin, H. E. Peverly ; Blue Mound, R. H. Hill ; Decatur, A. f. Hill, James Free- man, C. M. Imboden, H. M. Davis; Friends Creek, D. K. \\'ilson ; Harristown, W. E. Gouge ; Hickory Point, Jacob Hanes ; Illini, J. J. Batchelder ; Long Creek, S. C. Davis ; Maroa, D. J. Mover; Milam, C. W. Free- land : Mt. Zion, W. S. Smith ; Niantic, H. N.Clark; Oakley, H. J. Manecke; Pleasant View, J. D. Seiberling; South Macon, R. H. Woodcock ; South Wheatland, Hiram Ward ; \\'hitmore, C. H. Carver. 1887. Austin, H. E. Peverly; Blue :\lound, R. Hill; Decatur, A. T. Hill, C. M. Imboden, James Freeman, H. W. Davis ; Friends Creek, J. W. Brown ; Harristown, W. E. Gouge; Hickory Point, Jacob Hanes; Illini, J. J. Batchelder ; Long Creek, S. C. Davis ; Maroa, D. J. Mover; ]\Iilam, C. W. Free- land ; Pleasant \'iew, J. W. K. McClure ; Mt. Zion, \\'. S. Smith ; Niantic, H. N. Clark; Oakley. H. J. Manecke; South Macon, R. H. Woodcock; South Wheat- land, D. H. Stickle ; Whitmore. C. H.' Car- ver. 1888. Austin, H. E. Peverly; Blue Mound, E. R. IMoffett : Decatur, \\. T. Hill, J. W. Butman, J. A. ;\Ierriweather, \\". H.. Acuff, Isaac Rogan. H. F. Ma}'. C. Ammann; Friends Creek, J. W. Brown ; Harristown, L. F. Hauck : Hickory Point, Jacob Hanes; Illini, J. J. Batchelder : Long Creek, John S. Jones; Maroa. T. N. Leavett ; Milam, C. W. Freeland; Mt. Zion, W. S. Smith; Niantic, John Wacker; Oakley, H. J. ]\Ian- ecke ; Pleasant \'iew, J. W. K. McClure; South Macon. H. C. Montgomery; South Wheatland. John H. Miller; Whitmore, R. M. Alachan. 1889. Austin, John Johnston ; Blue Mound, W. P. Sleeter; Decatur, James Freeman, H. F. May. Isaac Rogan, C. .Vmmann, D. L. Hughes, H. \\'. Waggoner, Hiram Johnson ; Friends Creek, J. ^^^ Brown ; Harristown, L. F. Hauck; Hickory Point, Hezikiah Hayes; Illini, E. J. Roberts; Long Creek, John S. Jones; Maroa, ^^'. M. Phares; Mi- lam. W. H. Murphey; Mt. Zion, W. S. Smitli ; Niantic, C. B. Richardson; Oak- ley. T. M. Keller; Pleasant \'ic\\\ J. W. K. ]\IcClure ; .South ;\Iacon, H. C. Montgom- ery; South Wheatland, John H. Miller: Whitmore, R. M. Machan. 1890. Austin, C. E. Albert ; Blue Mound, W. P. Sleeter; Decatur, H. F. May, C. Ammann, G. F. Bell, James Freeman, R. A. Newell, T. A. Ouinn, Isaac R. Rogan ; Friends Creek, Samuel Gerber ; Harristown, W. L. Whitley; Hickory Point, Hezikiah Hayes; Illini, E. J. Roberts ; Long Creek, John A. Meyers; Maroa, J. H. Parker; Milam, F. D. Bromley ; Mt. Zion, W. S. Smith ; Nian- tic, W. R. Riser; Oakley, W. C. Burley; Pleasant View, J. W^ K. McClure; South Macon. H. C. Montgomery ; South \\'heat- land. John H. Miller; Whitmore, C. H. Garver. 1891. Austin, C. E. Albert; Blue ^lound. W. P. Sleeter ; Decatur, H. F. May, Hiram John- son, Hugh Singleton, C. Ammann, James Freeman, R. A. Newell, G. F. Bell ; Friends Creek, Samuel Gerber; Harristown, W. L. A\'hitley ; Hickorj- Point, Volney Barber ; Illini, E. J. Roberts: Long Creek, John A. Meyers; Maroa, J. H. Parker; Milam, Archie Dickson; Mt. Zion, W. B. Hunter; Niantic, W. R. Riser; Oakley, W. C. Bur- ley ; Pleasant View, J. W. K. McClure ; South Macon, O. H. Draper; South Wheat- land. John H. Miller; Whitmore, C. H. Gar- ver. 1892. Austin, J. B. Nowlin ; lUue Mound, W. P. Sleeter; Decatur, \\'. H. .Starr, T. A. Ouinn, PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. A. H. Cope, H. F. May, Hiram Johnson, Hugh Singleton, C. Ammann ; Friends Creek, H. C. Griffin ; Harristown, AV. L. Whitley ; Hickory Point, Volney Barber ; mini, E. J. Roberts; Long Creek, S. C. Davis; Maroa, J. H. Parker; Milam; Wil- liam Best; Mt. Zion, W. B. Hunter; Nian- tic, J. A. Cussins ; Oakley, W. C. Burley ; Pleasant View, ^\'. H. Bean ; South Ma- con, O. H Draper ; South AVheatland, John H. Miller; Whitmore, C. H. Carver. 1893. Austin, J. B. Nowlin ; Blue Mound, W. P. Sleeter; Decatur, H. F. May, Daniel Halleck, J. P. Nicholson, C. Ammann, George Lovvrey, D. Brintlinger, Hugh Singleton ; Friends Creek, H. C. Griffin ; Harristown, J. L. Connelly; Hickory Point, C. A. Thrift; lllini, C. W. French; Long Creek, S. C. Davis ; Maroa, J. H. Parker; Milam, Archie Dickson; Mt. Zion, D. C. Davidson; Niantic, J. A. Cussins; Oakley, W. C. Burley ; Pleasant View, W. H. Bean ; South Macon, O. H. Draper ; South Wheatland, M. A. Connard ; Whit- more, C. H. Garver. 1894. /Vustin, J. B. Nowlin; Blue ^lound, W. T. Moffett; Decatur, Hiram Johnson, James Hollinger, J. A. Davidson, H. F. .May, D. Brintlinger, C. Ammann, D. Halleck; Friends Creek, H. C. Griffin ; Harristown, F. P. Town; Hickory Point, C. A. Thrift; lllini, J. C. Tucker ; Long Creek, S. C. Davis; Maroa, J. H. Parker; Milam, C. ^V. Freeland ; Mt. Zion, D. C. Davidson ; Nian- tic, M. E. Lockhart ; Oakley, John W. Wal- ker; Pleasant Mew, W, H. Bean; South Macon, II. R. Woodcock; South Wheat- land, M. A. Connard; Whitmore, Ross Hockaday. 1895. Austin, J. B. Nowlin ; Blue Mound, W. T. Moffett; Decatur. H. F. May, W. 11. Spence, F. W. Kipp, Jacob Hanes, J. B. Bul- lard, G. W. Stoy, W. J. Magee ; Friends Creek, II. C. Griffin ; Harristown, J. F. Muirhead; Hickory Point, C. A. Thrift; lllini. C. W. French; Long Creek, S. C. Davis; Maroa, David \Veilepp ; Milam, Archie Dickson; Mt. Zion, C. H. Scott; Niantic, M. E. Lockhart; Oakley, John W. Walker; Pleasant \"iew, W. H. Bean; -South }ilacon, O. H. Draper; South Wheat- land, M. A. Connard; Whitmore, Ross Hockaday. 1896. Austin, W. L. Gaines; Blue Mound, J. W. Turner ; Decatur, J. A. Davidson, James Hollinger, W. J. Magee, J. B. Bullard, H. F. May, Jacob Hanes, W. H. Spence, F. W. Kipp, G. W. Stoy; Friends Creek, J. N. Orr; Harristown, J. F. Muirhead ; Hickory Point, C. A. Thrift; lllini, C. W. French; Long Creek, J. E. Rucker; Maroa, David \\'eilepp; Milam, Archie Dickson; Mt. Zion, C. H. Scott; Niantic, J. J. Graves; Oakley, M. A. Nickey; Pleasant View, W. H. Bean; South Macon, O. H. Draper; South Wlieatland, M. A. Connard; Whit- more, Ross Hockaday. 1897. Austin, W. L. Gaines; Blue Mound, George Loewer ; Decatur, John Allen, J. A. Davidson, J. H. Record, James Hollinger, F. W. Kipp, W. J. Magee,' H. F. May, W. H. Spence, George W. Stoy ; Friends Creek, J. N. Orr; Harristown, Jacob Lebo; Hick- ory Point, H. Hayes; lllini, C. J. Tucker; Long Creek, J. E. Rucker; Maroa, David Wcilcpp; Milam, W. Best; Mt. Zion, W. L. Riber ; Niantic, J. J. Graves ; Oakley, M. A. Nickey; Pleasant View, W. H. Bean; South Macon, O. H. Draper; South Wheat- land, J. H. Miller; Whitmore, Ross Hock- aday. 1898. Austin, Z. B. Wooley; Blue Mound, C. W. Sleeter; Decatur, John Allen, Jacob PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 27 Hanes, James Hollinger, O. B. Gorin, F. W. Kipp, W. J. Magee, J. H. Record, G. W. Stoy, J. \V. W'eigand; Friends Creek, J. N. Orr ; Harristown, Jacob Lebo ; Hickory Point, H.' Hayes; Long Creek, J. E. Rucker ; Ivlaroa, David Weilepp ; Milam, W. Best; Mt. Zion, W. L. Riber; Niantic, J. J. Graves; Oakley, M. A. Nickey; Pleas- ant View, W. H. Bean ; South Macon, O. H. Draper; South Wheatland, J. H. .Miller; Whitmore, Ross Hockaday. 1899. Austin, Z. B. Wooley; Blue Mound, C. W. Sleeter; Decatur, John Allen, Jacob Hanes, James Hollinger, J. A. Davidson, F. W. Kipp, W. J. :\Iagee, J. H. Record, G. W. Stoy, J. W. Weigand ; Friends Creek, J. N. Orr; Harristown, R. O. VanGilder; Hickory Point, H. Hayes ; Illini, C. J. Tucker ; Long Creek, J. E. Rucker ; Maroa, David Weilepp; Milam, W. Best; Mt. Zion, W. L. Riber; Niantic, J. J. Graves; Oakley, M. A. Nickey; Pleasant View, W. H. Bean; South Macon, H. R. Woodcock; South Wheatland, John Ward ; Whitmore, Ross Hockaday. 1900. Austin, C. H. Giffin; Blue ]\Iound, E. W. Jokisch ; Decatur, J. A. Davidson, H. A. Aldridge, John Allen, James Hollinger, F. W. Kipp, W. J. Magee, J. PL Record, G. W. Stoy, J. W. Weigand; Friends Creek, F. R. Querrey; Harristown, R. O. Van- Gilder; Hickory Point, H. Hayes; Illini, C. J. Tucker; Long Creek, E. B. Chapman; Maroa, David Weilepp; Milam, W. Best; Mt. Zion, W. L. Riber ; Niantic, J. A. Cus- sins; Oakley, M. A. Nickey; Pleasant View, W. H. Bean; South Macon, H. R. Wood- cock ; South Wheatland, John Ward ; Whit- more, G. W. Reynolds. 1 901. Austin, George Johnston ; Blue Mound, E. W. Jokisch ; Decatur, J. H. Record, H. A. Aldridge, John Barron, James Henson, James Hollinger, F. W. Kipp, W. J. Magee, W^ Neidermeyer, J. W. Weigand ; Friends Creek, F. R. Querrey; Harristown, R. O. VanGilder; Hickory Point, H. Hayes; Illini, C. J. Tucker; Long Creek, E. B. Chapman; Maroa, C. G. Persinger ; Alilam, W. Best ; Mt. Zion, E. R. Hurlburt ; Nian- tic, J. A. Cussins ; Oakley, M. A. Nickey ; Pleasant X'iew, W. H. Bean ; South Macon, H. R. Woodcock; South AVheatland, John Ward; Whitmore, G. W. Reynolds. County Officers. The following is a list of county officers: Circuit Judge — S. D. Lockwood, S. T. Lo- gan, William Brown, Jesse B. Thomas, S. H. Treat, David Davis, Charles Emerson, A. J. Gallagher, C. B. Smith, W. E. Nelson, E. P. Vail, W. C. Johns. Judge of Probate — D. AlcCall, Charles Emerson. Probate Justice — Kirby Benedict, John G. Spear, Thomas H. Reed. County Judge — William Prather, John Ricketts, S. F. Greer, W. E. Nelson, W. L. Hammer, O. W. Smith. State's Attorney— John H. Pugh, D. H. Campbell, Josiah Lamborn, John A. McDu- gall, David Campbell, Flam Rust, J. R. Eden, James P. Boyd, D. L. Bunn, M. B. Thomas, C. C. McComas, I. A. Bucking- ham, W. C. Johns, E. P. \^ail, I. R. Mills, W. E. Redmon. Sheriiif — William Warnick, John McMen- namy, James Stephens, William Warnick, William Wheeler, Samuel Rea, William Wheeler, Samuel Whitehouse, E. McClel- lan, W. Wheeler, George Goodman, John W. Bear, A. A. Murry, John E. Jones, James Travis, George M. Wood, I. D. Jen- nings, M. Forstmeyer, W. W. Foster, John H. Mauzy, Peter Pearl, J. P. Nicholson, G. W. Lehman, Charles Thrift. Count_v Superintendent of Schools — Will- iam S. Crissey, C. C. Burroughs, Edwin 28 PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. I'ark, (.). 1'. McKiiii, John Trainer, T. L. Evans, J. N. Donehay, John G. Keller, A. A. Jones. Master in Cliancery — I. C. Pugli, William A. Barnes, R. H. ^Merrivveather, John A. Brown, J. J- Finn. Circuit Clerk— D. .McCall, H. M. Gorin, \\'. W. Peddecord, William Prather, J. Q. A. Oder, W. L. Hammer, E. McClellan, D. L. Foster, John Allen. County Clerk— D. McCall, H. M. Gorin, W. W. Peddecord, E. B. Hall, W. W. Ogles- by, Samuel Rea, I. C. Pugh, H. W. Wag- goner, George P. Hardy, James M. Dodd. County Treasurer — B. R. Austin, John Miller, B. R. Austip, James Johnson, Joseph Hosteller, Joseph Stephens, J. Renshavv, Henry Snyder, Thomas H. Reed, George W. Powers, S. C. Allen, I. C. Pugh, William Cantrell, Ira B. Curtis, William M. Boyd, R. H. Park, George M. Wood, George R. Steel, Clay Alontgomery, Charles Patter- son, Joseph Miller, E. R. Moffett. Agriculture. "W'lu-n tlic county was first settled the rank grasses retarded the evaporation, the result being a moist climate, that gave too luxuriant a growth to wheat and oats. This caused the lodging of the latter and i)ro- duced rust in the former, but culture and pasturage have modified these conditions so thai llic latter is becoming one oi our great staples." On account of the chinch bug spring wheat has entirely disappeared and the acreage of fall wheat is not what it was in an earlier day. W^Tile we jjroduce rye, wheat, oats, timoth}-, clover, millet and bluegrass, corn is the main cro]) ; not less than two-thirds of the tillable land in the county is each year planted to corn. For- merly it was thought that corn could not. safely, be cribbed in the fall, consequently it remained in the field until spring. Much corn was cut and shocked for cattle feeding, in fact, the entire crop, except that which was kept for the farmer's use in producing the ne.xt year's crop. It was no unusual thing to see farmers husking corn and at the same time cultivating the ground for the next crop. All kinds of vegetables are produced in abundance. Fruit, such as strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, currants and gooseberries, also cherries, pears, plums, cjuinces, apples and peaches grow and yield well ; our extensive nurseries verify the fact that this is a fruit county. Stock raising assumes no mean propor- tions as compared with other localities both in number and in grade produced. The grade of cattle, hogs, horses, sheep and even poultry is constantly improving. The cattle are of beef and dairy grades, the former arc represented by the Short- horn, Cjalloway and Hereford, while the latter are represented by the Jersey, Guern- sey and Holstein. The hogs now in favor are : Berkshire, Poland-China, Chester White, Jersey-red and Yorkshire. The horses are of three grades, the draft, the coach and the roadster. Every farmer grows stock to some extent, liogs arc grown more extensively than horsi-s and cattle owing to the short time re- (juircd for their maturity; at the age of nine months a hog will weigh from one hundred and fifty to two hundred ])ounds, while it recjuires several years for horses and cattle to dc\elop into '"shippers." Since Decatur contains more than half the jKipuIation of Macon county, not half the inhabitants of the county are engaged in agricultural pursuits. This affords a good local market for vegetables, dairy products and fruit ; none of the above are produced in sufficient quantities to supply the de- mands of the count}' ; carloads of vegetables, potatoes especially, cheese and all kinds of fruit are shipped in every year. Hay, oats and corn are. also in great dc- PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 29 mand ; Macon county does not yield much more than half the amount of hay consumed within the county; our flour mills 'afiford an excellent market for all of our wheat and our cereal mills can grind all the corn raised in the county. But if we do not see fit to sell here, we have railroads entering the county from twelve different directions, making Decatur one of the greatest railroad centers in the state, thus aiTording ready access to the eastern and the southern markets of the United States. The Illinois Central Railroad. In 1850 an act passed by Congress granted lands to the state of Illinois for the purpose of building a railroad through central Illi- nois. In 1851 the legislature of Illinois in- corporated the Illinois Central Railroad and transferred to this company the lands held in trust by the state upon a compliance of the company with the conditions embodied in the charter. Work began at the north end of the road and in 1854 was completed through Deca- tur, and in a short time was opened for traffic through its entire length. A senator from Macon county was the first one to in- troduce and carry through the legislature a resolution urging our senators and repre- sentatives in Congress to secure the re- quisite aid from the national government. Senator Stephen A. Douglas, acting upon the resolution, secured the passage of the law giving to the state for the use of the railroad each alternate section for a distance of six miles upon each side of the right-of- way ; providing, that had some of this land ' been previously granted to private parties, the company be permitted to go as far as twenty miles out in order to secure the re- quired amount of land. The power of peneration into the future, possessed by Mr. Douglas, is well estab- lished by his persistence and final victory in compelling the construction from Cairo lo Chicago and Dunleith, which in a remark- ably short time developed the most fertile lands in the state. He lived to see his pre- dictions verified and his expectations fully realized. An effort was made to carry the road, in Macon county, across the Sangamon river at the "Cut Off" six miles west of Decatur ; this would, in all probability have doomed Decatur to remain a village. But through the efforts of the'citizens of Decatur, led by E. O. Smith, the present route was selected. The charter of this road provided that seven per cent of its gross earnings be paid into the state treasury. Since 1854 it has paid a total of $20,000,000 to the state ; it pays now yearly about $800,000. The com- pany operates over 4,000 miles of road, which reaches from New Orleans to Omaha and through Chicago to St. Paul ; numer- ous small roads cross it at various points along the line of the main tracks. This road is the gateway to the south from which a large export trade is now made. This road affords two direct rapid routes to Chi- cago, either by way of Champaign or by way of Clinton. The Peoria, Decatur and Evansville Railroad, now the Peoria Divi- sion of the Illinois Central, extends from Peoria to Evansville, from northwest to southeast, through the most productive part of Illinois. Through the favorable connec- tions made at its terminals, with through lines, it is enabled to do a large amount of through business. The Illinois Central has done much to de- velop Decatur and in fact, all of Macon county. Recently it has erected a hand- some depot at an outlay of $65,000 ; the building is 290 feet long and is built of stone and yellow pressed brick, surmounted by a neat tower; the central part of the building is two stories, the rest of the build- ing is but one story; the entire roof is of red tile. The style of the structure is the Eng- 30 PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. lish gothic ; the walls are frescoed, a very handsome tint being selected ; the appoint- ments both inside and out are modern and are arranged with a view to symmetry and convenience. The road originally known as the Decatur, Monticello and Champaign is now part of the Illinois Central, making a convenient conniction between the two original branches of the road. The Vandalia Railroad. The Terrc Haute and Peoria division of the \''andalia passes through this city and joins the main line at Terre Haute. The Vandalia line with 700 miles of 'track is part of the Pennsylvania system which gives us direct communication with the eastern trunk lines. This was originally the Illinois ^Midland, which, until thrown into the hands of a receiver, who placed it on a paying basis, had a continued struggle for an existence. The Indiana, Decatur and Western Rail- road. The Indiana, Decatur and Western ter- minates at Indianapolis on the east and Springfield on the west ; the extension from Decatur to Springfield was completed in 3902. The entire length of the road is now about two hundred miles. The road is part of the Cincinnati, Hamilton and Dayton system. . It carries large quantities of east- ern merchandise and western farm products as well as being a very popular passenger route. The Wabash Railroad. To give a history of this railroad it be- comes necessary to begin with the enact- ment of the legislature in 1835 ^"^ 1836, known as The Internal Improvement Scheme. In this scheme was included the Northern Cross Railroad extending from Quincy to Danville, chartered in 1837. The first locomotive engine in the state ran over this road from Meredosia to Jacksonville, in 1839. The road was completed to Spring- field in 1842. This road was constructed of wooden rails, faced with strips of strap- iron. The cars made three round trips per week from Springfield to the Illinois river. The track finally became so insecure that the engine was taken off and mules sub- stituted for motive power. Eventually the road became so utterly dilapidated that the expense overran the income; the state then disposed of it for a mere song. In 1854 the road was reconstructed and extended through Decatur and Danville, over the original route, to Toledo, under the name of the Great Western Railroad. The cars entered Decatur in 1854. The advent of the railroad gave new life and impetus to Decatur and the surrounding country. Instead of carrying goods to Chicago and St. Louis in the old-fashioned broad-tired wagon with the proverbial tar bucket swung beneath its axle, we received our consignments by freight, new and fresh, in a few days after ordering. Much objection, that now seems peculiar, was urged against railroads when first pro- posed. Some argued that the horses would be so frightened by the cars that the lands near the roads could not be cultivated ; that the ranges would be rendered useless and the poor people would be compelled to keep up their stock ; that the game would all be driven away by the whistling of the engines. The name of this road was soon after changed to The Toledo, Wabash and West- ern Railroad. In 1876 this road operated 473 miles of track between Toledo and Quincy; no miles between St. Louis and Decatur ; the Keokuk branch of 41 miles and the Naples branch of 3 miles ; a total of 627 miles. In 1877 the name was changed to The Wabash Railroad, which name it still re- tains. This road now operates over two PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 31 thousand miles of track and is a through line from Kansas City to BulTalo with tlirougii passenger trains to New York City. It has a line to Kansas City via Hannibal and Ouincy; another via St. Louis, and a third to Chicago, a fourth to Detroit and the east. Decatur is tlie central point through which all this enormous traffic must pass. It is an aggressive road, having recently acquired a large number of feeders, which penetrate some of the most remote regions of the middle west. Decatur is the home of the Middle Divi- sion of the ^\'abash. Superintendent A. Robertson and the ^Middle Division officials reside here, the largest force of dispatchers in the country is located here; the car shops employ between 200 and 300 men ; a branch of the locomotive shops employs a number of men ; and most of the train men live here ; not less than 1.200 men connected with the Wabash live in Decatur. The pay rolls ap- proximate $900,000 per year on the Middle Division. The new ^^"abash station, just west of the north end of the Central station, with which its platform connects, is one of the hand- somest stations on the Wabash system. It is 230 feet long, two stories high, built of yellow brick and trimmed with stone and terra cotta. The architecture is colonial, except the tower; the main portion is two stories, while the mail, baggage and express rooms are but one story. The interior is finished in tile floors, marble wainscoting, frescoed ceiling and walls ; lending a charm- ing effect. The cost of the building ap- proximates seventy thousand dollars. Black Hawk War. Muster roll of Captain Johnson's com- pany of mounted volunteers belonging to the Fifth Regiment, commanded by James Johnson of the brigade of mounted volun- teers of Illinois Militia, commanded by Brig- adier General Samuel Whiteside. Alustered out of the service of the United States at the mouth of the Fox river, Illi- nois ]\Iay 27, 1832. Date of enlistment, April 24, 1832; term of enlistment, 35 days. Tames Johnson, captain, promoted to colo- nel May 16, 1832; William Warnick, first lieutenant, absent with leave; I. C. Pugh, second lieutenant, promoted to captain May 16, 1832; J. D. Wright, first sergeant, ab- sent on extra duty ; James A. Ward, second sergeant, promoted to second lieutenant ; Walter Bowls, third sergeant, absent with leave ; Joseph Hanks, fourth sergeant ; Henry M. Gorin, first corporal ; S. R. Shep- ard, second corporal ; G. Coppenbarger, third corporal, absent with leave; James Milton, fourth corporal, killed in battle. Privates — Asher Simpson, Abram Black, D. McCall, D. H. Stewart, Elisha Butler, G. D. Smallwood, John Hanks, Jacob Lane, John Henderson, James Querrey, James Miller, John JManley, James Ennis, John Clifton, Jesse Dickey, John Williams, John iMurphey, John Black, James Herrod, Kin- ian Ingram, C. Hooper, Robert Smith, S. B. Dewees, S. Miller, S. Troxel, Thomas Dev- enport, William Hanks, William Adams, William Miller, William Hooper, William Cox, Joseph Clifton. There was also a company of rangers or- ganized during the summer of 1832, com- manded by Captain William Warnick. They went as far as Kickapoo, a town on Big Vermilion river, but finding no Indians, soon returned. Mexican War. War was declared with Mexico in May, 1846. Under the call for volunteers Illinois was entitled to three regiments. Under proclamation of Governor Ford, the sheriflf of Macon county calling for volunteers. Company C, afterwards forming part of the Fourth Regiment, was raised, consisting of 32 PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. seventh-eight men. Thirty companies had reported when Company C reached Spring- field ; in all three full regiments. E. D. iiaker, a prominent Illinois man, asked President Polk for permission to raise a fourth regiment, and in this were the Ma- con county men. Baker was elected colonel, Lieutenant (iovernor Morris was elected lieutenant colonel, Thomas Harris major general, I. C. Pugh was elected captain of Company C, Senator R. J. Oglesby first lieutenant. .Anderson Froman second lieu- tenant, John P. Post third lieutenant, Ste- phen Osburn first sergeant, G. W. Galbreath second sergeant, B. F. Oglesby third ser- gent, B. L. Martin first corporal, James Hollingsworth second corporal, W. J. Usrey third corporal, G. W. Nelson fourth cor- poral. List of Volunteers. RLidison Bradshaw, P. T. Bebee, G. M. Braden, A. Botkin, \V. \\'. Chapman, G. W. Church, Laban Chambers, George Car- ver. J. B. Case, J. M. Dickey, G. W. Dillow, W. Dean, W. P. Davidson, Daniel Davis, A. Greenfield, James Greenfield, David lluftman, Sterne Helm, J. Horner, D. How- ell, S. K. Harrell. Williams Hawks, M. .^L Henry, \\'. D. B. Henry. Levi Hite, John Henry, L Inman, T. Johnson, J. A. Lowrie, J. C. Leadbetter, H. Lord, Thomas Lord, A. B. Lee, J. C. Malson, G. J. Malson, Ben- jamin IMartin, L Martin, H. ]\lartin, Will- iam McDaniel, Chris. Mayers, Charles Nel- son, William Nesbit, J. S. Post, J. Perry- man, S. Rice, James Rea, William Robinson, E. Rice, J. .Shcppard, Jason Sprague, R. H. Stewart, D. G. Stephens, W. ,E. Lee, Daniel Spangler, J. A. Shepley, T. Souther, J. Saunders, James Turner, F. E. Travis, J. B. Travis, J. D. Travis, T. D. Turney, William Wheeler, W. R. Wheeler, Lewis Ward, B. E. Wells, W. E. Warnick, J. W. White, B. White, Robert Warnick, James Freeman, J. M. Arwood, Richard Barnwell, Miles Bos- worth, Jesse Butler, David Bailer. Company C marched from Decatur to Springfield about the middle of June, 1846, where the regiment was formed. After a time they moved to .\lton, where arms were in store which were procured by Colonel Baker and Captain J. S. Post; Colonel J. J. Hardin protested against this and a warfare of words followed between him and Baker, nearly ending in a duel. From Alton the regiment was sent to JelTerson Barracks, where Colonel Churchill, the commandant, took charge, giving them thorough disci- pline and drill. July 20 the regiment was mustered into service by Colonel Crogan, of Vt. Meigs notoriety ; after a few daj-s they embarked for New Orleans thence to Brazos, Santiago l!ay on tl;e Rio Grande river, where they disembarked. They next marched up the Rio Grande eight miles, where the first death occurred, that of Second Sergeant (ieorge Galbreath. A squad of twelve Macon county men un- der Colonel Baker were detailed to bury the body ; on their return to camp they heard a disturbance near by on a steamboat and cMi going there found that an Irish com- pany, in a drunken melee, had driven the Kenesaw Rangers from the boat. Colonel Iiaker ordered his men on board to settle the trouble, w-hen a hand to hand encounter ensued in which the Colonel and his little band were soon overpowered. Colonel Ba- ker received a rapier thrust. Captain Post wounded in breast and rib broken ; Charles Dillow, killed; R. H. Stewart, bayonetted in thigh, and seven others were more or less injuretl. Orders were now received to move to Matamoras on the Mexican side; a few days later they moved on to Camargo, where many of the boj^s took sick. Returning to Matamoras they proceeded 1(1 \ictoria. thence to Tampico early in June, 1847, where preparations were made for an attack on \'era Cruz. About the mid- dle of l'"el)ruary Company C assisted in the PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 33 construction of batteries and also in the bombardment of the city, whicli surrendered March 29. General Scott's army marched from here to the City of Mexico, meeting on the way General Santa Anna at a mountain pass of Cerro Gordo, where a battle ensued April 18; Company C had forty-eight men in this engagement ; two were killed aiid ten wounded. J. C. Malson and George Nelson were killed. Santa Anna came near being captured in this battle; in his elTort to es- cape he left $25,000 in silver and his cork leg, in his carriage, which articles were cap- tured by Company C. After the battle General Scott went on to Jalapa ; Company C remained here a month. \Mien time of enlistment expired, the company returned to St. Louis, reach- ing home June i, 1847, carrying the banner given them when they left. But four Mexican war veterans are now living in Macon county. The list is : Rob- ert Warnick, living near Boody; Madison Bradshaw, living near Harristown ; David Blalock, of Mt. Zion, and Walter Elworthy, of Decatur. Civil War. The Seventh Illinois Cavalry was organ- ized at Camp Butler, Illinois, and mustered into service October 13, 1861. Companies A, C, I, and G were ordered to Bird's Point, Missouri, the other eight companies arrived December 25. In January all excepting Companies B, C, I, and L moved to Cape Girardeau. ^Missouri, Company I engaged in scouting during the winter. .-\t New Ma- drid the regiment again united. They next met at Island No. 10, from which place they moved to Hambtirg Landing in Tennessee, thence toward Corinth, which movement in- volved them in a battle at luka and at Cor- inth October 23, 1864. November 23 seven companies engaged Richardson near Somerville ; December i the Seventh was assigned to Col. Dickey's command : they participated in the battle of Holly Springs, were compelled to retreat followed by Price to ColTeeville, from west- ern Tennessee; April 17 they started on Grierson's raid to Baton Rouge ; December 26 the regiment fought Forest, also had an engagement at Moscow, Tennessee ; went next to Decatur, Alabama, then returned to Nashville ; from this point to Camp Butler, Illinois, at which place they were mustered out, paid and discharged November 17, 1865. SEVENTH CA\^\LRY ROSTER. Company I. Colonels— \\\ P. Kellogg, Sept. 8, 1861, resigned June i, 1862; Edward Prince, June I. 1862, term expired Oct. 15, 1864, was lieu- tenant colonel ; John M. Graham, Alarch i, 1865. mustered out Nov. 4, 1865, was major. Lieutenant Colonels — W. D. Blackburn, Feb. ID, 1863, died of wounds May 17, 1863; George W. Trafton, March 17, 1863, dis- missed Nov. 4, 1864; H. C. Forbes, March I. 1865, mustered out Nov. 4, 1865, was major. Majors — Cyrus Hall, Sept. 21, 1861, re- signed for promotion Feb. 9, 1862 ; James Rawalt, Sept. 21, 1861, resigned June 10, 1862; Z. Applington, Nov. 13, 1861, killed in battle May 15, 1862; Henry Case, Feb. i, 1862, resigned April 4, 1862; H. C. Nelson, .\pril 24, 1862, resigned June 22, 1863; A. P. Koehler, March 15, 1862, resigned May 14, 1863; A. W. McDonald, June 22, 1863, mustered out Nov. 4, 1865 ; George A. Root, May 15, 1865, mustered out Nov. 4, 1865, was adjutant; M. G. Wiley, May 10, 1865, mustered out Nov. 4, 1865. Adjutants — Henry Stockdale, Jan. 30, 1862, mustered ottt May 5, 1862; .^llen W. Held, May 10, 1865. Battalion Adjutants — George Bestor, Jan. 15, 1861, mustered out in 1862; Charles Wills, Jan. 15, i86r, mustered out in 1862. Quartermasters — W. A. Dickerson, Oct. 34 PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 25, 1861, mustered out May 26, 1862; J. R. W. Hinchman. Oct. 28, 1862, mustered out Nov., 1865. Battalion Quartermasters — James T. Meyers, Dec. 26, 1862, mustered out 1862; John W. Resor, Dec. 25, 1861, mustered out May 26, 1S62. Surgeons- -C. D. Rankin, Oct. 28, 1861, resigned Jan. i, 1862; Daniel Stahl, Sept. 9, 1862, discharged Sept. 9, 1864; Thomas J. Riggs, Sept. 16, 1864, mustered out Nov. 4, 1865, was first assistant. First Assistant Surgeons — Charles H. Novel, April 3, 1865. mustered out Nov. 4, 1865. Second Assistant .Surgeons — A. G. Gil- bert, May 29, 1863, discharged Sept. 9, 1864; M. W. Nesmith, .April 16, 1865, mustered out Nov. 4, 1865. Chaplain — Simon G. Meinor, Oct. 3, 1861, term expired Oct. 5, 1864. Commissaries — H. F. Barker, Oct. i, 1862, term expired ( )ct. 15. 1864; Daniel F. Rob- bins, Oct. 4. 1864. mustered out Nov. 4, 1865. Captains — A. J. Gallagher, Aug. 19, 1861, resigaed June 20, 1862; William Ashmead, June 20, 1862, term e.xpired Oct. 15, 1864, was second lieutenant; Byron T. Tuller, March 28, 1865, mustered out Nov. 4, 1865. First Lieutenants — William H. Straton, Aug. 19, 1861, term expired Oct. 15, 1865; Horace K. Rice, March 28, 1865; mustered out Nov. 4, 1865. Second Lieutenants — S. G. Washburn, June 20, 1862. mustered out Oct., 1864; O. L. Kendall. March 28, 1865, mustered out Nov. 4, 1865. First Sergeant — \\'illiam F. Clark, Sept. 3, 1861, killed in action March 3, 1862. Quartermaster Sergeant — George Flat- tery, Sept. 3, 1861, mustered out Oct. 15, 1864, as private. Sergeants — John W. Haworth, Sept. 3, 1861, discharged Oct. 15, 1862; Mathew Ruby, Sept. 3, 1861, mustered out Oct. 15, 1864; George H. Gardner, Sept. 3, 1861; mustered out Oct. 15, 1864; S. G. Washburn, Sept. 3, 1861, promoted to second lieutenanv. Corporals — Archibald Dickson, Sept. 3, 1861, re-enlisted as veteran ; Daniel H. Dun- bar, Sept. 3, 1861, mustered out Oct. 15. 1864; George W. Kaylor, Sept. 3, 186I: killed in action May i, 1862; Marion Ash- mead, Sept. 3, 1861, killed in- action May 30. 1862; W. D. McComas, Sept. 3, 1861, dis- charged Dec. I, 1862; Abner H. Jorden, .Sept. 3, 1861, killed in action June 30, 1862: William Hilt, Sept. 3, 1861, mustered out Sept. 8, 1864; Thaddeus P. Varney, Sept. 3, 1 86 1, mustered out Oct. 15, 1864, as private. Buglers — Davis T. King, Sept. 3, 1861, promoted chief bugler ; J. J. Strong, Sept., 1 861, promoted chief bugler. Farrier — .Xrgyle ^^'. Furr, Sept. 3. 1861. mustered out Oct. 15, 1864. Blacksmith — George Fornof, Sept. 3, 1861, mustered out Oct. 15, 1864. Wagoner — William Deal, Sept. 3, 1861, mustered out Oct. 15, 1864, as private. Privates — John O. Adams, .Sept. 3, 1861, re-enlisted as veteran ; John Bohrer, Sept. 3, 1861, mustered out Oct. 15, 1864; C. M. Belknap, Sept. 3, 1861, re-enlisted as veter- an; mustered out Nov. 4, 1865, as sergeant; Robert Barlett, Sept. 3, 1861 ; Luther Beals, Sept. 3, 1861, discharged Oct. 15, 1862; Webster Calhoun, Sept. 3, 1861, mustered out Oct. 15, 1864; David Calhoun; Isaac P. Cornwell, Sept. 3, 1861, re-enlisted as a vet- eran, mustered out Nov. 4, 1865; George Clark, Sept. 3, 1861 ; re-enlisted as a veteran, mustered out Nov. 4, 1865; Charles Di;- gan, Sept. 3, 1861, re-enlisted as a veteran, mustered out Nov. 4, 1865 ; William A. Dngger, Sept. 3, 1861, mustered out Oct. 15, 1864; William H. Doner, Sept. 3, 1861, re- enlisted as veteran ; E. B. Dawson, .Sept. 3, 1861, mustered out Oct. 15, 1864, as ser- geant; George Dickson, Sept. 3, 1861, mus- tered out Oct. 15, 1864; Walter Earles, Sept. 3, 1861 ; George W. Fletcher, Sept. 3, PAST AND TRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 35 1861, discharged May 8, 1863, as corporal; Ed. M. Gibbs, Sept.. 3, 1861, mustered out Oct. 15, 1864, as sergeant; Charles Goff, Sept. 3, 1861, discharged April 4, 1862; Will- iam Grove, Sept. 3, 1861, re-enlisted as a veteran, mustered out Nov. 4, 1865 ; Henry Grady, Sept. 3, 1861, mustered out Oct. 15, 1865; John P. Hartman, Sept. 3, 1861, dis- charged July, 1862; Charles P. Hopkins, Sept. 3, 1861 ; John Hayes, Sept. 3, 1861, mustered out Oct. 15, 1864; Mahlon Ha- worth, Sept. 3, 1861, died at Andersonville Aug. lo, 1864; James Hafrau, Sept. 3, 1861, died at Andersonville July 23, 1864; James ^I. Jones, Sept. 3, 1861, mustered out Oct. * 15, 1864; John S. Jones, Sept. 3, 1861, mus- tered out Oct. 15, 1864; O. L. Kendall, Sept. 3, 1861, re-enlisted as a veteran, was private, sergeant and lieutenant ; Henry Knipple, Sept. 3, 1861, re-enlisted as a vet- eran, mustered out as corporal Nov. 4, 1865 ; James C. Ledbetter, Sept. 3, 1861, dis- charged July, 1862 ; William Martin, Sept. 3, 1861, re-enlisted as a veteran, mustered out Nov. 4, 1865 ; Henry Martin, Sept. 3, 1861, discharged Oct., 1862; Marion May, Sept. 3, 1861, discharged Dec, 1862; Henry Meyers, Sept. 3, 1861, transferred to Com- pany M ; Samuel C. TilcKay, Sept. 3, 1861, mustered out Oct. 15, 1864, as corporal; Edward Melville, Sept. 3, 1861 ; Lawrence Miller, Sept. 3, 1861, re-enlisted as a veter- an, mustered out Nov. 4, 1865, as corporal; James McElroy, . Sept. 3, 1861, died of wounds received in camp ; J. R. McDougal, Sept. 3, 1861, discharged April 6, 1863; Thomas McCoy, Sept. 3, 1861 ; James Nich- olson, Sept. 3, 1861, re-enlisted as a veteran, mustered out Nov. 4, 1865; J. P. Nicholson, Sept. 3, 1861, discharged May, 1862; John Powers, Sept. 3, 1861, died of wounds Dec. 5, 1862; Michael Powers, Sept. 3, 1861, re- enlisted as a veteran, mustered out Nov. 4, 1865; Robert S. Paine, Sept. 3, 1861, mus- tered out Oct. 15, 1864; William Riley, Sept. 3, 1861, mustered out Oct. 15, 1864; Henry Ruby, Sept. 3, 1861, re-enlisted as a veteran, mustered out Nov. 4, 1865, as corporal; Horace K. Rice, Sept. 3, 1861, promoted sergeant, then first lieutenant; M. Sullivan, Sept. 3, 1861, mustered out Nov. 4, 1865, as corporal; Cyrus B. Smith, Sept. 3, 1861, dis- charged January, 1862; John A. Stookey, Sept. 3, 1861, died Feb. 11, 1862; Charles E. Smythe, Sept. 3, 1861, mustered out Sept. 20, 1865 ; Michael Sullivan, Sept. 3, 1861, re-enlisted as a veteran ; Byron H. Tuller, Sept. 3, 1861, promoted to captain; Pulaski L. Temple, Sept. 3, 1861, discharged Sept., 1862; Henry Tooter, Sept. 3, 1861, dis- charged April 16, 1863 ; Augustus A. Taber, Sept. 3, 1861, promoted hospital steward; John R. Thomas, Sept. 3, 1861, mustered out Aug. 29, 1864; John D. Vancourt, Sept. 3, 1861, discharged April 18, 1862, as cor- poral; W. D. Weatherby, Sept. 3, 1861, dis- charged July, 1862; Charles Williams, Sept. 3, 1861, discharged July, 1862; George W. Wood, Sept. 3, 1861, mustered out Oct. 15, 1864; Edward S. Webb, Sept. 3, 1861, dis- charged Sept., 1862; Charles Westfall, Sept. 3, 1861, discharged May, 1862; James L. Walters, Sept. 3, 1861, discharged March 4, ■1862; Simon Yopes, Sept. 3, 1861, mustered out Sept. 8, 1864. Recruits — John H. Arbuckle, Aug. 6, 1862, mustered out July 12, 1862; David Adams, Dec. 22, 1863, mustered out Nov. 4, 1865: Dempsey Able, Dec. 15, 1863, mus- tered out Nov. 4, 1865 ; William H. Ater, Sept. 3, 1861, died Nov. 14, 1862; Jacob An- derson, Aug. 12, 1862; Worth R. Bradley, Feb. 2, 1864, mustered out Nov. 4, 1865; D. S. Brockway, Jan. 24, 1864, mustered out Nov. 4, 1865 ; Robert Boddy, Dec. 14, 1863, mustered out Nov. 4, 1865 ; Robert Car- mean, Dec. 14, 1863, mustered out Nov. 4, 1865 ; G. W. Carmean, Dec. 18, 1863, mus- tered out Nov. 4, 1865; Thomas Clark, Jan. 18, 1864, mustered out Nov. 4, 1865; James W. Daniels, Jan. 29, 1864, mustered out Nov. 4, 1865, as sergeant; J. O. Dunston, 36 PAST AM) I'RI'.SILXT OF MACUX (ol XIA' Jan. 4. i8(')4, imistered out Xov. 4, 1865; joliii Uaili.'}-, March 18, 1864, mustered out Nov. 4. 1865; Charles Dunslon, Jan. 4, 1864, died of wounds at LaGrange, Tenn., July 14, 1864; Edward Earlcs. Jan. 30, 1864, mus- tered out .\o\'. 4. 1865; Jerome Emerson, Feb. 7, 1865, mustered out Nov. 4. 1865; John (ircgerty, Jan. 27, 1864, mustered out Aug. 31, 1865; James A. Ciibbs, Jan. 15, 1864, mustered out Nov. 4, 1864, as cor- poral; luigcne Hall. Dec. 10. 1863. mustered out Xo\-. 4, 1865; \\'illiam llolman. Jan. 26, 1864, mustered out Xov. 4, 1865; Peter IToffman. Jan. 19, 1864, mustered out Nov. 4, 1865, as corporal; Andrew J. Holman, Feb. 9, 1864, died at Memphis, Tenn., June 9, 1864; Taylor Lawson, Jan. 16, 1864, mus- tered out Xov. 4, 1865; Wilson Lehn, April 16, 1864, mustered out June 5, 1865 ; Henry Martin, Dec. 15, 1863, mustered out Xov. 4, 1865; John R. McDougal. Jan. 4, 1864, mustered out Nov. 4, 1865; Martin McCune, Dec. 19, 1863, mustered out Nov. 4, 1865; Theodore May, Dec. 19, 1863, mustered out Nov. 4, 1865; Robert Pate, April 7, 1864, mustered out Nov. 4, 1865 ; Horace S. Ruby, Jan. 30, 1864, mustered out Nov. 4, 1865; John T. Rea, Jan. i, 1864; mustered out Nov. 4, 1865; Elhannan Reed, April i, 1864, mustered out Nov. 4, 1865 ; James A. Reedy, Jan. 26, 1864; William F. Scott, Dec. 31, 1863, mustered out Nov. 4, 1865, as corporal ; A. T. Shinneman, Feb. 13, 1864, mustered out Nov. 4, 1865; H. L. Stookey, Jan. 30, 1864, mustered out Nov. 4, 1865; William Smitli, Dec. 11, 1863, sick, absent at mus- tering out of regiment; William C. Stewart, March 20, 1864, sick, absent at mustering out of regiment; James Wood, April 16, 1864; Charles Williams, Jan. 25, 1864, vet- eran, mustered out Nov. 11, 1865; Philip Webber, Feb. i, 1864; George W. Wood, Feb. 9, 1865, mustered out Oct. 19, 1865; George Young, March 24. 1864, mustered out Nov. 4, 1865. I'nassigned Recruits — James Dorris, Jan. 26, 1864; James Daniels, F"eb. 12, 1864; Charles \\'. I'.arles. Ai)ril 7, 1864, rejected; Alonzo M. (ilove, Jan. 2j, 1864, discharged May 10, 1864; F'orest Saunders, Jan. 25, 1864, discharged July 2, 1864; William F. Scott, Dec. 21, 1863; William 11. Wilson, March 9, 1865, discharged July 11, 1865; ^\■illiam D. White, March 7, 1865. EIGHTH ILLINOIS IXFAXTRY. The Eighth Illinois Infantry was organ- ized April 25, 1861, for three months' serv- ice ; Colonel R. J. Oglesby in command, was stationed at Cairo until mustered out at close of term. They immediately reorgan- ized for three j^ears" service, then moved to Bird's Point, Alissouri. They embarked February 2, 1862, for Tennessee, where they were in the engagements of Ft. Henry and Ft. Donelson. A heavy loss was sustained and Major John P. Post was taken prisoner. They ne.xt engaged in the battle of Shiloh also at the siege of Corinth, where Colonel R. J. Oglesby was dangerously wounded. There was also an encounter at Raymond, after which the regiment was sent to Camp Butler un a veteran furlough; this was in 1864. Later they were in western Tennes- see, Mississippi and Louisiana. They were mustered out at Baton Rouge May 4, 1866; ordered to Springfield for final payment and discharge, which took place May 4, 1866. Roster Eighth Illinois Infantry. For Three Months. Colonel — R. J. Oglesby, May 3, 1861, re- cnlisted for three years. Lieutenant Colonel — Frank L. Rhodes, May 3, 1861, re-enlisted for three years. Major.s — John ]'. Post, May 3. 1861, re- enlisted for three years ; Herman Leib, Oct. 7, 1862, promoted colonel Xinth Infantry (colored). Captain, Company A — I. C. Pugh. .Ajiril 2^. 1861. re-enlisted for three years, colonel I'orty-first Regiment. PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 37 First Lieutenant — G. M. Bruce, April 23, 1861, re-enlisted for three years. Second Lieutenant — L N. Martin, April 23, 1861. Captain, Company B — H. P. Westerfield, .\pril 30, 1861 ; John P. Post. First Lieuteant — John M. Lowery, April 25, 1861, resigned Sept. 3, 1862. Second Lieutenant — Thomas Goodman, .\pril 2^. 1S61, resigned July 25, 1861. Roster Eighth Illinois Infantry, For Three Years. Colonels — R. J. Oglesby, April 26, 1861, promoted brigadier general April i, 1862, to major general Nov. 9, 1862 ; F. L. Rhodes, April I, 1862, resigned Oct. 7, 1862; John P. Post, Oct. 7, 1862, resigned Sept. 28, 1863; Josiah A. Shietz, Sept. 22,. 1863. pro- moted brevet brigadier general Nov. 25, 1865, resigned Feb. 9. 1866; Loyd AVheaton, Feb. 9, 1864, mustered out May 4, 1866. Lieutenant Colonels — R. H. Sturges, Oct. 7, 1862, resigned July 25, 186^; Noah Denni- son, Nov. 8, 1862, mustered out May 4, 1866. Majors — Herman Lieb, Oct. 7, 1862, pro- moted colonel of Ninth Louisiana (colored) ; Daniel Sayers, March 8, 1862, mustered out June 25, 1866. Adjutants— W. C. Clark, Jan. 25, 1861, resigned June 25, 1862 ; B. F. Monroe, June 25, 1862. promoted Captain Company I; Freol .\. King, July 25, 1864, resigned Oct. 9, 1864; William W. Carver, Oct. 9, 1864; Leander A. Sheets, Nov. 25, 1865 : mus- tered out May 4, 1866. Quartermasters-.-Samuel Rhodes, Jan. 25, 1861, resigned Dec. Q, 1861 ; H. N. Pearse, Dec. 10, 1861, resigned Aug. i, 1863; R. T. Mercer, Aug. i, 1863. mustered out May 4, 1866. Surgeon.s — S. T. Trowbridge, April 25, 1861, mustered out July 27, 1864; C. N. Den- nison, July 27, 1864, mustered out May 4, 1866. First Assistant .Surgeons — John M. Phipps, April 25, '1861, resigned Feb. 16, 1863; W. F. Buck, Nov. 28, 1863, mustered out May 4, 1866. Second Assistant Surgeons — C. M. Spaulding, May 27, 1865, mustered out May 4, 1866. Chaplain — Samuel Day. Jan. 28, 1864, mustered out Jan. 29, 1865. Captains— G. I\L Price, July 25, 1861, re- signed Feb. 5. 1862: Frank Leeper, Feb. 5, 1862; killed in battle, was first lieutenant; George S. Durfee, May 14, 1863, mustered out -May 4, 1866, was first lieutenant. First Lieutenant.s — W. J. Taylor, Feb. 5, 1862, resigned Jan. 28, 1863; W. A. Albert, May 14, 1863, term expired Jan. 27, 1864; Samuel Nicholson, Jan. 2j, 1864, mustered out May 4. 1866. Second Lieutenants — J. D. Reavis, Jan. 28, 1864, mustered out May 4, 1866. Sergeants — Benjamin F. Monroe. July 25, 1861, promoted second lieutenant; D. W. Green wait, July 25, 1861, died at Birds' Point, Missouri, Nov. i, 1861. Corporals — Juan Dunbar, July 25, 1861, re-enlisted as veteran, promoted, mustered out May 4, 1866; :\Iichael IMathews, July 25, 1861, killed at Ft. Donelson Feb. 15, 1862: William M. Bullard. July 25, 1861, died at Cincinnati, Ohio, ]\Iarch 4, 1862, of wounds received at Ft. Donelson ; Robert A. Florey, July 25, 1861, discharged July 24, 1864; Charles Henderson, July 25, 1861, died March 12, 1862, of wounds; George S, Leach, July 25, 1861, killed at Ft. Donelson Feb. 15, 1862; John B. Lowell, July 25, 1 861, died at Bird's Point, Missouri, Nov. i, 1861: Marcellus Warner, July 25, 1861, killed at Raymond. Mississippi. May 12, 1863. Privates— Abijah J. Baker, July 25, 1861, promoted sergeant, died of wounds received at Vicksburg June 4, 1863; G. D. Bashford, July 25, 1861, promoted sergeant; John H. Bacon, July 25, 1861, mustered out May 24, 1866; Henry Cochrane, July 25, 1861, killed 38 PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. at Shiloh April .6, 1862; Alvin E. Cook, July 25, 1861, re-enlisted as veteran; James W. Dunn, July 25, 1861, mustered out July 30, 1864; William Denniston, July 25, 1861, killed at Shiloh April 6, 1862; Joseph S. Dudley, July 25, 1861, promoted corporal, mustered out May 4, 1866; Andrew J. Flo- rey, July 25, 1861, discharged Aug. 15, 1862, wounded; Joseph Fouch, July 25, 1861, pro- moted sergeant, discharged July 10, i865,' wounded ; B. F. Greer, July 25, 1861, re- enlisted ; A. H. Hugart, July 25, 1861 ; pro- moted corporal, mustered out May 4, 1866; L. Helm, July 25, 1861, promoted sergeant, discharged Jan. 27, 1866; Joseph Hess, July 25, 1861, discharged June 22, 1862, wounded at Ft. Donelson ; James Hudson, July 25, 1861, killed at Raymond, Miss., May 12, 1863; Robert Idell, July 25, 1861, mustered out May 4, 1866; W. J. Jefferson, July 25, 1861, killed at Ft. Donelson Feb. 15, 1862; George W. James, July 25, 1861, promoted corporal, killed at Champion Hill May 16, 1863; Andrew Jones, July 25, 1861, killed at Ft. Donelson Feb. 15, 1862; M. C. Living- ston, July 25, 1861, mustered out July 30, 1864; James Leach, July 25, 1861, mustered out July 30, 1864; James H. Leland, July 25, 1861 ; T. J. Muirhead, July 25, 1861, killed at Shiloh April 4, 1862; J. C. McDaniels, July 25, 1861 ; Ellis Maskcll, July 25, 1861, mustered out May 28, 1866; Abel O'Neil, July 25, 1861, discharged April i, 1865, dis- ability; George S. Pope, July 25, 1861, killed at Sl'.iloh April 6, 1862; James W. Rcavis, July 25, 1S61, promoted second lieutenant; Joseph PL Rock, July 25, 1861, mustered out May 4, 1866; PL C. Shivoly, July 25, 1861, mustered out July 30, 1864; Joseph W. Smith, July 25, 1861, mustered out July 30, 1864; H. Whitbeck, July 25. 1861. killed at Ft. Donelson Feb. 15, 1862. Recruits — William A. Albert. Aug. 15. 1861, promoted lieutenant; Joseph Ault. Dec. II, 1863, promoted sergeant, mustered out May 4, 1866; J. A. Bradbury, Aug. 15, 18O1, promoted sergeant, killed at Sliiloh April 6, 1862; Robert W. Craine, Aug. 5, i86i, discharged Dec. 27, 1861 ; James Chaf- fin, Aug. 5, 1861, re-enlisted as veteran; W. C. Dunnivan, Aug. 15, 1861, promoted, dis- charged Aug. 15, 1862, of wounds received at Ft. Donelson; George S. Durfee, Aug. 15, 1861, promoted; John F. Greer, Aug. 10, 1 86 1, killed at Raymond, Miss., May 12, 1863; John A. Harvc}-, Aug. 10, 1861, re- cnlisted as veteran, mustered out May 15, 1866; Irwin Helpman, Aug. 15, 1861, re- enlisted as veteran; Ernest Holtz, Aug. 15, 1861, discharged July 22, 1862, of wounds at Ft. Donelson ; William Hatchett, Aug. 15, 1861, discharged Aug. 14, 1864; James Haggard, Aug. 16, 1861, died at Decatur, III, April II, 1862; B. F. James, Aug. 15, 1861, killed at Ft. Donelson Feb. 15, 1862; J. IL Kunkleman, Aug. 10, 1861, re-enlisted as veteran ; \\'illiam W. Estes, Aug. 5, 1861, died April 20, 1862, of wounds ; Nathaniel Harris, Sept. i, 1861, discharged April 22, 1862: Lander Hughart, Dec. 30, 1863, mus- tered out May 4, 1866; Patrick McArty, Aug. 5, 1861, died at Carthage, La., of wounds received on steamer Moderator; Peter Mash, Dec. 15, 1861, mustered out May, 1866; Charles W. Mosher, mustered out Alay 4, 1866; W. A. McKinley, Aug. 10, 1861, died at Alcmphis, Tenn., March 10, 1863; John H. Norris, .'\ug. 5, 1861, dis- charged Feb. 19, 1863; Samuel Nicholson, Aug. 5, 1861, promoted second lieutenant July I, 1863; J. R. Nicholson, Aug. 15, 1861, mustered out May 4, 1866; J. Nicholson, Aug. 15, 1861, discharged Aug. 14, 1864, term expired ; R. T. Paine, Aug. 5, 1861, transferred to Ninth Regiment Louisiana Infantry, ?.Iay 5, 1863; Irwin Pearce, Aug. 25, 1861, discharged Dec. 25, 1861 ; William F. Pope, Jan. i, 1862, promoted captain, dis- charged Oct. 31, 1865, for disability; John W. Rector, Dec. 15, 1862, died in hospital at Vicksburg July 2, 1863, of sickness; W. F>. Stevenson, Aug. 2, 1861, transferred, dis- PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 39 charged Feb. 2, 1866, of wounds at Jackson, Miss.; George W. Squire, Aug. 15, 1861, died at Memphis, Tenn., Sept. 9, 1863; James F. Steel, Aug. 15, 1861, discliarged Aug. 14, 1864, term expired. Drafts and Recruits — J. B. Bosworth, Sept. 26, 1864, mustered out Sept. 26, 1865. Company B. Captains — H. Leib, Jan. 25, 1861, pro- moted major ; Peter Schlosser, Oct. 7, 1862, term expired Jan. 27, 1864; H. A. Miller, Jan. 28, 1864, mustered out May 4, 1866. First Lieutenants — B. Zick, Oct. 7, 1862, term expired Jan. 28, 1864; Thomas McGur- ray, Jan. 28, 1864, mustered out May, 1866. Second Lieutenants — H. J. Marsh, Jan. 25, 1861, killed at Ft. Donelson, Feb. 16, 1862; John Colmer. Oct. 7, 1862, term ex- pired July 28, 1864. First Sergeant — H. C. Oglesby, July 25, 1861, reduced to rank Sept. 15, 1863, then retired from service. Sergeants — B. F. Snow, July 25, 1861, discharged Sept. 22, 1862, for wounds re- ceived at Ft. Donelson ; W. F. Gardenhire, July 25, 1861, discharged May 2, 1862, dis- abled: Charles Albert, July 25, 1861, mus- tered out July 30, 1864. Corporals — John Colmer, July 25, 1861, promoted second lieutenant ; C. P. A. God- dard, July 25, 1861, died Oct. i, 1863; Charles Fechner, July 25, 1861, killed at Shiioh April 6, 1862; John Smith, July 25, 1861, mustered out July 30, 1864; Thomas Scantlin, July 25, 1861, transferred to non- commissioned staff as commissary sergeant ; Charles W. Leies, July 25, 1861, reduced to rank Dec. 6, 1861. Privates — W. H. Athons, July 25, 1861 ; George Albin, July 25, 1861, died April 8, 1864, of wounds received at Raymond, Miss.; James H. Bech, July 25, 1861, dis- charged Sept. 8, 1862, for wounds at Ft. Donelson; F. Batim, July 25, 1861, mus- tered out July 30, 1864 ; J. G. Easier, July 25, 1861, mustered out July 20, 1864; William Becher, July 25, 1861, died at Vicksburg June 30, 1863; John Bruner, July 25, 1861, died May 25, 1863, of wounds received at Champion Flill ; D. M. Berlin, July 25, 1861, nuistered out July i, 1865; J. D. Bruner, July 25, 1861, transferred to Company C; Jacob Baner, July 25, 1861, mustered out July 30, 1864: W. Breitsprecher, July 25, 1861, mustered out July 30, 1864; John Cul- ligan, July 25, 1861, mustered out July 30, 1864 ;^S^ B. Cunningham, July 25, 1861 ; John E. Campbell, July 25, 1861, mustered out May, 1864; F. Durant, July 25, 1861, accidentally killed May 25, 1862 ; Charles Dutcher, July 25, 1861, discharged Oct. 14, 1861 : Amos Dunham, July 25, 1861, killed at Ft. Donelson Feb. 15, 1862; J. G. Ever- man, July 25, 1861, mustered out Aug. 6, 1864; Joseph Elliot, July 25, 1861, died at Cairo, Illinois: Jasper Flora, July 25, 1861, discharged July 25, 1862, order of Grant ; J. M. Gardenhire, July 25, 1861, discharged May 2, 1862, order of Grant ; August Gemer, July 25, 1861, died Aug. 14, 1861 ; August Genert, July 25, 1861 ; N. Geswinder, July 25, 1861, mustered out March 21, 1866; George Gardenhire, July 25, 1861, killed at Ft. Donelson Feb. 15, 1862; J. A. Humphrey, July 25, 1861, retired Oct. 29, 1863; Joshua Jameson, July 25, 1861, absent at muster- ing out; Moses Johnson, July 25, 1861, dis- charged Oct. 14, 1861 ; Charles Krebs, July 25, 1861, discharged July 24, 1862, wounded at Donelson and Shiioh ; Jacob Keller. July 2^. 1861, killed at Ft. Donelson Feb. 15. 1862; John Kelley, July 25, 1861, murdered, Norfolk, Mo., Sept. 17, 1861 ; James Lynch, July 25, 1861, mustered out July 30, 1864; William Leeper, July 25, 1861, transferred to N. C. S. as Mus. ; F. C. Miller, July 25, 1861, killed at Ft.' Donelson Feb. 15, 1862; H. A. Miller,- July 25, 1861, promoted cap- tain July 14, 1864; H. Manchon, July 25, 1861, discharged July 10, 1863, disabled; Peter O'Brien, July 25, 1861 ; John O'Neil, 40 PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. Jul)' 25, 1861, discharged July 25. 1864: term expired; John AV. Priest, Jiilj- 25, 1861, killed at Ft. Donelson Feb. 15, J862; Frank Peters, July 25, 1861, mustered out May 4, 1864; John Robinet, July 25, 1861, mus- tered out May 4, 1864; George W. Rouse, July 25, 1861; M. N. Rust, July 25, 1861, transferred to Twelfth Illinois Infantry ; H. Schnerdcryan, July 25, 1861, veteran, mus- tered out May 4, 1866; John M. Switzer, July 25, 1861, promoted sergeant; Dutton Staines, July 25, 1861, promoted corporal, discharged Sept. 24, 1862 ; E. O. Steward, July. 25, 1861, discharged Oct. 14, 1861 ; John C. Seiter, July 25, i86r, mustered out May 4, 1866; V. G. Tanscy, July 25, 1861, dis- charged Oct. 14, 1861 ; II. Wardner, July 25, 1861, transferred to Inv. Corps Sept. 15, 1862; J. Warren, July 25, 1861, discharged Nov. 8, 1863, wounds at Vicksburg; Andrew Wills, July 25. i86r, discharged Feb. 17, 1862, wounds at Ft. Donelson. Recruits, Drafts and Substitutes — Jo- sephus Athons, April 5, 1864, promoted cor- poral, mustered out May 4, 1866; .\ntoine Andrish, Aug. 17, 1861, killed at Shiloh April 6, 1862; Peter Baker, Aug. 17, 1861, discharged Sept. 9, 1862, wounds at Shiloh ; Henry Brown, Aug. 29, 1861, discharged Dec. 5, 1862, wounds at Shiloh ; Dayton Dunham, Aug. 16, 1861, discharged April 11. 1862, wounds at Ft. Donelson; John Denz, Aug. 29, 1861, mustered out May 4, 1865; Peter Frank, Sept. 7, 1861 ; August Fluke, Aug. 29, 1862, discharged Oct. 11, 1863; Jacob Grosh, Aug. \j, 1861, mustered out Sept. 5, 1864; Jacob Gross, Aug. 22, 1861 ; Hugo Gunter, Nov. 27, i86r, mustered out March 2. 1866; John J. Grob, Jan. 5. 1864, mustered out May, i86r): Isaac llatchly, Nov. 26, 1861. discharged May i, 1862, wounds at Shiloh; John D. Hawley, Sept. 9, 1861 ; R. F. Jones, mustered out May 14. ]866; M. Kepler, Sept. 7, 1861, discharged Dec. 15, 1862, wounds at Shiloh ; Jacob Lehman, Aug. 8, 1861, discharged Aug. 7, 1864; .\ugust Langheld, Aug. 5, 1861, dis- charged Aug. 8, 1863, wounds at Raymond, Miss.; Robert Lynn, Aug. 29, 1861, died Oct. 30, 1861 ; Charles Lenlz, veteran, killed at Jackson, Miss., July 7, 1864; Jacob Lan- kerman, Jan. i, 1862, mustered out May 4, 1866; William Mossman, Dec. 18, 1863, mus- tered out May 4, 1866; John S. Magee, April 28, 1864, mustered out May 4, 1866; John Mathys, April 16, 1864, mustered out May 4, 1866; Thomas McGorry, Dec. i, 1861, promoted first lieutenant ; J. H. O'Conner, Aug. 13, 1861 ; Thomas Preston, Aug. 23, 1861, discharged Oct. 15, 1863, wounds at \'icksburg; Frank PfeifFer, April 15, 1864, mustered out July i, 1865; Leonard Reister, Sept. 2, 1861 ; Michael Walker, Aug. 13, 1861, mustered out May 4, 1866; Charles Webber, Sept. 28, 1861, killed at Charles- ton, Mo., Oct. 16, 1861 ; John Zimm, April 28, 1864, mustered out May 4, 1866. TWENTY-FIRST ILLINOIS REGULAR INFANTRY. The Twenty-first Illinois Regular Infan- try was mustered into service in June, 1861, U. S. Grant in command. Went to Ironton, I\Io., then in battle at Pcrrysvillc and Chap- lin Hill, skirmish at Knob Gap. Engaged in battle near Murfreesboro, Tenn., with Gen. Rosecrans' army ; next went to Chat- tanooga. Engaged in skirmish at Liberty Gap, June 25, 1863 ; in battle at Chicka- mauga Sept. 19, 1863. Then tarried three months at Bridgeport, Ala., mustered out Dec. 16, 1865. at San Antonio, Tex. .Ar- rived at Camp lUitler Jan. 18, 1866, for dis- charge. Roster Twenty-first Infantry. Colonels — U. S. Grant, June 16, 1861, pro- moted brigadier general Aug. 5, 18(^1, major general Feb. 16, 1862; J. W. Alexander, Aug. 23, 1861. killed in battle Sept. 20, 1862; James E. Calloway, May n. 1865, mustered nut Dec. 16, 1865; W'illiani H. Jamison, July 13, i8ri5, mustered out Dec. 16, 1865. PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 41 Lieutenant Colonels — George W. Peck, Sept. 2, 1861, discharged Sept. 19, 1862, ill health; W. E. McMaken, Sept. 19, 1862, term expired Nov. 16, 1864. Alajor — John L. Wilson, June 2, 1865, mustered out Dec. 16, 1865. Adjutants — Charles B. Steele, Sept. 6, 1861, resigned July, 1864; J. R. Duncan, July 20, 1864, promoted captain, mustered out Dec. 16, 1865; John A. Pierce, Aug. 21, 1865 ; mustered out ]Dec. 16, 1865. Quartermasters — John E. Jones, May 15, 1863, mustered out Aug. 18, 1864; Simeon Paddleford, Aug. 18, 1864, mustered out Dec. 16, 1865. Surgeons — Eden M. Seeley, Aug. 21, 1862, resigned Ma\' 21, 1864; James J. Reat, May 21, 1864, mustered out Dec. 26, 1865. Chaplain— E. D. Wilkins, Oct. 12, 1861, resigned Jul_v g, 1864. Company A. Captains — S. S. Goode, May 7, 1861, state service Tenth Regiment ; George H. Dun- ning, May 17, 1861, resigned Oct. 24, 1862; George F. Eaton, Oct. 24, 1862, mustered out July 5, 1864. First Lieutenant — E. D. Co.xe, Oct. 24, 1862, mustered out July 5, 1864; B. F. Os- borne, July 5, 1864; J. R. Shepard, Aug. 21, 1865, mustered out Dec. 16, 1865. Second Lieutenant — J. L. Bowman, May 7, 1861, resigned April 14, 1862; Joseph C. Alvord, Oct. 24, 1862, killed in battle Dec. 31, 1862; Thomas Gross, June i, 1863, re- signed May 12, 1865 ; Alvin Calmus, Dec. 16, 1865, mustered out Dec. 16, 1865. First Sergeant — Edward D. Co.xe, June 15, 1861, promoted first lieutenant. Second Sergeant — Charles Disbrow, June 15, i86t. Discharged Aug. 10. 1862; disa- bility. Corporals — Elijah Smith, June 15, 1861, killed at Stone River, Dec. 30, 1862 ; William R. Wheeler, June 15, 1861, discharged Sept. I, 1863; Benjamin F. Osborne, June 15, 1 86 1, re-enlisted as veteran, promoted first lieutenant; Joseph Wagoner, June 15, 1861, discharged April 23, 1863; G. W. Stephens, June 15, 1861, re-enlisted as veteran, mus- tered out Dec. 16, 1865. Musician — J. D. L. Meeks, June 15, 1861, mustered out July 5, 1864. Wagoner — John Hanks, June 15, 1861, mustered out July 5, 1864. Privates — Joseph Barber, June 23, 1861, re-enlisted as veteran, mustered out Dec. 16, 1865; James T. Baker, June 15, 1861, discharged Sept. 13, 1862; Hugh Bacon, June 15, 1861, killed Stone River, Dec. 31, 1862; Philip Bios, June 15, 1861, died, An- dersonville, June 15, 1864; Jacob Conouff, June 15, 1861, killed. Stone River, Dec. 30, 1862; William H. Clepson, June 15, 1861, re-enlisted as veteran, mustered out July 13, 1865, prisoner of war; James Clark, June 21, 1861, re-enlisted as veteran, transferred to engineering corps Aug. 2, 1864; Henry Cruise, June 21, 1861, discharged Aug. 10, 1862; David Crawford, July 26, 1861, re- enlisted as veteran, mustered out July 13, 1865, prisoner of war; Frank Ernest, July 15, 1861, discharged Aug. 10, 1862, disabil- ity; F. H. Fammer, June 15, 1861, died at Andersonville June 20, 1864; H. F. Fletcher, June 15, 1861, mustered out July 5, 1864; Daniel Foley, June 15, 1861, killed at Chicka- mauga Sept. 19, 1863 ; Joseph E. Hobson, June 15, 1861, mustered out July 5, 1864; Jasper H. Hi.xson, June 15, 1861, discharged March 11, 1864, disabled; William H. Hig- gins, June 24, 1861, killed at Stone River, Dec. 30, 1862; Orlando Hogan, June 24, t86i, mustered out Aug. 16, 1864; William Johnson, June 25, t86i, discharged Oct. 7, 1861 ; Thomas E. Jefiferson, June 25, 1861, mustered out July 5, 1864 ; James B. Ken- nedy, June 25, 1861. discharged Sept. 9, 1862, wounds; John B. Lambach, June 25, 1861, transferred to Inv. Corps Aug. 5, 1864; John Leigh, June 24, 1861. mustered out July 5, 1864; William McPherson, June 15, 42 PAST AXD PRESENT OI' MACOy, COUNTY. 1861; John .McA\oy, June 15, 1861. re-en- listed as veteran, mustered out July 13. 1865, prisoner of war; Abraham McKitrick, June 23, 1861, discharged April 30, 1862, disability: William .McGrath, June 15, 1861. discharged Oct. 7. 1861; 11. 1!. I^'. Martin. June 15. 1861, re-enlisted as veteran, died Oct. 30, 1864; L. D. Morgan, June 23. 1861, mustered out July 5, 1864; C M. Pope, June 15, 1861, mustered out 'uly 5, 1864: \\ illiam H. Ross, June 25, 1 ,61, mustered out July 5, 1864; C. Rosenbarger, June 15. 1861. mustered out July 5. 1864, as corporal ; Daniel Shutter. June 23, 1861 ; Peter Shell, June 15, 1861, re-enlisted as veteran, mus- tered out Dec. 16, 1865; George S. Stuart, June 15, 1861, (lied at Annapolis, Md., Nov., 1864; Harvey C. Stuart, June 15, 1861, re- enlisted as veteran, mustered out Dec. 16, 1865; Edward Stockton, June 15, 1861 ; Joseph Shepard, June 15, 1861, nothing known ; John Smith, lune 15, 1861, mustered out July 5, 1864; Jol-n Street, June 15, ]86i, re-enlisted as \e) ran, mustered out l^ec. 16, 1865, as corporal; Patrick Shan- non, June 15, 1861, discharged to re-enlist in 15th U. S. Infantry, Dec, 24, 1862; James Shepherd, June 22, 1861, re-enlisted as vet- eran, promoted to first lieutenant ; William 11. Stewart, June 2^. 18O1, nuistered out Dec. 16, 1865; Martin Tibbelt, June 15, 1861, mustered out June 30, 1864; John Tliute, June 21, 1 861, re-enlisted as veteran, mus- tered out Dec. 16, 1865 ; John L. Whitten. June 15, 1861. discharged Aug. 18, 1863, disability; Benjamin F. Witts, June 22, 1861, died Jan. 7, 1863, wounds; William If. Witts, June 24, 1861, mustered out July 7, 1864; Rudolph Zorger, June 22, 1861, died Jan. 7, 1863, wounds; George W. Stephens, rc-enlisted as veteran, mustered out Dec. 16, 1865. Recruits — John Cram, Oct. 12, 1861, died Nov. 10, 1862; John Eckart, Jan. 22, 1862, mustered out Jan. 28, 1865;' Martin Fitz- ])atrick, Oct., 1861, mustered out Feb. 2, 18^15; Taylor Florey, Oct. 12, 1861. mus- tered out April 27, 1*865 • Albert Fowkes, Oct. 12, 1861 ; Silas W. West, .\ug. 13, i8C)i. died Feb. i. 1862, disability. Company K. Captains— .\. .\1. Peterson. May 16, 1861, resigned Nov. 21, 1862; John L. Wilson, No\. 21. 1862, promoted to major; Sydney P>. Wade, July 18, 1865, mustered out Dec. iG, 1865. Second Lieutenant — John F. Weitzel, Jan. 31, 1863, killed at Chickamauga Sept. 19, 1863. Privates — Patrick S. Curtis, June 14, 1861 ; George M. Short, June 24, 1861, died March 25, 1863, of wounds. Unassigned — John Parrett. Dec. 19, 1863. TIIIRTV l-ll-Tll ILLINOIS INFANTRY. The Thirty-fiith Illinois Infantry was organized in Dec itur July 3, 1861, and ac- cepted 1)\' the secetary of war on the 23d of the month, witii G. A. Smith as colonel. The regiment left Decatur Aug. 4, arriving at Jefferson Parricks on the 5th ; thence to Marine Hospit.il at St. Louis; next to JeiTerson City, ]\lo., to Otterville and Se- dalia. where it joiiied General Siegcl's ad- vance on SpringfieM, reaching that place on the 26th, then to Rollo, returning to Spring- field, Feb. 13, 1862. Col. G. A. Smith was badly wounded in an engagement at Pea Ridge. This regiment took part at Rocky- ford Ridge. Resaca. Dallas, Mud Creek, Kenesaw, Perry ville Stone River and Chick- amauga ; was mustiTed out at Springfield, TIL, Sept. 27. 1864. Roster of Thiity-fifth Regiment. ( 'olonels — G. A. Smith, July 2. 1861, pro- moted brigadier general Sept, 19, 1862, dis- charged Sept. 22, 1863; W. B. Chandler, Sept. 22, 1863, term expired Sept. 27, 1864, was lieutenant colonel. PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 43 Major — John Mcllwain. July 3, 1861, killed at Kenesaw June 22, 1864. Adjutants — W. J. Usrey, Sept. i, 1861, re- signed April 15, 1862; Uriah Fox, April 15, 1862, resigned Nov. 17, 1863; Samuel W. Bird, Nov. 17, 1863, term expired Sept. 27, 1864. Quartermaster — John IM. Miles, July 3, 1861, term expired Sept. 27, 1864. Surgeons — W. J. Chenoweth, Sept. 25, 1861, resigned Dec. 14, 1862; S. B. Hawley, Dec. 9, 1862, term expired Sept. 27, 1864. First Assistant Surgeon- — D. C. Tidball, Sept. 25, 1861, term expired Sept. 27, 1864. Second Assistant Surgeon — Johnathan Wylie, Dec. 8, 1862, term expired Sept. 27, 1864. Chaplains — P. D. Hammond, July 3, 1861, resigned IMay, 1862; R. E. Harris, May 12, 1862, left at Florence, Ala., Aug. 18, 1862. Non-Commissioned Staff. Sergeant Major — George B. Peake, July 3, 1861, promoted second lieutenant, then captain of Company A. Hospital Steward — Joseph T. DeWatney, July 3, 1861, reduced and retired to Com- pany A. Musicians — Nevvlin B. Davis, July 3, 1861 ; Archibald JMonroe, July 3, 1861, pro- moted to prin. musician. Second Class Musicians — Joseph Rick- etts, July 3, 1 86 1. Company A. Cajjtains — B. M. Tables, July 3, 1861, re- signed Dec. 20, 1861 ; Pierre W. Thomas, Dec. 25, 1861, resigned Jan. 31, 1864; George B. Peake. Jan. 31, 1864, mustered out Sept. 27, 1864. First Lieutenant — George F. Deitz, Dec. 25, 1861, died July 8, 1863; John W. Peed, Jan. 31, 1864, term expired Sept. 27, 1864. Second Lieutenant — James Shoaf, July 3, 1861, resigned Feb. 3, 1862. Privates — Augusta Glotz, July 3, 1861, discharged Aug. 9, 1862, wounds; Conover Hatfield, July 3. 1861. discharged Dec. 12, 1861. disability; William C. Stewart, dis- charged June 15, 1862, disability; Andrew Stewart, July 3, 1861, mustered out Sept. 27, 1864, wounded; Joseph McMullen, July 3, 1861 ; John D. McFadden, July 3, 1861 ; John Hager, July 3, 1 861; Curtis Austin, July 3, 1861, transferred to 5gth Regiment; Frank Rea, July 3, i85i. Company F. N. L. F. Monroe, July 3, 1861, discharged March 24, 1863, disability. FORTY-FIRST ILLINOIS INFANTRY, ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. The P'orty-first Infantry, Illinois Volun- teers, was organized in Decatur, Illinois, in August, 1861, by Col. Isaac C. Pugh. The regiment went to St. Louis, Aug. 7, Bird's Point, Mo., on the 29th ; was assigned to the command of General Prentiss Sept. 8, moved to Paducah, Ky., where it was as- signed to Gen. B. F Smith ; Feb. 5, 1862, the regiment went to Ft. Henry, on the nth to Ft. Donelson, was engaged in the siege on the 13th, 14th ond 15th under Colonel McArthur. Reached Pittsburg Landing on the i6th ; engaged mi battle of Shiloh April 6 and 7, 1862, also s'^^ege of Corinth, arriving at Memphis July 11, staying here until Sept. 6, then to Bolivar, to LaGrange, Nov. 3, to Memphis, Tenn., March 10, 1863, next to Henando, Miss., h-td an engagement at Cold- water, thence retired to Memphis ; moved to Vicksburg May 12; finally consolidated with Fifty-third liegiment. Roster Forty -first Illinois Infantry. Adjutants — B. G. Pugh, Dec. 12, 1861, re- Colonel — I. C. Pugh, July 2^, 1861, mus- tered out Aug. i.'O, 1864. Lieutenant Colonels — Ansel Tupper, July 27, 1861, killed at Pittsburg Landing April fi, 1862; John Warner, April 8, 1862, dis- 'charged Nov. 26, 1862; John H. Nale, mus- tered out Aug. 2, 1864. 44 PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. Majors — F. M. Lung, killed in action July 12, 1863; R. H. McFadden, transferred to field staff as consolidated. Adjutants — 13. G. Pugh, Dec. 12, 1861, re- signed June 9, 1862; William Gillespie, mus- tered out Aug. 20, 1864. Quartermasters — H. C. Bradsby, July 27, 1861, resigned June 9, 1862; I. R. Pugh, Sept. 30, 1862, resigned Aug. i, 1863; John Bougliman, mustered out Aug. 20, 1864. Surgeons — William M. Gray, mustered out March 29, 1862; Charles Carle, mus- tered out Aug. 20, 1864. I'^irst Assistant Surgeons — George W'. .Short, July 27, 1861, resigned; O. M. War- moth, April 12, 1862, transferred to field staff as consolidated. Second Assistant Surgeon — John W. Coleman, Sept. 30, 1862, term expired 1866. Captains — John H. Kale, July 27, 1861, promoted; M. F. Kanan, April 8, 1862, transferred to Company A. First Lieutenants — George R. Steele, April 8, 1862, resigned Aug. 3, 1863; Roland Picll, April 8, 1862, promoted from second lieutenant, mustered out Aug. 20, 1864. Non-Commissioned Staff. Sergeant .Major — Bartlcy G. Pugh, Aug. 5, 1861, promoted adjutant. Quartermaster Sergeant — Alonzo Bur- gess, Aug. 5, 1861, mustered out Aug. 20, 1864. Hospital Ste\vard.s — John Luttrcll, Aug. 5, 1861, died ; James W. Routh, Aug. 5, 1861, mustered out Aug. 20, 1864, was corporal. First Sergeant — Lewis B. Morton, .Vug. 5, 1861, died at Paducah, Ky., Sept. 19, 1861. Sergeants — Roland Bell, Aug. 5, 1861, promoted second lieutenant ; Bryant Kel- sey, Aug. 5, 1861, died June 20, 1863, wounded; W. E. Winholtz, Aug. 5, 1861, mustered out Aug. 20, 1864, as first ser- geant, wounded ; David S. Morse, Aug. 5, 1861, died at Moscow, Tenn., Jan. 23, 1863. Corporals — William II. Hccocks, Aug. 5, 1861, killed at Jackson, Miss., July 12, 1863, was sergeant ; Moses A. Stare, Aug. 5, 1861 ; Henry C. Payne, Aug. 5, 1861, mustered out Aug. 20, 1864; H. M. Strever, Aug. 5, 1861, mustered out Aug. 20, 1864, as sergeant ; John W'. Shepard, Aug. 5, 1861, discharged Nov. 15, 1862; Fred O. Spooner, .Aug. 5, 1861, killed at Shiloh April 4, 1862; Horace W. Clark, Aug. 5, 1861. Privates — James W. Anderson, Aug. 5, 1861, mustered out Aug. 20, 1864; Robert Asher, Aug. 5, 1861, mustered cut Aug. 20, 1864; John Albert, Aug. 5, iS'ii, mustered out Aug. 20, 1864; James Bryant, Aug. 5, 1861, mustered out Aug. 20, 1864; John Boring, Aug. 5, 1861, mustered out -Aug. 20, 1864; ]\larion Beamcr, Aug. 5, 1861, mus- tered out Aug. 20j 1864; .'Vlonzo Burgess, Aug. 5, 1861, promoted quartermaster ser- geant; George W. Betzcr, Aug. 5, 1861, discharged Sept. 28, 1862, wounds; Albert Bell, Aug. 5, 1861, muslered out Aug. 20, 1864; Samuel W. Brindh man, Aug. 5, 1861, mustered out .Aug. 20, 1864; Samuel W. Bear, -Aug. 5, 1861, discharged Oct. 18, 1862, disability; Marion Biancet, Aug. 5, 1861, mustered out Aug. 2C, 1864; Latham Buck, Aug. 5, 1861, re-enliited as veteran, trans- ferred to Company A, veteran battalion ; Aaron Cole, Aug. 5, 1861, re-enlisted as veteran, wounded ; Henry Chambers, Aug. 5, 1861, discharged June 10, 1862, disability; Henry C. Colladay, .Aug. 5, 1861, discharged for disability; Chris Crandall, .Aug. 5, 1861, mustered out Aug. 20, 1864; Henry G. Clark, .Aug. 5, 1861, died November, 1861 ; L. L. Culver, Aug. 5, 1861, mustered out .Aug. 20, 1864; James S. Cox. .Aug. 5, 1861, killed at Shiloh April 6, 1862; J. B. Dren- nan, .\ug. 5, 1861, killed at Donelson Feb. 15. 1862; M. C. Dubois, Aug. 5, 1861, died at home Sept. 23, 1863, wounds; Elijah De- laiiey, Aug. 5, 1861, mustered out Aug. 20, 1864; George W. Davis, Aug. 5, 1861, mus- tered out Aug. 20, 1864; John M. Davis, -Aug. 15, 1861, discharged Nov. 24, 1861, PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 45 disability; J. W. Edmondson, Aug. 5, 1861, mustered out Aug. 20, 1864; Adam Ebord, Aug. 5, 1861, mustered out Aug. 20, 1864, wounded; Henry Fuller, Aug. 5, 1861 ; John Fike, Aug. 5, 1861, mustered out Aug. 20, 1864; Elijah B. Fenner, Aug. 5, 1861, mus- tered out Aug. 20, 1864; John L. Forin, Aug. 5, 1861, mustered out Aug. 20, 1864; Enoch D. Greene, Aug. 5, 1861, mustered out Aug. 20, 1864; Michael Giblin, Aug. 5, 1861 ; R. W. Classic, -A.ug. 5, 1861, mustered out Aug. 20, 1864; Richard Gathored, Aug. 5, 1861, mustered out Aug. 20, 1864; Will- iam H. Greene, Aug. 5, 1861, mustered out Aug. 20, 1864, corporal; John Hayes, Aug. 5, 1861, discharged Aug. 6, 1861, by writ of habeas corpus ; John R. Hull, Aug. 5, 1861, discharged April 8, 1863, as corporal, disability; James E. Hull, Aug. 5, 1861, died in enemies' hands, wounded ; Thomas J. Harter, Aug. 5, 1861, discharged Dec. 5, 1862, wounds ; Walter B. Huston, Aug. 5, 1861, mustered out Aug. 20, 1864; Norville Huston, Aug. 5, 1861, killed at Shiloh April 6, 1862; Thomas Hackney, Aug. 5, 1861, discharged Sept. 19, 1862, wounds; I. X. Jordan, Aug. 5, 1861, wounded at Shiloh, killed at Vicksburg, June 7, 1863; George Jimison, Aug. 5, 1861, captured, paroled ; Oscar A. Kelse, Aug. 5, 1861, wounded at Donelson, discharged Oct. 23, 1863, as cor- poral; Isaac W. Kile, Aug. 5, 1861, mustered out Aug. 20, 1864, as corporal ; J. W. Cumis- son, Aug. 5, 1861, mustered out Aug. 20, 1864; C. Longabaugh, Aug. 5, 1861, re-en- listed as veteran, transferred to Company A, veteran battalion; R. Longabaugh, Aug. 5, 1861, transferred to Inv. Corps, Sept. 15, 1863 ; William M. xMorlan, Aug. 5, 1861, dis- charged No. 7, 1862, wounds; George Man- derville, Aug. 5, 1861, mustered out Aug. 20, 1864; James W. Moore, Aug. 5, 1861, died at Paducah, Ky., Feb. 7, 1862; Hugh Mc- Donald, Aug. 5, 1861 ; J. M. Monohon, Aug. 5, 1861, died at Paducah, Ky., Dec. 28, 1861 ; William Parr, Aug. 5, 1861, mustered out Aug. 20, 1864, veteran battalion; Joseph Ray, Aug. 5, 1861, wounded at Shiloh, re-en- listed as veteran, transferred to Company A; Aaron Smick, Aug. 5, 1861, mustered out Aug. 20, 1864, sergeant, wounded ; James M. Sides, Aug. 5, 1861, mustered out Aug. 20, 1864; H. L. Stookey, Aug. 5, 1861, dis- charged Aug. 2, 1862, wounded ; William H. Stookey, Aug. 5, 1861, died at Alexandria, \"a., April 17, 1864; Thomas B. Strope, Aug. 5. 1 861, discharged April 27, 1862, disa- bilit}^ ; \^'illiam W. Smith, Aug. 5, 1861, dis- charged Sept. 19, 1862, wounds ; Michael Sweet, Aug. 5, 1861 ; Bartley G. Pugh, Aug. 5, 1861, promoted sergeant major and adju- tant; Daniel Senseman, Aug. 5, 1861, dis- charged Aug. 20, 1863, as corporal ; Will- iam H. Smith, Aug. 5, 1861, sergeant, died April 16, 1862, wounds ; William T. Short, Aug. 5, 1 861, discharged Feb. 27, 1863, dis- ability; David Spainhower, Aug. 5, 1861, discharged Sept. 18, 1862 ; James S. Stew- art, Aug. 5, 1861, mustered out Aug. 20, 1864, wounded ; James B. Troxel, Aug. 5, 1861, discharged Aug. 20, 1864, wounded; George E. Todd,. Aug. 5, 1861, discharged x\pril 7, 1862, disability; George Tuttle, Aug. 5, 1861, killed at Shiloh April 6, 1862; G. W. Thompson, Aug. 5, 1861, discharged Nov. 17, 1862, disability; S. H. Timmons, Aug. 5, 1861, mustered out Aug. 20, 1864; M. F. Timmons, Aug. 5, 1861, died at Natchez Oct. 20, 1863, wounds ; Alexander W. Tansy, Aug. 5, 1861, discharged Nov. 25, 1862, disability ; William D. Vaughn, Aug. 5, 1861, discharged Aug. 4, 1862, disability; W. H. Westcoat, Aug. 5, 1861, mustered out Aug. 20, 1864; John R. White, Aug. 5, 1861, re-enlisted as veteran, transferred to Com-' pany A, veteran battalion ; Andrew Will- iams, Aug. 5, 1861, transferred to invalid corps Sept. 15, 1863 ; John E. Williams, Aug. 5, 1861, died at Jackson, Tenn. ; Hiram R. Wilson, Aug. 5, 1861, discharged Aug. 2, 1862, wounds; John J. Ward, Aug. 5, 1861, mustered out Aug. 20, 1864; William H. 46 PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. W hilcscU, Aug. 5, 1861, mustered out Aug. 20, 1864. Recruits — James H. Grain, died at home Oct. 27, 1863; Joel Hull, mustered out Aug. 27, 1863 ; Samuel A. ^icDonald ; Kilburn H. Roby, mustered out Nov. 24, 1861, disabil- ity ; George B. Schroll, discharged Sept. 18, 1862, disability ; William Wheeler, Aug. 25, 1862. mustered out May 3, 1866. Company B. Captains — A. 13. Lee, July 27, 1861, re- signed Aug. II, 1863; John H. Davis, Aug. 15, 1863, term expired Aug. 20, 1864, was first lieutenant. First I-ieutenant — William H. Palnior, Aug. 15, 1863, transferred to Company B as consolidated. Second Lieutenant — Jackson IL Aldridge, July 27, 1861, died at Mound City ^March I, 1862. Private— John G. Good, Jan. 3, 1864, transferred to Company B, veteran battal- ion, transferred to Company G, 53(1 Regi- ment. Company E. Captains — John L. .Armstrong, July 27, 1861, died Dec. II. 1861; W. S. Oglesby, Dec. 12, 1861, killed in action April 6, 1862, first lieutenant; Oscar Strait, Sept. i, 1862, term expired Aug. 20, 1864. First Lieutenants — Robert Warnick, Dec. 12, 1861, relieved as second lieutenant Janu- ary, 1862; James A. Wilson, April 18, 1862, term expired Aug. 20, 1864. Second Lieutenants — James M. Taylor, Dec. 12, 1861, resigned April 26, 1862, was sergeant; S. R. Appleton, Sept. 30, 1862, re- signed Nov. 17, 1862; Joseph Catherwood, Nov. 18, 1862, term expired Aug. 20, 1864. Sergeants — Buckner H. Pasley, Aug. 5, 1861, mustered out Aug. 20, 1864; James A. Wilson, Aug. 5. 1861. mustered out Aug. 20, 1864; Joseph Yick, Aug. 5, 1861, died April 8, 1862, wounds. Corporals — AIIktI D. Rose, Aug. 3, i86t. discharged Sept. 6, 1862, disability; John H. Bennet, Aug. 5, 1861, discharged April 15, 1862; Oscar Strait, Aug. 5, 1861, pro- moted to sergeant, then captain ; James M. Stevens, Aug. 5, 1861, mustered out Aug. 20, 1864; Henry Stevens, Aug. 5, 1861, mus- tered out Aug. 20, 1864, as private; Harri- son Graham, Aug. 5, 1861, drowned, De- catur, June 19, 1862; James W. Burke, Aug. 5, 1861, discharged Oct. 9, 1862; Jacob Gra- ham, Aug. 5, 1861, killed at Shiloh April 6, 1862. Privates — T. J. Armstrong, Aug. 5, 1861, mustered out Aug. 20. 1864; Edmiston Austin, Aug. 5, 1861, mustered out Aug. 20, 1804; William D. Botts, Aug. 5, 1861, dis- charged Sept. 19, 1862, disability; Jesse R. Berry, Aug. 5, 1861, died Nov. 11, 1863, dis- ability; John P. Bassell, Aug. 5, 1861, dis- charged March 2, 1863, disability; William Bennett, Aug. 5, 1861, mustered out Aug. 20, 1864; William Blair, Aug. 5. 1861, re- enlisted as veteran, transferred to Company A, veteran battalion ; James Blair, Aug. 5, 1861 ; John Beshle, Aug. 5, 1861. died Aug. 6, 1862, wounds; Benjamin Berry, Aug. 5, 1861, sergeant, died at Keokuk July i, 1862; J. P. Brookshire, Aug. 5, 1861, discharged March 10, 1863, disability ; C. S. Barker, Aug. 5, 1861 ; Charles Bentley, Aug. 5, 1861, re-enlisted as veteran, transferred to Com- pany A, veteran battalion ; PL J. Brewing- ton, Aug. 5, 1861, re-enlisted as veteran, transferred to Company A. veteran battal- ion : Benjamin Clark, Aug. 5, 1861, in ina- rine service; Martin Clark, Aug. 5, 1861, mustered out .Aug. 20, 1864 ; Alexander Crouch, Aug. 5, 1861, re-enlisted as veteran, transferred to Company A, veteran battal- ion ; Pearson Carmean, Aug. 5, 1861, dis- charged Dec. 7, 1861, disability; David \l. Davis, Aug. 5, 1861, killed at Shiloh April 2, 1862; Edward Douglas, Aug. 5. 1861, re- enlisted as veteran ; Job A. Dillon, Aug. 5, 1861, mustered out Aug. 20, 1864; Robert Evans, Aug. 3. 1861, discharged June 19, PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 47 1862, disability; \\'illiam J. Graham, Aug. 5, i86i, died at Andersonville Aug. 2t,. 1864; Levi Griffee, Aug. 5, 1861. discharged Jan. 8, 1862, disability ; John Z. Gall, Aug. 5, 1861, .died at Albany, Ind., June 9, 1862; Henry Hemstead, Aug. 5, 1861 ; Thomas Herring, Aug. 5, 1861, sergeant, died July 18, 1862, disability; Henry Jostes, Aug. 5, i86i, mustered out Aug. 20, 1864; William Jostes, Aug. 5, 1861, mustered out Aug. 20, 1864: Da\id Jones, Aug. 5, 1861, discharged June 17, 1862, disability; \A'illiam Kir- baugh, Aug. 5, 1861, re-enlisted as veteran ; D. H. Krone, Aug. 5, 1861, re-enlisted as veteran: .'-^. Langdon, Aug. 5, 1861, died at Paducah. Ky., Dec. 2, 1861 ; James W. Long, .\ug. 5, 1861, died July i, 1863, wounds; James W. Little, Aug. 5, 1861, mustered out .\ug. 20, 1864; John Luttrell, Aug. 5, i8()i, died at Columbus, Ky., Dec. 4, 1862: James McOuality, Aug. 5, 1861, discharged Nov. 25, 1862, disability ; Perry Malone, Aug. 5, 1861, re-enlisted as vet- eran; Charles Nevins, Aug. 5, 1861; J. N. Nicholson, Aug. 5, 1861, mustered out Aug. 20, 1864; Henry C. Odor, Aug. 5, 1861, miss- ing since Feb. 10, 1862; Lewis Ordleb, Aug. 5, 1861 : George A. Peck, Aug. 5, 1861, ser- geant, died at Mound City March 8. 1862; Joseph A. Pasley, Aug. 5, 1861, mustered out Aug. 20, 1864 ; J\L L. Pasley, Aug. 5, 1861. died at Blue Mound, 111., Feb. 8, 1862; John Pope, Aug. 5, 1861, transferred to Inv. Corps Dec. i, 1863; John Read, Aug. 5. 1861, killed at Donelson Feb. 15, 1862; George W. Ralls, Aug. 5, 1861, mustered out Aug. 20, 1864; Thomas C. Philbrick, Aug. 5, 1861, transferred to Inv. Corps Nov. 10. 1862 ; James J. Pasley, Aug. 5, 1861, died at Paducah. Ky.. Dec. 4, 1861 ; William C. Rose. Aug. 5, 1861, died April 18, 1862, wounds; John Scott, Aug. 5, 1861, mustered out in field ; John .Shortel, Aug. 5, 1861 ; Joseph F. Stephens, Aug. 5, 1861, discharged Dec. 20, 1861, disability; George W. Stich, Aug. 5, 1861, killed at Shiloh April 4, 1862; IJenjamin P. Sinnard, .Vug. 5, 1861, dis- charged Feb. 14, 1863, disability ; Simon D. Smith, Aug. 5, 1861, discharged Sept. i, 1862, as corporal, disability; Charles Ul- mer, Aug. 5, i86i, mustered out Aug. 20, 1864; John Ward, Aug. 5, 1861, mustered out .A.ug. 5, 1861, mustered out Aug. 20, 18O4, as sergeant, wounded. Recruits — Alexander Allsbury, re-enlist- ed as veteran ; Aaron G. Green, mustered out Aug. 20, 1864, first sergeant; Patrick Murray, transferred to Company A, veteran battalion; James T. Purdue, Dec. 22, 1862, discharged Dec. 25, 1863, disability; F. M. Stevens, mustered out Aug. 20, 1864; John D. Stevens, mustered out Aug. 20, 1864, as sergeant; Joseph Smith, died at Memphis, Tenn.. April 3, 1863; Joseph L. Walker, Jan. 5. 1864, transferred to Company A, veteran battalion ; Andrew M. Wheeler, mustered out May 29, 1865 ; Charles Nevins, re-enlisted as veteran. Company F. Captains — David P. Brown, July 27, 1861, resigned March 28, 1862; J. C. Lewis, March 28, 1862, resigned Oct. 16, 1862, was first and second lieutenant ; Jesse F. Har- old, October 16, 1862, term expired Aug. 20. 1864, was first lieutenant. First Lieutenants — H. C. McCook, July 27, 1861, promoted to chaplain ; Henry Bevis, Oct. I, 1861, resigned Feb. 10, 1862; ^\■illiam H. Taylor, Oct. 16, 1862, term ex- pired Aug. 20, 1864, was second lieutenant. Second Lieutenant — Ed C. Sackett, Oct. 16, 1862, term expired Aug. 20, 1864. Privates — Solomon Petry, Aug. 20, 1861, mustered out Aug. 20, 1864; Levi H. Rouse, July 27, 1861, discharged May 5, 1862, disability; Henry Rogers, Aug. 7, 1861, re-enlisted as veteran, transferred to Company II, veteran battalion. Company G. Captains — Francis M. Lt)ng. July 27, 1861, promoted to major; Daniel K. Hall, Sept. 1, 48 PAST AXD PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 1862, pronioU-d b)- president May 26, 1864, was first liciiteiiant ; T. J. Anderson, May 2^, 1864, icnn expired Aug. 20, 1864, was second lieulenajit. First Lieutenants— John B. Butler, Sept. I, 1862, resigned June 18, 1863, was second lieutenant; Charles G. Young, May 27, 1864, term expired Aug. 20, 1864. Second Lieutenant — John C. Cox, July 27, 1861, died April 9, 1862, wounds at Pitts- burg Landing. Privates — William II. Ready, July 26, 1861. killed at Shiloli April 6, 1862; John W. Ready, Oct. 5, 1861, discharged Sept. 18, 1862, disability. Company H. Captains — H. Blackstone, July 27, 1861, resigned June 28, 1862; John H. Lluffner, Jan. 28, 1862, killed in battle April 6, 1862, was first lieutenant; Luther IL Wilber, .'\pril 7, 1862, died April 28, 1862, was first lieutenant; William F. Turney, April 29, 1862, term expired Aug. 20, 186^4, was sec- ond lieutenant. First Lieutenants — James S. Steen, July 27, 1861, resigned Dec. 21, 1861 ; D. M. Turney, April 29, 1862, term expired Aug. 20, 1864. Second Lieutenants — H. H. Hardy, Dec. 25, 1861, resigned ^lay 22, 1862; Chris Cor- neley, May 22, 1862, killed in action July 12, 1863. Privates — Patrick Kenny, Aug. 5, 1861, died of wounds received at Ft. Donelson ; Isaac R. Pugh, Aug. 5, 1861, promoted regi- mental quartermaster. Company I. Captains — Benjamin B. Bacon, July 27, 1861, resigned March 4, 1862; F. M. Green, March 5, 1862, term expired Aug. 20, 1864, was second lieutenant. First Lieutenants — R. R. Parrish, July 27, 1861, resigned Sept. 28, 1862, was second lieutenant; Leander Green, Nov. 5, 1862, term ex])ired Aug. 20, 1864, was second lieutenant. Second Lieutenant— P. J. Frederick, Sept. 28, 1864, term expired Aug. 20, 1864. Privates — John T. Carmon, Aug. 5, i86i, promoted to commissary sergeant Samuel E. Gross, Aug. 5, 1861, discharged Aug. 16, 1861 ; George Jacobs, Aug. 5, 1861, mus- tered out Aug. 20, 1864; Elijah Wells, Aug. 5, 1861, mustered out Aug. 20, 1864; Henry \\'hite, Aug. 5, 1861, died of wounds Sept. 13, 1862; Peter Welhouse, Aug. 5, 1861, mustered out .\ug. 20, 1864. \'eterans — Edward Conrad, Jan. 21, 1864, transferred to Company A, veteran battal- ion ; Benjamin F. Frazee, Dec. 18, 1863, transferred to veteran battalion ; James Jones, Jan. 5, 1864, transferred to veteran battalion; Henry Snyder, Dec. 18, 1863, transferred to veteran battalion ; William H. Smith, Dec. 18, 1863, transferred to vet- eran battalion ; Samuel Woodward, Feb. 10, 1864, transferred to veteran battalion; Joseph Davidson, April 5, 1864; Maxwell Gaines, Oct. 31, 1863; Daniel Stingley, Jan. 15, 1864; Alfred A. Shartzer, -Aug. 5, 1861, transferred to Company B, veteran battal- ion. SIXTY-THIRD ILLINOIS INFANTRY, VOLUNTEER REGIMENT. The Sixty-third Illinois Infantry was or- ganized at Camp Dubois Anna, Illinois, in December, 1861, by Colonel Francis Mors, and was mustered into service April 10, 1862. Was ordered to Cairo, April 27, to Henderson, Ky., July 12, returning to Cairo July 22, moved to Jackson, Tenn., August 4 ; was then assigned to Fourth Brigade, Seventh Division, Seventeenth Army Corps, under Colonel John D. Stephenson, Seventh Missouri Infantry, commanding brigadier and brigadier general. John A. Logan, commanding division, moved to LaGrange Nov. 10; on 28th moved against Pembcrton and back to LaGrange PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 49 Jan. i6, 1863. Ordered to Vicksburg, Aliss., May 10, 1863; did picket duty at Youngs Point until May 21 ; was then assigned to Mowers Brigade and moved to Millikin's Bend June 7. After an engagement at Rich- mond, La., returned to Young's Point, then to Vicksburg; July 5, 1863, moved to Helena, Ark.; to Memphis July 28; then toward Chickamauga ; to Bridgeport, .\la., Nov. 16; Chattanooga, Nov. 20; in battle at Mission Ridge Nov. 23 and 24, 1863 ; went into winter quarters at Huntsville, Ala., Dec. 26; ordered to Illinois on veteran's furlough April 3 ; returned to Huntsville May 21, 1864; moved to Kingston June 22; ordered to join General Sherman, arrived at Savannah Dec. 10, 1864; moved to Miles Station on Gulf Railroad, thence on a trip through the Carolinas, returning to Savan- nah ; engaged in battle of Bentonville, N. C, March 21 ; entered Goldsborough March 24, 1865 ; then to Raleigh ; April 29 moved from Raleigh to Richmond, arriving May 10; then to Alexandria ; took part in general review at Washington May 24 ; moved to Parkersburg on Ohio river ; thence to Louisville, Ky. ; were mustered out of ser- vice July 13, 1865, and departed for Camp Butler, III., reaching that point July 16, 1865. Roster Sixty-third Illinois Infantry. Colonels — Francis Moro, Dec. i, 1861, re- signed Sept. 29, 1862 ; Joseph B. McCown, Sept. 29, 1862, mustered out April 9, 1865, was lieutenant colonel ; James Isaminger, July 12, 1865, mustered out July 13, 1865, was lieutenant colonel. Lieutenant Colonel — Henry Glaze, Sept. 29, 1862, resigned June 30, 1863, was major. Majors — Joseph K. Lemen, Sept. 29, 1862, mustered out April 9, 1865 ; J. R. Stanford, June 14, 1865, mustered out July 7, 1865. Adjutants — C. S. Chambers, April 10, 1862, resigned Dec. 16, 1862; W. P. Richard- son. Dec. 16, 1862, mustered out April 9, 1865 ; Theodore Elfes, June 6, 1865, mus- tered out July 13, 1865. Quartermasters — John AL Maris, Febru- ary 28, 1862, mustered out April 9, 1865; Benjamin Robertson, June 6, 1865, mus- tered out July 13, 1865. Surgeons — William M. Gray, May 26, 1862, resigned Sept. 12, 1862; J. W. Mc- Kinney, Sept. 15, 1862, mustered out April 9, 1865 ; Ale.xander A. Lodge, June 6, 1865, mustered out July 13, 1865, was first assist- ant, also second assistant. First Assistant Surgeon — Lyman Hall, April 10, 1862, resigned Dec. 31, 1862. Chaplains — Stephen Blair, April 10, 1862, died ; John Glaze, Feb. 2, 1863, commission cancelled ; George Compton, May 22, 1863, mustered out July 13, 1865. Company H. Captains — S. G. Parker, April 10, 1862, honorably discharged July 14, 1863 ; John AI. Davis, July 14, 1863, discharged April 30, 1864, was first lieutenant ; George W. Ba.xter, July 12, 1863, mustered out July 12, 1865, was first lieutenant. First Lieutenants — Wilson F. Cox, July 14, 1863, mustered out May 24, 1865, was second lieutenant ; A. J. Bixler, July 12, 1863; mustered out July 13, 1865. Second Lieutenants — James Honselman, April 10, 1862, discharged Dec. 7, 1862; Thomas Abernethy, July 12, 1863, mustered out July 13, 1865. First Sergeant — Daniel D. Snider, Dec. 16, 1861. Sergeants — Wilson F. Cox, Dec. 16, 1861, promoted to first lieutenant; George W. Ba.xter, Dec. 16, 1861, re-enlisted as veteran; R. J. Freeman, Dec. 16, 1861, re-enlisted as veteran; James C. Mettlin, Dec. i, 1861, re- cnlisted as veteran. Corporals — Joseph McQuay, Dec. 16, 1861; J. M. B. Patterson, Dec. i, 1861 ; D. L. Dawson, Dec. 16, 1861, died Jackson, Tenn., Sept. 14, 1862; David Robinson. Dec. 50 PAST AND PRESENT OF >rACON COUNTY. i6, 1861, died Jackson, Teiin., Sept. 14, 18O.2 ; Samuel L. Kohr, Dec. 16, 1861, re-enlisted as veteran; V. 1'. Lawrence, Dec. 16, 1861, mustered out April 4, 1865; Joel Hill, Dec. 16, 1861 ; \V. H. Holmes, Dec. 16, 1861, dis- charged Nov. 14, 1862, disability. Wagoner — Absolom Rovve, Dec. lO, 18(11, discharged Nov. 14, 1862, disability. Privates — Daniel C. Ayers, Dec. 16, 1861, re-enlisted as veteran, mustered out July 13, 1865; S. A. Armstrong, Dec. 16, 1861, died at Cairo May 12, 1862; Josiah Abbott, Dec. 16, 1861, mustered out July 13, 1865; Thomas Abernethy, Dec. Kn 1861, re-en- listed as veteran, mustered out Jul\ 13. 1865, as sergeant; Levi Alsbury, Dec. 16, 1861, re-enlisted as veteran; William H. Barnes, Dec. 16, 1861, re-enlisted as veteran : .Vlonzo Brockway, Dec. 16, 1861, re-enlisted as vet- eran ; D. L. Brockway, Dec. 16, 1861, dis- charged Nov. 14, 1862, disability; A. J. Bix- ler, Dec. 16. 1861, re-enlisted as veteran, mustered out July 13, 1865, as first lieuten- ant; Franklin Bruce, Dec. 16, 1861, mustered out May 31, 1865; Godfrey Brower, Dec. 16, 1861 ; John S. Bozarth, Dec. 16, 1861, re-enlisted as veteran, mustered out July 13, 1865; George Burcli, Dec. 16. 1861, re-en- listed as veteran, mustered out July 13, 1865; Jacob Barnhardt, Dec. 16, 1861, died at .Anna. 111., Ajiril ij, 1862; Samuel Beaty, Dec. 16, 1861, discharged June 28, 1864; Eli Crawford, Dec. 16, 1861 : William Craw- ford, Dec. 16, 1861. re-enlisted as veteran, mustered out July 15, 1865; Smith Craw- ford, Dec. 16, 1861, discharged Nov. 14, 1862, disability; S. M. Culver, Dec. 16, 1861, mustered out April 9, 1865; S. D. Campbell, Dec. 16, 1861, died at Nashville, Tenn., Jan. 3, 1864; A. Cadwallader, Dec. 16, 1861, re- enlisted as veteran, mustered out July 13, 1865; George Church, Dec. 16, i86i ; Simon Cline, Dec. 16, 1861, discharged Nov. 14, 1862, disability: William H. Crigler, Dec. 16. 1861 ; J. L. Doolcn, Dec. 16, 1861 ; Rich- ard Day, Dec. 16, i86i, mustered out .April 9. i''^''5: Josiuia Earls, Dec. 16, i8()i, dis- charged Se])t. 19, i8(>2, disability; Booker Earls, Dec. 16, 1861, re-enlisted as veteran; John J. Ebbert, Dec. 16, 1861 ; William C. Ford, Dec. 16, 1861, re-enlisted as veteran, Jdhn 1-laherty, Dec. 16, 1861 ; John Harri- gan, Dec. 16, 1861, re-enlisted at veteran, mustered out July 12, 1865; Michael Holly, Dec. i(), i86i ; Jesse Harman, Dec. 16, 1861, re-enlisted as veteran ; John Hogan, Dec. 16, 1861, re-enlisted as veteran, mustered out July 15, 1865; James H. Jones, Dec. 16, 1861 ; ^lytcr Linch. Dec. 16, 1861, mustered out April 9, 1865; John LaCost, Dec. 16, 1861 ; mustered out July 13, 1865; .\ndrew Lord, Dec. 16, 1861, mustered out .\pril 9, 1865; B. Middleton, Dec. 16, 1861; John A'loore, Dec. 16, 1861 ; Samuel Morgan, Dec. 16, 1861; H. McWilliams, Dec. 16, 1861 ; William Newton, Dec. 16, 1861, mustered out A])ril II, 1865; Phineas Piatt, Dec. 16, 1861 ; William Ouerrey, Dec. 16, 1861, re- enlisted as veteran, mustered out July 15, 1865; Joseph Roberts, Dec. 16, 1861; .Andrew Sparling, Dec. 16. 1861 ; Joseph Sheets, Dec. 16, 1861 ; Isaiah Sheets, Dec. 16, 1861 ; James Smith, Dec. 16, 1861 ; George Smith, Dec. 16, 1861, died at Mound City May 20, 1862 ; Isaac Sparlin, Dec. 16, 1861, re-enlisted as veteran, mustered out July 13, 1865; Jacob Schreck, Dec. 16, 1861, re-enlisted as veteran ; Oren S. Sullivan, Dec. 16, 1861. re-enlisted as veteran, mus- tered out July 13, 1865; Charles F". L'mbert, Dec. 16, )86i, re-enlisted as veteran; Sin- clair Wimmer, Dec. 16, 1861, mustered out -April 9, 1865; W. .\. Wil.son. Dec. 16, 1861, discharged July 19, 1862, disability; John B. Wilson, Dec. 16, 1861, mustered out April 9, 1865; Harrison \\ right. Dec. 16, 1861, re- enlisted as veteran, mustered out July 13, 1865: Joel Watkins. Dec. 16. 1861 ; Eli ^^'alkcr. Dec. I'l, 1861 ; Lsaac Weiver, Dec. 16, 1861, re-enlisted as veteran; Thomas ^^'aggoner, Dec. 16. 1861 ; R. W^aggoner, Dec. iT), 1861 ; George Young, Dec. 16, 1861, PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 51 discharged July 2^. 1862; James B. Young, re-enlisted as veteran. Recruits — Isaiah Abbott, Dec. 16, 1861, mustered out July 13, 1865; Harmon Beach, Feb. 2y, 1864, mustered out July 13, 1865 ; Allen Davis, Feb. 2y, 1864, mustered out July 13, 1865. ONE HUNDRED FIFTEENTH ILLI- NOIS INFANTRY, ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. The regiment left Camp Butler Oct. 4, 1862; reported at Cincinnati Oct. 6, crossed into Kentucky and reported to Brigadier- General A. J. Smith ;• was assigned to the second brigade, second division, of the Army of Kentucky ; then went to Rich- mond, Ky., remaining there two months ; Dec. 21 reached Danville, Ky., next Louis- ville, then Nashville, going into camp at Franklin. Under Baird and Atkins they helped to drive VanDorn across Duck river, afterward returning to camp, where they remained until June i, 1863; next went to Triune. Tenn., and on the 24th of June, with Army of the Cumberland, drove Gen- eral Bragg across the Tennessee river ; went into camp at Tullahoma ; after march- ing toward Chattanooga across the Cum- berland mountains to Rossville, Ga., they engaged the enemy at Chickamauga on the 19th and 20th of September ; five from Macon county lost their lives in this battle ; next marched against Dalton, Ga., then re- turned to camp near Cleveland, Tenn., where they remained until May 3, when they joined Sherman's army on the At- lanta campaign. This regiment led the charge at Tunnel Hill, Ga., and on May 15 and 16, 1864, en- gaged in battle at Resaca, Ga. ; in Noverri- ber and December, 1864, the regiment took an active part in the engagements which resulted in the destruction of Bragg's old veteran army, known as the Army of the Tennessee, commanded by General Hood. The 115th was for nearly two years a part of the "Iron Brigade;" Col. J. H. Moore, of the 115th Illinois,' was in command of this brigade, of which the 115th was a part, on the 23d of December, 1864, while following Hood from Nashville. He remained com- mander until the regiment was mustered out at the close of the war. The regiment went into camp at Huntsville, Ala., Jan. 6, 1865. On March 14 moved into East Ten- nessee, then to Nashville, where it was mus- tered out of service at the close of the war, June II, 1865. On June 16 arrived at Camp Butler, 111., where it was discharged June 2^. ONE HUNDRED FIFTEENTH ILLI- NOIS INFANTRY, ROSTER. Colonel — Jesse H. Moore, Sept. 13, 1862, promoted brigadier general May 15, 1865, mustered out June 11, 1865. Lieutenant Colonels — \N'illiani Kinman, Sept. 13, 1862, killed in battle Sept. 20, 1863 ; George A. Poteet, Sept. 20, 1863, mustered out June II, 1865, was major. Major — J. W. Laphan, Sept. 20, 1863, mustered out June 11, 1865, was captain of Company A. Adjutants — John H. Woods, Sept. 13, 1862, resigned April 10, 1863; A. Lichten- berger, April 10, 1863, resigned Oct. 26, 1863; W. W. Peddecord, Oct. 26, 1863, mustered out June 11, 1865. Quartermasters — B. F. Farley, Sept. 13, 1862, resigned April I, 1863; Charles W. Jerome, April i, 1863, mustered out June 11, 1865. Surgeons — Enoch W. Moore, Oct. 4, 1862, resigned April 7, 1863 ; Charles W. Higgins, June 8, 1863, declined commission ; Garner H. Banc, June 17, 1S63, mustered out June II, 1865. First Assistant Surgeons — N. G. Blalock, Sept. 13, 1862, resigned July 27, 1863 ; Clark E. Loomis, Aug. 17, 1864, mustered out June II, 1865. Second Assistant Surgeon — James A.. 0'2 PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. Jones, Oct. 3, 1862, murdered by guerrillas at Tunnel Hill, Ga., June 11, 1864. Chaplains — Arthur Bradshaw, Sept. 23, 1862, resigned Dec. 30, 1862; Richard Hold- ing, Jan. I, 1863, declined commission; Will- iam S. Crissey, July 20, 1863, mustered out June II, 1865. Company A. Captain — Jesse Hannun, Sept. 20, 1863, ]3romoted major, mustered out June 11, 1865, was first and second lieutenant. First Lieutenants — A. C. Bankson, Sept. 13, 1862, resigned Dec. 30, 1862; Joseph B. Gore, Sept. 20, 1863, mustered out June 11, 1863, was second lieutenant. Private in Company B — William Reese, \ug. II. 1862. died at Nashville, Tenn., Oct. 12, 1863, wounds. Company E. Captains— John M. Lane, Sept. 13, 1862, resigned May 11, 1863; James A. Whitaker, May II, 1863, mustered out June 11, 1865, was first lieutenant. First Lieutenants — David S. Moffett, Sept. 15, 1862, resigned March 3, 1863; Jesse F. Hedges, May 11, 1863, mustered out June II, 1865, was second lieutenant. Second Lieutenants — Adam C. Allison, Sept. 13, 1862, resigned Feb. 28, 1863; L H. C. Royse, May 11, 1863, mustered out June IT, 1865, was second lieutenant. Privates— F. M. Abrams, Aug. 13, 1862, mustered out June 11, 1865; J. A. Arm- strong, Aug. 13, 1862, mustered out June 11, 1865; M. S. Arriistrong, Aug. 13, 1862, died at Nashville, Tenn., Sept. 3, 1863; M. J. .'\shmead, Aug. 15, 1862, killed at Chicka- mauga, Sept. 20, 1863; John Ansler, Aug. 22, 1862, discharged June 20, 1863, disa- bility; Alexander Biddle, Aug. 22, 1862, transferred to V. R. C. April 30, 1864; John M. Breeden, Aug. 13, 1862, discharged Jan. 5. 1863, disability; C. M. Breeden, Aug. 13, 1862, mustered out June 11, 1865, as cor- poral; John A. Barnes, Aug. 13, 1862, mus- tered out June II, 1865, as corporal; Robert Bivens, Aug. 15, 1862, discharged March 23, 1865, wounds; D. T. Clements, Aug. 13, 1862, missing in action Sept. 20, 1863 ; M. H. Clements, Aug. 15, 1862, discharged Dec. 14, 1862, disabilities; Philip Clements, Aug. 13, 1862, mustered out June 11, 1865, as corporal; E. T. Clements, .Vug. 13, 1862, mustered out June 11, 1865, as sergeant; James Cumniings, Aug. 11, 1862, absent, sick at muster out; J. 11. Cummings, Aug. 22, 1862, mustered out June 11, 1865; G. W. Crocks, Aug. 11, 1862, died in Christian county, 111., Nov. 6, 1862; John Crafton, Aug. 22, 1862, died at Nashville, Tenn., March 4, 1863; A. C. Douglas, Aug. 13, 1862, promoted to hospital steward ; John O. Dar- ner, .Vug. 15, 1862, discharged May 15, 1865, wounds; William C. Darner, Aug. 15, 1862, mustered out July i, 1865, was prisoner; A. H. De.-Vtley, Aug. 13, 1862, died at Nash- ville, Tenn., March 3, 1863; David H. Gay, Aug. 13. 1862, discharged April 13, 1863, disability: James L. Hight, Aug. 13, 1862, corporal, transferred to V. R. C. April 3, 1864; Jesse T. Hedges, Aug. 13, 1863, first sergeant, promoted to second lieutenant 1863; James Johnson, Aug. 11, 1862, cor- poral, killed at Chickamauga Sept. 20; James C. Jacobs. Aug. 22, 1862, mustered out June II, 1865; W. A. Markwell, Aug. 13, 1862, mustered out June 11, 1865; John W. Meyers, .'Vug. 15, 1862, mustered out June II, 1865; James M. Martin, Aug. 13, 1862, mustered out June 11, 1865; Zach- ariah Pope, Aug. 13, 1862, died at Lexing- ton, Ky., Nov. 10, 1862; James M. Pope, Aug. 13, 1862, died at Danville, Ky., Dec. 31, 1862; Samuel \\^ Quick, Aug. 13, 1862, mustered out June 11, 1865; James H. Rob- erson, Aug. 13, 1862, transferred to engi- neer's corps .\ug. II, 1864; Henry Ruby, Aug. 13, 1862, killed at Chickamauga Sept. 20, 1863; John V. Rose, .A.ug. 13, 1862, died Rcsaca, Ga., May 20, 1864; James A. Ruby. PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 53 Aug. 13, 1862, mustered out June 11, 1865; Samuel Rugh, Aug. 13, 1862, mustered out June II, 1865; Newell Wood, Aug. 13, 1862, mustered out June 11, 1865; Levi White, Aug. 13, 1862, discharged Aug. 6, 1863, dis- ability ; G. A. Waterman, Aug. 13, 1862. Recruits — Joseph A. DeAtley, Jan. 22, 1863, transferred to Co. A, 21st III. Inf.; W'illiam F. Elder, Jan. 28, 1863, discharged Jan. 2. 1865, wovmds ; John Hugle, died, Nashville, Tenn., Sept. 14, 1863. Company A. Captains — F.L.Hayes, Sept. 13, 1862, pro- moted by President to major and paymaster April 6, 1864 ; Charles Griffith, April 7, 1864, mustered out June 11, 1864. First Lieutenant — James Smith, Sept. 13, 1862, resigned Feb. 6, 1863; Mat. Free- man, Feb. 6, 1863, discharged March 30, 1863, was first lieutenant; William F. Slo- cum, March 30, 1863, resigned Nov. 28, 1863, was first lieutenant; Jacob Porter, Nov. 28, 1863, killed May 16, 1864; Gordon W. Mills, J\Iay 15, 1864, resigned Feb. 14, 1865; C. C. McComas, March 13, 1865, mustered out June 11, 1865. Second Lieutenant — David Reed, March 30, 1863, died Sept. 27, 1863, wounds. Privates — James F. Carter, Aug. 7, 1862, mustered out July 12, 1865; Alexander Lu- trell, Aug. 12, 1862, killed, Chickamauga, Sept. 30, 1863; Charles Goodman, Aug. 16, 1862, mustered out June 11, 1865; Ed- ward Moore, August 18, 1862, discharged Aug. 16, 1863, disability; J. D. Sanderson, Aug. 21, 1862, mustered out June 11, 1865; Andrew Cline, Aug. 6, 1862, discharged June 30, 1863, disability ; William L. Chew, Aug. 13, 1863, discharged April i, 1863; G. C. Freeland, Aug. 12, 1862, mustered out June II, 1865, as corporal; Abraham M. Garver, Aug. 14, 1862, mustered out June 11, 1865; C. M. Imboden, Aug. 6, 1862, discharged Feb. 9, 1864, wounds ; Elias Kramer, Aug. 6, 1862, disabled Oct. 4, 1862, and dis- charged; Andrew Kepler, Aug. 11, 1862, mustered out June 11, 1865; I. S. Kaufman, Aug. 12, 1862, mustered out June 11, 1865, as corporal; M. S. Kaufman, Aug. 11, 1862, mustered out June 11, 1865, as corporal; William H. Kolp, Aug., 1862, promoted principal musician ; Theodore Lutrell, Aug. 6, 1862, discharged Dec. 16, 1863, disability; Albert Moore, Aug. 6, 1862, mustered out June II, 1865, sergeant; James W. Mere- dith, Aug. 7, 1862, mustered out June 11, 1865; C. E. Oglesby, Aug. 11, 1862, mus- tered out June II, 1865; John Priest, Sept. 6, 1862, mustered out June 11, 1865; Will- iam ^^^ Pierce, Aug. 11, 1862, mustered out June II, 1865, as sergeant; G. L. Roe, Aug. II. 1862, died at Franklin, Tenn., April 6, 1863; Joseph Ross, Aug. 15, 1862, dis- charged April 14, 1863, disability ; Richard J. Roberts, Aug. 9, 1862, discharged Jan. 22, 1863, disability; Alfred Shively, Aug. II, 1862, killed at Chickamauga, Sept. 20, 1863, was sergeant; Richard W. Shull, Aug. II, 1862, mustered out June 11, 1865. Company H. Captains — Henry J'ratt. Sept. 13, 1862, resigned April 16, 1863 ; J. O. Reardon, April 24, 1863, mustered out June 11, 1865, was first and second lieutenant. First Lieutenants — Silas Parker, Sept. 13, 1862, resigned March 12, 1863; Joseph J. Slaughter, April 24, 1863, mustered out June 11, 1865. Second Lieutenant — S. R. Hatfield, March 12, 1863, mustered out June 11, 1865. Privates — Alvis H. Boze, Aug. 15, 1862, discharged March 31, 1863, disability; A. Lizenberger, July 6, 1862, promoted com- missary sergeant ; W. W. Peddecord, Aug. 5, 1862, promoted sergeant major ; John Ouinlan, Aug. 7, 1862, discharged March 20, 1863, disability; W. H. Weatherford, Aug. 13, 1862, mustered out June 11, 1865, as cor- poral. 54 PAST AXD PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. Company K. Captains — James Steele, Sept. 13, 1862, discharged March 3, 1863; Alanson Pierce, March 3. 1863, resigned Sept. 24, 1864; PhiHp Rilcy, Sept. 24, 1864, mustered out June 11, 1865, was first and second lieuten- ant. First Lieutenants — Sylvester Bailey, Sept. 13, 1862, resigned Dec. 28, 1863; Samuel Alexander, Sept. 24, 1864, nuislered out June II, 1865. Private — J. W. Throckmorton ONE HUNDRED SIXTEENTH ILLI- NOIS INFANTRY, ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. The One Hundred Sixteenth Illinois In- fantry Regiment was made up principally from Macon county. About the middle of August, 1862, the company began to go into camp in the l*"air (Iround near Decatur. They were sworn into service September the 6th, but as ranks were ntit full were onh' mustered as a battalion ; w ere mus- tered as a regiment Sept. 30. They left Decatur Nov. 8, arriving at Cairo next day, left same day for Memphis where the)' re- mained until Nov. 26. In the mean- time the Fifteenth Army Corps was organ- ized under command of \V. T. Sherman and assigned to First ISrigacle, Second Division. This division was under connnand of Major (jeneral Morgan L. Smith, the brigade connnander being ( ieneral Giles A. .Smith. Tallahatchie was reached on Dec. 13; started down the Mississippi on 20th; entered Yazoo river the 26th, and landed fifteen miles above the mouth of the Yazoo ri\-er. The first engagement of the regi- ment was the battle of Chickamauga which began on the 27th and continued until the 30th. On the first of the new year they passed down the Yazoo, sailed uj) the Miss- issippi and Arkansas rivers to Arkansas Post where was fought the second battle Jan. 10 and 11. Landed at Young's Point, La., opposite \'icksburg on 22(1. During winter attempted by various means to get aroum! X'icksburg; crossed the river in the spring near Port (iibson: were under fire at IJlack river and Champion Hills and engaged in the charges on works in rear of X'icksburg, ]\[ay 18 and 22, and were pres- ent when Yicksburg surrendered on the 4th lit July. Ne.Kt morning started after (jeneral John- ston who was near Black river, fol- lowed him to Jackson, Miss., where he took refuge, after several engagements drove him beyond Pearl river. July 25 went into camp near Black river, this camp was called Camp -Sherman. The regiment stayed here until October then moved to Vicksburg, sailed to Memphis; then went to Corinth; marched to Chattanooga, reached latter place Nov. 21. At night on Nov. 23 the ii6th, together with the 6th Missouri, got into pontoon boats, floated down the Tennessee river and landed at mouth of Chickamauga creek a short distance from the enemy's entrenchments on Missionary Ridge, keep- ing this position until the remainder of the corps arrived, then captured all of Bragg's |)ickets., marched to foot of ridge on even- ing of 24th. were in skirmish in which (ieneral (liles A. Smith was wounded at whicli the command devolved upon Colonel Tupper. X\'as present at storming of .Missionary Ridge on 25th. The regiment was then marched to the relief of Kno.xville and moved constantly until Jan. 9, 1864, when it went into winter cpiarters at Likinsville, Ala. ; remained here until May 16, then took part in the charge and capture of Re- saca, was at battle of Dallas, May 25 to 28; at Big Shanty; then at Kenesaw Mount- ain, June 2"] : crossed the Chattahoochie and fought battle of .Stone Mountain, drove the enemy close to Atlanta re-capturing the works, after the enemy had taken them from us in the battle of June 22. Fought PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 55 battle of Ezra Chapel on 28th of- June, in which enemy was defeated and driven back ; moved on toward Atlanta ; Aug. 3, en- gaged in the siege of Atlanta fighting the closing battle of the siege at Jonesboro, Aug. 14. After which went into camp at Atlanta until ordered to break camp and begin Sherman's march to the sea. Aided in capture of Ft. Mcx\llister, Dec. 13. Regi- ment entered Savanah Dec. 21, where it went into camp ; next sailed for Beaufort, 5. C. ; marched to Pocatalaga ; fought bat- tle; going on to Columbia, burned the latter city and went into camp : moved from here to Bentonville, N. C where was fought a severe battle; went into camp then moved to Raleigh which surrendered ; ordered from here to Washington where it camped until sent home and mustered out June 7, 1865. One Hundred Sixteenth Regiment Roster. Colonels — N. \\'. Tupper, Sept. 30, 1862, died at Decatur, March 10, 1864; John E. ]\Iaddo.x, June 7, 1864, mustered out June 7. 1865, was lieutenant colonel. Lieutenant Colonels — J. P. Boyd, Sept. 6, 1862, resigned Jan. 28, 1864; Anderson Froman, Jan. 28. 1864, died June 15, 1864, was major; John S. Windsor, May 15, 1865, mustered out June 7, 1865, was major. Major — Austin McClurg, Jan. 28, 1864, resigned Sept. 26, 1864; Nicholas Ge- schwind, June 7, 1864, mustered out June 7, 1865, was corporal Co F. Adjutants — Charles H. ]<'uller, Sept. 30, 1862, resigned June 27, 1863; \A'illiam E. Crissey, June 27, 1863, discharged Jan. 30, 1865; Myron Holcomb, Jan. 30, 1865, mus- tered out June 7, 1865. Quartermasters — Lyman King, Sept. 3, 1862, resigned March 2, 1863; Charles F. Emery, March 2, 1862, promoted by Presi- dent, January 9, 1864; John H. Porter, Jan. 9, 1864, mustered out June 7, 1865. Surgeon — Ira N. Barnes, March 26, 1863, mustered out June 7, 1865. First Assistant Surgeon — J. A. Heckle- man, Sept. 17, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865. Second Assistant Surgeon — J. A. W. Hos- tetler, Oct. i, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865. Chaplain — N. .M. Baker, Sept. 30, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865. Non-Commissioned Staff. Sergeant Major — R. C. Crocker, Aug. 7, 1862, transferred to Co. D ; Myron Hol- comb, Aug. 2, 1862, promoted adjutant; Thomas J. Ward, Aug. 9, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865, was prisoner. Quartermaster Sergeants — John J. Porter, promoted regimental c|iiartermaster ; Allen F. Hopkins, Aug. 9, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865. Commissary Sergeant — \^'illiam E. Cris- sey, Aug. 9, 1862, promoted to adjutant; I. D. Jennings, Aug. 7, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865. Hospital Steward — Edward Lukens, Aug. 13, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865. Musicians — Martin L. Barrett, Aug. 14, 1862, prin. musician, nuistered out June 7, 1865 ; Francis Flennebry, Aug. 7, 1862, prin. musician, nwstered out June 7, 1865. Company A. Captains — W. J. Brown, Sept. 6, 1862, re- signed April 20, 1863; (lustin F. Hardy, April 20, 1863, died June 12, 1863, was sec- ond lieutenant: \Villiam Grason, June 12, 1863, mustered out June 7, 1865, was first lieutenant. First Lieutenants — John B. Purdue, Sept. 6, 1862, died March 27, 1863; J. L. Shella- barger, June 12, 1863, mustered out June 7, 1865, was second lieutenant. Second Lieutenant — James Boswell, June 7, 1863, mustered out June 7, 1865. Sergeant — James Boswell, July 26, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865 ; A. C. Stephens, 50 PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. Aug. 4, 1862, imistcrcd out June 7, 1865; George R. Farrow, Aug. 4, 1862. Corporals — W. R. Harrington, Aug. 9, 1862, discharged Feb. 26, 1863, disability; Jerome A. Cox, Aug. 8, 1862, mustered out May 20, 1865; James Stine, Aug. 6, 1862, discharged Feb. 2, 1865, was sergeant; James Eads, Aug. 6, 1862, mustered out June 7, 18G5 ; Samuel Beaty, Aug. 6, 1862, killed at Yicksburg May 19, 1863; William M. Purdue, Aug. 4, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865. Musicians — James H. Widick, Aug. 6, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865 '• George W. Lyons, Aug. 7, 1862. Wagoner — William M. Steel, Aug. 4, 1862, discharged March 4, 1863, disability. Privates — Monathan Agan, Aug. 8, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865; Elisha Allen, Aug. 2, 1862, died, wounds received at Ar- kansas Post January 11, 1863; Alexander H. Balch, July 26, 1862, died at Van Buren, Ark., June i, 1863; William Bear, Aug. 6, 1862, died at Young's Point March 5, 1863; Henry C. Bear, Aug. 9, 1862, absent, wounded at mustering out of regiment ; Jacob E. Bcamer, Aug. 21, 1862, died at Memphis Sept. 23. 1863; George Bilby, Aug. 14, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865; Daniel Bowen, Aug. 9, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865; William Bowdle, Aug. 6, 1862, mustered out Dec. 21, 1864, wounds; Solomon E. Bowman, Aug. 6, 1862, trans- ferred to V. R. C. Jan. 10. 1865; Eli Brack- ney, Aug. 4, 1862 ; Wesley M. Brown, Aug. 6, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865; Thomas W. Brown, Aug. 13, 1862, transferred to invalid corps Aug. 8, 1863; Hardin Bundy, Aug. 9, 1862, died at Benton Barracks, July 17, 1863: Thomas F. Burke, Aug. 6, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865, as sergeant; Albert Calk, Aug. 9. 1862, died in An- dersonvillc prison April 9. 1865; .\lonzo Cheek. July 26, 1862, died at Young's Point, La. : George W. Davis, Aug. 2, 1862, sergeant, killed at Atlanta. Ga., July 22', 1804 : Michael (ireen, -Aug. 6, 1862, mus- tered out June 7, 1865; William Glaze, July 26, 1862, absent, sick at mustering out ; Nathaniel Guflfy, Aug. 6, 1862, absent, sick at mustering out; Jacob Guflfy, Aug. 14, 1862, transferred to invalid corps Aug. 16, 1863; William Hickman, Aug. 6, 1892, mus- tered .out June 7, 1865, as corporal ; J. H. Hollandsworth, Aug. 6, 1862, died at Young's Point April 19, 1863 ; John House- man, Aug. 6, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865; Nelson Houseman, Aug. 21, 1862, ab- sent, sick at mustering out ; William Houseman, Aug. 6, 1862, transferred to V. R. C. -Aug. 10, 1864; James T. Jabine, Aug. 12. 1862, mustered (nit June 7, 1865, as corporal; T. M. Littleton, Aug. 26, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865; James Long, Aug. 6, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865; Thomas M. Long, Aug. 14, 1862, transferred to invalid coriis Sept. I, 1863; Andrew McKce, -Aug. 7, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865 ; Horace Mackey, -Aug. 8, 1862, mus- tered out June 26. 1865; Samuel D. Marsh, Aug. 22, 1862, died at St. Louis, April 29, 1863 ; J. A. Michncr, .\ug. 6, 1862, died. Camp Butler, Til.. Jan. 4. 1864; Daniel Mill- er, .\ug. 24, 1862, died, Young's Point March 4, 1863 ; Lewis Morris, Aug. 5, 1862, ser- geant, wounded, transferred to invalid corps Feb. 15, 1864; William T. Morris, Aug. 8, 1862, died. Marietta, (ia., wounds, Aug. 3, 1863; Charles McCurdy, Aug. 7, 1862, died at Memphis June 26, 1863; Samuel Nelson, July 30, 1862. discharged March 16, 1863, disability; John J. Neyhard. .Aug. 6, 1862, mustered out July 7, 1865; John W. Nich- ols, Aug. 6, 1862, discharged Feb. 6, 1864, wounds; Joel F. Purdue, Aug. 9, 1862, ab- sent, sick, at mustering out ; Moses B. Page, Aug. 21, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1-865; John Peck, Aug. 2T, 1862, sergeant, died at home Sept. 28, 1863; Jacob Peck, July 24, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865 ; Arthur Pasley, Aug. 6, 1862, transferred to Liv. corps, Dec. i, 1863; Joseph V. Palmer. .Aug. PAST AND PRESENT OF iMACON COUNTY, 57 8, 1862, died June 4, 1863, wounded ; John H. Porter, Aug. 20, 1862. promoted quarter- inaster sergeant ; \\'illiam J. Reason, Aug. 6, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865; Henry '\\. Rimmell. Aug. 9. 1862, died, ^lemphis, 'lenn., January i, 1863; John M. Ritter, Aug. II, 1802, mustered out June 7. 1865, sergeant ; Ehjah T. Rose, Aug. 7, 1862, died May 22, 1863, wounded at siege of Vicks- burg; Charles W. Rundle, Aug. 6, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865 ; John W. Rogers, Aug. 6, 1862, killed, Kingston N. C, March 8, 1865 : F. W. Scheer, Aug. 23, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865: John R. Skinner, Aug. 6, 1862, discharged .Sept. 16, 1863, wounds; Nelson Stafford, Aug. 6, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865 ; David Stapp, Aug. 6, 1862, died, Lawson Hos- pital, ;\Iay 5, 1863; Thomas C. Stewart, Aug. 6, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865, was prisoner: Henry Walker, Aug. 11, 1862, died Memphis, Tenn., April 8, 1864; Peter ^Valker, Aug. 9, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865, wounded ; Jonathan Wear, .•\ug. 6, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865, as corporal : George Wilson, Aug. 6, 1862, ab- sent, sick at mustering out : C. F. W'right, .Vug. 6, 1862, died, Jefferson Barracks, July 2, 1 863. Recruits — Joseph E. Moffett, Feb. i, 1864, transferred to Co. H. 55th 111. Infantry; William J. \\'alters, Feb. i, 1864, died, Ken- esaw Mt., June zj. 1864; Stephen Johnson, March 26, 1864, transferred to Co. H, 55th 111. Inf. ; John Leslie, Jan. 26, 1864, died of wounds received at Kenesaw ]\It., June 27. 1864; Joseph Blythc, Jan. 28, 1864, wounded at Kenesaw Mt., June 27, 1864; W. H. Clay, Jan. 28, 1864, wounded at Ft. ^McAllister ; John \\'. Steward, Jan. 2%, 1864, died in hospital; John W. Slavens. Jan. 28, 1864, transferred to Co. H, 55th 111. Inf.; Josiah D. Steward, Jan. 28, 1864, killed at Jones- boro Aug. 13: J. M. Betzer, Jan. 28, 1864, transferred to 55th 111. Inf. ; James Peck, Jan. 28, 1864, transferred to 55th III. Inf.; John McKce, Jan. 2%, 1864, transferred to 55th 111. Inf. ; James McKee, Jan. 28, 1864, transferred to 55th 111. Inf.; W. J. Walters, Feb. I, 1864, died, Kenesaw Mt., June 27, 1864. Company B. Captains — Austin McCIurg, Sept. 6, 1862, promoted major; C. Reibsame, Jan. 28, 1864, mustered out June 7, 1865, was first lieutenant. First Lieutenants — John S. Taylor, Sept. 6, 1862, killed Jan. 8, 1863 ; Charles E. Boles, Jan. 8, 1864, was second lieutenant; John H. Miller, Jan. 28, 1864, mustered out June 7, 1865, was second lieutenant. Second Lieutenant — .\. J. Williams, Sept. 6, 1862, resigned March 17, 1863. First Lieutenant — I. D. Jennings, Aug. 7, 1862, promoted commissary sergeant. Sergeants — John H. Miller, Aug. 7, 1862, promoted second lieutenant ; W. T. Me- naugh, Aug. 7, 1862, absent, sick at muster- ing out; John A. Songer, Aug. 9, 1862, mus- tered out July 10, 1865 : Andiniron Songer, Aug. 9, 1862. Corporals — K. A. Brown, Aug. 7, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865; William Funk. Aug. 8, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865; Reuben Rogers, Aug. 9, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865 ; George W. Shirey. Aug. 9, 1862, absent, sick at mustering out; Charles Bidwell, Aug. 9, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865, was sergeant ; J. W. Troutman, Aug. 9, 1862, mustered out July 7, 1865 ; Samuel Troutman, Aug. 9, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865; Isaac B. Jordan, Aug. 9, i8()2, mustered out June 7, 1865. Musicians — H. \V. Carter. Aug. 8, 1862, discharged Jan. 28, 1863; J. E. Goodman, .\ug. II, 1862, discharged Sept. 20. 1863; George H. Welty, Aug. 12, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865. Privates — James Adams. Aug. 5, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865 ; J. B. Andrews, .\ug. 9, 1862, absent, sick at mustering out: Charles E. Boles, Aug. 13, 1862, mustered 58 PAST AND PRESENT OF MACOX COUNTY. out June 7, 1865, as sergeant, commissioned lieutenant; Milton Billings, Aug. 8, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865; John M. Bear, Aug. 6, 1862, absent, sick at mustering out; John E. Braden, Aug. 11, 1862, nmsterea out June 7, 1865: T. J. Burgess, Aug. 25, 1862; John W. Bailey, Aug. 15, 1862, mus- tered out June 13, 1865, as corporal; Will- iam ]jeck, Aug. 15, 1S62, absent, wounded at mustering out; R. Bills, Jr., .\ug. 14, 1862, killed at Arkansas Post Jan. 11, 1863; S. R. Braden, Aug. 12, 1862, absent, wound- ed at mustering out ; S. C. Bradshaw, Aug. 9, 1862, died Young's Point, La., April 3, 1863; Patrick Burke, Aug. 7, 1862, died Young's Point, La., April 8, 1863; William Burke, Aug. 7, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865; Charles V. Bell, Aug. 15, 1862, died in Mississippi March 23, 1863 ; James Dilliner, Aug. 7, 1862, absent, sick at mustering out ; Austin Daily, Aug. 19, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865; Lewis Disbrow, Aug. 14, 1862, sergeant, died at Young's Point, La., April 15, 1863; Michael Dugan, Aug. 14, 1862, mustered out June 12, 1865; Stephen Earls, July 19, 1862, absent, sick at mustering out; E, Enterline, Aug. 19, 1862, discharged March 14, 1863; Thomas Enos, .\ug. 9, 1862, died Young's Point, La., Feb. 11, 1863; Con- rad Enterline, Aug. 9, 1862, discharged March 20. 1864; David A. Ellis, Aug. 4, 1862, transferred to V. R. C. Sept. i, 1863; S. G. Frank, Aug. 6, 1862, died at St. Loui.s April II, 1863; John W. Foster, Aug. 20, 1862, mustered out July 7, 1865; Amos Fry. July 19. 1862, mustered out July 19, 1865; Fred Fuller, Aug. 7, 1862, mustered out June 7. 1865; John Gill, Aug. 9, 1862, mus- tered out June 7, 1865; F. M. Garvcr, Aug. ■9, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865, as cor- poral; C. .M. Carver, Aug. 14, 1862, died at St. Louis May 17, 1863; Lewis Hauck, Aug. 9, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865: J. TT. Fliggins, Aug. 14, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865 ; R. S. Henson, Aug. 9, 1862, mus- tered out June 7, 1863; George L. Hauck, Aug. 9, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865 ; Thompson Hayes, Aug. 7, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865: Francis Henley, Aug. 7, 1862, promoted principal mr.sician ; John G. Hayes, Aug. 7, 1862, discharged Aug. 27, 1863; John S. Hough, Aug. 9, 1862, absent, sick at mustering out; John W. Jordon, Aug. 8, 1862, died, Young's Point, La., Feb. 8, 1863; William H. Jordon, .\ug. 8, 1862. /mistered <)ut June 7, 1865; Jeremiah Jor- .lon, Aug. 9, 1862, died at Young's Point, La., Feb. 11, 1863; Michael Kelley, Aug. 15, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865 ; T. H. Larkiii, Aug. 7, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865; Edward Maher, Aug. 15, 1862, mus- tered out June 7, 1865 ; John McWhinney, July 30. 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865. as corporal: \\'illiam Meyer, Aug. 2, 1862; R. McDonald, July 17, 1862. died at Mem- phis, Tenn., Oct. 4, 1863; Patrick Nolan, Aug. 21, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865; William H. Nix, Aug. 7, 1862, absent, sick at mustering out; H. W. Nesbit, Aug. 11, 1862, died at Keokuk, Iowa, Jan. 27, 1863; George W. 01ne}% Aug. 11, 1862, died at Memphis, Tenn., March 17, 1863; .\aron Pricer, Aug. 9, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865; John W^ Parker, Aug. 8, 1862, absent, wounded at mustering out ; A. Patterson, .Vug. 9, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865 ; G. W. Patterson, Aug. 20,. 1862, killed at Kenesaw ^Mountain June 27, 1864; S. Ouack- enbush, July 30, 1862, mustered out July 10, 1865; R. A. Rogers, Aug. 9, 1862, ab- sent, sick at mustering out ; C. Reibsame, Aug. II, 1862, promoted sergeant, then first lieutenant; G. W. Rutherford, Aug. 8, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865; Benjamin F. Smoot, Aug. 9, 1862, died at Young's Point, La., Feb. 15, 1863; James D. Sherman, Aug. 20, 1862, died on steamer City of Memphis, of wounds. May 2^. 1863; Wesley Street, Aug. 15, 1862, mustered out June 7. 1865; John .v. Stains, .\ug. 8. 1862, died at Young's Point March 4, 1863; .Martin Shelton, .'Vug.' Ti. 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865; J. H. PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 59 Shepherd, Aug. y, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865; J. W. Sickafouse, Aug. 15, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865; A. Shepherd, Aug. 8, 1862, killed at Arkansas Post Jan. II, 1863; Daniel Shutter, Aug. 9, 1862, mus- tered out June 7, 1865 ; Cyrus N. Tolles, Aug. S, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865; Richard Wall, Aug. 14, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865; John Widick, Aug. 9, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865; Samuel Weikel, Aug. 15, 1862, absent, sick at mustering out; J. W. Westfall, July 30, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865, as sergeant ; Amos Wheeler, Aug. II, 1862, absent, sick at mustering out; W. C. Warnick, Aug. 15, 1862, absent, sick at mustering out; A. J. Wheeler, Aug. 12, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865. Recruits — Henry Seits, Yeh. 25, 1864, transferred to Co. F, 55th 111. Infantry; Felix Shutter, Feb. 25, 1864, transferred to Co. F, 55th 111. Infantry; James K. West- fall, April 13, 1864, transferred to Co. F, 55th 111. Infantry. Company C. Captains — Thomas White, Sept. 6, 1862, kill-d in battle May 26, 1^04; K. M. Foster, June 7, 1864, mustered out June 7, 1865, was first and second lieutenant. First Lieutenants — James M. Wallace, Sept. 6, 1862, resigned March 2, 1863; Z. R. Prather, April 20, 1865, mustered out June 7, 1865, was second lieutenant. Second Lieutenant — Jacob B. Schroll, June 7, 18(34, mustered out June 7, 186.S. First Sergeant — John W. Ellis, Aug. 9, 1862, died at Young's Point, La., Feb. 23, 1863. Sergeants — Abe Metzler, Aug. 13, 1862, wounded at mustering out ; W. P. Camp, Aug. 9, 1862, died at Millikin Bend June 23, 1863; T. Montgomery, Aug. 9, 1862, transferred to V. R. C. Feb. i, 1864; John B. Davidson, Aug. 9, 1862, died at Young's Point Feb. 8, 1863. Corporals — Elias Dunbar, Aug. 9, 1862, mustered out Juno 11, 1865 ; J. W. Edwards, Aug. 9, 1862, discharged April 13, 1863, dis- ability; Philo S. Fenton, Aug. 13, 1862, wounded at mustering out; Samuel N. Maeyers, Aug. 9, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865, as sergeant; James H. Jones, Aug. 13, 1862, discharged Feb., 1863, wounds; Israel W. Markel, Aug. 9, 1862, died at ^Memphis Jan. 30, 1863; Z. R. Prather, Aug. 9, 1862, promoted second lieutenant ; R. G. Warnick, Aug. 9, 1862, died at Memphis May 22, 1863. Musicians — D. C. Helpman, Aug. 9, 1862, mustered out June 12, 1865, was prisoner; VV. E. Wallace, Sept. 6, 1862, died on steam- er D. A. January, March 7, 1863. Wagoner — Erastus Niles, Sept. 6, 1862, mustered out June 11, 1865. Priv'ates — James L. Aaron, Aug. 9, 1862, mustered out June 11, 1865; James W. Al- lum, Aiig. 13, 1862, died at Young's Point May 12, 1863 ; William A. Akers, Aug. 18, 1862, died at Youngs Point Feb. 10, 1863; Robert M. Black, Aug. 9, 1862, discharged June 3, 1863, disability; James P. Beedles, Aug. 9, 1862, died at Memphis March 16, 1863; John W. Bohrer, Aug. 9, 1862, mus- tered out June II, 1865; George W. Bohrer, Aug. 9, 1862, discharged Jan. 9, 1863, dis- ability; A. B. Champion, Aug. 9, 1862, mus- tered out June II, 1865, as sergeant; James A. Cochran, Aug. 9, 1862, mustered out June 14, 1865, as corporal ; Elijah Coomb, Aug. 9, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865 ; Joseph De- vore, Aug. 9, 1862, discharged April 25, 1864; John B. Dickey, Aug. 9, 1862, trans- ferred to Signal Corps June 7, 1864; James C. Davidson, Aug. 9, 1862, discharged Sept. 5, 1863, disability; D. L. David- son, Aug. 13, 1862, mustered out June 14, 1865, prisoner; William Davis, Aug. 9, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865; R. L. Davidson, Aug. 9, 1862, died at home Dec. 5, 1863; Alexander Davidson, Aug. 13, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865 ; D. P. Davidson, Aug. 13, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865; 60 PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. T. K. Davidson, Aug. 15, 1862, killed at Jonesboro, Ga., Aug. 31, 1865; James A. Ellis, Aug. 9, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865; David Gregory, Aug. 9, 1862, died in Louisiana April 12, 1863; Cliarles Grennel, Aug. 9, 1862, died at Mound City Dec. 15, 1863; Edward L. Goff, Aug. 9, 1862, died at JMound City Nov. 2, 1863; Leonard J. Goff, Aug. 9, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865, as wagoner: John M. Gault, .\ug. 9, 1862, wounded at mustering out; A. F. Hopkins, Aug. 9, 1862, promoted sergeant then quar- termaster sergeant ; Joshua F. Hill, Aug. 9, 1862, died of wounds July 23, 1863, as pris- oner; D. J. llerrington, Aug. 11, 1862, mus- tered out June 7, 1865, as musician; E. J. Howell, Aug. II, 1862, died at Richmond, V'a., Feb. 15, 1865, as ])risoner; Hugh Jones, Aug. 13, 1862, died at Memphis, Tenn., Dec. 24, i8(')2; Jacob Krone, Sept. 15, 1862, died at Paducah, K}'., Feb. 20, 1864; John Mc- Ilheran, Aug. 9, 1862, wounded, prisoner of war at mustering out; John Maeyers, Aug. 9, 1862, died at Andersonville Prison June 7, 1864; Eli Montgomery, Aug. 9, 1862, died at Mound City Dec. 7, 1864; S. B. McCon- naughty, died at Walnut Hill, ]\liss., May 23. 1863, wounds; William J. Meyers, Aug. 13, 1862, discharged Jan. 24. 1863, disabil- ity; Henry 1". May, Aug. 13, 1862, dis- charged March 20, 1863, disability ; J. L. Mc- Murtr)-, Aug. 13, 1862, mustered out May 22, 1865, was prisoner; D. K. Pound, .Vug. 13, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865; E. D. Riber, Aug. 13. 1862, mustered out as ser- geant, was prisoner; John H. Stoner, Aug. 9, 1862, mustered out May 27, 1865; John R. Smith, Aug. 9, 1862, discharged Feb. 6, 1864, tlisability ; Joseph P. Smith. Aug. 9, 1862, discharged Aug. 8, 1863, disability; Samuel W. Snyder, Aug. 9, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865; Hiram S. Stine, Aug. 9, 1862. discharged July 7, 1863, disability; James T. Scott, Aug. 9, 1862, discharged Jan., 1863; Henry C. Scott, Aug. 9. 1862, died at Mcm])his July 8. 1863, wounds: Ja- cob Jl. Schroll, Aug. 9, 1862, nuisiered out June 7, 1865, as commissary sergeant, sec- ond lieutenant, prisoner; J. A. Spalding, Aug. 9, 1862, died at Camp Sherman, Miss., Aug. 3, 1863 ; Beechem 'J'urpin, .Vug. 9, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865; William Thomas, Aug. 9, 1862, died at Richmond, Va., Feb. 10, 1864, prisoner; R. S. Traugh- ber, -Aug. 9, 1862, died on steamer City of Memphis Feb. 8, 1863 ; J. D. C. Travis, Aug. 13, 1862, discharged Feb. 16, 1863, disabil- ity; Isaac W. Travis, Aug. 13, 1862, died at St. Louis Sept. 2, 1863 ; Samuel hi. Travis, Aug. 13, 1862, died on steamer Planet Jan. 5, 1863; U. D. Travis, Aug. 13, 1862, died in Louisiana April 2~, 1863; Ephraim Tim- mons, Aug. 12, 1862, discharged Feb. 25, 1863, disability ; Lemuel Timmons, Aug. 13, 1862, died at Memphis March 16, 1863; H. C. Traughber, .Vug. 18, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865 ; John Urbain, Aug. 9, 1862, discharged Sept. 5, 1863, disability; Amos W. Vliet, .Vug. 9, 1862, mustered out June 7. 1862: William Wallace, Aug. 9, 1862, discharged April, 1863, disability: Thomas J. Ward, -Aug. 9, 1862, sergeant, promoted sergeant iriajor, was prisoner ; Robert D. Wilson, .Vug. 9. 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865; Lewis Webber, Aug. 18, 1862, died at Richmond, \'a., March 16, 1864. Recruits — John C. Aaron, Feb. 11, 1864, transferred to Co. F, 55th Illinois Infantry; N. M. Baker; Benjamin S. Devore, trans- ferred to Co. K before mustering in ; John Dulaney, March 29, 1864, transferred to Co. F, 55th Illinois Infantry; W. H. John- son, Feb. 27, 1864, transferred to Co. F, 55th Illinois Infantry ; John A. Kimberlin, trans- ferred to Co. K before mustering in ; Sam- >U'l Kitt, transferred to Co. F before mus- tering in ; George Dcboy, transferred to Co. K before mustering in. Company D. Captains — Josei>h Lingle, Sept. 6, 1862, re- signed Feb. 29, 1864; George A. Milmine, PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 61 Feb.' 29, 1864, discharged Jan. 30, 1865, wa.s first and second lieutenant. First Lieutenants — James R. Briggs. Sept. 6, 1862, resigned April 6, 1863; Thad- deus Collins, Feb. 29, 1864, mustered out June 7, 1865, was second lieutenant. Second Lieutenant — Hugh A. Lyons, June 7, 1865, mustered out June 7, 1865, as sergeant. First Sergeant — J. W. George, Aug. 15. 1862, discharged Aug. 3, 1863, disability. Sergeants — J. E. Hoagland, Aug. 7, 1862, discharged June 12, 1864, disability; G. W. Williams, Aug. 9, 1862, died on steamer City of Memphis Feb. 18, 1863 ; Thaddeus Collins, Aug. 7, 1862, promoted first lieu- tenant ; Hugh A. Lyons, Aug. 13, 1862, mus- tered out June 7, 1865, as second lieutenant. Corporals — D. T. Armstrong, Aug. 13, 1862, sergeant, died at St. Louis April 7, 1863 ; John F. Bowser, Aug. 9, 1862, died at Chattanooga May 21, 1864, wounds; David Gill, Aug. 9, 1862, died at Chickasaw Bayou Dec. 3, 1862; A. J. Watson, Aug. 9, 1862, mustered out June, 18(^5 ; J. B. Streever, Aug., 1862, died at Annapolis, Md., Nov. I, 1863; Seth F. Spore, Aug. 9, 1862, trans- ferred to Co. F, 55th Illinois Infantry; N. W. Slifer, Aug. 9, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865, as sergeant ; J. G. Long, Aug. 9, 1862, died at Richmond, Va,, Feb. 20, 1864. Musicians — Elias Barger, Aug. 9, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865 ; Amos Robert- son, Aug. 13, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865, as corporal. Wagoner — C. F. Emery, Aug. 8, 1862, discharged ]March 2, 1863. Privates — John Armstrong, Aug. 15, 1862; Andrew Adams, Aug. 11, 1862, corporal, died at Richmond, \'a., Jan. 27, 1864, pris- oner : B. F. Antrim, Aug. 7, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865, as sergeant; Philip Locke, Aug. 2~, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865 ; H. D. AlcKeever, Aug. 13, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865 ; John Miller, Aug. 13, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865, as prisoner; Clarke ^liller, Aug. 13, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865; E. K. Alilmine, Aug. 9, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865; Robert Martin, Aug. 13, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865 ; Barney 0"Neal, Aug. 13, 1862, discharged Sept. 2, 1863 ; Richard Pope, Aug. 23, 1862, discharged Sept. 27, 1863 ; Sanford Payne, Aug. 13, 1862, discharged March 12, 1863; G. J. Plater, Aug. 7, 1862, sergeant, died at Memphis April 4. 1863; James Querrey, Aug. 13, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865, prisoner; Eri Querrey, Aug. 18, 1862, mus- tered out June 7, 1865; Alonzo Ray, Aug. 8, 1862, discharged Jan. 19 1863; William Rhinehart, Aug. 15, 1862, died at Camp But- ler, 111., March 19, 1864; Squire Reed, Aug. 7, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865 ; Joseph Ryan, Aug. 7, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865: ^^'. G. Shannon, Aug. 22, 1862, mus- tered out June 7, 1865; B. W\ Schenck, Aug. 7, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865, as corporal : ^\'illiam Schenk, Aug. 7, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865, as corporal; Ja- cob Spurling, Aug. 9, 1S62, mustered out June 7, 1865, as sergeant; Fred Smith, Aug. 9, 1862, sergeant, died at Cleveland, Tenn., Jan. 28, 1865 ; David Scott, Aug. 7, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865, as prisoner; Peter Sellers, Aug. 18, 1862, discharged Aug. 12, 1863 ; J. W. Salters, Aug. 9, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865 ; John Shannon, Aug. 9, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865; Edward Sandy, Aug. 9, 1862, discharged Feb. 6, 1864; Thomas Thornburg, Aug. 7, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865 ; William Towers, Aug. 9, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865 ; Charles Tooley, Aug. 9, 1862, mus- tered out June 7, 1865, as corporal ; J. L. Allen, Aug. 9, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865; William Amber, Aug. 9, 1862, died at Young's Point Jan. 20, 1863; H. Amber, Aug. 9, 1862, died at Vicksburg July 25, 1863 ; Joe! B. Adams, Aug. 9, 1862, mustered out May t8, 1865; J. I. .Arbuckle, Aug. 9. 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865, as corporal ; Samuel Alexander, Aug. 9, 1862; W'illiam 62 PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. Briggs, Aug. 9, 1862, died at home Dec. 21, 1863; R- A. Belford, Aug. 12, 1862, dis- charged Feb. I, 1863; John A. Chism, Aug. 8, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865; L. N. Chapman, Aug. 9, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865, as corporal; Arthur Cory, Aug. 15, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865, prisoner; X. Cooper, Aug. 13, 1862, died at Memphis, Tenn., March 6, 1863; John Craft, Aug. 15, 1862, died at St. Louis April 5, 1864; A. F. Corn, Aug. 9, 1862, died on steamer City of Memphis Feb. 18, 1863 ; R. C. Crocker, Aug. 7, 1862, promoted sergeant major; E. H. Davidson, .\ug. 9, 1862, absent, sick at mus- tering out; William Daves, Aug. 9, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865, as sergeant; An- drew Evans, Aug. 13, 1862; George Emer- ick, Aug. 7, 1862, corporal, died at Annapo- lis, Md., Aug. 25, 1863; J. W. Elliott, Aug. 15, 1862; Isaac Fesler, Aug. 9, 1862, dis- charged April 3, 1863; John W. Fenner, Aug. 9, 1862, killed at Vicksburg, Miss., May 19, 1863; Larkin Fesler, Aug. 15, 1862, mus- tered out June 7, 1865 ; H. B. Cast, Aug. 9, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865; James Huckabey, Aug. 7, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865, as corporal; John Kline, Aug. 15, 1862, discharged Jan. 19, 1863 ; John Ken- nedy, Aug. 13, 1862; Edward Lukins, Aug. 13, 1862, promoted hospital steward; Will- iam F. Lukins, Aug. 13, 1862, died in Missis- sippi June 22, 1863, J. E. Liston, Aug. 13, 1862, killed at Atlanta, Ga., July 22, 1864; William A. VanLeir, Aug. 5, 1862, dis- charged Jan. 16, 1863; S. N. VanVoorhees, Aug. 9, 1862, discharged Jan., 1863; A. G. Williams, Aug. 11, 1862, died at Richmond, Va., March 5, 1864, prisoner; M. J. Will- iams, Aug. II, 1862, died at St. Louis Marcl) 26, 1863; Alexander Withers, Aug. 9, 1862, died at Young's Point March 3, 1863; Ira \Vithers, Aug. 9, 1862, died at Millikin's Bend April 27, 1863 ; A. J. Wright, Aug. 12, 1862, died at Young's Point Feb. 17, 1863; Jacob Zinn, Aug. 15, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865. Recruits — Alexander Briggs, Oct. i, 1862, died on steamer Planet Jan. 20, 1863; Will- iam H. H. Gill; E. Harris. Company E. Captains — Lewis J. Eyman, Sept., 1862, killed Jan. 11, 1863; J. S. Windsor, Jan. 31, 1863, promoted major; R. M. Hamilton, Sept. 26, 1864, mustered out June 7, 1865, was first lieutenant. First Lieutenants — S. H. Varney, Sept. 6, 1862, resigned March 5, 1863; James D. Noon, March 5, 1863, died June 18, 1863; William II. Streeter, June 3, 1863, resigned May 27, 1864; Samuel J. Varnej', Sept. 26, 1864; died of smallpox Feb. 13, 1865; Will- iam H. Dickerson, April 20, 1865. mustered out June 7, 1865. Second Lieutenants — W. L. Harris, Sept. 6, 1862, resigned June 28, 1863; Amzi H. Baker, June 7, 1865, mustered out June 7, 1865. Sergeant.s — L. J. Mackey, Aug. 15, 1862, absent, sick at mustering out ; R. M. Ham- ilton, Aug. 15, 1862, promoted first lieuten- ant; Joseph D. Noon, Aug. 6, 1862, died at Memphis June 18, 1863; Amzi II. Baker, Aug. 6, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865, as second lieutenant. Corporals — Ed. C. Eyman, Aug. 6, 1862, died at Millikin's Bend April 26, 1863 ; E. H. Boyd, Aug. 2, 1862, died at Young's Point Feb. 23, 1863 ; Jeremiah Gepford, Aug. 2, 1862, mustered out June 2, 1865; Joel Rhine- hart, .Vug. 2, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865 ; John Eyman, Aug. 6, 1862, transferred to V. R. C. Jan. 15, 1864; John Danley, Aug. 6, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865; Andrew Parr, Aug. 7, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865; George Goodman, Aug. 7, 1862, mus- tered out June 7, 1865. Musicians — Robert G. Kitch, Aug. 6, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865 ; Silas Gepford, .\ugi 10, 1862. Wagoner — H. B. Nicholson, Aug. 6, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865. PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY, 03 Privates — William ( J. Allen, Aug. 8, 1862, mustered out June 7. 1865. James H. Boyd, Aug. 2, 1862, absent, sick at mustering out ; Charles F. Benton, Aug. 6, 1862, absent, sick at mustering out ; G. W. Brewer. Aug. 6, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865 ; Charles 5, Bullard, Aug. 6, 1862, absent, sick at mustering out; Joel Bruce, Aug. 8, 1862, died at Young's Point Feb. 9, 1863 ; George W. Bruce. Aug. 6, 1862, died at Decatur Aug. 31, 1863; E. L. Benton, Aug. 8, 1862, died on hospital boat March 18, 1863; J. Barnhart, Aug. 10. 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865, prisoner ; Silas Burt, Aug. 2. 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865 : Ira E. Clark, Aug. 6, 1862, died Deca- tur, 111., Nov. 6, 1862; John W. Corn, Aug. 6, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865 ; Jacob Cross, Aug. 6, 1862, mustered out June 7> 1865 ; Charles H. Clark, Aug. 6, 1862, mus- tered out June 7, 1865; M. Carver, Aug. 7, 1862, died at Young's Point Feb. 11, 1863; John H. Cox, Aug. 7, 1862, discharged at St. Louis; Israel M. Cross, Aug. 9, i8'52, died at Young's Point March 26, 1863 ; W. H. Dickerson, Aug. 2, 1862,, promoted cor- poral, sergeant and second lieutenant ; John Downey, Aug. 6, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865; F. M. Danley, Aug. 6, 1862, died at Young's Point March 3, 1863 ; S. A. Doug- las, Aug. 6, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865; L. H. Dunham, Aug. 13, 1862, trans- ferred to V. R. C. May 16, 1864- Alichael Eaton, Aug. 8, 1862, discharged Nov. 25, 1863; H. W. French, Aug. 2, 1862, trans- ferred to Inv. Corps Sept. 30, 1863; M. A. Farnam, Aug. 2, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865 ; Stephen Farnam, Aug. 2, 1862, mus- tered out June 7, 1865, as sergeant ; Chester Farnam, Aug. 6, 1862, killed at Resaca, Ga., May 14, 1864; David Farnam, Aug. 6, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865; Lindsay Far- nam, Aug. 6, 1862, absent, sick at muster- ing out ; James Free, Aug. 6, 1862, mustered out June 7. 1865 ; J. W. Fowler, Aug. 6, 1862, killed at Walnut Hill May 19, 1863; James Goodin, Aug. 6, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865 ; M. Greeley, Aug. 6, 1862, mus- tered out June 7, 1865, as corporal; Thomas Graham, Aug. 7, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865; E. M. Grass, Sept. 29, 1862, died at Memphis Oct. 21, 1863; W. H. Gepford, Sept. 16, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865, as corporal; S. C. Hornback, Sept. 18, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865; George W. Houser, Sept. 18, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865 ; William Houston, Aug. 2, 1862, killed at Atlanta, Ga., July 22, 1864; William Hunt, Aug. 2, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865 ; Byron Holcomb, Aug. 2, 1862, pro- moted sergeant major; James M. Hawk, Aug. 6, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865, as corporal ; Jacob J. Hobbs, Aug. 6, 1862, ser- geant, died July 30, 1864, wounds; Jacob Havener, Aug. 6, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865 ; Benjamin Harrison, Aug. 6, 1862, died at Camp Butler Feb. 24, 1864; John H. Hatchett, Aug. 6, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865, sergeant; Young P. Jones, Aug. 7, 1862; F. M. Johnson, Aug. 6, 1862; William G. Jones, Aug. 7, 1862, absent, sick at mus- tering out ; E. M. Johnson, Aug. 7, 1862, died at Decatur Oct. 5, 1863; J. L. James, Aug. 8, 1862, discharged June 14, 1863 ; Solo- mon Kitch, Aug. 6, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865, as corporal ; Edward M. Kile, Aug. 6, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865 ; Harper Kelsey, Aug. 13, 1862, died at Memphis Aug. 5, 1863 ; John W. Kile, Aug., 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865 ; Moses Land, Aug. 6, 1862, died at Cherry Grove, 111., Nov. 25, 1863; Eli Nelson, Aug. 7, 1862, discharged Feb. 18, 1865, disability; George Pettit, Aug. 6, 1862, died at Dallas, Ga., May 31, 1864; James H. Parr, Aug. 6, 1862, died at Young's Point March 2, 1863 ; L W. Rittenhouse, Aug. 6, 1862, corporal, died at Decatur, 111., Sept. 29, 1864, wounds ; William H. Roger, Aug. 8, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865; A. Shartzer, Aug. 2, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865; James H. Sprague, Aug. 2, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865; R. M. Stockton, u PAST A.\"[) l'RF.Si:.\T OF MACOX C(>L XTY. Aug. 2, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865, as sergeant; (j. R. Sollars, Aug. 6, 1862; discharged Sept. 16, 1864; Leonard Stout, Aug. 6, 1862, discharged March 28, 1864; Nat. Sprague, Aug. 5, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865. as corporal ; .Allen Smallej', Aug. 6, 1862, died at Camp Sherman, Miss., Aug. 31. 1863; Thomas A. Snj^der, Aug. 18, 1862, died at St. Louis July 3, 1863; George Van Gundy, Aug. 6, 1862, died at Young's Point March 16, 1863: Samuel J. \^arney. Aug. 14. 1862, sergeant, first lieutenant, died at .\nnapolis Feb. 3, 1863; Larkin Wheeler, Aug. 2, i8()2; Lewis E. White, .\ug. 2, 1862, discharged Aug. 14, 1863; Basil Wood, Aug. 6, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865 ; Joseph H. Young, Aug. 6, 1862, died at Memphis April 13, 1863. Recruits — William P. Benton, died at ■Memphis Jan.. 1863. Company F. Captains — Samuel X. Bishop, .Sept. 6, 1862. resigned .-\pril 12, 1863; N. Gesch- wind. .April 12, 1863, promoted major; Will- iam P. (ri(H)dncr, June 7. 1865. mustered out June 7, 1865. First Lieutenants — John B. Tutt, Sept. 6, 1862, died Jan. 26, 1863 ; S. R. Riggs, April 12, 1863, resigned Dec. 11, 1864; John A. Cochran, June 7. 1865, mustered out June 7, 1865. Second Lieutenants — H. R. Pratt. Sept. 30, 1862, died March 30, 1863; J. C. Stans- bury, .\pril 28, 1863, died April 9, 1865 ; John P. Lewis, June 7, 1865, mustered out June 7- 1865. Privates — Benjamin Lourish, Sept. 5, 1862, died at Young's Point Feb. 15, 1863; David Lourish, Aug. 11, 1862, discharged March 20, 1863; George E. Young, Sept. 14, 1862, absent, sick at mustering out. Company G. Captains — Alonzo P,. Davis, Sept. 30, 1862, died Sept. 22, 1863; Harvey Mahan- nah, Dec. 22. 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865, was first lieutenant. First Lieutenant — James P. Barnett, Dec. 22, i8f>3, mustered out June 7, 1865. Second Lieutenants — Lafayette Helm, Sept. 30. 1862. died Feb. 16, 1863; Byron liarnett, March 15, 1863. mustered out |une 7. 1865. l-'irst Sergeant — James P. Barnett. .\ug. 11, 1862, promoted first lieutenant. Sergeant.s — D. B. Landis, Aug. 18, 1862, wounded, transferred to V. R. C. Sept. 15, 1863; William P.. Davis, Aug. 18. 1862; Michael Doyle, Aug. 9, 1862. mustered out June 7, 1863; Z. C. Burdick. Aug. 12. 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865. CorporaLs — William -Smith, Aug. 11, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865, as sergeant; ( )ren S. Rouse, Aug. 12, 1862, mustered out June 7. 1865. as sergeant; .A. Kittrick, Aug. 14, 1862, mustered out June 7. 1865; John E. Bragg, Aug. 12, 1862, mustered out June 7. 1865. Musician — Daxid Rea, Aug. 12, 1862, mustered out June 7, 18C5. Wagoner — WilHam H. liorton, .\ug. 12, 1862. Privates — Elijah .Andrews. Sept. 28, 1862; Elias Andrews, Sept. 28, 1862; ^L L. Bar- rett, Aug. 14, 1862, promoted principal mu- sician ; Charles Barrett, Sept. 14, 1862, died at Young's Point Feb. 22, 1863 ; William Brooks, Aug. 12, 1862; Jo.seph C. Baird, Aug. 12, 1862, discharged .March 31, 1863; 'I'homas Cotterell, .\ug. 12, 1862. mustered out June 7, 1865; William E. Crissey, Aug. 12, 1862, promoted commissar)* sergeant; William W. Dickey, Aug. 15, 1862, killed at Atlanta, Ga., July 22, 1864; D. .A. Dickey, Sept. 9. 1862, corporal, killed at Atlanta, July 22, 1864; William Fry, Sept. 9, 1862; Lafayette Fuller. Aug. 29, 1862, absent, sick at mustering out; Jacksbn Grant, Sept. 11, 1862, died at Memphis, Tenn., Oct. 10, 1863; John T. Higgins. -Aug. 14, 1862, detached at mustering out of regiment ; Brice Howell, PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. Go Aug. 12, 1862; Lewis Howell, Aug. 15. 1862; Alexander Hoots, Aug. 12, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865, as corporal : John S. Helm, Aug. 18, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865; C. R. Harper, Aug. 11, 1862, died Jan. 12, 1865, wounds; William C. Hooker, Aug. 15, 1862, died at JMemphis, Tenn., March 30, 1863; Servantus Huston, Aug. 13, 1862, mus- tered out June 7, 1865 ; C. E. Hunsley, Aug. 14, 1862 ; mustered out June 7, 1865 ; J. Hen- son, Aug. 20, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865; Duham Hanks, Aug. 12, 1862; Isaac Kemp, Aug. 12, 1862; Philip Kemp, Aug. 15, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865, as ser- geant : ^^'illiam Lyons, Aug. 12, 1862, ab- sent, sick at mustering out ; G. \V. Lickliter, Aug. 29, 1862, died at Memphis May i, 1863; John Lukins. Aug. 14, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865, wounded; Henry Latham, Aug. 2, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865; David Moore, Aug. 20, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865 ; William Moore, Aug. 15, 1862; H. Alahannah, Aug. 11, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865; George W. Mott, Sept. 11, 1862, discharged Feb. 18, 1865, as sergeant, wounded; S. W. Rosa, Aug. 12, 1862; William H. Rhodes, Sept. 18, 1862, dis- charged ^larch II, 1863; A. L. Smith, Aug. 12, 1862, discharged' Sept. 18, 1862; William C. Smith, .\ug. 21, 1862; died at Young's Point Jan. 27, 1863 ; Samuel Shupp, Aug. 26, 1862, first sergeant, absent, sick at muster- ing out ; William E. Shastid, Aug. 14, 1862, died at Young's Point Feb. 20, 1863: T. W. Smith, Aug. 11, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865; L. Startsman, Aug. 18, 1862, mus- tered out June 7, 1865; William Secrist, Aug. 12, 1862, died at Mound City, 111., Aug. I, 1863; John W. Smith, Sept. 18, 1862, dis- charged Sept. 12, 1863 ; M. Schmitz, Sept. 13, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865 ; William Spear, Aug. 14, 1862, discharged Alarch 3, 1863 ; John A. Troxell, Aug. 14, 1862, trans- ferred to V. R. C. June 15, 1863: James L. W'illett. Aug. 12, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865, as corporal ; L. A. ^\'illiams, -Vug. 17, 1862, transferred to V. R. C. Dec. 15, 1863; Wesley Wheeler, Aug. 12, 1862, discharged June 6, 1863. Company H. Captain.s— J. L. Dobson, Sept. 30, 1862, resigned June 13, 1863; John P. Lamb, June 13, 1863, resigned Dec. 22, 1864; Charles P. Essick, April 20, 186=;. mustered out June 7, 1865. First Lieutenants — Isom Simmons, April 28, 1863, killed Dec. 22, 1864; James Good- win, April 20, 1865. mustered out June 7, 1865. Second Lieutenants — Theodore Short, Sept. 20, 1862, died Feb. 6, 1863; William W. \\inn, June 7, 1865, mustered out June 7, 1865. Musician — James Robinson, Sept. 18, 1862, transferred to In v. Corps Dec 17 1863. Private — Charles Sollers, Sept. 10, 1862. Recruit — George ^\'. Uacon, Feb. 24, 1864, transferred to Co. F, 35th Illinois Infantry. Company I. Captains — Uriah P. Forbes, Sept. 30, 1862, resigned April 25. 1863; John F. Bishof, .■\pril 25, 1863, resigned March 30, 1864, was first lieutenant; Isaac N. Martin, March 13, 1864, mustered out June 7, 1865, was first lieutenant. First Lieutenant — Fred Schwab, March 13, 1864, mustered out June 7, 1865. Second Lieutenants — Irwin Miller, Sept. 30, 1862, discharged Dec. 19, 1865; Joshua K. Carr, June 7, 1865, mustered out June 7, 1865. Sergeant.? — F. M. Sheppard, Aug. 13, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865, was first ser- geant and second lieutenant ; E. Workhiser, Aug. 14, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865; W. H. Phillips. Aug. 22, 1862, detached at mustering out. Corporals — M. \^ermillion, Aug. 14, 1862, died at Larkinsville, Ala., Feb. 4. 1864; J. E. Carter, Aug. 8, 1864, mustered out June 66 PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 7, 1865 ; George Martin, Aug. 12, 1862, mus- tered out June 7, 1865, as sergeant; J. H. Hammond, Aug. 14, 1862, mustered out June 7, 18G5; Peter Scliut, .\ug. 13, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865 ; Asa Kingsbury, Aug. 8, 1862, absent, sick at mustering out; John Scott, Aug. 14, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865; G. W. Mendenhall, Aug. 8, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865, prisoner. Musician. — Henry W'heelan, Aug. 22, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865. Private-s — Joseph .A.rt, Aug. 12, 1862, died on liospital boat Marcli 15. iS()^; Jacob Barth, Aug. 22, 1862, (bed on hospital boat March 15, 1863; Jacob Bratz, .\ug. 14. 1862, died at Young's Piiint, La., Feb. 22, 1863; G. C. Bailey, Aug. 18, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865; Samuel Barnett, Sept. 22, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865; M. C. Con- nolly, Aug. 13, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865 ; E. R. Collins, Aug. 8, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865, as corporal ; Henry Cline, Aug. 15, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865, as sergeant; Cors. Corthen, Aug. 14, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865; George W. Church, -Aug. 11, 1862, transferred to Co. A, 55th Illinois Infantry; Joseph Drain, Aug. 22, 1862, discharged May 5, 1865, disability ; John Q. Enkie, Aug. 14, 1862, discharged April 8, 1863, disability; Henry Ebert, Aug. 14, 1862, sergeant, sick at mustering out; Michael Fry, Aug. 8, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865, as corporal ; J. J. Flaherty, Aug. 3, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865 ; Henry Fulk, Aug. 16, 1862, absent, sick at mustering out ; John W. Fulk, Aug. 22, 1862, died at Young's Point Jan. 29, 1863 ; John Fory, Aug. 22, 1862, transferred to Co. A, 55th Illinois Infantry ; David Guthrie, Aug. 14, 1862, -mustered out June 7, 1865; William S. Guthrie, Aug. 14, 1862, died at Young's Point Feb. 9, 1863; Fred Gehr, Aug. 21, 1862, absent, sick at mustering out ; Daniel H. Garver, Sept. 19, 1862; Michael Gloden, Aug. 14, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865. as corporal; J. Goodpasture, Aug. 9, 1862, discharged Oct. 9, 1862; T. R. Ham- mond, Aug. 9, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865, as sergeant; Michael HofF, .-^ug. 9, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865, as corporal; Harvey Harris, Aug. 22, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865 ; Andrew Heinold, Aug. 12, 1862, died Quincy, 111., March 25, 1865; O. Herrindeen, Sept. 27, 1862, died on hospital boat March 13, 1863; S. T. Jenkins, Sept. 10, 1862, discharged Jan. 24, 1863, disability; .Mathias Keller, Aug. 9, 1S62, died at Quincy, 111.. Oct. 25, 1863; J. B. Kitchen, Aug. 12, 1862, discharged March 27, 1863, disability; Ernest Koehler, Aug. 12, 1862, died at Chat- tanooga, Tenn., Feb. ig, 1864; J. Latch, Jr., .\ug. 8, 1862 ; George B. Latch, Aug. 8, 1862; Theodore R. Latch, .Aug. 8, 1862; J. Morganthall, .\ng. 8, 1862, absent, sick at ■ mustering out; John Martin, Aug. 14, 1862; Alexaniler IMiller, Aug. 9, 1862, killed at Resaca, Ga., May 14, 1864; Samuel ]\Iiles, .Vug. 13, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865; John .\Iang, .Sept. 20, 1862, discharged Sept. 2, 1863, disability; Henry S. Miller, Aug. 9, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865 ; Andrew Morrel, -Aug. 14, 1862, killed at Arkansas Post Jan. II, 1863; H. Mendenhall, Aug. 20, 1862, discharged March 6, 1863, dis- ability; Fred Nier, Aug. 12, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865; William Odle, Aug. 12, 1862, discharged March 11, 1863, disability; S. V. Reynolds, Aug. 13, 1862, died at De- catur Oct. 8, 1862 ; Valentine Smith, Aug. 14, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865; M. A. Smoot, Aug. 14, 1862, died on steamer Planet Feb. 18, 1863 ; Joseph Strickland, Aug. 15, 1862, died at Evansville Jan. 10, 1865 ; H. Shinnaman, Aug. 19, 1862, died at St. Louis March 4, 1863 ; John StumpfT, Aug. 19, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865; Fred Smith, Aug. 22, 1862; E. Smith, Sept. 13. 1862, as corporal; George Tool, Aug. 22, 1862; Philip A. "Vogle, Aug. 14, 1862, trans- ferred to V. R. C. May i, 1864; David Veail, Aug. 13, 1865, discharged May 25, 1863, dis- ability ; Michael Witt, mustered out June 7, PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 67 1865; H. W'esterhaver, Aug. 8, 1862, wag- oner, sick at mustering out ; Josiah Younger, Aug. 12, 1862, corporal, killed at Vicksburg, July 2, 1863; J. Q. Younger, Aug. 14, 1862, discharged March 28, 1863, disability ; Will- iam Young, Aug. 12, 1862, corporal, sick at mustering out. Recruit — William H. Miller, Aug. 12, 1862, transferred to Co. A, Illinois Infantry. Company K. Captains — John E. Maddox, Sept. 30, 1862, promoted lieutenant colonel; James H. Glore, June 15, 1864, mustered out June 7, 1865, was first and second lieutenant. First Lieutenants — John S. Windsor, Sept. 30, 1862, promoted Captain Co. E ; Joseph D. Mackey, June 15, 1864, mustered out June 7, 1865. Second Lieutenants — N. W. Wheeler, Sept. 30, 1862, killed March 19, 1863, siege of Vicksburg; H. G. Eppler, June 7, 1865, mustered out June 7, 1865. Sergeants — ^G. W. Green, July 17, 1862, absent, sick at mustering out ; Thomas Mc- Cann, died at IMillikin's Bend, La., May 8, 1863; James Dermot, July 9, 1862, dis- charged March 20, 1864. Corporals — William L. Tedroe, July 26, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865, was pris- oner; John Stackhouse, Aug. 6, 1862, mus- tered out June 7, 1865 ; John Ruthrofif, July 29, 1862, died at Mount City Sept. 7, 1863; J. J. H. Young, July 14, 1862, discharged April II, 1863; M. V. Harbour, Aug. 14, 1862, sergeant, sick at mustering out; Will- iam Thompson, Aug. 14, 1862, absent, sick at mustering out ; John Herrin, Aug. 14, 1862, died at Young's Point May 24, 1863; William T. Griffin, Aug. 6, 1862. Musicians — Daniel Mclntyre, Aug. 15, 1862, discharged July 3, 1864; B. C. Bar- rackman, Aug. 19, 1862. Wagoner — -William Young, Aug. 6, 1862, absent, sick at mustering out. Privates— George Ater, Aug. 7, 1862, transferred to Inv. Corps Sept. i, 1863; J. \\'. Ashberry, Aug. 24, 1862, corporal, died at Rome, Ga., Sept. 9, 1864; William J. Brewer, Aug. 14, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865; G. W. Burt, Aug. 15, 1862, trans- ferred to Inv. Corps Jan. 17, 1864; C. M. Baird, July 25, 1862, died at Young's Point Feb. 23, 1863; James Badger, July 22, 1862, absent, sick at mustering out; Jasper Brooks, Aug. 24, 1862, died at Young's Point Feb. 3, 1863; R. K. Brooks, Aug. 24, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865, as sergeant; James Chafin, Aug. 15, 1862; Adam Cole- man, Aug. 15, 1862, died at Memphis March 23, 1863; Michael Clark, Aug. 28, 1862, died at Memphis Jan. 31, 1863; Clark Carr, Aug. 22, 1862; William Clay, Aug. 2, 1862; Na- man Collins, Aug. 8, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865, as sergeant; N. T. Cook, July r5, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865 ; Hugh Clark, July 22, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865; Jerome Cox, Aug. 8, 1862, discharged July I, 1863; Joseph Chafin, Aug. 25, 1862; George Deboy, Aug. 13, 1862, died at At- lanta, Ga., July 25, 1864, wounded; Benja- min Devore, Aug. 9, 1862, died at Decatur Nov. 18, 1863; B. Eldridge, Aug. 19, 1862, absent, sick at mustering out ; Hiram Epler, mustered out June 7, 1865, as sergeant; Levi Follis, Aug. 11, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865; Alexander Follis, Aug. 11, 1862, died on hospital boat 'May 23, 1863; Jesse Fry, Aug. 7, 1862, discharged Jan. 8, 1865; Andrew Gingle, Aug. 6, 1862, missing since May 31, 1865, supposed insane; J. S. Hunter, Aug. 15, 1862, discharged May 6, 1865, as corporal ; Richard Hix, Aug. 27, 1862, died on hospital boat Jan. 31, 1863; William Hamsher, Aug. 22, 1862, absent, sick at mustering out; J. A. Herrold, Aug. 22, 1862, transferred to Inv. Corps Sept. 30, 1863; H. Hager, Aug. 28, 1862, died at Big Shanty June 23, 1864; John Heck, Aug. 2, «8 PAST AM) ! 'RESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 1862, mustered out Jiiiic 7, 1865; William Holder. Aug. I, 1862, died at Chattanooga June 14, 1864; Jacob James, Aug. 11, 1862. killed at Atlanta, ("la., July 22. 1864; David James, Aug. 11, 1862, died at St. Louis July 20, 1863; John Johnson, Aug. 25, 1862, died at Decatur Nov. 25. 1862; J. Jones, Aug. 2, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865: J. .\. Kim- herland. .\ug. 15. 1862. mustered out June 7, 1865: William Luster, Aug. 11. 1862; mustered out June 7. 1865: G. W. Leigh, .\ug. 2. 1862. died at Memphis Nov. 26, 1862: Malcy Matto.x, .Aug. 14. 1862,, cor- poral, died at Young's Point Feb. i, 1863; M. McCJlaughlin, Aug. 6, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865; Patrick Murphy, Aug. 20, 1862, discharged Dec. 4, 1863; Owen Mc- Cantus. Aug. 22, 1862; Jacob Maples, Aug. 15, 1862, absent, sick at mustering out; William McCune, Aug. 22, 1862, absent, sick at mustering out : S. Royner, Aug. 16, 1862, died at Pana, 111., June 20, 1864; David P.urkey, Aug. 7, 1862, transferred to Inv. Corps Sci)t. 1, 1863; James Ryan, Aug. 15, 1862, sergeant, died at Big Shanty, Ga., July 17, 1864. wounded: J. \V. Reed, Aug. 8, 1862, died at Keokuk, Iowa, Oct. 5, 1863; T. J. T\ei'(l. Aug. 22, 1862; died at Young's Point Feb. 11, 1863; Daniel Staines, Aug. 15, 1862. died at Young's Point Feb. 7, 1863; John Shichls, Aug. 15. 1862, mustered out June 7, .1865; David Shoemaker, Aug. 8, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865; Henr}' Shaw, July 15, i862v discharged April 15, 1863: C. R. Smith, July 25, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865 ; William See, Aug. 27, 1862, discharged April 10, 1863; David B. Terril, Aug. 9, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865, as corporal; Tolliver West, July 17, 1862, commissioned in second Mississippi Colored Infantry; James W'. Warnell, Aug. 9, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865; David, Wallace, Aug. 12, 1862, mustered mit June 7. 1865; James W.Wood, Aug. 1, i8f)2, died at Young's Point Jan. 1, 1863. VILLAGES OF MACON COUNTY. Blue Mound. .\fter the completion, in 1886, of the East .^t. Louis Railroad, now the Wabash, this town was established. The town was platted through the influence of Doctor Goltra, who owned the land upon which the town is lo- cated. It lakes its name from two large mounds lying west of it. There are in the town four grocery stores, two bakeries and restaurants, one hardware store, one furni- ture and implement store, two elevators, three hotels, two blacksmith shops, two drug stores, two clothing and shoe stores, one shoe store, one general store, two dry goods stores, one harness shop, two meat markets, three barber shops, one tailor shop, one photograijh gallery, one implement house, two millinery stores, one paper, the Blue Mound Leader, also five doctors and one dentist. There is a ])ublic system of water works, the water coming from deep wells ; also a private electric light plant. The town was incorporated in 1876; the population is about 800. The following churches are located within its boundaries: Methodist. Christian. Cumberland Presby- terian, and in addition to this there is a good four-room school house. It is situated about ten miles southwest of Decatur, in Pleas- ant V'iew township, one of the great corn producing localities of Alacon county ; it is a thriving town and is. making a steady, substantial growth. Lodges : L O. O. F., A. F. & A. M., K. of P., M. W. Oreana. Oreana was platted in 1872 on land owned by H. C. Bower. Two general stores, two elevators, a blacksmith shop and a substan- tial modern school house are located in the \illage. A Christian church, a I'.aptist church, a Modern W^oodmen lodge and a Knights of Pythias lodge arc here located. The population is about 150. But one doc- tor, C. A. Mallorv. It is situated about seven PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 69 miles northeast of Decatur in the midst of fine productive rolling prairie lands. Oakley. Oakley was ])latted in 1856 on land owned by \\'illiam Rea. Twogeneral stores, two elevators, and one blacksmith shop consti- tute the business of the village. A Modern Woodmen lodge, a United Brethren church and a modern school house are located here. The population is 200. It is situated five miles east of Decatur on the Wabash Rail- road. Elwin. Elwin, originally Wheatland, changed to its present name on account of a Wheatland in W'ill county, was platted in 1859' on land owned by William JMartin and Daniel H. Elvvood. The village has a general store, an elevator, a blacksmith shop, one doctor, Joseph Leslie, a Methodist church and a well arranged school house ; population about 100. It is located five miles south of Decatur on the Illinois Central Railroad in South Wheatland township in a very fer- tile prairie corn and oats producing spot. Boody. Boody is on the St. Louis branch of the Wabash Railroad about four miles south- west of Decatur in Blue Mound township, in a fine corn and wheat ])roducing locality. It was platted in 1870 on land owned by Frederick Neintker, who entered it from the government in 1856. It has two gen- eral stores, one elevator, one blacksmith shop, one shoe store, one United Brethren church, one town hall, a two-room school house ; two doctors. The secret societies are : The Fraternal Army, The Modern Woodmen and The Home Circle. Popula- tion 300. Macon. Macon was platted in 1856 on land ovv'ued by the Illinois Central Railroad ; it was in- corporated April 19, 1869. The first store room was built in 1859 by Charles Williams and Charles Seamens. The first dwelling house was erected by A. J. Harris in 1859, he beginning the work on Sunday. There are at present two general stores, two hardware stores, one furniture store, one drug store, two shoe stores, one millinery store, two banks, two implement houses, one lumber yard, two elevators, two barber shops, one meat market, three restaurants, one bakery, two blacksmith shops, two liv- ery stables, one sale stable, two hotels, two veterinary surgeons, two doctors, one in- surance office, one newspaper. The Macon Record, a Catholic church, a Presbyterian church and a Methodist church. In lodges they have : A Masonic, an Odd Fellows, and a Supreme Court of Honor. It also has a six-room school, one of the best frame houses in the county, which occupies a central location. The population is 800. It is about nine miles south of De- catur in South Macon township in a fine farming community. It has a system of public water works, the water coming from a deep well. Forsyth. This village was platted in 1864 on land owned by .Edward O. Smith, and named after Robert Forsyth, the general freight agent of the Illinois Central Railroad. It contains at present two general stocks of goods, one blacksmith shop, one elevator, one Methodist church, a one-room school house, a Modern Woodmen lodge, a Knights of Pythias lodge and an Odd Fellows lodge. The population is 200. It is located six miles north of Decatur in a very productive community. Hervey City. Hervey City was platted in 1872 on land owned by P. S. Outten, located four miles southeast of Mt. Zion, in Mt. Zion township. The postoffice at this place is known by the government as Outten Postoffice. The vil- ro PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. lage contains one store and two elevators. The population is about sixty-five. The surrounding country is typical Macon coun- ty land. Hight. In 1900 an elevator was erected about three-fourths of a mile southeast of Hervey City on the Jesse Vowel land ; C. A. Hight of Dalton City being one of the owners of the elevator gave the station the name of Hight. The place now has an excellent school house and a dwelling house, also a small depot. Mt. Zion. This village was platted on land owned by S. K. Smith between 1825 and 1830. It was called Wilson Postofficc, but in 1830 a Cumberland Presbyterian church was erect- ed there and named Mt. Zion church ; the name of the town was at once changed to ^It. Zion. The first house in town was built by Andrew Wilson near the present site of John Scott's house. The village contains three general stores, one implement house, one harness shop, one lumber yard, one blacksmith shop, one bar- ber shop, one elevator, two doctors, a Cum- berland Presbyterian church, a Methodist church and a two-room school house. The school house was built for a college and was used for that purpose until the school was removed to Lincoln, Illinois. The popu- lation is about 300. It is situated about five miles southeast of Decatur in Mt. Zion township. Harristown. This village was platted on land owned by J. II. Burkey. It was named Summit, because it is the highest point between Indi- anapolis and Springfield, but when the rail- road was coiupleted it was changed to Har- ristown in honor of a railroad official in Springfield. It contains a general store, a blacksmith shop, an elevator, a restaurant, a Methodist church, a Church of Christ, and a two-room school house. It has a population of 150. It is situated about eight miles west of Decatur in Harristown town- ship; the surrounding country is beauti- fully undulating and very fertile. Maroa. This city was platted in 1854 on land owned b}' the "Associated Land Company" and the Illinois Central Railroad Company. It was incorporated as a city in 1867. The first house was built by G. J. Schenk in 1855. The "Prairie Hotel" was built by William Greer in 1858; in the same year the first school house was built, and Robert Collins was the first teacher. The city contains two dry goods stores, four grocery stores, two drug stores, three blacksmith shops, two implement houses, one furniture store, two hardware stores, three restaurants, two barber shops, two millinery stores, two hotels, two meat shops, two lumber yards, two banks, three saloons, one harness shop, one livery stable, two ele- vators, a Alethodist church, a Christian church, a Presbyterian church, two school houses, one of two and the other of six rooms. Lodges: Masonic, Odd Fellows, Knights of Pythias, and Modern Woodmen, Rcbckah, Rathbone Sisters and Eastern .Star. One lawyer and three doctors are lo- cated there. Population, 2,000. It has a system of water works owned by the city; its water supply coming from a deep well. There is also a private electric light plant which supplies the city both as to city and private use. Warrensburg. This village was platted in 1872 on land owned by J. K. Warren ; town assumed his name. There are in the village three gen- eral stores, one drug store, two restaurants, two hotels, one lumber yard, two elevators, one harness shop, two livery barns, one bar- ber shop, one paper, "The Warrensburg Times," a Methodist church, a Congrega- PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 71 tional church, a Church of God, also a four- room school house. The population is 600. The village is located eight miles north- west of Decatur on a ridge overlooking the country to the north and northwest for many miles. For a picturesque site there is none in the county its equal. The village supports two doctors. Argenta. The village of Argenta was platted on land owned by Russell B. Rogers in 1873, when the Decatur, Monticello & Champaign Railroad, now a branch of the Illinois Cen- tral, was constructed. The fortieth parallel passes through this place dividing it almost equally. The first house was built by George M. George in the northeast part of town. The first store room was built by William Ellis ; it was destroyed by fire, then replaced by the one now owned by William Kidder. The village contains two general stores, two hardware stores, one furniture store, two barber shops, one harness shop, two res- taurants, one hotel, one meat market, two elevators, one bank, one lumber yard, one livery barn, one paper, "The Argenta Hustler," a Methodist church, a Cumber- land Presbyterian church, a United Breth- ren church, and a Christian church, also a four-room school house ; two doctors and one dentist are located there. Niantic. This village was platted about 1853 on land owned by Jesse Lockhart. Originally the inhabitants named the place Long Point, the railroad called it Prairie City and the postal department knew it as Lockhart. Later these three elements united in nam- ing it Niantic in honor of some town in Connecticut bearing the name of some In- dian tribe. George Wree built the first house in Nian- tic, now occupied by Dr. A. Hall as an of- fice. The business is as follows : Three general stores, one drug store, five grocery stores, one meat market, one shoe store, two restaurants, two bakeries, three barber shops, two confectioneries, one harness shop, three blacksmith shops, one real estate firm, two hotels, one coal shaft, three grain dealers and implement houses, one lumber yard, one hardware store, one bank, two doctors, a Roman Catholic church, a Chris- tian church, a Methodist church. Lodges : Odd Fellows, Knights of Pythias, Modern Woodmen, Ancient Order of United Work- men, Fraternal Crystal Light, Royal Circle, Fraternal .\rmy. Yeomen of America ; also a modern four-room school house as good as any you will find in a village of its size. Bearsdale was established when the P., D. & E. Railway was built, and is located in the west part of Hickory Point township, taking the name of the original settlers, Bear. It has two grain elevators, two stores, a blacksmith shop and a postofiice. Prairie Hall was established soon after the Vandalia was built; it lies in the east part of Mt. Zion township. A general store, two grain elevators and a postoffice are lo- cated there. Heman. formerly Bullardsville, was estab- lished on the P., D. & E. Railway a few miles west of Warrensburg, some tkne after the building of the railroad. It has an ele- vator, a store and a postofiice. Walker, located in the south part of South Macon township, was established soon after the building of the Illinois Central Railway. It has two elevators, a store and a post- office. Emery, located in the south part of Maroa township, was established soon after the construction of the Illinois Central Rail- road. It has two grain elevators, a store and a postoffice. Sangamon, located in the west part of Sangamon township, was established soon after the building of the Wabash Railroad. 72 PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY Jt lias two stores, a grain elevator, a black- smith siiop and a postoffice. W ykles, about three miles west of Deca- tur was established but a few years ago. It contains an elevator and a postoffice. The Lost Towns of Macon County. Jn 1836 John and Thomas Moffett platted the town of Madison where the Aladison school house now stands. The town grew for a while but was finally abandoned. The town of Murphreysboro was platted in 1839 on what is known as the N'olgamot farm south of Newburg in Friends Creek township. It was for a time a rival of De- catur, but eventually lost its prestige. The town of West Danville, better known as 'T^antown," just cast of Newburg. was platted by Daniel Conklin about 1838. It grew for a number of years making quite a conspicuous village, but finally succumbed to decay; nothing remains but one residence and the old distillery to tell of its halcyon days. The Schools. The educational facilities of Macon coun- ty have kept apace with those of anv of the adjacent counties. Durnig its first decatle the bouses were few and far between ; these houses were built by donations of material and labor, and the teacher was dependent upon the parents for his pay, which was sometimes as low as ten dollars per month ; he boarded around, day or week about, thus securing his board free. Wood was furnished by the parents and chopped by the large boys ; the house was swept once a day by the large girls. During this formative period the teachers were divided into the following classes : The school teacher who taught the school ; the school master who mastered the school, and the school keeper who kept others from getting the school. There were, however, some excellent teachers in those davs, who were conscientious and well prepared. This class, in consequence of the meager stipend could not long remain in the profession, thus necessitating constant recruits,, who were, not infrequently, penniless adven- turers exploring the west, trying to turn a dollar by teaching. The pioneer teacher being examined by the board of directors, needed really but two (pialifications— a rugged physique and an ajitness in the fun- damentals of arithmetic, as the following question put at a prospecti\e teacher who taught the school in the (jarver settlement demonstrates. Question: What will be the cost of sixty bu.shels of wheat at a dollar per bushel? The teacher's ready answer promptly closed the examination and se- cured to him the authority to take charge of the school. It is true, nevertheless, that the teacher was plied with all kinds of knotty probleius, which did not in any event involve very intricate manipulations in their solutions, yet they were so considered by the patrons, and woe unto the teacher who could not solve them as by magic. The teacher by the did of the board of directors usually formulated a set of rules which were tacked upon the wall and re- viewed every morning as part of the day's task. The government was administered by the rod or intimidation, and by courting the favor of the older boys and girls. There was an unwritten law, nut included in the directors" rules, permitting the pupils to bar out the teacher in order to compel him to treat ; the teacher was often subjected to \ery rough and unwarranted treatment on these occasions. This custom, we are glad to say, is now obsolete. The methods of teaching were quite dif- ferent from those of the present. The books in use did not follow the lines of least resistance, as cpur psychologists advo- cate, but on the contrar\', seemed to follow the lines presenting most friction. A care- ful inspection of the following list of books PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 73 will enable you to decide this for yourself: Reader, all grades, New Testament ; speller, Webster's Elementary : arithmetic, Smily. This practically completed the list. W'eb- ster's Elementary Speller, which was cer- tainly very comprehensive and edifying to the beginner, was used in the first five years of the child's school life to the exclusion of ever3'thing else. The single rule of three or single propor- tion, was the climax in arithmetical attain- ment. The methods of recitation in all the branches were purely mechanical, no thought work being attempted. It was customary to study aloud ; one un- accustomed to it could not distinguish the study from the recitation. If the singing of the chip is an index to the ability of the chopper how gratifying to the teacher must this tingling and tintinnabulating, rising and ebbing of the voices have been. The school houses were, likewise, worthy of mention ; they were almost invariably of logs, and were chinked and daubed. Some of them had no floors, and those that did have were floored with puncheon hewed out upon one side, smoothed by the children sliding back ' and forth on them. The school hoiise was heated by a large fire-place located at one end of the room. These fire-places were very large, being a receptacle for sticks of wood cut into cord lengths. The chimneys were made of wood and clay. As you would naturally suppose, most of the heat from the fire-place went up the huge chimney; instead of warming the room it warmed the outside. The windows were usually made by cutting out a log upon one side of the house, making the windows rather wide but not \'ery high. No supply of glass being accessible for these first houses, these openings in the wall that have been described were covered over with greased paper; the object in greasing the paper as a glazing process was to make it more transparent and also tougher so as to withstand the storms of wind and rain. It must have been an esthetic light that was admitted through these tallow dipped win- dow panes ; whatever the result may have been, it was the only make-shift until glass could be secured. The seats in those old school-houses would prove a nightmare to this generation. They, too, were made of slabs, hewn upon one side, with no lazy-back attach- ment. The little fellows were placed side l)v side on these rough-hewn benches, six, eight or ten in a row, scarcely any of them able to reach the floor with their feet. Legs were driven into these slabs from the lower side. These were not always of the same length, so that at times the benches would rock from side to side, greatly to the an- noyance of the children perched upon them. "The writing desks were made of split logs, and at a later date of planks, which were arranged around the sides of the room, usually under the windows ; pins were driven into the walls and the slabs or planks laid upon them ; they were not of that gilt- edged and varnished type of to-day, but were qtiite substantial. These are the desks that the boys took such a vicious delight in defacing with their jack-knives; they cut upon them all sorts of hierogl3'phical char- acters, checkerboards and representations of human beings and otherwise." The first school-house in the county was built in 1823 on the i.ild Widick farm, now. owned by the I'. M. W'ikoflf estate, located three and a half miles southwest of De- catur. The second was built in 1828 on the W. C. Smith land. Abraham Lincoln at- tended singing and spelling school in this house. The modern school is the outgrowth of the free-school law passed by the Illinois legislature in 1855. Like all laws it has un- dergone many changes since its enactment, most of which have resulted in good. We are, at present, in need of changes 74 PAST AND PRESENT OF iMACON COUNTY. in order to place the school law on a par with the advanced condition of our present schools. The result of the school law has been a better and a more imiform system of work throughout the county and state. The coun- try schools of this county have forged ahead of other counties of the state by adopting and following "The State Course of Stud)-," which originated in Macon county and has here, practically, been de- veloped to its present state of efficiency. It has ushered in the alternation of work, whereby the school carries the even num- bered grades: one, two, four, six, eight and ten one year and the odd numbered grades : one, two, three, five, seven and nine the next year. This reduces the number of classes and gives, in addition, two years of high school work. The high school work, also music and drawing, have for the last six years been \ery creditably done. The above work has in a large measure been responsible for better scholarship in the teacher. Another result of this law is a careful sys- tem of taxation for the support of the schools, which gives a longer term, now an average of eight months each year, and a more professional trend to the teacher; one who has prepared especially for the work, by attending a good normal school after completing from two to four years of high school work; the compensation is so much better that teachers are justified in pre- paring for and in entering teaching for a life work. The school-house has in a sense kept in touch with the private residence as to mod- ern appearances and conveniences. Outside of Decatur there arc twenty-three brick and one hundred and nine frame houses; many of these are modern in the manner of arrangement, light, heat and furniture — numbers of them are heated by furnaces. The board of directors, teachers, pupils and patrons have united with the county superintendent of schools to make the school surroundings, out of doors as well as in, attractive and habitable. Most school yards are fenced and contain shade trees ; the houses are painted inside and out, the walls are decorated with pictures and neatly papered. The schools in most districts are supplied with numerous reference books in addition to a librarj' for general reading — maps, globes, charts and other needed ap- paratus are in evidence. The teachers employed in the county during the year numbered about two hun- dred and seventy-five, a large majority be- ing ladies. The average salary is between fifty and fifty-five dollars per month. The average number of pupils in a dis- trict in the county schools is about twent- five, making the cost per pupil about two dollars per month. Outside of the \illage the school tax in some districts is as low as one and a half per cent, in the village it reaches two and a half per cent, which is the limit for gen- eral school purposes. Some of the schools, especially where the farms are large, as in Milam township, are smaller, thus making the rate per capita much higher. In these communities it would be much cheaper if the schools were consolidated and a house large enough to accommodate all built in the center of the township. In addition to the librar)- books already mentioned, the country schools of this county have quite a large circulating library, belonging to the schools individu- ally, in sets of ten volumes each. The plan of which is this : Each school that buys a set becomes a member of the library association. After the owner of the library has read it then it is exchanged, through the county superintendent's office, for one brought in by some other school. There being about thirty-five original sets PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. containing no dnplicate books the schools will have fresh reading material for some years. In order to supply all the schools wanting libraries it became necessary to duplicate all of these libraries. It is believed that these libraries have been the source of more real development and genuine good than any one thing done for the children. A large number of reading books of the various grades are loaned to the teachers through the county superintendent's office, these are used for supplementing the read- ers owned by the pupils. This has also proven very satisfactory to both teacher and pupil. The teachers also have a county library, which contains, in the main, professional works. School Lands. When the state of Illinois was admitted to the Union it was decided that section number sixteen of each township should be set aside for the use of the public schools of that township. There being no law at the time permitting the trustees or any one in authority to lease or rent the same most of these lands were sold at from twenty-five cents to twelve and a half dollars per acre. By the way, there is but one section in Macon county that it not sold — this belongs to township eighteen, range one, east, which is the polit- ical township of Austin in the northwest part of the county. The land is not for sale, but is valued at one hundred dollars per acre. It is divided into three farms, two of one hundred and sixty acres each and one of three hundred and twenty acres. Each farm has a good set of buildings which, including the fences, are kept in good repair. The rentals aggregate three thousand dollars per year, paying nearly the entire expense of maintaining the schools of the township. There are three reasons why this section of land was never sold : The first is that it was under water until September of each year ; the second is that after it emerged from the water so as to be visible the greater part of. the year land in that locality was still very cheap, it be- ing classed as swamp land, but notwith- standing, some of the inhabitants of that township thought the time ripe for the dis- posal of the land, and accordingly circulated a petition to that effect, securing a majority of the legal voters in the township. Now the third reason appears : James Parker, who owned land in the east part of the township, refused to sign the petition, and at once circulated a counter petition oppos- ing the sale of the land and, at the same time, agreeing to go to the legislature to urge the passage of a bill permitting the leasing of school lands by the board of trus- tees. He was successful in securing the requisite number of signatures to his peti- tion and later in getting a law for renting school lands, thereby retaining the land for the use of future posterity. Thus the foresight of one man has given Austin township a permanent net income, since school property is not taxable, of not less than three thousand dollars per year, which practically defrays the school ex- penses of the entire township. Had every township of Macon county foreseen this condition the schools outside of the city and villages would be self-sup- porting. In 1900 Austin township leased, for a term of ninety-nine years, from the school trustees, one acre for a town-hall site. The laws of Illinois place the manage- ment of a school district in control of a board of three directors, one to be selected each year. This board has absolute control of the affairs of the district. The teacher is employed by them, the expenses of the school are computed by them and the levy, which cannot exceed two and one-half per cent for general school purposes and "two and one-half per cent for building, is re- 76 PAST AND PRESENT OF MACOX COUNTY. ported to tlie county clerk, who extends the same on the ])roperty Aakiation of the dis- trict. The nionc}- raised for scliool purposes comes, ]3rinci])ally, from direct taxation, fines and forfeitures in state cases, interest on the i)erinanent township and county funds, the interest on the state school fund and a portion of the seven per cent dividend from the gross earnings of the Illinois Cen- tral Kailroad. From 1854 to 1902 the Illinois Central has paid into the state treasury over twenty million dcjllars. Last year il paid about eight hundred thousand dollars to the state. The distriliution from the state and county, made by the county superintendent of schools, is about ten thousand dollars per year. THE ]\IACON COUNTY SONG. Decatur, Illinois, Aug. 15, 1902. Since we have a state song. "Illinois," and a national anthem, "America," it seems to me vvc are entitled to the county song, "Macon," which I hereh\' submit and take pleasure in dedicating to the children of Macon county. J( )I1.\' G. KELLER, County .'superintendent of Schools. Macon. Air: .\ly < )wn Native Land. John (i. Keller. 1. ( )h the prairies of Macon. How dear to our heart, \\'here once gleamed the watch-fires alone. Where our fathers kept guard o"er the dear ones they loved \\'hile thev liiiildec] the pioneer home.- Chorus. Home, home, home, hapjiy home ; Wc love our Macon home. 2. In the cabins of Macon Knelt mothers in prayer, They jjrayed and they worked and they wept ; The grasses have grown long ago o'er their graves, But the homes that they made we have kept. 3. When the brave sons of Macon Heard Lincoln's first call. They answered so loyal and true. They followed the flag and they of- fered their lives \\ hile they fought for their homes and ior you. 4. In the rich tields of .Macon Wave harvests of gold ; There's plenty for all and to spare, Prosperity reigns and sweet peace once again Fills the homes of our Macon so fair. 5. How we love our dear ]\Iacon On Sangamon's shore. God grant that it ever may be The birth-place of heroes, the good and the great. Kurn in homes that are luqipy and free. Parochial Schools. In 1S73 llie members of .^t. Patrick's Roman Catholic church established St. Theresa's .Academy in a three-story brick building on East Eldorado street, where all the English branches included in a collegi- ate course are taught, besides l)ook-keep- ing, vocal and instrumental music. l'"or some time a boys' school and a girls' school were carried on, but of late years both boys and girls arc admitted to the same class. At present the schi)ol is incorporated and is in charge of the iTsulinc Sisters. About four hundred pupils are in attendance. The St. James German Catholic school on East Clay street is domiciled in a good PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. frame building, containing three schuul rooms, "a large auditorium and a club room. The building is modern throughout, con- taining its own lighting and heating plant. Rev. Father Lammert and Rev. Father Teppe were instrumental in revising the school system of the parish and making it possible to reap the present beneficial re- sults. About one hundred and fifty pupils are now in attendance. St. Paul's Evangelical German I^utheran school, on East Prairie street, was estab- lished in 1870. All the branches taught in the ward schools are taught in both English and Ger- man, in addition to this the children are instructed in the Lutheran Catechism and biblical history. About seventy-five children are in attend- ance in this school. St. Johannes' German Lutheran school, on the corner of Orchard and Lowber streets, founded in 1888, is domiciled in a three-story brick house of six rooms. This building was erected in' 1898 at an expense of -$6,000. The course of study is practically the same as that of the ward schools, while in addition, reading, writing, the Lutheran Catechism and biblical history are taught in German. Brown's Decattir Business College, lo- cated in the Columbia Block, on North Water street, is the only business college in the city and does as effective work as any in the state. Its enrollment is constantly on the increase and its reputation is spread- ing over a very large territory. Martyn H. Owen is the principal of the school. The James Millikin University. This university, located in the west part of the city, occupying the Oakland Park site, is destined to do more for the city than any other institution yet promoted in imparting to it a literary status. It will af- ford opportunities for the young people to pursue courses in jiractical training in in- dustrial lines that will prepare them for active business ; an opportunity that cer- tainly adds much to Decatur's educational facilities. It has been James Alillikin's desire for a number of years to establish for Decatur an industrial school whereby young people who are inclined toward the industrial rather than the literary could receive a spe- cial education. About two years ago he offered the citi- zens of Decatur a donation of $200,000 and Oakland Park, worth $25,000, toward erect- ing a college building, provided that the cit- izens raise $100,000. Later it was suggested that Lincoln Uni- versity, of Lincoln, 111., be consolidated with the Decatur school, thereby benefiting both schools, Lincoln working under a charter of a kind that cannot be granted now. The Lincoln University being managed .by the Cumberland Presbyterian church it was proposed that if the union could be made the church should raise $100,000 for the common fund. Mr. Millikin accepted this proposition and further offered the Lincoln University $50,000 on condition that the people of that community raise $25,000. Later he pro- posed that in the event that all of the money be raised and the two schools consolidated and established as planned, to transfer to the college commission of the Cumberland Presbyterian church, property that would yield in the neighborhood of $20,000 a year perpetually. In addition to the foregoing Mr. Millikin has endowed the university with $150,000, with the provision that the Cumberland Presbyterian church add $50,000 to this. He has furthermore assured the college $20,000 annually of his income during his lifetime, and after his death the entire in- 78 PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. come of his estate shall be at the disposal of the school. The college building is an up-to-date structure, elaborate in its architecture, grounds, arrangements and furnishings; sufficiently large to accommodate several thousand students. The university was dedicated June 4, 1903, by Theodore Roosevelt, president of the United States. The ceremonies were very largely attended and graced by num- bers of persons who stand high in the church, city, state and in the nation. The school, without doubt, has an auspicious future before it, and it is to be hoped that it will be permitted to maintain the unusu- ally high standard with which it is ushered into its field of usefulness. The school opened September, 1903, with President A. R. Taylor in charge. The Church. The history of nations demonstrates the fact that none are thoroughly civilized until, in the fullest sense, christianized. The efficacy of our flag is constantly eulo- gized, and it well deserves it, but its in- debtedness to the christian influence which enshrines it must not be overlooked. While there arc many denominations of the church it does not follow that any one of these is the church. Each advocates a different dogma, yet all are engaged in the same laudable work — that of developing the moral side of human nature. The pioneer is not to be classed with the idolater who has not even the remotest idea of Christianity; those inhabitating benighted countries do not possess an educated con- science, while on the contrary, the settlers of a new country have decided religious pro- clivities formed in childhood. Many de- nominations are represented, requiring only the organizing ability of capable ministers to bring into existence the various churches. The pioneer preacher was, of necessity. a man who could readily adjust himself to his environment. If it became necessary, which it frequently did, that he should, through his own efforts, add to his salary, he could lay hands on anything that pre- sented Itself. When it required a more forcible argument than that given by word of mouth, he was usually ready with an alternative. The country at that time was not blessed with stained glass and cushion pew churches ; private houses seated the worshipers. The ministers held service on any day in the week, the announcements being made days, and even weeks, ahead. The neighbors for miles around looked for- ward to those ■ meetings with the greatest expectancy ; everybody who was able to at- tend was present on these occasions. These sermons were not of the thirty- minute palatable variety, but were of sev- eral hours' duration, filled with the vigor and the zeal of pioneer interpretations, of eternal pleasure or everlasting punishment. As civilization and the general development of the country progressed the environments brought about a revolution in tlu- demands of the ministry which evcntuall_\- did away with the emergency minister, placing in his stead a cultured, college-bred man, who is in sympathy with the prevailing customs, ministering to his flock by virtue of the orthodox system of faith worked out by modern theological institutions. This change brought with it our modern church- house, which is a model of neatness, com- fort and adaptability. Decatur, for its size, has as many good church buidings as any city in the state. A few years ago a period of rebuilding and remodeling came in vogue, which has made the churches convenient, modern and beau- tiful. A meager statement regarding the organ- ization and prnnuilgation of the churches and their work, including church buildings, seems advisable at this place. PAST AND PRESENT OF MACOX COUNTY. 79 The First Presbyterian church was organ- ized in the house of Samuel Powers, on the 1st of May, 1S52. by Rev. Robert H. Lilly. David Hopkins was installed first ruling elder ; Rev. Augustus F. Pratt preached for them one year ; Rev. David Manford, D. D., took the charge until 1854, and Rev. Erastus ^^^ Thayer succeeded him, holding the work until 1857. The congregation first worshipped in the old court house, then in the old academy, and in several other build- ings prcxious to erecting the church edi- fice on the corner of Church street and Prairie avenue. This building is of gray stone, costing about $85,000. The capacity of the auditorium is 800, and by throwing the Sabbath-school room open 1,200 may be accommodated. Its membership is nearly 900. Dr. \y. H. Penhallegan is pastor. He has served the church very satisfactorily for a number of years. The St. John's Episcopal church was or- ganized in 1856. The first rector was Rev. S. R. Childs. This congregation occupies a church building at the corner of Church and Eldorado streets, which is antique in architecture and symmetrical in outline. It is constructed of gray hewn stone, costing $60,000. Its appointments are not sur- passed by any, and the seating capacity is spacious, accommodating nearly 500. Its rector is Rev. C. R. Birnbach. The Congregational church is located just across the street west of St. John's. It is built of red, pressed brick, laid upon a foun- dation of cobble stones. The tower is also of cobble stones. It was erected in 1890, through the untiring efforts of Rev. W. C. Miller, at a cost of $20,000. Its capacity has been increased by half by an addition which, including the pipe organ, has neces- sitated an outlay of $18,000. Rev. Horace L. Strain, the present pastor, was instru- mental in bringing about this improvement. The Salem church, five miles southwest of Decatur, was organized in 1846. The ceme- tery at this church, the oldest in the county, was established in 1829. Mr. Mangrin and liis wife were the first buried there, being the first deaths of the county. The first sermon preached for the Cum- berland Presbyterian church was by Rev. John Berry, in an old log school-house, three and a half miles southwest of De- catur, on the P. M. Wikofif farm. The Mt. Zion C. P. church, the oldest church organization of any denomination in the county, was established April 24, 1830, at the house of Rev. David Foster, who was its first pastor. The first Sabbath school in the county was organized by Rev. David Foster, at this place, in 1831. The first superintendent was James Scott ; his assistant was Andrew Wilson. This con- gregation has recently erected the finest and most commodious church in the county outside of Decatur. The North Fork C. P. church was organ- ized in April, 1855, by Rev. John C. Smith, at the Emerson school-house, now the Ex- celsior. The first Sabbath school in the neighbor- hood was organized by Charlotte Emerson, sister of the late Judge Emerson, she be- ing its first superintendent. The organi- zation was effected in her father's yard in the year 1840. The Bethlehem church was organized in 1850 by Rev. John C. Smith. The Madison church was organized in 1854 by Rev. John C. Smith. The First C. P. church of Decatur, at the corner of Monroe and West Eldorado streets, erected in 1897, through the efforts of the late Rev. A. W. Hawkins, at a cost of $20,000, is one of the most modern church houses in the city. It is constructed of red pressed brick' and trimmed in gray stone. Its capacity is about 1,000; its mem- bership is 300. Rev. J. W. McDonald is its pastor. There is also a C. P. church at Argenta, 80 PAST AXIJ rRESEXT Ul' .MACOX COUNTY. which was organized in the early forties, which now has a modern church building, erected upon a lot donated by the late Dr. R. F. Carr. This was the first church or- ganized in l*"riends Creek township. The Baptist church of Decatur was organ- ized .Sept. 14, 1843, ^t Xo. 442 Xorth Water street, known as the J. C. Lake property. This was the first two-story frame dwelling house built in Macon county. At the time of organization this was the home of David L. .Mien, one of the chief movers in the organization of the church. Rev. II. W. Dodge was moderator during the organiz- ing of the church. The first officials were: Lemuel .\ilen, deacon; Thomas H. Read. M. D., treasurer; S. C. Allen, clerk; D. L. Allen. David Brett, Thomas H. Read, M. D., ICdward !.. Maddock and S. C". Allen, trustees. Services were held at the home of David L. Allen, the court house, then a frame buikling, tni the j)resent site of the Wo- man's Club. From 1843 to 1848 they used this building. .\t the latter date they bought the atljoining room for $350. In 1853 the building was sold for $1,000. A tempor- ary house was now built and occupied until 1856. A building was then erected at the corner of Xorth Water and East Williams streets, which was occujjied until 1876. when the present churcli building at the corner of North Water and East North streets was dedicated. The dedicatory sermon was preached by Rev. C. J. Johnson. The church property in its ])resent condition is valued at $65,000. March 21, 1856, thirteen members were dismissed to form a church in the Carver settlement. May 30, 1862, a church was organized at Harristown; Argenta also has a strong church. In 1890 the East Park Chapel was built by the Ladies' Aid Society. .\ Sabbath school was organized at about the same time that the church was organized, which has grown to very large proportions. Among the workers in the school appear the "names of -M. Y. Givler, David C. Allen. G. F. Wes- sel, (). N. Bramble, 1-. \\'. Anderson, J. E. Saxton, W. J. Wayne and E. A. Gastman. The present home of the congregation is l)uilt lit red pressed t)rick, trimmed in stone. The auditorium is spacious and furnished with opera chairs ; its appoint- ments throughout are modern. Its music is sup])lied by one of the most expensive ])ipe organs in the city. Its membership is 800. The present ])astor is Rev. S. II. Beyer. .St. Patrick's Roman Catholic church was organized in 1854. The present church building was erected in 1863, which at that time was the most expensive church house in the comity. This church, located on East North street, was thoroughly over- hauled, refurnished and ])rovided with a new bell. Its membershij) is about 3,000. The first dean was Rev. Father llickey; the i)rcsent dean is Rev. Father Murph)-. The St. James German Catholic church, on East Clay street, is an up-to-date build- ing which, in connection with the adjacent school, has its own heating and lighting plant; the congregation com])rises about 300; its seating capacity is ample for the membershi]). This church was organized by Rev. l-ather Lammcrt, in 1877. Rev. b'athcr A. Tep])e is in charge and his work has resulted in much good. St. Paul's German Lutheran church, cor- ner of \^'est Wood and Edward streets, is a good brick building, whicli has just been thoroughly remodeled and newly ]iainted on the inside : the seating capacity is about 300; its mendjership is about the same*. 'l"he ])resent pastor is Rev. M. .\. \\'agoner. In 1891 the congregation of St. Paul's church was divided. The members living in the northeast part of town built the St. Jolianncs' German church on East ( )rchard street. This is a handsome brick, with a PAST AND PRESENT OF IMACON COUNTY. 81 seating capacity of 850. 'Jlie pastor is Rev. William Heyne. The First Evangelical Lutheran church, at the corner of Main and William streets, is a good, well constructed brick building, with a seating capacity of 500. This build- ing cost $25,000; the membership is about 200. Rev. H. Peters is the pastor. The Christian church was organized in 1830, by Elder Joseph Hostetler. The place of organization was the old log court house, wdiich stood in the west side of the old square ; it may now be seen in the southwest corner of Fairlawn Park. The pastor was Joseph Hostetler. Its Sunday school was organized in 1855, by E. M. Nabb, who was its first superintendent. Among its list of superintendents may be found the names of W. E. Nelson and W. L. Hammer, both ex-county judges of Macon county. The Edward Street Christian church is among the oldest churches in the city. It is in an excellent residence section and is on a sound financial basis. The pastor is Rev. F. A\'. Burnham. The Tabernacle Christian church, on North Church street, was built through the eiiforts of Rev. George W. Hall. It is a large frame building, recently remodeled at a cost of $4,000; its seating capacity is 1,800. The pastor is Rev. F.,B. Jones. The Edward Street chtirch was vacated after the completion of the Tabernacle ; soon after, however, the congregation was divided and one of the organizations ac- cupied the Edward Street church. The first sermon preaclied in this county by a United Brethren minister was delivered by Rev. James Parks, in the spring of 1848, at the house of Rev. M. T. Chew, five miles southwest of Decatur. The first class con- sisted of Mrs. and Rev. 'M. T. Chew. The first church in Decatur was organized in 1856, in the old Masonic hall, by Rev. M. Ambrose. In 1857 a church was built on the isomer of Cerro Gordo and North Main streets. In 1873 the church bought lots at a cost of $2,350 on the corner of North Broadway and East Eldorado streets, upon which was erected a neat frame building. This is known as the Centenary United Brethren church ; it has a large membership and a flourishing Sabbath school. The Church of God was organized in May, 1857, by Elder A. J.. Fenton, with eleven members. The Church of God Bethel, at 565 North Water street, is one of the old churches of the city ; it is a well preserved frame building of fair size and presenting a good appearance. The pastor is Rev. J. Bernard. The Universalist church was organized in 1854 by Rev. D. P. Bunn. The early members were Joseph Spangler, Jr. ; Joseph Spangler, Sr. ; Jacob Spangler, J. B. Hanks and wife, John Ricketts and wife, John Capps and wife. The first minister. Rev. D. P. Bunn, served fourteen years. Other churches are: Edward Street chapel, 405 East Leafland avenue; East Park chapel, corner Third and Prairie ave- nue; Ail Augels Episcopal church, 1256 East Eldorado street; Universalist church, 141 East Prairie street ; United Brethren Mission, 904 South Colfax street ; Antioch Baptist, colored, 610 Spring avenue; Broad- way Baptist, colored, 414 South Broadway ; St. Peter's African Methodist Episcopal, 530 Spring avenue ; German Baptist, corner Pugh and North Main streets ; Sergeant Chapel, M. E., 892 South Broadway: Wes- ley Chapel, M. E., 1807 North Church street : College Street Presbyterian Chapel, a neat structure just completed, 1075 North College street ; W'estminster Chapel, corner Macon street and Haworth avenue. In ad- dition, the city has the Christian Science organization ; the Railway Y. M. C. A. organization, which owns an elegant build- ing on the Wabash right of way, near the depots ; the Central Y. M. C. A. organiza- tion ; the W^ C. T. U. organization. 82 PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. CITY OF DECATUR. The following is a list of presidents and clerks of the city of Decatur during its government by a board of trustees: 1836-8, R. J. Oglesby, president; .Andrew Love, clerk. 1838-9, Joseph W'illianis and Henry Snyder, presidents; Edmislon Mc- Clelland, clerk. 1839-40, Kirby Benedict, president; H. M. Gorin, clerk. 1840-I, Joseph King, president; H. M. (.jorin, clerk. 1841-46, Thomas P. Rodgers, president ; J. P. Post, clerk ; 1846-7, D. Krone, president ; Nathaniel P. West, clerk . 1847-8, J. H. El- liot, president ; N. P. West, clerk . 1848-50, Joseph Kaufman, president ; X. P. West, clerk. 1850-51, Berr}- H. Cassell, clerk; 1851-2, J. H. Elliott, president; Berry H. Cassell, clerk . 1852-3, W. T. Stamper, presi- dent ; Berry H. Cassell, clerk. 1853-4, W. Prather, president ; Berry H. Cassell, clerk, 1854-6, Thomas H. Wingate, president ; Berry H. Cassell, clerk. Presidents and clerks of Decatur during its government by city council : 1856-7, John P. Post, mayor; C. C. Post, clerk. 1857-8, William A. Barnes, mayor; J. P. Boyd, clerk and attorney; 1858-9. James Shoaf, mayor ; S. S. Goode, clerk and attorney. 1859-60, A. T. Hill, mayor; S. S. Goode, clerk and attorney; 1860-1, Sheridan Wait, mayor ; J. R. Gorin, clerk and attor- ney; 1861-2, E. O. Smith, mayor; J. R. Gor- in, clerk and attorney. 1862-3, Thomas O. Smith, mayor : J. R. Gorin, clerk and attor- ney. 1863-4, J. J. Peddecord, mayor; J. R. Gorin, clerk and attorney. 1864-5. J. J. Peddecord, mayor ; K. H. Roby, clerk and attorney. 1865-6. Franklin Priest, mayor; K. 11. Roby, clerk and attornex'. 1866-7, l-'ranklin Priest, mayor ; .\. B. Warren, clerk and attorney. 1867-8, John K. War- ren, mayor ; C. H. Fuller, registrar. 1868-9, I. C. Pugh, mayor; C. H. Fuller, registrar. 1869-70, William L. Hammer, mayor; C. H. Fuller, registrar. 1870-1, Franklin Priest, mayor ; C. H. Fuller, registrar. 1871-2, E. .M. Misner, mayor; C. H. Fuller, registrar. 1872-3. 1). S. Shellabarger, mayor; George P. Hardy, registrar. 1873-4, ^larlin Forstmeyer, mayor ; George P. Har- dy, registrar. 1874-5, Franklin Priest, mayor; George P. Hardy, registrar. 1875-6, R. H. Merriweather, mayor; George P. Hardy, registrar. 1876-8, W. B. Chambers, mayor; George P. Hardy, registrar. 1875-6, Franklin Priest, mayor; George P. Hardy, registrar. 1879-80, L. L. Haworth, mayor; George P. Hardy, registrar. 1880-3, H. W. \\'aggoner, mayor ; George P. Hardy, clerk. 188375, W. B. Chambers, ma3'or; C. M. Durfee, clerk. 1885-91, M. F. Kanan, mayor; F. C. Betzer, clerk. 1891-3, W. B. Chambers, mayor ; L. F. Skelley, clerk. 1893-5, David C. Aloffitt, mayor; L. F. Skel- ley, clerk. 1895-7, D. H. Conklin, mayor; F. L. Hayes, clerk. 1897-9, ^- 2- Taylor, mayor; John A. Reeve, clerk. 1899-1901, George A. Stadler, mayor; Mont E. Peni- w-ell, clerk. 1901-3, C. F. Shilling, mayor; Mont E. Peniwell, clerk. The Free Public Library. The history of the library really begins with the presentation to the city council of a petition, signed by the ladies of the Ladies' Library Association and the De- catur Reading Room Association, asking for the establishment of a free public li- brary. The petition being granted the librar}- was established Aug. 10, 1875. The first library board consisted of Joseph Mills, president; J. L. Peak, William A. Barnes, Mrs. C. A. Ewing, Mrs. Judge Greer, Mrs. B. F. Sibley, W. H. Funis, W. W. Foster and W . L. Ilanmier Richard L. Evans was appointed first librarian and held that position until his death, Nov. 17, 1881. His wife. Alice G. Evans, was appointed his successor, and still continues to hold the position. The library remained on the second floor of the .Schroeder building, on East Prairie PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 83 street, where it was when turned over to the city, Oct. 5, 1881. It was next housed in the Orlando Powers building, over the Linn & Scruggs store. In 1889 it was moved to its new quarters, in the build- ing erected by Roberts and Greene, known as the Library Block, on North ]\Iain street. Feb. 2, 1892, the building was destroyed by fire and 4,300 books, together with all of the furniture and fixtures, also the records of the Ladies" Library and the Decatur Reading Room associations. Temporarjr quarters were secured in the old Presbyterian church until October of the same year, when the library was moved into the old quarters in the Library Block. On the nth of May, 1898, it was moved into the fifth story of the Orlando Powers block, where it remained until May, 1903, when it was transferred to its present home in the Carnegie Library Building. This structure was erected at an expense of $60,- 000, donated, in 1901, to the city of De- catur, by Andrew Carnegie, on the condi- tions that the city agrees to appropriate a stipulated sum of money, each year, to the support of the library. The building is a neat, modern, light stone, admirably equipped with all the latest facilities for handling an up-to-date library. Its location is on North Main street, op- posite the Public building used for the De- catur postofific°. About twenty-five thousand volumes are in the library at present, and each year about two thousand volumes are added. Over six thousand persons have cards as patrons of the library. The total number of visitors during the past year was over twenty-five thousand ; these people bor- rowed over ninety-seven thousand books. Our library is alive to the best interests of its patrons as to management and as to the acquisition of all the latest books when first placed upon the market. The librarian attends all the meetings of the National Library Association in order to keep abreast of^ the times in adjusting the library to the public needs. This, judg- ing from the patronage, the management has certainly accomplished. No pains are spared in rendering assistance to individ- uals, clubs or societies pursuing some spe- cial subject; on request, lists of books or magazine articles are gladly classified and prepared. It is the aim, in the selection of new books, to cover as wide a field as possible with the money at the disposal of the board, each year, and at the same time not to overlook any of the various subjects.' Much new fiction is placed in the library to satisfy the popular taste, yet constant watch is kept for new treatises on science, history, literature and art that may become classic, thereby giving permanence to the reference department. The reading room is the most widely used part of the library; one hundred and thirty- five publications are on file. One hundred and thirty thousand persons visited this room during the past year. The papers consist of the leading daily and weekly papers adapted to this locality and about seventy-five monthlies. The money for the support of the library is raised by a taxation of two mills on the dollar, which last year amounted to $7,449. The surplus above the runnings expenses is used in the purchase of new books. The Woman's Club. The Woman's Club of Decatur has as large a membership as any outside of Chi- cago. It was organized seventeen years ago and has a membership of three hundred. The club house on the corner of North Park and Franklin streets is owned by a stock company composed entirely of club women, and was one of the first club houses in the state built for women. The members of the club pursue a varied >4 PAST AXl) PRKSEXT OP MACUX CUUXTY. line of work, wliich is delineated by the following: Music, Art, Sorosis, Psalemas, Literature, Sbakcspeare and Child Stud}- divisions. In addition to these the club con- siders many other subjects: educational, ]5hilanthro])ical, municipal, legal and social. The .\rt Class is the (jldesl division, hav- ing organized twenty years ago. Powers' Grand Opera House. The Powers' ( irand ( ii)cra I louse, built in i88y, by Orlando Powers, and now owned by his heirs, is the only opera house in the city. Until its destruction by fire .Nov. 4, 1895, it was very successfully managed by Prank W. Haines. In less than tiu-ee months after its destruction the building was again ready for use and was re-opened Peb. 10, 1896, under the management of J. I', (iiven, who is still in charge. The opera house, in the 100 block on South Water street, has its main entrance on this street. It contains a large lobby and reception hall, a par- quet and dress circle on the first floor; a balcony and a gallery above ; in all seating about sixteen hundred people. There are twelve dressing rooms, artisti- cally furnished for the actors. The house is heated with steam and lighted through- out with gas and electricity. Very few houses, outside of Chicago, surpass it in beauty and harmony of decoration, attrac- tiveness of appointments and convenience of arrangement. The Anna B. Millikin Home. The Anna Li. Millikin Home for old ladies and children is located just across the street east of the James xMillikin L'ui- versity in a beautiful grove of forest trees. This is an outgrowth of the original home in the east part of the city, given to the city by Mr. and Mrs. Millikin. By and by the building became too small and so crowded that .\lr. Millikin ga\e them three acres of land, where the new building now stands, and agreed to gi\-c $10,000 if the directors of the home succeeded in securing $10,000 more. The directors raised the money and the result is a fine modern structure of red brick, trimmed with white stone. The basement contains the kitchen, pan- try. ])lay room, boiler room, fuel room, laundry and drying rooms; on the first floor are dining hall, assembly room, library, ma- tron's room and a number of bed rooms. On the second floor is a large girls' dormitory and sixteen bed rooms : on the third floor are the boys' dormiti:)ry and bed rooms. There are large open fire-places on both floors ; the stairways and hallways are spa- cious and the entire building is well ventil- ated. The building is lighted and heated by up-to-date apparatus and will accommo- date one hun trie and gas light, also electric power and fuel gas. The first plant was instituted in 1868; it was originally known as the Deca- tur Gas, I-ight and Coke Company, and later as the Decatur Light, Heat and Power Company. When purchased by ]\Iessrs. Danforth and McCoy and united with the Culver Electric Light Plant, it assumed its present cognomen, and was incorporated for $400,000. In 1899 an eastern syndicate bought the plant. The officers of the com- pany are : J. Manchester Haynes, of Au- gusta, Maine, president ; George E. INlacom- ber, of Augusta, Maine, treasurer; W. A. Bixby, manager. Since going into the hands of these parties many thousands of dollars have been expended in its better- ment. The lower water gas system has been introduced, and the plant on East Wood street has been increased to the capacity of 400,000 cubic feet of gas. About twenty-five miles of gas mains are in use. A storage capacity of 300,000 cubic feet and a daily manufacturing capacit}- of 400,000 cubic feet. The electric plant at the corner of West Cerro Gordo and North Edward streets, is practically new and entirely modern in every respect. Most of this plant is in duplicate and protected against accidents of all kinds. The firm has about forty per- sons in its employ regularly, besides the force on construction and repair work. William Hold's machine shop, located on State street, is three stories high and covers a space 120 by 70 feet. All kinds of spe- cial machinery, hydraulic elevators, boilers and steam pumps are handled ; repair work is also done. Six men are employed con- tinually. William Bold, who has been in the business for eighteen years, is the sole owner and manager of the plant. The firm of George S. Lyon & Sons, lo- cated at 546 East Cerro Gordo street, was started by George S. Lyon on the same corner about twenty years ago. He had the first planing mill in the city, and the otlier lumber yards brought him their lum- ber to dress. A few years ago the building was destroyed by fire. Not daunted, how- ever, the firm erected a large two story brick building, 286 by 134 feet, extending to the Wabash Railroad, facing both North Broadway and East Cerro Gordo streets ; since that time the entire yard has been en- closed by a brick wall the height of one story. The firm does a general lumber and planing business, manufacturing sashes, doors, door and window-casings, and fur- nishings for stores and public buildings ; all kinds of finishing lumber known to the trade are kept in stock. The plant is equipped with the latest make of machinery throughout, and employs fifty men nearly all the year ; five wagons are continually in use. The officers are : Clyde R. Lyon, 98 PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. presideni; James C. Sullivan, secretary; J. B. Robertson, treasurer. The lumber firm of Colby Brothers, at 419 W'abash avenue, was organized in 1891 on the same site occupied by a lumber yard for the past thirty years. They do an out and out lumber business ; handling all kinds of wood usually kept in stock for this mar- ket. They also manufacture doors, sashes, window and door casings, furnishings for stores and jniblic buildings ; all kinds of finishing lumber carried. The plant is ad- mirably equipped for their varied work. They employ from si.x to ten men. The firm is composed of C. L. Colby, 11. U. Col- by and L. S. Colby. The Mills Lmnber Company, located at 763 East Eldorado street, is one of the old lumber yards of the city. This company carries all grades and all woods in the gen- eral market such as white pine, yellow pine, chestnut, cypress, sycamore, walnut, cherry and quarter-sawed oak. They turn out mill work of all kinds ; doors, sashes exterior and interior finishings, office fixtures, stairs and furnishings for public buildings. Jo- sei)h Mills, the founder oi the enterprise, has been in the lumber business over fifty years ; more than twenty years of this time has been devoted to the interests of this company. The officers arc: Joseph Mills, president; Edgar Shellabarger, sec- retary and treasurer. Irwin, Kirkland & Company, manufac- turing pharmacists, located at 128-32 West William street, occupy two entire build- ings, giving a frontage on both William and Main streets; both buildings are well built attractive brick; the one facing Main street has just recently been completed. This business, established in 1886 by Smith, Hubbard & Company, was purchased by the present owners in 1892. They manu- facture non-secret preparations, fluid ex- tracts, elixirs, medicated syrups and com- pressed tablets. They have their own heat- ing plant, do their own grinding and print- ing, giving employment to eighteen per- sons in the laboratories. From five to eight ])eople are on the road, and they cover ter- ritory from ^linneapolis to New Orleans, west as far as Denver and east as far as eastern Indiana. V. H. Park & Son, on North Main street, next to the Wabash Railroad, occupy a half block at this point. V. H. Park has prob- ably been in active business in Decatur longer than any other man; in 1852 he en- gaged in the livery business, next in the implement business until 1887, ^^ then pur- chased his present business. They are en- gaged more extensively in the lime busi- eess than any other firm in central Illinois. They handle limes, cements, sewer-pipes, fire-clay goods, as well as operating an ex- tensive plant for the manufacture of this product. They have this year erected a commodious brick building for the storage of hard plaster. They purchased, a few years ago, the transfer and storage business of another firm, which has brought them an extensive storage business ; they are well equipped for this line, ha\ing four large warehouses. Thc}' are also distributors for a half dozen manufacturers of agricultural implements; these are sent, by car-load lots, to all points within a radius of seventy miles of Decatur. The Neisler-Burwcll Drug Company, at the corner of North Main and William streets, does a wliolesale and retail drug business. The firm carries a complete line of drugs, chemicals and physicians' sup- plies, surgical instruments, also a fine line of photographers' supplies; extra jiharma- ccutical preparations are also manufac- tured. Their traveling men make all the leading towns in northern and central Illi- nois. The company consists of W. F. Neis- Icr and Dr. E. .'\. Burwell. The Globe Cornice Works, at 224-26 West Wood street, occupies two rooms. PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY, 99 The firm has done mucli of the tin and gal- vanized iron work on the buildings of the city since its organization some years ago. They manufacture galvanized iron corn- ices, skylights, metal ceilings ; put on slate, tin and gravel roofing; sell and set hot air furnaces. Quite an extensive busi- ness has been built up outside of the city. The Decatur Brick Company was organ- ized in February, 1898, by combining the several brick companies then in existence ; thus involving a capital of $125,000. The brick industry has grown to very large pro- portions in this place. The brick for all the street paving and for nearly all the walks are of home make, and a very large per cent of the brick used in the construction of Decatur's brick buildings also comes from home manufacture. Since its organization much improvement in both paving and building brick has been made. The com- pany has five plants, two west and three east of the city, with a capacity of 25,000,- 000 brick per annum ; with only part of the plants in use, the company furnishes work for about 120 skilled workmen, with a pay- roll of about $1,000 per week. A very re- munerative trade has been built up outside of the city, even outside the state. They make a specialty of re-pressed paving brick, glazed side-walk brick, side-cut building- brick; also end-cut building brick. The officers are : J. F. Mattes, president ; Harry A. Shlaudeman, vice-president; S. A. Tut- tle, secretary and treasurer ; E. D. Mattes, general superintendent. The Decatur bakery of the National Bis- cuit Company, was organized about a dozen years ago, and has done a paj'ing business from the start. It uses fpur floors on the east side of the Library block; it runs day and night the year round, furnishing em- ployment for forty men. A full line of crackers and fine buscuits are turned out, 110 different kinds of goods are made at this bakery. The bread is baked at night. while the cakes and sweet goods are baked in the daytime. Shipments are made to 325 towns in Illinois and to about twenty- five in Indiana and at the same time a very large local trade is supplied. The plant has at all times since its origin been kept run- ning to its full capacity. Its business reaches the surprising sum of $200,000 per year. A. W. Conklin is its manager. The United States Wire Mat Company is one of the unique institutions of the city. Its goods have attracted the attention of the civilized world. The factory, located at 341-43 Wabash avenue, was incorporated in 1892 with a capital stock of $20,000. The capacity of the plant is 500 feet. of matting per day. The United States government is an extensive patron of this firm ; with the exception of the recently constructed boats, every man-of-war in the navy is fitted out with wire matting from this factory. The battle ship Texas has $1,000 worth of this matting lying upon her decks. The pro- duct of this factory goes to South America, South Africa, Australia, Russia, England and the continent. The officers are : C. M. Hurst, secretary; P. P. Wells, treasurer; J. L. Bennett, manager. The Whitmer heating plant covers seven blocks of the city; has 15,000 feet of mains and 50,000 feet of radiators. Seven boilers, with a total capacity of 740 horse-power, are used. Ordinarily, only five boilers are in use, two being held in reserve for emer- gencies. There are two Oakes 100 horse- power fire-tube boilers and two Babcock and Wilcox water-tube boilers of 150 horse- power each ; the average pressure carried is from 100 to 115 pounds. The plant was es- tablished in 1892 with a 60 horse-power boiler. The business developed so rapidly that in 1894 the two large boilers were put in. It requires the use of four large pumps to supply the boilers with water; two teams are constantly hauling coal, the plant using thirty tons per day. A double system is 100 PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. usc'il so in case any part of the plant is in need of repairs tlie other can be brought into use; there are four regular firemen and one extra eniplo3ed. The boilers are four- teen feet below the street grade line. !■". II. Whitmer is the manager. The R. S. Uohon Company was incoriio- rated about six years ago with a capital stock of $25,000. The firm is located at the corner ol North Broadway and East Eldo- rado streets, in one of the best arranged three story business blocks in IJecatur. Three rooms, a large basement and a bal- cony are used for their stock, which in- cludes clothing, dry goods, notions, hats, caps and car])ets. The officers are: R. S. Bohon, president ; S. C. Bohon, vice-presi- dent ; F. i\ Roach, secretary and treasurer ; R. S. Bohon, manager. The Race Clothing Manufacttiring Com- pany, established in 1856, located over the Race clothing store, makes farmers' and mechanics' shirts, overalls, jackets, duck coats and covert coats. Over one hundred power machines are constantly miming in this factory and o\er (.)ne hundred i)ersons are employed ; seven salesmen are kept on the road. They not only supply the home demand, l)ui ship goods to Colorado, Ne- braska, Kansas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, In- dian Territory, as far east as Indiana and as far north as Michigan. The officers are : J. W. Race, president and treasurer ; Frank Elwood, secretar^^ Directors, L. L. Race, Frank Elwood and James W. Race. The Decatur Extract Company, located at 243-47 South vV^ater street, manufactures flavoring extracts, baking powder, perfume and toilet articles. The products are sold directly to the customers through local agents. The company was established over six years ago at 725 North Water street, but in 1898, on account of the grow- ing business, they moved to larger quarters and better shipping facilities. The btisi- ness has shown such a flattering increase that a few years ago they were compelled to build a large two storj- brick structure in addition to the spacious one already occu- pied. The officers are: C. W. Hastings, president : C. .\I. (joltra. secretary and treasurer. Capitalization, $10,000. The Decatur Packing & Provision Com- ])any. formerly the Levy Packing Com- ])any, was incorporated in June, 1900. They have a modern slaughter and packing house located south of the city. They carry dressed meats, lard, tallow and other meat ])roducts and manufacture sausages, and deal in hides. The company- is incorporated for $10,000. The officers are: A. Wait, president ; M.. Levy, vice-president ; C. A. Wait, secretary and treasurer. The board of directors are: A. Wait, M. Levy, C. A. Wait, Arthur Wait, and Felix Levy, The Decatur Refrigerator and Manufac- turing Company occupies a block of ground bounded by the Wabash Railroad. Morgan street. Wabash avenue and North Broad- way. This company was organized in iQOi ; it manufactures butchers' coolers, blocks, racks, show cases and fixtures. In the latter they make all kinds of store and bank fixtures. Their goods are .shipped in car-load lots to the jobbers, covering a very large territory. The officers are: Robert Farics. president : \\\ E. Surface, vice-pres- ident : E. P. Irving, secretary and treas- urer ; John ."^chwcinbold, manager and superintendent. The Akers ancl ^^'ilson Furniture Com- pany, consisting of a system of stores, lo- cated in the following towns: Decatur, Clinton. Lincoln, Bloomington, Streator, Pontiac, Canton. Champaign, and Mattoon, has been in business during the past twelve years. The Decatur store is located in the 300 block on North Main street and carries a complete stock of house furnishing goods. From one store, judiciously man- aged, has sprung this vast volume of busi- ness. From the time the first outside store PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 101 was started, the firm has practically added a store each year. The officers are : C. E. Akers and A. G. Wilson, who are the sole owners and general managers of the entire system of stores. The Bradley Brothers' Dry Goods Store is among the largest stores in the city in this line of business. Two floors and the basement of the two-story brick building at the corner of William and North Water streets, known as the Fenton building, are occupied by this stock of goods. In addi- tion to a general stock of dry goods they carry on a very elaborate dressmaking de- partment, also as large and fine an assort- ment of millinery stock as you will find in the city. The domestic goods department is in the basement, the main sales room is on the first floor and the dressmaking de- partment on the second floor. The build- ing is equipped with all the latest furnish- ings, and contains toilet rooms and rest rooms for ladies and employes. The firm has a large mail order business; three de- livery wagons are kept busy early and late and ninety people are employed all the year. Bernard Bradley and Dennis Brad- ley are the proprietors. William CJushard & Company have one of the most enterprising dry goods stores in the city ; it is located at 207 North ^^'ater street. It was established in 1895 when it was thought that the competition in that line was too strong to admit of an- other stock of dry goods ; yet this business was a success from the start. The firm, practically occupies the entire building; a general line of dry goods with a well-as- sorted line of millinery and domestic goods is carried ; also a well-equipped dressmak- ing department is maintained. It now en- joys a very large city trade besides a large patronage from the surrounding country and nearby towns and villages. The Charles T. Johnston Dry Goods Store on North Water street is thoroughly modern in all its departments. The busi- ness occupies two floors and comprises the manufacture of ladies" cloaks, suits and fur garments in connection with a general stock of dry goods. Dressmaking is also extensively carried on as well as a finely equipped, up-to-date millinery establish- ment. Thisi store soon outgrew its original quarters and it became necessary to seek more commodious apartments, which were furnished by remodeling the Ennis build- ing of three floors, making as fine quarters as that of any of its size in Decatur. Forty- five people are in the employ of this firm from one year's end to the other. The Decatur Milling Company, on the corner of East Main and South Broadway, was incorporated in 1888. For a number of years previous to this it was known as the Hatfield mill, at which time the late David Carver, one of the pioneers of Ma- con county, was largely interested. It is a large brick building fully equipped with modern machinery adapted to the manu- facture of flour, meal and brewers' grits. The mill consumes one thousand bushels of wheat and about two thousand bushels of corn per day. The products of the mill are sold in the general markets as well as to the home trade. About twenty men are continuously employed. The officers are: Frank Shlaudeman, president ; O. B. Gorin, vice-president ; J. W. Carter, secre- tary ; W. C. Armstrong, treasurer and manager. The Danzeisen Packing Company, lo- cated on the Illinois Central Railroad on South Alain street, in one of the most ex- tensive brick houses in the city adapted to that purpose; it is modern in every detail. This company does a general pork and beef packing business, besides a wholesale and retail line. In addition they manufac- ture and sell ice. This company was or- ganized in May, IQ03. The capitalization is $50,000, of which the following persons 102 PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. hold: George J. Danzeisen, $37,000; Wil- liam Danzcisen, $5,000; Oscar J. Danzei- sen, $5,000; Alfred J. Danzeisen, $3,000. These four gentlemen are named as the directors of the company. The Linn and Scruggs Dry Goods and Carpet Company, occupying three floors in a half block of the Orlando Powers build- ing, is the largest and best equipped store in the state outside of Chicago. The city of Decatur may well feel proud of the ele- gance and vastness of the stock and the completeness and convenience of its ap- pointments. While Chicago has much larger stocks of goods, it has few stores that surpass it in the equipments, number of dc])artmcnts, cash carriers and modern facilities for displaying goods nor in the adaptation of its varied stock to the wants of the trade. William H. Linn and Wil- liam R. Scruggs founded the business in 1869; it was prosperous from the start and has constantly increased until to-day any one of these great floors is ecjual in floor space to a half dozen ordinary stores. The store is metro])olitan in its management, being separated into thirty separate de- partments, each under a superintendent who is its sole manager. The management of each department is as vigorously prose- cuted as though it were an individual store. An electric passenger elevator, a Bostedo pneumatic tube cash carrier with twenty- one stations is installed in the store. They have retiring and rest rooms for the cus- tomers and employes, separate lockers for each employe, convenient workrooms for the mechanics and porters; large marking rooms for marking new goods, sam])le rooms for display of goods by traveling men, and numerous other conveniences for their employes and customers. Not less than 160 persons are on its pay rolls. The Moofehouse & Wells Company, at 13.-1-40 on East Main street, was estab- lished by Messrs. Moorehouse and W^ells in 1859 on the present site of their build- ing, and is one of the oldest firms in the city. The present quarters consist of a six-story Ijuilding including a basement, built of brick with a brown stone front ; it contains all the modern appliances and conveniences necessary to accommodate their rapidly increasing business. This building was erected in 1896 at a cost of $80,000. They have in stock everything known to the modern hardware trade, and do an enormous wholesale as well as retail trade. Their business territory covers Il- linois and part of Indiana, Iowa, and Mis- souri. They handle house furnishing goods, glass, stoves, mantels, paints, varnishes, ammunition, sheet metals, tinplate, iron, mechanics' tools and builders' hardware. Twenty-five men are employed. Bixby, Pitner & Company organized in 1895, Joseph. G. Bixby and Frank S. Pitner holding the majority of the stock ; at the death of Frank S. Pitner, which occurred in 1902 Thomas Pitner took his place in the firm. The company manufactures a patent burial slipper and the Dilt's patent Com- bination Shade Roller and Curtain Pole Fixture. The plant making the burial slip- per is on the second floor of the Stoner building; it employs about twenty-five men and girls. These goods are sold to the wholesale trade only ; their market extends even beyond the United States. The origi- nality of design and neatness of adjustment commends them to the trade. They also make a shade roller and curtain pole fix- ture ; the fixture is known to the trade as the " Itsa " Fixture. This article is in its infancy but seems to be growing very rap- idl}-. It is very simple compared with the ordinary fixtures used for this purpose, re- quiring no taking out of screws when re- moval is necessary. Its simplicity com- mends itself to the public. The Pratt Cereal Oil ^lill Company was organized in 1902, with a cajiital stock of PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 103 $450,000, for the purpose of extracting oil from corn. The plant consists of five large buildings, located in the east part of the city with a frontage of 450 feet on the Wabash Railroad ; next to the Millikin University it is the largest group of build- ings in, Decatur. This is the first and only mill of its kind in the world. The surface co\'ered by these buildings is equal to about two blocks in the city. One hundred cars of machinery were placed into the plant. Two miles of pipe and four hundred and fift}' valves were used. Storage room for 600,000 gallons of oil, and 100,000 gal- lons of naphtha is provided. The output daily is 25,000 gallons of oil and 300 tons of feed. The process with its accompanying result has required seven years for its per- fection. Mr. Pratt is largely responsible for its evolvement. The raw material used is the waste from the hominy mills ; the hominy chops and the germ of the grain. The hominy chop is about ten per cent oil and the germ is about twenty-four per cent oil. About 300 tons or ten carloads of raw material is consumed every twenty-four hours. The oil is extracted from the corn by first grinding it, then steeping it in a solvent that assimilates the corn oil ; then drawing the solution off at the bottom of the percolating tanks. The corn oil is then separated from the solution by distillation. The solvent is. condensed and stored for future use, while the corn oil is passed through filter presses to remove starch or any foreign substances that may remain after which it is ready for the market. This ■oil is used for painting, for soapmaking, to give body to varnish, also in making salads. The officers are: F. M. Pratt, president, treasurer and manager ; C. Erisman, secre- tary ; R. E. Pratt, vice-president. The ]Macon County Telephone Company is owned and operated by local capital and is purely a home enterprise. It occupies the front half of the third floor of the Ar- cade building with its offices and exchange and shops; eight rooms are used. It has a switch board of nine hundred drops and stalls. Fourteen operators employed ; five men are given regular employment, while frequently a large number of extra men are used. The company has nine hundred sub- scribers ; two hundred and forty toll line connections, covering all the central part of the state. All the business part of the city from the Wabash to Wood street and from Church street to Broadway is being sup- plied with an underground system, at an expense of about $20,000. The company manufactures all its own telephones and controls a number of important patents. All its instruments and appliances of all kinds are of the latest approved patterns. This company connects with the business and professional men as well as the farmers throughout the localities which it traverses. This company was organized in 1894 and capitalized for $200,000. The officers are: C. S. Hankins, president; M. A. Hankins, secretary. The directors are : C. S. Han- kins, M. A. Hankins and W. P. Shade. The business of George R. Bacon & Com- pany was organized December, 1881, then known as the Bacon & Saxton Company, but later. Mr. Saxton dropped out of the firm and it assumed its present name. The present firm bought the land and erected the two-story l)rick litiilding, located at the corner of North Main and Eldorado streets, in which the business is now conducted. The}' carry a large stock of stationery, wrapping paper and bags, twines and a varied assortment of showcase articles such as are usually displayed in retail stores of all grades. A wholesale jobbing business with the general merchant is the work done by this firm. A printing establishment is conducted in conjunction with their other line. The territory covered by them prac- tically includes all of central Illinois, or it is the adjacent locality within a radius of 104 PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. a hundred miles of Decatur. When this business house was built it was the only business house on North Main street ex- cept the one on Prairie street, now used by the American Express Company. During the last ten years this kind of business has undergone a great change ; the qualities of paper have become so varied and numerous that it rcc|uires a very large stock to ac- commodate the custom. Ball twine only was then used; now ball, cone and tube must be in stock ; while in wrapping paper the colors in vogue necessitate carrying an extensive stock. The Leader Iron Works, incorporated by William C. I'ield, William A. Shorb and W. T. Delahunty in July, 1903, for .$40,000, succeeds the Leader Manufacturing Com- ])any, which was organized in 1895. The ]>lant. consisting of a substantial brick building covering an area of over 14,000 feet of floor space, is located one mile west of Lincoln Square and adjacent to Fair \'iew Park. The firm makes a complete list of brick-making machinery and con- templates making and repairing of boilers and engines. Leader machiner}^ is well and favorably known throughout the United States and even in South and Central American countries. The mechanical con- struction of the machinery is under the supervision of IL j. \"otaw, who has been with the comjjany since its organization. The Suffern & Hunt Company was or- ganized under the laws of the state of Il- linois December, 1892; incorporators, W^il- liam PI. Suffern and Robert L Hunt; capi- tal stock, $50,000. They are exporters and manufacturers of kiln dried white corn goods, and jobbers and exporters of corn and oats. They operate one mill of 10,000 bushels capacity in Decatur and one of 4,000 bushels capacity in LafaNctte. Ind. Tlu-ir plants are thoroughly e(|uippe(l with the latest machinery known to the millers' trade. Anv innovation tendins: to better their product or economize time or labor finds a ready trial by them and, if success- ful, is immediately installed. Their excel- lent manufactured goods find a ready mar- ket in the United States, England, Scot- land, Ireland, Denmark, Holland, Norway, Sweden, and South Africa. They export large quantities of corn and oats to continental I-^urope, shipping principally through the port of New Orleans, and in all do an aggregate business of about $4,000,000 per year. They employ -seventy- fi\e people in their ])lants, forty-two being in the Decatur mill. The company has re- cently transformed the mill in this city from a frame to a complete brick structure, spending $20,000 in improvements, which increased its capacit}- from 7,000 to 10,000 bushels per day. They are the largest in- dependent corn millers in the United States. The officers are : William H. Suf- fern, president ; Robert I. Hunt, secretary and treasurer. The H. H. Brown .Manufacturing Com- pan\-, located at 320-24 East Main street, dates from the 70s as " H. H. Brown & Co." In 1893 it was incorporated under its present name and cajMtalized at $20,000. The company manufactures a patent fas- tener for caskets and a cattle de-horner. The casket fastener is sold direct to all cofifin manufacturers in the country. The de-horner is sold throughout the United States, and all the cattle-growing sections of South .\merica. .\frica. .\ustralia. New Zealand, Mexico. Scotland, and Cuba. In the Ignited States the sales are made through jobbers; in the initside countries are sold through their New York corre- spondent. Their advertising catalogue reaches ever)- cattle country in the civilized world. The manager and principal owner of this company is C. IT. Brown ; the other stockholders are members of his family. J. G. Starr & Son (W. H. Starr, pro- prietor; C. A. Starr, manager). No. 113-117 PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 105 South ^lain street, Lincoln S(|uare. J. (1. Starr & Son Harness Company was in- corporated 1891. W. H. Starr, president: E. M. Starr, vice-president ; Baldwin Starr, secretary. Located No. 801-805 North Broadway, wholesale manufacturers of harness and saddlery. The largest mail order harness house (to dealers only) in the L'nited States. The Starr trademark is a synonym of excellence. This house was founded by Joseph G. Starr nearly fifty years ago, and has continuously occupied the same location. They carry a fully line of harness and vehicles. This firm is 'so well known in Macon and adjoin- ing counties that Starr"s harness leads them all. The -Asbury Extract Compan}', located on North Water street, just north of the Wabash railroad, was organized in 1898. The firm manufactures a full line of ex- tracts, pancake flours, shoe polish ; also crushed fruits for soda fountains. Its prod- ucts are wholesaled to the jobber and re- tailer throughout Illinois, Alissouri and In- diana. A. A. Hunter is sole owner and manager. The Hostetler Printing House was es- tablished November i, lyoo. It is located at 219 and 221 South Park street. W. J. Hostetler is its manager and proprietor. He does a line of commercial printing-, bookbinding, compiling of catalogues, and manufactures a general line of commercial blank books and office supplies. The Decatur Tent & Awning Company, located at 118 East William street, was or- ganized by W. D. Chamberlain in 1886, for the manufacture of tents, awnings and mat- tresses. The present company is composed of ■\^^ D. Chamberlain and H. W. Averett. Sales are made through traveling men throughout Illinois. Downey & Son, located at 344 North \^'ater street, established in business Octo- ber, 1901. They carry on a retail business in marble and granite monuments. Their trade is principally local. U-Neat Manufacturing Company was es- tablished July. 1901, for the manufacture of a skirt and waist holder. .Alice H. Barber is its manager. E. ^^'. Wood Manufacturing Pharmacy, located at 214 and 218 West Main street, was established February 10. 1896, by Faught & Flint ; on the loth of April, 1890, Mr. Faught sold his interest to E. W. Wood. They make bulk goods for physi- cians ; such as fluids, tablets, ointments, and powders. Bulk goods are also sold to smaller manufacturers. Osgood & Heiner Manufacturing Com- pany, located at 519 and 520 Powers build- ing, was established August, 1901, for the manufacture of ladies' petticoats and night dresses. Since its organization the busi- ness has more than doubled itself and is still increasing so that the company con- templates adding more room and machin- ery at once. Their goods are sold by trav- eling salesmen in the following territory : Illinois, Indiana. Missouri, North Dakota, Minnesota, and to some e.xtent in many other adjoining states. Herman Speis' Bookbindery, located at 127 South A\'ater street, was established October. 1885. He does a large local busi- ness in bookbinding and in the manufac- ture of commercial blank books. The Beall Improvement Company, lo- cated at 616 and 618 Millikin building, was organized in 1900 for the purpose of manu- facturing corn and flour milling machinery. The factory is located at 316 East Decatur street. Their goods are sold through agents located at different points through- out the country ; an agent is maintained at Li^•erpool, England, one in Ontario, Can- ada, and others throughout the United States and in Mexico and South America. The officers are: G. D. \\'hite, secretary and manager : Hugh Crea. president. 106 PAST AND PRESENT OF MACOX COUNTY, The Decatur Trunk Factory, located at 308 North Water street, was estabUshed in 1890 as a stock company, but at the end of the first year was sold to J. R. Aloore, who has since conducted the business as a pri- vate enterprise. He manufactures trunks, suit cases, telescopes, sample cases, and other lines of smaller articles. His sales are to the local trade as well as the follow- ing outside territory: Illinois, Indiana, Mis- souri, Kansas, and in specialties much con- tiguous territory, worked by traveling salesmen. The Review Publishing Company, lo- cated at 365 Nortli Main street, was incor- porated September 28, 1887. Capital stock, at jirescnt, $100,000. Ofificers : Howard C. Schaub, president ; Inez J. Bender, vice- president ; Jerry Donahue, secretary; J. P. Drcnnan, treasurer and manager. This compan}- publishes the daily, weekly, and Sunday Review. The Review Printing and Stationery Company, located at 365 North Main street, was incorporated September 4, 1895. Of- ficers : Howard C. Schaub, president ; \'. \V. Henley, vice-president ; J. P. Drennan, treasurer ; E. A". Huston, secretary ; C. E. Uhler, manager. This compan}- does a general line of job printing and bookbind- ing and manufactures a staple line of com- mercial blank books and ofifice supplies. The Herald-Dispatch Compan}', located at 222 East Main street, was incorporated in March, 1890. It was capitalized for $26,000. Officers: W. F. Calhoun, presi- dent ; C. N. Wagenseller, vice-president ; B. K. Hamsher, secretary ; Owen Scott, treasurer and manager. This company publishes the Daily and Semi-Weekly Herald. The Herald Printing and Stationer}- Company, located at 222 East Main street, was incorporated November 20, 1899. ^^ was capitalized for $15,000. Officers: \\'. F. Calhoun, president ; Owen Scott, secre- tary and treasurer; B. K. Hamsher, vice- president and manager. This company does a general line of printing and book- binding and manufactures a full line of commercial blank books and office supplies. The Baker- Company, at 905 West Main street, was established in 1900. They man- ufacture Baker's Cascara Pepsin Tablets and Baker's Lotion. The Cerrodine Company, located at 141 East Main street, established in 1890, man- ufactures the Cerrodine LaGrippe Cure, Ca- tarrh Cure, Headache Cure, and Taxation Tonic ; also a specialty for Albaugh Broth- ers, Dove & Company. These goods are made from formulas owned and controlled by S. H. Jameson. C. F. Savage, wholesale and jobbing, es- tablished in 1894, located at 258 North Park street. A general wholesale grocery business is carried on. The Mueller, Piatt & Wheeland Com- pany, located at 326 and 328 North Water street, was incorporated in August, 1896, cajMtalized for $70,000. E. M. Piatt, presi- dent ; C. E. Wheeland, vice-president; C. M. Luling, secretary and treasurer ; G. W. ^lueller, manager. This company does a wholesale grocery and grocery fixture busi- ness, over a territory embracing a radius of about seventy-five miles. Bachman Bros. & i\Iartin Company, lo- cated at 359 and 363 North W'ater street, was incorporated in 1892. Capital stock, $20,000. Officers : W. G. Bachman, presi- dent; Charles I*". Bachnian, treasurer; Luther F. Martin, secretary. This com- pany handles a general line of furniture and house furnishing goods. Their territory covers a very large radius about Decatur. The Henry Bachrach Company, at 100 and 104 Merchant street, was incorporated in March, 1902. Capital stock, $30,000. Henry Bachrach. |)rcsi(knt ; Albert Bach- rach, vice-president and secretary ; Mrs. Tillie Bachrach. treasurer. The firm car- PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 107 ries a full line of clothing and gentlemen's furnishing goods. The Central Malleable Iron Company, located at 665 North Lowber street, was incorporated in 1902. Capital stock, $60,- 000. This company manufactures malle- able and gray iron castings. The Culver Electric Company, in the 100 block on East North street, was incor- porated in January, 1893. Capital stock, $25,000. Officers : John H. Culver, presi- dent and treasurer; Florence H. Culver, secretary. This company does general con- tracting for electric light and water works plants. The Ehrman Laundry Company, located at 122 and 124 West Prairie street, was in- corporated in 1900. Capital stock, $3,500. Officers : I. W. Ehrman, president and manager; Harry F. Ehrman, secretary and treasurer. This company does a general laundry business. The Decatur Bridge Company, located at the corner of Eldorado and C. H. & D. Ry., was incorporated October, 1902. Capital stock, $30,000. Officers : Thomas L. Black- burn, president; George A. Caldwell, vice- president and superintendent ; William Melville Wood, treasurer and chief engi- neer ; Edgar B. Tyler, secretary and gen- eral manager. This company manufactures and contracts steel bridge supplies. The Decatur Elevator Company, located at 257 North Main street, was incorporated in February, 1903. Officers : D. S. Shella- barger, president ; B. G. Hudnut, vice-pres- ident ; Oscar N. East, treasurer ; Charles W. Cooper, secretary and general man- ager. This compan}' owns a line of ele- vators and carries on a general grain busi- ness. Their elevators are located in central Illinois. The Decatur Furniture Company, located at'the corner of Franklin and East William streets, was incorporated in 1882. Capital- ized at $100,000. Officers : J. Bering Bur- rows, vice-president ; John B. Priestley, secretary and treasurer. This company was organized for the purpose of manufac- turing a special line of furniture. The Decatur Harrow Works, located at 1459 and 1461 East Eldorado street, was in- corporated in November, 1902. Capital stock, $12,000. C. A. Wilson, president; O. K. Oppen, vice-president ; C. P. Thatch- er, secretary and treasurer. This company was organized for the purpose of manufac- turing a patent harrow. The Decatur Alodel Laundry, located at 147 South Water street, was incorporated in 1899. Capital stock, $2,500. E. C. Stein, president ; Lulu Whitmer, vice-president ; Frank H. Whitmer, secretary and treas- urer. This company does a general laun- dry business in and about Decatur. The Decatur Plumbing and Heating Company, located at 300 North Water street, was incorporated June 3, 1896. Cap- ital stock, $20,000. W. H. Elwood, presi- dent ; J. B. Bullard, vice-president; H. E. Kizer, secretary and treasurer ; W. E. Adam.s, general superintendent. This com- pany does a general line of contract and repair work and carries a full line of plumb- ers' goods. The Decatur, - Springfield and St. Louis Railway Company, Interurban, was incor- porated in May, 1903, for the purpose of constructing an interurban railway from Decatur to St. Louis. Officers : W. B. McKinley, presitlent ; W. A. Bixby, local manager. The Field & Shorb Company, located at 213 North Main street, was incorporated April Z2, 1902. Capital stock, $25,000. William C Field, president ; W. T. Dila- hunty, vice-president; William A. Shorb, treasurer ; Wilbur R. Batchelder, secretary. This company does a general line of con- tracting and repair work and carries a full line of plumbers' goods. The Harrington-Monnett Company, g to 108 PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 12 Cohinibia l)l()ck. was incorporated in January, 1903. Capital stock, $60,000. W'alter Harrington, president; Jasper J. Monnetl, vice-])rcsident ; John C. F. Har- rington, secretary and business manager and treasurer. This conipan}- does a gen- eral line of manufacturing and wholesale jewelry. The Macon County Title and Trust Company, at 148 South Water street, was incorporated May 14, 1902, for the purpose of carrying on a general abstract business in Macon county. Capital stock, $50,000. W. C. Outtcn. president: John Crocker, vice-president; B. (). McReynolds, treas- urer ; Thomas B. Jack, secretary ; Charles T. Kellum, manager ; S. E. Kenney, assist- ant manager. The Manufacturers' and Consumers' Coal Company, office 248 North Water street, was incorporated igoi. Capital stock, $100,000. Ofificers: D. S. Shellabarger, president ; J. F. Mattes, vice-president ; Robert I. Hunt, secretary; B. O. McRey- nolds, treasurer; S. .\. Tuttlc, general man- ager. The J. M. Miller Broom Manufacturing Company, 213 Fast Marietta street, was in- corporated in February, 1903. Capital stock, $10,000. H. H. Crea, president; James M. Miller, vice-president and gen- eral manager; W. Frank Godwin, secretary and treasurer. This company does a large business in the manufacture of brooms and wholesaling and retailing the same. The Ryan Clothing Company. 239 North W^ater street, was incorporated in 1898 with a caiiital stock of $7,500. M. Ryan, president; Jerome B. Longeni, secretary and treasurer. This company carries on a clothing and gentlemen's furnishing supply house. The Scovill Company, corner North Park and Water streets, was incorporated in 1898. Capital stock, $15,000. George W. Scovill, president : Guy N. Scovill. vice- ])resident ; J. J. Scovill, treasurer; E. A. Scovill-Car])enter, secretary. This company- carries on a general trade in furniture and house furnishing goods. The B. Stine Clothing Company, 102 Fast Main street, was incorporated in 1890. Capital stock, $32,000. Officers: B. Stine, president; Leo G. IhiUnirn, secretary and treasurer. This company carries a general line of gent's furnishing goods and ready made clothing. B>. .'^. Tyler & Company, 108 East Wil- liam street, was incorporated in January, 1897. Capital stock, $15,000. Officers: T. A. Bone, president and treasurer; Frank L. Evans, secretary and general manager. This company does a general grain busi- ness: they own a line of grain elevators in central Illinois. 1). W. Brennenian & Company. 148 and 152 North Franklin street, was established thirty years ago, and reorganized in 1892 with 1). \\'. Brennenian, AI. G. Brenneman and W. P. Shade as owners. This company is engaged in the wholesaling of liquors tliroughout Illinois and Indiana. The .\mcrican Hominy Company, of whicli the .Shellabarger Mill and Elevator Company and The Pratt Cereal Mill Com- l)any form a part, was incorporated in May, 1902. Capitalization, $3,500,000. The daily capacity of their combinecl plants is 85,000 bushels of corn. The capacity of the two Decatur plants is 22,000 bushels. This company makes corn meal and flour, hom- iny, grits, cerealinc flakes, flaked hominy and corn oil. Their territory is .\merica, Europe, Africa. Australia, China and Japan. The Riddel). Stadler and McClelland Company, 140 and 146 North Franklin streets, was established in 1902. J. Sher- man McClelland is its manager. This com- pany does a wholesale grocery and grocers' fixtures business covering an adjacent ter- ritory of about 100 miles in radius. The Williams Manufacturing Company, PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 109 1901 North Main street, manufactures corn- planters and grain weighers ; also does a general repairing business. Tenney & Sikking, 147 and 163 South Main street, manufacture shoveling boards and handle farm implements. The Maris Candy Company manufac- tures the latest novelties in candies as well as the staple brands. John M. Maris is its manager. The Home Manufacturing Company, 901 East Eldorado street, makes ladies' wrap- pers, sunbonnets, dressing sacques, and mittens. Charles M. Allison is the pro- prietor. The Decatur Mattress Factory, 629 East Eldorado street, confines itself to the man- ufacture of mattresses. The Maffitt & McGorrey Ice Company, 200 and 204 North Broadway, manufac- tures artificial ice and handles natural ice. The Combination Fountain Company, 702 East Division street, manufactures soda fountains and refrigerators. The Northwestern Feed Mill, 539 West Green street, manufactures and handles all kinds of mill feed. George S. Lyons is proprietor. The Decatur Hard Plaster Company, 341 and 343 Wabash avenue, manufactures wall plaster, and deals in cement, lime, plaster paris, fire brick, and roofing gravel. John H. Oren, proprietor. Bruce S. Woodruff, 786 East Cantrell street, manufactures cigar boxes. Ammann & Company, composed of W'. G. Ammann, Martin Gahring and Fred Black, do a general line of brickmaking for the outside as well as the local trade. James H. Hall, 159 East Alain, carries on a general gent's furnishing and ready made clothing establishment. His line is complete and up-to-date. Aaron Kaufman, 245 to 249 North Water street, does a general line of business in the gent's furnishing and ready made cloth- ing. He carries a large stock. Ottenheimer & Company, 258 to 260 North Water, carries a stock of clothing and gent's furnishing goods. His stock is large and select. Joseph C. Summerfield, 147 East Main, carries an assorted stock of gent's furnish- ing goods and clothing. THE BENCH AND BAR. The Bench. The first Circuit Court held in Decatur was in May, 1830, S. D. Lockwood of the Supreme Court presiding. In 1835 a law was passed by the State Legislature separ- ating the Circuit Court from the Supreme Court. Judge Lockwood came to Illinois in an early day and was quite a factor in its early history. He presided as Circuit Judge from 1830 to 1835. In the same year the State Legislattire elected Stephen T. Logan of Springfield, Illinois, to succeed Mr. Lock- wood as Circuit Judge. This county then formed part of the First Judicial District. Judge Logan resigned his position in 1837 and William Brown of Jacksonville was ap- pointed by Governor Duncan to fill the vacancy. He was followed by Jesse B. Thomas, who in a very short time was suc- ceeded by S. H. Treat, who held the office from 1839 to 1848. David Davis of Bloom- ington succeeded him and held the position from 1849 to 1853. In 1854 Charles Emer- son of Macon county became his successor, and held the position until 1867, when he was succeeded by Arthur J. Gallagher, who served until 1873. C. B. Smith was elected Circuit Judge in 1873 to succeed A. J. Gallagher. He was re- elected in 1879, his term ending in 1889. In the meantime another judgeship was created in this judicial district, to which 110 PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. VV. E. Nelson was elected in 1877 and served two years in the position. E. P. Vail was elected as successor to C. B. Smith in 1889 and held the position until 1903. In 1903 W. C. Johns was elected to suc- ceed E. P. Vail. Mr. Johns is the present incumbent. The Bar. The following is a list of the lawyers who have at various times practiced law in Ma- con count}-, including the present members of the Macon County Bar: Sheridan Wait, member of the firm of Gallagher. Wait & Oglesby, came to De- catur in 1852. He was General Oglesby's adjutant general in the Civil war. Colonel Nathan W. Tupper of Washing- ton, New York, removed to Decatur in 1854 for the purpose of practicing law. In 1862 Mr. Tupper was commissioned as colonel of the ii6th regiment of Illinois Volunteers. Colonel Tupper died at Decatur, from ex- posure and hardships of army life, March 10, 1864. George W. Powers was admitted to the bar in 1843 ^"d died in 1848. Kirby Benedict, from the state of Con- necticut, located in Decatur in 1836, he being the second resident lawyer in the county, Charles Emerson being the first. James B. Boyd, a native of Ohio, came to this county in 1855 and was shortly after elected county surveyor. In i860 he was elected prosecuting attorney, serving until 1862, when he resigned to accept the posi- tion as lieutenant colonel of the ii6th regiment of Illinois Volunteers. He was woimded at the siege of Vicksburg, from the effects of which he died in 1869. The Hon. John R. Eden of Sullivan prac- ticed in Macon county a short time. Captain Joel S. Post was born in Wayne county April 27, 1816. In 1839 he removed to Decatur and the ne.xt vcar entered the office of Charles Emerson as a law student. Ik- was admitted to the bar in 1841. In 1846 he became a soldier in the Mexi- can war, a member of the 4th regiment of Illinois Volunteers, commanded by Col. E. D. Baker. In 1856 he was elected to the state Senate, serving two terms. While a legislator he championed the bill establish- ing the State Normal Universitj' at Normal, Illinois. John W. Smith was born in this county in February, 1843. He graduated at Al- bany Law School in New York, beginning the practice of law here as a member of the firm of Emerson & Smith. He is the author of a history of Macon county ; he now re- sides in Chicago. A. B. Bunn, a native of Ohio, settled at Mt. Pulaski in 1844. In July, 1850, he lo- cated in Decatur, entering the office of Joel S. Post, being admitted to the bar in 1851. He was elected to the state Legislature in 1866. He held the office of assessor of in- ternal revenue and also served as city clerk and attorney of the city of Decatur. .S. G. ]\Ialone, a native of Ohio, was ad- mitted to the bar in Indiana in 1848. He came to Decatur in 1856, entering the firm of W. S. Freese and Judge Prather. Hon. Richard J. Oglesby was born in Kentucky in 1824. He came to Decatur with his uncle, Willis Oglesby, in 1836. In 1844 he began the study of law in Spring- field and was admitted to practice in 1845. He opened an office in .Sulli\an and re- mained there until 1846. He then enlisted for the Mexican war, being commissioned first lieutenant of Company C, 4th regiment of Illinois Volunteers. On his return home he again took up his practice, locating at Decatur. In 1849 ^^ '^ook a trip to Cali- fornia as a result of the " gold fever." Re- turning in 1852 he again resumed his law practice. In 1856 he made a tour of Europe, Asia and .'\frica ; returning he entered the PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. Ill law firm of Gallagher, Wait & Oglesby. In i860 he was elected state senator. In 1861 he was elected colonel of the 8th Illinois Infantry. At the battle of Fort Donelson he was in command of a brigade. At Cor- inth he was wounded. He had been pro- moted brigadier general in April. After partial recovery he was promoted to major general, for braver_v. His commission dated from November, 1862. Owing to inability, 'on account of his wound to do field work, he tendered his resignation, which was not accepted, however, and he was detailed on court martial duty at Washington. In May, 1864, on his return home, he was elected governor of Illinois. In 1872 he was re- elected to that office, but resigned to accept the United States senatorship in 1873. In 1882 he was again elected governor of Il- linois, this being the last public position held by him. Samuel F. Greer, a native of Ohio, was elected county judge in 1861. He came to Decatur in 1854, being admitted to the bar in 1862. Thomas Lee, a native of County Limer- ick, Ireland, came to America in 1S55. He graduated from the Springfield high school, studied law in Decatur with S. F. ^lurphy, and in August, 1869, was admitted to the bar. Charles A. Emerson was born in Ken- tucky, but came to Illinois in 1850. He graduated from the Albany Law School in 1869. The same year he began the practice of law in Decatur, being a member of the firm of Crea, Ewing & Walker. E. K. Eldridge, a native of Indiana, came to Tazewell county, Illinois, in 1856. Grad- uating from Eureka College in 1869, he re- moved to Decatur in May, 1870, and became a member of the Macon County Bar. I. D. Walker, a native of Ohio, came to Illinois in 1861. He graduated from the Bloomington Law School in 1875, this being its first graduating class. Coming to De- catur in 1876, he formed a partnership with Thomas Lee, later entering the firm of Crea, Ewing & Walker. Judge Anthony Thornton was born in Kentucky in 181 5. He graduated from the .Miami College in Ohio in 1835. He studied law at Paris. Kentucky, and was granted his license by the Court of Appeals in 1836. In 1837 he removed to Shelby County, Illinois. He was appointed a member of the Constitutional Convention of Illinois in 1848. In 1850 he was elected to the state Legislature. In 1864 Mr. Thornton was elected to the Thirty-ninth Congress. In July, 1870, he was elected to the Supreme Court of this state and served until the first Monday in June, 1873, when he re- signed. He removed to Decatur in 1879. James T. Whitley, born in Macon county, Illinois, March 19, 1871. His primary edu- cation was acquired in the public schools of Nevada, Missouri. After completing the ward and high school curriculum at this place he completed a course at the Kansas State Normal College at Ft. Scott, grad- uating in 1889. He began reading law in 1891 with Buckingham & Schroll, being ad- mitted to the bar in August, 1893. jNIarshall C. Grififin was born and reared in ArgentL'.. He finished the public school course in Argenta in 1888. Graduating from the Indiana State Normal School in 1891, he taught school in Sangamon and in Oakley for several years during which time he pusued the study of law, being ad- mitted to the bar in November, 1897. In 1898 he entered the office of Lee & Le- Forgee. Three years later he went into business for himself. James M. Gray was born in Fayette coun- ty June I, 1862. After finishing the coun- try school and high school course he grad- uated from the Indiana State Normal School at A^'alparaiso, receiving the degrees of B. S. 112 PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. and E.L. B. In i8cjo he located in Decatur for the practice of law. He is now a mem- ber of the state Legislature, having been twice elected to that position from the Twenty-eighth senatorial district. W. E. Redmon was born on a farm in Jasper county, where he grew to manhood. He attended the country schools and later the Xormal L iii\ersity at Carbondale. Il- linois, lie taught school in Cumberland, Kicldand and Jasper counties, at the same time |)ursuing the study of law, being ad- mitted to the bar in .March, 1888. After practicing four years in Logan county he located in Decatur in 1893. He was elected to the states attorneyship in November, 1900, which office he now holds. I. R. Mills was born September 5, 1853, and reared on a farm near Magnolia, Put- nam county, Illinois, accjuiring his prelim- inar)' education in the country schools. He graduated from the Lincoln University in 1876. He went to Chicago and pursued the study of law three years, being admitted to the bar at Chicago in 1879, and during the same year he established a law office in Decatur. He served as city attorney from 1886 to 1889, was appointed state attorney by the board of supervisors, to fill the unex- pired term of E. P. Vail, who was elected circuit judge in 1888. He served in this capacity until 1900. Tn .May, 1901, Mr. Mills was appointed internal revenue collector, which office he now fills. Mr. Mills is a member of the board of managers of the Millikin University. For eighteen years he has been in partnership with his brother, A. H. Mills, under the firm name of Mills Brothers. John A. .Montgomery is a native of Ohio and was educated in Philadelphia. He graduated from the law department of the Michigan University at Ann Arbor, in 1900. Since that time he has been engaged in the practice of law in Decatur. D. L. Rnnn is a native of McLean coun- ty. Illinois. In 1844 he, with his parents, removed to Macon county. His education was completed in Lombard College, Gales- burg. In 1855. on coming to Decatur, he secured a jjosition in the public schools of the city which he held until 1859. He read law with J. S. I'ost and was admitted to the liar in the fall of 1862. In the same year he was appointed states attorney by Rich- ard Yates, father of the present governor, serving under that appointment two years. In 1864 lie was elected state's attorney and served four years. At the beginning of the Civil war he was appointed collector of in- ternal revenue by Abraham Lincoln. Edwin Park, a native of New York, came to P.ellville in 1S56. He was admitted to the bar at IJellville the .same year he came to Illinois, but taught school several years before entering upon his practice. After coming to Decatur he was engaged as teacher in its public schools for four years and was then elected superintendent of the Macon county schools, filling that office from 1863 to 1869. In 1870 he took up the practice of law, continuing until 1876 when he formed a partnership with D. L. Hunn which still exists. O. W. Smith was born and grew to man- hood in Jasper county, Illinois. After com- pleting the country school course he took up the profession of teaching. During the intervals of his teaching he attended Mc- Kendree College at Lebanon, from which he graduated in June, 1891, in the law de- partment. He ])racticed law in Newton two years before coming to Decatur. He was elected county judge in 1902, which office he now holds. J. R. Fitzgerald was born in Moultrie county, Illinois. He received his early edu- cation in the schools of Bethany, from which he graduated in 1890, after which he attended Lincoln LTniversity and also the University of Illinois. He read law with W. G. Cochran, and completed his law PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. li: ■course in the University of Michigan, grad- uating in 1895. He then came to Decatur and entered the law office of Mills Brothers, with whom he remained until May, 1896, after which he formed a partnership witli L. A. Mills. James J. Finn located in Decatur in 1871. Fifteen years ago he was appointed master in chancery, having just heen succeeded by W. H. Black. lie has recently formed a partnership with Alexander Mcintosh for the practice of law. John C. Lee is a native of Macon county. His early education was accjuired in the Macon county schools, later attending the Indiana State Normal School at \'alparaiso. He taught school a few years, after wdiich he read law with hinn, McDonald & Le- Forgee, being admitted to the bar in i8i)J. He formed a partnership with C. L. Le- Forgee which continued five years ; at the expiration of this time a partnership with David Hutchinson. Recently he has formed a partnership with his brother, Morris Lee. William C. Johns was born in Ohio, but when two years old his parents removed to Piatt county, and in 1853 located in the city of Decatur. He was educated in the De- catur schools and in the University of Mich- igan, from which he graduated in 1869 and from the Albany, New York, School of Law in 1870. He was admitted to the bar of New York in 1870, and to the bar of Illinois in September of the same year, at once enter- ing upon his chosen profession in this city. In 1880 he was elected states attorney; he also served as state senator from 1887 to 1891. In 1903 he was elected circuit judge to succeed Judge E. P. Vail, which office he now holds. L. H. Shelley was born in Maroa town- ship of this county and educated in the schools of this city, graduating from the Decatur high school in 1883. He graduated from the law department of the University of Minnesota in 1894 and was admitted to the Ijar of Illinois in the same year. He is a member of the law firm of Shelley Brothers. ^^'. \\'. Shelley was born in Alaroa town- ship and educated in this city, graduating from the Decatur high school in 1889. After reading law both in Decatur and in St. Louis he was admitted to the bar of Illinois in 1895. He is a member of the law firn: of Shelley Brothers. ^^^ C. Outten was born in Cass county, Illinois. In 1863 his parents moved to Macon county. He attended the country schools, later the ^^'esleyan University at Bloomington and Ann Arbor, Michigan, graduating from the latter in 1875. In the same year Mr. ( )utten located in Decatur and began the practice of law. He is a member of the firm of Outten & Roby. I' rank C. Roby is a native of Decatur. After completing the curriculum of the De- catur schools he attended Harvard College from which he holds a degree. He prac- ticed several years in Chicago before locat- ing permanently in Decatur. He is a mem- ber of the firm of Outten & Roby. A. H. Mills was born in Putnam county, Illinois, October 5, 1851. In his boyhood he attended the country schools, later entering the Lincoln University, from wdiich he graduated in 1875, receiving the degree of A. B. Two years later at the termination of a post-graduate course he added the de- gree of A. M. For two years he remained as instructor in his alma mater. The next three years were spent as superintendent of the Waverl}- schools, in Alorgan count}-. During this time he also read law, being ad- mitted to the bar in 1881. In the same year he formed a partnership with his brother Isaac R. Mills, the firm name being Mills Brothers. From 1888 to 1900 he was assist- ant states attorney for Macon county. ^^'illiam E. Nelson wJ.s born in White county, Tennessee. Juiie 4. 1824. Remain- ing in the countv of his birth until cominsf lU PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. to Decatur in 1857, his education was ac- quired in subscription schools. At the age of sixteen he began the study of law with, his father. In August, 1844, he was ad- mitted to the bar in his native state. In 1857 he opened a law office in Decatur and has ever smce been an active practitioner. Jrle was appointed a member of the Consti- tutional Committee for the revision of the statutes ; was also elected a member of the Twenty-seventh General Assembly of Il- linois, which convened immediately after the adoption of the Constitution of 1870. He was elected circuit judge of the ^'our- teonlh circuit in June. 1877, filling the office one term. He was, in 1886, elected county judge, serving in that ca])acity during eight years. Felix B. Tait was born in Macon county November 29, 1830. He attended the dis- trict schools until niaturity, when he en- tered the Normal University at Normal, Illinois, from which he graduated in 1873. He was a teacher in Woodstock Seminary the year following his graduation. On his return to Decatur he took up the study of law with Smith & Clokey, being admitted to the bar in 1876. He was associated with John A. Brown for the practice of law but on account of failing health he abandoned the practice in i8R(X. turning his attention to the manufaoturc of check-rowers and corn- plantcrs. John A. Pirown was born July 32, 1843, ''^ Abington, Massachusetts. At an early age he removed with his parents to \'ermont, then to Ohio, where he remained until 1857. in that year he came to Hannibal, Missouri, where he completed his education in the jnihlic schools. He started out for himself at the age of sixteen. Later he was em- ployed as ticket agent for the Hannibal & St. Joseph Railway at Chillicothe, Missouri. He was thus employed when the war broke out. In 1861 he resigned his position and .vent to Jacksonville, Illinois, where for four years he engaged in teaching. In the spring of 1865 he drove a span of horses to De- catur, where he has since resided. For a number of years he was connected with the newspapers of Decatur. Being admitted to the bar in 1875 '^^ entered into a partner- ship with F. B. Tait for the practice of law. In 1875 li^ was appointed master in chan- cery of Macon county by Judge C. B. Smith. This position he held for fifteen years. Henry 1'. Page w-as a native of Massa- chusetts, spending the first thirteen years of his life in the state of his birth and in its ])ublic schools, w'here he acquired his pri- mary education. After removing to Michi- gan he became a student at .\.nn Arbor in the University of Michigan, from which he graduated in 1883. Immediately afterward he came to Decatur and taught in the De- catur high school for four years. While teaching he pursued the study of law, being admitted to the bar in 1887. Mr. Page was a member of the law firm of Outten & Page. Josiah M. Clokey is a native of Ohio who in i860 came to Aledo. Mercer county, II- Imois. He read law in Springfield, Ohio, and attended law lectures at the University of Michigan, being admitted to the bar in March, 1868. In September, 1873, he be- came a member of the Macon County Bar. J. C. Hostetler is a native of Indiana, coming to Decatur in 1857. He graduated from Union College, New York, in the class of 1 87 1. He read law with Eden & Odor in this place and was admitted to the bar in 1875. He formed a partnership with E. K. Eldridge for the practice of law. Albert (r. Webber is of German extrac- tion, being a native of Wurtemburg, and coming to America in 1863. He read law four years at Keokuk, Iowa, and was ad- mitted to the bar in 1879. He has since practiced his profession in Decatur. D. C. Corley received his education at the Wesleyan University of Bloomington, Il- linois, from which lie holds a diploma of PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 115 graduation. For a time he read law in Shel- byville afterward completing his reading with A. B. Bunn of this place. He was ad- mitted to the bar in June, 1890, and has since practiced in Decatur. Harvey Pasco became a resident of De- catur in 1862. He is a graduate of the Uni- versity of Michigan, class of 1871. He was admitted to the bar on his diploma. Soon after he opened an office in Decatur and has since been a regular practitioner of this place. Charles M. Borcliers was born in Lock- ville, Fairfield county, Ohio, November 18, 1869. After completing the schools of Ma- con county he took up the profession of teaching, which he pursued for eight years, while at the same time he at his leisure studiously applied himself to the study of law, being admitted to the bar in February, 1897. The gi-eater part of the last year, pre- vious to his admittance to the bar, he read in the office of A. G. Webber. During the last six years he has practiced at the Macon county bar. Charles A. Ewing, Jr., was born in De- catur, April 18, 1878. He graduated at Lake Forest Academy at Lake Forest, then at- tended Princeton for a time, after which he entered the law department of the Wes- leyan LTniversity at Bloomington, Illinois, at the same time reading with James Ew- ing of Bloomington. He was admitted to the bar May 7, 1903. He is associated with William G. IMcCullough for the practice of law. William G. McCullough was born on a farm near Waynesville, DeWitt county, Il- linois, graduating from the Wesleyan Uni- versity in 1901 and from the law depart- ment in 1903. He was admitted to the bar May 7, 1903. In September he associated himself with Charles A. Ewing for the prac- tice of law. Maurice Lee, born August 23, 1865, in Sangamon county, Illinois, received his primary education in the country schools, after which he graduated from the Val- paraiso Normal of Indiana in 1890. He read law with Thomas Lee in Decatur and was admitted to the bar in 1890. He practiced law in Omaha and in Pender, Nebraska, for a time, but h?s recently formed a partner- ship with his brother, John C. Lee, in the practice of law. K. H. Roby was born in New Hampshire and came to Illinois in 1858, first locating at Salem, in Marion county, where he studied law with Bryon & Shaffer. Com- ing to Decatur in i860, he continued the study of law with Tupper & Nelson, being admitted to the bar in 1862. After Mr. Tupper's withdrawal from the firm Mr. Roby remained as a partner of Mr. Nel- son's. Mr. Roby is at present engaged in the banking business, being the president of the Decatur National Bank. Edward P. Vail was born in this state,, read law at Rushville in 1868-9, being ad- mitted to the bar in 1870. He practiced seven years in Rushville, during four years of which he was state's attorney of Schuy- ler county. In 1877 he located in Macon county, and in 1889 he was elected circuit judge, which place he held until 1903. After the close of his extended term of office- he removed to Chicago, where he is now pur- suing the practice of law. William H. Black was born in Chicago, Illinois. He was educated in the common schools of Champaign county, afterward pursuing a select literary course in Chad- wick College at Quinc)^ Illinois, and the Wesleyan LTniversity of Bloomington. He graduated from the law department of the Wesleyan University in June, 1892. He came to Decatur June 18 of the same year for the practice of his profession. He was elected chairman of the Macon County Republican Central Committee in 1902. He was appointed master in chan- 110 PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. eery of .\lae(Jii eounty October 5, 1903, by the circuit judge, W. C. Johns. James S. lialdwin was born Sepleniber 14, ' 1874. After completing the common school course he entered the New Alliany high school, from which he graduated in 1893. He graduated from the law depart- ment of the University of [Michigan in 1896. He located in Decatur January, 1897, in partnership with l'"dward Wilson for the practice of law. In September, 1897. he withdrew from the firm and practiced alone until October i, 1898. when he formed a partnership with Frank Ewing until Janu- ary I, u;o3, when this firm was dissolved. Since then he has been alone. He is at present secretary of the Macon County Re- publican Central Committee. Louis .\. Mills was born October 15, 1864, in .Magnolia. Putnam county, Illinois. He was educated in the common schools of Putnam county, the high school of Deca- tur and Lincoln University. He read law with Mills liriilhers. being admitted in May, 1890. He remained with Mills Brothers three years after he was admitted. The three vears following this he was a member of the Columbia Manufacturing Company of Decatur. In .May, 1896, he formed a partnership with J. R. Fitzgerald for the practice of law, of which firm he is now a member. Robert E. Gray was born .\ugust 29, i860, on a farm in F^ayette county, near Ramsey, Illinois. He completed the com- mon schools of his county, also the high school at Ramsey, later attending the Southern Normal at Carbondale. He taught school one year after which he took a course at \'alparaiso. Indiana, from which he grad- uated in 1891. He next read law with Farmer & Brown of Vandalia, four years after which he took a law course in the same school. He was admitted to the bar in 1896 immediately establishing an office in Decatur for the practice of law. W. .\ay Boggess was born Feljruary 20, 1S73. in Marion county. West Virginia, and educated at the West N'irginia Academy and the Decatur high school. He read law with tlie law firm of Mills Brothers of this city and was admitted to the bar May 3, 1894, at once entering upon the practice of his profession. John J. Hogan was born near Mt. Zion, Illinois, in Macon count\-, .\pril 19, 1875, He obtained his literary education in the I'niversity of Notre Dame and his legal education in the Northwestern University, graduating from the latter in 1896, at which time he was admitted to the bar and prac- ticed in Chicago two years. In 1898, on coming to Decatur, he formed a partner- ship with W. F;. Redmon. When Mr. Red- mon was elected state's attorney in 1900 Mr. Hogan became assistant state's attor- nej', which position he now holds. Brice I. Sterrett was born in Pennsyl- vania and secured his literary education at Dickenson College, Carlisle, from which school he graduated in tlie class of 1867. In the same year he took up the study of law at Carlisle. Init a few months after he came to Decatur where he continued his studies with the firm of Emerson & Smith, being admitted to the bar in August, 1868. David Flutchinson was brought up at .\ndover, Massachusetts, and prepared for college at Philips' University of that, place, graduating from the .'Vlbany Law School of that i)lace May 15, 1877. On July 25 of the same year he came to Decatur, when he be- gan the practice of law in ]\Iacon county. Robert P. Vail was born November 13, 1877, at Frederick, Illinois. After securing his primary education in the Decatur schools he attended Harvard College. He then entered his father's law office as a law student, where he remained for four years. During these four years of reading he held the position of court stenographer of Macon countv. He was admitted to the bar in PAST AND PRESEXr OF MACON COUNTY. 117 May, 1902, since which time he has been engaged in the practice of law in this city. John V>. Moffett was born and reared in Macon county. After completing his pri- mary education he attended the Lincoln University and the Universit}^ of Illinois, where he secured his literary education. Later he attended the law department of the Wesleyan L^niversity at Bloomington and tlie Albany Law School at Albany, New York, graduating from the latter in 1884, and admitted to the bar in 1885. From 1885 to 1892 he was located in Dodge City, Kansas, and from 1892 to 1897 was in King- fisher, Oklahoma. While there he served as prosecuting attorney one term. He opened an office in Decatur in 189S where he is now located. Edmund S. AIcDonald was born in Wood county, West Virginia, September 2, 1851. He was educated in the common schools of Macon County, Illinois, obtaining his liter- ary education in the Northwestern L'ni- versity at Evanston, Illinois. He read law three years with Nelson & Roby and two years with Crea & Ewing, being admitted to the bar in the Centennial class of 1876. He opened an office in Decatur in 1878 for the practice of law. He has since practiced continuously in this city. He was elected city attorney in 1889 and re-elected in i8gi, serving two terms. In 1892 he was ad- mitted to the bar of the Supreme Court of the L^nited States, in which he has since had a good practice. Clement C. Walters was born near Lafayette, Indiana. September 22, 1867. He was educated in tli? common schools, after which he took up teaching for several years. During this period of teaching he attended liushnell College at intervals ; he also read law with Outten & Page, and later with ( )utten & Robey ; altogether two years read- ing. He was admitted to the bar June 10, 1896. He was elected city attorney of De- catur May 1, 1898, and re-elected May I, 1902, serving two terms. He formed a partnership with Jacob Latham October 15, 1900, which partnership still exists. Hugh W. Housum was born March 25, 1878, in Decatur, Illinois. After complet- ing the city schools of Decatur, graduating from the high school in June, 1895, he com- pleted a business course at Brown's Busi- ness College of Decatur in June, 1896. He studied law with Judge W. C. Johns from September i, 1896, to September i, 1901. The year following he finished the course of reading with the Hon. Hugh Crea, being admitted to the bar by the Supreme Court of Illinois December 9. 1902. Douglas D. Hill was born in Clark coun- ty, Missouri, near Alexandria, September 5, i860. He secured his primary education in the common schools and later enlarged upon this by attending the Valparaiso Normal of Indiana. He read law at Robinson, Illinois, with Callahan & Jones, being admitted to the bar m 1886. He taught school two years before enter- ing the Normal at Valparaiso, after which he taught four more years, all of which was in Crawford county, Illinois. The same year in which he was admitted to the bar he became a member of the firm of !Ma-x- well & Hill at Robinson. This partnership continued until 1892. During his practice he served as city attorney of Robinson two years. In 1892 he located in Decatur where he h?s esta])lished a very -successful prac- tice. C. C. LeForgee was born in Decatur, Il- linois, July 7, 1867. He received his liter- ary education in the city, schools of De- catur, and completed a law course in the Northwestern L'ni\-ersity, graduating from that school in i88g. He practiced law with Mason Brothers in Chicago the year fol- 118 PAST A\U PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. lowing his graduation, tie then, in 1890, associated himself with E. S. McDonald in Decatur, Illinois, for the practice of law. After dissolving this partnership he was alone for a time, when he entered into part- nership with J. C. Lee. This was after a time also dissolved, and since 1897 he has been alone in his practice. C. E. Schroll was born October 5, 1863, in Macon county, Illinois. Graduated from the Decatur schools in 1885, carrying the honors of his class through the entire four years of the course, ilc secured his higher literar)' and law education in Harvard Uni- versity from which he was admitted to the bar August 30, 1889. In September of the same year he became a member of the lirm of Buckingham & Schroll for the practice of law. This partnership was dissolved at the end of si.x years, since which time he has practiced alone. licnjamin P. Shipley was born near V'an- dalia in Payette county, Illinois, February 14, 1850. After completing the Vandalia schools he took up the study of law. While pursumg his law studies he was elected county superintendent of schools of Pay- ette county, Illinois, which position he held ten years. In 1886 he came to Maroa and was elected superintendent of the Alaroa schools, holding the position seven years. In 1893 he began the practice of law in Maroa, having been admitted to the bar in 1889. Hugh Crca is one of the oKIest practition- ers in Decatur, and one of the most success- ful. For a number of years he was a mem- ber of the firm of Crea, Ewing & Walker. While be has never held office he has al- ways been considered safe counsel in a po- litical campaign. H. H. Crea is a son of Hugh Crea and is also well established in his practice. Some time after he took up the practice of law he located in Monticello, where he remained for some years, but a few years ago he re-located in Decatur. OUR HONORED DEAD. -Macon county was favorably represented in the Civil war, as the appended list of brave soldiers, who never survived the or- deal so silently testify. Plie name of Our Abraham Lincoln, who was among us in his }outh and early manhood and whose eariy law practice as well was also among us, will naturally head its list, in 16^2 he was chosen captain of his company 111 the Llack Hawk war. In 1834 he was honored by being elected to the Illinois Legislature, iiy his successive elections he served in the House continually until 1842. He next served as representative in the Thirteenth Congress from i847 to 1849. In i860 he was elected President of the United States and re-elected in 1864. Richard J. Oglesby was commissioned lieutenant ol the Fourth Regiment Illinois Volunteers and served through the .Mexican war, taking part in the battles of V era Cruz and Cerro Cordo. In i860 he was elected to the state Senate but resigned to accept the colonelcy of the Eighth Illinois Volun- teers. I'hrough gallantry at Ft. Henry, Ft. Donelson and Corinth, he rose to be major general, being wounded at the latter place. lie resigned his commission on account of disability m .May, 1864, and the following November was elected governor ol Illinois. In 1872 he was re-elected governor, but two weeks after his inauguration he resigned to accept a seat in the United States Senate, to which he was elected by the State Legis- lature in 1873. In 1884 lie was elected gov- ernor for the third time, being the only man in the history of the state who was thus honored. I. C. Pugh served as captain in the iilack Hawk war. He was captain of Company C in the Mexican war, taking part in the bat- tles of \'era Cruz and Cerro Gordo; his company captured Santa Anna's cork leg. He was colonel ol the Forty-first regiment PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 119 in the Civil war and for bravery was pro- moted to brigadier general. Joel S. Post in 1846 entered the service as a Mexican soldier and was made quarter- master with the rank of captain. From 1856 to i860 he was a representative in the state Legislature from Macon county. Arthur J. Gallagher was a soldier in the Mexican war. in the conxmand of Colonel Bissell, later governor of Illinois. He par- ticipated in the battle of Buena Vista. In 1862 he raised a company of cavalry for the Civil war, remaining in the army one year. In 1869 he was elected circuit judge of the old Sixteenth circuit, which position he held until 1873. William Grason enlisted in the army in 1862 and was elected sergeant of Company A, One Hundred and Sixteenth Illinois In- fantry. The regiment formed part of the Second Division, Fifth Army Corps, under General Sherman. He was engaged in the battle of Tallehoochee, was in the first at- tack on Vicksburg and the siege of the city; also at Arkansas Post. In the charge at Ft. Hill he was shot in the left lung. He was in the charge at Vicksburg May 19 which almost annihilated his company, but thirteen of them returning from the charge. He was again wounded at Jonesboro, Ala- bama. He was in the " March to the Sea," taking part in the grand review at Wash- ington. He was made lieutenant April 28, 1863, and mustered out captain June 7, 1865. William H. Shorb entered the army in 1861 from Green Castle, Pennsylvania. He was at once-made orderly sergeant of Com- pany C. Second Pennsylvania Regiment, which he himself had raised. He took part in the Banks expedition. During his serv- ice he was made sergeant major; later sec- ond lieutenant, and soon after first lieuten- ant. He was wounded in front of Peters- burg by the explosion of a shell. Being dis- abled for duty he was made quarter-master, serving in this position until his discharge. Ansel Tupper entered the army in 1861 and was made lieutenant colonel of the Forty-first Illinois Infantry. In the same vear he took part in the battles of Ft. Henry, Ft. Donelson, and Pittsburg Land- ing, losing his life at the latter place, April 6, 1862. Jesse H. Moore entered the service in 1862 as colonel of the One Hundred and Fif- teenth Regiment Infantry. He was in the battles of luka, Chickamauga, charge at Tunnel Hill, Georgia ; Resaca, Georgia. His regiment helped drive General Bragg's army, then in command of Hood, out of the valley of the Cumberland. In 1865 he wai promoted brevet brigadier general. N. \\\ Tupper enlisted in the army in 1862, was made colonel of the One Hun- dred and Sixteenth Infantry. He was en- gaged in the battles of Chickasaw, Arkansas Post, the charge at Vicksburg, and was present at its surrender ; was at Jackson, Mississippi ; Missionary Ridge, Resaca, ■ Georgia ; Dallas, Big Shanty, Kenesaw Mountain, Stone Mountain, Ezra Chapel, Atlanta, Jonesboro, " Sherman's March to the Sea." Ft. McAllister, Pocatalgo, and Bentonville, North Carolina. The citizens of ]\Iacon county have erected ' in Green- wood cemetery a monument to the memory of the two Colonels Tupper's patriotic serv- ice. George R. Steele went into the army as lieutenant of the Forty-first and was pro- moted to major on General McPherson's staf¥. W. D. Blackburn was promoted lieuten- ant colonel in 1863 ; he took part in the bat- tles of luka and Corinth. Z. Appleton, promoted to major in 1861 ; killed in battle, 1861. W. F. Clark, frst sergeant' killed 'n bat- tle in 1862. 120 PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. George W. Kaylor, corporal ; killed in bat- Jackson A. Alelick. second lieulenant; tie in 1862. died at Mound City in 1862. Marion Ashmead. corjjoral ; killed in hat- \\'. S. Uglesby, captain : killed in battle tie in 1862. in 1862. Abner H. jonlon. corporal; killed in bat- Joseph Yick, sergeant; died in 1862. tie in 1862. Jacob Graham, corporal: killed at Sliiloh Frank Leeper, captain; tirst man from jn 1862. Macon county killed in battle. John C. Cox, second lieutenant ; died in 1). W. Greenwalt, sergeant; died at iiird's 1862. Point. Missouri, in 1861. John H. lluffner. captain: killed in battle Michael ^^lathews, corporal : killed at Ft. ;„ 1862. Donelson in 1862. (^'l,,.;^ Comelly, second lieutenant : killed George S. Leach, corporal : killed at Ft. j,^ battle in lS^f^'^ Donelson in 1862. I ;yj j> ]>etcrson, corporal; died at lack- John 11. Lowell, corporal; 'u. .Shiloh in 1862. ,, ,- ■ ,■ ,■ , • , , . -Matt rreeman, tirst lieutenant; died in . \\ . .Alexandre, colonel; killed 111 battle „, ■ ' 86 '^^ T- ■ , ^ , , , , ,. [acob Porter, firsi lieutenant; killed in Joseph C. Alvord. second lieutenant; , ' , . ,.,,,., , . „, iKittle 111 iS'ia. killed in battle in 1862. T,,.. , .. .,, , , .,, , ,. David Reed, second lieutenant; ilied in Klijali Smith, corporal ; killed at .Stone u- • or 1862. River in 1862. JohnF.Weitzel. captain; killed at Chick- Anderson l-romaii. lieutenant colonel; amaiiga in 186^. 'l'^^' '" '^"^■ Tolin McTwain. major; killed at Kenesaw ^"■'^^°" ^'- "^"'>'- '^^'^''''" ' '^'"^ '" '^^3- Mountain in 1864. J"''" !'• T^^''"''"^'- ^""^ lieutenant; died in George F. Deitz. first lieutenant; died in ^' ;^' jQ^, .Samuel lialw cor])oral ; killed at \'icks- F. M. r,ong. major; killed in battle in ''"'■•^' '" i^^'-^- jgg., fohn .S. Taylor, first lieutenant ; killed in Lewis P). Morton, first sergeant; died at '''^'^.^• Paducah. Kentucky, in 1861. Thomas ^^■hite, captain; killed in battle Bryant Kelsey, sergeant; died in 1863. '" i'*^^'3- David S. Morse, sergeant; died at Mos- Joh" W. Ellis, first sergeant; died at cow, Tennessee, in 1863. Young's Point in 1863. William H. Hecock. corporal; killed at W. P. Camp, sergeant; died at :\lillikin's Jackson, ^fississippi, in 1863. P)en(l in ^^C1^,. Fred O. Spooner. corporal; killed at Shi- Ji'hii 1!. Davidson, sergeant; died at loh in 1862. ^■ollng■s Point in 18O3. PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 12i Israel W. Markel, corporal; died at Mem- phis in 18O3. R. G. \\ arnick, corporal; died' at Mem- phis ill 1863. G. W. Williams, sergeant; died on steamer City of Memphis in 1863. D. F. Armstrong, corporal ; died at St. Louis in 1863. John F. Bowser, corporal ; died at Chat- tanooga in 1864. David Gill, corporal ; died at Chickasaw Bayou in 1862. J. B. Streever, corporal; died at Annap- olis in 1863. J. G. Long, corporal; died at Richmond, a prisoner of war, in 18O4. Lewis J. Eynian, captain; died June, 1863. Joseph D. ^\ioon, first lieutenant; died in 1805. John B. Tutt, first lieutenant; died in 1863. E. R. Pratt, second lieutenant; died in 1863. J. C. Stanbury, second lieutenant ; died in 1863. Alonzo B. Davis, captain ; died in 1863. Lafayette Helm, second lieutenant ; died in 1863. Isom Simmons, first lieutenant ; died in .'864. Theodore Short, second lieutenant ; died in 1863. N. W. Wheeler, second lieutenant; killed at siege of \'icksburg in 1863. Thomas McCann, sergeant; dietl at Alilli- kin's Bend in 1863. John Purtroff, corporal; died at Mound City in 1863. John Herrin, corporal; died at Young's Point in 1863. By referring to the roster of the com- panies raised in Macon county, you will find over two hundred others out of the two thousand and over from Macon, who never wore the stripes, that gave up their lives for their country and their homes, that we, their descendants, might enjoy the blessings of peace and prosperity. FORTY YEARS AGO. 1892. Christmas Reminiscences for the Young People. It is just forty years ago this blessed day since the writer first set foot in the town of Decatur. On the 6th day of December, 1852, with a corps of eighteen men, we set out from Springfield, Illinois, to make a survey for the \Vabash (then called the Great Western) Railroad, and reached Decatur on Christmas day, which was then a little hamlet containing scarcely five hundred souls. The country was sparsely settled and after leaving the Sangamon river at Riverton (then called "Jim-town"), a trackless, treeless, houseless prairie pre- sented itself as far as the eye could reach, save to the south where the sangamon tim- ber skirted above the horizon to relieve the monotony of the scene, and to a young man fresh from the hills of New England the prospect was one of intense interest and awful grandeur. The country abounded with deer, wolf and countless thousands of geese, duck and prairie chickens. The deer were so tame that we frequently approached them near enough to see their large and beautiful eyes. The weather was quite mild, similar to the winter weather we have been having recently, so we suffered little from cold. The party was composed of young men full of ambition and enthusiasm and, at times, wc made the lonely prairie ring with shouts, laughter, and song. Sometimes we were troubled to get enough to eat, for, being dependent upon the settlers along the timber, who were very " few and far be- tween," and though they were very hos- pitable and never turned us away, the\- were 122 PAST AND PRF.SEXT OF MACOX COUNTY. not always prepared to entertain so many hungry men, but did the best they could to appease our appetites and make us com- fortable for the night. There was so little change in the natural features of the coun- try that but few incidents occurred to break the monotony of the scenery. When we reached the site where Illiopolis is located we found some stakes that had been set there more than fifteen years before, for the purpose of marking out the ground for the state capital — that point having been de- cided upon by some enterprising specula- tors as being the geographical center of the state of Illinois, and, therefore, the proper place to locate the capital. A little further east and we were on the land of the future "King of Xiantic," Jesse Lockhart, Esq., and, although a long way off, "the King" spied us and hastened to see who it was bold enough to invade his domain without his royal permission. We informed him that the construction of a railroad through his kingdom was contemplated, and that we were engaged in making a survey for that purpose ; but the king was wroth and declared that he wanted no railroad through his ground, and that if we set stakes on his ground for that purpose he would pro- ceed to pull them up. We replied that although the railroad company had the right to make the survey, it was liable for any damage done, and hoped he would not disturb the stakes. But Jesse was inexorable and said the railroads would ruin the country by scaring away the stock and destroying the range: that he had just left a country which was all fenced in (Ken- tucky") to come to a country where there was plenty of room. But as we had no time to argue that point, we left "the King" to act as he thought be:?t. But on our return over the line a short time after, sure enough we found that the stakes had been removed, and went to Jesse's cabin and there saw them lying in a pile near his door. We again e.xpostulated with him, saying the stakes certainly could do no harm. So finally, Jesse became ashamed of his con- duct and helped replace them, and ever afterward was a good friend of the road. When we reached the place where Xiantic now is, it was growing dark. A light snow had fallen during the day and the ground was covered. Where we were to stay that night we knew not. Xothing to be seen so far as the eye could reach but the "beau- tiful." Our only refuge was to "break for the timber" four miles south of us, which we reached in about an hour, striking " Ding- man's Point " where we met Mr. Dingman. We informed him who we were and what we wanted. He cordially invited us into his house, where we for the first time saw the genial countenance of our since illus- trious townsman. Richard J. Oglesby, who was on his way home from Springfield, horseback, and had stopped with Dingman to feed his horse and get his supper. Of course when " Dick " found out what our business was. he. as well as Mr. Dingman, became much interested in us. Mr. Ding- man's family was sick and though he could not entertain us at his house, he supplied us with bread, ham and potatoes, an)! directed us to an unoccupied cabin, a short distance away, fn which was a large fire-place, and with plenty of wood and straw we cooked our supper and made our beds, thus pass- ing a very comfortable night. On Christ- mas day we got near enough to Decatur to make the town our headquarters, and therefore marched in with the whole outfit; the arrival of the Great Western Railroad Engineering Corps into the village was soon noised about, and the villagers were at once astir, for it was not only a very unusual event, but marked a very important epoch in the history and progress of the little town. We quartered with Landlady Harrell, who kept the hotel called " Social Hall," which stood on the site now occupied by the St. PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. J 23 Nicholas. She was a very worthy woman and knew how to keep a hotel. We were that night given a reception, ball and sup- per. The late James Shoaff, Esq., publisher of Shoaff's Gazette, was the leading spirit of the occasion. The ball was held in the old court house, which stood in the south- east corner of the square (now Lincoln Park) and was torn down about twenty-five years ago. Some of the peculiar features of the ball were that the gentlemen wore heavy boots with pants inside the legs of them ; and that the music consisted of one fiddle played bj' Matt Johnson, who was a character in those days. He disdained to wear a coat, and sitting in a chair with a " little brown jug " by his side, at the close of each " cotillion " he would regale him- self from the contents of the jug. Among the citizens present at the reception were Col. Pugh, Sheriiif Wheeler, Henry Prather, W^m. Cautrall, Col. Carter, S. K. Thomp- son, all of whom are long since dead ; Hon. J. J. Pedicord, Gov. Oglesby and perhaps a few others still living were also present. These men were the active business men of those days, men, each of whom, in their respective calling, did their part to make the city of Decatur what it now is. They were the pioneers and laid the foundation upon which the city now stands, and to them much is due for its present and future pros- perity. W'e found here, too, in advance of us the Illinois Central R. R. Co., resident engineers, the late H. C. Plant and C. A. Tuttle and their assistants, who met us cor- dially and with professional etiquette ten- dered us the use of their office, which was gladly accepted, and they also gave us much valuable information. In the spring of 1854 the cars were run- ning on the Wabash to Wylie's Switch (now called Troutman), and got into De- catur in the fall of the same year and hauled the iron for the Illinois Central from the Illinois river to lav its track south ; the latter road got into Decatur the following winter from the north. To the casual reader there may not appear anything of much in- terest or miportance in the simple narrative by one ot the pioneers in railroad construc- tion in this state, but when considered in its connection with the beginning of a great system ot railroads that has made the de- velopment of the resources of the great and powerful state of Illinois possible, and has been the prime cause of bringing millions of people from all parts of the civilized world within her borders, with the count- less millions of wealth these people have created, and who are the most prosperous, most intelligent and happiest people on earth, and have made Illinois the Empire State of the great West, and which will , soon be the first state in the Union, as its great metropolis on the lakes of the north is destined to become the greatest and most important city in America, and one of the greatest in the world ; a city about to give unto all the people of the earth the grandest exhibition as a result of labor, art, science and literature that man has ever looked upon. When considered in this connection it becomes a matter of much importance to all interested in the history and progress of the state of Illinois, and of all the United States of America. Sullivan Burgess. Decatur. 111., Dec. 25, 1892. THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS OF DECATUR. By Enoch A. Gastman. The early settlers of central Illinois were not able to give much attention to popular education. They were busy in providing food and shelter for their wives and chil- dren. But as soon as the immediate neces- sities of life were provided, the parents be- gan to seek ways to secure at least the ele- ments of an education for their children. At first this was done through private 124 PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. schools. -V subscription pajjcr would be circulated in the neighborhood and if enough monej' was promised to pay the teacher a very moderate salary the school would be opened. The teacher generally boarded around among the families, stay- ing a week or longer in each household, ac- cording to the number of pupils which it furnished to the school. If the teacher had a home of his own he would be paid a somewhat better salary, but he would be expected to receive in ])ayment butter, eggs, pork, potatoes, and such other arti- cles as he could use in his own family. These schools usually continued in session but a few months in each year. Often they were so inefficient that but little was ac- complished during the term. Reading, writing, spelling, and arithmetic made up the course of study. The rod was freely used not only to correct the infrac- tions of the rules of good behavior but to induce the better preparation of assigned lessons. Early in the history of the state men be- gan to see that these schools could not pro- duce an intelligent citizenship and different bills were introduced into the Legislature to provide for a system of free ])ul)lic schools. The present scliool law of Illinois is based upon an act of the General .A.ssembly ap- proved I'"ebruary 15, 1855. The essential feature of that act was that of taxing all of the property uf the state for the education of all the children of the stale. It also made it obligatory upon all districts to maintain schools free to all the children for at least si.x months in the year. A law passed in 1849 allowed the people to vote that a tax should be levied upon the prop- erty of the district for the support of free public schools. Comparatixely few districts in the state took advantage of this i)crmis- sion. TUit Decatur earlv orp-anized under the provisions of that act. The following is on file in the office of the county clerk: At a meeting of the inhabitants, legal vot- ers, of school district No. i, in township 16, N. R. 2 E., in Macon county, held at the court house in Decatur, on the 26th day of July, .\. D. 185 1, in pursuance of legal no- tice given b}' the directors of said school district for the purpose of voting for or against levying a tax for school purposes. It is certified by the chairman and secre- tary of said meeting to the directors of said district that at said meeting there was cast for levying a ta.x of ten cents on the one hundred dollars worth of taxable property in said district for the repairs of the * brick school house and furnishing same 30 votes, and against levying said ta.x 12 votes and that the following is a list of the resident tax payers in said district : One hundred seventy names are given. Wm. Prather, Clerk. (Seal.) The collector's book for 1851 is lost and it is impossible to say that the tax was ex- tended and collected. 1)ut the jjrohaljility is that the wish of the voters was carried out. It is believed that this is the first school tax that was paid in Decatur. No school ta.x seeius to ha\e been levied in 1852, or in 1853, but the collector's book of 1854 shows that such a tax was collected. The following is on file in the county clerk's office : We the undersigned president and clerk of the board of directors for district number one in township 16 N., R. 2 E., in the coun- ty of Macon and state of Illinois, do hereby certify that the said board have estimated and required to be levied for the year 1855, the rate of fiftv cents on each one hundred * It is believed that tliis reefers to the old Masonic liall wliicli stood at the corner of Xorth Water and Nortli Park streets. It was erected in the earlv '40s liy an arrangement between the citizens and the Masons. It was proliably the first school house in the city PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY, 125 dollars ^•aluation of all the taxable property in said district for the purpose of building a school house, and the rate of five cents on each hundred dollars valuation of tax- able property in the said district for general expenses connected with schools in said dis- trict. Given under our hands this 30th day of June, 1855. Daniel Barnes, Pres. E. G. Falconer, Clerk. Total value of all property in Decatur district, $445,716. Great Western R. R. ex- cepted. The money received from the first part of the above levy was probably used in building the front part of the Church street school. The law of 1855 gave the township trus- tees power to levy taxes for general school purposes and the following is on file : We the undersigned board of trustees of fownship number 16. north, range 2 east, in the county of Macon and state of Illinois, do hereby certify that as a board of trus- tees we have estimated and required to be levied for the year 1855, for general school purposes and extending terms of schools the rate of three mills on each dollar's valu- ation of taxable property in said township. Given under our hands this 30th day of April, A. D. 1855. I. C. Pugh. Wm. S. Crissey, Trustees. On the 28th of April, 1856, the same of- ficers certify that the same levy is required as in 1855. On the 19th of June, 1855, Elisha D. Car- ter and Christiana his wife, conveyed lots one, two, three, four, and five, in block eight, of Bandy's addition, to the school trustees of town 16, for the use of district number one, for the sum of eight hundred dollars. This is the site of the present Church street school and it is believed to be the first purchase of real estate for the use of schools in the cit}-. On the 14th day of April, 1856, David L. Allen and Julia, his wife, Thomas H. Read and Elizabeth, his wife, conveyed to the trustee of schools of tov^'n 16 in trust for the benefit of the inhabitants of school district number one and for the use of schools there- in, for the sum of five dollars, all of lot number one in block three of Allen, Mc- Reynolds & Co.'s addition to the town of Decatur, and ten feet off of the west side of lot four in the same block. This is the corner where the Scovill furniture company is now located. So far as is known this was the first and the only gift that has ever been made to the public schools of the city. ( )n the second day of December, 1856, this property was conve3^ed to Macon Lodge No. 8, A. F. and A. M., for one thou- sand dollars. In 1856, the directors, Jasper J. Pedde- cord, Edward O. Smith, and Philip B. .Shepherd, conuuenced the building of the south part of the Church street school. There are no records of the elections that must have been held before the directors could have purchased the site or levied the taxes for its erectioti. The plan of the building was somewhat peculiar. The up- per story was in one large room with two small recitation rooms which now make the hall in the center of the house. About 140 pupils could be seated at double desks in the assembly room. Recitations were held in the three rooms. The lower story furnished two good-sized school rooms with a recitation room adjoining each. Each school had a principal and an assistant who took charge of the recitation room. Seven teachers were employed in the building. Since that time two school rooms have been added and six teachers take care of the pupils in the whole house. Simeon Wright, a noted school man in the northern part of the state and the gen- 126 PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. tleinan for whom the Wrightonian society in the State Normal University was named, said that he visited Decatur when the found- ation walls of the new school building were just ready for the first tier of joists. He was invited by one of the directors to visit the buildmg. After looking over the founda- tion walls and admiring their strength he inquired what would be the arrangement of the school rooms. The director replied, " Mr. Wright, there are none of us who know anything about the proper arrange- ment of a school house and we have de- termined to put up the outside walls and then get some good school man to come and divide the building into rooms for us." The following note is taken from the second volume of the Illinois Teacher, pub- lished in Peoria. Under date of February 25, 1856, Daniel Wilkins of Bloomington, writes : " A few days since I visited De- catur, the county seat of MactMi, containing two thousand five hundred inhabitants. They are making arrangements to put up a large brick building next summer for the use of a graded school. J. H. Remsberg and lady have charge of a flourishing institute with one hundred forty pupils, while the high school, one hundred eighty pupils, is taught by John W. Coleman, assisted by his wife and Miss Ela. There is also a female seminary under the care of Mrs. A. A. Pow- ers, and a school taught by Miss Gillespie." The new building was opened in the fall of 1857 with J. H. Remsberg as principal and David L. Bunn and ]^liss Helen E. Par- sons assistants up stairs. No record has been found of the other assistant nor of the enrollment of pupils. On July 3, 1857, Jasper J. Peddecord and Edward O. Smith, directors, certify to the county clerk that they require a levy of sixty cents on each one hundred dollars of taxable property for general purposes, and forty cents for paying teachers and extend- ing schools. They submit a list of 704 tax payers in the district. The clerk endorses on the back of the certificate that this levy will raise $9,775.96. The records of the board of directors are not complete. The first meeting of which the minutes have been preserved was held November 30, 1858, and the members pres- ent were Messrs. Alexander T. Hill and James P. Boyd. It was determined to open a school in the lower room of the Masonic building. The teacher. Miss Mary C. Bas- sett of Maroa, was to be paid $35 per month, but she was to build the fires and keep the room in order. Un the 2d day of December, 1858, the same directors hied the earliest report of the enrollment in the schools that is known to exist : Scholars. First Ward — D. L. Bunn 140 First Ward— Miss M. C. Bassett 27 Second Ward — J. A. Johnson 150 .Second Ward — Assistant, Miss Sarah Wilder 80 Second Ward — Assistant, Miss Ela... 105 Pourth Ward — Miss Juliet M. Bradley 30 .Second W'ard — Miss Roe, sick and un- able to be in school. .At the close of the schools in the spring of 1859, the directors, Alexander T. Hill, Samuel K. Swingley and James P. Boyd, published a report of the schools showing an expenditure of $2,780.50 for tlie year, of district No. i, town 16, 2 East. On August 27, 1859. the following order was passed by the directors, A. T. Hill, S. K. Swingley, and James P. Boyd. We hereby certify that we require the rate of 3 mills to be levied for school pur- poses on all the taxable property of our district for the year 1859-60. Also I mill on each dollar for furnishing fuel and other incidental expenses. The valuation of property in the district is $89,960.70 as furnished by the clerk. September 7, 1859, A. T. Hill, S. K. PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 127 Swingley, and Br. E. \V. ]\Ioore were elected directors for the terms of one, two, and three years, respectively. On the 20th of August, i860, the follow- ing teachers were elected: Largo Brick (Now torn down) — ^J. K. Pickett, principal ; Mrs. J. K. Fickett, as- sistant ; Miss Florence E. Daniels. Intermediate Department — D. A. Taw- ney, principal; Miss ]\lary J. Jordan, assist- ant. Primary Department — E. A. Gastman, principal ; Miss May Thomas, assistant. * Marble Shop — John E. Kinney, princi- pal; Miss Lucy R. Greene, assistant; Miss Sallie Taylor, assistant. Masonic Hall (Scovill's Store) — Andrew M'. Heath, principal; Miss Mattie ^liller, as- sistant. Houck House (Present P., D. & E. freight depot) — Joseph R. Mosser, principal. Risdon House (Western part of city) — Edwin Park, principal. It was agreed to rent of Captain David L. Allen his two-story frame building situ- ated to the west of Jasper J. Peddecord's residence (where the Woman's club build- ing stands now) for six months for $100, the said Allen to make all necessary repairs and to have the house ready on the loth of September, i860. A levy of 4 mills on the dollar was or- dered levied on a reported valuation of $1,071,168. The following text books wit'- ailoi^t-'ii for use in the schools : Webster's Ele- mentary Spelling Book, McGuiifey's New Series of Readers, Wells's English Gram- mar, ^litchell's First Lessons, Primary, and Common .School Geographies, Lossing's Primary and Pictorial History of the LTnited States, Payton, Dunton and .Scribner's System of Penmanship. * These teachers were transferred to this huilding and the marble shop abandoned. After calling an election on the first Mon- day in September, i860, to choose three di- rectors to serve for one, two, and three years, all the members resigned. The new board of directors consisted of 'Messrs. Lowber Burrows, president, David L. Bunn, clerk, and William E. Nelson. It IS a remarkable fact that at the end of forty-three years these three men are still active in the affairs of this city. These gen- tlemen served for one year when they re- signed and Enos M. Henkle, Henry B_. Dur- fee and David L. Bunn were chosen to suc- ceed them. On the 25th of September, 1861, Mr. Bunn resigned, and in 1862, Mr. Samuel Ray, then county clerk, was elected to fill the vacancy. Mr. Henkle acted as president and Mr. Durfee as clerk. These three men continued to serve vmtil the elec- tion of the board of education, April 4, 1865. There was a tacit agreement among them that Mr. Rea should not be called upon to attend the meetings unless Messrs. Henkle and Durfee could not agree. There was but one school building in the district and as the population was rapidly increasing the directors found it very dif- ficult to secure rooms in which to open schools. The basements of the Methodist, Presbyterian, and the Baptist churches were rented and a few rooms were secured in other parts of the city. They were wholly unsuitable for school rooms, but as nothing better could be found the teachers had to get along the best way they could. In the fall of 1861, D. C. McCloir took charge as principal of the Big Brick school. He was a very fine gentleman but not a very successful school master. There was a good deal of disorder about the school. It frequently happened that when the bell was rung at the close of the recess in the after- noon most of the boys would go oflf skating for the remainder of the day. On account of this lack of governing power on the part of the principal, the directors received a 128 PAST AND I'KKSEXT OF .M.VCOxX CUUXTV. good many complaints from dissatisfied parents. \\ lien they attempted to improve matters by calling upon the teachers in the lower rooms to help him in maintaining dis- cipline they were met with the statement that these teachers did not regard them- selves as under the jurisdiction of " the man up stairs." A little examination of the rec- ords showed that the several departments had always been treated as independent .schools and that, therefore, the teachers were right in their contention. The direct- ors determined to have a different organiza- tion the ne.xl year. On the 12th of June, 1862, an election was held at the court house at which it was or- dered that a site for a school house should be purchased in the Third ward and that a special levy of 25 cents on the $100 should be made to build it. Plans were secured for a two-room, one-story house from G. P. Randall, architect, of Chicago, at a cost of fifty dollars, and the contract for building the same was awarded to Messrs. Mills and Shockley. These men are still doing busi- ness in Decatur. But on the 30th of July following the directors voted, "that. in view of the present unsettled state of the coun- try, it is ordered that the levy of the tax for building a school house as authorized by vote be postponed for the present y-ear and the building of the house be sus- pended until such times as it ma\^ be deemed more expedient to make the levy authorized. But that we may secure a de- sirable location for building said house when more prosperous times shall again visit our land, it is ordered that the treasurer, John F. Miles, procure a clear title to lots num- bers 10 and 1 1 in block number 10 in the Western addition to Decatur, in the name of the township trustees for the use of dis- trict number one. and that he be authorized to pay therefor the sum of one humlred fifty dollars in currency, to procure which he is authorized to sell coin belonging to the dis- trict to the best ad\antage, giving the dis- trict credit with the premium." The house was erected the next year by .Mills & Shockley. It is the two lower rooms on the east side of the Wood street school. The president of the board of directors, Mr. E.M. Henkle, believed that no school house should be more than one story high and that the front entrance should be right at the sidewalk so that when the children came out they could at once disperse to their homes. The house was erected to conform to his ideas, but both have been discarded lor many years. At a meeting held on the 12th day of July, 1862, it was determined to elect " a principal for all the schools " who should also be the principal of the high school which was to be organized. Enoch A. Gastman was elect- ed to fill the position at a salary of $80 per month for the school year of six months. .Miss F'rances A. Peterson, a teacher in the State Normal University;, was elected his assistant at a salary of $30 per month. She did a large part of the work of organizing and teaching in the high school during the first year of its history. She died the fol- lowing February within two weeks of the close of the year. At an election lichl on the 8lh of July, 1863, one hundred twenty-nine votes were cast in favor of having nine months of school and si.x votes against the proposition. ( )n November 23, 1863, the electors authorized the directors to erect a school house near the residence of E. .\. Jones, north of the city. .\t a meeting of the directors held March -3, 1863, it was ordered that Messrs. Mills and .'-^hockley proceed with the building of the school house in the Third ward upon the contract and that they be allowed in a(lF. Hcnkle. Henry B. Durfec. and Samuel Rea. Note. — It is ])robable that the first di- rectors were elected in 1850 or 185 1, but it has been impossible to secure the names of any before 1855. ^Fr. Ebenezer McNabb came here in the spring of 1855 ^^'^ he be- lieves that Joel S. Post was a director at that time. 'Sir. Lowell Krohn thinks that Dr. Benjamin V. ^^'est, General Isaac C. Pugh, and \\'illiam Prather were among the early directors. Mr. James Carter thinks that Dr. Ira Pi. Curtis was a director about 1856. The following is a list of teachers who taught in the public schools previous to the organization of the Board of Education. It is probable that there are a number of omis- sions and errors owing to the imperfect con- dition of the early records — corrections will be thankfully received. — E. .\. G. Mary E. Alderman. Sarah E. Allen, Lu- cinda Babcock. Mary E. Baker. Mary C. Bassctt. flattie Beman, David Bigelow, Juliet M. Bradley, Elizabeth 'SI. Brown, David L. Bunn, Nellie Bunn, .\nna E. Buttz, Hilary .-\. Clampit. John \\'. Coleman, Mrs. John W. Coleman. Florence E. Dan- iels, Matilda E. Davis, Maria Ela. Margaret Ellis, Mrs. A. Everts, Jennie A. Frazier, ^Fary A. Fuller, M. E. Fullenwider, Enoch A. Gastman, Frances A. Gastman, Miss M. M. Gillespie, Ellen Giles, Lucy R. Greene, Anna P. Grennell, Helen F. Grennell, Helen F. Hale, Homer Hatch. Andrew 'SL Heath, J. A. Johnson, Mary J. Jourdan, G. W. Kin- solving, I\Irs. C. S. Kendall, John E. Kin- ney, John H. Leidigh, Elizabeth Deeper, Margaret Leeper, Hannah Mackey (Car- many), D. C. McCloir, Mattie Miller, Eliza- PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 131 beth J. Mitchell, Ottoria Moeller, Joseph R. Mosser, Mrs. Anna E. Murphy, H. Nauman, Mary E. Park, Edwin Park, Helen E. Par- sons, Mrs. J. K. Pickett, J. K. Pickett, John N. Randall, Mattie L. Reader, Mrs. J. H. Remsberg-, J. H. Remsberg, Miss C. E. Roe, Lucretia J. Rooker, Josie J. Robinson, Eliza- beth Sabin, Caroline S. Sargent, Isadore Sheldon, Joseph Shellabarger, J. B. R. Sher- rick, David A. Tawney, Sallie J. Taylor, David B. Traver, May Thomas, Mattie L. Wells, Sarah E. Winholtz, Sarah D. Wilder, Mary Wilder, Frances Wylie, M. A. Wylie, Kate B. Zorger. Board of Education. The charter provided that an election should be held on April 4, 1865. The di- rectors gave notice of this meeting but they positively refused to become candidates for members of the board of education. On April 10, 1865, a meeting was held in the courtroom of the old court house which stood in the southeast corner of the old square. The following is a copy of the min- utes of the first meeting of the board of education of the Decatur school district : Decatur, 111., April 10, 1865. The oath of office was duly administered to the members by John K. Warren, Notary Public. On motion David P. Bunn was unanimously elected president of the board and Enoch A. Gastman, clerk. On motion, proceeded to draw lots for the respective terms of office, which resulted as follows : William L. Hammer drew the term of three years. David P. Bunn drew the term of two years. Caleb C. Burroughs drew the term of one year. On motion, Jerome R. Gorin was unani- mously elected treasurer of the board. The amount of his bond was fixed at $25,000, and his salary at one and one-half per centum on all moneys received and dis- bursed. On motion, the clerk was instructed to look for a room to be used for the meetings of this board, and as an office for the super- intendent of public schools. On motion, adjourned to meet next Thursday evening at the office of Wm. L. Hammer, clerk of the circuit court. D. P. BUNN, Pres. E. A. GASTMAN, Clerk. The following extracts from the minutes of different meetings will show that the new .board entered with vigor upon the so- lution of the problem of providing better school accommodations for the children and teachers of the city of Decatur: May 6, 1865. Ordered that the teachers be paid at the end of each month instead of the end of the term as heretofore. A petition was received from J. B. R. Sherrick and others asking for a school house in the Fourth ward. It was discussed and laid over for future action. April 20, 1865. The first office of the board was rented of George W. Baker for $50 per year. It was the front upstairs room, number 144 East Main street. Mr. Baker had a real estate office in the same room. This arrangement did not prove sat- isfactory and early in 1867 the board rented the rear room of the second story of the T. M. Oviatt building, 149 East Main street, where the office remained until it was re- moved to the new high school building in the fall of 1869. June 20, 1865. Messrs. Jacobs and Stains, representing the members of the colored M. E. church, petitioned the board to give them a school, and tendered the use of the basement of their church for that purpose. Eloquent speeches were made by the two gentlemen and the board took the matter imder advisement. In 1868, $122.53 was sj)ent in repairing and fitting up this room. June 20, 1865, plans and specifications 13-2 PAST AM) PRESENT UF MACOX COL'XTV. were received from ( i. 1'. Randall, Chicago, for a new school house to be erected in the First ward. Urdered that bids for erecting the same be received until Jul}- i, 1865. It was also agreed to imrchase lots 1, 3, and 5, in block 1, of Oglesby & Wait's addition, for $600, to be used for a school site in the Fourth ward. W. L. Hammer was appoint- ed a conunittee to see if money could be borrowed to build the house. July 5. W. 1- Hammer reported that he could not find any person willing to loan money to the district and the following was unanimously passed : Resolved, That for the want of funds and in view of the exorbitant prices of labor and materials this board deems it inexpedient to build this year. July 25, 1865. The question of erecting a school house in the Fourth ward was dis- cussed l)ut it was finally decided to repair the one room building now occupied. August 12, 1865. Resolved, That a col- ored grade of school be established to which all persons of African descent shall be ad- mitted. The right was reserved to close the school and dismiss the teacher when- ever it might be thought best. Mrs. J. H. Roell was appointed the teacher of the school at a salary of $25 per month. October 3, 1865, it was ordered that the regular meetings of the teachers be held once each month instead of twice as had been the practice heretofore. On the 17th of October the following was unanimously passed : Resolved, That in cases of suspensions from the schools all appeals from the de- cision of the superintendent shall be heard and determined at a meeting of the board. This action was taken because the son of a prominent citizen had been suspended for absence as the rule of the board provided; the father, to whom the superintendent was ■' persona non grata " determined not to ask the officer to reinstate the boy but finding two members of the board in a private office appealed directly to them. Without think- ing what effect their action would have upon the authority of the superintendent they reinstated the pupil. When their at- tention was called to the matter, the above' rule w-as at once passed. It is, perhaps, fair to say that this is the only instance, in thirty-eight years, where there has been any difi'ercnce between the board and the super- intendent concernmg his duties. Early in 1866 the superintendent was authorized to buy ink for the use of the schools and to spend not exceeding five dol- lars in the purchase of books for poor chil- dren. He was also directed to purchase five globes for the schools at a cost of not more than $12 each. The duty of beautifying the school grounds was early recognized by the board and in llu- s])ring of 1866 a number of " sil- ver maples " were purchased at 6oc each of one Smith, a IMoomington man, which he set around the Church street school. C. D. llumphrexs was paid the same price for Imxing them. ( )n June 5, 1866, Caleb C. Burroughs was re-elected a member of the board for three years. On the twenty-first of June, 1866, the board accepted the plans prepared by I'benezer McXabb for a two-room school house in the h'ourth ward and ordered that bids should be received until July 7th for its erection. r.ids were received from Messrs. ^\'hit- mer and Campbell, and E. McXabb to wlK)m the contract was awarded for the sum of $3,876.96. .\ugust 6, 1866, ordered that the board innchase of Messrs. Durfee & Warren lots 1 1 and 12, of the re-survey of block 7. of Read & Co.'s addition, for the sum of $2,400. Also lot ID of the same block of Thomas H. Read for $1,000. The high school stands upon these lots. PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 13a September 14, 1866. A petition was pre- sented asking that German be made a part of the course of study in all the ward schools. The question was fuUy discussed and it was decided that it was not practica- ble to do this. This question was finally settled in 1874, when Miss S. Alice Judd was ai^pointecl a teacher in the high school with the understanding that one-half of her tune would be given to the teaching of Ger- man. This has proved to be a very satis- factory solution of this question. The Ger- mans are pleased and the district has been saved the expense of trying to introduce another subject into the grades. October 28, 1866. On the request of Miss Mary E. Baker, assistant principal of the high school, the superintendent was directed to purchase a table for the reference books and a case tor geological specimens. This was the beginning of the collection of speci- mens of natural history for the illustration of the statements made; in the text books. The case is still in use in the front hall of the high school. It was also ordered that the rent re- cei\'ed from a circus company for the use of the lots purchased for a site for a high school be expended in securing books for the use of poor children. ( )n January i, 1867, the superintendent \vas authorized to mtroduce United States history into the upper grades of the gram- mar schools. He was also directed to change the exercises in the primary depart- ment of the Church street school — Miss Mattie Beeman, teacher — so that half the children would attend school in the forenoon and the other half in the afternoon. This was the beginning of the half-day system in the first primary departments of our schools. It met with considerable opposi- tion at first but for many years no com- plaints have been heard against the plan from thoughtful parents. On the sixteenth of .\pril, 1867, the clerk was directed to have one hundred blank bonds printed — forty for $500 each, and thirty for $250 each, and thirty for $100 each. He was also directed to have a bond book made and to register in it all bonds that might be issued. The bonds were ])rinted and the book made by the late Wil- liam J. Usrey. It is in the safe in the office. It contains a full history of every'bond ever issued by the board. May 3, 1867, the superintendent was di- rected to introduce at the beginning of the fall term Hillard's readers in place of Mc- Guffey's, if the teachers favored the change, and if it could be done without expense to parents and children. It has always been the policy of the board to make changes in text books only when the teachers who were using such books favored a change. May 7, 1867, bids were received for erect- ing a school house in the First ward accord- ing to plans and specifications prepared by G. P. Randall of Chicago, in 1865. The con- tract was awarded to H. JM. Whitmer on condition that he give a bond for $5,000 with good security and that he forfeit $25 per day for every day after September i that the house remained unfinished. He declined to comply with the conditions and the contract was awarded to McNabb & Bishop, who filed a bond and contract con- ditioned as above. May 29, 1867, ordered that the board pur- cnase of Henry B. Durfee lots 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10 in block 3 of Durfee & King's addition for $2,400, and that bonds bearing 10% and maturing in 10 years be issued to pav for the same. The present Marietta street school is erected on a part of this pur- chase. No use was made of the lots for seventeen years. On the twentieth day of June, 1867, the first class graduated from the high school, having completed a three years' course. The following is the programme: 134 PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. PROGRAMME. Prayer By Rev. W. C. Dawson Music. Essay — " The Two Hemispheres," Miss Rachel Hummell Essay — " The Works of Nature," Miss Emmaretta Williams Music. Essay — " The Fountain of Youth," Miss Emma Hummell Essay — " Decatur and the State House," . ." Miss Alice Roberts Music. Address and Awarding Diplomas, Rev. D. P. Bunn, Pres. Board of Edu- cation. Music. Benediction Rev. F. G. Thearle On June II, 1867, President David P. Bunn retired from the board after having refused to be a candidate at the election held on the 4th instant. Henry B. Durfee took his place in the board. 'I'lie following was passed by the old board before adjourn- ment : Whereas, a great amount of extra labor has been required of the members of the board of education for the last two years — owing to the selection of and purchase of suitable grounds upon which to erect the necessary school houses as well as to super- intend the erection of the same — also the fencing of said lots of ground, and Whereas, The charter of the Decatur school district provides that the board of education may vote themselves reasonable compensation for such e.xtra labor per- formed by them. Therefore be it Resolved, That the sum of fifty dollars be allowed each member of the board as a compensation for extra services during the past two years. William L. Hammer was unanimously elected president of the new board and E. A. Gastman, clerk. • July 4, 1867, bids were opened for erect- ing an addition of four rooms to the school house in the Third ward according to plans and specifications prepared for the same by Joseph Alills: The contract was awarded to D. C. .Shockley and he filed the required contract and bond on July 16, 1867. July 25, 18C7, ordered that bonds num- bered seventeen to thirty-six, inclusive, for $500 each and bearing 10% semi-annual in- terest, payable in two years from August i, 1867, be issued and placed in the hands of J. L. Mansfield for sale with instructions that they must net at least 96 cents. ^Ir. .Mansfield took these bonds to New York and offered them for sale. The brokers laughed at him and offered fifty cents for them. He finally found W. P. Hazelton, who agreed to give 95c for them. The board accepted his offer and he furnished all the money the lioard wished to borrow up to the time of his death, about 1890. On April 16, 1868, the board examined tracings of plans for a high school building. The clerk was directed to inform the archi- tect, G. P. Randall, of Chicago, of the changes desired. May 18, 1868, Mr. C. C. Burroughs ten- dered his resignation to take effect when his successor was elected. At an election held on June 2, 1867, Samuel F. Greer was elected for one year and Wm. E. Hammer for three years. On June 13, 1868, bids were submitted for the erection of the high school. The con- tract was awarded to D. C. Shockley, it being understood that the plastering and painting were not included in his bid. The Ijuilding was first occupied by the school in September, 1869. Se])tember 8, 1868, the superintendent was authorized to purchase such books as might be necessary to furnish indigent chil- dren in a proper manner. The Rev. Soule was employed to teach vocal music in tlie high school at $1 per PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 13J lesson and two lessons per week. This was the beginning of musical instruction in the schools. The pupils were not supplied with properly graded books and the experiment was not very successful. November 14, 1868, the contract for plas- tering the high school building was award- ed to ^Messrs. Sollars & Hanks for $850. They were the lowest of five bidders. It is but proper credit for work well done to say that not one dollar has ever been spent for repairs on the plastering of the old part of the building and it is now (1903) appar- ently as good as when it was first done. This applies to the blackboards as well as to the walls and ceilings. On the 23d of January, 1869, the board contracted with W. A. Pennell & Co., of Normal, to deliver and superintend the set- ting of four of Hawley's No. 4 air warmers in the new high school for $2,000, the board agreeing to pay for tlie brick work and the actual expenses of the superintendent. April 2Q, 1869, the following was unani- moush' passed : Ordered, that the clerk of this board go to New York, taking with him the $43,000 worth of bond ordered to be issued ^larch 29, 1869, and that he settle with \\'. P. Hazleton, taking up the bonds now held by said Hazelton against the dis- trict amounting to $24,500; also the bonds of the City of Decatur amounting to $12,000, paying any interest which may be rightfully due on said bonds and receiving the balance in cash, which balance he shall deposit to the credit of J. Millikin & Co., in the Metro- politan National Bank, of New York, this being in accordance with the written in- structions of the treasurer, J- R- Gorin. It was ordered that the board buy lot 9, block 7. Reed & Co.'s addition, for $820. This purchase completed the high school grounds as they are now. June 3, 1869, the contract for painting the high school was awarded to M. A. Myer for $1,322. June 5, 1869, the following entry appears on the records : Ordered, that Sallie Roe, Emma Reeme, Carrie Hubbard, Ivatie Jones, Hattie Fuller, and Frank L. Brooks be allowed to grad- uate from the high school, they having com- pleted the course of study in a satisfactory manner. This seems to be the first time that the board authorized the graduation of a class from the high school. The other two classes were graduated by a vote of the teachers. On June i, 1869, Samuel F. Greer re- 'ceived 350 votes and Joseph Mills 267 votes for member of the board of education. June 21, 1869, the president and clerk were appointed a committee to secure furni- ture for the high school. It was also or- dered that an addition of two rooms be built to the Fourth ward school house, provided, parties can be found to do the work and take the bonds of the board in payment; ]irovided, also, that the cost shall not exceed $4,500. The matter was left with the presi- dent with directions to report his actions to the board. On the 14th of July follow- ing he reported that he had let the contract to Messrs. ?\Iyer & Brandt for a sum not to exceed $4,500, they agreeing to take bonds in payment. This is the north front addition to the present Jackson street school. During the summer of 1869 the Second ward school house was thoroughly repaired. The large upper room was divided into two modern school rooms. A new foundation was built under the central partition and the whole building was replastered and painted throughout The work was done by McNabb & Bishop and Sollars & Hanks. The expense amounted to about $2,000. .'\ugust 14. 1869. it was ordered that Guyot's geographies be introduced in place of Mitchell's, provided, the publishers would exchange book for book during the school vear, so that the text books used 13C PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. should all be Guyot's; all books to be taken that were tit to be used by the pupils. The superintendent was directed to buy pens and holders for the use of the children in the schools. Xoveinbcr 9, 1869, it was ordered that the physical apparatus used in the Decatur seminary be purchased for the use of the hig-h school and that an order for $150 be issued to the estate of Henry Prather in payment. On January 11, 1870, the clerk was di- rected to meet with the treasurer, J. R. Gorin, and to destroy all orders which had been paid by him during the preceding six months and to mark the word paid upon the record of the issuance of such order in the journal, 'i'his was continued for several years but later it was so modified as to pro- vide that the treasurer should return month- ly to the clerk the orders paid by him and that the journal should l^e marked at the regular monthly meeting of the board. This is still the custom. On the 8th of I'ebruary, 1870, Samuel S. Jack was elected the ])rincipal of the high school at a salary of $1,500. He look charge of the school at the beginning of the spring term. On I'ebruary 10. 1871, hv resigned to go into business. May 10, 1870, it was ordered that a bond of $800 be issued to Eihvard Sweeny in payment of lot 14, block 3, in Plant (!<: Tut- tle's addition. This lot adjoins the site of the First ward school house. For some rea- son Mr. Sweeny declined to complete the transfer but on May 22. 1875, he conveyed the same lot for $650. The board sold the dwilling house on the lot for $100 to Air. Hughes. October 26. 1871. the treasurer, J. R. (lorin, agreed to furnish all overdrafts that the board might wish to make at 8 per cent. It is believed that is the first time that the board could negotiate short loans for less than 10 per cent. March 12, 1872, it was ordered that Black- mer's graded songs be used in the schools. This was the first te.xt book in vocal music introduced. The president was authorized to have the city water brought into the high school. May 16, 1872. Messrs. Hamsher and Mos- ser asked that they be furnished with a copy of the proceedings of the board to be published in the columns of the daily Repub- lican. The clerk was directed to comply with the request. On* January 14, 1873, the following reso- lutions were unanimously adopted: Whereas, It has pleased God to remove from this board our worthy friend and fel- low-laborer, James G. Roach, therefore, Resolved, That we feel that in his death the cause of education has lost a true and considerate friend and the board of educa- tion an active and earnest mendier. Resolved, That we hereby tender to the family of the deceased our deepest sym- pathy. Resolved, That these resolutions be spread upon our records and a copy, properly at- tested, furnished the l)erea\ed family. Dr. i'lnijch W. Moore was unanimously elected to till the \acancy in the board caused by the death of Mr. Roach imlil the time of the regular school election in Jime next. June 12, 1873, a committee of the board reported in favor of building an addition of two rooms to the First ward school house and on June loth the contract w'as awarded to D. C. Shockley on his bid of $4,362.62. On July 25. 1873. the following was jjassed : Ordered, That the proposition of Captain Ira Harris. Jr.. to sell a plat of land in the i'ifth ward for a school house site for the sum of $1,500 be accepted and that bonds for $1,000 and $500 be issued in payment; the second payable Februarx- i, 1874. and the first April i. 1876. Both l)onds to bear PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 137 interest at lo per cent per annum but the interest on the first is not to commence be- fore April next. On August 8, 1873, the president and clerk were directed to certify to the county clerk that the board required that the sum of $45,000 be levied as a special school tax in the Decatur school district. Heretofore the board had required that a certain per cent be levied but a change in the state law made the present action necessary. Early in 1874, Messrs. Lowber Burrows and others asked that they be relieved from the payment of certain school taxes which had been levied upon an erroneous assess- ment. On .April 14, 1874, Hon. Arthur J. Gallagher reported that the board had no power to relieve any one from the payment ot taxes which had been turned over to the proper officer for collection. May 18, 1874, it was ordered that the city water should be supplied to the schools in the Second and Third wards. On June 9, 1874, Wm. L. Hammer retired after servmg nine years as a member and seven years as_ president of the board. He was succeeded by \\'m. C. Jolms. August 2~. 1873, the question of adopting Krusi's drawing books for use in the schools was carefully discussed and laid over for future action. This seems to have been the first time that it was seriously proposed to introduce drawing as a regular study in the schools. The board was not ready to take that step ! Sept. 17. 1875, J. R. (]orin was elected treasurer on condition that he pay 3 per cent interest on daily balances in his hands. The payment amounted to $161.46 for the fiscal year and it was the first ever made to the board. The treasurer now pavs 2 per cent on daily balances. On November 9, 1875. 't was ordered that the High School Hymn and Tune Book be used by such pupils as were willing to pur- chase it. Jan. II, 1876, Mr. B. K. Durfee stated that he had paid a school tax of $17.03 which had ])een wrongfully assessed against his property and asked that it be refunded. The matter was referred to W. C. 'Johns, Esq., for investigation. At the next meeting he reported that the amount ought to be re- turned to Mr. Durfee and it was done. J. H. Mauzy and others asked the board, .\!arch 15, 1876, to build a high board fence around the 3rd ward school yard to prevent persons from assembling there at night and disturbing the neighborhood by disorderly conduct. The petition was read and placed on file, where it still remains. On March 15, 1876, the superintendent was directed to purchase writing paper for future examinations so that the pupils might have constant practice with pen and ink, instead of using pencils as had been the practice previously. He was also direct- ed to keep the account of the receipts and expenditures of the tuition fund in the regu- lar journal and ledger of the board. President \\'illiam A. Barnes and the clerk were directed, December 11. 1876, to see what would be the cost of common tables and chairs for use in the basement of the high school building. This was the beginning of the discussion which led to the establishment of the high school labora- tory. Nothing was done until the fall of 1877 when about $150 was appropriated to secure furniture and fit up the room now used for coal on the west side of the center part of the building. On May 8, 1877, Regent John M. Gregory of the Industrial University at Urbana, 111., proposed a system of examinations which, it was hoped, would bring the high schools of the state into closer connection with the university. The clerk was directed to in- form him that the board would co-operate willingly with him in bringing about so de- sirable a result. This was the beginning- of the system of " accredited high schools " 13S PAST AND PRKSEXT OF MACON CuUNTY. which has been a powerful intluence in causing boys and girls to attend the higher institutions of learning. t)n the 9lh of October, 1877, Lowber L'lurrows was elected the second treasurer of the board of education. He succeeded Jerome R. (iorin wiio had been treasurer ever since tiie organization in April, 1865. Messrs. \'olney Barber and Kilniiston McC'lellan asked permission, .\oveuibor J4. J877, to send their children to the high school without payment of tuition, although they lived outside of the school district, be- cause the}' owned property and paid taxes in the Decatur district. It was agreed that ihe question should be submitted to the state superintendent of public instruction. In a somewhat length)- opinion, which is filed among the " valuable papers " in the office, he held that the payment of taxes did not entitle persons to enjoy the benefits of the schools unless he had a bona fide residence in that district. On the same date it was agreed that the district schools might be closed at four o'clock in the afternoon from November ist to February 1st. instead of 4:30 o'clock as in the past. April 9, 1878, on the request of the high school .\hinuii association, it was agreed to hold the grailuating exercises on Thursday evening so that the association might hoKl the annual reunion on Fritlay evening. May Ji, 1S78. On motion of IT. B. Dur- fee, it was agreed thai in the future, all teachers must secme certilieates from the county superintendent of schools. This ac- tion was taken bcciiuse the supreme court had held, in a case im-olving the right of boards of education acting under the gen- eral laws to issue certificates, that the lan- guage employed did not give them the power to dispense with the certificate of the county superintendent, but simply granted the power to hold any additional examinations that thev misfht deem desir- able. As the language used in our special charter is almost identical with that em- ployed in the state law, it was thought not to be wise to rely upon it for authority to issue certificates in the place of those grant- ed by the county superintendent. Dec. 10, 1878, Messrs. E. .McNabb, Win. B. Harry and ^Michael Troutman presented the following report which was received and nnlered published: To the honorable board of education : Your committee appointed to examine the second ward school house, beg leave to re- port that on examination we find that the building has been so repaired that we con- sider it as safe as other school buildings m the cit)-. The following are the minutes of a meet- ing held Jan. 20, 1879; present, Messrs. Barnes, Ullrich and the clerk : The president states that this meeting was called to consider what disposition should be made of the bonded debt, all of which would become due April i, ne.xt. After a full discussion it was decided that $5,000 should be paid April i, 1879. It was further ordered that the remaining $15,000 should be refunded and that $3,000 should be made payable five years from April i, 1879, "^"d $3!000 on the first day of April every year thereafter until all the debt is paid. The jiresident was directed to re- ceive propositions to take the new bonds until March i, when they will be issued to the parties offering to take them at the low- est rate of interest ; the bonds to be issued in sums to suit purchasers, provided that no bond be for a less sum than one hundred dollars. On March 11. 1879, these bonds were sold to W. V, Hazelton, of New York City, at par and 6 per cent interest, pay- able semi-aimually at the banking house of Laidlaw & Co.. in New York. The lowest rate of interest heretofore paid on bonds was 9 per cent. July 8, 1879. the bid of Harrison S. Baker PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 131) to build an addition of two rooms on the north side of the second ward school house according to plans and specifications pre- pared by C. P. Randall, of Chicago, for the sum of $2,735, was accepted and his bond approved. Sept. I, 1879, it was agreed to buy of the t'hampion Iron Fence Company, Ken- Un\, Dliiii, one hundred fifty-three feet ot No. 14, two rail, -^s inch round picket fence for $259 to be set up on the east and south sides of the third ward school. •V proposition was received from the Western Union Telegraph Company to put telephones into five schools at an annual rental of $156. It was laid over for future consideration. Oct. 14, 1879, the thanks ol the board were voted to i)r. Silas T. Trowbridge, of Vera Cruz, Mexico, for his present to the high school of thirteen beautiful photo- graphs of ancient ruins in the states of Yu- catan and Chiopas. The superintendent was directed to iiave them framed, marked with the name of the donor and hung in the high school building. Henry V>. Durfce, president of the board of education, died March 17, 1880, after an illness of about two weeks. He was elected a school director in August, 1861, and con- tinued in that position until the organiza- tion of the board of education in April, 1865. On June 4, 1867, he was elected a member of the l)oard of education and re- elected in Jime, 1870. lie declinetl a re- election in 1873, ])ut in June, 1877, he was elected for another term and he became president of the board in 1879. The special charter of the fDecatur school district was obtained largely by his efforts. He was always an earnest and efificicnt worker for the interests of the schools. On Feb. 11, 1881, the superintendent was directed to see on what terms a thoroughly competent teacher of drawing could be se- cured for the remainder of the school vear. in April following, he reported that he could nut secure a good teacher for a part of the year. September 2, 1882, the Woman's Chris- tian Temperance Ihiion was granted per- mission to place Richardson's Manual of 'i'eniperance nn the teachers' desks. This was the beginning of the teaching of sci- entific temperance in the schools. Oct. II, 1882, the following was unani- mously adopted : Whereas, The 6lh and 7th grades in the first ward are greatly crowded, while the same grades in the fourth ward are not full ; therefore kesoKed, I'hat the superintendent is hereby directed to send all pupils in said grades who live south of Eldorado and east of Jackson streets from the first ward to the fourth ward school. This question of the proper assignment of the pupils to the various schools continues to be one of the most perplexing problems of the board and the superintendent. It causes more dissatisfaction every year to parents and pupils than anything else con- nected with the management of the schools. May 19, 1882, it was determined to erect a foiu- room school luuise on the lots in the fifth ward ])in-chased some time ago of Ira Harris, Jr. July 17, ordered thai the contract for building the above house be awarded to Melville G. l\atterson on his bid of $9,700, and Wm. 11. C'hamliers w;is appointed su- perintendent of the building. ( )n October 11. 1882, the contract for seating the building was awarded to A. H. Andrews & Co., Chicago, at an average Iirice of $2.38 for single desks set up in the rooms ready for use. Aiiril 16, 1883, the contract for heating was awarded to Messrs. Kosmeyer & O'Neill for tlie stun of $1,372. July 9, 1883, the city was requested to put down a brick sidewalk around the high 140 PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. school lot in place of the board walk now in use. It was ordered, September 13, 1883, that the president and clerk execute a convey- ance to John yi. Rainey for the sum of $212.50 for the following described lot of land: Commencing 211 feet west of the southeast corner of block number ten in the Western addition to the city of Decatur, thence north to the north line of the south half of said block, thence west to the east of the grounds belonging to the said John M. Rainey, eight and one-half feet more or less, thence south to the south line of said block, thence east to the place of beginning, being a, part of lot number nine of said block; provided that the said Rainey shall build a good, tight board fence at least five feet high between said land and the yard of the third ward school. .Nov. 22, 1883, the superintendent was au- thorized to employ an assistant teacher in one or two of the primary rooms where the schools were greatly crowded if satisfactory arrangements could be made ; also to intro- duce drawing into the schools at the be- ginning of the next term if the publishers will give satisfactory terms for the intro- ductory books. Jan. 8, 1884, the sui)erintcndent was di- rected to have telephones placed in the schools in the first, second and fifth wards. Feb. 12, 1884. Prof. Demorest asked per- mission to teach classes in music in the school houses after the close of the schools in the afternoon. The pupils to pay for the instruction. The permission was not granted. Aug. 14, 1884, the superintendent reported that he believed it best to introduce the first, second and third readers of the Mod- ern series, and the fourth and fifth readers of the h'ranklin series in the place of Hil- lard's now in use. The report was adopted and the introduction ordered. The books are still used in the schools but ought to be changed for better ones. Sept. 9, 1884, it was agreed to purchase of Mary E. Wortman lot one, block three in Durfee & King's addition for $2,500. It was ordered that the lots owned by the board in the west half of block three be offered for sale ; also the buildings now standing on the lot purchased of Mary E. Wortman. The frame house was later sold to Hanson C. Stultz for .three hundred dollars and the brick house to David C. Moffitt for one hundred and twenty-five dollars. Sept. 22, 1884, the contract for building the east four rooms of the Marietta street school according to plans prepared by him was awarded to Melville G. Patterson on his bid of $8,990, it being the lowest of five submitted. It was ordered that the house should be heateil by steam. August 18, 1885, ordered that the school houses be known as follows : l*"irst ward, Sangamon street school; sec- ond ward, Church street school ; third ward, Wood street school ; fourth ward, Jackson street school; fifth ward. Jasper street school, and the new building the ?\iarietta street school. .March 26, 1886, the superintendent was directed to invite the president of the Uni- \ersity of Michigan to send a committee to examine our high school with a view to ad- mitting our graduates to the university ujion their diplomas. June 21, 1886. Ordered that the assem- bly room in the high school be changed so that the teachers' platform should be on the south side of the room. Also that bay win- dows be put in the four old rooms in the Sangamon street school ior the purpose of securing better light. Feb. 9, 1887. It was ordered that addi- tions of two rooms each be built at the Jack- son and \\'ood street schools and that four rooms be added to the ^larietta street school. PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 141 -May 24, 1887, the contract for building the two rooms at the Wood street school was awarded to Harrison S. Baker for $4,580; the two rooms at the Jackson street school to J. J. Wilson for $5,845, and the four rooms at the Marietta street school to Melville G. i'atterson for $8,990. Aug. 23, 1887. The superintendent was directed to introduce Prang"s drawing books at the beginning of the schools in Septem- ber next. Nov. 22, 1887. A committee of the G. A. R. asked that the board would consider the cases of worthy old soldiers when there should be any vacancies among the jani- tors in the schools. Addresses were deliv- ered by Messrs. K. H. Roby and Geo. S. Durfee. March 19, 1888. Samuel Dickinson pre- sented a tax receipt showing that he had been assessed in Decatur school district when he lived in district No. 4, town 16, 3 east. He asked that $4.34 be returned to hnn. The request was not granted as the board had no power to correct erroneous assessments. The superintendent was directed to noti- fy all parents who have children of proper age who have not attended any school since September last that if they were not sent to school at the beginning of the next term, March 26, that the parents would be liable to a fine under the provisions of the com- pulsory education law. This was the first action taken by the board on this subject. July 5, 1888, it was determined to put bay wnidows mto the four front rooms of the Wood street school to improve the lighting and to put a grate into each room to im- prove the ventilation. Feb. 17, 1888. The superintendent was directed to furnish practice paper for draw- ing the same as other supplies. Nov. 13, 1888. It was ordered that the wells be closed at all the schools, except Jackson street, and that water from the cit)- water works be introduced into that school as soon as it can be done. Dec. 18, 1888. Misses Judson, Eyman and Anderson submitted a statement recom- mending the adoption of the Normal or Holt system of vocal music. Placed on tile. Jan. 12, 1889. Contract for digging a cel- lar under the Church street school was awarded to John Williamson at 30c per cubic yard, $1.50 per day for laborers, and $2 per day for himself. Henry Lunn was engaged to do the brick work at $4 per day for masons and $1.75 per day for helpers. It was also agreed to engage Mr. Evans to do the carpenter work. On Jan. 6, 1890, Mr. R. H. Johnson was appointed the first truant officer in the dis- trict at a salary of $1.50 per day. March 11, 1890, the board agreed to buy of William T. and Sarah E. Smith for $2,357, lot 2 in block 3 of Lake & Co.'s ad- dition of out lots on Warren street for a school site. On May 29, 1890, the contract for build- ing a four room school house on Warren street according to the modified plans of Messrs. Kramer & Zoll, Findlay, Ohio, was awarded to John J. Wilson for $11,915, his bid being the lowest of five submitted. The board directed the superintendent, August 25, 1890, to corresjjond with Mrs. L. L. Miller, of Bloomington, and see on what terms she would teach drawing in the schools for four or five months. Sept. 3, 1890. The following was read and ordered placed on file. No action has ever been taken on it by the board: Mr. E. A. Gastman, Supt. Public Schools, Dear Sir: Could not the board of education here be induced to open night schools for the bene- fit of the large number of young men and women who are compelled to leave the day schools at an early period of their history to earn a living? It seems to me this ele- 142 PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. ment of our population should be afforded an opportunity by the establishment of night schools to complete their public school course. Respectfully, J. G. Badenhausen. Oct. 29, 1890, ordered that lot 9, block i, of Powers' second addition be purchased of Mrs. Caroline M. Powers for $1,252.50. It contains 1.67 acres. It was also ordered that the pupils pur- chase the musical readers the same as other text books. Jan. 19, 1891, Mrs. L. L. Miller was em- ployed to teach drawing for the remainder of the year. July 7, 1891, the contract for deepening the cellar and heating and ventilating the Sangamon street school was let to the Smead Warming & Ven. Co. for $1,547. July 22, 1891. The superintendent was directed to secure a good teacher of draw- ing; also to confer with Miss Elizabeth Kneiper concerning the teaching of vocal music. Aug. 20, 1891, the rules were amended so as to read as follows : Pupils shall attend school in that division of the district in which they reside, except when transferred by the superintendent of schools. The following will be considered sufficient grounds to warrant a transfer: 1. From a school which is crowded to ?, school which has vacant seats. 2. In case of injury to health from greater distance traveled, the injury to be determined by the certificate of some well accredited physician. 3. When in the judgment of the super- intendent it may be for the interest of the pupil or the school that the transfer be made. On October 21, 1891, the superintendent was directed to purchase such flags for the schools as would enable the teachers to comply with the provisions of the flag law lately passed by the legislature. The board directed tlu- su])erintciioland, Er- nest Bear, James Herbert Bowdle, Lillie E. Baldridge, Roy Jabez Blackburn, Kath- eryn Amelia Burk, Grace Beadles, Jesse Le Roy Conel, Lynn Watson Clark. Ella Ce- cilia Clarkson, Delia L. Dixon, Edith Chris- tina Carter, Charles E. Ewing, Bessie M. Etheridge, Clyde M. Frazicr, Nora Vivian Greene, J. Fred Grout. Gioga Dagmar Gas- ton, Desdemona Hamsher, Daniel Peter ITousum. Elizabeth L. Hawthorne, Samuel Garfield Heilbrun, Gertrude Anna Hott, Lura File, Grace M. Hayes, Marie Bertha Heinz, Mabel A. Knight, Myrtle Maul Kell, Catherine Estella Fitzpatrick, Mabel H. Laughlin, iMattie E. Laughlin, Raymond A.. PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 159 Leonard, Louise Merritts, Svie Mida Maris, Cecil G. McCollom, Mary Elizabeth Mills, Zella McAllister, Banns H. Prater, Lucy W. Penhallegon, Anna Mabel Phillips, Marie Haddessah Powers, Mary Ethel Priest, Har- old L. Ruehl, Grace Orpha Record, Roy W. Sanner, F. H. Marguerite Staufifer, Walter F. Smock, Sallie Reed Thomas, Susie Eme- line Tucker, Bertha Troutman, John A. Wolfer, i\Iaud A. Welfley, Edith Mac Han- ford, Maurice Guy Williams, Clara May White, Luella Estella Wheeler, Bess Neil Young, Sadie L. C. Skelley, Harry Jones, James H. Durfee Jr., Irene Bliss Sikes, Les- lie Alexander Maffit, Edith O. Foster, Ada Emilie Lindsay. Class of igoo. George Irwin Anthony, \'olney Barber, George Beatty, Carle Edison Braden, Ralph Merle Carter, Lloyd Albert Chenoweth, De- los Cozad, Edward Alexander Grubel, Harry H. Hannum, Frank Merrill Lindsay, Clarence C. Neiman, L. Aldridge Nichols, Rollin Boughton Pease, Paul F. Robertson, William P. Stevenson, Marshall C. Stookey, Arthur Van Guilder, John LaFayette Wad- dell, Fao Wait, J. Henry Warnecke, Moses A. Watkins, Florence Edith Abel, Edna Marie Alexander, Clara A. Ainsworth, Helen Louise Bachrach, Martha C. Batchel- der, Nellie E. Boutwell, Nellie Ethelin Bouser, Myrtle Llew-Ella Bowman, Jessie C. Brown, Bessie Burkam, Fay Weller Burks, Edith Hazel Catlin, Mabel A. Clark- son, Lucy Colston Cloyd, Daisy Jennie Coover, Kathrina Bartlett Disbrow (Clat- terbuck), Ethel Lenore Drinkall, Anna Mae Dunigan, Delia Mae Eaton, Mabel Agnes Eberly, Jessie Irene Fell, Alma Ethel Fos- ter, George Ena Earner, Sarah E. Fitzpat- rick, Julia Vivian Gasaway, Pearl Gebhart, Lelia Pauline Hardy, Leona Katherine Harkrader, Bertha Frances Heminger, Lu- cile F. Hiekisch, Eve M. Hoffman, Mabel Owen Howenstine, Ethel Lenore Hoyland, Lulu Belle Hughes, Leta Hughey, Patricia Maria Flunt, Grace L. DeHaven Johnson, Florence Mabel Jones, Kittie Kincaid, Fran- ces Celestia Kirk, Mary Alice Loughlin, Corrinne Leach, Mabel L. Logan, Amy Ida Mann, Minerva J. INIerker, Aileen McNur- ney, Mabel Alice Muthersbaugh, Estelle Er- cilla Nichols, Jessie Reeves Penhallegon, Celia J. Post, Pansy Blossom Priest, Mabel Claire Scanlon, Geneva M. Sikes, Mae M. Smeltzer, Helen Florence Stookey, Jessie Lucretia Swette, Esther Louise Thayer, Carrie Louise White, M. Margaret Wiefel, L. Irene Wiefel, Lucy Lavina Williams, Bessie Belle Wilson, Louise Wright. Class of igoi. Celeste Beaumont Abel, Goldie M. At- lass, Alice A. Baker, Mae Badenhausen, Mae Frances Boland, Ethel Ada Baldwin, Zella Alice Burks, Charlotte Brinkmeyer, Alda Halderman Born, Estelle Esther Bry- ant, Nellie M. Crockett, Julia Curran, Ada F. De Hart, June M. Dempster, Emma Bradley Ewing, Josephine Mae Epler, Freda Jewel Foster, Lillian E. Friend, Bertha Mae Edmundson, Beatrice Elliott, Bertha Mae Garver, Laura Naomi Gouge, Neta Han- num, Grace Hobson, Antoinette M. Henry, Nena Blondell Imboden, Ella Estelle John- son, Gertrude B. Knotts, Martha Rubentha Kresin, Myrtle Taylor McGowan, Lola E. Mason, Trenna June Miller, Elizabeth G. Mackenzie, Hattie Elizabeth Moore, Flor- ence Jeannette McNeil, Grace Naftel, Flor- ence Isabelle Nickens, Grace Lillian Pope, Susie Peters, Nellie E. Painter, Bessie Ral- ston, Minnie Redmon, Mary Theresa Smith, Iva Marguerite Still, Anna Carolyn Stout, Mabel Ellen Stout, Litta Marie Sine, Au- gusta R. Scott, Leah May Seiberling, Ruth Beatrice Valentine, Jennie Fay Wikoflf, 160 PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. Frances Effie Wayne, Nellie Lura Wor- tham, Myra Belle Wallace, Nellie F. War- ren, Jennie I'carl Wohfarth, Nellie H. Wright, Sybil Lansdowne Williams, Emma -M. Wittlinger, .Maude Wilking, Roy .M. Cope, Albert Norton Beadles, Ralph C. Braddock, Will Carleton Cash, John Collier Calhoun, Austin Flint Collins, Frank E. Dietz, Robert Carl Doake, Harold F. En- lows, Chester W. Hathaway, Edward Ber- ing Hitchcock, Ralph William Hubert, Ed- mund Walter House, Louis Jones, Arthur Jones, Charles W. Keyes, Frank Kincaid, Lucius .Mitchell, Norman Dow McCollom, Harry Corneau Morgan, Robert R. Munsie, George Taylor Owens, Charles Walter Pad- gitt, Fred O. Pahmeyer, Roy Clifford Par- rish, Lloyd J. Sweeny, James Gordon Sheen, Chester Allan Smith, Fred Tolladay, Orville Wilhelmy, Edgar J. Witzeman, Claude Kyle Zimmerly. Class of 1902. Walter Neil Baker, A. Linn Bear, Robert ^^ Benton, Orville Harry Billington, Car- roll Botts, Charles Black, Guy M. Cheno- weth. Marquis Connard, Curtis Connard, Orville L. Cross, Robert L. Church, Henry G. French, Ernest John Galbraith, Richard Garland, Lee Edwin Gilbert, William Charles Grout, Claude E. Guyant, G. Pal- mer Harry, Ernest L. G. Heyne, Hildred Vivian Arthur, Clara Martin Baker, Lin- netta Missouri Bear, Myrtle .\dams Boone, Lucile Carter, Ethel Chambers, Grace Childs, Ehrma Cloyd, Margarette Edythe Connaghan, Sadie Clara De Lashmutt, Lela Eyman, Lulu Eyman, Vera Glenn Fenton, Zillah H. Finnell, Pearl Fribourg, Nellie P. Glcssner, Ada D. Gourge, May Gouy, Sylva Mae Hinton, Jessie Hott, Lelah, Grace Hopkins, Iva M. Hubbard, Eda Au- gusta Jacobsen, Ollie James, Ethel Alay Jay, Effie Belle Keller, Alice King, Elizabeth Kirk, Guy U. Hill, Raymond C. Hill, Charles Percival House, James B. Howenstine, Sidney F. Keeler, Elmer B. Keusink, Don Raymond Lehman, Earl A. Mann, Harrj' Floyd Midkiff, Eugene Clif- ton Robertson, Ralph T. Rone}-, Ray G. Sawyer, Frank FL Stewart, D. Fred Strobel, Harry Van Gilder, Wilkie Logan W'addell, Fritz Leroy W'asliburn, Leonard E. Wise, Hoberta L Knowlton, Jessie F. Lichtenber- ger, Ethel Lih^an Lindsley, Carrie Metz, Opal C. Miller, Judith Bell Mills, Lillian ^Montgomery, Bessie lona Murrell, Marguer- ite Ethel Oakes, Letha Patterson, Daisy V. Payne, Clara Elliott Phillips, Lena A. Pritchett, Ella Pritchett, Jessie Grace Reed, Claribelle Richardson, Ida .\ngeline Rob- bins, P^dith Fay Rodgers, Bertha May Rubi- cam, .Mice M. Ruddock, Alice Mae Rupp, Amelia Screeton, Mabel A. Schutz, Grace Lillian Stuart, Mabel Thatcher, Mabel Richmond, Edith Willard. Class of 1903. Sidney Louis Bachrach, Frank E. Bink- ley, Edgar Bachrach, Harrj' B. Crea, John Byrne, John Evans, Harold A. Elliot, Clif- ford J. Gaudy, Guy Rcnshaw Harrison, Claire E. Hutchin, Roy G. Johnson, Fred L. Riggin, Louis R. Ryan, R. Zink Sanders, Walter John Schulz, William A. Witzeman, Frank Walker, Charles Richard Yates, Otto R. Stahl, William M. Stivers, Stella Allen,' Pearl R. Ammann, Mabel C. Brightbill, Or- pha B. Bear, Bonnie Blackburn, Ada J. Bills, Frank Elizabeth Betzer, Austa Esther Brintlinger, Virginia Cloyd, Chispa L. Chap- pelow, Linnie B. Devore, Jennie S. Dashiell, Ida O. Diller, Lulalou De Groat, Maud Jcanette Earnest, Eugenia Ewing, Mabel Fletcher, Georgia S. Faith, Pearl Garrett, Mabel Gaddis, Olive May Got, Lelah Car- ver, Myrtle May Hatfield, Irene L. Houck, Pearl Huffaker, lUanchc Ophelia Head, Elva Inez Hartley, Constance Ice, Helen PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. UU Aileen Jameson, Margarete E. Kelly, Hazel King, Mary Isabele Legg, Sylvia Lee Delda Lawrence, Jessie Leon, Ruth Mame Lan- ham, Hallie May Miller, Edna Claire Mc- Clelland, Georgette Morgan, Lillie Maud Nichols, Frances Catherine Nye, Josephine Estelle Nickens, Jessie Sumuelva Mont- gomery, Lillian May Ouimby, Pearl Record, Hallie Rugh, Florence Scott, Mabel E. Thorn, Katherine Troutman, Edith T. West, Samuella Young, Madge Arline Young. J 6r^-^~ BIOGRAPHICAL. ORLANDO Among the eminent men of Illinois whose life recortl forms an integral part of the history of Decatur, Hon. Orlando Powers was numbered. In his death the city lost one of its most progressive residents and active and honorable business men, as well as one whose influence was felt in marked degree along the line of intellectual and moral advancement. As the day, with its morning of hope and promise, its noontide of activity, its evening of completed and successful efforts, ending in the grateful rest and quiet of the night, so was the life of this honored man. His career was a long, busy and useful one, marked by the utmost fidelity to the duties of public and private life, and crowned with honors con- ferred upon him in recognition of superior merit. His name is inseparably interwoven with the annals of Illinois, with its best de- velopment and- its stable progress, and his memory is cherished as that of one who made the world better for his having lived. The Hfe record of Orlando Powers began on the 2ist of May, 1812, near the village of Charlton, Saratoga county. New York, and his youth was that of the usual farm boy who assists in the operation of the fields through the months of summer, while in the winter seasons he pursues his edu- cation in the common schools. It was in that manner that Mr. Powers passed his boyhood days until he reached the age of sixteen years, when he started for Havana, Cuba, in response to a request of his brother William that Orlando should go to that island and assist him in carrying on his business there. Making his way to New York, Mr. Powers, of this review, took passage upon the schooner Helen, but was (1(5, POWERS. destined never to reach the port for which he sailed, for that ship was wrecked in a severe storm when it had been under way for three days. The rescue of Mr. Powers was almost marvelous. He and Captain Tucker, who commanded the vessel, to- gether with three of the sailors, drifted upon the open sea for eleven days, clinging to the disabled hulk, part of which was out of water. They subsisted upon a scanty supply of sea biscuit and raw potatoes and a very short allowance of water. When nearly famished because of lack of food and almost crazed by want of drink, they were picked up by a French brig bound for Bor- deaux and eventually landed at La Rochelle, whence they were taken on to Bordeaux by land. Mr. Powers had no money nor clothing, save that which he wore, and was even without a hat, but found a kind friend in an English gentleman who relieved his immediate wants and cared for him until opportunity came for him to return home. Re-crossing the Atlantic he landed at New York and through the assistance of business acquaintances of his elder brother he was enabled to promptly discharge the indebt- edness which it had been necessary for him to incur. He did not tarry long in the me- tropolis, but proceeded at once by steamer up the Hudson river to his home, where he had been long mourned as dead. After vis- iting his people he once more made an at- tempt to enter the business world, and this time sailed from New York to Mobile, Ala- bama. For some time he remained in the south, being engaged in business enter- prises in Alabama and Mississippi in con- nection with his brothers and brother-in- law. Chauncey Wilkinson, during which 5) 168 PAST AKD TRLSEXT OF MACON COUNTY. ment, he has garnered in the fulhiess of time a generous harvest which is the just recompense of indomitable industry, spot- less integrity and marvelous enterprise. Silas Packard claims Vermont as the state of his nativity, his birth having occurred there on the 15th of April, 1829, but when he was only about a year and a half old he was brought to Decatur, Illinois, by his parents, Silas and Lydia (Tracey) Pack- ard, the former a native of the Green ]Moun- tain state, while the latter was born in Massachusetts. The family was of English extraction. Silas Packard, Sr., was a farmer by occupation, but he was not long per- mitted to engage in that pursuit here or to enjoy his new home for in the fall of 1830 he was called to his final rest. Upon his widow devolved the care of a large fam- ily of children, namely: Charles, Anson, Edward, Mason, Marietta, Elizabeth and Silas. Decatur was at that time a mere village and its advantages were proportionate to its size and importance. The public-school system had not been established and Silas Packard, the subject of this review, pur- sued his education in a subscription school. As the family was left in somewhat strait- ened circumstances it was necessary that he early provide for his own support and for five years he was employed as a farm hand. Then attracted by the possibilities for the rapid acquirement of wealth in the far west, owing to the discovery of gold in California, he resolved to seek a fortune on the Pacific coast and in 1850 purchased a team and started with a company of twenty- three wagons from the present site of the Transfer House on West j\Iain street, De- catur. They crossed the plains and made their way through the mountains of the west imtil they reached the mines. Such a trip was fraught wilh man\- hardships, hut it also brought much valuable experience and knowledge to the young man, making him realize the responsibilities of life and the difficulties incident to a successful business career. It taught him that there is no royal road to wealth, but that perseverance and energy are the surest basis of pros- perity. In California he engaged in gulch mining and was fairly successful so that he brought with him upon his return to De- catur enough capital to enable him to em- bark upon an independent business career. It was in 1855 that Mr. Packard again reached this city. Establishing a lumber- yard, he continued its conduct for several years and was afterward in the hardware business, while at the same time he carried on agricultural pursuits, having purchased a tract of land, to the development and im- provement of which he gave his personal supervision. He became a dry-goods mer- chant of Decatur, continuing his operations in real estate through the purchase and sale of farms and as his financial resources in- creased he became a factor in the banking interests of Decatur. His greatest success, hovi'ever, has been achieved through ' his operations jn realty. His purchases have been very carefully made and thus he has been enabled to realize a good profit when disposing of his landed interests. For si.x- ty-two years he was the owner of the eighty acre tract of land constituting Riverside Park. A ])art of this has been platted and laid out into town lots and substantially and attractively improved. In 1856 was celebrated the marriage of Silas Packard and Miss Mary Sawyer, a native resident of Decatur and a daughter of John and Eliza (Ketring) Sawyer, who were numbered among the pioneer settlers here, coming from Pennsylvania to this city in the year 1836. Mr. and Mrs. Packard have had no children of their own, but reared an adopted daughter, who is now the wife of Robert I. Hunt, a prominent busi- ness man of this city. Mr. and Mrs. Pack- ard have a beautiful home in one of the PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 169 finest residence districts of Decatur and its gracious hospitality has been enjoyed by a circle of friends that is constantly increas- ing. Both are members of the JNIethodist Episcopal church and its work has received their co-operation and also generous and financial support. Mr. Packard votes with the Republican party and has ever been firm in his advo- cacy of its principles, but political honors and emoluments have had no attraction for him as he has preferred to give his time and attention to his business aiTairs. He began life as a farm hand and now stands among the capitalists of Decatur. Such a history should serve as a source of encouragement and inspiration to others, proving as it does the potency of industry in the active affairs of life. He has always been willing to de- vote his wealth and his energies to any feasible undertaking that would increase the prosperity of the city and add to the comfort of its inhabitants. His life has been a success. He has accumulated a large for- tune and has used only such means as will bear the closest scrutiny. He has bestowed on w:orthy causes large sums of money, and uses his fortune to the advantage of the communitj' as well as to his own profit. To such men as he is the development of the west due. He has for nearly forty years been an active factor in advancing the city of Decatur, and during that entire time has so conducted all of his affairs as to com- mand the esteem, confidence and respect of all classes. Personally he is sociable, ever willing to accord to anyone the courtesy of an interview. Although a man of great wealth, he is unostentatious in a marked degree, and in this age, when anarchistic and socialistic doctrines are inflaming the masses, the demeanor and actions of such men as he do more to quench the fire of envy and malice than all other means com- bined. Mr. Packard's actions have during his life been such as to distinctively entitle him to a place in this publication, and although his career has not been filled with thrilling incidents, probably no biography published in this book can serve as a better illustra- tion to young men of the power of honesty and integrity in insuring success. •S. O. HILBRANT. S. O. Hilbrant, who is engaged in the banking business in Argenta, was born in Botkins, Ohio, in 1872, a son of Samuel and Jemima Hill^rant. The father was also a native of the Buckeye state and about six- teen years ago he came with his wife to Macon county, Illinois, settling on a farm near Argenta, where both are now living. Mr. Hilbrant there owns eighty acres of valuable land, constituting an e.xcellent farm, and he also has some town property. S. O. Hilbrant was but a boy when brought by his parents to Illinois and in the schools of Argenta his early education was acquired. Later he attended the busi- ness college at Valparaiso, Indiana, and thus well equipped for the practical and responsible duties of life he entered upon the task of winning for himself a creditable position in the business world. Returning to Argenta, he gave his attention to farm- ing, which he followed for two years, and then removed to Medaryville, Indiana, where he occupied the position of assistant cashier in a bank. He spent two years in that place, during which time he gained a good knowledge of the banking business. Returning to Argenta once more, he was appointed cashier in the bank of Gerber & Son and has since attained a third interest in the institution, which was founded in 1887. This is an important factor in the business circles of the town and the suc- cess of the bank is attributable in no small degree to the business sagacity, the enter- 170 PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. prise and the ability of the popular cashier. Harry Parr, a promising young man, is act- ing as bookkeeper in the bank. In 1898 Mr. Plilbrant was united in mar- riage to Miss Minnie L. Sternberg, a daugh- ter of Charles H. Sternberg, and a native of Medaryvillc, Indiana. Her father owns seven or eight hundred acres of land in that locality, is likewise engaged in the cattle industry and is the owner of three dredge boats. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Hilbrant have been born three children : May, born May 6, 1899; Robert E. and William Edward, born in August, 1902. Mrs. Hilbrant holds membership in the German Lutheran church and both our subject and his wife occupy an enviable position in social circles and in the regard of their many friends, Mr. Hilbrant votes with the Republican party and he served as tax collector in 1901 and 1902, making the best collections ever made in Friends Creek township. His fra- ternal relations connect him with the Knights of Pythias, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Modern Woodmen of America. In matters of citizenship he is progressive and his aid is never sought in vain in behalf of enterprises for the gen- eral good. The banking firm with which he is connected owns the telephone system of Argenta, which operates three hundred and seventy-five telephones. He is a pro- gressive, wide-awake young business man, possessed of the energetic spirit which has been the dominant factor in the upbuilding of the centra! states, and has already at- tained success that many an older man might well envy. MRS. LOVINA :\1EYERS. One of the most highly esteemed and honored residents of Whitmore township is the lady whose name introduces this sketch, her home being on section 11, where she has a most beautiful and attractive place. She was born in Shelby county, Ohio, Jan- uary 22, 1837, and is a daughter of Samuel and Christina (Fisher) Boyer, both natives of Pennsylvania. She is the only one of their ten children now living. In the county of her nativity she was reared and educated and in 1855 she gave her hand in marriage to John Meyers, who died about 1875. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Meyers were born eight children, of whom seven are still liv- ing, namely : Alice, the wife of Isaac Bar- nett, of Argenta, Illinois ; Anna, wife of William Adams; Belle, wife of Harvey Stearns, of Decatur ; Clara, at home with her mother; Edward M., who married Sadie McCarthy and lives in Indiana; Charley, who married Nettie Shuter; and John, who married his cousin Fannie Boyer. Just before the Civil war broke out Mr. and ^Irs. Meyers came to Macon county, Illinois, and settled one and a half miles north and west of her present home in Whit- more township. At that time much of the county was wild and unimi)roved and wild geese and other game was to be had in abundance. For many years after the death of her husband, Mrs. Meyers conducted the farm of eighty acres on section 11, but of recent years she has rented the place. She displayed excellent business ability in the management of her affairs and not only sup- ported her family but also paid off the debt resting on the farm at the tinie of her hus- band's death, and besides her farm she now owns some Decatur property. Her place is one of the most attractive homes on the Decatur road, the front yard being literally crowded with flowers of all kinds, represent- ing nearly every native specie, and she takes great delight in showing her flowers to the many who call to see them. Her pleasant and comfortable residence was erected about 1887 and the other buildings upon the farm are good and substantial. For thirty years Mrs. Mevcrs has been an active and con- ^M^ww W V^r^H PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 173 sistent member of the Christian church and lier life has ever been in liarmony with her professions. During her long residence in Macon county she has witnessed the mar- velous transformation in the face of the country ; wild prairies have been converted into well cultivated and highly improved farms ; towns have sprung up and villages grown into flourishing cities; railroads, the telegraph and telephone have been intro- duced ; and all the evidences of an advanced civilization are now found within its bor- ders. JEROME R. GORIN. W ith the passing away of Jerome R. Gorin Decatur lost a citizen who left the impress of his life and character upon vari- ous interests which have contributed to the material upbuilding, the permanent devel- opment and the intellectual and moral prog- ress of this city. Coming here at an early day he took an active part in shaping the policy of Decatur as it emerged from vil- lage conditions to take its place among the leading cities of this great commonwealth. He kept apace with universal progress and improvement and exerted his eflorts in be- half of the public good, but while he did much for the city in the way of business development and public improvement, it was the kindly nature of the man, his char- itable spirit and his genial disposition that won for him the love and unqualified re- gard of people of every class of society. Jerome R. Gorin was born in Hopkins- ville. Christian county, Kentucky, his natal day being October 12, 1817. He was a son of John D. and Mattie (Thomas) Gorin and a representative of an old Virginian fam- ily. His father was born in the Old Do- minion, but during his boyhood went wilTi his parents to the Blue Grass state, where he spent the period of his boyhood and youth. In the spring of 1828 he came to Il- linois, whicli only ten years before had been admitted to the Union. He took up his abode in Vandalia, then the capital of the state, and became a representative of its business interests as both a merchant and farmer. He was also prominent in public affairs and for some years acted as receiver in the loan office. He died in Vandalia, April 26, 1846, at the age of fifty-six years, and his wife passed away on the 13th of July, 1876, at the advanced age of eighty- nine years. Jerome B. Gorin was a youth of eleven years when he accompanied his parents to Illinois and in 1833 he made his way to Decatur, joining his two older brothers and a sister, who were then residents of this city. His brother, Henry M. Gorin, was for many years clerk of the court here, but left the office in 1841. His sister, Elvira, who had located in Decatur in 1830, became the v/ife of General Isaac Pugh and she and her husband passed away here after reaching advanced ages. Almost continu- ously from the time when as a young man of sixteen years Jerome Gorin entered upon his business career in Decatur up to the time of his death he resided in this city. His residence here was interrupted by only a short absence. He first accepted a position as salesman and thus served until 1841, when, desiring to enter professional life, he took up the study of law and devoted two years to the mastery of the principles of jurisprudence. In 1842 he was admitted to the bar before Judge Treat and then went to Scotland county, Missouri, where he spent one win- ter. At the end of that time, however, he returned to Decatur and entered into part- nership with Judge Charles Emerson and afterward became associated in the prose- cution of his profession with Judge Kirby Benedict, who later was appointed district judge of New Mexico, In i860 Mr. Gorin was chosen to the office of city clerk and 17i PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. attorney, acting in that capacity for four years. He liad also been justice of the peace and liad been retained either as coun- sel for the prosecution or defense in many important cases which had been Irietl in the courts of this district. His last law partner was Judge Arthur Gallagher, with whom he was associated in the practice of law until 1861, when he became identified with the banking interests of that cit)'. In that year the banking firm of Millikin & Oder was established and ^Ir. Gorin became its cashier, discharging his duties in that con- nection in addition to the work which he performed in the office of city clerk and attorney. The thoroughness and close ap- plication which characterized all his busi- ness career were manifested in the bank and he soon became master of the work in its various departments. After four years ho was admitted to a partnership and he con- tinued to act as cashier until 1881, when he withdrew from the Millikin Bank and be- came the senior partner of the firm of Gorin & Bills. These gentlemen engaged in pri- vate banking and in dealing in real estate and loans, their association being inain- tained for two years. At the end of that time Mr. Gorin was instrumental in estal)- lishing the bank of Gorin & Dawson, of which he became the president, successfully controlling the affairs of the institution for several years, when he sold out to L. P.. Casncr. A year later this institution was merged into the Citizens' National Bank, of which Mr. Gorin became an incorporator and the first president, but after a year he disposed of his interests and from 1892 up to the time of his demise lived retired from further business cares. For thirty years he was an active factor in financial circles of Decatur and was instrumental in founding two of the leading banking institutions of the city. He was a man of keen foresight, of quick recognition of opportunities and of marked adaptability in using the means at hand for the desired ends. Over the record of his business career there falls no shadow of wrong, for throughout his entire life he maintained an unassailable reputa- tion, never taking advantage of the necessi- ties of his fellow men in any business trans- action. On the 1st of April, 1845, i" Decatur. .Mr. Gorin was united in marriage to Miss Eleanor D. Fawcett, a native of Virginia, and a daughter of Isaac and Rebecca Faw- cett. They became the parents of six chil- dren: Mary Emma, who is now the wife of C. V. Middleton, a resident of Dallas, Texas; Orville B., the vice-president of the Millikin National Bank of Decatur; Ida E., the wife of W. C. Armstrong, of this city; Jerome C, a business man of New York city; M attic A., who is living in Decatur; and Henry Gladden, who is now in Minne- apolis, Minnesota. Mr. Gorin was a man of kindly spirit, deep sympathy and keen insight into the methods of men. His nature was one of helpfulness and thus it was that the Ma- sonic fraternity appealed strongly to him, for it is based upon brotherly kindness and charity. On the i8th of October, 1841, he was initiated in Macon Lodge, No. 8, F. & A. M., and for a number of years prior to his death was the oldest and most honored member of that organization. For seven consecutive years he served as master of the local lodge, retiring from that office when elected grand master of the state. He like- wise belonged to ilacon Chapter, R. A. M., of which he served as high priest, and in Beaumanoir Commandery, No. 9, K. T., he acted as eminent commander. His name was inscribed high on the roll of eminent Masons in Illinois and in 1867-8 he served as grand master of the grand lodge of this state. In April, 1866, he attained the thirty- second degree of the Scottish Rite in the Consistory of Chicago and for many years he was an active worker in the ranks of PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 175 Masonry, realizing its efficiency in advanc- ing the standard of human conduct and promulgating principles which are for the benefit of the race. He became the founder of the commandery in Olney, Illinois, on the igth of January, 1865, and it was named Gorin Commandery in his honor. There was a three days' session during which nineteen Masons were created Knights Templar. In his political affiliations in early life Mr. Gorin was a Whig and upon the disso- lution of that party he joined the ranks of the new Republican party, which he sup- ported for many years. In his last years, however, he gave his political allegiance to the Prohibition party, for he was a man of strong temperance principles and believed it the duty of Christian people to put down the evils of intemperance. In 1856 he was elected upon the ticket of the then new Republican party to serve in the state legis- lature and represented his district in the house during the succeeding session. While acting in that capacity he was made dis- bursing agent of the Fort Ridgely wagon road, which was being btnlt for the govern- ment from St. Paul and Fort Ridgely to the Missouri river. While thus engaged Mr. Gorin had an office in St. Paul for about a year, at the end of which time the project was abandoned. Through all and above all things else in life was noticeable his devotion to the cause of Christianity. Through a long period he was an active member of the First Meth- odist Episcopal church of Decatur and dur- ing almost the entire period of his con- nection therewith he was one of its office holders. Deeply interested in Sunday- school work he realized how important is the early Christian instruction of the young that character may be developed upon a firm and sure foundation. He thus labored untiringly in behalf of the Sunday-school and served as the president of the state Sunday-School Association. He was also a member of the executive committee and for ten years was the president of the Coun- ty Sunday-School Association. In the Young Men's Christian Association he was an active worker and no cause tending to elevate mankind .sought his aid in vain. In all his work he was ably assisted by his estimable wife, who was indeed a faithful companion and helpmate to him on life's journey. She died in 1894 and his death occurred on the ist of September, 1897. His was a noble manhood, consistent with all manly principles, with public-spirited citizenship, with honor in business and lo}--- alty in friendship and in social circles. He attained to almost the age of eighty years and when he passed away expressions of regret were heard on every hand, for many felt that they had sustained a personal be- reavement and the city an irreparable loss. He possessed to a full measure all the fine and ennobling qualities which endear man to man, and his integrity, kindness and up- right principles were a constant source of inspiration to his family and his friends. ROBERT D. WILSON. There are few men whose lives are crowned with the honor and respect which was universally accorded Robert D. Wilson, but through a long connection with the his- tory of Macon county his was an unblem- ished character. With him success in life was reached by his sterling qualities of mind and of heart true to every manly prin- ciple. He never deviated from what his judgment would indicate to be right be- tween his fellow men and himself and he never swerved from the path of duty and at the close of his career his friends passed favorable judgment upon him and mourned his death because they had respected and loved him. Robert D. ^^'ilson was certainly one of 17C. PAST AX I) I'kl'SI'.Xr OF MAQ^X COUXTV. the bc'sl known nii-ii of Macon county fur iihodo in ilio villajjc of iMtnnil /imi, ilnrc almost liis entire life was here spent, the living; relireil for a few years, lie then family ha\ inj^f setlletlhere in 1830. Mr. W'il- moved to Decatur, makin.i; his home with son was horn in Sanfjainon counix. Illinois, .Mr. and .Mrs. \\ ils^n until called to his final in i8j9 and w;is a son of Robert and Sarah rest at the advanced a^e of eij^hty-ei^hl (l.indsey) Wilson, both of whom were na- years, liis wife had dieil when Mrs. W'il- lives of North Carolina, wlunce they re- son was but sev en years of a.t;e and he after- moved to Tennessee and after liviu;;' in titat ward wedded .Miss .Mary Ross, of Cass state for a short time they came to Illinois, county, Illinois, whose deatli occurred in settling; in Sauf^amon coimty in iS_h). There Mount /.ion townshi)). Macon county, his father en^aj^ed in farming; for one year There were four children by the first union, and in 1830 came to .Maciin county, settlinjj; but two are deceased, those livint;- bein^ in Miunit /ion townshi]). where he built .1 \\ . I'., an atlornc\- residins;- in Decatur, and lo^' cabin — one of the pioneer homes of the .Mary, who became the wife of Robert 1). county, in which h;irdships and trials were Wilson. The only child of the second mar- cndnri'il ami \ci in which the foiin; .Mva (I., who resides impress of the early history of the county, with his mother and is a partner in the firm when lands were uncullixated and the work of .\kers i\: Wilson, prominent furniture of imi>ro\einent and pro};ress was scarcely dealers, condnctiiii;- a lari^e store in Deca- bejiiin. lie continued to assist in the work liir; and I'lla .M., the wife of Dr. John Mib of the home farm until the lime of his mar- ler, a physician of Decatur. rias;e. lie weddeil Miss .Mary Outten, a After his marriai^e Robert D. Wilson lo- iiati\e of Cass connlx. Illinois, and a daujih- cated upon a farm in Mount /ion township, ler of I'nrnell S. and Rachel (licrry) (hit- where he carrieil on as^ricultural pursuits ten, the former a native of Kentucky and iiulil after the livil war was inaugurated, the hitler of \iri.;iiiia. In the year 1843 they ( >n the olh of Aus-usl. i8()J, he enlisted in remo\ ed to Cass county, Illinois, where the the t hie llimdred and Sixteenth Illinois In- father enj^aged in .agricultural pursuits for fantry under I'olonel .X. W. Tnppcr. The ten years and in 1853 he cime to Macon regiment was organized at tamp Macon county, settling on a farm in Mount /ion and on the 8th of Xovenii)er went to Mem- township near the Wilson homestead. There i>his, Tennessee, where with liis company he lised, devoting his energies to the care Mr. \\ ilson |iarlici))ated in the battles ol and cultivation of the land until oKl age N'ickslnirg, tMiickasaw I'.ayou, .\rkansas began to crr-ep on, when he took up his Tost and ^'onngs roinl. The regiment ■r^fjbeU Brothers. /^fwYoi; (Su^^^ PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 179 worked on Grant's canal all ilurint;' the win- ter and the hoys suffered much from sick- ness tliere. On the 19th of June, 1863, in the assault on \'ickshurg, Mr. Wilson was shot through the right arm and la}' in the hospital for two weeks. He was then grant- ed a furlough, which he spent at home, but soon he rejoined his regiment at Camp Sher- man, Vicksburg, when there were but three of his company remaining there, the others having been taken prisoners. He was after- ward in the battles of Atlanta, Lookout Mountain, Chattanooga and Dallas and was with Sherman on the march to the sea. On one occasion he was severely wotnided by the concussion of a torpedo, a piece of which struck his heel. After Lee's surrender the regiment went to Washington and par- ticipated in the grand review in the capital city, where wave after wave of bayonet- crested blue passed by the reviewing stand. At Springfield, Illinois, Mr. Wilson was mustered out, receiving an honorable dis- charge on the 7th of June, 1865. Returning to his home Mr. Wilson re- sumed farming and engaged in the tilling of the soil in Mount Zion township ttntil 1886, when on account of ill health he removed with his family to Decattir, where he lived retired until his death, which occurred Janu- ary 30, igoi. He held several minor ofifices in the township, but was never an aspirant for political preferment. In politics he was a Republican. He belonged to Thomas White Post, G. A. R., of Mount Zion, and thus maintained pleasant relations with his old army comrades. Both he and his wife were consistent members of the First Meth- odist Episcopal church and Mrs. Wilson is still deeply interested in its work. She re- sides in a fine residence at No. 960 Cleve- land avenue, in Riverside. It is one of the most attractive homes in that part of the city and was built by her husband. Through almost his entire life Mr. Wil- son resided in Macon countv and he had a \ery wide acquaintance here. He was brave in the face of danger, fearless in the defense of his honest con\'ictions, straightforward in all his dealings and in all life's relations was an honoral:)le gentleman, his sterling traits endearing him to his many friends as well as to his immediate family. As a pioneer citizen, as a veteran soldier and as one of the most respected residents of Ma- con county, he is well deserving of mention in this vohmie. It was in his home, how- ever, that his best nattire shone forth, his kindly spirit being most strongly manifested in his relations with wife and children. CHARLES ADLAI EWING. Charles Adlai Ewing was born Novem- ber 3, 1846, in Morganfield, Kentucky, the son of Fielding N. and Sarah Ann (Powers) Ewing. The family removed to Blooming- ton, Illinois, in 1849, to Chicago in 1859, and to Decatur in 1864. Mr. Ewing was one of the pupi-is at the Chicago L^niversity during his residence there, was graduated from Princeton in 1867, and from the Al- bany Law School in 1870. He immediately began the practice of his profession in Decatur. On the 15th of June, 1871, he was united in marriage to Mary Giselle Palmer, of Alban}^, New York, and to them were born seven children : Fielding Palmer, who died at the age of one month ; Mrs. Marian Old- ham ; Belle Adlai, who died at one year; Charles Adlai, Jr.; Giselle E. F., deceased; Emma and Eugenia. Mr. Ewing was from boyhood an earnest Presbyterian and was for many years a trustee of the church, doing a great deal toward the erection of the new church building. During the last administration of Gov- ernor Oglesb)' he was appointed by the governor on a commission to revise the revenue laws of the state. " This commis- 180 PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. sion, composed of some of the ablest men of the state, with the late Milton Hay as chairman, formulated a revenue code which was pronounced by the press and the think- ing public to be the best adapted to the requirements of the state of any that had ever been presented to an Illinois legisla- ture for adoption. That the legislature failed to enact the new code into law is probably the best commentary on its ex- cellence. Mr. Ewing always referred to this piece of public work with pride and satis- faction." He was always a Democrat and from the first one of the most prominent workers of the sound money Democracy. In the con- ference in Chicago in August, 1895, in the direction of the literary bureau for the edu- cation of the voters and as the chairman of the state committee he worked early and late. During the campaign he made many speeches throughout the state, the last one being the Saturday before election at Peo- ria, where he was taken ill. He returned home and was able to be driven to the polls on election day — his fiftieth anniversary — and cast his vote. He was not considered seriously ill but death came to him sud- denly on the morning of November 6, 1896. One who knew him well throughout the fifty years of his life wrote these words concerning him : " If the life of Mr. Ewing were measured by intellectual attainment, by purity of purpose, by number of friends, by acquisition of wealth, by acts of kindness and deeds of patriotism, then the fifty years just passed have been ample to round out into full measure the perfect station of manly power and beauty. From infancy to death there was ever a hallowed atmos- phere about his very presence. Cradled in the lap of a home life which was ideal in its many perfections, his youth furnished choice companionship for the young and old. Charming of manner, genuinely witty, considerate and tender, strong and coura- geous, always honorable, loving excellence for its own sake and not for that of emu- lation. .These were characteristics which be- longed to him naturally and which enabled him to move through the arena of an active professional career with calm poise and forceful accomplishment of honest and wise purpose. " All these qualities of mind and heart were necessary to the great lawyer and the splendid citizen and Mr. Ewing possessed them in that high degree which enabled him to succcssfulh' champion individual rights and rescue an imperilled countrj' from the most insidious and imminent danger that has threatened it since secession drove the great Douglas to proclaim that there were but two parties, namely, those for the Union and those against the Union. " It may be that his absorbing concern for the triumph and the honor of his country in the recent election, for which triumph he lavishly gave of his time, of his money and of his eloquence, may have caused the ap- parent sacrifice of this noble life. Byron in his address to the Greeks, said ' The tomb where freedom weeps can never have been too prematurely reached by its inmate, such martyrdom is blessed indeed. What higher fortune can ambition court?' " The bar has lost from its ranks a great lawyer, the state a great citizen, and the country at large a stanch patriot, but the good that he accomplished is enduring and is ours to enjoy." GEORGE W. DRURY, M. D. Dr. George W. Drury, a successful prac- ticing physician of Decatur, was born upon a farm in Morgan county, Illinois, in 1853, his parents being George W. and Penelope (Evans) Drury. The father, a native of Ohio, came at an early day to Illinois, cast- ing in his lot with the pioneer settlers of PAST AND FRESEXT OF MACON COUNTY. 181 Morgan county, his first home being in the vicinity of Jacksonville. There he engaged in general farming and at the close of his active business career he removed to For- syth, Macon county, where he lived retired until called to his final rest at the advanced age of eighty-three years. His wife died in the same place at the age of seventy-two years. They reared a family of six children, of whom four are now living: Josiah, a resi- dent of Clay Center, Kansas ; Elizabeth, who is the wife of Harrison Duncan, of For- syth ; George W., and Charles, who makes his home in Springfield, Illinois. In his youth George W. Drury came to Macon county, being only about five years of age when his father established his home in Maroa township, Macon county. There he was reared upon the home farm and in early life he attended what was known as the old Center Ridge school. Afterward he continued his studies in the public schools of Forsyth and then when he had acquired a good literary education he took up the study of medicine with the intention of making its practice his life work. He be- came a student in the Missouri Mediqal College, in which he was graduated in the class of 1882, after which he established his office in Forsyth, where he remained for two years. On the expiration of that period he removed to Oreana, where he was asso- ciated with Dr. A. jMcBridge in the drug business for three years in connection with the practice of medicine. Coming to Deca- tur he remained for two years and during one year of that time was county physician. He afterward practiced in Forsyth for eight years, but in 1897 again came to Decatur, where he has since remained, having now a pleasant office at No. 224 North ^lain street. While he is well versed in the prac- tice of his profession in all departments he is now making a specialty of the treatment of diseases of the heart, lungs and kidneys. He has informed himself particularly well along these lines and his skill is of a su- perior order. He now has a large private practice and he has also been medical ex- aminer for several insurance companies, in- cluding the Manhattan Life Insurance Com- pany, of which he has acted as examiner for the last three years. In 1879 the Doctor was united in mar- riage to Miss Ruth Lehman, a daughter of Henry Lehman of Forsyth. After her death he was again married, his second union be- ing with Daisy Bixler, a daughter of An- drew Bixler, also of Forsyth. Fraternally he has been connected with the Knights of Pythias Lodge from the age of twenty-two years, having joined the order in Coeur de Lion Lodge of Decatur. He was instru- mental in the organization of the lodge at Oreana and later became a member of For- syth Lodge, with which he is still affiliated. His political support is generally given to the Democracy, but he votes for men rather than for party. In his profession he has steadily advanced along lines demanding strong mentality, close application and con- scientious purpose. His zeal and devotion in his work are noticeable features in his career and have contributed in large meas- ure to his success. HENRY A. SHETTEL. Sound judgment combined with fine abil- ity in mechanical lines has enabled the sub- ject of this biography, a well known resident of Warrensburg, Illinois, to make for him- self a place among the leading business men of that place. Here he follows black- smithing and also deals in agricultural im- plements, wagons, buggies, etc., and has built up a good trade which is constantly increasing. T^Ir. Shettel was born in York, Pennsyl- vania, September 16, 1869, his parents being Daniel G. and Sarah (Jacoby) Shettel, also 182 PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. natives of that state, where their ancestors located at an early day in its histor\-. The father was born in Conewago township, ^'ork cnunty, in 1844. and was engaged in blacksinitliing at Faiistown for some time. Our subject received a good practical edu- cation in the common schools of his native place, where he was a student until he at- tained his majority, though in the meantime he had started upon his business career, working two years in a dynamite manufac- tory on the Susquehanna river near Mt. Wolf. After leaving school he assisted in the construction of the oil lines from West A'irginia to Philadelphia. Pemisylvania, be- ing tiius employed for eight months. Dur- ing the following two months he worked on his father's farm, and then went to Middle- bury, Indiana, where he spent one month. About this time his father was killed while felling a tree and Air. Shettel returned home and had charge of the farm for one year. It was then sold and he removed with his mother to York, Pennsylvania, where he worked in the Billmire & Small car shops for eight months first as a horseshoer and later as a car builder. In the spring of 1893 he came to Illinois and for four months was employed on a farm near Bearsdale, after which he was on Mrs. ^\'ilHam Mont- gomery's stock farm for a few months. He ne.xt entered the employ of John Barron, a blacksmith of W^arrensbnrg and three years later purchased the shop which he has since conducted with good success. He also deals in buggies and agricultural implements and in this branch of his business he has also prospered. Mr. Shettel was married February 21, 1901, to Mrs. Verna (Taggart) Keister, who was born January 13, 1868, -a daughter of Harrison and Margaret J. (Hanks) Tag- gart, of mini township, where she was edu- cated in the public school. This union has been blessed with one child, Catherine, born October 6, 1902. Mr. Shettel owns a nice home and business location and the success that he has achieved is certainly well mer- ited, being due entirely to his own industri- ous efforts and good management. He is a good reliable business man, and his fel- low citizens recognizing his worth and abil- ity have elected him alderman of the second ward, which office he is now filling. By his ballot he supports the men and measures of the Republican party, and he is a mem- ber of the Knights of Pythias Lodge, No. 17, of Decatur. ROBERT FARIES. Roljert Faries was born in Shelby county, Ohio, March 4, 1837. He lived on a farm near Middletown, Ohio, from the age of six to eighteen years, going to school nearly all the year round until the age of ten, after which he went in the winter time only. Having shown a mechanical bent by mak- ing man)' playthings, such as wagons, sleds, etc., and culminating in a working station- ary steam engine and boiler, complete in every detail, it was decided that he should learn the machinist's trade and to that end he got work in the old Madison Railroad shop at Indianapolis, Indiana, remaining there and at the shops of the Indianapolis & Cincinnati Railroad until the spring of 185Q, when he went with a party across the plains to Colorado, known then as Pike's •Peak, starting about the middle of March and going from St. Joseph. Missouri, by ox- teams. They arrived at a Jittle cluster of sod-covered log cabins, called Denver city the 2ist of June, remaining in this vicinity until fall, when he joined a blacksmith in a trip to Taos, New Mexico, going with some Mexican teamsters who had brought u]i a load of flour and were going back empty. They stayed there until Alarch, i860, when they went back to the mines. Having tried mining at first without much success, he made his living and other ex- PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 183 penscs at gun repairing in the company of, but not in partnership with, his blacksmith friend. In the fall of i860, with a company of others, who like himself, had failed to make a fortune in the short time that they had been in this new country, and had con- cluded that it would never amount to any- thing anyway, he went back to what they were in the habit of calling '"The States." Arriving in St. Joseph late in October fiat broke, he worked in a livery stable for a few weeks and later as an engineer in a planing mill. Business was dull in con- sequence of the political excitement which had just culminated in the election of Abra- ham Lincoln to the presidency of the United States. The mill shut down and he went back to Indianapolis, working for small wages in a machine shop through the win- ter. He enlisted in the fore part of March in Company H, Eleventh Indiana Volun- teers for three months. Lew Wallace, colo- nel. After seeing some pretty rough service in Maryland and Virginia, the company was mustered out of service at Indianapolis, in July, after nearly four months' service. While most of his company re-enlisted for the three years' service he had become too deaf to hear the word of command and went to work again in the Indianapolis & Cin- cinnati Railroad shops, where he remained most of the time during the war. In 1864-5 lie invented and patented a cast iron steam boiler similar to some of those that arc used now for steam and hot water heating, but as this manner of heating had not come into use at that time, he had little other use for it than to generate steam for steam engines. He built several of these boilers and put them into use in different places and at first they seemed to promise success and he got some good testimonials from the users of them. But later they de- veloped some faults that caused their fail- ure, lie had sent out one of these boilers to Decatur for the use of the new firm of Greely & Brodt, who were starting a fur- niture factory on :\Iason street (now Wa- bash avenue) in the building which is now used for the Hard Plaster factory. This brought him to Decatur in the spring of 1866. His boiler and this firm soon fail- ing, he got a position with the Central Iron Works (now Union Works) who, together with mill and elevator work, built steam engines. He set up the engines they sold and worked in the shop between times. He remained with them about three years. He then, in 1870, went to work as foreman of the machine department of the Decatur Ag- ricultural Works, where he remained until it went out of business in 1872. He got per- mission to put up a small engine here and run part of the machinery on plow and other farm machine repair work, he paying a per cent of the income as rent for the use of building and tools. This arrangement lasted only about one year when Chambers & Ouinlan bought the property and Mr. Paries worked for them for about another year. In 187s he bought the Wilson Boiler shop, which is now a part of the Decatur Novelty Works on Morgan and Williams streets, and, bringing the plow repair work with him, did general plow, machinery and boiler repair business and sheet iron work. In 1877 he took William L. Oakes into part- nership w'th him in this business and in 1881 sold out his interest to Mr. Oakes. He then put a small engine and a lathe into the basement of his residence and did some special machine work in the winter and spring of 1882. In the spring and summer of this year he built the nucleus of the pres- ent Faries Manufacturing Company's plant and continued the manufacture of special machinery such as box fastener, hog-ring and checkrower wire making machines. During the winter and spring of 1883 'le made some checkrower wire for the firm of Kaylor. McClelland & Fisher and having 184 PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. found that there was more money to be made by running machinery than in mak- ing it for others he continued to do this and has gradually worked into a manu- facturing business, the chief of which has been chcckrower wire. This got him into a patent law-suit, which lasted for over twelve years, costing a great deal of work, worry and money, and although he lost in the lower courts and finally compromised by paying a considerable sum, it was not all loss for the suit tended to deter others from going into the business in competition with him. In 1890 he built the first addition to the factory and among other improvements put in an electric lighting plant and in put- ting up fixtures for holding the lamps he devised an adjustable bracket for shifting and holding the lamp where put. He had before this been doing considerable brass work in the way of store window display fixtures and working lamp fixtures in with these and by continually adding to them, the company has worked up a very large electric and gas fixture business. Most of this fixture business has been worked up since the business was incorporated in 1894. Since the beginning twenty years ago, Mr. Paries and the Paries Manufacturing Com- pany have made several important special machines, the chief of which are automatic checkrower wire machines and machines for spinning lamp shades. A couple of years ago, 1900, Mr. Paries got up a little device for automatically tripping of a camera shutter and which he calls an "Autopoze," by the use of which the photographer is enabled to take his own picture, or include himself in "the group." While this is of not much importance in any way, a good many amateurs, and espe- cially tourists, find satisfaction in the use of it. By putting themselves in the picture the)' can prove that "they were there." In September, 1901, Mr. Paries, in com- pany with others, started the Decatur Re- frigerator & Manufacturing Company, but as factories are to be written up separately little need be said about this here. Air. Paries was married in Ohio in 1867 to Lena Bender. He has two daughters and one son, all grown up and the daughters married. Mr. I'aries says he was born and raised a Democrat and has always been one, but as the party of that name has always been on the wrong side of the issue ever since he has been of the voting age he has always voted the Republican ticket. JOHN CROCKER. The name of John Crocker is a familiar one in grain and banking circles throughout the state and Maroa owes much of its busi- ness activity and consequent prosperity to his efiforts and enterprise. The enterprising spirit of the west, which has led to the rapid development of this section of the country, is perhaps his strongest characteristic. Air. Crocker is one of Illinois' native sons, his birth having occurred in Vandalia, in 1857, his parents being John II. and Louisa V. (Philbrook) Crocker, who arc mentioned on another page of this volume. The fam- ily removing to Maroa during the early boy- hood of our subject, he was educated in the public schools of this cit}' until he had mas- tered the common branches of learning, after which he cpntinued his studies in Illi- nois College at Jacksonville, Illinois. Later he became a student in Dartmouth College, at Hanover, New Hampshire, in the class of 1881. On his return to Maroa, he joined his father in the banking business and in the grain trade. This association was contin- ued until the death of the father, Pebruary 10, 1890, since which time John Crocker has continued in the conduct of extensive and important interests. He is a member of the firm of Crocker & Company, bank- ers, one of the soundest financial institu- PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 1S5 tions of this part of the state, its safe, con- servative poHcy recommending it to the confidence and patronage of the public. He is also the president of the Crocker Elevator Company and has become widely known as one of the extensive grain dealers of the state, the company owning six different plants in Macon county. The business fur- nishes an excellent market to the grain pro- ducers and at the same time yields a very desirable profit to the stockholders of the company. Every interest or enterprise calculated to prove of benefit to Maroa or promote the welfare and prosperity of ■ the city elicits his attention and ofttimes receives his hearty co-operation and substantial assist- ance. He is the president of the Maroa Electric Light Company and also of the People's Telephone Company, both enter- prises of value to the general public as well as to the individual stockholders. His abil- ity as an organizer is one of the strong ele- ments of success. He is quick to note op- portunity and to secure the co-operation of others in the successful control of important undertakings, and he not only forms his plans readily but is determined in carrying them forward to successful completion. On the 2oth of December, 1893, Mr. Crocker was vmited in marriage to Miss Arabella Baird, a daughter of Peter Baird. and unto Ihem have been born four chil- dren : Ruth Baird, now eight years of age ; John H. and Joan P., twins ; and Thomas W., who completes the family. Socially Mr. Crocker is connected with the Masonic Lodge of Maroa and has taken more ad- vanced degrees in the order in Decatur and Chicago, being now a well known repre- sentative of the craft, whose tenets and teachings he exemplifies in his relations with his fellowmen. In his political views and affiliations he is a Republican, and the regard in which he is held by the party and by his fellow citizens is indicated by the fact that he was elected to the office of mayor upon the death of his father, who was then filling the position. He gives his personal supervision to the extensive and important business interests with which he is connected, but he has never allowed this to interfere with his duties of citizenship or to bias his relations with his fellow men. With a keen appreciation for upright char- acter, he numbers his friends among all classes and is himself honored and respected by all who know him. JAMES W. CARTER. Whether the elements of success in life are innate attributes of the individual or whether they are quickened by a process of circumstantial development it is impossi- ble to clearly determine. Yet the study of a successful life is none the less profitable by reason of the existence of this tmcer- tainty, and in the majority of cases it is found that exceptional ability, supplemented by close application and earnest purpose, forms the real secret of success which so many have envied. This is certainly true of James W. Carter, who is now cashier and office manager of the Decatur Coal Company and also is connected with other important interests here. Mr. Carter is a native son of Illinois, his birth having oc- curred in Sullivan, Moultrie county, on the 5th of June, 1861. His parents were Charles A. and Polly Ann (Waggoner) Carter, who were also natives of Moultrie county. The paternal grandfather of our subject was James K. Carter, a native of Culpeper, Vir- ginia, who in early life removed to Moultrie county, becoming identified with its agricul- tural interests. There he spent some time but finally removed to Decatur, where he lived until his death, in 1874, when he had reached the venerable age of eighty years. His political support was given to the Whig party and he was a leading and influential ISO PAST AXI) I'RKSIiXT OF MACOX COUXTY. resident (jf llie coniiminily in which he loiifj made his liome. J lis wife belonged to an ukl Kentucky family. They had three sons, Charles A., James W. and Henr^' II.; and five daughters: Xancy .\., Emcline, Frances, Alary and .Martha. Charles A. Carter, the father of our sub- ject, was born at the old homestead in Aloidtrie count}- and reared amid the wild scenes of frontier life there. After attain- ing his majority he was for some years en- gaged in the hardware business in Sullivan and in 1863 he removed to Decatur, where he continued in the same line of trade for a number of years. He then left Illinois for the far west, settling in Fresno, Cali- fornia, in 1880. There he still makes his home. His political support is given to the Republican party and the qualities of his manhood are such as command for him the respect and admiration of those with whom he is brought in contact. In early manhood he wedded Miss Polly Ann \\'aggoner, who was born in Moultrie count)-, but her peo- ple came to Illinois from Xorlh Carolina. To the public school system of Decatur James \V. Carter is indebted for the educa- tional privileges he enjoyed. He entered upon his business career in connection with the hardware trade, having charge of his father's store during the latter's illness, cov- ering a period of five and a half years. He showed excellent business ability in taking up this work and controlling the affairs of tlie enterprise. In 1878 he entered the em- idoy of ( )vermeyer & Kaufman, who were engaged in the fire insurance business. For several months Mr. Carter was also book- keeper for Peter Loeb, a well known foun- dryman, and for three years was bookkeeper in the Union Iron Works. lie afterward again spent six months in the service of Mr. Loeb and then became bookkeeper in the Chicago agricultural implement house of George D. Haw-orth. Again coming to Decatur he accepted the position of book- keejier for B. Z. Taylor in the linseed oil mill, where he remained for eighteen months, and in 1885 he invested his capital in the Decatur Coal Compan)-, of which he has since been the cashier and office man- ager. He is also the secretary of the De- catur Milling Company and is director in the Savings F'und & Building Association, with which he has been associated in this manner since 1891. He has also had charge of his father's business interests in Illinois (luring the latter's residence in California. A man of keen insight he readily compre- hends business situations and utilizes the means at hand to the best advantage. On the 28th of June. 1882, Mr. Carter married Aliss Idora J. Patterson, a daugh- ter of William F". and Melinda (Travis) Patterson. Their children are Ralph M., w-ho is now a student in the medical depart- ment of the State University at Cham- paign, Illinois; Neil T., who died at the age of two years and eight months; and Alma Lois, at home. Mr. Carter is a popular and exemplary representative of various fraternal organi- zations. He belongs to Chevalier Bayard Lodge, No. 189, K. P.; W. C. Roe Camp, No. 7201, M. \'V. A.; and in November, 1890, was made 'a Mason in Decatur, join- ing Macon Lodge, No. 8, A. 1'. & A. M., of which he is a past master. He has also taken the Royal Arch degree, belongs to Decatur Council, No. 16, R. & S. M., and to Jieaumanoir Commander)', No. 9, K. T. He is true and loyal to the teachings of the craft antl in his life exemplifies the benefi- cent spirit. He belongs to the First Baptist church of Decatur, in which he is now serv- ing as deacon. His loyalt}' to the best inter- ests of the commimity has been manifested in many ways. He is a public spirited and progressive citizen and his labors have ad- vanced the material progress and prosper- ity, the intellectual development and the moral advancement of Decatur. ^rUvyy y. ^^-TT-C^^^ PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 180 JOHN H. CROCKER. The name of Crocker has been long, inti- mately and honorably associated with the history of ^Nlaroa, its development and sub- stantial progress, and father and sons have left an indelible impress upon the city and its advancement. He whose name intro- duces this review was actively associated with business affairs here and his own upright career added new luster to an un- tarnished family record. John H. Crocker was 'born in Derry, New Hampshire, on the 9th of July, 1829, a son of John and Mary Neal (Pillsbury) Crock- er. His father was one of the first settlers of Maroa and the city owes its substantial upbuilding in no degree to one man as much as it does to John Crocker, who not only located here when JNIaroa was an embryo village but served as the first station agent, the first postmaster and was the first banker and the first lumber and grain merchajit. He realized that business possibilities ex- isted here and improved them. He made the most of his opportunities and in so doing he became one of the builders and pro- moters of Alaroa and contributed in large measure to its progress. He was one of the founders of the Presbyterian church here, became one of its first elders and contrib- uted generously to its support, while taking a helpful part in its work in other ways. He died in the year 1879, respected b}^ all who knew him. His name should be inscribed on the roll of pi'oneers of Macon county and he should ever be held in grateful re- membrance by the residents of the town, who are now enjoying the results of his labors. He came of Scotch-Irish descent, tracing his ancestry back to colonial times, and since that period the Crockers have had marked influence in making history in the various communities in which they have resided. John H. Crocker, whose name introduces this record, supplemented his early educa- tional privileges by pursuing" a course of study in Illinois College, at Jacksonville, Illinois, and later he engaged in teaching school for two years. He then studied civil engineering and was then engaged in that line of business in connection with the Illi- nois Central Railroad until 1857, and with the Cairo & Fulton Railroad from 1857 until the war broke out. He was known as a lo3'al advocate of the Union but he could not enlist on account of his health. How- ever, he rendered valuable aid to his country by engineering the erection of the breast- works at Birds Point and he was also in- spector of cotton in Tennessee. Following the close of the war Mr. Crocker turned his attention to the grain and lumber business and later he joined his father in the lumber business. In these connections he became widely known as a representative of the trade interests in Maroa, and the extent of his operations made him one of the leading merchants and financiers here. He pros- pered in his undertakings because his judg- ment was rarely at fault and because he possessed a large share of that energy which is the foundation of all success. On the 23d of January, 1855, Mr. Crocker was united in marriage to Miss Louisa P. Philbrook, a daughter of Seth and Margaret ( Ward) Philbrook. She was born in Gran- \-ille, Ohio, and was educated in the semi- nary at that place. Her father was a farmer by occupation and removed with his family from the Buckeye state to A'andalia. Illi- nois, where he lived until 1865. Unto Mr. and ]Mrs. Crocker were born seven children, of whom four are living: George L., of Springfield, Illinois, who married Elizabeth Grimes and has two children: John, who is mentioned elsewhere in this work : Mar- garet Philbrook, wife of Dr. McLean ; Anna Louise, the wife of W. H. Black, of De- catur; and three that died in infancy. ^Irs. Crocker now has an adopted daughter, Elsie May, who lives at home. She is a grad- 100 PAST AXD PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. uate of Monliccllo Seminary, of Godfrey, Illinois. In his political views Mr. Crocker was an earnest Republican and served as the first mayor of Alaroa. In matters of citi- zenship he was ever found on the side of advancement and he labored for the future as well as the present welfare of the city in which he so long made his home. He was chosen to represent his district in the legislature, and when concerned with the affairs of the same showed the same loyal- ty to the public good that he manifested in his home town. A strong temperance man, he advocated the cause both by precept and example and labored untiringly to secure the abolition of the liquor evils. He be- longed to the Royal Templars and served as supreme counselor. Fraternally he was connected with the Masonic lodge and with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. His Christian faith was indicated by his membership in the Presbyterian church and was exemplified in his daih' life. His wife shared with him in his interest in the church and its work, she being also a member and tluis in this as in many other things their relation was a most congenial one and their married life was fraught with much happiness. In the year 1890 ]\lr. Crocker was called to his final rest. He had started out in life empty handed, having nothing save a good education as the foun- dation upon which to build, but he achieved both character and fortune, leaving to his family a handsome competence and an hon- ored name. \\^orthy of emulation is his life record and honored is his memory. The world is better for his having lived and Maroa especially benefited by his efforts in her behalf. REUBEN BETZER. The object of this volume is to preserve an authentic record, as far as possible, of the lives and d6eds of those who have as- sisted in the upbuilding of the varied in- terests of Macon county. The rank that a city or county holds very largely depends upon the achievements of its citizens. Some add to its reputation by efficient public serv- ice, some by professional skill, some by in- creasing its manufacturing or commercial interests and some by cultivating and im- proving its lands. To give a faithful ac- count of the lives of old settlers and repre- sentative citizens of a community is to write its history in its truest sense. Mr. Betzer was for long years associated with agri- cultural interests and his last days were spent in retirement from business cares in a pleasant home in Decatur. It would be difficult to find a man who had higher re- gard from his friends than did Mr. Betzer and this was because of a life that mani- fested many admirable qualities and sterling traits of character. He became a resident of Macon county in the year 1865. He was born in Ross county, Ohio, his natal day being July 5, 1824, and his parents were ^^'illiam and Margaret (Harvey) Bet- zer. His father was born in New Jersey and his mother in Pennsylvania and they be- came the parents of eleven children, of whom Reuben was the seventh in order of birth. It was in the year 1810 that William Betzer removed to Ohio and two years later he offered his services to the government in defense of this country in the second war with England. After his return from the army he located in Ross county, Ohio, where both he and his wife spent their last days and their children have also passed away. Reuben Betzer had the usual experiences and advantages of la farmer boy. He worked in the fields and meadows through his youth and after arriving at years of maturity he determined to follow the occupation to which he had been reared. He was a young man of twenty-five years, when he settled upon a farm near the old homestead in Ross PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 191 county, there remaining until after his father^ death. He received from his father a tract of land, as did the other, sons, while the daughters of the household received an equivalent in money to the sum of one thousand dollars. Desiring a companion and helpmate for life's journey Mr. Betzer was joined in wedlock on the 31st of De- cember, 1848, to Miss Sarah Evans. She was born in Ross county, Ohio, January 9, 1826, and her parents were John and Sarah (Miller) Evans, who were also natives of Ohio. The mother died during the girlhood days of her daughter and Mrs. Betzer was then reared by relatives near Circleville, Pickaway county, Ohio. Her father, how- ever, continued to engage in farming in Ross county throughout his life and at length passed away there. At the time of his marriage Mr. Betzer took his bride to his farm and there they resided continuously until 1865, when, be- lieving that he might have still better busi- ness opportunities in a district farther west, he came to Macon county, arriving here in 1865. He took up his abode on a farm in Whitmore township, six miles northeast of Decatur and first purchased two hundred and fifteen acres of land. There he began making improvements and afterward pur- chased more land, adding to his place from time to time until he had a tract of three hundred and twenty-five acres. He was progressive in his farming methods, active, industrious and honorable in his business career, but after residing upon his farm for a few years he decided to rent the land and remove to Decatur, where he enjoyed rest from further labor. He was a man to whom indolence and idleness were utterly foreign and although he retired from farm life busi- ness interests of a different character claimed his attention to a considerable de- gree. He was a lover of stock and engaged to some extent in stock-raising. He also worked at the carpenter's trade and aided in building many of the bridges near Deca- tur. In 1867 he erected a residence now occupied by his widow. On account of his health he traveled to a considerable extent, frequently spending the winter months in the south. In the summer of 1892 he vis- ited California and at different times went to other places of interest in the country, visiting its scenes of beauty and many of its historic places, gaining thereby the cul- ture and knowledge which only travel can bring. j\lr. and Mrs. Betzer had no children of their own but gave homes to two of their nieces : Effie A. came to them at the age of thirteen years and remained with them until her marriage to Amos F. Imboden, a policeman of Decatur. They now reside at No. 1243 North Edwards street. Another niece, Maria L. Evans, lived with Mr. and Mrs. Betzer from her seventh to her twenty- first year and then became the wife of Frank Spillman, a hardware merchant of Macon, but both are now deceased. During the winter of 1895-6, while going from his house to his barn, Mr. Betzer slipped on the ice, su.staining a severe in- jury. He was carried to his bed and there he suft'ered for several weeks, his injury combined with other causes, leading to his death on the i8th of J\Iarch, 1896. His re- mains were interred in the beautiful Green- wood cemetery of Decatur. He was never an active politician in the sense of office seeking and yet after removing to the city of Decatur he served as supervisor for one year, being elected on the Democratic tick- et, whose principles he abv.^_.-s endorsed. Both he and his wife were members of the Presbyterian churcb of this city and he took an active and helpful part in church work, while Mrs. Betzer supplemented his labors in this regard by her own zeal in the work. He left his widow in very comfortable cir- cumstances. She now owns a nice home at No. 358 East Williams street and in addi- 192 PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. tion owns the old homestead of three hun- dred and twenty-five acres of vahiable farm- ing hind in W'liilniore townsliip. Mr. Betzer was a self-made man and his possessions were obtained throuj^h earnest, indefatigable effort. He watched closely his opportunities for business advancement and by the utilization of these and by his per- severance and diligence he gained a hand- some competence. He won, too, an honor- able name in business circles for he was al- ways straightforward in every trade trans- action. He had many friends "in Decatur and Macon county who still cherish his memory and no history of this locality would be complete without the record of his life, for during thirty-one years he lived in the county and in many ways assisted in its progress and promotion. He was al- ways deeply interested in whatever per- tained to its welfare and was known ^s a public sjiirited citizen. WILLIAM R. r.OGGS, M. D. Dr. William R. Boggs, who is success- fullv engaged in the practice of medicine and surgery in Macon, Illinois, was born on the 23d of March, 1854, in Noble county, Ohio, his parents being Alexander and Mary A. (Thompson) Boggs. His father was also a native of Ohio, born near Mount Vernon, Richland county. March 22, 1827, and was a son of Rcul)cn Boggs. whose birth occurred in \"irginia in 1800. In early life the latter married Miss Ellenor Mar- quiss, and from the Old Dominion they re- moved to Ohio, being among the first set- tlers at St. Clairsville. The grandfather of our subject died at Sharon, Ohio, in 1884, at the age of eighty-four years. Alexander Boggs was reared and educated in. the county of his nativity and when a young man removed from there to Noble county, Ohio, where he engaged in farming and stock-dealing throughout the remainder of his life, .\bout 1849 he wedded Miss Mary .\. Thompson, wlio was born at St. Andrews, New Brunswick, March 15. 1832. Her parents, Robert and Isabel (McDon aid) Thompson, were natives of Ireland, where the former was born in 1800. On coming to the United States he stopped first at Baltimore, Maryland, and in 1835 re- moved to Noble county, Ohio. By occu- pation he was also a farmer. He died in iam R., of this review; John, a farmer of 1875 and his wife passed away in 1874. L'nto .Mexander and Mary .\. (Thomp- son) Boggs were born eight children, name- ly : Robert T., who was a physician at Bloomington. Indiana, and died in 1881, when about thirty years of age; Reuben, who died of scarlet fever in infancy ; Will- Caldwell. Ohio; James Mac, who died in infancy: Clement, who follows farming near Caldwell. Ohio; Lena, wife of W. O. Keith, who resides at A\'arsaw, and is engaged in merchandising at that place ; and Elmer F., a clothier of Salem, Indiana. The father of this family departed this life in May, 1894, and the mother died in March. 1889. Dr. Boggs received his early education in the common schools of Caldwell, Ohio, and later attended the Northern Indiana Normal School, preparing for a medical course which he intended to take. After leaving that institution in 1875, he engaged in teaching school for about five years and then entered the Kentucky School of Med- icine at Louisville, Kentucky, where he was graduated with the degree of IM. D. in T883. He was engaged in the practice of his profession at Keith,' Ohio, until 1890, and the following year came to Macon, Illinois, whore he purchased the home, of- fice and practice of Dr. R. Tobey, who be- gan practice here in 1869. Dr. Boggs has since improved the property and has gradu- ally extended his practice until it is now quite large and profitable. He has the largest general library, as well as the larg- «ki ^) ^^ ll.[AC()X COUXTY. sion. Jjccoiiiiiig a resident of Tennessee lie carried on farming in Knox county and there died at the age of seventy-five years. Richard Xeison, the father of the Judge, was an attorney and engaged in practice in Sparta, Tennessee, from the time of his marriage until 1846, when he removed to Carrollton, Mississippi, where he spent his remaining days. Prominent in public af- fairs he left the impress of his individuality upon public thought and action and aided in large measure in shaping the policy of the states, in which he made his home. He was a member of the constitutional conven- tion which formed the organic law of Ten- nessee and for many years he filled the posi- tion of judge of the probate court in Missis- sippi, and his knowledge of the law was broad and comprehensive and his clientage was ever of an important and distinctively representative character. His death oc- curred in 1865 when he was in his sixty-fifth year, and his wife passed away in Carroll- ton, Mississippi, when more than ninety years of age. They were butli members of the Presbyterian church and to them were born five sons and three daughters, the sur- viving members of the family being ^\'ill- iam E. ; Marj' F., w'^o is the wife of Charles N. Scott, of Carrollton, Mississippi: and Emily, the wife of James M. .Moore, of College City, California. Reared to manhood in the county of his nativity, William E. Nelson pursued his lit- erary education there, being a student in the subscription schools, for at that time the public school system had not been estab- lished. When sixteen years of age he took up the study of law with his father as his preceptor and in .\ugust, 1844, when twenty years of age he was admitted to the bar. Joining his father in practice he was for some years connected with the legal inter- ests of While county and the aeriod and continued with Mr. Wesler for nine years. He then started a shoe shop of his own on West Main street, which he con- ducted for a short time and then purchased the building at No. 317 East Main street. Following his marriage he continued to en- gage in shoemaking at No. 317 East Main street, where he built up a successful and large business, employing several hands. There he engaged in the manufacture of all kinds of boots and shoes and to some ex- tent he carried on real estate operations. Gradually he worked his way upward. He had no friends or inheritance to depend upon to assist him at the outset of his career, but he placed his dependence upon far more substantial qualities — industry, perseverance and careful management. In 1861 .Mr. Frank was united in mar- riage, in Decatur, to Miss Theresa Kepler, who was also a native of Germany, born on the 5th of September, 1841, and a daughter of Enos and Anges (Staley) Kepler. Her father came to America in 1854 and, making his way direct to Decatur, was here em- ployed as a laborer for a time. As his finan- cial resources increased, enabling him to make investments in property, he pur- chased a few houses here and also owned a few acres of land near the city, although during the greater ])art of his residence he was employed by others. Both he and his wife passed away in Decatur. The mar- riage of Mr. and Mrs. Frank was blessed with seven chiMri 11 : Anna, who is the widow of Nicholas Scherer, a resident of Decatur: Mary, who became the wife of J. h. Burtschi and died on the 14th of June, 1902; Minnie, who is the wife of Emil P. Scherer, of this city; Elizabeth, the wife of Paul Kastner ; Theresa, who is at home with her mother; and John and Catherine, who are both deceased. Both Mr. and Mrs. Frank were members of the St. James Catholic chtu-ch and he be- longed to St. James Society here. Industry was perhaps his most marked characteris- tic. He was a very hard working man, lived economically and thus year by year he added to his possessions until he was enabled to leave to his family a comfortable competence. He died July 5, 1902, his loss being a great blow to his wife and children and also to many who had given him their warm friendship and regard. He was very well kncnvn in the cit}' where he had resided ',i>. ■i5« ^j,M. '1^- PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 24:1 for thirty-five years and he had watched with interest the developing of Decatur, noting its growth as the years passed by. His widow now owns a nice residence at No. 303 South Water street, where she and her daughter reside, and in addition to this she has the business block at No. 317 East Main street and also other valuable prop- erty in the city. GEORGE S. LYON. The name of Lyon has long been closely and honorably interwoven with the history of the lumber business in Decatur and the gentleman whose name introduces this record was the founder of the enterprise which now bears the name of the G. S. Lyon & Sons Lumber & Manufacturing Company. For many years he was a prom- inent and honored resident of Decatur as well as one of its leading business men. Mr. Lyon was born in Orange, New Jer- sey, on the 7th of May, 1832, and was one of a family of eleven children, five sons and six daughters. Both his parents and grand- parents were natives of Jersey, the family being an old one in that state. His paternal grandfather was a soldier of the war of 1812 and with other events of importance representatives of the name have been ac- tively connected. The parents of our sub- ject both died in 1877, the father closing his eyes in death only a few hours after the mother passed away. In his early youth George S. Lyon learned the carpenter's trade. In his twen- ty-fourth year he resolved to try his fortune in the west, having heard favorable reports of its excellent business openings and trade opportunities. Arriving in Decatur in 1856, he purchased property here and continued to make his home thereon throughout his remaining days. For four years he was en- gaged in carpenter work in this city and then began contracting and building on his own account. As the years passed he ex- tended his efiforts into a kindred line of business — the operation of a planing mill and the purchase and sale of lumber. He then abandoned his original trade in order to devote his entire time and energies to the lumber business and as the years passed built up a very extensive patronage. He was the head of the firm of Lyon, Gibson & Company, which existed for a number of years and was then succeeded by that of Lyon & Armstrong. At length he pur- chased Mr. Armstrong's interest and, asso- ciating his sons, Fred and Clyde, in part- nership with him, the firm style of G. S. Lyon & Sons Lumber & Manufacturing Company was assumed. Later the business was incorporated under that name. George S. Lyon long continued an active factor in the successful control of the enterprise up to the time of his death and had a wide acquaintance in business circles, where he was known for his honor and strict integrity that won for him the highest regard and un- qualified confidence of his fellow men. On the 3d of July, 1857, Mr. Lyon was united in marriage to Miss Susan Ann Scott, of La Salle, Illinois. She was born on the 22d of February, 1836, in Steuben county. New York, and after her marriage accompanied her husband to Decatur, where she spent her remaining days. She was one of ten children and was the last of the family to pass away. i\Ir. Lyon's death oc- curred March 20, 1899, and his wife sur- vived him until the iith of January, 1903, when she, too, was called to her final home. Both were earnest members of the Univer- salist church and took a great interest in its work and growth. Mr. Lyon served as one of the trustees of the church and was also active and prominent in Celestial Lodge No. 186, I. O. O. F. ; Decatur Encampment No. 37; and Canton Decatur, No. 19, Patri- archs Militant. Both Mr. and Mrs. Lyon 242 PAST AND PRESKNT Ui-" .MACOX LOUXTV. possessed many traits of character which endeared them to their friends and won for them the respect of those with whom they were associated, and in business circles j\Ir. Lyon grained for himself a most creditable position. I'Yom a humble place in the indus- trial world he worked his way steadily up- ward until he controlled an enterprise of magnitude that brought to him very credit- able profit and at the same time was of value to the community through promoting com- mercial activity. At all times he was public spirited and progressive and was a citizen whose loyalty to the best interests of the county, state and nation was ever above question. After the death of Air. Lyon the business was incorporated with Clyde R. Lyon as president ; Fred C. Lyon, vice president ; John P.. Robinson, treasurer; and James C. Sullivan, secretary. The plant, mill and lumber yard covers several acres and the building is especially well equipped for the conduct of the business, being supplied with steam power and furnished with the most approved and modern machinery for carry- ing on the work along progressive lines, luuployment is given to a large force of workmen and the company maintains most just and considerate relations with those who are in their service. Honesty and fair dealing have ever been the policy of the house and the methods which were insti- tuted by the founder have been carried on by his successors. In June, 1892, Clyde R. I^yon was united in marriage to Miss Alinnie Bryant, of Chicago, a daughter of Charles Bryant. Like his father he has become a prominent business man of Decatur and his career has ever been such as to warrant the trust and confidence of the business world for he has ever conducted all transactions on the strict- est principles of honor and integrity. FRANK P. TOWNE. Frank P. Towne, the popular postmaster of Harristown and a well known merchant of that place, was born on the 6th of Nov- ember, 1858, in Danvers, Massachusetts, and is a son of Daniel and Paulina (Fer- guson) Towne, the former also a native of Danvers and the latter of Maine. The father was a farmer by occujiation and con- tinued to make his home in his native place throughout life. Politically he was a stanch Republican. The Towne family originated in Fngland and the ancestry can be traced back to the seventeenth century. During his boyhood and youth Frank P. Towne attended school in Danvers, Massa- chusetts, until seventeen years of age and then turned his attention to agricultural pursuits. Coming to Illinois in 1875, he first located in Harristown, but w-as after- ward engaged in farming in Champaign county, Illinois, for a short time, and then returned to Harristown, where he clerked for his brother, C. A. Towne, in the grocery business. Subsequently he was employed as telegraph operator and station agent for the Wabash Railroad at Sangamon, Illi- nois, and held a similar position at Wyckles and also at Harristown for a short time. In 1888 Mr. Towne was united in mar- riage to Miss Cora Fyman, who was born in mini township, Macon county, Illinois, in 1868, and is a daughter of James ]M. Ey- man, who is now living a retired life in Harristown, having in early life engaged in farming with good success. Mrs. Towne's mother, who bore the maiden name of Nar- cissa Fuller, was a native of Indiana, and died in January, 1902. Of the four children born to our subject and his wife three are now deceased, the only one living being Lctha, who is now attending the James Mill- ikin L'niversity at Decatur. Air. Towne was first appointed post- master of Harristown under President Har- rison's administration and so acceptably PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 243 did he fill the office that he was re-appointed tinder President AIcKinley and is still serv- ing in a most efficient manner. He also served as town clerk for a short time. Socially he is quite prominent, being an honored member of Summit Lodge, A. F. & A. M. ; State Center Lodge, K. P., No. 631 ; and Harristown Camp, M. W. A. He is one of the leading and representative citi- zens of his community and is held in high regard by all who know him. E. H. THOMAS, M. D. Those who meet Dr. Thomas in political circles and see the energy which he en- thuses into his political work and note the deep interest which he takes in the success of the principles which he advocates would think that he devotes his entire attention to political labors ; those who see him in the sick room, giving thought and earnest at- tention to the case, speaking a cheery and encouraging word to the patient and giving minute and careful directions to the at- tendants, would judge that his entire time was devoted to his profession — but herein lies the secret of his success. It is his abil- ity to enter heartily into any work at hand and to concentrate his energies during the needed time for the accomplishment of any purpose that has made him both a leading physician and a successful political leader in Macon county. He maintains his resi- dence in Argenta, but has a very wide and favorable acquaintance throughout this por- tion of the state. The Doctor was born in Yonkers, New York, in 1859. His father, George Thomas, was a native of London, England, and came to America in 1838, settling in the state of New York, where he engaged in merchan- dising. In the family were nine children, of whom the Doctor is the fifth in order of birth and the only one living in Illinois. In the public schools of his native city Dr. Thomas acquired his early education and later attended the State Normal School, at Albany, New York, where his literary course was completed. Having determined to engage in the practice of medicine as a life work he then began preparation for this calling as a student in the University of Col- umbia, in New York city, and was graduated with the class of 1883. Returning to Yonk- ers he opened an office and remained in practice there for a few years, after which he determined to locate in the west and in 1891 came to Argenta, where he has since remained. After two years he built a drug store, which he now owns and conducts, having his office in the rear of his store. His business in mercantile lines is profit- able and his patronage as a practitioner is gratifying, indicating the high degree of confidence reposed in him by the public. He also owns the building occupied by the hardware store in Argenta and has a good residence property. His practice is large, and reading and study keep him in touch with the advanced thought of the day. In 1884 Dr. Thomas was united in mar- riage to Miss Estella Castle, a native of Al- bany, New York, in which city her father engaged in the printing business. Unto the Doctor and his wife have been born five children : George, Harry, Charles, Edward and Mary E. The Doctor is a very prominent Mason, having attained the Royal Arch degree of the York rite and the thirty-second degree of the Scottish rite. He also belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Knights of Pythias lodge. He is now a meml^er of the board of trustees of the Asy- lum for the Incurable Insane, near Peoria, Illinois. In politics he has always been a stanch and active Republican, taking a most earnest interest in the work of the party and doing all in his power to secure the adoption of its principles. He has served 2U PAST AND rRi:SENT OF MACON COUNTY as justice of the peace and was school di- rector for twelve years. He put forth strong effort to secure better schools and has al- ways been a warm friend of the cause of education, doing all in his power to raise its standard in this locality. The Doctor was a member of the steering committee for Richard Yates during his campaign for gov- ernor and he also managed John G. Keller's campaign, whicli indicates his influence and activity in political circles. A man of strong character, of great enthusiasm and of in- tense interest in whatever he undertakes. Dr. Thomas carries forward to successful completion whatever he begins and is a power in political, commercial' and pro- fessional circles in Macon county. GEORGE F. HOSTETLER. George F. Hostetler was a representa- tive of one of the old and prominent fam- ilies of Macon county and because of this and because of personal characteristics which entitle him to distinctive mention in this volume, we present the record of his life to our readers. He claimed Indiana as his native state, his birth having oc- curred in Orange county on the 26th of March, 1823. His parents were John and Katie (Huffstetter) Hostetler, the former a native of Kentucky and the latter of Indi- ana. Leaving the south, the father removed to Orange county, Indiana, where he en- gaged in farming for a few years and then came to Illinois, settling in Macon county. He purchased a farm in Decatur township and continued to engage in the cultivation of the fields until after the death of his wife, when he removed to Texas, where his own death occurred three years later. In the common schools of Indiana and of Illinois George F. Hostetler acquired his education, mastering the branches of learn- ing usuallj' taught in such institutions. \\'hen his own education was completed he began teaching school in Macon county near Decatur and afterward assisted his father upon the home farm until his mar- riage, earl}' gaining practical experience concerning farm work by reason of the aid which he rendered to his father in the months of vacation. In the year i860 fie was joined in wedlock to Miss Harriet E. Hes- ser, a native of Springfield, Illinois, and a daughter of Armstead and Harriet (Evans) ' Hesser, both of whom were natives of Vir- ginia, whence they came to Macon county, Illinois, at a very early period in its devel- opment. Subsequently they resided at Springfield, Illinois, and later removed to Taylorville, this state, where both the father and mother died. The marriage of Mr. and Airs. Hostetler was blessed with seven children : Harry F., who married Cora Kyte, and resides in Omaha, Nebraska, being a traveling sales- man for an implement house of that city; Katie May, the wife of William Vowell, who is engaged in the livery business in Decatur; John B., who married Maggie Le Forgee, and is an artist of Davenport, Iowa ; David F., foreman of the Lyon Plan- ing Mill of Decatur, who married Maude Williams and has two children : Dyphne A., who was born December 29, 1891, and David Ulmont, born November 30, 1893 ; Eugene F., who married Ella Clothier and is a machinist residing in Davenport, Iowa ; Gus L., who married Ora Curtis and is now an artist living in Fort Dodge, Iowa ; and Roger H., who resides in New York city, where he is a designer in a wholesale dress- making house. After his marriage George F. Hostetler engaged in teaching school for one year. He then removed to Decatur and he and his two brothers established a book store on Merchant street, where he continued in business for six years. He then removed to Alount Zion township, where he engaged in ;^ i^' /. PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 24:7 farming until his death. In his business affairs he was dihgent, persevering and determined and was always a very hard- working man, meeting with a fair degree of success in his undertakings. His death oc- curred on the 26th of March, 1881, and thus ended an upright life. He had always lived at peace with his fellow men and enjoyed their confidence and regard in an unusual degree. He was an exemplary member of the Masonic fraternity of Decatur and his political support was given to the Democ- racy for he had firm faith in the princi- ples of the party and in their ultimate tri- umph in citizenship. Both he and his wife were members of the Christian church of Decatur and for a long time he served as one of its elders. He left to his family the record of an untarnished name for at all times his life was in consistent harmony with his professions. After his death Mrs. Hostet- ler removed to Decatur in order to educate her children and has since resided in this city. She owns a good home at No. 1318 North College street, where she is living with her son, David, and his family. The Hostetler family is a prominent one in Macon county and its members enjoy the merited regard of many friends. SAMUEL GERBER. A splendid type of the self-made man is Samuel Gerber, the well known" banker of Argenta. His life history illustrates what it is possible to accomplish in a land where opportunity is open to all and where merit wins its just reward. He started out upon his business career empty-handed, but working diligently and untiringly he has steadily advanced until his possessions are now gratifying and valuable and his name is a substantial one on commercial paper. Argenta's business activity has been largely promoted through his efforts, and his work in other directions for the city's benefit has been far-reaching and beneficial. Mr. Gerber is a native of Ohio, born Sep- tember 27, 1835. His parents were Peter and May Gerber. The father was born in Switzerland and in 1830 came to this coun- try, hoping that he might thereby benefit his financial condition. Settling in Ohio he followed cabinetmaking for four or five years, after which he established his home in Shelby county, Ohio, and opened up a farm there, devoting his attention to the care and cultivation of the fields from De- cember, 1836, up to the time of his death, which occurred in 1878. He became a well known agriculturist of the community and was widely and favorably known because of his sterling worth. To a limited extent Samuel Gerber at- tended the public schools of Ohio but his knowledge has been acquired largely through experience, observation and read- ing, and thus he has gained many valuable lessons which have proved of practical use in his business career. He started out for himself when twenty-one years of age and after engaging in teaching school for two terms he began operating his father's farm in Ohio. Subsequently he removed to near where Oreana now stands and securing a tract of land of one hundred and sixty acres continued to operate this rented farm until his labors had brought to him sufficient capital to enable him to buy a farm of his own. His first purchase consisted of forty acres in Whitmore township and from time ■ to time he added to his property until he now owns four hundred and seventy acres of land in this locality and a section in southern Illinois, which is devoted to stock- raising. From 1866 until 1875 he was en- gaged in raising hogs and in this way he really made his start. He afterward en- gaged in the cultivation of wheat and later made horse-raising his specialty. In the various departments of agricultural work 248 PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. to vvliich he has given his attention he has met with success because he has worked with a strong purpose and unfaltering en- ergy. In 1882 he came to Argenta and estab- lished a general store, which he conducted for three years. He then traded that prop- erty and in connection with J. W. Brown he erected a building and opened a bank in Argenta. This they successfully conducted until 1892, when Mr. Brown died, and the present firm of Gerber & Son was then formed. The safe conservative business policy which was inaugurated by the bank has always been followed and has been the basis of the success which has attended the institution. The bank also owns the Ar- genta ■ telephone system, which operates three hundred and seventy-five telephones and to the upbuilding of this enterprise Samuel Gerber gives considerable atten- tion. He erected a large brick store build- ing which is now occupied by W. T. J. Cooper and he also owns a nice residence in Argenta. On the 1 2th of December, 185O, .Mr. Ger- ber was united in marriage to Miss Susanna Hillbrant, and unto them have been born six children, of whom four are yet living: Elizabeth, Peter E., S. N. and Alary M. Their second and third daughters, Annie and Maggie, have passed away. Mrs. Ger- ber holds membership in the Cumberland Presbyterian church. She has been a faith- ful companion and helpmate to her husband on the journey of life and is held in high re- gard by many friends. Mr. Gerber belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and he votes with the Republican party. On its ticket he was elected to the offices of supervisor, commissioner and assessor, and in the discharge of his official duties has been found most reliable and prompt. In all his (mdertakings he has been successful and throuirh all has sustained an unassail- able reputation which makes him one of the leading and representative men of his adopted county. OLI\'ER L. STUART. The subject of this sketch is not only one of the most highly respected citizens of W'hitmore township, but is also a worthy representative of one of the honored pioneer families of the county. Throughout life he has made his home here and is now living in honorable retirement upon his farm of eighty acres in section 14, Whitmore town- ship. He was born in the city of Decatur in a log house which stood on the site of J. L. Drake's present place of business, his natal day being September 15, 1833. His parents were David H. and Sarah (Florey) Stuart, both natives of Virginia, the former of Scotch and the latter of German descent. In early life the father was engaged in teaming from Tennessee to the far cast with four and six horse wagons, the wagons be- ing of the old Virginia style. For some years he continued to follow that business and then came to Illinois in 1829, settling in Macon county. He first entered a forty acre tract of timber and another forty acres of prairie on the southeast quarter of the northeast (]uartcr of section 13, Whitmore township, and later bought the farm of eighty acres where our subject now resides. Throughout the remainder of his life he de- voted his attention to the improvement and cultivation of his farm. In 1856 he was accidentally drowned at the old Ray bridge north and east of Decatur while on his way home. His wife survived him many years and passed away in her seventy-fourth year. : This worthy couple were the parents of six children, three of whom died in infancy, those still living being Oliver L., our sub- • ject ; John T., who is living on the old home- I stead on section 13, Whitmore township; and Mary, wife of Ed Kile, of Decatur. PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 249 The boyhood of Oliver L. Stuart was passed amid pioneer surroundings and his early education was obtained in a little log schoolhouse with its primitive furniture, though for a short time he subsequently at- tended the Illinois Wesleyan University at Bloomington, which was then a mere vil- lage. He well remembers wdien the houses were lighted only by candles, which were either dipped or molded at home. He has seen the old wooden mold board plows used and the first that he used was the single shovel plow. He has cut his grain with a reap hook and later with a cradle, and after- ward became the possessor of a reaper run by horse power, which was considered ex- tremely fine at that time. After leaving school Mr. Stuart engaged in teaching in this county for three months but with this exception his life has been devoted to agricidtural pursuits. .\t the time of his marriage he located upon his present farm, which had been broken but otherwise unimproved. Most of the coun- try round about was either covered with ponds or sloughs or was regular swamp land, and it took much labor to convert it into the well cultivated farms which we now find in this region. Mr. Stuart labored early and late to make his farm one of the best and it is to-day worth one hundred dol- lars per acre, although the purchase price was onty four dollars per acre. On the 1st of June, 1854, I\Ir. Stuart was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Kile, a sister of his brother-in-law, Ed Kile, and a daughter of Josiah W. and ]\Iary (Clark) Kile, natives of Ohio and New Jersey, re- spectively. .\bout 1850 her parents came to Macon county, Illinois, and settled in Friends Creek township. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Stuart were born seven children, the oldest of whom died in infancy ; Mattie is now the wife of Albert C. Scott; Bertha Luella married Thomas Draper and died of typhoid fever at the age of twenty-eight years ; Jessie F. is the wife of William H. Smith, a hardware merchant of Argenta ; Mary B. is the wife of William M. Lakin, of Champaign county, Illinois; Alta G. is the wife of Martin Corbett, of Pana, Illi- nois ; and Carrie H. is at home with her parents. Mr. Stuart has provided his daughters with good educational advantages and all have been successful and popular teachers. He has twelve grandchildren living and one deceased. Since casting his first presidential vote for John C. Fremont, Mr. Stuart has affili- ated with the Republican party, and for a number of years he filled the offices of town clerk, school director and school trustee in a most efficient manner. His father sup- ported the Whig party. Religiously both our subject and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church and helped to organize the church at Wesley Chapel, with which they at first held membership, but they now belong to the church at Argenta, and it is safe to say that no couple in the community is held in higher regard than Mr. and iMrs. Stuart. He is a prominent member of the Old Settlers' Association and annually attends its reunions, which are very pleasant occasions. Here are gathered the pioneers of the county, who laid the foundation for its present prosperity. Through the long years of his residence here Mr. Stuart has become widely known and his many excellent traits of character have gained him the high regard of his many friends. JOHN W. GRAVES. John W. Graves i? now a representative of mercantile interests in Decatur, having since June, 1902, engaged in the sale of aluminum goods and novelties. In this short space of time he has built up an excellent trade among acquaintances whom he had formerly made in a business way and also 250 PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. receives a liberal patruiuige from among those who approve of his excellent business policy and straightforward dealings. Mr. Ciraves is a native of Logan count V, Illinois, his birlh having oc- curred on the 19th of July, 1850. He is a son of Charles and Rachel (Cantrell) Graves, whose marriage was celebrated October 18, 1840, at Waynesville, Illinois. 'J'lic father was born on the 30th of April, 1817, in Vermont, and died in the year 1850. lie had started from rooria, Illinois, for Cah'fornia and his death occurred on the ])lains. This left to the widow the care of her twi) small children, our subject being then but an infant. She supported them l)v her own labor, putting forth every effort in her power to advance their welfare and happiness and during the evening of her days she found a pleasant home with her son John \V., passing away at his residence on the 25th of March, 1892. She was then laid to rest by the side of her twin sister, Rebecca, who died on the 25th of March, 184Q. Mr-;, (iraves was a daughter of Ze- bulon ti. Cantrell, who settled in Waynes- ville, Illinois, in the spring of 1832. Her mother bore the maiden name of Sarah McCollam, and both were natives of Vir- ginia, the father's birtii liaving there oc- curred on the 29th of June, 1773, while his wife was born February 8, 1779. They were married August 31, 1797, and removed from the Old Dominion to Kentucky, and after- ward to Ohio. Having spent some time in the last named state, they then came to Illinois, settling in Sangamon county, in 1833, and in 1834 they removed to DeWitt county. Mr. Cantrell died at Waynesville, Illinois, September 11, 1845, 'i"d ''•'s wife passed away on the 26th of May, 1843. John W. Graves pursued his education in the public schools. In his early youth he went to Wisconsin and at the age of four- teen years he enlisted in his country's ser- vice as a member of Company K, Forty- sixth Wisconsin \'olunteer Infantry, being nuistered in on the 22d of February, 1865. He remained with the army until after the close of hostilities and was honorably dis- charged on the loth of October, 1865. Fol- lowing his militarjf experience he entered Galesville University of Wisconsin and was graduated in the class of 1869. He then engaged in teaching school for two years, after which he entered the employ of the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad in the capacity of fireman. He left that service in the fall of 1873 and removed to Centralia, Illinois, where he entered the employ of the Illinois C'entral Railroad Company in a similar position, continuing witli that cor- poration until the spring of 1877, when he came to Decatur. Here he followed carpen- tering for a short time and in 1880 he ac- cepted a position as engineer with the De- catm- Coal Company, with which he was connected when it first opened its mines. For ten years or until 1902 he was employed hv the Union Iron Works of Decatur as foreman of the wood department and then resigned his position there and opened his l)rcsent store in the month of Jiuie, 1902, for the sale of aluminum good and novelties. From the beginning he has received a lib- eral patronage and is now carrying on a successful trade. On the 8th of March, 1877, Mr. Graves was united in marriage to Miss Mattie J. Edds, a daughter of Carroll and Elizabeth Edds. Their children are Edna C, who was born February 8, 1878, and was mai- ried on Christmas Day of 1899, to Harry R. Griswold, by whom she has two chil- dren, John Carroll and Jasper Edwin ; Mat- tie .'\.. born January 9, 1883: Walter A., born August 10, 18S5 ; and Nina Hazel, born January 26, 1888. Mr. Graves is an exemplary member of Macon Lodge, No. 8, A. F. & A. M., in which he is a past master. He has been identified with tlu- fr;iternity since 1892 and 7^^ rr 'ifC-ju c L -L^i CK 3^ / PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. On 55 has thoroughly informed himself concern- ing its tenets and teachings, while in his life he embraces its beneficent principles. He also belongs to Macon Chapter, No. 21, R. A. M., and to Beaumanoir Commandery, No. 9, K. T., while of Dunham Post, No. 141, G. A. R., he is a charter member. For sixteen years he was also a member of the famous Goodman Band, being the tuba player. He was a member of the band dur- ing the period that the organization ad- vanced from a country band of sixteen mem- bers to one of more than state reputation, having a membership of forty. When he resigned in 1900 there were only four of the original members of the band still with the organization. He has always been a lover of music and his talent in this direction has been of value in musical circles in this city. In politics he is a Republican and a strong prohibitionist. There are few men of Mr. Graves' age who can boast of a military record in connection with the Civil war. The same spirit which he manifested when as a boy he responded to the country's call has always been one of his strong character- istics. Everything pertaining to the general welfare receives his endorsement and he has been a co-operant factor in many meas- ures for the public good. HUGH W. HILL. This is a utilitarian age and the man whose business is of worth to the world is he who wins success. To-day Hugh W. Hill is numbered among the capitalists and retired manufacturers of Decatur and is a venerable citizen of eighty-one years, respected and honored not only because of his success, but also because of the manner in which his prosperity has been won. He started out in life a poor boy with limited advantages, educational and otherwise, and that he is to-day numbered among the wealthy men of his adopted city is due to his own well directed and enterprising ef- forts. He has been a resident of Macon county for many years and no history of this section of the state would be complete without mention of his life. Mr. Hill was born in North Carolina, on the i8th day of July, 1822, and of that state his parents, John and Asenath (Andrews) Hill, were also natives. In 1835 the father removed with his family from North Caro- lina to the new state of Missouri, casting in his lot with the pioneer settlers of that locality. There he spent his remaining days, passing away in the year 1851. His wife, however, had died prior to the family's removal from North Carolina, her death having occurred in 1824. In the usual manner of farmer lads Hugh \V. Hill was reared. He worked in the fields from the time of early spring planting until crops were harvested in the autumn and it was only for a brief period during the winter months that he was enabled to pur- sue his education. He mastered the com- mon branches of learning in a log school house, to which he was compelled to walk for a distance of three miles, returning in the same manner each evening. He was a youth of only thirteen years when his father removed to Missouri and there he assisted in the arduous task of developing a new farm in the timber, sharing with the others in the family in the hardships and trials inci- dent to frontier life. It was in the year i860 that Mr. Hill came to Illinois, locating first in Bond county, where he remained for eighteen months. In February, 1866, he came to Macon county and was first identified with farming and stock-raising here. As he had no capital with which to purchase land he leased a farm located about nine miles from Decatur and with characteristic energy he began the cultiva- tion of crops that he might provide a liv- ing for himself and family. For eight years he remained upon that, land, devoting his '2JG PAST A.\U PRESENT OF MACOX COUNTY. energies lo general farming and stock- raising and while there he gave considerable attention to the breeding and raising of hogs. Certain troubles that he had with his hogs led to his success in business life. His hogs would root and he felt that he was compelled to resort to some measure that would prevent this as the animals were injuring his pasture lands. Becoming in- censed at a hog that was engaged in its usual delightful occupation of rooting he caught the animal and with an awl punched a hole through his snout and inserted there- in a piece of wire, after which he twisted the ends together. This proved effective for the hog could root no longer. This led to an invention which has become of world wide value and is now in universal use. Mr. Hill began studying some method which would be an easier and quicker way of ringing hogs' noses and as the result of his thoughts and e.xperimcnts he gave to the world the invention which is known as the hog ringer and which is to-day used not only extensively throughout the United States, but throughout the entire world wherever those animals are raised. Imme- diate success, however, did not follow his work, for after securing a patent on his in- vention he found some difficulty in gaining co-operation of any one with capital. He was himself without sufficient means to manufacture the ringer and place it upon the market and when he made business pro- positions to different men of capital in the locality to join him in the work he found little encouragement. At length, however, he formed a partnership with Charles P. Housum under the firm style of H. W. Hill & Company. A wide system of advertis- ing was entered upon and when the public recognized the fact that Mr. Hill possessed an article of much value to the farmers the business increased with great rapidity so that the work continued almost night and day in order to meet the demands made u])on the house. The patronage came from foreign countries as well as from all sections of the United States and the business grew to mammoth proportions, becoming one of the leading industrial concerns of Decatur. Each year the sales increased and thus Mr. Hill steadil)' added to his capital, meet- ing the success which he well merited be- cause of his perseverance, his capability and his energy. He continued in the business until 1894, when he sold his interest in the plant and retired to private life with a hand- some competence. In the meantime he had made judicious investments in real estate, becoming the owner of valuable farms in Macon county, which is situated in one of the richest agricultural districts of this entire county. His farms are highly culti- vated, being made very productive through tiling. He has placed about thirty-six miles of tiling upon his land, using pipes of four, sixteen, eighteen and twenty-four inches. His early experience in farm work has made his later labors in this direction of value and he became recognized as one of the most progressive and capable agri- culturists of Macon county. In addition to his other business concerns he has been largely interested in coal mining, becoming the owner of two mines in Decatur and another near Niantic, Macon county, from which he derives a good income. In 1843 occurred the marriage of Mr. Hill and Miss Eliza J. Stevenson and for almost sixty years they traveled life's journey together. Mrs. Hill, who was a native of North Carolina, proved a most faithful companion and helpmate to her hus- band and when she was called to the life beyond on the 30th of June, 1902, there ended a married relation that had been almost ideal. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Hill were born a son and five daughters: Clara, the wife of John Biddle ; John N., who is a prosperous farmer and dealer in live stock, controlling important agricultural interests PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 257 in Illinois ; Alice, the deceased wife of Jona- than Guess; and Catherine Asenath, who became the wife of Thomas A. Bone, a grain dealer, and died leaving three chil- dren : Virginia E., who died at the age of two years ; and Augusta, who died at the age of twenty-four years. Mr. Hill proudly cast his first vote in support of the candidates and measures of the Whig party and continued one of its advocates until the organization of the new Republican party, when he joined its ranks. He has since followed its banners and yet maintains a deep interest in its success. He has never been an aspirant for political hon- ors or office, preferring to devote his ener- gies to his business aiifairs. Although his early life was a period of earnest toil, in which he was deprived of many of the comforts and conveniences which go to make life worth the living, he is to-day one of the prosperous men of Decatur. A gen- tleman of great natural ability his success in business from the time of the establish- ment of his manufacturing enterprise was uniform and rapid. As has been truly re- marked, after all that may be done for a man in the way of giving him early oppor- tunities for obtaining the requirements which are sought in the schools and in books, he must essentially formulate, deter- mine and give shape to his own character ; and this is what Mr. Hill has done. He has persevered in the pursuit of a persistent purpose and gained the most satisfactory reward. His life is exemplary in all respects and he has ever suported those interests which are calculated to uplift and benefit humanity, while his own high moral worth is deserving of the highest commendation. WILLIAM D. CHAMBERLAIN. There is no country which oflfers as ex- cellent advantages ta young men for ad- vancement in business life as America, but while this is so, it is also a well known fact that "labor is king;" that progress in commercial or industrial circles depends upon earnest, persistent and honorable ef- fort, untiring industry, and these form the basis of the prosperity that has come to William D. Chamberlain, of Decatur, where he is now extensively engaged in the manu- facture of awnings and tents. Mr. Chamberlain was born near Chapin, Morgan county, Illinois, March 26, 1849, a son of Griffin and Elizabeth (Averitt) Chamberlain. The father was a native of Richmond, Virginia, and in 1828 became a resident of Morgan county, Illinois, remov- ing to the west with his father, whose name- sake he was. Griffin Chamberlain, Sr., en- gaged in manufacturing, conducting a large powder mill in Richmond, Virginia, before his removal to Illinois. In the family were four children, three sons and a daughter, but Peter T. Chamberlain, who is now living in Kansas, is the only survivor. The father of our subject after attaining his majority became a well known factor in business circles in this state. In connection with his father-in-law, Nathan G. Averitt, he was one of the first settlers in Harris- town township, establishing his home in the locality known as the " prairie." Mr. Chamberlain entered a quarter section of land from the government and this in course of time he brought to a high state of cultivation, transforming it into a val- uable farm. He erected thereon a fine ten room residence, also commodious out build- ings for the shelter of grain and stock and his farm was recognized as one of the best improved in the county. A year after the erection of the residence, however, it caught on fire and in his efforts to save the build- ing Mr. Chamberlain was injured and died from the eiifects in 1871, when fifty-three j^ears of age. He left a widow who is still living and two sons, William D. and James H. 258 PAST AND PRESEXT OF MACOX COUXTY. In the common schools, such as existed in the primitive days in Ilhnois, WiUiam D. Chamberlain began his education. A little later, however, several influential res- idents of Harristovvn township, desiring to have better educational facilities, leased a suitable building, employed teachers and established a private educational institution which was known as the Ilarristown high school, in which a two year's classical course might be pursued. Mr. Chamberlain availed himself of the opportunity thus afl:"orded and later he pursued a three year's course in Eureka College at Eureka, Illinois, thus be- coming a well informed man, of broad gen- eral learning. For one year he engaged in teaching school and in 1872, following the death of his father, he returned to the home farm, where in connection with his brother, James H., he engaged in agricultural pur- suits, conducting the old home place until 1877. He then purchased a half interest in a general store in Harristown, entering into partnership with his father-in-law, L F. Peck. They conducted that business for two years and, still retaining the ownership of the store, they formed a partnership with T. W. Cann and established a grocery on Water street, Decatur. This was con- ducted under the firm name of I. F. Peck & Company for three years and at the expira- tion of that period both stores were sold and the partnership was dissolved. It was at that time — in the year 1885 — that Mr. Chamberlain began the manufact- ure of mattresses for the wholesale trade. Not long afterward he extended the scope of his business by opening a department for the manufacture of awnings and tents and the trade in the latter was increased so that in course of time his entire attention was devoted to this line. His business has be- come so extensive that Decatur is now recognized as a producing center for such products. He manufactures awnings and tents of every grade and description and his sales are very extensive. The firm also rents large shipments of stock for camping purposes. He sold to Clinton one thousand chairs and has furnished chairs to various Chautauqua Association, including those of Pontiac, Bloomington, Urbana, Danville and Shelbyville. In 1903 he made extensive shipments to two Chautauqua assemblies in Illinois and to the Kentucky State Fair, also to the Chautauqua at Jackson, Mississ- ippi, and at other places. The business is now conducted under the name of the De- catur Tent & Awning Company, at No. 118 East Williams street, with William D. Chamberlain as manager. The leading partners in the enterprise are Mr. Chamber- lain and H. W. Avcritt. The business has assumed mammoth proportions and is the outcome of the enterprise, clear judgment and experience of him whose name intro- duces this review. On the loth of March, 1873, Mr. Chamber- lain was joined in wedlock to Miss Florence M. Peck, a daughter of I. F. and Mary (Cann) Peck, of Lafayette, Indiana. Mrs. Chamberlain died January 12, 1902, at the age of forty-seven years, leaving two chil- dren, Gertrude and Cecil. In his social re- lations Mr. Chamberlain is connected with Decatur Camp No. 144, M. W. A., and was one of the seventeen charter members upon its organization in 1883. He is also a charter member of the Fraternal Tribunes and he belongs to the Christian church on Edwards street in Decatur, of which he is now serving as deacon. Having spent his entire life in Illinois, he has been a witness of much of its development and progress. He can recall in his boyhood days the howling of wolves and remembers seeing deer roam upon the prairies. He also re- members the building of the Wabash Rail- road in 1854, an enterprise which elicited the interest of people throughout this por- tion of the countrv. He is now one of the ^^^^^;^^^~^y^ PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 261 prosperous residents of his adopted city and the success of his present enterprise has more than come up to his expectations. He has come to be regarded as one of the influ- ential and substantial business men of his town. His plant is well equipped and is a growing industry, but undoubtedly will in time have to undergo enlargement. He has excellent financial ability and understands the handling of men, a combination of de- sirable attributes which invariably insure success. ROBERT H. WOODCOCK. In early manhood Robert H. Woodcock became a resident of Macon county and has since been largely identified with its de- velopment, material upbuilding and business growth. He found a district in which the land was largely unimproved and its surface was dotted here and there with ponds or crossed by sloughs. Many changes have since occurred and now this is one of the richest farming districts of the state and in its midst is a thriving commercial and indus- trial center and many smaller towns show- ing great business activity. Mr. Woodcock is actively and successfully engaged in the private banking business and in real-estate dealing and in both branches is meeting with prosperity. A native of Westmoreland county, Penn- sylvania, Mr. Woodcock was born August 30, 1835, a son of Edmund and Susanna (Funk) Woodcock, the former of English lineage and the latter of German descent. From Pennsylvania the parents removed to Illinois in 1849. The father was a wagon- maker by trade and followed that pursuit in order to provide for his family, including his wife and ten children, nine of whom reached years of maturity, the subject of this re- view being the third in order of birth. Those still living are Mary, Sarah, Robert H. and Etta B. The father died in Ouincy, Illi- nois, in 1856, and the mother's death oc- curred in Carrollton, this state, at the very advanced age of ninety-five years. Robert H. Woodcock supplemented his early educational privileges by a course of study in the seminary of Greene county, Illinois, and was graduated when twenty- one years of age. After leaving school he went into a dry-goods store as bookkeeper, serving in that capacity for two years and then came to Macon county. In 1862 he took up his abode in the village of Macon, where he established a grocery store, which he conducted for three years, selling out in January, 1865. The following August he entered the employ of the Illinois Central Railroad Company as agent, being the third man to hold the position at this place, and his term continued sixteen years. Two years previous he had become agent for the American Express Company and acted in the latter capacity altogether for eighteen years. He then engaged with H. Faling for eight months in the banking business, then purchased the interest of his partner and has since engaged in the banking busi- ness, with the exception of a period of two years. He has also dealt largely in real estate, buying and selling land, and sold most of the property belonging to the Illi- nois Central Railroad Company for fifteen miles on each side of the railroad track and fifteen miles north and south. He conducts a private bank, which has a good patronage, for he is known as a most reliable man and has back of his institution ample securities. Shortly after coming to Macon county, Mr. Woodcock was married October 29, 1863, to Miss Frances J. Rives, who was born in Greene county, this state, IMarch 18, 1841. Her parents. Rev. James and Eliza- beth (Hood) Rives, were from North Caro- lina and spent their last days in Greene county, Illinois. Her father was a Repub- lican in politics and a minister of the Meth- 262 PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. odist church, taking a most active part in all church work. ]\Ir. and ^irs. Woodcock have one son, Harold R. In his political views Mr. Woodcock is an earnest Republican, active in the party, and has been honored with a number of local offices. He served as alderman of Macon for two years, was mayor one year, and for fourteen years was supervisor, one-half of which time he was chairman of the board. He has been a delegate to various county, state and congressional conventions and has exerted a strong influence in the local ranks of the party. Socially he is connected with South Macon Lodge, No. 467, A. F. & A. M., and with one exception is the oldest Mason in Macon, having joined the order at Lincoln, Illinois, in 1866. He was active in establishing the school system and his labors have been effective and helpful along many lines for the public good. When Air. Woodcock came to Macon county he made the journey on horseback over the prairies, on which the grass grew almost as high as the horse's back. There was only one house within four miles and a tract of only eighty acres was vmder cultivation at that time. He has done his full share for the develop- ment and progress of the county, has watched with interest its growth and as a pioneer citizen as well as leading business man well deserves representation in the his- torv of the countv. HAROLD RIVES WOODCOCK. Harold Rives Woodcock, who is associ- ated with his father in the banking business at Alacon, under the firm style of R. H. Woodcock & Company, was born in this town, June 6, 1871, and in the public schools acquired his literary education, while his business training was received in I'rown's Business College, of Decatur, in which he cgmpleted the course in the class of 1890. I'revious to this time, however, he had served as bookkeeper from 1887 to 1889, in the Woodcock & Hight iJank of Macon, and following the completion of his school course he became cashier in the Heilman grocery house of Decatur. In 1891 he was cashier in the R. H. Woodcock & Company Bank in Macon, and later occupied a sim- ilar position in the First National Bank at Collinsville, Illinois, from March until July, 1902. He then returned to Macon and has since been engaged in the banking business as cashier and partner, being thus associated with his father under the business style of R. H. Woodcock & Company. Politically Mr. Woodcock is connected with the Republican party, strongly en- dorsing its principles and laboring untiring- ly for its success. He has served as town clerk of Macon, and in 1899 he was elected supervisor for a two years' term. He served as chairman of the board in 1900-1 and was then re-elected for the term of 1901-2, but resigned in June of the latter year. His social relations connect him with the Ma- sonic fraternity. He was made a Mason in South Alacon Lodge, No. 467, F. & A. M. and is now a past master. He also belongs to Beacon Lodge, No. 434, K. P., of which he is a past chancellor and district deputy, and thus in both organizations he has been honored with official preferment, showing the regard in which he is held by his breth- ren of the fraternities. In 1896, in Indianapolis, Indiana, was celebrated the marriage of Harold R. Wood- cock and Miss Bertha Middleton, and they now have an interesting little son, to whom they have given the name of Rives Way. The business history of Macon would be in- complete without mention of the Wood- cocks — father and son — who are prominent and worthv representatives of financial in- terests and who in social life are also promi- nent, both families having many warm friends here. PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 263 JAMES S. C. CUSSINS, M. D. The city of Decatur, with its pulsing in- dustrial activities and rapid development, has. attracted within its confines men of marked ability and high character in the various professional lines and in this way progress has been conserved and social sta- bility fostered. He, whose name initiates this review, has gained recognition as one of the able and sticcessful physicians of the state and by his labors, his high professional attainments and his sterling characteristics has justified the respect and confidence in which he is held by the medical fraternity and the local ptiblic. He has resided in De- catur only since 1901, but for twenty-five years has been a practitioner of this part of Illinois, where he is widely and fa\orably known. The Doctor was born in the city of Zanes- ville, Ohio, on the 24th of March, 1851, a son of Samuel A. and Jane (Cairns) Cus- sins, both of whom are natives of the Buck- eye state, and the latter was a daughter of Dr. Cairns. The father of our subject learned the carpenter's trade in early life and became a contractor and builder. In 1864 he removed with his family to Deca- tur, where he became actively identified with the building interests, continuing his work along that line until a short time prior to his death. In this way he did much for the improvement of the city and many evidences of his handiwork are still seen in substantial structures here. He passed away in 1869. The Doctor was a youth of thirteen years when he accompanied his parents to this city and his youth was here passed, his early education being acquired in the schools of Decatur under the direction of Professor E. A. Gastman, a most thorough and com- petent teacher, who for more than forty years has been principal of the Decatur schools. He was also a student in the Uni- versity of Illinois for two years. On the completion of his literary course Dr. Cus- sins determined to enter upon the study of medicine, preparatory to making its prac- tice his life work. He became a student in the office and under the directioii of Drs. E. W. Moore and Ira N. Barnes, who di- rected his reading until he entered Rush Medical College of Chicago, in which in- stitution he was graduated with the class of 1877, winnitig the degree of M. D. It was in August of the same year that he entered upon his professional career as a practitioner in the little town of Owaneco, Christian county, Illinois. He soon demon- strated his ability there and gained a liberal patronage which continually grew as the years passed by. For twenty-four years he conducted practice there and then desiring a still broader field of labor he returned to Decatur in 1901, opening an office on Prairie street over the store of the Decatur Gun Company. One of the local papers said of him; 'AMth his remarkable physique and careful living, in spite of twenty-five years of hard practice, the Doctor to-day is active- ly practicing his chosen profession and en- dowed with all the energy which has char- acterized his work in the past." In January, 1878, the Doctor was united in marriage to Miss Ella Lord, of Decatur, a daughter of Thomas Lord, one of the old and prominent residents of this city and of Macon county. They began their domestic life in Owaneco and there two children were born unto them : Lelah, who died at the age of twelve years, and Minerva May. Bessie Marie and James S. C, Jr., were horn in Decatur. The Doctor and his wife oc- cupy an enviable position in social circles and their own pleasant home is noted for its cordiality and gracious hospitality. Politically the Doctor is an ardent Demo- crat and has taken quite an active and prominent part in public affairs, serving as a member of the board of supervisors in Christian county for eleven years and wms 26i PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. its chairman for eight years of that time. He was also postmaster of Owaneco dur- ing both of President Cleveland's adminis- trations. Not only has he attained success in his profession but is also a popular and promi- nent member of the Masonic fraternity, in which he has attained the Knight Templar degree. His membership is now with Lo- cust. Lodge, No. '623, F. & A. ^L; Chapter, No. 102, R. A. yi., at Taylorville, Illinois, and Beaumanoir Commandcry, No. 9, K. T., of Decatur. In the line of his profession he is connected with the Decatur Medical Society and through the interchange of thought and experience in its meetings keeps in touch with the methods which the various members of the fraternity are fol- lowing and also gives of his own know'Iedge for the benefit of his professional brethren. He has followed along the line of general practice in medicine and surgery and is recognized as a man of marked ability in his profession, of keen intellectuality and of cultured tastes. He has made an honor- able name for himself not only in pro- fessional circles, but in the community in which he makes his home and has many friends. He is a valued acquisition to the medical circles of the city, in which his boy- hood was passed and already in Decatur he has gained a liberal patronage which is in- dicative of his superior skill and of the con- fidence reposed in him by the general pub- lic. JAMES H. PARKER. It was the commonly accepted belief in olden times that labor was the source of success ; to-day the world demands another element — that of sound judgment. Both qualities are possessed by James IT. Parker, now one of the most extensive landowners of Macon county and the president of the Citizens' Bank of Maroa. With few advan- tages in youth, depending upon his own re- sources as the years have gone by, he has risen to a prominent position among the prosperous men of the county and by the most honorable and businesslike methods has gained his prosperity. A native of Ohio, he was born in 1846, a son of James S. and Rachel (Hankinson) Parker. The father, a farmer by occupation, was born in New Jersey and removed to Ohio when a young man of twenty years. In 1853 he be- came a resident of DeW'itt county, Illinois, where he purchased one hundred and si.xty acres of land, which he sold a year or two later. He then came to Macon county and purchased a tract of land west of Maroa, where he carried on farming until three or four years prior to his death, when he re- moved to the town and lived retired until called to his final rest on the 5th of May, 1880. His wife long survived him and died in 1901. This was an old and highh' re- spected couple. James H. Parker attended school in Ma- con county, but is largely self-educated, reading, observation and experience adding greatly to his knowledge. Nature also en- dowed him with a good degree of common sense — a quality very essential in the busi- ness world and too often lacking. He did not fear that laborious attention to labor which is the basis of prosperity and in his early manhood, as in his more ma- ture years, labored earnestly and per- sistently. He started out for himself at the age of twenty-one years and at first operated his father's land. The training which he had received in the work of the fields now stood him in good stead. He dili- gently and energetically carried on his work and in the course of a few years had saved enough money to purchase a farm of his own. With renewed energy he began its cultivation and as the years passed he added to his landed possessions from time to time I PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 267 until he now has about two thousand acres, mucii of which Hes within ?*Iacon county and is therefore in one of the richest farm- ing belts of the entire country. His home farm, lying west of IMaroa, comprises five hundred and forty-five acres. He formed a partnership with the man who now lives upon the place and operates it, and the re- mainder of his land he rents. His pos- sessions represent years of earnest, con- secutive toil and show what may be attained through enterprise and industry. His busi- ness interests, however, have not been con- fined entirely to agricultural pursuits Init liave gone beyond and embraced otlier fields of labor. He is now the president of the Citizens' Bank of JNIaroa, a reliable financial institution receiving a good patronage, and is also the president of The Farmers' Mer- cantile .Association. In 1871 Mr. Parker was united in mar- riage to Miss Emma A. Shaw, a daughter of William G. Shaw. They visited Chicago on their wedding journey and had just left that city when the great fire occurred. L^n- to them were born two children, but both died in infanc}'. Mr. and Mrs. Parker own and occupy one of the handsome residences of Maroa and its hospitality is one of its most marked and pleasing features. They belong to the Methodist church, taking an active part in its Avork, and Mr. Parker is a member of the blue lodge of Masons in Maroa and of the commandery of Clinton, Illinois. He also holds membership rela- tions with the Knights of Pythias here. In politics he is a Republican and once served as supervisor, but would never consent to hold other office. His best public service is rendered as a private citizen and he is found as the advocate of many pro- gressive and beneficial measures. With lit- tle assistance from his father, James H. Parker has won for himself an enviable position in financial circles and in public regard and stands to-day as one of the strong men of Maroa, the possessor of a \ery handsome competence and also of an untarnished name. CHARLES F. RUEHL. Almost a half century has passed since Charles F. Ruehl became a resident of Ma- con county. He is now a retired farmer and merchant, making his home in Decatur, and the rest which has been vouchsafed to him has been justly earned and is there- fore richly merited. It is a fact of which perhaps due recognition has not been given, that a large majority of the valued citizens of this portion of the state have had their nativity in or trace their lineage to the great German empire. Mr. Ruchl is a native of Hesse-Darmstadt, his birth having there occurred on the 31st of August, 1832. His parents, Ernst and Elizabeth Ruehl, never left the fatherland, but spent their entire lives in their native country. When their son Charles was a little lad of six years they sent him to the public schools, where he continued his studies until he reached the age of fourteen and afterward he became a student in a gymnasium which is ecjuivalent to a high school in this country. Entering upon his business career he was first em- plo3"ed as a farm hand and afterward be- came manager of an estate belonging to a nobleman, in which capacity he served for four years. He had acquired a practical knowledge of farming as it was then con- ducted in the old country and his services were of value to the gentleman by whom he was employed. The land of the free, however, was to him a source of attraction and since 1852 he has been allied with .American interests. No native son of the country is more loyal to the United States and her welfare than is Charles F. Ruehl. In 1852 he took passage on a westward-bound sailing vessel that 268 PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. weighed anchor in the harbor of Bremen bound for the port of Baltimore, Maryland. He did not tarry long, however, in the lat- ter city, but went almost at once to tlamil- ton, Ohio, and in that vicinity secured work as a farm hand. Afterward he removed to Logansport, Indiana, where for three years he followed various pursuits. In 1856 he arrived in Decatur, Illinois, and having in the meantime saved .some of hisearnings, he established a retail grocery store on Water street. For eight years he conducted the business, being one of the early merchants of the city. He then sold out and removed to Forsyth, Macon county, where he not only conducted the railroad office, but also handled grain, carrying on his store there for twenty-four years. His business grew to an important one and he realized a hand- some annual income as the result of his la- bors. While a resident of Forsyth, in 1874 he went to Iowa, where he purchased eight hundred acres of valuable land, which he rented. For some time he visited Iowa once or twice each year to superintend his property interests, but made his home in Decatur. In 1892, however, Mr. Ruehl sold his Iowa property for sixty-five dollars per acre, which was an excellent advance upon the purchase price. He is now practically liv- ing retired, loaning his money and merely devoting his attention to this work and the collection of its interest. The home life of Mr. Ruehl has been very pleasant. He married Miss Thekla Stommel and they became the parents of two chil- dren: Ernst, who is now residing in Cham- paign county, Illinois ; and Lillie, who is the \vife of Perry Lashier, of Sac county, Iowa. After the death of his first wife Mr. Ruehl wedded her sister, Otella, and four children graced this marriage, namely: Carl, who resides in Centralia, Illinois ; Louis, who is manager of a lumber yard at Freeport, Illinois; Max, a practicing physi- cian who is employed by the McCormick ^lanufacturing Company, in Chicago, Ill- inois, devoting his entire time and attention- to professional work among the McCormick employes, numbering several thousand; and Harold, who is a bookkeeper in the Citizens' National Bank of Decatur. Otto Link, who follows farming, is a son of Mrs. Ruehl's first marriage. In his political views Mr. Ruehl is an earnest Republican, but without the party bias or aggressive spirit which many polit- ical workers show. He forms his ideas in- dependently and is firm in support of his honest convictions. In matters of citizenship he has always been loyal and true to the best interests of the city, state and nation. He may well be termed one of the pioneers of Macon county, for through almost a half century he has witnessed its growth and development. He has seen Decatur grow from a small town to one of the leading met- ropolitan centers of the state, becoming an industrial city second to none in Illinois, save Chicago. He has a wide acquaintance throughout the county and wherever he has gone he has won friends, who recognize his worth and accord him their warm re- gard. WILLIAM CLARK. William Clark, who is engaged in the real estate business in Decatur, has resided in this city since February, 1890, previous to which time he was for some years connected with agricultural interests in Illinois. His birth occurred in Clinton county, Pennsyl- vania, on the 27th of April, 1827, his parents being William and Sarah (Hayes) Clark, who were natives of the Keystone state. The family is of English lineage, but both the father and grandfather of our subject were born in this country. The grandfather also bore the name of William Clark and he was a soldier of the Revolutionary war, enlisting at the asre of sixteen vears. He PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 269 did valiant service for the country and after- ward devoted his energies to agricultural pursuits. The father of our subject was also a farmer by occupation. He followed that pursuit in Pennsylvania throughout his entire life and in 1847 he passed away, being then sixty-five years of age. In early manhood he had wedded Miss Sarah Hayes, who was of Scotch-Irish extraction and who was also a native of Pennsylvania. She proved to her husband a faithful companion and helpmate on life's journey, and her death occurred in 1850. At the usual age William Clark entered the public schools and afterward attended a subscription school, thus fitting himself for teaching. He followed that profession in his localit}'- for a number of years and also continued to engage in the operation of the old home farm during the periods of vaca- tion. He continued to reside in Pennsyl- vania until 1856, when he came to Illinois, locating first in Kendall county, where he secured a tract of land and successfully en- gaged in farming. After a period of twenty years he went to Mecklenburg county, Vir- ginia, spending a few months in the Old Dominion. Preferring Illinois, however, as a place of residence, he then returned to this state and located in Champaign county, where he purchased a farm, which he owned and operated for eighteen years. He was a progressive agriculturist and everything about his place indicated his personal super- vision. Neatness and thrift characterized the farm and he annually harvested good crops as the result of the care and labor which he bestowed upon the fields. In Feb- ruary, 1890, however, he rented his farm and removed to Decatur, where he has since made his home, residing at No. 619 West Wood street. For some time he has en- gaged in the real estate and fire insurance business here and has secured a good client- age in both lines, having- negotiated a num- ber of realty transfers and at the same time written quite a large amount of insurance. In 1855 Mr. Clark was united in marriage to Miss Charlotte Hall, of Clinton county, Pennsylvania, a daughter of Jesse Hall. They became the parents of four children: Everett Howard, v;ho is now living in west- ern Kansas ; Jesse Hall ; Minnie Belle, who is residing in Decatur, and Emma, who is now in Chicago. The parents are members of the First Presbyterian church of Deca- tur and Mr. Clark has been a stalwart Re- publican since the organization of the party, when questions of national importance are involved, but at local elections he votes in- dependently. His residence in Illinois cov- ers a period of almost a half century and his labors aided in making this state the splen- did agricultural district which it is to-day. His many admirable characteristics, his steadfastness of purpose and the genialty of his temperament have made him an integral part of the prosperity and general develop- ment of the communities in which he has made his home. WILLIAM B. HUNTER. Throughout the years of his manhood this gentleman has been actively identified with the agricultural and industrial interests of Macon county and is to-day a prosperous citizen of IMount Zion, where for the past three years he has engaged in the nursery business, owning a one-third interest in the Mount Zion Nursery. He claims Illinois as his native state, his birth occurring in Bond county, November 25, 1850. His father, James B. Hunter, was born in Ken- tucky and at an early day came to Illinois, being engaged in farming in Macon county for some years. He entered the army dur- ing the Civil war as a member of Company I, One Hundred and sixteenth Illinois Vol- unteer Infantry and when hostilities ceased 270 PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. he returned to this state, where he regided for a time, but is now living in Arkansas. He married Miss Nancy Griggs, and to them were born four children, as follows: Jennie, wife of Henry Eruit, of Decatur; Emma, wife of Jackson Hanks, also of De- catur; Lucy, wife of Thomas Elker, who makes his home in California, and William B., of this review. William B. Hunter spent his boyhood and youth upon a farm and in 1862 began earn- ing his own livelihood. For three years he was employed on a farm near Elwin and then came to Mount Zion township, where he worked as a farm hand by the month until he had accumulated sufficient capital to buy a tract of land and engage in farming on his own account. For a short period during his early life he was employed as a clerk in a general store but with that ex- ception his time and attention have been wholly devoted to agricultural pursuits, in which line he has prospered, becoming owner of over four hundred acres of rich and arable land in this county. In con- nection with his farming operations he has been engaged in the nursery business for the past three years in partnership with E. K. Hurlbert and George Spitler and this venture has been a success from the start. Mr. Hunter is a man of untiring disposi- tion, and although safe and conservative in his business methods, he is yet energetic and progressive, and to these elements in his character he owes his success in life for he started out for himself with no capital and has made his way in the world unaided from the age of twelve years. In politics he is a Democrat but at local elections gen- erally votes independent of party lines, en- deavoring to support the best man for the office. NOAH D. MYERS, M. D. One of the most prominent and successful physicians and surgeons now engaged in practice in Decatur is Dr. Noah D. Myers, who has that love for and devotion to his profession which have won him a place among the ablest representatives of the med- ical fraternity in this section of the state. The Doctor was born in Fountain county, Indiana, Februar}' 17, 1843. His grand- father, Jacob Myers, was a resident of North Carolina and in the spring of i8n removed to Indiana. He found that the red men were so numerous at that time that he con- sidered it unsafe to reside in such close proximity to them and, accordingly, re- turned to the south. In 1829, however, he again ventured to the frontier and remained a resident of Indiana until his death. John Myers, the father of our subject, was also born in North Carolina and died April I, 1903, at the residence of the Doctor in De- catur. He wedded Catherine Fine, who died in 1892, at the age of seventy-nine years. Both were of German lineage. In their family were eleven children, of whom four are now living, namely: Noah D. ; Peter, who resides in Gila, Illinois; Susanna, the wife of M. M. Sowers, of Gila; Amanda C, who is the wife of J. A. Sanders, of Covington, Indiana. Upon the home farm in his native state Dr. Myers spent the days of his boyhood and youth. He attended the public schools and he worked in the first steam sawmill in his locality, this having been erected by his father near Wallace in Fountain county. Later he became a student in Harmonia College at Russellville, Indiana, and subse- quently matriculated in the State Univer- sity at Bloomington, Indiana, where he pur- sued a scientific course. With broad gen- eral knowledge to serve as the foundation upon which to rear the superstructure of professional learning, he took up the study of medicine in the office and under the di- rection of Dr. A. T. Steele, of Waveland, Indiana, and in 1870 he became a student in Rush Medical College of Chicago, but that ■ ■ 1 ■ HHH IP':; • ^^^.. -^m- ^H^^H^^^H H Vii^^^^^^^^^^^^^^l ^■•:. .'•i5.,,i.>">-:' ^9b^^ I* 1 K^^g^^^^^^^^B • { 1 ^ |M 1 l-'i|^^H iim ■ -.^..^.. ai ^^H 1 B ^^^^^^^^^/^;^^H ^ jfl K^^^£.'^ ^^^^^^f^^mi^^M HI 1 1 ^K^^^^^M H^l Hi 1 1^1 cf.^ Jk )S (A^vyL/ry& PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 273 institution was burned during the great Chi- cago lire in 1871 and Dr. Myers therefore completed his course in the medical college of Ohio at Cincinnati, where he was grad- uated with the class of 1872. Being now well equipped for his chosen profession the Doctor opened an office in Veedersburg, Indiana, where he remained for a short time, removing then to Browns Valley in the same state. In 1874 he came to Illinois, locating at Gila, Jasper county. He built the first house in the village there and prac- ticed in that locality for thirteen years, having a large country practice which was of a varied and important character. In 1887, however, desiring a broader scope for his labors, he came to Decatur, where he has since carried on general practice and has won for himself a place among the lead- ing and successful physicians of the city. He belongs to the Decatur Medical Society and the members of the medical fraternity acknowledge his worth and capability. In 1873 Dr. Mj'ers was united in mar- riage to Miss I\[attie J. Ward, a daughter of Samuel and Sarah (ISIusgrove) Ward, of Parke county, Indiana. They now have four children : Bessie Lee, the wife of W. H. Peters; Minnie M.; Lulu P., the wife of William A. Shorb ; and Merle M. The Doctor is a valued representative of the Masonic fraternity. He was made a Mason in 1889 in Ionic Lodge, No. 312, F. & A. M., with which he is still affiliated. He is also a member of the Order of the Eastern Star and holds membership rela- tions with the Modern Woodmen of Amer- ica ; the Fraternal Tribunes and the Yeo- manry. His political support has ever been given to the Democracy and he has taken an active part in politics. He was a member of the pension board during President Cleveland's administration. The Doctor deserves credit for what he has accom- plished. He earned a portion of the funds necessary for his college expenses as a "Hoosier schoohiiaster" in the rural dis- tricts of Indiana. He has throughout hiS" professional career advanced steadily by reason of his close application, his zeal and interest in his work and his broad study and thorough investigation. He is con- nected with a calling wherein advancement is won through merit and it is because of his capability that he is justly regarded as a prominent practitioner here. IRA N. BARNES, A. M., M. D. Dr. Ira N. Barnes was born in Claremont, New Hampshire, December 19, 1829, and was the youngest of the five children born to Ira Norton Barnes and Harriet Eastman. His father died when he was four months old. He spent his youth attending school in his native town and at an early age became a clerk in a drug store. He fitted for col- lege at Kimball Union Academy, Meriden, New Hampshire, and entered Dartmouth College in 1851, graduating therefrom in 1855 with the degree of A. B. He was a classmate of the late Nelson Dingley, of tariff fame, and of Chief Justice Field of the superior court of Massachusetts. He first came to Decatur in November, 185S, and spent the following year in the drug business with his brother, the late Dr. W. A. Barnes. In 1858 he received the degree of Master of Arts from Dartmouth College and in the same year attended his first course of medical lectures at Dartmouth Medical College and read medicine with Drs. Dixi Crosby and E. R. Peaslee at Han- over, New Hampshire. He spent the sum- mer of 1859 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, attending the clinics at the hospitals and in the autumn of the same year matriculated at the Jefferson ^Medical College and grad- uated therefrom in March, 1862. He then located in Decatur, Illinois, and formed a partnership with the late Dr. E. W. Moore an PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. for llie practice of medicine, which conliii- ued for t'lirty-si.x years. In 1863 he was commissioned as surgeon of the One Hundred and Sixteenth Regi- ment, Illinois Volunteers, which was at- tached during the whole war to the First Brigade, Second Division of General Sher- man's famous Fifteenth Army Corps. He served with his regiment at the various bat- tles around Vicksburg, Champion Hills and Jackson, Mississippi, -Missionary Ridge, Kenesaw Mountain and Atlanta, Georgia. February 22, 1864, he was appointed sur- geon in chief of the Second Division, Fif- teenth Army Corps, on the staff of Brigadier General Morgan L. Smith. He was on the famous march to the sea and at the storm- ing of Fort McAllister, Georgia, and thence marched through the Carolinas and Virginia to Washington, D. C, where with his regiment he took part in the grand re- view and was mustered out of the service June 9, 1865, by reason of the close of the war. He married Diantha G. Sargent, of Clare- mont. New Hampshire, September 25, 1861, who died May 10, 1879. One son was born. Dr. Lynn M. Barnes, who graduated at Harvard University in 1896 and at Harvard Medical School in 1900, and is now a prac- titioner of medicine. At Decatur, Illinois, July 8, 1886, Dr. Barnes was again mar- ried, his second union being with Mary Wilder. Dr. Barnes is an honored and respected resident of Decatur, where he has practiced for so many years, becoming the loved fam- ily physician in various households. Man's worth in the world is determined by his use- fulness — by what he has accomplished for his fellow men — and he is certainly deserv- ing of the greatest honor and regard whose efforts have been of the greatest benefit to his fellow citizens. Judged by this stand- ard Dr. Barnes may well be accounted one ol the distinguished residents of Decatur, for throughout his professional career, cov- ering many decades, his labors have been of a most hel|)ful nature. Certainly his life work has been of the greatest practical ben- efit and the world is better for his having lived. Although he is now seventy-four years of age he is yet connected with affairs of moment to the city of Decatur, where he has long made his home, although in recent years he has retired from the active prosecu- tion of his profession. J. \V. WILLIAMS. Prominent among the successful men of Friends Creek township must be numbered J. W. Williams, who is known far and wide as a breeder and shipper of thoroughbred Poland-China hogs. His home is on sec- tion 17, about two and a half miles west of Cisco. He was born in this township in 1859, his parents being Jackson and Lavina Williams. His father's birth occurred in Ross county, Ohio, in 1826, and in that state he spent his boyhood and youth. He commenced life for himself by working as a farm hand by the month. On leaving Ohio, he came to Macon county, Illinois, in a one-horse buggy and settled in Friends Creek township, becoming one of its pioneers. Throughout his active business life he gave considerable attention to the raising of stock, making a specialty of hogs, and he became quite well-to-do, owning three hundred acres of land at the time of his death, which occurred in 1901. His wife, who came to this county when only nine years old, is still living, and continues to reside on the old home place. During his boyhood J. W. Williams at- tended the public schools of Friends Creek township and under the able guidance of his father he early became familiar with the best methods of farming and stock-raising, which he has continued to follow up to the PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 275 present time with marked success. At the age of twenty-three years he commenced operating a part of his father's place and in 1885 he pvirchased one hundred and ten acres on section 17, Friends Creek township, where he now lives, paying for the same forty-four dollars and a quarter per acre. This land was entered by his grandfather, who at one time owned twenty-five hun- dred acres of land in this locality. Our sub- ject has made ail of the improvements upon his place. He has a good hog barn, well equipped for breeding purposes and has one of the best systems of water works in cen- tral Illinois. There is running water in eight different lots, a gasoline engine for pumping the water and over one thousand feet of pipe have already been laid. Mr. Williams is fast gaining a wide reputation as a breeder of fine thoroughbred hogs and ' for the past five years he has shipped forty hogs annually to different parts of the United States. He raises pumpkins, which mixed with mill feed he considers the very best feed for breeding purposes and he also feeds his hogs oats and corn in equal pro- portions. He uses all the grain raised on his own place. As previously stated his specialty is thoroughbred Poland-China hogs and he now has some fine males, four of whom are from Chief Perfection, the Second, which was sold for forty thousand dollars, that being the highest price ever paid for a hog in the world. He was owned by a stock company in Indiana. Air. Will- iams owns hogs by Top Chief, a half inter- est in which was sold for twenty-five thou- sand dollars and he also has five hogs by Perfection Bloom, No. 53037, which is at the head of his herd. He also has some fine sows, sired by T. C. U. S., which is one of the greatest show hogs in the world and is owned by Burgess Brothers of Bement, Illinois. Mr. Williams aims to get as good a constitution in a hog as possible to guard against disease and he tried to develop both bone and muscle. In 1890 was celebrated his marriage to Miss Alice Piper, who was born in Decatur and is a daughter of Edmond and Sarah (Querrey) Piper. They have one child, Zora, who was born November 17, 1893. Mrs. Williams is a member of the Presby- terian church and our subject belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at Cisco. He votes with the Democratic party but takes no active part in politics, preferring to give his entire time and attention to his business interests. He is a man of marked ability and executive force and has met with most excellent success in the occupation to which he devotes his energies. He is quite popular personally and makes friends easily. LOUIS A. MILLS. Louis A. Mills is numbered among the members of the bar of Macon county and is now successfully practicing in Decatur with offices at No. 507 Millikin Building, in this city. He was born in Putnam county, Illi- nois, on the 15th of October, 1864, and is a son of Joseph and Mary E. (Merritt) Mills. The father was a native of Pennsylvania and in the year 1845 ^^^t the east for Illinois. He established his home in Putnam county, where he secured a tract of land and carried on farming for many years, being a well known and respected agriculturist of that community. He died in 1884 at the age of forty-three years and is still survived by his wife. In their family were six children, namely : Jessie L. ; Louis A. ; Mary ArT villa ; Mabel, the wife of S. E. Walker, of Decatur; Elizabeth, the wife of O. W. Daw- son, of this city; and Maud, the wife of C. F. Parker, a resident of Julesburg, Colo- rado. It is a noticeable fact that the great ma- jority of men who have become prominent S76 PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. and successful in cuinmercial, industrial and professional circles have spent their early years upon farms and from the free and outdoor life they gain the strength and steadfastness of purpose which enables them to cope with the strenuous duties that come during their connection with other fields of lahor in later yeais. -Mr. Mills was a farmer boy in his youth and attended the country schools near his home. After acquiring his j)roliniinary education he became a student in the Decatur high school and later pur- sued a course in Lincoln University. For a time he resided in this city and afterward went to South Dakota to look after his father's interests in that state, his father's death having occurred there. Upon return- ing to Illinois Mr. Mills of this review be- came a student in the office of the firm of Mills Brothers of Decatur, the partners be- ing Isaac R. and Andrew H. Mills. When he had continued his reading until his knowledge of the law was broad and com- prehensive he was admitted to the bar in 1890 and became a member of the firm of Mills Brothers, thus joining his old pre- ceptors. In 1893 he became associated with the Columbia Manufacturing Company as a- partner and on the 1st of May, 1896, he formed a partnership with J. R. Fitzgerald for the practice of law with offices in the Millikin Building. He has since carried on general practice and has been connected -with considerable important litigation in the courts of this district. During the year 1898 he was appointed assignee for the Farmers' Bank and is still acting as such. In 1889 Mr. Mills was united in marriage to Miss Anna Hill, a granddaughter of H. "W. Hill, by whom she was reared. They now have two children: Margaret and Walker H. Socially Mr. Mills is a Mason, having been initiated into the order in Ma- con Lodge, No. 8, F. & A. M., in 1894. He has since taken the Royal Arch degree in Macon Chapter, No. 21, R. A. M. ; and be- longs to Beaumanoir Commandery, No. 9, K. T. He has a general law practice and a good law library, with the contents of which he has made himself familiar. While yet a young man he has taken high rank among the attorneys of Decatur and the position which he has gained through meritorious endeavor is an enviable one. D. E. DENISE. D. E. Dcnise, one of the representative young farmers of Illini township, residing on section i, was born in Middletown, Ohio, on the i6th of August, 1871, and is a son of Garrett G. and Rebecca (Brown) Denise, who are now living on a farm east of Ma- roa in this county. The paternal grand- father was a native of Pennsylvania, where his ancestors located on coming to America at an early day. The mother of our sub- ject was born in Ohio and is of English lineage. During his early life Garrett G. Dcnise was engaged in the dry goods and clothing business at Middletown, Ohio, but since coming to Illinois in 1884 he has turned his attention to agricultural pursuits, purchasing a farm of eighty acres in Macon county, which he still owns and operates. The subject of this review was a lad of thirteen years when he accompanied his pa- rents on their removal to the Prairie state and Macon county has since been his home. He received a good practical education in the district schools and afterward entered Mann's Commercial College at Dayton, Ohio, where he pursued a commercial and banking course and was graduated in 1893. After leaving that institution he engaged in bookkeeping in Dayton for a time but in 1894 returned home and has since devoted his energies mainly to farming, though he has other interests. He has taken general statistics of thunder storms in a territory covering Macon and DeWitt counties, mak- "HOMAS DA/IS MRS THOMAS DAVIS PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 281 ing a scientific demonstration of the laws and nature of lightning, and he takes a deep interest in demonstrating the utility and efficacy of good roads rightly constructed for the preservation of life and property. On the 6th of October, 1896, Mr. Denise led to the marriage altar Miss Grace Corn- well, whose parents are William and Mar- tha (Nichols) Cornwell, the former of Eng- lish and German descent and the latter of Irish origin. Mrs. Denise acquired her early education in the country schools of Macon county and later attended the Normal School at Decatur. Prior to her marriage she successfully engaged in teaching school in this county for two years. Unto our subject and his wite have been born four children, namely : Chester Leone, who was born July 8, 1897, and died July i, 1899; Harold Edward, born July 11, 1899; Gar- rett William, born Way 13, 1901 ; and Rob- ert Arnold, born March 4, 1903. The family have a nice home where hospitality reigns supreme and i\Ir. Denise is regarded as one of the leading young men of his locality. He is a member of the Presbyterian church of ]\raroa and is an ardent Republican in his political views. He has efficiently served as school trustee and takes an active inter- est in any measure for the public good. THOMAS DAVIS. Fifty-six years have passed since tliis gentleman arrived in INIacon count)" and he is justly numbered among her lion- ored pioneers and representative citizens. Throughout the years of his active business life he was prominently identified with her agricultural interests, but is now living n retired life on section 27, South Macon township. His is an honorable record of a self-made man, who has not only won a handsome competence through his own well directed efforts but has also gained the con- fidence of those with whom he has come in contact by his upright life. Mr. Davis was born on the 12th of Sep- tember, 1819, in an old log cabin in Wash- ington county, Pennsylvania, which was de- stroyed by fire when he was nine years of age. His parents, George and Hester (Wheelman) Davis, were natives of the same county, the former born in 1774 and the latter in 1778. The father was a brick- maker by trade and in connection with that occupation he also operated a farm in Washington county. He died when our subject was only nine years old but his wife survived him for some years, passing away at Belleville, Pennsylvania, at the age of sixty-five. They had a family of seven children, but only our subject and his sister Mary Jane are now living, the latter being the widow of John Craft and a resident of Millsboro, Pennsylvania. Among the earliest recollections of our subject is that of the old log house in which he was bon\ with its puncheon floor and large fireplace around which the family would gather in the evening when the day's work was done. The school which he at- tended was also built of logs, with greased paper windows, slab seats and other prim- itive furniture. It stood on Coon Island and was known as the Coon Island school in those days. After the death of his father Mr. Davis commenced learning the cooper's trade with Joshua Stoolfire, with whom he remained until he attained his majority, and then went to Licking county, Ohio, where he commenced work for his employer's brother, Jacob Stoolfire, a farmer and ex- tensive sheep raiser. During the five months in his employ he saved some money, which he invested in sheep and put them out to feed on shares. He next rented a farm near Zanesville, Ohio, for one year and engaged in sheep raising. Selling his property in the Buckeye state, Mr. Davis came to Illinois on the 30th of 282 PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. December, 1847, '"iJ ''^ partnership willi Philo Buckingham bought a flock of sheep at Todd's Point, where they spent the win- ter, and then rented what was known as the Hale farm in South Macon township, this county, consisting of fourteen hundred acres. Here they commenced sheep raising in earnest and in a short time had between six and eight hundred sheep. This business they successfully carried on together for twelve years, under the firm name of Davis & Buckingham, becoming the largest buy- ers and shippers in their line in this part of the country, and when Mr. Buckingham died at the end of that time he was suc- ceeded by his father, who passed away a few years later and was in turn succeeded by his youngest son, James Buckingham. Subsequently Mr. Davis purchased the lat- ter's interest in the business, which he car- ried on alone and under his own name until his retirement. There was a time when he did not know how much he was worth or what amount of land the firm possessed, as they had taken up property in various parts of the country on land warrants and had sheep and cattle on every farm. In April, i860, he removed from the Hale farm to his present place of residence in South Ma- con township, where he owned a whole sec- tion of land, besides several other farms, but he has since disposed of most of his prop- erty, keeping only one hundred and sixty acres in the home place, eighty acres in Nebraska and some city property in De- catur. Besides this, however, he holds mortgages on a large amount of property tliroughout the country. About twelve years ago he sold out the sheep business, but continued to engage in general farm- ing, stock-raising and the buying and sell- ing of horses and mules for some time, gradually disposing of his business and landed interests, and for the past two years he has practically lived retired on his farm. Mr. Davis was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Rogers, also a native of Wash- ington county, Pennsylvania, who died about fourteen months later, and the only child born of that union died in infancy. Mr. Davis subsequently married his first wife's sister, Miss Margaret Rogers, who was born June 3, 1824, and by whom he had two children, but the)-, too, died in infancy. Mrs. Davis is the youngest in a family of ten children and the only survivor. Her parents were Francis and Elizabeth (Hupp) Rogers, the former a native of Ireland and the latter of Washington county, Pennsyl- vania. The family lived in that county prior to the Revolutionary war and it was sometimes ^necessary for them, together with the other early settlers, to seek pro- tection from the Indians in block houses that had been erected for that purpose. Mr. and Mrs. Rogers both died and were buried on the old home farm in the Keystone state. When Mr. Davis came to this county he found the homes of the early settlers widely scattered, most of them being from eight to ten miles apart, and much of this region was then under water and seemed unfit for cultivation, but as the years have passed it has been transformed into fine farms which are the homes of a happy and prosperous people. In the work of improvement he has ever borne his part and has aided in the building of schoolhouses and supported the first school law introduced in the state, though he had no children to receive any benefit therefrom. For many years he ef- ficiently served as school director and also filled the office of road commissioner. Po- litically he is now a Populist. He is one of the distinguished and honored residents of Macon county and his history contains many elements well worthy of emulation. He has passed the eighty-fourth milestone on life's journey and now receives the ven- eration and respect which should ever be accorded those who have advanced thus far. PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 283 ROBERT F. KINCAID. History is no longer an account of battles fought or won, or peoples conquered and of lands destroyed by large armies, but has be- come the record of the work of an enlight- ened people who put forth their best ener- gies to utilize the natural resources of a country and to promote business activity so that the general welfare will be advanced as well as individual prosperity. Robert F. Kincaid was one well known in the business circles of Decatur and his activity and en- ergy was so directed along honorable lines that he gained the good will and confidence of his fellow men. He was known as one of the pioneer settlers of Decatur ior he located here in 1850, finding a village, which bore little resemblance to the present splen- did city of to-day. He became connected with its business interests and spent his remaining days here. Mr. Kincaid was a native of Kentucky, born on the 26th of July, 1847, his parents being Asa and Margaret (House) Kincaid, who were likewise natives of the Blue Grass state. They removed to Macon county, Illinois, about 1850 and settled upon a farm in Decatur township, where they resided throughout their remaining days, the father being engaged in general farming. He was among the early settlers of this locality who shared in the work which was necessary in laying the foundation for the present devel- opment of the county. Hardships and trials were endured but as the years passed the comforts and accessories known to the older portions of the country were introduced here. Both the parents spent their remain- ing days in the old homestead in Decatur township and there they reared their family of eight children, but only four of the num- ber are now living, namely: Oliver W., who is a retired farmer residing at 865 East Williams street, Decatur; Charles, who is employed in a furniture house in Chicago ; David, who is farming near Decatur; and Nellie, the wife of William Stearns, a farmer living near Lincoln, Nebraska. Robert F. Kincaid was but an infant when his parents came to Macon county and on the old homestead farm he was reared. His mind bore the impress of many of the historic annals of the county and he could relate many interesting incidents of the early days. He attended the district schools through the winter months and in the sum- mer aided in the work of plowing, planting and harvesting until on leaving home he came to the city and opened a meat market. For many years he conducted this business, enjoying a large trade. He always made it a point to carry a good line of meat and in his dealings he was not only straightfor- ward and honorable, but was also obliging and very courteous in his treatment of his fellow men. After long years connection with that trade he sold his market and be- gan taking contracts for street work, which business occupied his time and attention until his demise. In was in Decatur on the 26th of June, 1876, that Mr. Kincaid was united in mar- riage to Miss Libbie Robinson, a native of Ashland county, Ohio, born on the ist of October, 1855, a daughter of Charles H. and Margaret (Bowman) Robinson, both of whom were natives of Ohio, whence they came to Macon county at a very early day. The father was a farmer by occupation and after following that pursuit for many years in this locality he lived a retired life in Maroa until called to his final rest. Both he and his wife died in that village. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Kincaid were born six chil- dren : Bertha, now deceased ; Robert, who died at the age of eighteen years ; Hattie and Walter, both at home ; one that died in infancy unnamed ; and Charles Wilbur, who died in childhood. Mr. Kincaid passed away on the ist of May, 1906. His business career was crowned with success for gradually he added to his pos- 284 PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. sessions, his iiiifaltcrinj,'' application and his unremitting diligence bringing to him the financial reward which always comes as the logical result of such efforts. He was never an office seeker, but he gave a stalwart sup- port to the Democracy. He held member- ship in the Masonic lodge of Decatur and his life e.xemplified the spirit of fraternity, which is based u])on mutual helpfulness and brotherly kindness. His widow and chil- dren now lia\o a nice home at No. 907 East Eldorado street and in addition J\Irs. Kin- caid owns a large business block near her residence, which she rents, the income sup- plying her with many of the comforts of life. The world passed favorable judgment upon Robert !■'. Kincaid in the early years of his manhood and never saw occasion to set aside or modify this judgment, because in all life's relations he was a true man, having due regard ft^r upright princi])les and for his obligations of citizenship. He cared more for his reputation than for wel- fare, more for the regard of his fellow men than for distinguished social position and to his family, because of his upright life, he left the priceless heritage of an untarnished name. As long as those who knew him re- main he will be held in grateful remem- brance by the citizens of Decatur as well as by his immediate family. C. R. BAUER. A work devoted to the past as well as the present of Macon county should not fail to make reference to C. R. Bauer, who was a highly respected farmer of the county and one whose life record would bear the closest investigation and scrutiny for at all times it was guided by honorable and manly prin- ciples. Pennsylvania was the state of his nativity, his birth having occurred there, in Northampton county, near Nazareth, No- vember 26, 1S47. Plis parents were William and Lydia (Miller) liauer, alscj natives of the Keystone state and of German descent. The father was a farmer and weaver and owned a tract of land in Northampton coun- ty, which he continued to cultivate until his death, which occurred when he was fifty- four )-ears of age. His wife died of apoplexy many years ago. In their family were eight children, of whom C. R. Bauer was the fifth. These are Marietta A.; James, who lives on the homestead farm ; Aaron, of South Beth- leham, Pennsylvania; Lucy, who lives in Nazareth: C. R., of this review; Polly, who died in infancy; Josiah T., who owns and conducts a drug store in Stonington, Illi- nois ; and Andrew, who died in Rising City, Nebraska. In the district schools of his native state C. R. Bauer pursued his education but his privileges in that direction were very lim- ited as he was early thrown upon his own resources and had to earn his living by working upon a farm in Ohio. He also spent one year as an employe in a shoeshop in Tiffin, Ohio. About 1868 he came to Illi- nois and began working on a farm in Chris- tian county, while in the winter months he again followed the shoemaker's trade. He was thus employed until 1876, when he re- turned to his native state and visited the Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia. After his return he purchased forty acres of land in Stonington township and when he had cultivated it for a time he sold that and purchased two hundred and forty acres in Mosquito township, Christian county, which remained in his possession until his demise and which is now rented, the family enjoying a good income therefrom. In his farm work he was very active and energetic and his labors resulted in the production of good crops which found a ready sale on the market. On the nth of February, 1877, Mr. Bauer sought a companion and helpmate on life's journev and was married to Miss .Mice K. inns, a native of Morgan county, Illinois. Four children blessed this marriage but two are now deceased, those living being Leroy and Ethel. After his first marriage Mr. Trimmer lo- cated north of Boiling Springs in Hickory Point township, where he rented a farm for two years, and then rented another place west of Forsyth for the same length of time, (joing to Iowa in 1872, he pur- chased land and engaged in farming there for fi\-e years, but at the end of that time he sold out and returned to Macon county, purchasing the Jacob Cross farm in Harris- town townsiiip, where his first wife died. After his second marriage he rented that ])lace and removed to his father's farm in Hickory Point townshi]), where he lived for three years. The following three years were spent in Maroa and at the end of that time he purchased fifteen acres of land just west of Decatur, where he resided for three years. On disposing of that place he re- moved to Piatl county. Illinois, where he bought a farm and o])erated it for four years.- His next purchase consisted of a tract north of Decatur, where he resided for one year and then sold, buying a small farm south- west of the cit\-. When he sold the latter property he purchased a part of his father's farm nn section 27, Hickory Point town- shi]), where he has since lived. He has made a lumiber of valuable and useful improve- ments upon the place, including the erec- tion of a new l)arn in 1903. This farm has been in ])ossession of the family since 1862, I PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 293 when our subject's father purchased a quar- ter section of land on section 27, Hickory I'oint township, which has since been equally divided between Abraham and his brother Daniel \\'. Politically our subject is identified with the Republican party. During the fifty years that ha\e come and gone since he first came to iMacon county he has seen wonderful changes made in this section of the state and he can relate many interesting incidents of pioneer life. The first home of the fam- ily in this region was an old log cabin very poorly constructed. At one time while his mother was ill in bed a black snake dropped down through the boards of the loft right over her head. William Trimmer, the second son, used to assist his mother in the household duties before the only daughter was old enough to aid her and he became quite proficient in spinning and weaving. The other sons worked with their father in the fields, and when in the employ of others they would bring their wages home to assist in the support of the family, as thev were in limited circumstances on com- ing to this state. As time passed, however, they prospered and became quite well-to- do. Wherever known the members of this family are held in high regard and they have many friends throughout their adopted county. JOSEPH F. TRIMMER. Joseph F. Trimmer, who resides on sec- tion 25, Hickory Point township, is a worthy representative of the farming and stock- raising interests of Macon county. The neat and thrifty appearance of his farm ])lainly indicates the supervision of a care- ful and painstaking owner who thoroughly understands the vocation he follows and a business man of more than ordinary ability and executive force. IMr. Trimmer was born in Perry county, Pennsylvania, March 2, 1845, 1-"-'^ in June, 1853, came to Macon county, Illinois, with his parents, Joseph and Catharine (Fet- row ) Trimmer, making the journey in a cov- ered wagon. His early life was passed amid pioneer surroundings and his education was begun in an old log school house. Later he attended the district school which was established near his boyhood home and when not in school aided in the work of the farm, thus gaining a good practical knowdedge of the occupation which he has made his life work. At the age of seventeen years he donned the blue uniform of the northern army and was in the service for one year, under the command of Captain William W. Mattox and Colonel Stephen- son, the founder of the Grand Army of the Republic. He participated in the engage- ment at Nashville, Tennessee, and at the close of the war was honorably discharged in August, 1865. After his return home, Mr. Trimmer worked for his father one year, and then went to Monticello, Illinois, where the fol- lowing year was passed, after which he spent two years at home. In 1871 he went to Madison county, Iowa, where he pur- chased land and engaged in general farm- ing for some time. While residing there Mr. Trimmer was married on the 4th of February, 1874, to Miss Diantha Henry, a native of Missouri and a daughter of Sam- uel and Catharine (Walter) Henry, both of whom are now deceased, the former hav- ing died at the age of eighty-four and the latter at the age of eighty. The children born to our subject and his wife are as fol- lows: Minnie, now the wife of Peter Keister, of Hickory Point township ; Will- iam, who died at the age of twenty-one; Roe, at home ; Clara, wdio is living with her aunt, Mary E. Henry; and Ora, Florence and Pearl, all at home. All were born in Iowa with the exception of the two young- est. 294 PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. In 1888 Mr. Trimmer returned to this county and purchased his present farm on section 25, Hickory Point township, con- sisting of one hundred and twenty acres of choice land, partly tiled and under culti- vation. Since locating here he has remod- eled all the buildings, erected a new barn and made many other improvements which add greatU^ to the value and attractive ap- pearance of the place. In connection with the general farming he is engaged in stock- raising to some extent, making a specialty of shorthorn cattle. At national elections Mr. Trimmer always supports the Republican party, but at local elections where no issue is involved he votes for the men whom he believes best qualified to fill the offices regardless of party tfes. He has served as school director and takes a deep interest in educational affairs. Fra- ternally he is a member of Durham Post, No. 141, G. A. R., and he stands high in the esteem of his fellow citizens. JOHN P. TRIMMER. John P. Trimmer, another son of Joseph and Catharine (Fetrow) Trimmer, was born on Christmas day, 1853, in this county in an old log house that stood south of foscph Rite's farm, his birth occurring the year of the arrival of the family in Macon county. ITc was reared and educated in much the usual manner of farmer boys of his day, and after reaching man's estate he engaged in farming here for many years, but in 1902 he and his family removed to Louisiana, where he is now operating a rice planlalioii and is also engaged in gen- eral farming. He married i\Iiss Clara Stephenson, by whom he had seven chil- dren, those still living being Ina, Joseph Ren, Orril, Harlcv, Katie and Jimmy. FRANK W. LEHN. Among the young men of enterprise and perseverance who are devoting their atten- tion to agricultural pursuits and are meet- ing with success in their chosen calling is Frank \V. Lehn, who owns and operates a good farm on section 12, Illini township. A native of Macon county, he was born in that township on the 17th of February, 1879, and is the third in order of birth in a family of six sons, five of whom are still living, their parents being John P. and Tabitha (Jones) Lehn, both natives of Car- lisle, Cumberland county, Pennsylvania. The father came to Illinois in 1856 and lo- cated in Illini township, Macon county, where he worked by the month for a time. He took the first forty dollars which he earned to Decatur but the banking con- cern there refused to accept so small a de- posit. Later he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land on section 12, Illini town- .ship, from the Illinois Central Railroad Company, paying fifteen dollars per acre. As time passed he prospered in his farming operations and was able to add to his landed possessions until he owned five hundred and sixty acres of land in this county, now worth seventy-five thousaiul dollars. He made many excellent improvements upon the place, which is still owned and occupied by his widow, who is now fifty-six years of age. Mr. Lehn died January 14, 1899, hon- ored and respected by all who knew him. Frank ^^^ Lehn passed his boyhood and youth ui)on the home farm and early ac- quired an excellent knowledge of those duties which fall to the lot of the agricult- urist. He pur'^ucd his studies at Rolling school, which acquired its name by being moved so often, the building having been formerly used as a store and church. Later our subject attended Brown's Business Col- lege at Decatur for six month's during the school year of 1895-96, and for three months / in 1897. He commenced farming for him- t^^ PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 297 self upon his mother's place, which he oper- ated for two years, and then removed to his present farm of eighty acres on section 12, lUini township. The improvements he has made upon the place have amounted to twenty-five hundred dollars, and he now has one of the most desirable farms of its size in the county. In politics Mr. Lehn is inde- pendent and he has never sought or cared for office. On the i8th of December, 1901, he mar- ried Miss Ada Moore, a daughter of Francis M. and Emma R. (Metlen) Moore, in whose family were eight children, four sons and four daughters, all living. Her parents make their home near Newton, Jasper county, Illinois. During his boyhood her grandfather, Alexander F. Metlen, walked from Pennsylvania to Illinois and in due time acquired a farm at Hickory Point, where he is still living at the age of seventy- two years. Mrs. Lehn is the oldest in her father's family and was educated in the Dingman and Stringtown schools near Ni- antic, Illinois. GEORGE B. SHORT. George B. Short, an old and honored resident of Maroa township and a veteran of the Mexican war, was born on the 12th of August, 1826, in St. Clair county, Illinois, his parents being William B. and Nancy (Hill) Short, who died and were buried south of Belleville, Illinois. During the boyhood of our subject this state was large- ly wild and unimproved and game of all kinds abounded, furnishing the pioneers with most of their meat. He has seen the prairies transformed into fine farms, while industrial and commercial interests have been introduced and thus towns have be- come thriving cities. In the work of prog- ress he has borne his part and has been particularly active as a representative of the agricultural community. Mr. Short received his early education in the district schools near Belleville, but his school privileges were limited and the knowledge there acquired has been greatly supplemented by reading, observation and experience in later years. In 1848 he com- menced farming upon a tract of two hun- dred and six acres in St. Clair county, Illi- nois, given him by- his father, turning the first furrow upon that land, which was a wild tract when it came into his possession. To the improvement and cultivation of that farm he devoted his energies until 1863. when he came to Macon county and pur- chased his present farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Maroa township. He has improved his place by the erection of good and substantial buildings and the planting of trees, and in connection with general farming he carries on stock-raising. On the 19th of December, 1848, he was united in marriage to Miss Mary Emeline Stookey, who died leaving one child, Bar- bara, now the wife of Peter Bowler, who is living at Jerseyville, Jersey county, Illinois. Mr. Short was again married September 30, 1866, his second union being with Miss Sarah E. Thrift, by whom he has had six children, namely ; Isalina ; James Monroe ; Lottie; Elizabeth, who died in infancy; Henrietta ; and Golda. During the Mexican war Mr. Short put aside all personal interests and entered the United States army as a member of the Second Illinois Volunteers under Captain Lemon and Colonel Bissel. He was in the service five months and now receives a pen- sion of twelve dollars per month from the government. In religious faith he is a Bap- tist and in politics a Democrat. His life has been one of industry and usefulness and he has won the confidence and respect of all with whom he has been brought in con- tact. 298 PAST A\I) I'RESEXT OF MACON COUNTY. BENJAMIN l". Sir.LlA', M. D. There are few men who live longer in the remembrance and kindly regard of those with whom they have been associated than the physician. He holds a peculiarly close relation with his patrons because in time of illness all masks are cast aside and the true nature shines forth, it is certain that there has been no medical ])ractitioner of Macon county who has more justly been numbered among her honored and leading citizens than was Dr. Sibley. He practiced here for thirty years and not only maintained a foremost ])lace in the ranks of the medical fraternity because of his skill and rdiility, but also in the public regard because of his conscientious life, his career being such as to merit the confidence and good will of all with whom he came in contact. Dr. Siblej' was a native of .Ashford, Wind- ham county, Connecticut, born on the 8th oi April, 1827. His parents were Samuel and Hannah (Harvvood) Sibley, both of whom were of Scotch lineage. The father, however, was born in Massachusetts, while the mother's birth occurred in the Charter Oak state. Removing to Connecticut, Sam- uel Sibley carried on agricultural pursuits there for many years. His wife died when thirty-eight years of age, leaving a family of eight children, of whom six reached adult age. It is a noticeable fact that many of the men who have become most prominent in political, military, professional and com- mercial life have spent their boyhood days upon farms. They seem there to gain the strength of mind and body necessary to cope with the arduous duties of a career in cities. Dr. Sibley passed his boyhood days in the usual manner of farmer lads, working in the fields when not engaged in the duties of the schoolroom. He began his education in the district schools and when a youth of sixteen he entered the W'ilbraham Academy, where he spent two years, being graduated in that institution at the age of eighteen. He did not care to make the occupation to which he had been reared a life work, but instead sought a profes- sional field of labor and began preparation for the practice of medicine, becoming a student in Long Island, New York, with Dr. Louis Sibley, his brother, as his pre- ceptor. For three years he continued his reading there and then in order to further I)erfect his knowledge he entered the Berk- shire Medical College, in which he com- pleted the prescribed course at the age of twenty-three. Dr. ."^ibky was well e(|ui])])ed for the practice of his chosen profession and, more- over, he had not only a comprehensive knowledge of the science of medicine, but possessed also a broad humanitarian spirit and a deep human sympathy without which success in this line can never be achieved. Opening an office in New York, he there remained for five years, following which he established an office in Erie, Pennsylvania. On leaving the latter city in 1856 he came io Decatur. In the meantime, however, he had investigated the subject of Home- opathy and became convinced that its meth- ods were better calculated to check the ravages of disease and restore health than those in use by the .Allopathic schools. He was one of the first Homeopathic physicians in Illinois. He spent the winter of 1858-9 in attending a course of lectures in the Homeojjathic Medical College of St. Louis, He found new patients in Macon county as the years jiasscd by and his skill in cop- ing with the intricate ])roblems that contin- ually face the physician was demonstrated. His was a ]xUicnlarly tender and sympa- thetic nature and also a cheery presence that made his visit like a ray of sunshine in the sickroom. He was always encourag- ing and ho])cful and these elements in his professional career were strong ones in his success. .\t the time of the Civil war he PAST AXD PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 299 rendered important duty to his country as surg-eon of the Twenty-first Illinois In- fantry, which was General Cranl's first command. In Ithaca, New York, in 1850. Dr. Sibley led to the marriage altar Miss Fannie Cole, who was born in .Genoa, New York, on the nth of July, 1824, a daughter of Azor and Fannie ( Locke) Cole, who were likewise natives of the Empire state. The father engaged in merchandising in Genoa and both he and his wife died in New York. The Doctor and his wife became the parents of four children : Minnie Ella, who was the wife of Charles Simmons, of St. Louis, Mis- souri, and died December 11, 1889; Gene- vieve, who died in infancy ; A\'illiam S., who was born in i860, married Miss Anna Pur- sell, and is now employed in the Patterson shops of Peoria, Illinois; and Fannie E., who is the wife of William Slater. She is now employed as a clerk in the general store of Linn & Scruggs, of Decatur, and makes her home with her mother. After establishing his residence in this city Dr. Sibley enjoyed a large practice of an important character and one that brought to him good financial return. He voted with the Democracy in his later years, although in early life he was a stanch .Abo- litionist and, when the Republican party was formed to prevent the further exten- sion of slavery, he joined its ranks, casting his ballot for its presidential candidates from 1856 until 1872. In the latter year he s.upported Horace Greeley and afterward voted with the Democracy. He was for six years a member of the board of health of Decatur and was county physician for two years. He belonged to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, to the Grand Army of the Republic, but his attention was chiefly given to his practice and for some time he was a member of the firm of Sib- ley & Wood, of Decatur. \\'hatever per- tained to public progress and improvement received his endorsement and many times his active and helpful co-operation. He passed away January 9, 1899. Who can measure the regret that was felt throughout the community in homes where his labors were so beneficial. He was known and honored far and wide. He always kept in touch with the best methods of medical practice and was conscientious in his work, following closely the strictest .professional ethics. Many a poor family has reason to bless his memory and wherever known he was held in high esteem, because the qviali- ties of his manhood were in keeping with the highest principles. He left to his family a nice residence at No. 424 Morgan street, in Decatur, where Mrs. Sibley and her daugh- ter now reside. His unswerving purpose, his unquestioned fidelity, his tmfaltering honesty and his unchangingwill commanded the highest respect of all. He was a be- lie\-er of the cause of liberty, of freedom and of progress and his hearty co-operation was ever given to that which tends to ele- \'ate mankind. CLEMENT C. WALTERS. In the legal profession which embraces manv of the most brilliant minds of the nation it is difficult to win a name and a place of prominence. Many aspire but few attain. In commercial life one may start out on a more elevated plane than others ; he might enter into a business already es- tablished and carry it still further forward, but this is not trtie in the case of the law- ver. He must commence at the initial point, must plead and win his first case and work his way upward by ability, gaining his reputation and success by merit. It is in this way that Mr. Walters has become well known as an able lawyer of the Macon county bar, practicing in Decatur, where he maintains his residence. .\ native of Indiana, Mr. Walters was born 300 PAST AXI) l'Ki:SK.\T ()F aIAC(JX COL'XTV. near Lafayette, in Tippecanoe county, Sep- tember 22, 1867, his parents being Samuel and Barbara (Rutter) Walters, both of whom were natives of Ohio. Both the \\'al- ters and Rutter families came originally from I'ennsylvania, however. Soon after their marriage the parents of our subject removed from the Buckeye state to Indiana and the father died when the son Clement was only about a year old, leaving to the widow the care of their eight children. She bravely took up the difficult task that awaited her and supported her growing children by her own hands, washing or doing other work that would yield a living for the little ones. She made every personal sacrifice possible in order to provide well for them, and gave them good advantages, and to-day Clement C. Walters speaks with pride of her struggles and takes great satisfaction in providing for her comfort':, surrounding her in his own home with all that can go to make life pleas.int for her. She is now living, at the age of seventy-two years — a most highly esteemed lady. The children of the family are Simon ; Florence, who is the wife of John V. Boyles ; Angeline, the wife of Orace F. Cole; Frank; Lewis; Mark; Clement C. ; and Orsamus, who died at the age of nine years. After the death of her first husband Mrs. Walters married Jacob Tidrow, and in 1875 they started with their household goods and three children of the mother's first marriage for Kansas, intending to pro- ceed across the country to that state. On reaching Macon county, however, they were so well pleased with the locality that they decided to go no farther and Mrs. Tidrow purchased a tract of land near Rea's Bridge, seven miles northeast of Decatur. There she founded the new home of the family and began the cultivation and improvement of her land. . The first home of the family was a log structure, but afterward she built a more commodious and modern residence. Clement C. \\'alters was a lad of about eight years when he accompanied his mother and step-father to Illinois. Soon after arriving here he began to work out, earning at first ten dollars per month by chopping wood through the winter seasons. He was thus deprived, however, of educa- tional privileges. He continued to work in this manner until twenty-one years of age, by which time he had managed to save from his earnings some three hundred dol- lars, lie then determined to use this amount in the acquirement of a needed edu- cation. He devoted long hours to diligent study and after seven and a half months he had qualified himself in such a way that he was granted a teacher's certificate. He then engaged in teaching for four terms in the Peck district and with the money thus earned he was able to further pursue his own studies, taking a scientific course in Bushnell College. Before the completion of the entire course, however, he was stricken with malarial fever. After his re- covery he studied evenings in order to make up for the time during his illness and thus was able to complete his course at the regu- lar season and secure a first grade teacher's certificate. Mr. Walters soon became recog- nized as a capable and successful educator. He taught for four terms in the Walnut Grove district and one term in the Enter- prise district. It was with the greatest re- luctancy that the directors of the school ac- cepted his resignation when he determined to devote his energies to the study of law, preparatory to making its practice his life work. Before he had completed his last two terms of school he had begun the stitdy of law in the periods of vacation and on re- signing his position as teacher he entered the office of M. C. Outten and Henry P. Page of Decatur, as a law student. Not long afterward Mr. Page died and Mr. Outten considered Mr. Walter's services so valu- able that he secured him as an assistant .^Jb ; c.^^-c-^'^y^ ^y/ ^ PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 303 on a salary before he had been admitted to the bar. Later Mr. Outten formed a part- nership with Frank C. Roby, and Mr. Wal- ters continued with the new firm during the years 1896, 1897 and 1898. In 1896, however, he was admitted to the bar. In 1899 he was elected city attorney and dis- charged the duties of the position so accept- ably that in 1901 he was re-elected on the Republican ticket. On the 15th of October, 1900, he formed a partnership with Jacob H. Latham, under the firm style of Wal- ters & Latham, which association has since been continued. Mr. Walters has made a specialty of abstract law and is particu- larly proficient along this line. He has had a large clientage and has been so suc- cessful at the bar in recent years that he lias had funds sufficient to invest in other business lines. He built a large grain ele- vator at Rosemond, Illinois, in 1901, at a cost of three thousand dollars, and supplied with all modern and improved machinery for grinding. This elevator has a capacrty of twelve thousand bushels of grain and the business is now managed by Mr. Walter's brother, Lewis. On the 6th of August, 1898, occurred the marriage of Mr. Walters and Miss Emma Hebel, a daughter of John and Phillippena Hebel. They have an interesting little daughter, Ruth Lucile. Fraternally Mr. Walters is connected with Macon Lodge, No. 8, A. F. & A. M. He also belongs to Decatur Lodge, No. 65, I. O. O. F. ; Cheva- lier Bayard Lodge, No. 189, K. P. ; Decatur Camp, No. 144, M. W. A. ; the Fraternal Army of America ; the Court of Honor ; and Rathbone Sisters. He also takes a deep interest in the moral development of the communuity as one of the trustees of the Christian church and is a director in the Young Alen's Christian Association. He is a man of broad ideas and humane tendencies and he enjoys the high esteem of the com- munity in which he is now an honored citi- zen. He is a scholar of cultivated tastes and thus has become a favorite companion with the brighest minds of the city. WILLIAM F. BUSHER. Those who were residents of Decatur when William F. Busher arrived in this city almost a half century ago can remember him as a humble shoemaker, working at the bench, mending shoes and doing other such tasks as fell to his lot. To-day he is a cap- italist, living retired from labor, for his life of industry and strict and imswerving in- tegrity, combined with perseverance and unremitting diligence, brought to him a handsome competence. He is a native son of the fatherland. Much of the civilization of the world has come from the Teutonic race. Continually moving westward, they have taken with them the enterprise and advancement of their eastern homes and have become valued and useful citizens of various localities. In this country espe- cially have they demonstrated their power to adapt themselves to new circumstances, retaining at the same time their progress- iveness and energy, and have become loyal and devoted citizens, true to the institutions of the " land of the free" and untiring in promotion of all that will prove of benefit to their adopted country. The German ele- ment in America forms an important part of American citizenship, and while they cannot attain to the highest civil office in the gift of the people they have given ample evidence of their power to sustain and up- hold the government of the republic and to become the factors in various communities to whom the locality owes its progress and prosperity. When William F. Busher was born in the kingdom of Hanover, Germany, in De- cember, 1831, his parents might have dreamed of a brilliant future for their little 304 PAST AXD I'RESEXT OF MACON COL'XTY. son, l)Ut it is safe to say tliat they never thought that he would one day become one of the foremost citizens of an enteqirising metropolitan center of Illinois. lit.' has, however, been associated with Decatur for almost a half century and his name occupies a conspicuous place on the i)ages of its commercial history. His ]>arcnts, Freder- ick and Dorothy (Reinier) Bu.sher, were both natives of Germany and the father was a farmer b\- occupation, to which ])ursuit he devoted the best years of his life. Both he and his wife passed away in the father- land. In the usual manner of farm lads of that district and jjcriod William 1'". Bnsher was reared. He attended the common schools, acquiring a good knowledge of the German language and the branches therein taught and also a fair knowledge of the English tongue, .-\ttracted by the business ])0ssibilities of the new world he came to the United States and in 1849 landed at Bal- timore, Maryland, whence he proceeded by rail and canal to Pittsburg and thence by steamboat to Cincinnati, Ohio. He was then in his eighteenth year and for a time he attended school in Cincinnati. Prepared lor a business career by learning the shoe- maker's trade in (iermany, during his first few months in Cincinnati he received one dollar ])er week and his board. For three years he remained in Cincinnati and then went to Indianapolis, Indiana, where he fol- lowed his trade for twelve months. On the expiration of that period he took up his abode in St. Louis, Missouri, where he worked at shoeniaking until 1853, which year witnessed his arrival in Springtield, Illinois. In that city he attended the Luth- eran College for a time and thus added to his knowledge and at the same time gained a greater proficiency in the use of the F"ng- lish tongue. The development of his char- acter was based upon firm Christian faith and the princi])Ies with which he became imbued through attendance at Sunday school and church have been potent factors in shaping his entire career. In 1855 ^^^- iJtisher came to Decatur and here he opened a shoe shop for the purpose of making and mending shoes, continuing to work on the bench until 1862. He then purchased a small stock of read}' made goods and finding that there was more ])rofit to be made in the sale of such goods than in making them he entered into part- nership with John Black and purchased c|uite a large stock. Opening their store the firm soon secured a large and growing trade and the partnership existed continu- ously from 1871 until 1881, when it was dis- st)lved by mutual consent. Mr. Busher purchased his partner's interest and for some time was alone, but afterward became associated with Walter Hutchins under the firm style of W. F. ISusher & Company. This relation was maintained for five years and then again .\Ir. Busher became sole proprietor. He was then carrying a large and carefidl)' selected stock and had an e.\- tensi\e patronage, which made the business very remunerative. ]*"or almost fiirty years he was a re])resentative of commercial in- terests in Decatur and in 1894, with a hand- some competence as the reward of his labors, he retired from mercantile life. In 1862 he had erected a good business block at 152 East Main street. It is twenty-two by eighty feet and three stories in height and this he still owns. He also has other property interests in Decatur, including a number of dwelling houses which he rents and from which he derives a good annual income. Mr. Busher has been twice married. On the 2ist of F'ehruary, 1856, he wedded Miss Louise Bekemyer of Springfield. She was born in Germany, spending the greater part of her girlhood in Prussia, but was living in the capital of Illinois at the time of her marriage. Mr. and Mrs. Busher became the parents of iour children : Walter, who died PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 305 in his twenty-first year ; Carrie, who is the wife of George P. Zeiss, of Houston, Texas ; Sophia B., who is the wife of William P. Shade, a prominent business man and mer- chant of Decatur ; and Josie, the wife of Charles Schuck, a lumber merchant of Springfield, Illinois. The wife and mother passed away in October, 1897, and in 1898 Mr. Busher was again married, his second union being with Mrs. Mary A. Jones, a most estimable lady whose value in social and benevolent circles is widely acknowl- edged. She is a member of the board of managers of the Anna B. Millikin Home, a charitable institution, and in her is vested the power of admission and dismission in connection with this home. She possesses not only rare executive ability and marked tact in dealing with the unfortunate ones of life, but also of most cordial and charming manner that has made her a favorite among her many friends. She presides with gra- cious hospitality over her own beautiful home and its good cheer is greatly enjoyed by the many who know both Mr. and Mrs. Busher in Decatur. While actively connected with business aflfairs Mr. Busher also finds time to aid in the promotion of interests calculated to benefit his city and his co-operation with movements for the general good has been far-reaching and beneficial. His fellow townsmen recognizing his worth and ability have called him to serve in the city council, of which he was a member in 1870-1. He has never been an active politician, however, and the honors of office have had little at- traction for him. Mr. Busher was among the first to erect a monument of marked beauty to the memory of his family in Greenwood cemetery. This is in the form of a mausoleum built of granite by most skilled workmen, and was constructed at a cost of several thousand dollars. About 1873 Ml"- Busher erected a fine residence built of brick and modern in all of its ap- pointments. He is now in his seventy- second year, a hale and hearty man, and though the snows of many winters rest upon his head, in spirit and interests he seems yet in his prime. He has never had occasion to regret his determination to seek a home in America for in this land where opportunity is open to all he has steadily advanced until he now occupies a foremost position as one of the wealthy and honored men of his adopted city. TITUS QUERY. .Among the energetic and successful agri- culturists of Maroa township whose success in life is due to their own well directed ef- forts may be numbered Titus Query, who now owns and operates a fine farm of two hundred acres on section 8. and the neat and thrifty appearance of the place plainly indicates his careful supervision. He was born in Ashland county, Ohio, October 10, 1850, a son of George and Mahala (Braden) Query, who are now deceased. The father died in DeWitt county, Illinois, and was buried in Maroa cemetery, but the mother was laid to rest in Rose cemetery, DeWitt county. By occupation he was a farmer. Titus Query was reared in much the usual manner of farmer boys of his day, his time being devoted to the farm work when not in school. He attended the district schools of DeWitt county and gained a good practical knowledge of the elementary branches of learning therein taught. On at- taining his majority he started out in life for himself, working five years as a farm hand for twenty to twenty-two and a half dollars per month. At the end of that time he began operating rented land and was thus engaged for eight years. At the end of that period he was able to purchase a farm of eighty acres on section 8, Maroa townshi]), where he now resides, and in 306 PAST AXD PRESENT OF MACOX COUXTY. 1892 bought anolher eighty acre tract. In partnership with his son he bonght eighty acres more in 1900, and is now the owner of a valuable tract of two hundred acres, whicli he has placed under a high state of cultivation. He raises both grain and stock and is meeting with well deserved success in his undertakings. Mr. Query was married on the 3d of Sep- tember, 1874, the lady of his choice being Miss Adeline Bennett, a daughter of Aquilla Bennett, and to them have been born eight children, one of whom died in infancy, and Perry died at the age of one year. Those still living are Calvin, Eva, Sylva, Oscar, Mahala and Israel. The family are widely and favorably known and are people of prominence in their community. In politics Mr. Query is an ardent Democrat, but never sought office. ROBERT W. HIGHT. Robert \\ . Higlit, one of the representa- tive citizens of Macon, who has laid aside business cares and is now living a retired life at his beautiful home in that village, was born in Rockbridge county, Virginia, June 21, 1830, a son of Samuel and Margaret (Rapp) Hight. On the paternal side he is of French origin, while his maternal an- cestors were of German extraction. He was quite young when his father died, and at the age of seventeen years accompanied his mother, brothers and sisters on their re- moval to Tennessee, where the family lived for two years. In 1849 they became resi- dents of Greene county, Illinois, where the mother died, and in 1855 the other mem- bers of the family came to Macon county, which has since been the home of our sub- ject. He is the oldest of six children, three of whom are still living, namely: Robert AV., James and William. Robert \\ . Hight received his education in a primitive old log school house with one log cut out for a window, slab seats and a huge fire place at one end of the building. His father being a farmer he early became familiar with the duties which fall to the lot of the agriculturist. During his boy- hood he cultivated corn with a single shovel I)low, and the first crop that he raised he marked off the ground with a marker, dropped the seed by hand and then covered it with a hoe, as in those days they had not the improved machinery now found upon the farms of the twentieth century. He has seen this county developed from a wild uncultivated prairie, covered with sloughs and ponds, and abounding in wild game of many kinds. After locating here he and his brothers bought an old settler's claim and later purchased railroad land in partnership with his brother James and a Mr. Armstrong, the tract consisting of four hundred acres. In connection with these gentlemen he engaged in farming until i860, but has been alone in business since 1865, and through his own unaided efforts he became the owner of a valuable and well improved farm of four hundred acres in Alacon township, it being one of the best in that locality. On the 23d of July, 1863, Mr. Hight was married in this county to Miss Martha J. Unroc, a native of Virginia, born February 6, 1848, who came to Illinois when a child and grew to womanhood in this county. Her parents, J. T. and Sarah (Clark) Un- roe, were both natives of Rockbridge coun- ty, Virginia, and from that state came to Macon county, Illinois, in 1855. For five years he acted as overseer of the Law- rence estate, one mile north of Pana, and later removed to Pittsburg, Crawford coun- ty, Kansas, where he purchased a farm, it being his home at the present time. His wife died there in 1890. Of the eight chil- (O ^^^^Uy-- his efforts in her behalf. He is a Demo- crat in his political views and at the present time in serving as mayor of Maroa. He brings to the discharge of his official duties the same businesslike and enterprising methods that have marked his career as an agriculturist and stock-dealer and the city is therefore enjoying a practical adminis- tration and one that is valuable in the pro- motion of its substantial progress and per- manent improvement. Mr. Allsup is a charter member of the Knights of Pythias Lodge of Maroa and is well known through- out this part of the state because of his ex- tensive business connections, his wide ac- quaintance and his social relations. He is a man of strong character, of marked in- dividuality and of sterling worth. His fel- low men respect him and the world accords him the admiration which is ever given in recognition of a purpose accomplished in accordance with methods which neither seek nor require disguise. OLIVER Z. GREENE. Since 1873 Oliver Z. Greene has been a resident of Decatur and since 1882 has been the president of the Decatur Coffin Com- pany, one of the leading industrial enter- prises of the city. He is a man of keen dis- crimination and executive force and in the control of important business enterprises has shown marked capability. The history of mankind is replete with illustrations of the fact that it is only under the pressure of adversity and the stimulus of opposition that the best and strongest in men is brought out and developed. Perhaps the .312 PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. history of no country so forcibly impresses one with this truth as the annals of our own republic and certainly in our own land the palm was awarded to New England's sturdy sons. If anything can inspire the youth of our country to ])ersistcnt, honest and laudable endeavor, it should be the life record of such men as he of whom we write, for from the age of sixteen years Oliver Z. Greene has been dependent upon his own resources and to-day is controlling enter- prises which make him a pros])erous resi- dent of his adopted cit}-. Mr. Greene was born in Pittsficld, New Hampshire, May 20, 1834. His father, Oliver P. Greene, was likewise a native of Pittsfield and was a son of Ephraim Greene, who was born in the Old Granite state and was descended from Scotch-Irish ancestry. After arriving at years of maturity Oliver P. Greene was united in marriage to Char- lotte ^1. Fay, a nati\e of Warwick, Massa- chusetts, and in their home the boyhood days of their son Oliver Z. were passed. He acquired his early education in the pub- lic schools of Pittsfield and afterward at- tended the home academy in that town im- til he reached his sixteenth year, when he began learning the carpenter's trade, ^\'hen he had largely mastered that jnirsuit he went to Lowell, Massachusetts, where he was employed as a journeyman for a year, working in two of the principal mills in that city. In 1853 he went south to Ala- bama, where he became foreman of the bridge department for the Chattanooga & Memphis Railroad Company, acceptably serving in that capacity for two years. On the expiration of that period he removed to Minneapolis, Minnesota, where he engaged in contracting and building, erecting a num- ber of dwelling houses during his four years' residence in the north. On leaving ^Minneapolis he came to Illi- nois and, establishing his home in McLean county, he engaged in general farming, car- rying on that ]>ursnit there for several years. in i86j he arrived in Macon county, Illinois,, where he has since resided, settling first at Ilarristown, a small station on the Wa- bash Railroad. There he 'engaged in the grain business and was also employed as station agent by the railroad company. Prospering in his undertakings he later sought a broader field of labor and in 1873 removed to Decatur, where he became in- terested in the Roberts Greene Company, tlu- business being conducted under partner- ship relations. The company was engaged in the manufacture of coffins, the enter- prise having been established by Robert P. Lytic, but its founder sold out soon after Mr. Greene purchased an interest in the business. \\ hen his connections with the enterprise had covered nine years the busi- ness was incorporated under the firm style of the Decatur Coffin Company, with a capital stock of eighty thousand dollars. At that time Mr. Greene was elected presi- dent, while George E. Moeller was chosen vice president and Thomas T. Roberts, sec- retary and treasurer. This business was incorporated for the purpose of manufac- turing coffins and the company entered up- on a successful career. They now have an extensive plant and ship the products of the house throughout the country from the Atlantic to the Pacific. The plant is equipped with the latest and best improved machinery, and coffins of all grades are manufactured, so that the house is able to meet the varied demands of the trade. For twenty-one years Mr, Greene has remained president of the company and much of the successful control of the industry is due to his untiring business sagacity and sound practical judgment. In 1863 Mr. Greene was united in mar- riage to Miss Clara .\. French, a native of New Hampshire and a daughter of Hiram French. Mrs. Greene is a lady of marked culture and possesses superior skill and PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 315 talent as an artist, many fine works in both portrait and landscape painting which are the result of her skill adorning the walls of their beautiful home. Unto ^Ir. and Mrs. Greene have been born two daughters : Myrtle F., who became the wife of William D. Harvey, a resident of Boston, Massachu- setts, and died in 1893 ; and Clara M., who is the wife of Kilburn H. Roby, Jr., who is teller in the National Bank of Decatur. The wife and mother died in November, 1901. She was most devoted to her family, was a faithful friend and an acceptable and conscientious member of the Congrega- tional church. Both Mr. and Mrs. Greene joined that church upon its organization and she aided materially in its upbuilding and the extension of its influence. She was also a member of the Art Club of Decatur and her charming personality made her a favorite in social, church and home circles. Mr. Greene gives his political support to the Republican party and while residing at Harristown he served for eight years as postmaster, occupying the position under the administration of Presidents Lincoln and Johnson. His substantial brick resi- dence in Decatur was erected in 1882 and in addition to this property and to his ex- tensive interests here he is the owner of good farms which he rents. In the church with which he is connected he has held of- ficial preferment and is recognized as one of its strong working members. Through the past five years Mr. Greene has spent the winter months in southern California, but throughout much of the remainder of the year he is located in Decatur, superintend- ing his important business interests. His history is the record of one who has at- tained an honorable position and marked prestige among the representative men of the middle west. With consistency it may be said that he is the architect of his own fortunes and one whose prosperity amply justifies the application of the somewhat hackneyed but most expressive title "a self- made man." ANDREW ROTHFUSS In the year 1863 Andrew Rothfuss, now deceased, became a resident of Decatur, and the business circles of the city found in him a valued addition to their ranks. He became well-to-do and his influence and en- ergy were the foundation upon which he builded his success. A native of Germany, his birth occurred on the 3d of April, 1832, his father being John Rothfuss, a native of the fatherland. There he and his wife spent their entire lives and Mr. Rothfuss engaged in general farming. He died when his son, Andrew, was but two years of age, and the mother, long surviving him, passed away in 1875. In the public schools of his native country .\ndrew Rothfuss acquired his education. He was the only member of the family that ever came to America, but when about twenty-two years of age he became imbued with a strong desire to seek his home in the new world and accordingly made arrange- ments for leaving the fatherland. Bidding adieu to friends and native country, he crossed the Atlantic and landed in the new world without funds. He had previously learned the baker's trade in Germany and after coming to the United States he trav- eled all over the country, working at his trade in many of the principal cities of America. He also followed this pursuit on different steamboats on the rivers here and finally in 1863 he came to Decatur. He then established a saloon in the old public square under the Millikin Bank and later purchased a building on the south side of the square on East Main street. There he 316 PAST AXU TRESEXT OF ^LVCOX COL'XTY. continued in the saloon business for many years. During this time .Mr. Rolhluss was mar- ried in Decatur to Miss Rosina Keck, also a native of Germany, born on the 2d of Sep- tember, 1839. Her parents always lived in Germany but three of their children came to the United States, although all are now deceased. There were live children born to Mr. and Mrs. Rothfuss : Lillian, who mar- ried Iver Phillips and died in 1901 ; Rosa, who died at the age of six years; Anna Margaret, the wife of J. Casper Bolay, who was born in Germany, Xovember 24, 1867, and is now- conducting a saloon in Decatur where he is living with his wife and two children, Andrew and William, one little boy having died in infancy ; Andrew Lewis, who died in February, 1901 ; WiW- iam Jacob, who married Miss Elma Cock- rcll and resides in Decatur, being employed in the large dry goods store of Bradley Brothers. After his marriage 2ilr. Rothfuss contin- ued in the saloon business until 1891, when he sold out to his son-in-law, Mr. Bolay, and then lived retired until his death, which occurred June 27, 1903. His wife passed away in 1879. Li his political affiliations Mr. Rothfuss was a Democrat, but never an office seeker. Both he and his wife were members of the German Lutheran church . of Decatur and he took a deep interest in the work of the church, contributing gen- erously to its support. He was a self-made man, having no capital when he came to the new world, but gradually he added to his possessions and at the time of his death he owned the business block from No. 101 to 1 1 1 inclusive on East Main street, which is on the public square and is a very val- uable piece of business property. He also owned a beautiful residence at No. 305 West Wood street, which was the family home and which is now occupied by Mr. and Mrs. J. C. Bolay. All of this property he left to his daughter .Mrs. Bolay and his son Will- iam Jacob Rothfuss. He was one of the leading and well-to-do citizens of Decatur and a very prominent representative of the German-.American citizenship in Macon count}-. BARTON S. TYLER. .\ deep feeling of sadness spread through- out Decatur when it was announced that Barton S. Tyler had passed from this life, but while those who knew him remain his memory will be cherished not so much on account of the splendid success which he achieved in business, not because he con- tributed to the improvement of the city and jjromoled its commercial activities, al- though they would make him worthy to be long remembered, but because of his life of helpfulness, of good cheer, of broad sym- pathy and his deep interest in and labors for the benefit of his fellow men. His na- ture was so kindly and genial that he won not merely regard but that deeper feeling which, call it friendship or love, binds man in close relation to his fellow men in ties which naught can sever. Thus it was that Decatur has seldom so widely and sin- cerely mourned one of her residents, but for fifty-seven years he was closely asso- ciated with the history of Macon county and there were few of its citizens who did not know .Mr. Tyler — by reputation if not personall)-. Barton S. Tyler was born on the 19th of August, 1845, on the old family homestead situated about five miles east of Decatur at what is known as .Antioch Station. His parents were the Rev. and Mrs. John W. Tyler. The father, a native of Fayette county, Kentucky, removed to Illinois at an early day and in 1836 arrived in .Macon county, casting in his lot with its pioneer settlers. He was among those who laid PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 317 broad and deep the foundation for the pres- ent development and prosperity of the county and for more than a half century he made his home within its borders, taking a deep and abiding interest in whatever pertained to the general good. His death occurred in 1888 and his wife passed away in 1892. Their family was a large one, of whom the following survive: Dr. B. B. Tyler, a prominent divine of the Christian church now located in Denver, Colorado; Rev. J. Z. Tyler, of Cleveland, Ohio ; Charles, who is living in Oklahoma; Mrs. Stephen Cook, a resident of Denver, Colo- rado ; Alice, whose home is in Des Moines, Iowa ; Mrs. Sue Odor, of Decatur ; and Mrs. J. A. Meriweather, of Decatur. Mr. Tyler of this review also had a half-brother, John, and a half-sister, Mrs. Nancy J. Hous- ley. In retrospect one can see Barton S. Tyler as a farm boy, working in the fields and meadows or attending the country schools. He was reared amid the refining influence of a good Christian home and while his edu- cational privileges did not embrace a col- lege course he learned from his parents something of far more value, for by them he was instructed in lessons of industry, honesty and of reliability. After starting out upon an independent business career he followed various occupations until he took up his abode in Decatur. In 1871 in com- pany with W. C. Armstrong and James Nicholson he made a trip overland in a wagon to the west and located in a little town in southern Kansas, but after remain- ing there for three years he returned to Macon county. He first became connected with the grain trade at Casner, where he engaged in the purchase and sale of the cereals raised in this locality. He also con- ducted a store there. Mr. Tyler finally removed to Decatur, where he was first employed by the firm of Pratt & Company. On the 5th of August, 1895, he began the grain business on his own account in partnership with T. A. Bone and on the 31st of January, 1897, the firm of B. S. Tyler & Company was incorporated with Frank Evans as a partner of the gen- tleman previously mentioned. In the spring 6f igo2 Mr. Tyler further extended the scope of his labors by becoming the senior partner in the firm of Tyler, Harney & Company, and of both business enterprises Mr. Tyler was the president up to the time of his demise. His operations in grain were extensive, annually increasing both in volume and importance. He handled and shipped very large amounts of grain and his business was so capably and wisely con- ducted that it brought to him a splendid financial return. Perhaps no representative of the grain trade in Illinois was more wide- ly known throughout the state or held in higher regard by grain dealers than was Barton S. Tyler. He was for some years actively and prominently connected with the Illinois Grain Dealers' Association, of which he was one of the founders and in the con- trol of its interests he took a most important part until about two years prior to his death, when on account of ill health he was forced to leave the active management of the asso- ciation to others. For a number of years he served as its secretary and was after- ward its president. This was an organiza- tion resulting in much benefit to grain deal- ers throughout the state and Mr. Tyler was also active in bringing about legisla- tion favorable to grain men. In all matters pertaining to the good of the grain business he was an untiring worker and on several occasions he labored for measures which he believed to be right as a matter of principle, but which he knew would be detrimerital to his personal success. In his business af- fairs he was ever guided by industry, per- severance and determination which became elements in his character in early life. He gained an unassailable reputation and no 318 PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. one ever connected with him in trade trans- actions had aught to say against his hon- esty and fair deaHng. He was entirely trust- wortliy and he would sacrifice his own in- terests rather than injure others. His life record is another proof of the old adage that honesty is the best policy, for his labors were crowned with a fair measure of suc- cess so that he left his family in very com- fortable circumstances. On the 28th of October, 1873, Mr. Tyler was united in marriage to Miss Josephine Jones, a native of Ilhnois and a daughter of Hugh and Vandalia Jones, both of whom died when Mrs. Tyler was a small child. They became the parents of four children, but Ralph, Lelah and Gussie are now de- ceased. The surviving daughter, Gertrude, is with her mother, occupying a pleasant home in Decatur, which was left to them by the husband and father. Mr. Tyler's home life was largely ideal. There was a close and most congenial companionship between himself and his wife and the activ- ities of the one were supplemented by the sympathy and encouragement of the other. With Mr. Tyler friendship was inviolable and he always maintained a most kindly at- titude to his fellow men, arising from a sin- cere interest in their welfare. He held mem- bership with the Benevolent, Protective Or- der of Elks and also with the Modern Woodmen of America. Decatur profited by his efforts and zeal in her behalf and his en- couragement and co-operation proved im- portant factors in promoting her welfare along more than one line. Mr. Tyler was largely instrumental in holding the first corn carnival of Decatur. He was the first to suggest and start the movement and labored indefatigably for its success. It be- came an event in the history of the city, to which the residents of Decatur have ever pointed with pride. With the exception of the brief period which Mr. Tyler spent in Kansas his entire life was passed in the county of his nativity and because of his many excellent traits of character he gained a wide acquaintance and the favorable re- gard of all with whom he has associated. Thus it was that his loss was deeply felt throughout the community when on the 27th of July, 1902, when nearly fifty-seven years of age, he was called to his final rest. The histor}' of the county was largely fa- miliar to him from an early period in its development and he could relate many in- teresting incidents concerning this district when it was yet upon the frontier. Perhaps no better estimate of his character could be given than the words of a business man who knew Mr. Tyler for years and who said "Bart Tyler was a man in the best sense that the term implies and I know of no bet- ter way of describing his character." JAMES N. SAMPSON. James N. Sampson, who is now success- fully engaged in farming on section 34, Friends Creek township, has had a rather eventful life. He was born in Gould, York- shire, England, in 1851, a son of John and Sarah Sampson, and when an infant lost his father, who died during the great epi- demic of cholera in that country. Our sub- ject spent his early life upon the sea, sail- ing from England, and in that way he trav- eled all over the world. At one time the ship on which he sailed was wrecked while crossing the North Sea. It was caught in a storm and sprung a leak. The sea was very high and the engines were all under water. Those on board had all given up hope when their signal of distress was seen by another steamer, which sent a life boat to their as- sistance. Mr. Sampson helped lower a life boat from their own vessel but it was smashed to pieces. A second boat was then lowered and after a great deal of difficulty all were finally taken on board the other steamer. ^^^oe^iv r PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 321 About twenty-five years ago Mr. Samp- son came to the United States and first lo- cated in Decatur, Illinois, where he acted as sewer inspector for twelve years and built the first trap that was ever used in a sewer in that city. For the past five years he has devoted his time and attention to farming, on a fine place of one hundred and sixty acres left to his wife on section 34, Friends Creek township, where he resides, and a forty acre tract just across the road from their home. There was nothing on the farm when it came into his possession, but he has erected a good, substantial resi- dence, barn and other outbuildings and now has a well improved place under a high state of cultivation. He raises grain and some stock, and in his farming operations has prospered. In 1879 ^^r. Sampson was united in mar- riage to Miss Elizabeth Hildebright, a na- tive of Friends Creek township. Her father, Henry Hildebright, was born in Hanover, Germany, in 1824, and spent the first eigh- teen years of his life in his native land. He then came to America, landing in New York. Walking across the Alleghany mountains, lie first settled in Ohio, where he worked as a coal miner for two years, and then came to Macon county, Illinois, making his home in Friends Creek township through- out the remainder of his life. In 1859 he married Miss Margaret Hetzel, who was from Berlin, Germany, and to them were born two children: Elizabeth, now Mrs. Sampson, and Mrs. Manford Beckham. The mother died in 1870, and in May, 1879, Mr. Hildebright was again married, his second union being with Mrs. Mary Bayer, who is still living. For fifty-three years he was a resident of Macon county and during that time he steadily prospered in his farming operations, owning at the time of his death four hundred acres of choice land, which was worth about fifty thousand dollars, and which has been equally divided between his daughters. After a useful and well spent life he died December 28, 1897, at the age of seventy-four years, honored and respected by all who knew him. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Sampson were born two children : Sarah, who died at the age of nine years; and Lizzie, at home. The parents are both earnest members of the Baptist church and are highly respected and esteemed by all who know them. Mr. Sampson is a Royal Arch Mason and Sir Knight and a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Modern Woodmen of America at Argenta. His po- litical support is given the men and meas- ures of the Republican party, and he takes a deep and commendable interest in the af- fairs of his adopted country. GEORGE STARE. In the history of pioneer development of Decatur mention should be made of George Stare, for he came to the present site of the city when it was all wild prairie land and from that period up to the time of his death was actively associated with business in- terests and with the early substantial de- velopment of the county. He was born in York county, Pennsylvania, in 1829, and there his boyhood and youth were passed. On leaving his native state in 1850 he went to Ohio, but the following year returned to Pennsylvania, and on again coming west in 1852 spent some time in St. Paul, Minne- sota. It was in 1853 that he first visited Decatur and the following year located permanently here. Believing that the op- portunities of the west were better than the business privileges of the east he estab- lished his home in Macon county, finding here a region in which the work of civiliza- tion and progress had scarcely begun. A few houses were scattered here and there through the district, but much of the land 322 PAST AXD PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. was still uncultivated and man}' of the now thriving towns and villages had not theu sprung into existence. Mr. Stare established the lirst planing mill in Macon county and engaged in the manufacture of lumber for some years, in partnership with his brother, the late John Stare. The product of their mill was in de- mand as the number of settlers increased and thev- did a good business. Near their plant on Cerro Gordo street, about fifteen or sixteen years ago, they made a fruitless search for natural gas, sinking from eight to nine thousand dollars in the undertaking, but the enterprises with which he was con- nected generally prospered and he left his family a handsome competency. In trade circles in Macon county he was prominently known and in all his dealings he was found to be reliable and upright. On the 6th of AJarch, 1856, Mr. Stare was united in marriage to Miss Barbara Barnett, a native of Lancaster, Pennsyl- vania, and they became the parents of five children, who are now living, namely: Wil- liam, who is engaged in the manufacture of tile at Mendota, Illinois ; Mary J., who is the widow of Henry Kreidler and is living with her mother in Decatur; Emma, the wife of A. W. Miller, of Riverside, Cali- fornia ; Eva, the wife of Frank M. Butcher, a resident of Los Angeles, California ; and Nonette, the widow of Herbert Lorraine Hovey, of Rockyford, Colorado. Besides his widow and children, Mr. Stare had sev- eral brothers and sisters living at the time of his death, these being Moses Stare, of Decatur ; Elias A. Stare, of Waukesha, Wis- consin ; Mrs. H. Kain, Mrs. Knapp, Miss Nancy Stare and Mrs. Z. T. Blaine, of De- catur; Mrs. J. Markley, of Sangamon; Mrs. E. B. Eicholtz, of St. Louis; and Mrs. Higgins, of Pawnee, Illinois. In public afifairs Mr. Stare was prominent and during his long residence in Decatur was actively identihed with every worthy enterprise. He gave an unfaltering support to the Republican party, but never sought jjolitical honors, though he was a meinber of the city council in 1873 and 1874. He was a charter member of Grace Methodist Ejjiscopal church, being originally con- nected with Stapp's Chapel, and it was mainly through his efforts that Grace church was built. He always took a very active and ])rominent part in church work, was a teacher in the Sabbath-school, and a member of the ofiticial board of the church throughout life. A man of considerable influence, he left the impress of his indi- viduality upon public thought and opinion and aided in shaping the public policy as Decatur and Macon county emerged from primitive conditions and pioneer environ- ments to take their place among the leading cities and counties of this great common- wealth. His life was upright, his actions manly and sincere and his loyalty to the public good and to straightforward prin- ciples was unquestioned. He passed away on the 5th of July, 1892, leaving behind him a memory that is cheri.shed by his many friends. .\t his death the following resolu- tions were passed. "Whereas. It has pleased Almighty God in His wise providence to take from us by death our beloved brother, George Stare, we therefore adopt the following as a tribute to his memory: "Brother Stare was a member of Grace church from the time of its organization to the day of his death. In his private char- acter and in his official capacity as trustee, steward, class leader and Sunday-school worker, he was consistent, earnest, faithful and efficient. "By his wise counsel, faithful work and generous, self-sacrificing devotion, he did much to build up the church and make it the strong organization it is. "We, the members of Grace church, greatly respected and loved Brother Stare PAST AND TRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 323 wliilc Ii\ing; we revere and cherish his memory now that he has gone from us. We feel that in his death the community has lost a highly respected, substantial and useful citizen, and we, as a church, have lost a faithful and true brother and fellow worker in the church. "We desire to assure his beloved wife, Sister Stare, and all the members of the family, that in their deepest affliction they have the sincere sympathy and earnest praj-ers of the entire members of Grace church. "Resolved, That a copy of this memorial be presented to Sister Stare.." (Signed) D. S. Shellabarger, J. G. Badenhausen, H. H. Oneal. Mrs. Stare owns a beautiful home at No. 538 North Franklin street, where she is living with her daughter, Mrs. Kreidler. ISAIAH QUERRY. Among the native sons of Macon county who have witnessed almost her entire de- velopment and growth and have aided ma- terially in its upbuilding and prosperity, especially along agricultural lines, must be numbered Isaiah Querry, who was born on the edge of the timber in Whitmore town- ship, January 6, 1839, and has spent his en- tire life in that locality. His parents were Elisha and Polly (Florey) Querry, both na- tives of Virginia and the latter a sister of Mrs. David H. Stuart who is mentioned elsewhere in this volume. In 1829 the father came west in an old prairie schooner and entered a tract of land on section 14, Whit- more township, where our subject was born. He subsequently bought more land and con- tinued his farming operations here until his death, which occurred in 1856. His wife survived him for some time and died at the age of seventy-four years. In their family were eight children, all of whom reached years of maturity and six of the number are still living, namely : Nathaniel, John, Isaiah, Loretta, Sarah and Eliza, but our subject is the only one residing in Illinois. Like most boys of his day Isaiah Querry acquired his education in a log schoolhouse and his early life was spent in a rather un- eventful manner upon the home farm. In the spring of 1861 he led to the marriage altar Miss Sarah Jane Strope, a native of Ohio, and they began their domestic life upon a rented farm near the timber, where they lived for a year and a half. At the end of that time Mr. Querry returned to the old homestead and tenderly cared for his mother during the last fourteen years of her life. Selling forty acres of the home place he bought an improved tract of eighty acres on section 11, Whitmore township, for which he paid fifty-two and one-half dollars per acre, but which is now worth one hun- dred and twenty dollars per acre, owing to the improvements he has made upon it and the rise in land values. In early days he used a single shovel plow and cut his grain with a cradle but as time has passed he has equipped his farm with the latest improved machinery and to-day has one of the model places of the locality. He has made a specialty of the raising of full blood- ed Poland-China hogs and draft horses and as a stock-raiser has met with success. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Querry have been born the following children: Mrs. Annie Burrows, now a resident of Iowa ; Mrs. Laura Mathias, of Hickory Point township, this county; Walter, who married Mabel Mathias and lives in Whitmore township; Nettie, widow of Dave Welton and a resi- dent of Argenta ; Edith, a resident of De- catur ; Rinda and Lena, both at home; and Mary, who died of consumption in the win- ter of 1902, her death being a sad blow to her parents and many friends. Politically Mr. Querry is an ardent Re- 324 PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.' publican and has once or twice been a dele- gate to the county conventions of his party. He attends the Old Settlers' reunions and takes an active interest in their meetings. P'or sixty-four years he has made his home in Macon county and has been an eye wit- ness of almost her entire development. The difference between the past and the present can scarcely be realized, even by those who have been active participants in its growth and upbuilding, and the present generation can have no conception of what was re- quired of the early settlers in transforming the wilderness into a well settled and highly cultivated country. In the work of pogress and improvement Mr. Querry has ever borne his part. FRANCIS M. LOWRY. Francis M. Lowry was for a number of years connected with agricultural interests in Illinois and did his full share in winning for the state its splendid reputation as the best agricultural district of the country. He was a native of Kentucky, born on the 2d of September, 1825, and his parents, Eli and Elizabeth (Davidson) Lowry, were also born in the Blue Grass state. In an early day they came to Illinois, establishing their home in Fayette county, where the father engaged in merchandising for several years. He afterward removed to Shelby county, Illinois, where his death occurred. The mother of our subject died during the early youth of her son and the father afterward married again and his second wife has now passed away. There were two children born of the first union who are yet living, one in Marion county, Illinois, and the other in Shelby county, this state. Francis M. Lowry received no special ad- vantages in his youth and what he ac- complished in life was due to his inherent force of character, his strong determina- tion and his unfaltering diligence. He at- tended only the common schools and after- ward learned the blacksmith's trade, while residmg in Fayette county. He did not find that occupation congenial, however, and resumed farming, which he carried on for several years in Christian county, there re- maining until 1854, when he took up his abode in Mount Auburn. There he again worked at the blacksmith's trade for a brief period, but after his marriage he resumed farming in Christian county and followed that occupation continuously throughout his business career. While living in Fayette county, Francis M. Lowry was joined in wedlock to Miss Meekey M. Grider, a native of Montgom- ery county, Illinois, born on the 24th of May, 1827. Her parents were Jackson and . Malinda (Scribner) Grider, the former a na- tive of Pennsylvania and the latter of Ten- nessee. In an early day in the development and improvement of this state Mr. Grider came to Illinois and throughout his entire life he carried on agricultural pursuits, his death occurring in Alount Auburn, Christian county. His wife passed away in Niantic, Macon county, in March, 1881. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Lowry was blessed with seven children: Andrew ]., who married Nellie Godfrey, and is a molder by trade, residing in Decatur; Mary E., the wife of Francis Smith, whose home is now in Mo- weaqua; Francis M.,who wedded Lillie Hoy- land, and is a blacksmith of Decatur; C. Edgar, who married Ollie Robbins, and is a machinist of Springfield, Illinois; Malinda, who is the wife of William P. Jones, a coal miner of Macon county ; Harriet, who is an operator for the Western Union Telegraph Company, and resides with her mother; and Martha J., who is the wife of Earl Oben- jane, of Decatur. He is employed in the Review office and his wife in the Western I'nion Telegraph office. At the time of the Civil war Mr. Lowry PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 327 donned the blue uniform of the nation and went south in defense of the Union. He was a brave and loyal soldier, ever true to the cause which he espoused, and for three years and five days he served in the army. He therein contracted the disease which caused his death on the 30th of June, 1873. He voted with the Republican party and he belonged to the United Brethren church. His life was in harmony with its teachings and its principles permeated his actions and his relations to his fellow men. He was always straightforward in his dealings and his genuine worth was acknowledged by all with whom he came in contact. After los- ing her husband Mrs. Lowry removed to the village of Niantic, where she resided until 1887, when she came to Decatur, where she has since made her home, living at No. 404 East Division street. She belongs to the United Brethren church in this city and is widely known in its circles and elsewhere in the county. CAPTAIN ROBERT P. LYTLE. For twenty-two years Captain Robert P. Lytle has been connected with the postoffice of Decatur, for twelve years serving as post- master and for the remainder of the time as assistant postmaster. He is acting in the latter capacity at the present and there has been no more trustworthy official ever connected with the mail service of this city than Air. Lytle. Born in Pennsylvania, on the 8th of July, 1837, his birthplace was in Erie county. His paternal great-grandfather was John Lytle, a soldier of the war of the Revolution. The grandfather was John Lytle and the father of our subject was Andrew Lytle. The lat- ter was born in Pennsylvania in the year 1806 and became a tanner by trade. He fol- lowed that pursuit for some years, but sub- sequently turned his attention to farming. For a number of 3'ears he served as an of- ficer in the Pennsylvania militia. In the Keystone state he was united in marriage to Miss Nancy McKay, a native of Pennsyl- vania, who died in 1892, her home being in Waterford, Pennsylvania. The father died in 1876. Captain Lytle, whose name introduces this review, is indebted to the public school system of his native city for the educational privileges he enjoyed. He afterward at- tended the Waterford Academy at Water- ford, Pennsylvania, where he pursued his studies for a year. He then accepted a clerkship in a general store owned by the Sharon Iron Company at Clay Furnace, Pennsylvania, where he remained for three years. On the expiration of that period he removed to Buffalo, New York, where he was in a commercial college during the winter of 1857-58. During the latter year he came to Illinois and settled first at New Boston in Mercer county, where he accepted a position as bookkeeper in a general store, but after the inauguration of the Civil war he could not content himself to remain in business life while his country was in dan- ger and he therefore gave up his position to enlist on the 20th of August, 1861, at Springfield, as a member of Company G, Twenty-seventh Illinois Infantry under the command of Captain Southward and Colo- nel N. B. Buford. The regiment was sent to Cairo, Illinois, in September of the same year and was assigned to General John A. McClernand's Brigade, which was composed of the Twenty-seventh, Twenty-eighth, Twenty-ninth, Thirtieth and Thirty-first of the Illinois regiments. With his com- mand Captain Lytle participated in a num- ber of engagements and skirmishes. He was present at the battle of Belmont, Mis- souri, on the 7th of November, 1861, and the regiment being detached from Mc- Clernand's Brigade and assigned to the gun- boat flotilla, participated in the siege of Island No. 10. He took part in the siege 328 Pa:?!' AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. of Corinth in June, 1862, was at Nashville, Tennessee, from September 11 to Novem- ber 23, and during this time participated in the battle of La Vergne, followed by the battle of Stone River. On the 19th and 20th of September, 1863, he was in the battle of Chickamauga and in the battle of Mission- ary Ridge on the 25th of November, 1863, at which place he was wounded in the right leg and right arm. In consequence he was sent to the hospital. When he had par- tially recovered his wounds he rejoined his regiment at Loudon, Tennessee, and par- ticipated in the battles of Rockyface Ridge, Resaca, lUunt Hickory and Kenesaw Moun- tain. In the last engagement, June 27, 1864, he lost his left arm. On the 20th of Sep- tember, 1864, he was honorably discharged and, "being mustered out of service, returned to Pennsylvania. Captain Lytle spent tlie winter of 1864-5 in the Ke3'Stone state and in the later year went to Nashville, Tennessee, in the inter- est of the American Bridge Company, re- maining in the south until the company closed up their business there. He then returned to the north and since 1866 has been a resident of Decatur. He was first; employed as a bookkeeper by William Lint- ner & Company, of this city, remaining with that house for si.x and a half years. In 1872 he organized the Decatur Coffin Company in partnership with Thomas T. Roberts, the business being carried on under the firm style of Roberts & Lytle. Thus he contin- ued in the manufacture of cofifins and cas- kets until 1875, when he sold his interest, for in that year he was appointed postmas- ter of 1 )ecatur, in which capacity he served for twelve years under various administra- tions. On the expiration of his term in 1887 he again entered commercial circles as a member of the Lytle & Eckles Hard- ware Comj^any and for five years was asso- ciated with that business. In 1893. how- ever, the firm disposed of its interests and soon afterward Captain Lytle was appointed assistant postmaster under William F. Cal- houn. His previous connection with the office and his thorough understanding of the business make him a most capable as- sistant and one who merits the highest con- fidence and regard of those with whom he is associated in an official capacity. On the i2lh of January, 1864, Mr. Lytle was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Smith of Waterford, Pennsylvania, a (laughter of George and Mary Smith. Four children were born of this union: Harry Wells, who is now in Kansas City, Mis- souri ; Frank A., of Decatur ; Robert B., who died in 1891 ; and Edith Ma)-, the wife of Craig Smith, a resident of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. Both the Captain and Mrs. Lytle are well known in Decatur and the circle of their friends is almost co-extensive with the circle of their acquaintances. They reside at No. 521 West Williams street and they are members of the First Presbyterian church, with which the Captain has been identified for more than thirty years. He takes a most active and helpful interest in everything pertaining to the progress and improvement of the church. In his political views he is a stalwart Republican and has labored earnestly for the success of the prin- ciples which he believes will best promote county, state and national w^elfare. He was for ten years chairman of the Macon County Republican Central Committee. For three years he was township and city col- lector and in these various positions has manifested the same loyalty to duty that he displays in the postoffice. He is a man of broad capal)ilities, is ever courteous and at all times is a gentleman in the truest and best sense of the term. He cares not for display nor is there about him the least shadow of mock modesty. He is a gentle- man of fine traits and thorough culture, oc- cupying a leading place in the regard of his friends as well as in official circles in De- PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 329 catur. He takes an active interest in the Grand Army and its work and is past com- mander of the post at Decatur, which was the first ever organized, this being the birth- place of the order known as the .Grand Army of the Republic. He was made senior vice commander of the department of Illinois in 1888 and has frequently been a delegate to various national encampments. DAVID PATTERSON. In reviewing this history of David Patter- son one is reminded of the words of a great New York financier, who said : "If you are not a success, don't blame the times you live in, don't blame the place you occupy, don't blame the circumstances you are sur- rounded with — lay the blame where it be- longs — to yourself. Not in time, place nor circumstance, but in the man, lies success. If you want success you must pay the price." Realizing the truth of this, Mr. Patterson has paid the price of concentrated efifort, indefatigable energy, of perseverance and well applied business principles and has won the victory which he determined to gain when he started out upon an independ- ent business career. He is to-day an ex- tensive landowner of Macon county and one of the representative citizens of Decatur. A native of Scotland, Mr. Patterson was born in Dumfrieshire, in April, 1835, a son of George Patterson, who died when the subject of this review was but six years of age. Two years later the mother also passed away and thus David was left an orphan when a little lad of eight summers. He went to live with an aunt, with whom he made his home for three years and during one year of that time he earned a small sum of money by herding cattle. 'When a youth of eleven years he began work as a farm hand and during the summer months was given some money for his services. while in the winter months he worked for his board and the privilege of attending school. It will thus be seen that his youth was a period of toil. He had few of the ad- vantages which most boys enjoy, the cares and responsibilities of life coming to him very early. After working as a farm hand for a time he secured a position as a sheep- herder in the mountains and was thus em- ployed until he was about fifteen years of age, when he determined to prepare for a trade and served an apprenticeship to a car- penter in Dumfrieshire, the man by whom he had previously been employed going as security on the apprenticeship bond. This was certainly indicative of his former faith- fulness and fidelity to the earlier employer. During his apprenticeship he also attended school for three months during the year and thus his education was completed, save that in the school of experience he has learned many valuable lessons. He attend- ed school altogether for perhaps a year, but life's practical duties have brought him knowledge that has proven of marked ben- efit in the active afifairs of life. After com- pleting a four years' apprenticeship, during which time he had become master of car- pentering, he was employed as a journey- man for a year, but business opportunities were not very great in his native land and he resolved that he would come to Amer- ica, where he hoped to have better advant- ages for advancement. Having no money, Mr. Patterson bor- rowed a sum sufficient to pay his passage across the ocean. He made the journey in a sailing vessel and seven weeks and three days had passed ere the voyage was com- pleted and anchor was dropped in the Amer- ican harbor. Mr. Patterson was then about twenty years of age — a young man resolute, determined and enterprising. Coming at once to Illinois, he located first in Sanga- mon county, where he had relatives living and soon afterward secured a position at 330 PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. the carpenter's trade in Atlanta, Logan county, where lie worked for two weeks. He then went to Buffalo Hart Grove, in Sangamon county, and afterward spent some time in Missouri, residing in Benton and in St. Clair counties of that state for si.x years, lie prospered in his work there and, making judicious investments of his money, became the owner of a good farm of three Inmdred and ten acres in St. Clair county. He not only was interested in general farming but also became quite well known as a stock-dealer. In partnership with a cousin he purchased four hundred liead of cattle in Missouri with the intention of bringing them to Illinois, where he hoped to dispose of them at an advanced price, but the speculation proved unfortunate. This was the year of the great frost in Au- gust, 1863, and he thus lost all that he had previously saved. He did not allow his losses, however, to affect his courage or his ambition, and on returning to Illinois he worked at his trade in Mount Pulaski, Lo- gan county. Later he returned to Missouri and for a year and a half followed carpenter- ing in Sedalia. At the end of that time he sold his farm property in St. Clair county and again came to Illinois. For some time thereafter his energies were devoted to the dual occupa- tion of carpentering and farming, for while working at building operations he also man- aged a farm which he had rented in Logan county. Thus he again managed to gain a start in the world and when he had won a sufficiCTit sum of money he purchased fifty-six acres of land on section 18, Austin township, whereon he resided until his re- moval to Decatur. He then put aside carpenter work in order to devote his en- tire attention to the farm and gradually he has advanced until he is to-day one of the most prosperous and extensive landowners of the county. From time to time he has added to his properly until he now owns fourteen hundred acres of land in Macon county. He erected one of the best farm residences of his township, his home being a commodious one and in the rear stand good barns and all the necessary outbuild- ings for the shelter of grain and stock. He carried on farm work along progressive lines aiul throughout his connection with that department of business was classed with the most enterprising agriculturists of the conuuunity. In 1887 he left his farm and took up his abode in the city of De- catur, where he is now engaged in real estate operations. Here he has built four residences at an average cost of five thous- and dollars, and he also owns a business lot at the corner of Church and Williams street, another at the corner of Cerro Gordo and Church streets, a house on North Ed- wards street and forty-three acres of land near the Pugh street school, all of which property he has acquired since coming to Decatur. In 1868 Mr. Patterson was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Wright, a native of Scotland, and unto them have been born three children, one of whom is now deceased. John T., who is engaged in agricultural pursuits and resides in Decatur, married Emma Christensen and has three children, one son and two daughters; David, who is also a farmer living in De- catur, married Laura Christensen, a sister of his brother's wife, and they have three children ; Joseph died at the age of four years. The mother of these children passed away in September, 1875, and in October, 1876, Mr. Patterson was joined in wedlock to Mrs. Fannie (Smith) Parks, a native of Effingham county, Illinois. In his political affiliations Mr. Patterson has always been a Democrat, but has never been an active politician. He has, however, served for a number of terms as a school director, for six years was township trustee and for two years represented his town on J^r i>/// ^/^'^'i/^zr.x PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 33S the board of supervisors. His attention, however, has chiefly been given to his busi- ness affairs and along lines of well directed effort he has achieved success that enables him to be numbered among the capitalists of his adopted county. Obstacles and diffi- culties have impeded his progress and yet he has surmounted these and gone steadily onward to the goal of prosperity. His career is that of an upright and conscien- tious business man who well merits the prosperity that has come to him. FRANK H. WHITMER. Frank H. Whitmer is one of the younger representatives of business interests in De- catur, yet is one of the most progressive and prominent. Could the citizens of a half century ago have been told that there would in the course of a few years be instituted a central system of heating for a locality, whereby heating plants in private homes could be dispensed with, the tale would have been received as the idea of a dreamer, and yet this has come to pass and to-day there is scarcely a city of any size in the United States that does not possess such a system. Frank H. Whitmer is now the general manager of the Whitmer Steam Heating & Power Plant of Decatur, which industry is classed among the most import- ant and extensive here. One of the native sons of the city, Mr. Whitmer was born February 6, 1875, and is a son of Henry M. and Anna (App) Whit- mer. The father was born in Pennsylvania near Harrisburg and was a mechanic of natural ability in that direction. In his younger years he was engaged in the manu- facture of sash and door frames. In the year 1859 he came to Decatur, finding here a small city with few industrial interests, yet giving promise' of future development. Mr. Whitmer engaged in brick contracting and met with success in his undertakings in the west. He was the only one of the family, however, to come to Illinois. In 1892, seeing an opening for the establish- ment of a new business, he established the Whitmer Steam Heating & Power Plant of Decatur and continued his connection therewith until his death, which occurred November 3, 1899, when he was sixty-four years of age. He was a man of splendid business ability and of keen discernment and his efforts proved valuable in the ex- pansion of the city and its material growth. His widow still survives him and is living in this city. They were the parents of the following named: Edward, who is a resi- dent of Jacksonville, Illinois; Alberta B., who is the wife of Harry Byrne, of Chi- cago; Howard, deceased; Cora, the wife of Arthur L. McNabb, of Decatur; and Frank H., of this review. The last named acquired his education in the public schools of Decatur and spent his youth in the usual manner of the boys of the period, enjoying the pleasures of the playground, which were alternated with school and other duties. At the age of eighteen years, however, he entered upon his business career in connection with the operation of the heating plant. The Whit- mer Steam Heating & Power Plant has fifteen thousand feet of mains and fifty thousand feet of radiation and covers seven blocks of Decatur. Seven boilers are used with a total capacity of seven hundred and forty horse power. Two teams are con- stantly employed in hauling coal, the plant using thirty tons of coal per day. Ordi- narily only five boilers of the seven are in operation. These are Babcock & Wilcox water tube boilers of one hundred and fifty horse power capacity each, and there are two Oakes fire tube boilers of one hundred horse power each and three of eighty horse power each. There is an average pressure carried of from one hundred to one hun- 334 PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. dred and fifteen pounds. The plant was established, as before stated, in 1892 by Henry M. W'hitmer, and the son Frank II. Whitmer early became interested in its workings. The business grew rapidly and in 1894 two large boilers were added, one of which is kept in reserve. Two pmnps are kept busy, supplj'ing water which is forced into two large tanks and from there is conveyed to the boilers, while two are kept in reserve. A double system is used, so tliat if one part of the plant is disabled from any cause the other can be immedi- ately put in operation. There are four reg- ular firemen and one extra fireman em- ployed and its extensive business in its vari- ous departments is under the n-^anagement of Frank H. Whitmer. The plant is now one of the most important enterprises in Decatur. In 1899 Mr. Whitmer also be- came interested as a third owner in the laundry at 147 South Water street, Decatur. For a time the owners were J. H. Rainey, E. C. Stein and F. H. Whitmer. During the first year, however, Mr. Whitmer pur- chased Mr. Rainey 's interest and the busi- ness has since been carried on under the name of the Decatur Model Laundry Com- pany. All the latest machinery necessary to enlarge and modernize the ])lant was purchased so that it is now as complete in its equipments as any establishment found in any city of the ?*Iississii)])i valley. In 1896 Mr. Whitmer was happily mar- ried to Miss Lula Alallory, a daughter of Rollin V. Mallory, of Decatur. They oc- cupy an enviable position in social circles, where the hospitality of many of the best homes in this city is graciously and freely accorded them. Mr. Whitmer became a meml)er of Chevalier liayard Lodge, No. 189, K. P.. in 1896, and he is also a member of the Iroquois Club and of the lodge of Stationary luigineers. What he has already accomplished in the business world is an in- dication of his ability and argues well for a successful future. He stands as a well known representative of industrial circles here and one whose faith in Decatur is in- dicated by his active co-operation in public measures for the general good. ROBERT TAGGART. Mr. Taggart became a resident of De- catur in 1890, but was connected with a business where acquaintances are extensive- ly and rapidly formed and thus he became widely known, enjoying in large measure the respect and confidence of those with whom he was associated so that his death was deeply deplored by many friends. Dur- ing his residence in Decatur he was pro- prietor of the Central Hotel. A native of Ireland, his birth occurred on the Emer- ald Isle, on the 15th of August, 1857, his parents, being Thomas and Martha (Kings- burj') Taggart, both of whom were natives of Ireland, whence they came to America about 1859, bringing with them their fam- ily. They settled in Xenia, Ohio, where the father secured a position as baggage master on the line of the Pennsylvania Railroad, serving in that capacity continuously until his death. His wife also died in Xenia. Robert Taggart attended school in Xenia and he was a self-educated as well as self- made man. By doing chores and little odd jobs he saved up enough money to educate himself and thus prepared for the business world. He went to Cincinnati, where he at- tended a business college for one term. Re- turning then to Xenia he there began brick- making, but continued in that work for but a short time. He afterward accepted a position as a clerk in a hotel in Xenia known as the old Corey House and thus re- ceived his first experience and training in the work which was to be the source of his income throughout the greater part of his life. He proved a jiopular clerk because PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 335 of his obliging manner, his close fidelity to duty and his devotion to the interests of those whom he served. For several years he continued as clerk in Xenia and then removed to Terre Haute, Indiana, where he still continued in the hotel business. He became manager of the N. G. Omer House and held that position for twelve years, on the expiration of which period he came to Decatur. Arriving in this city in 1890 he purchased what is known as the Central Hotel and continued to conduct it with marked success until his death. He made it an excellent hostelry which won favor with the traveling public because of the en- tertainment furnished the guests by a host who did everything in his power to pro- mote their comfort and welfare, while they were his guests. Mr. Taggart was married December 19, 1877, in Xenia, Ohio, to Miss Mary Green- wood, a native of that city and a daughter of Robert and Elizabeth (Layman) Green- wood. Her father was a native of England, but coming to America resided in early manhood in Virginia, where he was overseer of slaves. He afterward removed to Greene county. ( )hio, where he engaged in farming until his death, maj and served in (Eaereajt parts of tbe state until honorably es".- 1871. In that year Geoa^ j. Danreiswn ar- ' ■ " - - been a fac- to- ... - -.y. He first opened a butcher shop and meat maitet, enterir . ' ' - Their ._.-.--- - ;. scale, but eraduaUy tbey increased its scope in -■ . " "^ c»t the .:.- . : . :^- . ^ars the pvarmersinp was maintained, at the end of which time Mr. Elenz p. - his partner's interest, Mr. Daazeis^: ing the place of busdness now occupied bv him at 15 • ^m street. As his sons became c . . . . -cb to enter business Hie he instructed them in the trade which he had learned in ins yorrdi and gradually He has erected a lar^e business blodc in sdf, but to the surrounding agricultuial c - it furnishes a m :. ■ ■ th. .-,.--. dealers. Much oi •.... ; which he sells is secured through the b" ■ -:ock raised in Macon and ad- ji . ...?, He has a very large local trade and also sells to other tities and "owTif m Illinois, doing both a r ■ I wholesale business. It furnishes v.....^. - ment to thirty laen and the firm of G. J. I\ & Sons is to-day the most im- p^ :.£.-.: .:. this line in Decatur. In October, 1B60. Mr. Danzeisen was united in marriage to Miss Maiy Bercher. of St. Lonis. /' - ^ '^' - " ". in Germany i.- ., come the mother of the k»Dowing children : The first named wedded Miss Louise Blenz a- " " - ' - ' - ir J. married M -- . lur. In 1892 Mr. and Mi^ Danzeisen crossed the At- • nd and after an ab- - - - - . \ ears he renewed the friendships of his youth aini visited again the scenes a- h his boyhood were passed. . ,r three friends acc..:.- panied them on the trip and this visit abroad was a roost enjoyable one. Mr. PAST AXD PRESENT OF :\IACOX COL'XTY. 347 Daiizeisen and his family hold membership in the First Lutheran church and contribute generously to its support. His life record is indicative of the opportunities afforded in America to young men who are willing to work, who have determination to over- come obstacles and Avhose business methods are in harmony with the strictest com- mercial ethics. He has achieved a success of which perhaps he did not dream in his youth and at the same time he has won in trade and social circles an honorable name. WILLIAM M. BUNDY. For twelve years William M. Bundy has been engaged in business in Decatur as a dealer in sand and gravel, and, moreover, has been prominent in affairs pertaining to the city's welfare and progress, while in political circles he is recognized as an active and influential worker. At the present time he is representing his ward as a mem- ber of the city council and Decatur has profited by his interest in her behalf along many lines of progress and improvement. He was born October 9, 1856, in Decatur township in an old log house standing near the southwest corporation line of the city. This is an old historic landmark, especially interesting because Abraham Lincoln is said to have aided in its erection. Far back from the road it stands, almost hidden from view by vines in the summer time and for a quarter of a century it has been too old and broken down to be occupied as a human habitation, although for long years after it was deserted by the family it served as a shelter for stock. It was built fully seventy-five years ago and information is authentically given that the martyred presi- dent of Illinois assisted in raising this pio- neer home. The present residence of Mr. Bundy is within sight of the old house which served as his birthplace. He is a son of Elijah and Eliza Ann (Wray) Bundy. The father removed from Hendricks county, Indiana, to Macon coun- ty, Illinois, in early life and for thirty years was engaged in the operation of a sawmill, being a well known representative of indus- trial interests in this part of the state at an early day. He also engaged in farming to some extent. His father, Alfred Bundy, spent his life in Hendricks county, Indiana, where he died in 1897, at the advanced age of ninety-eight j^ears. The son, Elijah Bundy, survived him for only about two years and departed this life in 1899, at the age of sixty-five. In early manhood he had wedded Miss Eliza Ann Wray, a daughter of Hampton Wray of Kentucky. She is still living and is a most estimable lady who fully performed her mother's part in caring for her eleven children, doing everything in her power to promote their happiness and enhance their welfare. The members of the family are John, William M., Frank, Willis, Laura, Margaret, Roy, Ira and three who have passed away — James, Etta and Louis. Having spent his entire life in this city William M. Bundy has a wide acquaintance in Decatur and we feel sure many of his friends will receive with interest this rec- ord of his career. His boyhood days were quietly passed in the enjoyment of the pleasures of the playground and in the per- formance of the duties of the schoolroom. His business training was received in his father's sawmill and he assisted there in the manufacture of lumber for some time. He also worked upon the home farm, perform- ing his full share in the labors of plowing, planting and harvesting. His fitness for leadership in public affairs has long been recognized and has led to his selection for important public service. In 1885 he was elected overseer of highways and continued to fill that position for twelve consecutive years or until 1897. He was also highway 348 PAST AND PRESEXT OF MACOX COUNTY. commissioner from 1897 until 1900 and in 1901 he was elected alderman of his ward in Decatur, being at the present time a mem- ber of the city council. He exercises his official prerogatives in support of every measure for the welfare and progress of the city and his loyalty to the general good is above question. He has always been an earnest Republican, more or less active in local elections, and he believes it the duty .as well as the privilege of every American citizen to cast his ballot in support of the measures which he believes will contribute to state and national prosperity. During the past twelve years he has been engaged in the sand and gravel business in Decatur, having a large local market as well as making extensive shipments to other towns. In 1875 occurred the marriage of William M. Bundy and Miss Margaret Godett, a daughter of Joseph Godett, who was a native of Xova Scotia. Their children are Nellie, now the wife of John Perl ; Jessie 1.: William Guy; and Walter Samuel. The social relations of Mr. Bundy connect him with Chevalier Bayard Lodge No. 189, K. P. ; and Decatur Lodge No. 8, of the Loyal Americans. His life has been de- voted to his family, his friends, his political interests and his business affairs. His un- swerving purpose, his unquestioned fidelity, his unfaltering honesty and his unchanging will have commanded the highest respect of all. J. T. STUART. From pioneer times down to the present the Stuart family has been represented in Macon county and the name figures on the pages of history in connection with agricul- tural interests and with many lines of prog- ress and improvement which have led to the substantial upbuilding of this portion of the state. J. T. Stuart, of this review, was born July 23, 1836, in a log house on the old homestead in Whitmore township where he now resides, his parents being David H. and Sarah (Florey) Stuart, of whom more extended mention is made in the sketch of Oliver Stuart on another page of this vol- ume. He is the fourth in order of birth in a family of eight children and the second old- est now living. The family was established here in 1829. During his boyhood J. T. Stuart attended the subscription schools, the little temple of learning being a log structure supplied with slab benches and desks and a large fire place at one end. Leaving school at the age of eighteen he then devoted his entire time and attention to the work of the home farm, having previoush" become thoroughly fa- miliar with the same while aiding his father in the operation of the place. He has passed through all of the pioneer experiences, being forced to endure many hardships and pri- vations in common with the other early settlers. He remembers distinctly when the old wooden moldboard plows were used and in the cultivation of his corn he used the single shovel plow for many years. He has cut grain with a sickle and has used the cradle many a day. Later the old fashioned McCormick reapers came into use, these being operated by horse power. Although there were many hardships to be endured, the pioneers also had many pleasures and hospitality reigned supreme in their little cabins. The latch-string of the Stuart home was always out and it became a favorite stopping place for those traveling between Decatur and Monticello, no one ever being turned away. The Methodist people also held services here, the little congregation being seated on slab benches arranged around the room. Decatur at that time was a mere village and the county was but sparsely settled. Game was very plentiful and deer Avas often seen. Much of the coun- try was covered with ponds and sloughs and near the Stuart homestead on section a./^ PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 351 13, AMiitmore township, was much swamp- land, but it has since been tiled and drained and converted into well improved and valu- able farms. After the death of his parents our subject purchased the interest of the other heirs in the home farm, and has since bought forty acres more, making a good farm of one hundred and thirty acres, which he has placed under a high state of cultiva- tion and improved with good and substan- tial buildings, which stand as monuments to his thrift and industry. He is a very in- dustrious and energetic man and still car- ries on the farm with the assistance of his sons. In i860 Mr. Stuart was united in mar- riage to Miss Minerva Young, a daughter of Adam and Elizabeth (Shaw) Young, who were natives of Pennsylvania and early set- tlers of Whitmore township, this county, r.oth her parents are now deceased. Of the ten children born to Mr. and Mrs. Stuart seven are still living, namely: Addie, the wife of Charles Hedges, now a resident of Nebraska; William, who married Belle Funk, now deceased, and lives in Oakley township, this county ; Emily, at home ; Samuel, who married Effie Williams and resides in Iowa ; Amanda, wife of James Evans, of Marion, Indiana ; Frank, who married Nellie Reed and makes his home in Macon county; Robert, who wedded Mary Shank and lives with his father. James died at the age of sixteen years. The chil- dren all had good educational privileges and the famil}' is one of prominence in the com- munity where they reside. For twelve years ?>Ir. Stuart held the of- fice of constable and was school director in Whitmore township for ten years. He has always done all in his power to advance the interests of his locality along educational, moral and social lines, and is accounted one of the leading and valued citizens of the community where he has now made his home for over sixty-six years. JOHN A. KECK. As a representative of the manufactur- ing interests of Decatur John A. Keck has become well known. The avenues of activ- ity in which he has sought an outlet for his abilities and aspirations have invariably profited by his sterling worth and common sense methods. He is numbered among Decatur's native sons, his birth having oc- curred here on the 25th of January, 1861. His parents were Adam and Mary (Filser) Keck, both of whom were natives of Ger- many and in the early '50s they came to Decatur. The father was a brewer by occu- pation and for twenty years he conducted a restaurant in this city, becoming well known to the business public, his genial manner, obliging disposition and honorable business methods gaining for him the good will of the public and therefore a large share of the public patronage. He passed away in 1872 at the age of fifty-nine years and his widow, surviving him for some time, died in 1886. They were the parents of eight children, of whom five are .living: Jacob; Mary, who is the wife of Adolph Schlick ; Adam ; Anna, who is the wife of William Young; Salina ; and John A., whose name introduces this record. The other children died in infancy. In his youth John A. Keck attended the public schools, but at the age of sixteen years he put aside his text books and began learning the tinner's trade. Six months later he entered the printing office of the firm of Kimball & Lindsay as an apprentice, but afterward he became an employe of the firm that is now the Mueller Manufacturing Company, and later he was employed with the Decatur Furniture Company where he learned the trade of cabinet-making. With a knowledge of various business interests he started out upon an independent ven- ture in 1882. He purchased a cigar box manufactory in connection with Jacob and John Dipper and afterward he purchased 352 PAST AND I'RESEXT OF A[ACON COL'XTY till' laltt-r's interests and nwved the estab- lishment to East Main street, where he con- tinued in the manufacture of cigar boxes, the enterprise being attended with success, there lieing a good demand for the priKhict of the factory. It was necessary to enlarge the plant in order to meet the growing de- mands of the trade and in 188O it was in- creased to its jjresent capacity. It was also supplied with a new steam engine and mod- ern machinery was added. In that year the business was removed to the present loca- tion at the corner of Wood and Church streets and in 1886 the scope of the business was extended by adding a department for the manufacture of pa])er boxes, jewelry trays, sample cases and numerous other manufactured articles along this line. The output of the house is now sold in a number of states and seventeen employes are in the factory at Decatur. In 1886 Mr. Keck was united in marriage to Miss Louise Young, a native of Baden, Germ;ui\', and their children are: Olga E., Arthur J., Werra L., and Elba E. Socially Mr. Keck is identified with Decatur Lodge Ko. 65, I. (). C). F., of which he has been a member since 1883. He also belongs to Coeur de Lion Lodge Xo. 17, K. P., and wliile he takes ])leasure in attending the meetings of this organization and in ex- tending his social ac(|uaintances his time is most largely given to his business affairs and his enterprise to-day stands as a monu- ment to his cajiability and untiring energy. His career has been successful chiefly by reason of his natural ability and his thor- ough understanding of the business, in which as a young tradesman he eml)arked. It requires something beyond ordinary business capacity to manage a large force of employes and to secure a profitable in- come on the invested capital. This Mr. Keck has done and to-day he is enjoj'ing the well earned distinction of being what the public calls a self-made ''than. W 11.1. L. S.Mi'lli. W ill L. .^mith is now practically living a retired life, making his home in Decatur. It is probable that no resident of this city outside of political circles is so well known throughout the country as is Mr. Smith. He was for many years identified with one of the most jirominent musical organiza- tions of the L'nited States — the Swiss Bell Ringer.s — and in the interest of the business lie traveled not only in this country, but also through Canada, Mexico and Xova Scotia. Mr. Smith is a native of Xewark, Xew Jersey, born on the 19th of September, 1835, his parents being Johnson and Emily (Townley) Smith. His maternal grand- father, Moses Townley, was also a native of Xewark, Xew Jersey, and was a shoe- maker by trade. He followed that occupa- tion through his entire life in supporting his family and always remained a resident of the state of his nativity. Johnson Smith, the father of our subject, was born in S])ringfield, Xew Jersey, in 1805 and after leaving the east went first to Cincinnati, Ohio, and afterward to Louisville, Ken- tucky. In 1841 he took up his abode in St. Louis, Missouri, and still later he resided for a time in Carrollton, Greene> county, Illinois. In December, 1855. he arrived in Decatur and spent his remaining days in this city. ])assing away in 1870, when sixty- five years of age. In early life he had learned the shoemaker's trade with his father and followed that pursuit for some years in the various cities mentioned. After removing to Illinois, however, he engaged in the nursery business. Like most American boys Will L. Smith obtained his education in the public schools and when quite young he began assisting his father in the nursery business, in which he gained good practical knowledge. .Since 1855 he has lived in Decatur and for three years was proprietor of a grocery store here. PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 353 carrying on the business with a fair degree of success. He had early developed un- usual musical talent and on the 19th of Sep- tember, 1857, he organized the Decatur Band, which afterwards became the famous Goodman Band, which is one of the best known bands of the Mississippi valley. He acted as its leader for five years and made it an organization creditable alike to the city and its founder. He is to-day one of the valued members of this band and one of its oldest representatives. In 1864 Mr. Smith became connected with the concert business as amusement manager and one of the performers of the company known as the celebrated Swiss Bell Ringers. This company was at first called the Ladies" Sil- ver Band and was composed of eight mem- bers. Subsequently, however, the name of the Swiss Bell Ringers was taken and its title became known throughout North America. Accompanied by his wife. Mr. Smith conducted this company and traveled for twenty-nine consecutive years, covering practically all of the states of the Union, together with the countries of Canada, Mex- ico and Nova Scotia. The company was most prosperous between the years 1878 and 1888. It terminated its trips and con- certs in the year 1892 and the company then disbanded. Returning then to Decatur Mr. Smith established his home and has since practically lived a retired life. On the nth of February, 1862, occurred the marriage of Will L. Smith and Miss Sarah Elizabeth Coleman, an adopted daughter of John W. Coleman, of Louis- ville, Kentucky, who was the first principal of the first high school of Decatur. One child was born of this marriage, Charles Ellsworth Smith, who died in 1896 in his thirty-second year. On the nth of October, 1887, he had married Aliss Jennie Agnes Palmer, of Chicago. His widow and one son Lybrand Palmer Smith, who was born January 24, 1891, survive him and make their home in this city. In his political views Mr. Smith has been a stalwart Republican since the organiza- tion of the party. His first presidential vote, however, was cast for Scott. He is a member of Ionic Lodge, No. 312, F. & A. M.; Celestial Lodge, No. 186, I. O. O. F. ; Chevalier Bayard Lodge, No. 189, K. P. ; Fern Temple, No. 18, Rathbone Sisters; and is likewise a member of the Eastern Star and of the Columbia Rebekah Lodge, No. 199, I. O. O. F. His wife is also a member of the Rebekahs. Mr. Smith is a most entertaining and companionable gentleman, and traveling broadly throughout the continent, his mind has been stored with many interesting in- cidents concerning places he has visited, people he has met and humorous situations he has encountered. His mind has also been broadened by contact with the world and its people and he is a genial, courteous gentleman, one whom it is a pleasure to know and meet under anv circumstances. CHARLES U. DOWNEY. Charles U. Downey is the junior member of the firm of Downey & Sons, dealers in fine monuments in Decatur. He is a young man, possessing energy and ambition and is a prominent factor in the successful con- duct of the enterprise, with which he is now connected. He was born in Taylorville, Illi- nois, on the 8th of October, 1873, his pa- rents being M. L. and Martha (McCool) Downey. His father was a son of Jacob Downey, a native of Guernsey, Ohio, and a farmer by occupation. It was in the year 1875 that Jacob Downey left the Buckeye state and came to Decatur, where he spent his remaining days, passing away at the age of seventy-four years. His wife, who was born in 1816, is still living. The maternal 35-1: PAST AND TRKSEXT OF MACON COUNTY. grandfather of our subject was Henry Mc- Cool, a native of Canada, who spent sev- eral of his last years in traveling; through the west. In 1899 •'<-' (^I'l-d '"• the White Pass in Klondike. M. L. Downey, wiio is the senior member of the firm of Downey & Son, is a native of Ohio. He came to Macon county thirty- four years ago and hicated in Macon town- ship, where he followed farming until 1871. He then entered the employ of J. S. Culver, proprietor of marble works in Taylorville and in 1890 he came to Decatur as an em- ploye of Mr. Culver, acting as a stone-cutter in the Decatur Monument Works. In 1901, associating with him his^son, Charles U., he established his present business on North Water street, where all fine grades of monu- ment work are prepared and exhibited. In early manhood he wedded Miss Martha McCool, a native of Canada, and unto them have been born five children, of whom Charles U. is the oldest. The others are -Myrtle, the wife of William Junkens; Laura, Louis and Hazel. Charles U. Downey has spent his entire life in Illinois. His youth was passed in Taylorville and his education was acquired in the public schools. He began learning his trade in 1890 as an employe of J. H. Cul- ver of Decatur and he there remained un- til 1898, when he went to the west. Lo- cating in Denver, Colorado, he worked at his trade there for two years and on the expiration of that period located in Butte, Montana, where he had charge of the monu- mental work, belonging to L. F. Prescott. l"of two years he filled the position of su- ])erintendent and then in October, 1901, he returned to Illinois and has since been in Decatur. Here he opened monumental works in partnership with his father at No. 344 North Water street under the firm style of Downey & Son. They do a general line of monumental and cemetery work and have secured a good patronage because of the splendid character of their output. Both are men of long experience in this line, hav- ing practical understanding of the business both in principle and detail and added to the more mature judgment of the father is the energ)-, laudable ambition and helpful- ness of the son, thus making the firm a strong business combination. In 1895 Charles U. Downey became a Mason, being raised in Ionic Lodge, No. 312, F. & A. M. In 1896 he was joined in wed- lock to Minnie M. Hall, a daughter of Elias and Marie Hall, of Clinton, Illinois. They now have two children, Lyle W. and Ver- neille L. Mr. Downey has spent almost his entire life in this locality and is imbued with the progressive spirit which has been the dominant factor in the upbuilding of the middle west. He is a genial man to meet, whose career of usefulness and activity has netted for him a sfood income. JOSEPH LOVE. Joseph Love, who in 1893 became a resi- dent of Decatur where he was engaged in the manufacture of mattresses, was born in Coshocton county, Ohio, on the 7th of April, 1847, his parents being Samuel and De- borah (Mitchell) Love, both of whom were natives of the Buckeye state. Samuel Love came west with his family in an early day and established his home in Champaign county, Illinois, where he purchased a sec- tion of land from the government, for which he paid two dollars and a half per acre. Not a furrow had been turned or an im- provement made upon the tract but with characteristic energy he began to clear it and to plow and plant it. He also erected good buildings and in course of time de- veloped an excellent farm which he con- tinued to cultivate and which he made his home until his death. His wife also passed away on the old homestead in Champaign SJ./7?/l^c V /^^{ PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 357 county and some of their children now re- side upon the same farm there. Excellent educational privileges were af- forded to Joseph Love. He pursued his early studies in the district schools and later became a student in the Champaign University, in fact, he was one of its first pupils and the thorough training which he there received well prepared him for life's practical and responsible duties. On put- ting aside his text books he began farming near the old homestead in Champaign coun- ty and while thus engaged he returned to Ohio in 1875 and was there married to Miss Eliza J. Hanlon, a native of Jefferson coun- ty, Ohio, born in 1849. Her parents were William and Mary (Stark) Hanlon, and her father, who was a farmer by occupation, spent his entire life in Jefiferson county. His widow still resides there and has reached the advanced age of eighty-two years. Five children were born unto Mr. and Mrs. Love: Nellie H., who is now a teacher in the San- gamon street school in Decatur ; IMary, who occupies a position as private secretary in the Boys' School in Lake Forest, Illinois; Louella, who is a stenographer and teacher in Brown's Business College of Decatur; Florence, who is at home with her mother; and one that died unnamed in infancy. After his marriage Mr. Love engaged in general farming in Champaign county until 1893, when he came to Decatur and estab- lished a mattress factory near the home which is now occupied by his widow. In the new enterprise he prospered and con- tinued in the business up to the time of his death. He did excellent work and secured a liberal patronage, his products finding a ready sale on the market. In business af- fairs he was strictly reliable and he became a well known and respected representative of trade interests in this city. He was en- ergtitic, a man of firm purpose and strong will and in all his dealings with his fellow men he was upright and honorable. In his political views he was an earnest Repub- lican, believing firmly in the party and its principles yet never seeking office. Both he and his wife were members of the Pres- byterian church of Decatur and his life was in harmony with its teachings. He died January 18, 1898, leaving not only a com- fortable competence to his widow but also an honorable name. Mrs. Love now occu- pies a beautiful home at No. 812 North College street, where she resides with her daughters. They are well known in Deca- tur and enjoy the favor and friendship of many a household here. EDMUND s. McDonald. It is seldom that a single individual wins success and prominence along more than one line, and yet Edmund S. McDonald is to-day accounted one of the distinguished lawyers of Decatur, is also actively con- nected with the corporation interests of the city and is one of the large landowners of Macon county. In no profession is there a career more open to talent than in that of the law, and in no field of endeavor is there demanded a more careful preparation, a more thorough appreciation of the absolute ethics of life or of the underlying principles which form the basis of all human rights and privileges. Unflagging application and intuitive wisdom and a determination to fully utilize the means at hand, are the con- comitants which insure personal success and prestige in this great profession, which stands as the stern conservator of justice; and it is one into which none should enter without a recognition of the obstacles to be overcome and the battles to be won, for success does not perch on the falchion of every person who enters the competitive fray, but comes only as the diametrical re- sult of capacity and unmistakable ability. Possessing all the requisite qualities of the 358 PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. able lawyer, he now stands among the lead- ing representatives of the legal fraternity of Decatur. Mr. McDonald was' born in Wood county, West Virginia, on the Ohio river, Septem- ber 2, 1851. His paternal grandfather, John McDonald, was a native of Scotland, and died during the infancy of his son John, who was the youngest of a family of two sons and two daughters. The father of our subject was born in Philadelphia, i'ennsyl- vania, and during his infancy was taken to Ohio, the family home being established near the Ohio river, in Cincinnati. While yet a boy, he was employed in a distillery and in the milling business. Later he was employed on the river, running between Cincinnati and New Orleans. He first act- ed as a pilot and afterward became captain and part owner of a vessel. On abandoning the water he came to Illinois, in 1853, and spent the first year of his residence in this state in Scott county. In 1854 he removed to Decatur, and soon after located in Long Creek township, Macon county, where he purchased a tract of land and carried on general farming until his death, which oc- curred in 1880, when he had reached the venerable age of seventy-nine years. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Nancy L. Sisson, died in July. lyoi, at the age of seventy-three years. She belonged to one of the old and prominent families of Vir- ginia, and her ancestors did acti\e service for their country in the Revolution and in the war of 1812. Unto John and Nancy L. (Sisson) McDonald were born eight chil- dren : h'lorence L., who is now the wife of Zenas R. Prather; Edmund S. ; .\ndrew !•". and Randoll I'., twins; Alice, who is the wife of Ira I'.aird; John A.; (ieorge \\'. : and ."^iieridan, who died at the age of eight- een months. With the exception of the last named all are yet living. At the usual age Ldnnnid .S. McMonald began his education in the public schools and afterward pursued a three years' course in the Northwestern University, completing his studies there in 1872. He then engaged in teaching school for two years and he be- gan reading law in the office of Nelson & Robe}-, of Decatur, and they directed his studies for three j-ears. He was then ad- mitted to practice, but desiring to be still better prepared for his chosen work he spent two years as a student in the office of the firm of Crea & Ewing. In 1880 he opened an office of his own in the Powers block, where he remained until 1889, when he re- moved to his present location in the Opera House block. He has enjoyed a lucrative practice and has one of the best law libraries and best equipped offices in Decatur. In 1891 he was admitted to practice in the United States supreme court. His knowledge of the law is comprehensive and exact. He is a strong advocate of the jury, concise in his appeals before the court and is a safe counsellor. His logical grasp of facts and ])rinciples and of the law applicable to them has been a potent element in his success, lie throws himself easily and naturally into an argument and his presentation of a cause speaks a mind trained in the severest school of investigation, and to which the closest reasoning is habitual and easy. Mr. Mc- Donald, howe\er, has not confined his atten- tion entirely to his legal practice, but has made extensive and judicious investments in various corporations of the city and is one of the largest landowners in Macon county. In August, 1892, occurred the marriage of .Mr. McDonald and Miss .\nnabelle Thomas, a daughter of Mrs. Jennie Thomas, of Decatur. Their children are lulmund Urban and X'alerian. .Mr. McDonald be- longs to the Macon Lodge, No. 8, A. F. & .\. .M. : to Celestial Lodge, No. 186, I. O. O. !•". : and to Coeur de Lion Lodge, No. 17, K. P. In politics he is an active Rejndilican, taking a helpful part in cam])aign work, and PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 35t» lias delivered many addresses in support of the party and its principles. In 1889 he was elected city attorney and in 1891 was re-elected to that office. His time is now * largely occupied with the important duties ■of an extensive practice. Affable and genial in manner he makes many friends and is held in high regard by all who know him. REV. \\'ILLIAM H. DAVIS. Throughout his entire life William H. Davis devoted his time and energies to a work of great benefit to his fellow men. For many years he practiced medicine and for nearly a c|uarter of a century he was a representative of the Christian ministry, laboring for the spiritual welfare of the church as he had previously done for the temporal welfare. In 1888 he became a resi- dent of Decatur and the recognition which is ever given true worth of character was accorded him. He was born in Ross county, Ohio, August 13, 1824, his parents being Isaac and JMary (Brown) Davis, both of whom were natives of Ohio. In 1828 they removed westward, settling in Pike county, Illinois, where the father engaged in farm- ing for a few years. He afterward estab- lished his home in the village of Perry in Pike county, and there engaged in mer- chandising for several years. He next re- moved to Logan county, Illinois, where he remained for a short time, coming thence to Macon county, locating in the village of Mount Zion. He there lived retired, en- joying well earned rest up to the time of his death. Rev. ^^'illiam H. Davis was reared amid the refining influences of a good home and received his early mental training in the •common schools of Pike county, Illinois, to which place he had been taken by his pa- rents during his early childhood. Later he attended college in Springfield, Illinois. His strong mentality and tastes led him to seek activity in professional lines and determin- ing to enter upon the practice of medicine he began studying with his uncle, who was ■ a practicing physician in Griggsville, Pike county, Illinois. For a few years he con- tintied his reading under the direction of his uncle, and then went to Chicago, where he attended the Rush Medical College, being graduated there in the class of 1852. Fol- lowing the completion of his collegiate course he returned to Griggsville, where he practiced for several years. While in that place Rev. Davis was united in marriage in 1848 to Miss Eleanor C. Randall, a native of Alton, Illinois, born on the 1st of August, 1828, and a daughter of Josiah and Elizabeth (Snadon) Randall. The father was a farmer by occupation and with his family resided in Madison county, Illinois, during the greater part of his life. Fioth he and his wife passed away in that county. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Davis was blessed with ten children, six of whom are living. Isaac first married a Miss Pratt and after her death wedded a Miss John- son. Thev reside in Chicago and he is cashier for the Pratt, & Buckley Elevator & Grain Company of Decatur. Edward R. married Miss Peake and resides in Spring- field, while his business connection is that of a traveling salesman for a cracker house of Decatur. Newton married Miss Tacy Entriken, of ()hio, and is bookkeeper and cashier for F. M. Pratt, a grain merchant of Decatur. Charles wedded Miss May Kerr and after her death married Nellie Freid- land and is deputy clerk of Boone county, Missouri. J. Frank is bookkeeper for Cham- bers, Bering & Quinlin Company of De- catur. George, the youngest of the family, is a harness manufacturer of Decatur. Those who have passed away are Mary Elizabeth, Ella L., Mary Emma and James Barger. After his marriage Dr. Davis continued 3G0 PAST AND PRESENT OF ^lACON COUNTY. to engage in the practice of medicine in Griggsville for seven years. lie then aban- doned that profession in order to enter the ministry and began preaching as a member of the Illinois Methodist Episcopal confer- ence. He first preached at Jacksonville, Illinois, and afterward at different places in the circuit for twenty-three years, when on account of advanced age and ill health he gave up the active work of the ministry and established his home in Decatur in 1888. Here he took charge of a small church, but after a time his health became worse and he was forced to abandon ministerial work altogether. His life was one of great usefulness both in the medical fraternity and in the ministry. He always labored for his fellow men and his efforts were most eiTective in building up the church and pro- moting the cause of Christianity. He was not denied the harvest of his labors nor of the aftermath and many there are who yet have reason to bless his memory for the aid which he gave them in understanding life and its purposes. In early years he was a member of the Masonic fraternity and of the TndeiK-ndent ( )r(Ier of Odd Fellows and he favored every improvement that would benefit his fellow men and tend to advance moral development. His death occurred on the nth of January, 1899, but though he has passed away his memory is still revered and is enshrined in the hearts of those who knew him. In October prior to his demise Rev. and Mrs. Davis celebrated their golden wedding anniversary, having for fifty years traveled life's journey together, sharing with each other its joys and sorrows, its ad- versity and prosperity and doing all in the name of Him who came not to be minis- tered unto but to minister to mankind. Mrs. Davis is now a member of the Methodist Episcopal church of Decatur and the family is well known in this city. She has a nice residence at No. 1204 North College street, where she and her sons reside. CHAMBERS A. McLEAN, M. D. Chambers A. McLean, a physician of De- catur who for forty years has made his home in Macon county, was born in Flem- ing county, Kentucky, on the 24th of May, 1832. His parents were James and Charlotte M. A. (Argo) McLean, the for- mer of Scotch-Irish lineage and the latter of Scotch descent. John McLean, the grand- father of the Doctor, came to America from the north of Ireland and located in Ger- mantown, Brighton county, Kentucky, where he followed the occupation of farm- ing. He was a strict Presbyterian in his religious faith and li\ed an upright, honor- able life, leaving the impress of his indi- viduality for good upon the community with which he was associated. He reached the advanced age of eighty-five years and passed away respected by all who knew him. The maternal grandfather of the Doc- tor was Purnell Argo, who was of Scotch birth and after crossing the Atlantic he took up his abode in Iteming county, Kentucky. During the residence of James J^IcLean in that county he followed the blacksmith's trade for a number of years. His wife died when their son Chambers A. was only about six years of age and the father afterward wedded Mrs. Rebecca (Moren) Scott. His death occurred about 1842. By his first union he had three children but James Will- iam and Nancy are now deceased, leaving the Doctor the only survivor. By the second marriage there were two children: Mrs. Eliza -Ann Hilligoss, now deceased, and one that died in early childhood. In the county of his nativity Dr. McLean spent the days of his early boyhood and youth and there acquired his preliminary education in the common schools, which he attended only through the winter months, for during the summer season his services were needed upon the home farm. Thus he was reared to farm life, becoming familiar with all the duties and labors that E. M. MERRI8 MRS. E. M. MERRIS PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 365 fall to the lot of the agriculturist, but he spent about fifteen months learning the shoemaker's trade. When a 3'oung man he began studying medicine, which he prac- ticed for fifteen years. He then attended the Eclectic Medical College of Cincinnati, Ohio, and was graduated in that institution with the class of 1871. He is, however, largely self-educated, having acquired the greater part of his knowledge by arduous study at night. He has burned the mid- night oil on many an occasion and has thus made himself familiar with higher mathe- matics, Latin and German. He is now a gentleman of scholarly attainments, well in- formed and of broad culture, and while he has gained a comprehensive and accurate knowledge of the science of medicine he has also extended his reading into many other fields. On the 17th of June, 1855, Dr. AIcLean was united in marriage to Miss Lucy A. Taylor, a daughter of Charles A. and Judith (Newcombe) Taylor. Six children were born unto them, four sons and two daugh- ters, but only >ilabel and William are now living. Those deceased are Sabina A., Jo Henry, Charles B. and John J. William married ^liss Margaret P. Crocker and is now a resident of Maroa, Illinois, where he is engaged in the practice of medicine. He has four children: John C, Franklin C, Edwin P. and Louise. On leaving college Dr. McLean of this review went to Maroa and began practice. He made his' home in that place for twenty years and during that time enjoyed a large and lucrative patronage, the public recog- nizing his skill and ability in the line of his chosen calling. When two decades had passed he came to Decatur, where he has since resided. Here he has also engaged in general practice and has enjoyed a good business, which has brought to him a com- fortable living. The Doctor is conscien- tious in his work and has a deep interest in the practice of medicine both from a scien- tific standpoint and because of his sympathy with his fellow men. He also has the strict- est regard for the ethics of the profession and by continued reading his knowledge has compassed all of the improvements known to the medical fraternity and when his judg- ment has sanctioned anj' new idea or method of progress he has readily adopted it for the good of his fellow men. In his political views he is connected with the Democracy, but has neither sought nor de- sired official recognition. He belongs to the Masonic fraternity and he and his wife are members of the Christian church. He enjoys an enviable standing in the pro- fessional and social world of Decatur and is possessed of those admirable personal char- acteristics which win and retain friendship. ELLERY M. MERRIS. For many years this gentleman was ac- tively identified with the agricultural in- terests of Macon county and through indus- try, enterprise and good management he acquired a handsome competence which now enables him to live a retired life in his pleas- ant home at Macon. A native of Illinois, he was born in Sangamon county on the ist of March, 1823, and is a worthy representa- tive of an honored pioneer family of cen- tral Illinois, his parents being Stanton and Elizabeth (Piper) Merris. The family is of Scotch-Irish descent. Our subject's father was born in Vermont in 1794, a son of El- lery and Elizabeth (Bromley) Merris, and was a farmer by occupation. In early life he accompanied his father on the latter's removal to Canada, where he spent four or five years and then went to Ohio, becom- ing one of the pioneer settlers of that state. He made his home there for about six years and in the meantime was married in 1810. By his next removal he became a 366 PAST AND PRESEXT OF MACOX COUNTY. resident of Springfield, Illinois, which was then on the western frontier and contained only four or live log houses. Three years later Mr. Merris settled in what is now Scott county, four miles east of Xaples, which at that time formed a part of Morgan county. lie bought two hundred and eighty acres of prairie and timber land on the river bottom and engaged in farming there, until his death, which occurred on the 5th of January, 1847. His widow subsequently made her home with her son, Stanton, in Pike county, Illinois, where she died in 1856. She was a native of Kentucky. They were the parents of the following children, namely: Eliza, who died April i, 1854; Julia, who died at the age of twenty-three years ; Ellery M., of this review ; William ; Daniel, who was engaged in farming up to within the last ten years but is now con- ducting a broom manufactory at Canon City, Colorado ; Stanton, and Elizabeth. Only two of the number are now living. The educational advantages which Ellery M. Merris enjoyed were limited as he was only able to attend school for about nine months during his entire boyhood, his serv- ices being needed at home in the work of the farm. The subscription school which he attended was conducted in an old log structure, so common on the frontier at that time, one log being cut out for a win- dow and covered with greased paper. The building was heated by an old fashioned fire- place which would hold a back log ten feet in length. P'rom Sangamon county our sub- ject removed with his parents to Scott county, Illinois, where he subsequently en- tered a tract of government land, which he fenced with rails that he split and that were in use for forty years. Mr. Merris remained with his father until his marriage, which was celebrated March 17, 1842. the lady of his choice being Miss Nancy Van Gundy, who is of German de- scent. Her father. David Van Gundy, was a miller by traile and followed that occu- pation in Pennsylvania in early life. Later he removed to Ohio and from there to what is known as the American Bottom near St. Louis, Missouri. There he wedded Miss -Mary Conrad, wlio was born in Madison county, that state, June 29, 1822. Mr. Van Gundy spent his last days with his son George in Scott county, Illinois, where he died in 1862, his wife having passed away some time previously. They had eight children, of whom five are still living, name- ly : ^lary, wife of John Smallwood, a re- tired farmer living near Lincoln in Taze- well county, Illinois; John, a retired farmer of Decatur; Adam, a retired farmer of Bluffs, Scott county ; Martha, wife of Eras- mus Allison, who is living retired in St. Louis, Missouri ; and Xancy, wife of our subject. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Merris were born fif- teen child'-en: George W., who died of cancer in February, 1897, leaving a wife and five children; Asa and John A., both re- tired farmers of Macon; Elizabeth, wife of Peter Blair, a mechanic and carpenter of Findlay, Illinois ; Sarah, wife of John Arm- strong, who owns and operates a farm of one hundred and forty acres in Macon town- ship ; Julia, wife of Charles Renshaw, a car- penter of Hennessey, Oklahoma; Martha, wife of John McCool, a farmer of Missouri ; Daniel, who is engaged in farming near Oakley, Illinois ; Ida, wife of Eli Combs, of Findlay ; David and Franklin, both de- ceased ; and three who died in infancy. George W. served for three years in the Union army during the Civil war as a mem- ber of Company H, One Hundred and Six- teenth Illinois Volunteer Infantry and was honorably discharged in August, 1865. For about half the time he was ill in the hos- pital, spending one year in the hospital at Camp Butler. Mr. and Mrs. Merris have fifty-four grandchildren and fourteen great- ijrandchildren. PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 367 After his marriage our subject purchased forty acres of wild land in Scott county, a part of which is now within the corporate limits of Bhiffs, and he paid for the same two hundred dollars. He improved that place and engaged in its operation for twelve years, after which he sold out and removed to Pike county, purchasing a tract of one hundred acres one mile west of Griggsville for forty-five dollars per acre and selling it three years later at sixty dollars. He next located near Lake Fork in Logan county, where he bought a farm and lived on the same for eight years. On disposing of that property he purchased eighty acres of land in South Macon township, this county, it being now the Combs farm, and after resid- ing there for three years, Mr. Merris bought one hundred and twenty acres of land on Findlay creek, five miles east of Macon. He fenced the land, built a comfortable resi- dence and placed the land under a high state of cultivation. Later he exchanged that place with his son for a farm of one hun- dred and sixty acres in Alilam township, which he now owns and which he has great- ly improved in many ways. This place he now rents. He also purchased another farm, on which he lived for some time, but sold that in the summer of 1902. In the spring of 1887 he removed to the town of IMacon and has since lived retired. Here he owns three lots and a house which he has remodeled and enlarged, making a very pleasant and desirable home for himself and wife. While living in the country he gave considerable attention to the raising of shorthorn cattle, Berkshire hogs and sheep and found that business quite profit- able. He has not only gained for himself a comfortable competence but has also as- sisted his children in getting a start in life and all are now quite well-to-do. Since 1855 Mr. Merris has been a resident of Macon county, and in its development and prosperity he has taken an active in- terest. He has been called upon to fill a number of local offices, having -capably served as assessor of Milam township three years and ta.x collector of the same town- ship. During the greater part of his life he has filled the office of school director and for seven years was alderman of Macon. Further office he has refused to accept and he has never been a politician in the sense of office seeking. He is a supporter of the Prohibition party, and both he and his wife are members of the Baptist church, though they now attend the Presbyterian church, the former denomination having no house of worship in Macon. They are widely and favorably known and have a host of warm friends throughout the county. GEORGE W. LEHN. George VV. Lehn is one of the younger representatives of the agricultural commun- ity of mini township, his home being on section 24, where he owns and operates a good farm. He claims Macon county as his native place, for he was born in Illini township, on the ist of November, 1874, his parents being John P. and Tabitha (Jones) Lehn, whose sketch appears on another page of this volume. Our subject obtained his elementary education in the common schools of his native township, and later took a course at Brown's Busi- ness College in Decatur. Since leaving school at the age of seven- teen years Mr. Lehn has devoted his entire time and attention to farm work and aided in the operation of the old home farm until twenty-six years of age. He is a thorough and systematic farmer and usually carries forward to successful completion whatever he undertakes. He received eighty acres of land from his father's estate and has built thereon a good barn and otherwise improved the place. The land is under a 3GS PAST AND i'RESENT OF .MACOX COUNTY. high state of cultivation and yields a good return for the care and labor bestowed upon it. On the 20th of February, 1901, Mr. Lehn married Miss Lois L. Baum, a daughter of William and Nettie Baum, of Illini town- ship. She began her education in the dis- trict schools of Hickory Point township and for two years was a student in the high school of Decatur. She was also given instruction on the piano. By his ballot Mr. Lehn supports the men and measures of the Republican party. He is a member of the Church of God of Boil- ing Springs in Hickory Point township, which he joined three years ago, and he is regarded as one of the leading young farm- ers of his community. BENJAMIN PARKER. Benjamin Parker, one of the most enter- prising and progressive agriculturists of :\Iaroa township, residing on section 4, was born in that township in 1871, and is a son of John S. and Mary A. Parker. His father was a native of New Jersey and an early settler of Macon county, Illinois, where he successfully engaged in farming throughout life, owning one hundred and sixty acres of fine farming land at the time of his death. Our subject is indebted to the public schools of his native township for the early educational privileges he enjoyed and later he attended college at Dixon, Illinois, for one year. At the age of twenty-one he be- gan farming on land left him by his father and has since devoted his energies to agri- cultural pursuits. Besides his own farm he generally operates a rented tract and in igo3 cultivated eighty acres in this way. He'has spent over five thousand dollars m improving his place ; has put in a splendid system of water works; and has budt a house at a cost of three thousand dollars. It is heated by a hot air furnace and is up- to-date in all its appointments. Mr. Parker carries on both farming and stock-raising and in both branches of his business he is meeting with good success. In 1893 was celebrated his marriage to Miss Clara B. Longstreet, a daughter of John Longstreet, a wealthy, retired farmer now living in Maroa. Three children bless this union, namely : Hazel Naomi, John L. and Lloyd D. The parents both hold mem- bership in the [Methodist church and Mr. Parker also belongs to the Independent Or- der of Odd Fellows and the Knights of Pythias fraternity at Maroa. He filled the office of assessor in the spring of 1903 and by his ballot he supports the men and meas- ures of the Republican party. A wide- awake, energetic business man and a citizen of known reliability, he stands high in the community where he has always made his home and where he is so widely known. JAMES G. UNDERWOOD. M. D. In the practice of medicine in Illmois Dr. lames G. Underwood became well known and many to-day have reason to bless his memory for the aid which he ren- dered in times of sickness and distress. He was iMjrn in \^ermont on the 9th of June, 1819. The Underwood family is of Scotch- Irish extraction and was founded in Amer- ica by two brothers, one of whom settled in Vermont and the other in Maryland. Our subject's wife has a genealogical record of the familv. The Doctor's father, Silas Un- derwood.' was a farmer and a very promi- nent citizen in the Green Mountain state. He was frequently called to public office, serving in various official positions where he disdiarged his duties with promptness and fidelitj^. Both he and his wife died in Vermont. ^ ip^ Ldi/^^fu, O/- y^ltrnfq PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 371 The Doctor acquired his education in his native state and remained a resident of Ver- mont until thirty years of age, when in 1849 he came to the Mississippi valley, settling first in Wayne county, Wisconsin. He had previously prepared for the practice of med- icine, and, opening an office in Wisconsin, he there carried on business for a few years, at the end of which time he came to Illinois, living in Greene and Pike counties for one year. He then came to Macon county. It was in this county that Dr. Underwood was united in marriage to Miss Sarah A. Humphrey, a native of Morgan county, Illi- nois, and a daughter of John and Elizabeth (Bower) Humphrey. Her parents were natives of Kentucky and in the year 1828 came to this state, settling in what was then Morgan, now Scott, county, Illinois. They there lived for several years and then came to Macon county, where Mr. Hum- phrey built what is now the Catholic con- vent. He erected it for hotel purposes and continued in that line of business here for many years. He afterward removed to Union county, Illinois, and established his home on a fruit farm, engaging in horticul- tural pursuiits until his death, which oc- curred in 1865. He was one of the honored pioneers of the state and aided largely in promoting its early development and prog- ress. His widow survived him for some time and died in Chicago. Unto Dr. and Mrs. Underwood were born six children : Helen, who is now living in Nebraska ; Lewis, who is a job printer in the Herald office in Decatur; Marcus, who resides in Chicago, and is employed by the Chicago Telephone Company ; Cornelia, who is bookkeeper for the T. T. Springer Grocery Company in Decatur and lives with her mother; and Edna and Ernest, who have passed away. After his marriage Dr. Underwood located in Logan county, Illinois, where he contiued in the practice of his profession with ex- cellent success for several years, and also superintended the cultivation of his farm. He then removed to Union county, Illinois, where he remained in practice for ten years and on the expiration of that decade he took up his abode in Columbus, Cherokee coun- ty, Kansas, where he devoted his energies to the alleviation of human suffering until called to his final rest on the 9th of No- vember, 1875. He had a large practice dur- ing his residence in this city and was a prominent physician, gaining success by reason of his ability that brought him a large patronage. His memory is cherished by many who knew him for he had endeared himself to all through the possession of qualities that everywhere command respect, confidence and regard. He bore an excel- lent reputation both as a man and citizen. After his death Mrs. Underwood returned to Illinois and has since made he home in Decatur, where she owns a nice residence at No. 239 Condit street, where she and her children are living. ALEXIS R. MONTGOMERY. There is ever a degree of satisfaction and profit in scanning the life history of one who has attained to an eminent degree of success as the direct result of his own efiforts, who has had the mentality to direct his endeavors toward the desired ends and the singleness and steadfastness of purpose which have given due value to each consecutive detail of eiifort. As a distinctive type of a self-made man we can refer with singular propriety to the honored subject whose name forms the caption of this review, who is the secretary and treasurer of the Union Iron Works of Decatur. Mr. Montgomery is a native of North Caro- lina, his birth having occurred in the village of Statesville, .on the loth of October, 1851. His paternal grandfather, James Montgomery, was 372 PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. a native of Virginia and was descended from Scotch-Irish ancestry. He became a farmer and planter and was well known in the Old Dominion. It was there that John E. Mont- gomery, the father of our subject, was born and reared. He afterward removed to North Carolina, and in the year 1867 became a resi- dent of Illinois, establishing his home in Hills- boro, Montgomery county, where he carried on agricultural pursuits. By trade he was a tinner and for a time was employed in the Union Works of Decatur. Subsequently, how- ever, he returned to his old home in North Carolina, where he became ill and there his life's labors were ended in death. The wife bore the maiden name of Catherine Ramseur, and was a native of North Carolina. Her father was David Ramseur, who was of Ger- man lineage. In a private school in the south Alexis R. Montgomery began his education, which was continued in the district schools of Montgom- ery county, Illinois. He afterward became a student in the public schools of Taylorville, Illinois, wherein he completed his education. On putting aside his text books he was ap- pomted to the position of deputy postmaster in Taylorville, which position he filled for two years. He then came to Decatur in 1873 and through the two succeeding years was em- ployed as a salesman in the mercantile house of J. N. Randall. In 1875 he became book- keeper for the Union Iron Works, filling that position until 1882. His identification with this business covers twenty-eight years and in 1884 he was made secretary and treasurer of the company, while James MilHkin was elected its president. Mr. Montgomery has since acted in that capacity and not a little of the success of the undertaking is attributable to his supervision and his active co-operation and his sound business judgment. The com- pany manufactures corn shellers and elevator machinery and has always been noted for its excellent workmanship. The corn sheller has been manufactured on a very extensive scale, being sold throughout the corn belt of the civilized world. The house has ever main- tained a high reputation for the excellence of its work, which is secured through the em- ployment of skilled operatives and through the use of the latest improved machinery. A large force of men is annually employed and the yearly output reaches a large amount. In 1874 Mr. Montgomery was united in marriage to Miss Cecil Oglesby, of Decatur, a daughter of Willis Oglesby, and they have two children : Jessie A. and Noy Oglesby. They all hold membership in the First Presby- terian church, in which they have taken a very active part, contributing generously to its support. Mr. Montgomery has filled various offices in the church. He is likewise a director of the James Millikin University. In seeking for the causes which have contributed to his success we find them not so much in their rarity as in their harmonious union and they may be summed up by saying that he has the manners of a gentleman and the habits of a man of business — a combination of qualities that are bound to produce the highest results. It is no very rare thing for a poor boy in our country to become a prosperous man and oc- cupy a commanding position in the business world, but many who have fought their way from poverty to wealth, from obscurity to prominence, retain some scars and marks of the conflict. They are apt to be narrow and grasping, even if not sordid and unscrupulous. Mr. Montgomery, however, is an instance of a man who has achieved success without pay- ing the price at which it is often bought, for his prosperity has not removed him farther from his fellow men, but has brought him into closer and more intimate relations with them. The more means he has had the more he has done for those around him and for the welfare of the city, and now he is numbered among the most prominent as well as prosperous citi- zens of Decatur. PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 373 CHARLES H; FAITH. Charles H. Faith is one of the important factors in the business circles of Warrens- burg, Illinois, where as a grain dealer he is now doing a good business. In his special field of endeavor he has met with excellent success and by the energy and zeal he has manifested he has won the confidence and esteem of the public. Mr. Faith was born in Deer Park, Mary- land, May 21, 1857, and is a son of Joseph Faith, a retired farmer now living in De- catur, Illinois, whose birth occurred in Loraine, Germany, April 25, 1823. Our subject's paternal grandfather, Paul Faith, was a native of Alsace, France, and spent his entire life in that country. Soon after his death his widow crossed the Atlantic and became a resident of Baltimore. Here Joseph Faith acquired a limited education in the common schools of that city. He served a six years' apprenticeship to the machinist's trade and when his term expired worked in Cumberland, Maryland, removing to the latter place in the '40s. For twenty-three years he continued to fol- low his chosen occupation and being an expert workman he secured a good compe- tence. On the I2th of November, 1844, he married Miss Catherine Hesson, a native of Maryland and a daughter of Lewis Hesson. For a number of years he made his home in Cumberland, Maryland, and in 1865 re- moved to Fulton county, Pennsylvania, where he established a shop and continued to work at his trade. In 1871 he came to Macon county, Illinois, and purchased a farm of one hundred and sixty acres one mile west of Warrensburg, although there was no town there at that time. Thirty- five acres of this land had previously been broken and to its further development and cultivation he devoted his energies for some years. He aided materially in the growth and upbuilding of that section of the county. Renting his farm in 1887, he removed to ^Varrensburg, and on the 28th of Septem- ber, 1896, took up his residence in Decatur, where he now lives retired in the enjoy- ment of a well earned rest and the fruits of his former toil. He cast his first presiden- tial vote for James K. Polk in 1844, and at state and national elections always sup- ports the Democratic party but at local elections votes independent of party lines, endeavoring to support the candidate best qualified for the office. Both he and his wife are members of the Roman Catholic church of Decatur and are highly respected and esteemed by all who know them. Cnto this worthy couple were born four- teen children, of whom eight sons and three daughters are living, namely: William, a resident of Hancock, Washington county, Maryland; Lewis, who holds a responsible position in the same county ; Ella, widow of Stephen Witcher, of Decatur; John; Charles H., whose name introduces the sketch ; Eli, a resident of Chicago ; Harry, who makes his home in Illiopolis ; George, a farmer of Illini township, Macon county ; Sadie, wife of John D. Childs; MolHe, wife of Dr. Fisher, of Chicago ; and Thomas, who is interested in the Chicago Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat College at the corner of Washington and Franklin streets, Chicago. Charles H. Faith attended school in Han- cock, Maryland, until fifteen years of age, and then accompanied his parents on their removal to Macon county, Illinois, locating near the present village of Warrensburg. He began farming for himself upon eighty acres of land in Illini township, and contin- ued to follow that occupation until 1883, when he removed to Warrensburg and em- barked in the grain business with Z. Baughn, under the firm name of Baughn & Company, this connection being continued for three years. He next formed a partner- ship with C. J. Ofif under the name of C. H.' 374 PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. Failli & Company, and in 1902 the firm was changed to I'"aith & Dewein, which it still remains. Besides their elevator at War- rensburg they also own and operate another at Heman, Macon county, which together have a capacity of one hundred thousand bushels, so that they are numbered among the leading grain dealers of this section of the state. They are progressive, wide- awake business men and are meeting with good success. On the 25th of September, 1879, Mr. Faith was united in marriage with Miss Henrietta Baughn. a daughter of Benjamin and Han- nah (Mowry) Baughn. Ten children blessed this union: Pearl, now the wife of William Ayers, by whom she has one child, Ruth; (irace, who is quite a musician and is the wife of Victor Dewein, by whom she has one child, Margaret; Georgia, who has just graduated from the Decatur high school ; Mabel, Ruth, William, Julia, Charles H., Jr., and Harold, all at home ; and James, who died in infancy. The two older daugh- ters were married in the same room where the ceremony was performed that made their father and mother man and wife. In his social relations Mr. Faith is a member of the Modern Woodmen of Amer- ica and the Independent Order of Odd Fel- lows, and he also belongs to the encamp- ment and patriarch militant in the latter or- der. He is now serving as treasurer of the subordinate lodge. The Republican party has always found in him a stanch supjiortcr of its principles and he has served on the township central committee, has been town clerk and constable, school director for many years, and president of the village l>oard. Pre-eminently public spirited and progressive, he is recognized as one of the \alucd and useful citizens of the com- numity, and no trust reposed in him has ever been misplaced. OLINER T. CROW. W itli the agricultural interests of Pleas- ant \'iew township Oliver T. Crow has long been identified and is to-day operating a fine farm of one hundred and twenty-seven acres. .\ native of Ohio, he was born in Licking county, that state, on the 4th of I'ebruary, 1853, and is a son of John and Elizabeth (Jenny) Crow. The father was also a native of the Buckeye state and was of German descent, but the mother was born in ^\■heeling, West Virginia. Her father was captain of a boat on the Ohio river. In 1856 John Crow brought his family to -Macon county, Illinois, and after residing for a short time in the village of Macon he removed to section 36, Pleasant Mew town- ship, where he had purchased a tract of land from the Illinois Central Railroad and erected a house thereon. Later he removed to section 34 in the same township and con- tinued to follow agricultural pursuits throughout his active business life. Oliver T. Crow is the seventh in order of birth in a family of ten children, the oth- ers being Sarah, who is now Mrs. Hardy .\Iarkwell; Charles, who died at the age of seventeen years ; Matilda, wife of William Markwell, a dairyman of Bcment ; Caroline, wife of J. P. Nutter, postmaster, merchant and stock-buyer of Talmo, Kansas; E. W., who married Nannie Deatley, and is en- gaged in the grain business in Blue Mound, Illinois; Corinda, who died in infancy; John, who died at the age of nineteen years; Le- nora, who died in young womanhood ; and Libbie, who died in early life. The subject of this sketch was only three years old when he accompanied his parents on their removal to Macon county, Illinois, and he was reared and educated in Pleas- ant View township, but was forced to leave school at an early age and begin work. During his boyhood he hauled wood from I'lat Branch, a distance of six miles, and also engaged in farming. In 1874 he com- cf/erty which will su])ply him with many comforts thrrui;;h the c\'ciiing of life. JUERGEN H. NOTTELMANN. For the past eight years J. 11. Xotielmann has been identilicd with the business in- terests of \\'arrensburg- as a dealer in lum- ber, sash, doors, blinds, lath, shingles, paints and oils, in partnership with his father un- der the firm style of H. Nottelmann & Son. A young man of superior executive ability and sound judgment, he already occupies a good position in the business world, and has a fine prospect of reaching the topmost round of the ladder of prosperity. A native of Macon county, Mr. Nottel- mann was born in Niantic, on the 13th of December, 1872, and is a son of Herman and .\nna (Jacobsen) Nottelmann, both na- tives of Germany. When a young man the father emigrated to the new world and for several years made his home in Chicago, where he was employed as head clerk in the domest'c department for Charles Gossage & Company. In the fall of 1871 his residence and all his belongings were destroyed in the great Chicago fire, and the following March came to Macon county, making his home in Niantic ever since. During that entire time he has been engaged in general merchandising at that place and is regarded as one of the leading business men of the countv. His family numbers seven chil- dren, three sons and four daughters: Au- gusta, now the wife of J. Frank Beall. a grain dealer of Niantic ; one wdio died in in- fancy : Juergen II., of this review; Anna, wife of Charles I'ritchett, who is engaged in the hardware and undertaking business at Latham: Henning LL, who married Delia Cul]) and is a lumber dealer of Latham ; Dora, at home : and John B., who is a grad- uate of Brown's Business College of Deca- tur and is now employed as stenographer for the Illinois Central Railroad at Clii- cago. Juergen H. Nottelmann pursued his edu- cation in the public schools of Niantic and the .Springfield Business College, where he J. C. BOYCE PAST AXU PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 395 was graduated in 1894. He began his busi- ness career as a clerk in his father's store, and after leaxing college continued in that position until 1896. when in partnersliip with his father he opened a hmiberyard at \\'arrens1)urg under the firm name of H. Xottelmann & Son. They still carry on the business and under the able management of our subject they are meeting with marked success in the undertaking. On the 17th of March, 1899, was cele- brated the marriage of Mr. Nottelmann and Miss Emma P.. Albert, who was born in \Varrensburg and completed her education in the common and high schools of Deca- tur. Her parents are Martin and Eldorado (Norman) Albert, natives of Ohio. Our subject and his wife now have a little daugh- ter, Agnes E., born January 27, 1902. Socially Mr. Nottelmann affiliates with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and he is also a member of Hoo Hoo Lumber Association, which holds its meetings on the 9th day of the ninth month each year. In religious views he is liberal and in poli- tics is independent. He has never cared for official honors, preferring to give his undi\ided attention to his business affairs and having prospered he is to-day the owner of some residence property and business lots in Warrensburg besides his lumber yard. He is quite popular in both business and social circles, and is highly esteemed bv all who know him. J. C. BOYCE. J. C. Boyce is one of the leading citizens of Mount Zion, where he is carrying on an extensive business as a dealer in grain, lum- ber and builders' hardware. Upon the com- mercial activity of any community depends its prosperity and the men who are recog- nized as leading citizens are those who are at the head of important business enter- prises. Mr. Boyce is a man of broad capa- bilities and generally carries forward to successful completion whatever he under- takes. A nati^■e of X'ermunt, he was born in T^oultney, Rutland county, that state, on the 26th of February, 1848. His father, Henry Boyce, was a Canadian by birth, and in early manhood married Miss Amelia Bethel, who was born in Scotland. After living for some years .in Vermont, they removed to New York state, where the father died, in 1 881. at the age of seventy-six years, and the mother, in the fall of 1891, at the age of seventy years. They were the parents of eleven children, six of whom are still living, but our subject, who is the sixth in order of birth, is the only one of the family living in the west. J. C. Boyce grew to manhood in the Em- pire state and soon after attaining his ma- jority learned the carpenter's trade. On coming to Illinois he first located in Chi- cago, January 3, 1872. but it was not long before he went to Areola, where he worked at his trade for a short time. He then re- turned to Chicago and was variously em- ployed in that city as a carpenter and con- tractor until he entered the service of the N^andalia Railroad, erecting the first grain elevator for that company in 1873. He con- tinued to work at his trade for some years, building principally houses. At midnight, July 4, 1873, Mr. Boyce ar- rived in Mount Zion and here he began deal- ing in grain, coal, lumber and builders' hard- ware, in partnership with John Scott, in- vesting six hundred dollars in the enter- prise. This connection continued from the ist of April. 1886, until October 12, 1889, when our subject bought Mr. Scott's inter- est in the business and has since extended his operations. The business was started in a very small way, the office of the company being only twelve feet square. It was later enlarged to eighteen by twenty feet, and 390 PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. subsequently the present buildings were erected in 1890, consisting of a store room, elevator and lumber sheds. Under the man- agement of our subject the business has now reached extensive proportions, bringing him a good income. He has just built an ele- vator calculated to hold thirty thousand bushels of shelled grain. In 1880 Mr. Bo3'ce married Miss Eliza- beth Gibb, a native of Scotland, who came to this country with her parents when only six years old. Her father was John Gibb, a representative of a noted Scottish family. Religiously Mr. Boyce is a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian church and social- ly is connected with Ionic Lodge, No. 312, I'". & A. M., of Decatur, having been made a Mason in that city in 1898, and he also belongs to Alount Zion Lodge, No. 300, I. O. O. F., of Mount Zion. He is a representative of that class of citizens who, while advancing individual success, also jiromote the ]niblic welfare. He stands high in business circles as a man of progressive ideas and known reliability, and he merits the confidence so freely accorded him. WILLIAM HAMSHER. In a history of Macon county, past and present, it is incumbent that we make men- tion of William Hamsher, for he was one of the early settlers of Decatur, and as one of its pioneers he should certainly find rep- resentation in this volume. Great changes have occurred here since the time of his arrival. A little log building constituted the courthouse in Macon county and there were many log cabins in the embryo city when he established his home in Illinois. He was a native of Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, born on the 5th of October, 1824. His parents always made their home in the east and there passed away many years ago. There were several children in the famil)-, however, who came to the west and located in Decatur, and four of the fam- ily are now living, namely : Barnett K., who is now secretary for the Herald-De- spatch Company and manager of the Herald Printing and Stationery Company ; Samuel W., who holds the position of janitor Ln the postofiice at Decatur; Mrs. Williams, of Decatur; and Mrs. Samuel Rotz, of Penn- sylvania. Like the other members of the family, \\'illiam Hamsher received only a common- school education. In early manhood he wedded Miss Sophia Bear, the marriage be- ing celebrated in his native state. The lady was also a native of Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, and belonged to a family that has many representatives in Decatur at the present time. Her death, however, oc- curred on the 8th of February, 1879, and the two children of that marriage, Daniel F. and Susanna M., are also deceased. .\fter his marriage, in 1858, William Hamsher came with the balance of the Hamsher family to Macon county and es- tablished his home in the little village of Decatur. It was then a small place similar to other villages which are established on the frontier. Many of the little houses were constructed of logs and everything was ])rimitivc in character and few of the com- forts of the older east were to be enjoyed here. Mr. Hamsher opened a shop and be- gan working at the wagon-maker's trade, which he followed for many years. He was thus engaged at the time of the outl)rcak of the Civil war. His patri- otic spirit being aroused by the attempt of the south to overthrow the Union, he en- listed in 1861 as a member of Company K, One Hundred and Sixteenth Illinois Infan- try, going to the front under the command of Colonel Boyd. The company was engaged in many battles, but ]\Ir. Hamsher was vcr\' fortunate in that he was never in- PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 397 JLired and at the expiration of his term of service he was discharged at Springfield. Returning to his home, Mr. Hamsher once more became connected with the in- dustrial interests of Macon county, work- ing at the wagon-maker's trade in Decatur. He conducted his business here until fail- ing health forced him to retire from that line of activity and he took u]) his abode upon a farm near Decatur. He resided there for only a brief period, however, and then again established his home in this city, where he lived retired until his death. Mr. Hamsher was married a second time in Decatur to Mrs. Mary I. (Tweedy) Gray, a native of New York, born November 7, 1830. The lady is a daughter of Robert Tweedy, who was of Scotch-Irisli lineage, and on coming to America settled in Can- ada. He also resided in New York for a short time, but later removed to Montreal, Canada, where he engaged m merchandis- ing. His wife and all of his children, with the exception of Mrs. Hamsher, died in Montreal of cholera within a period of four weeks. The surviving daughter was first married to John A. Gray, of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, who took up his abode in Decatur at an early day and here engaged in the manufacture of cigars until his death. There was one child by that marriage : John A., who wedded Aliss Blanche Willcutt, and resides in Schaller, Iowa, where he is engaged in dealing in grain. Mr. Hamsher was a member of the Bethel Church of God in Decatur, and his wife be- longs to the Baptist church of this city. She was left in very comfortable circum- stances and now owns a beautiful home at 1606 East Main street. Mr. Hamsher ac- quired his possessions along legitimate bus- iness lines. He realized that honesty is the best policy and was ever fair and straight- forward in all his dealings with his fellow- men. No one ever spoke against his in- tegrity and all who knew him entertained for him the highest regard. He was a member of the Grand Army Post, of De- catur, and in his political views was a Re- publican, taking an active interest in all of its work. He died May 6, 1899, and the po- sition which he held in the public regard was shown by the fact that his was one of the largest funerals ever held in the city. His friends gathered to pay their last tribute of respect to him whom they had loved and honored. JOSEPH MILLS. Joseph Alills, the president of the Mills Lumber Company of Decatur and thus a representative of one of the leading indus- tries of the city, occupies a position of prom- inence in business circles. His connection with this enterprise dates from 1886 and duringthe intervening period the success of the bitsiness may be largely attributed to him. Mr. Mills is a native of New Jersey, his birth having occurred in Essex, Union county, on the 2d of March, 1826. He is descended from English ancestry, the fam- ily having been founded in America by rep- resentatives of the name who came from England during colonial days. Samuel Mills, the grandfather of our subject, was likewise born in New Jersey and when the colonists attempted to throw off the yoke of British oppression he joined the conti- nental army and served as a valiant soldier of the Revolutionary war. While in camp his regiment was surprised by a night at- tack and during that struggle Samuel Mills was wounded by a bayonet. In times of peace he followed the occupation of farm- ing, carrying on agricultural pursuits dur- ing the greater part of his life. His death occurred when he had reached the age of 398 PAST AND PRESENT Ol- MACOX COLXTV. seventy years. In his family were five chil- dren, inclutiing Stewart Mills, the father of our subject. He. too, was born in New Jersey and was reared to farm life and be- came an agriculturist. As a companion and helpmate for life's journey he chose Nancy Sutton, a daughter of Benjamin Sutton, also a resident farmer of New Jersey, while her grandfather was one of the heroes of the Revolution. Mr. and .Mrs. .Mills became the parents of five children; Mary, now de- ceased; Hannah, the widow of William AVilliams: Joseph, of this review; Phoebe, the wife of Jesse Fowler; and Electa, the wife of Charles Lyon. The father died in 1868, at the age of seventy-eight years, and the mother long survived him, passing away at the advanced age of one hundred and four years. She remained upon the home- stead and when a centenarian could read without glasses, her eyesight seeming to be renewed in her last years. She held mem- bership with the Presbyterian church and the world was better for her having lived, for she exerted a strong influence for good in the lives of those with whom she came in contact. In his youth Josei)li .Mills was inured to the labors of the home farm, where he worked until he reached the age of seven- teen, when he began learning the carpen- ter's trade. After serving a four years' ap- prenticeship he was employed for some time as a journeyman and through a long period was connected with the building interests. In 1853 Mr. Mills left his old home in New Jersey and came to the west, casting in his lot with the early settlers of Decatur, whose business enterprise, activity and keen dis- cernment were laying the foundation for the jiresent prosperity and progress of the city. l*"or a half century he has now made his home here. He first purchased property on the corner where the Syndicate block now stands and became connected with the business interests here as a contractor and builder. His thorough understanding of the trade, his excellent workmanshi]) and his faithfulness to the terms of a contract soon secured him a liberal patronage and he continued to conduct a profitable busi- ness in that line until 1878, when he aban- doned that work in order to engage in a kindred industry, becoming a partner of W. !'>. ilary in the lumber business. -Mr. Hary had been his former partner in contracting for a number of years before they went into the lumber business. This connection was maintained until the death of Mr. Harv in 1886, when Mr. Mills purchased his in- terest from the estate. On the ist of Janu- ary, 1891, the Inisiness was incorporated, a .•^tijck company being formed under the firm name of the Mills Lumber Company, with Joseph Mills as the president; Jacob Willis, secretary and treasurer; and Albert Good- man, .iianager. The business of the com- I)any has steadily increased and its sales now annually reach a large figure. They deal extensively in all kinds of lumber, handling everything needed in their line for the construction of public or private build- ings. The business policy inaugurated by .Mr. xMills at the outset of his career has ever been maintained. The work is carried on systematically and success has been won along the line of time-tried maxims. l'2re leaving the east Mr. Mills was united in marriage on the 22(1 of May, 1848, to Miss Eliza Lansing, whose parents were L'enjamin and Anna (Hill) Lansing, the former a native of New York and the latter of New Jersey. Five children were born of this union, but only one is now living: Anna, who married John W. Shellabarger, of -Salina, Kansas, and had five children but only two are now living, Edgar and Edith. Another daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Mills was Emma, who became the wife of Sig- mund Schulof and died leaving a daughter. Pearl, now the wife of ^^'illiam Wittke, of Xew N'ork citv, and the mother of a little i DR. 0. F. PARKER PAST AND PRESENT OF .AIACON COUNTY. 40 1 daughter. The other members of the Mills family were Josephine, Stella and Coriene. The wife and mother, who was a consistent and devoted member of the Baptist church, passed away on the 2d of March, 1886, at the age of fifty-nine years, and on the ist of January, 1888, Mr. Mills was again mar- ried, his second union being with Mrs. Sini Taylor, the widow of Frank Taylor, and a daughter of Lars Larson, who was a native of Denmark. The family home is an at- tractive residence on North Main street, in addition to which Mr. Mills owns other val- uable city property. In his political views he was originally a Republican, supporting that party from 1856 until 187J. He then voted for Horace Greeley and since that time has affiliated with the Democracy. For six years he served as alderman of Decatur from the first ward and has been assistant super- visor, but has preferred to perform his du- ties rather as a private citizen than as an official. He belongs to Decatur Lodge, No. 65, L O. O. F., and in the fraternity as well as in business and social circles is held in the highest regard. The character and posi- tion of Mr. Mills illustrates most happily for the purpose of this work, the fact that if a young man be possessed of the proper attributes of mind and heart he can unaided attain to a position of unmistakable prece- dence and gain for himself a place among the men who are foremost factors in shap- ing the business history of their various communities. His career proves that the only true success in life is that which is ac- complished by personal effort and consecu- tive industry. It proves that the road to success is open to all young men who have the courage to tread its pathway, and the life record of such men should serve as in- spiration to the young of this and future generations, and teach by incontrovertible facts that success is ambition's answer. OSCAR F. PARKER, M. D. Few men were more prominent or more widely known in the enterprising city of Decatur than Dr. O. F. Parker during the thirty-three years of his residence here. He was an important factor in business circles and his popularity was well deserved as in him were embraced the characteristics of an unbending integrity, unabated energy and industry that never flagged. He was public spirited and thoroughly interested in whatever tended to promote the moral, social and material welfare of the city. The Doctor was born in Peru, New York, on the 7th of November, 1818, a son of Dr. Francis and Sarah Parker. His father, who was also a physician, was engaged in prac- tice at Parishville, New York, for many years, and both he and his wife died there. Our subject acquired his literary education in the common schools of his native place, and having decided to enter the medical pro- fession, he became a student at Jefferson Medical College, of Philadelphia, where he was graduated in the class of 1851. He then joined his father at Parishville, St. Lawrence county. New York, and together they engaged in practice at that place tmtil our subject came west. In the meantime he was married in 1856 to Miss Calista L. Flanders, also a native of the Empire state, born in Lawrence, St. Lawrence county. New York, in 1832. Her father, Samuel Flanders, was a millwright by trade and from New York removed to Ohio, where he built a number of mills throughotit the state, making his home there until his death. To Dr. and Mrs. Parker was born but one child: Minnie, now the wife of A'^irgil Hos- tetler, of Decatur. After his marriage the Doctor continued his residence in Parishville. New York, until 1865, when he came to Decatur, Illinois, and began practice here with Dr. Josiah Brown. Two years later the partnership was dissolved and Dr. Parker (Miibarked in 402 PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. in the drug business, opening a store on East Main street, near Water street, vvliicli he conducted until failing health caused his retirement from business. He died, in this city on the i6th of December, 1897, honored and respected by all who knew him. Mrs. Parker is still living in Decatur, where she owns a large and beautiful residence at No. 341 West Macon street, and her daughter resides with her. In early life the Doctor was a Whig in politics, and after the dissolution of that party joined the Republican ranks. While living in New York he became a member of the Masonic fraternity, but never united with any of the lodges after coming to De- catur, in citizenship he was loyal, in friendship faithful, and in his family he was known as a devoted husband and father. Throughout his entire life he commanded the respect of his fellow-men by reason of his genuine worth, and his loss was deeply mourned tliroufrhout the comniunitv. CHARLES HAYS. One of the leading and representative cit- izens of Hickory Point township is the gentleman whose name introduces this re- view. Throughout his active business life he has followed farming with good success and is to-day the owner of a well improved and valuable place on section 26. His en- tire life has been passed in this township, his birth occurring September 27, 1859, on the old homestead, which is on section 23 on the Bloomington road, where his brother Frank now resides. John R. Hays, the father of our subject, was born on a farm in Wayne county, In- diana, September 5, 1830, and was one of a family of eight children, whose parents were John and Rebecca (Hadley) Hays. Our subject's grandfather was a native of Pennsylvania and of Scotch-Irish descent. His children were Ebenezer; Nancy; John R. : Rebecca, wife of Alexander Brett ; Ben- jamin; Cynthia, wife of Isaac Skillman, of Oregon ; William ; and Thompson H. John R. Hays was only four years old when the family removed from the county of his nativity to Vermilion county, Illinois, locating near Danville. A year later they went to Piatt county, and in 1841 came to Macon county, taking up their residence on section- 26, Hickory Point township, where our subject now resides. This farm was im])roved by the grandfather, who, in con- nection with general farming, was quite cxtensivelj' engaged in stock raising. The father of our subject was a lad of eleven years when he settled here and amid pio- neer scenes he grew to manhood. The near- est school house was then northwest of De- catur, two miles and a half distant from his home, but a few years later another was erected in Hickory Point township a mile and a half away. Although his educational advantages were limited he became a well informed man through reading, experience and observation. He remained on the home place until twenty-seven years of age, when his father gave him eighty acres of land and he started out in life for himself. Being industrious, energetic and progressive, he met with marked success in his farming operations and added to his property from time to time until he had six hundred acres of choice land, well improved and under excellent cultivation. He always took a deep interest in public affairs and most ef- ficiently filled the offices of school director, township collector and county supervisor. On the 26th of March, 1857, he was united in marriage to Miss Rachel ]\Iontgomer}% a daughter of William F. and Amelia (Su- ver) Montgomery, and imto them were born four children, as follows : Charles, of this review; William, also a resident of Macon county ; Frank, who lives on his father's old homestead in Hickory Point PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 403 township; and Cynthia, who died April 15, 1872. The family is one of prominence in the community where they reside and wherever known its members are held in high regard. The father passed away March 24, 1900, and the mother is still living. They were both honored and respected by all who knew them. Charles Hays was reared and educated in much the usual manner of farmer boys, aiding in the work of field and meadow and pursuing his studies in the district school. Since attaining to man's estate he has fol- lowed farming and is now living on the place where his grandfather located on com- ing to this country in 1841. He has two hundred acres of rich and arable land and the well tilled fields and the neat and thrifty appearance of the farm testify to the super- vision of a careful and painstaking owner. In 1889 Mr. Hays led to the marriage altar Miss Elizabeth Landis, a native of Pennsylvania, and a daughter of Henry and Amanda (Reeser) Landis, of Bearsdale, and four children bless their union, namely: Ed- win, Robert, and Ora and Oma, twins. Mr. Hays casts his ballot for the men and measures of the Democratic party, and he has served as school director in his dis- trict. He is public spirited and progressive and never withholds his support from any enterprise which he believes will prove of public benefit. MARTIN V. LONERGAN, M. D. Dr. Martin V. Lonergan, who is engaged in the practice of medicine in Decatur, is known as a successful and skillful physi- cian and surgeon, one who has given years of thought and painstaking preparation to his profession and who is thoroughly quali- fied for its practice. Nature endowed him with the elements necessary for success as a practitioner for he is sympathetic, pa- tient and thoughtful and in the hour of ex- tremity cool and courageous. Though his practice engrosses much of his attention he still finds time to keep in touch with the advancement made by the profession and avails himself of e;very development in remedial agencies. Dr. Lonergan was born on the 4th of Feb- ruary, 1852, a native of Philadelphia, Penn- sylvania. As the name indicates the family is of Irish lineage. The father, Michael Lonergan, was born in County Waterford, Ireland, and learned the carpenter's trade there ere his emigration to the new world. When a young man, however, he crossed the Atlantic to the United States and es- tablished his home in Philadelphia. There he met and married Miss Margaret Dona- hue, who was born in County Tipperary, Ireland, and who had come with her parents to this country. The year 1856 witnessed the removal of Michael Lonergan and his family from Pennsylvania to Illinois. Set- tling in Jacksonville, he there followed carpentering until 1870, when he disposed of his business and property interests there and invested his money in a farm in San- gamon county, devoting his remaining days to agricultural pursuits and to the enjoy- ment of the quiet life of the farm. He died in 1888 at the age of seventy years and his widow still resides on the old homestead. Both were communicants of the Catholic church and Mr. Lonergan gave his political support to the Democracy, for he believed its platform contained the best elements of good government. LInto this worthy couple were born six children : Martin ; John, who resides upon the old home farm ; Maurice ; Maggie ; and two who have passed away. When Dr. Lonergan was but four years of age he came with his parents to Illinois and pursued his education in the public schools of Jacksonville until he reached the age of fourteen. He then entered upon his 4:04 PAST AXD I'RRSEXT OF MAO )X C( )L'XTV. business career by l)ecoming an employe in a store of that city, but later he continued his studies in the Wliipple Academy and subse(iuently jjrepared for the duties of bus- iness life by a course in llrown's Com- mercial College. He worked in the store (luring the day, attending school at night. The elemental strength of his char- acter was thus manifested and gave promise of a successful future, because success is more often the result of strong purpose and close applicatit)n than of any other elements. With educational work Dr. Lon- ergan was also connected for some time, having for five years engaged in teaching in Sangamon count)^ It was his desire, however, to become a member of the med- ical fraternity and he began reading in the office of Dr. David Prince, of Jacksonville, ere he discontinued his work as a member of the teacher's profession. Later he pur- sued a course of lectures in the Long Island Hospital College in Brooklyn and was next a student in the College of Physicians and Surgeons in Xew York. He also took a post-graduate course in the Chicago Poh'- clinic in 1888 and in 1894 in the New York Polyclinic and the same year served as house physician in the .Mothers and Babies Hospital, Xew York. Tlu- money for his collegiate course he earnetl through his own labors and when his capital became ex- hausted he again accepted a position as a school teacher in order to gain the funds necessary for the completion of his course in medicine. He was graduated in 1877 and through the inllucnce of his roommate, J. .\. Dawson, he located at Casner, Illinois, in .March. 1878. there opening an office. One of his first patients was Mrs. Will- iam Wilson, who subsequently became his mother-in-law. Becoming acquainted with the daughter, Mary, he sought her hand in marriage, and on the 14th of November, 1878, the wedding ceremony was solemn- ized. She was born and reared in Mount Zion township, Macon toimty, and by her marriage became the mother of four chil- dren, of whom two are now living: Ellis C. and Bertha Alay. The first-born, Bertie, died at the age of only four years, and John M. died at seventeen years of age. The first wife, Mary, died on the i4lh anniversarj' of their marriage, November 14, lyoi, and the Doctor was again mar- ried Xoveinber 27, 1902, to Mary E. Dres- back. In his professional career Dr. Lonergan has been quite successful. He continued a partner of Dr. Dawson until Xovember, 1883, and since that time has practiced aU)ne. He owns a good drug store and has a liberal patronage in that line as well as in medical practice. He continued to mUke his home in Casner until 1895, when he came to Decatur and has since been active in the practice of his profession in this city. He keeps thoroughly informed concerning the advancement made by the profession and has long since demonstrated his skill in handling intricate cases. Socially he is a member of Ionic Lodge, No. 312, A. F. & A. M. ; Macon Chapter, No. 12, R. A. M.; and Decatur Council, No. 21, R. & S. M., all of this cit)\ He was likewise a member of Casner Lodge, No. 463, 1. O. O. F., of which he served as noble grand. He is also a member of the Macon County Medical So- ciety : the Illinois State Medical and the .American Medical Association. The Doctor is a firm beliexer in the cause of temperance and does everything in his ])ower for the suppression of the use of in- to.xicants. He manifests his principles in this by his ballot, voting for the Prohibition party, with which he has been allied since age gave to him the right of franchise. He and his wife hold membership in the Cumberland Presbyterian church and he is a man of broad humanitarian principles, whose influence has always been on the side of right and justice. He believes that the CHARLES LEWIS MRS- CHARLES LEWIS PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 4)9 most important work of man is the develop- ment of honorable character and has ever used his iniiuence in behalf of the promotion of moral progress in the communities in which he has lived. CHARLES LEWIS. Charles Lewis, one of the leading citizens of Hickory Point township, who is suc- cessfully engaged in general farming and stock-raising, was born in Warwickshire, England, on the 27th of November, 1832, a son of William and Ann (Clark) Lewis, who spent their entire lives in that country. Of their eight children those still living are : Isaac, who still makes his home in England ; Charles, of this review; George, a wealthy resident of England ; and Thomas, who is now living in Missouri. Our subject's early advantages were ver}' meager, and since the age of fourteen years he has been dependent upon his own re- sources for a livelihood. He worked hard during his boyhood at various occupations, being employed on farms a part of the time and also at brick and tile making. ^^Mth the hope of bettering his financial condition Mr. Lewis came to America in the fall of 1864 and spent the first winter in Vermont. Before leaving England he borrowed fifty dollars from his brother William, then li\-ing in Vermont, to help pay his expenses to the new world. In 1865 — the year of President Lincoln's assassina- tion — he came to Macon county, in company with his wife and four children and his brother William's wife and their four chil- dren. They made the trip west by way of Buffalo, New York, and Logansport, Indi- ana. Through some mistake they were put on the wrong train at the latter place and taken to a station seven miles out of their way. As Air. Lewis was entirely unfa- miliar with this part of the countr}- he was at a loss to know what to do, but a kind- hearted man came to his assistance with a wagon and conveyed the women and chil- dren as far as the Wabash trestle work. Our subject then carried the children across and led the women to a place of safety. As he did not know at what minute a train might appear, this was an experience never to be forgotten. Arriving in Macon county he first settled in Decatur township, where he lived in a shanty for about two years, and then re- moved to Hickory Point township, where he engaged in the manufacture of brick, making the brick for the house of John Hanks, a relative of President Lincoln, and receiving in exchange eleven acres of land on section 33, which forms a part of his present farm. In later years this caused considerable trouble in his securing a title to the land. Mr. Lewis also made the first tile ever manufactured in the county and was among the first to drain the land. They brought the machinery for his tile factory from England. As the years have passed he has steadily prospered in his b'usiness af- fairs and is to-day the owner of a fine stock farm of three hundred and thirty-one acres of choice land in Hickory Point township. The pasturage is good and all the grain that he raises he feeds to his stock, having two hundred and fifty head of Shropshire sheep and thirty-five head of cattle. Before leaving England Mr. Lewis was married in the town of Co\'entry to Miss limma Jane Betts, who was also a native of Warwickshire, and died in Macon coun- tv, Tlliinois. in 1868, leaving five small chil- dren. One child born to them died in Eng- lan. The others are as follows: George, a successful farmer of Austin township, this county, married Sarah Kirkpatrick, and has four children, one of whom is Mrs. Nellie Belford, who has five children; Mary Jane is the wife of John Bear, and has three chil- dren ; Fannie is the wife of Ira Parrish, of 4111 PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. Harristown township, and has two children ; Charles married Kate Cheker, by whom he has three children, and they live on his father's farm ; Emma is the wife of Gus Parrish, of Mount Auburn, Christian coun- ty, and the}' have two children. As will be seen, Mr. Lewis has fourteen grand- children and five great-grandchildren. On the loth of October, 1871, Mr. Lewis was again married, his second union being with Miss Catharine Hastie, who was born in Dumfrieshire, Scotland, November 22, 1828, a daughter of Adam and Margaret (Tait) Hastie, who both died in Scotland. Mrs. I^ewis is the youngest of their nine children and the only one living with the exception of her brother Robert, a resident of California. Another brother, William, died in this county and was buried in Boil- ing .Springs cemetery, Hickory Point town- ship. Immigrating to America in 1866 she came to Macon county, Illinois, with her brother-in-law, Andrew Myers, and a niece. She lias been to her husband a faithful com- panion and helpmate and carefully reared his cliildren. By her aid and encourage- ment she has materially assisted him in se- curing a home and competence and she cer- tainly deserves much credit for what she has done. She takes much pleasure in her flow- ers which adorn the front yard and add much to the beauty and attractive appear- ance of the place. She presides with gra- cious dignity over her home, which is a com- fortable brick residence, noted for its hos- pitality and good cheer. Since casting his first presidential vote for Rutherford B. Hayes, Mr. Lewis has supported the Republican party and its nom- inees. He was reared an Episcopalian, but he and his wife now attend the First Pres- byterian church of Decatur, in which she holds mcml)crship. She is an active worker in the cause of Christianity and the children were reared amid good influences. Mr.. Lewis belongs to that class of men wlunn the world terms self-made, for coming to this country empty-handed, he has con- quered all the obstacles in the path to suc- cess, and has not only secured a comfortable competence but has gained the good will and friendship of those with whom he has come in contact cither in business or social life. J. M. PERSINGER. For a third of a century J. M. Persinger was a leading business man of Maroa, and the commercial interests of the town were well represented by him. He located here at an early day in the development of Maroa and the growth of his business kept pace with the growth of the city, the years bring- ing to him a large patronage, which was well merited by reason of his energy, his honorable methods and his straightforward dealings with his fellow men. When called to his final rest he left behind him an honor- able record and his memory is yet- cherished and revered by many who knew him. Mr. Persinger was born in Shelby county, Ohio, in 1837, and upon the home farm was reared, early becoming familiar with the labor of field and meadow, and thus forming habits of industry. When seventeen years of age he began teaching school and fol- lowed that profession until the outbreak of the Civil war, when he -became a member of the bodj'guard of John C. Fremont. This company, however, was disbanded, and returning home Mr. Persinger enlisted as a member of the Ninety-ninth Ohio Infantry under Colonel Sweeny. He participated in eighteen battles, but was never wounded nor ill in the hospital. He rendered valua- ble service to his country as a brave and loyal soldier and on being mustered out he returned to Sidney, Ohio. He then again engaged in teaching school for a year or two. PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY 4rll In iS66 Air. Persinger was united in mar- riage to Miss Sarali Beck, a daughter of Joseph and Mary P.eck, the former a farmer of Montgomery county, Ohio. She acquired her education in the Centerville Academy and in the Lebanon College of Ohio. The year following their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Persinger removed to Maroa, becoming early settlers of this place, and with the business history of the town Mr. Persinger became closely identified. He formed a partnership with J. C. Beatty and opened a harness and saddlery store. The new firm prospered and in 1878 they purchased the hardware stock of Hartrnan Brothers. In the same year S. M. Adams purchased the hardware and implement store of John H. Crocker, and the stock of both houses was ■consolidated and the business continued under the name of Persinger, Adams & Company, a relation that was maintained until 1882, when Mr. Adams withdrew and the firm of Beatty & Persinger became the owners of both stores. This arrangement was continued until January, 1885, when the partnership was dissolved, Mr. Beatty taking the harness and saddlery business, while Mr. Persinger retained the hardware stock. He was then alone until 1889 and in the meantime he e.xtended the field of his trade operations by adding a stock of furni- ture in 1886. Three years later he admitted T. P. Miller to a partnership in the business and the firm became Persinger & Miller, a relation that was maintained until March, 1893, when Mr. Miller withdrew, Mr. Pers- inger continuing alone in the conduct of his large store. In 1894 he added an undertak- ing department and in May, 1900, he sold his hardware and furniture stock to J. M. Ram- mel §i Company. He then retired, after thirty-three years of active business life in Maroa. Not a business man of the city at that time was connected with the trade in- terests of Maroa as long as Mr. Persinger, and he always maintained a place in the front rank as a leading, progressive and re- liable merchant. He was never known to take advantage of his fellow men in any transaction, content to realize a fair profit and valuing his own self-respect and the regard of his fellow men more than wealth or position. He sold his business for sev- enty-five hundred dollars in cash, thus re- ceiving a merited reward for his life of in- dustry and enterprise. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Persinger was born one son, Rolland E., whose birth occurred in 1870. He acquired his early education in Maroa and later attended the University of Illinois for one year. He afterward' spent a year in Grant University of Tennessee and then became a student in the college at Bloomington, this state. On putting aside his text books he returned to his home in Maroa and was engaged in the hardware business with his father until 1895, when he accepted the position of secretary to the Crocker Elevator Company, which position he is now filling and the success of the b.us- iness is attributed in no small degree to his efforts. The company operates six different elevators in Macon county and handles a large amount of grain raised in this locality. In public aiTairs Rolland Persinger is also prominent. He. was elected city clerk in 1897 and mayor of Maroa in 1899, and his official service was satisfactory to the gen- eral public and reflected credit upon his own loyal citizenship. Socially he is con- nected with the Masons, belonging to the lodge of Maroa. He is likewise a member of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks at Clinton. His political support is given the Republican party and he is widely and favorably known in business, political and fraternal circles in this part of Illinois. Mr. Persinger held membership with the Grand Army of the Republic, being con- nected with the post in Maroa. He was a member of the Presbyterian church, to which his wife also belongs, and in his po- 412 PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COrXTY litical affiliations he was a Republican, as was his father anil is his son. Matters of citizenship relating to the public welfare elicited his attention and his co-operation was many times given to movements for the general good. He guided his life by honor- able principles and was well worthy the con- fidence and regard so uniformly tendered him. He died October 17, 1900, and thus one more name was dropped from the roll of Maroa's citizens who had long been ac- tive in her public and business life, but while he has passed away the work which he accomplished lives after him, and his name is honored and his memory cherished by those among whom he had long lived and labored, exemplifying in his life a high type of American manhood. I lis widow, now living in Maroa, owns one hundred and sixty acres of laml in .Mact)n connt\- and a business jilock in Maroa, which is now oc- cu])ied by a grocery and restaurant. ^\fter luT luisl)and's death the old home was sold and a handsome home erected in Maroa, where she and her son are still living. GEORGE B. SI'lTl.l'.R. George B. Spitler, one of the leading bus- iness men of Mount Zion, has shown in his successful career that he has the ability to plan wisely and execute with energy, a combination which, when possessed by men of any walk of life, never fails to effect nota- ble results. ]'"or twenty years he has made his home in Mount Zion and his name is in- separably connected with its business in- terests. Mr. Spitler was born on the 14th of April, 1854, in Luray. \^irginia, of which state his parents, Wesle)- and Ann (V'arner) Spitler, were also natives. His paternal grandfather. Abram Spitler, was a life-long resident of the ( )ld 1 )()niinion and was of German descent, and his maternal grand- father, i)a\id X'artier, was also a native of X'irginia. The father was born in i8ii and throughout the years of his active business life engaged in farming and surveying. On leaving his native state in 1833 he removed to Jasper county, Indiana, where he has spent the greater part of his life, but is now living in Effingham county. Illinois. His wife died in 1878 at the age of sixty-nine years. Ten children were born to them, but fi\-e died in infancy, those still living being Sallie, wife of J. M. Lecrone, a resident of Effingham county, Illinois; Molly, wife of (ieorge W. Shull. of Montrose, Illinois; Aljram, who makes his home in I\lattoon, Illinois; and George B., the youngest of the family. I)a\id died in January, 1891. The house in which our subject first saw the light of day was built of log and weath- erboartled. It is still in a good state of pres- er\ation and has been the home of some of the Spitler family for at least two hundred \ears. being now owned and occupied by Jacob S])itlcr. ( )ur subject received his early education in the country schools near his boyhood home and when young learned telegraphy, acting in the capacity of oper- ator and agent for the Vandalia Railroad system for some time. He was in the train despatcher's office at Terre Haute, Indiana, for two years, and on leaving the employ nf that compaii}- he entered the service of the Illinois Midland Railroad as train de- spatcher, which position he held for two years. In the meantime the office was re- mo\-e<-^^ PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 421 April 7, 1848, was married June 25, 1876, to L. E. Mackey, now a resident of Indianap- olis, Indiana, and their children are Mar- garet May, who married John McClintock and has one child, Laveta Evans ; and William Allen, who married Elizabeth lloaglin and has one child, Herman Evans. Susan Lavena, born February 7, 1850, died August 30, 1859. Joel Seth, born March 28, 1852, was named for Captain Joel S. Post, who was second lieutenant in Mr. Freeman's company in the Mexican war. Alatilda Ann, born March 15, 1854, is the wife of William Minson, living east of De- catur, and their children are Claud, Roy, Jessie, George, Otis and Ruth. The last named is now deceased. James Douglas, born April 12, 1856, entered the retail shoe business at Petoskey, Michigan, in 1882, and continued in the same vmtil 1893, when he accepted a position as traveling salesman for a wholesale shoe house, with headquar- ters at Kalamazoo, Michigan. He was mar- ried October 26, 1882, to Ida M. Boss, and they ha\c three children : Lowell C, who was born October 25, 1884, and is now a promising student of architecture and civil engineering; Homer D., who was born March 16, 1889, and died January 27, 1890; and Bessie M., born July 18, 1891. Rosella, born April 3, 1859, was married November 2, 1881, to F. B. Ritchie, a dealer in imple- ments and coal in AVarrensburg, Illinois, and they had two children, Litta, born Feb- ruary 22, 1888, and Vilas Lamar, born Feb- ruary 23, 1891, Avho died in infancy. Rachel Emeline, born January 11, 1861, died in December of the same year. For the past twenty years Mrs. Freeman has lived with her daughter Mrs. Ritchie at a pleasant home in Warrensburg, where- she dispenses a cordial old-fashioned hospi- tality to every visitor. She is remarkably vigorous for one of her years, her faculties of sight and hearing are still keen, and being very active she still takes enjoyment in per- forming the lighter household tasks. Her memory is good and she delights in telling many interesting reminiscences of pioneer days. One of these is a tale of apparent danger but with a rather ludicrous ending. One dark night her grandfather, John Shep- pard, who was then living near the Blue Ridge mountains, was aroused by a terrific noise near the river and concluded it was a band of marauding Indians, who were then quite hostile. Believing that they would attempt to kill the entire family the grand- mother hastened to arouse her children and prepare for flight, but on going out to learn the cause of the noise her husband found, to his great relief, that the disturbance was caused by two colored women who were at the river washing clothes in the old way and who, becoming involved in a quarrel, had fallen to belaboring each other with the heavy wooden paddles used to beat the gar- ments on the rocks. Mrs. Freeman has been a life-long member of the Christian church, first attending meetings in Illinois in the old courthouse at Decatur soon after the arriv- al of the family in this county. She is be- loved by all who know her and has a wide circle of friends and acquaintances through- out this section of the state where she has so long resided. JOHN P. PARKER. John P. Parker, a prominent citizen of Maroa, now retired from active business cares, was born in Preble county, Ohio, in 1853, and is a son of James S. and Rachel Parker, of whom extended mention is made in the sketch of James H. Parker, on an- other page of this volume. Our subject was only eighteen months old when brought by his parents to Illinois, and he is indebted to the schools of this state for the educa- tional privileges he enjoyed during his bo)^- hood and youth. Until twenty years of age 4-22 PAST AND PRESENT OF MACOX COUNTY. he remained under llic parental roof, giving his father the benefit of his labors in the operation of the home farm. Later he en- gaged in farming on his own account for ten years and is still the owner of four hundred and eighty acres of valuable and well-im- proved land in Maroa township and eighty acres in Blue Mound township, besides a nice house and lot in the village of Maroa, where he now lives. While on the farm he gave considerable attention lu the raising of cattle and horses and had a tine herd of registered shorthorns. He continued to handle fanc_\- horses for five or six years after coming U> Maroa, and as a stock- dealer he met with excellent success, being a good judge of all kinds of farm animals. He has traded to a considerable extent in w'estern lands and has placed good inprove-' ments on all the land which he owns, in this way materially advancing the interests of the localities where he owns properly. He seems to have inherited much of the business ability of his father, who was a very successful man and who, during that first twenty-one years of his residence in Alacon county, bought and paid for twenty- one hundred acres of land. For the past few years our subject has been living a retired life in Maroa, having already acquired a suf- ficient competence to enable him to lay aside all business cares. Mr. Parker was married in 1875 ^o Miss Hannah E. Gray, who was born and reared in Maroa township, a daughter of John N. Gray. Two children blessed this union : Elzina, who died at the age of one year; and James G., now twelve years of age. The parents are both active and consistent mem- bers of the Methodist Episcopal church, and Mr. Parker is also connected with the Masonic fraternity, the Knights of Pythias and Order of the Eastern Star. He is a Re- publican in politics and served as road com- missioner one term. He is extremely benev- olent, being noted for his kindness and liber- ality to the poor, and no worthy one has ever sought his aid in vain. Especially has he given his assistance to young men just making a start in life, having aided a num- ber in this way. His life has been manly, his actions sincere, his manner unaffected, and his example is well worthy of emula- tion. WILLIAM S. GARVER. \\ illiani S. Garver, who is conducting business at No. 222 and 224 East W'abash avenue, iJecatur, under his own name, is well known in commercial circles in this city. Pie is yet a young man, but has al- ready attained success that many an older man might well envy. He was born in Plumboldt, Kansas, on the 6th of Febru- ary, 1870, and is a son of Samuel H. and Sarah J. (Magee) Garver. The Garver family was established in America at an' early period in the colonization of this countr}-, the first of the name in the new world being Jacob Gerber, who came from Europe. His descendants were John, Sam- uel, Nancy, Christian and Jacob F. Among his children, Jacob F. is the direct ancestor of the subject of this review, the grand- father of the Carvers who settled near De- catur, Illinois. The descendants of the or- iginal ancestors became residents of Wash- ington county, Maryland; of Lancaster, I'Vanklin and Dauphin counties. Pennsyl- vania : and of different ])arts of Ohio. The name has undergone many changes in spell- ing as the family has thus become separated. Those in Pennsylvania have generally spelled the name as does the subject of this •review, while the branches of the family in Maryland and Ohio use the spelling of Clarver, Gerber, Garber and even Carver is found. To-day representatives of the name are found in nearly all the states and terri- tories of the Union. Christian Garver, the father of the Illi- PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 423 nois branch of the famil}', removed from Lancaster to Dauphin county, Pennsyl- vania, and died in 1841. Jacob Carver, the grandfather of our subject, was married in 1820 in Dauphin county, Pennsylvania, to Susan Hisey, and, removing westward, took up his abode near the city of Decatur, Illinois, in the year 1838. There he resided continuously until 1871, when he went to Humboldt, Kansas, where his wife died in 1878, leaving ten children. Jacob Carver passed away in Macon county, Illinois, in 1888 at the age of eighty-nine years. Their children were C. H., Nancy, J. H., Barbara, Mary, D. H., S. H., Susan, D. H. and A. H. After the death of his first wife Jacob Car- ver was again married, his second union be- ing with Christina Servin, whom he wedded in 1881. Samuel H. Carver, the father of our sub- ject, was born in Pennsylvania, and after arriving at years of maturity was married in 1856 to Miss Sarah J. Magee, a daughter of John Alagee, wlio came to Alacon county, Illinois, from Ohio, in the year 1829. Mrs. Magee was born in Ohio and by her mar- riage she became the mother of ten chil- dren, eight of whom are now living, as fol- lows : J. U., who is superintendent of the pumping station on the Sandwich Islands ; Ellen, who is the wife of. Samuel Ouigley, of Jennings, Louisiana ; Samantha, who is the wife of Louis Moomey, of Decatur ; Amelia the wife of James Hufif, of Ham- mond, Illinois ; William S., of this review ; Frank, who is living on the old homestead farm in Alacon county; Theodore, who is a member of the regular army in the L^nited States Cavalry, and has entered upon his second term of three years, being now sta- tioned in the Philippines; and two, who died in childhood. The parents are now resi- dents of Jennings, Louisiana. William S. Carver was only four years of age when his parents came from Hum- boldt, Kansas, to Alacon county, Illinois, and here he was reared on the home farm, acquiring his education in the common schools. Entering upon his business career he engaged first in the grain, feed and grocery business at No. 620 East Eldorado street, in Decatur, during the years 1894 and 1895. In 1897 he opened a place at No. 1036 North Water street and in 1900 he came to his present location at Nos. 222 and 224 East Wabash avenue, Decatur, where he is buying and selling grain and feed and doing a custom grinding business. He is a man of energy and enterprise and is prospering in his work. Mr. Carver be- longs to Celestial Lodge, No. 186, I. O. O. F. He is one of the young business men of the city and in trade circles as well as in social life he has gained many friends. CHARLES C. H. COWEN. To the real estate and insurance business the subject of this sketch is now devoting his attention, and is regarded as one of the most energetic and reliable business men of Warrensburg. His life has been mainly passed in Illinois, his birth having occurred in Magnolia, Putnam county, this state, June 24, 1861, and he was named for his father's preceptor. Dr. Charles C. Hildreth, of Zanesville, Ohio. His father. Dr. Jesse M. Cowen, was a native of Muskingum county, Ohio, and a son of Robert Cowen. Our subject's great-grandfather, who also bore the name of Robert Cowen, was of Scotch-Irish descent and was one of three brothers who came to this country from Ireland at an early day. Robert Cowen, Jr., made farming his life occupation. He married Miss Martha Miller, who was a life- long resident of the Buckeye state and lived to be nearly ninety years of age. Dr. Jesse M. Cowen, our subject's father, was graduated at the Ohio Medical College in 185S and soon after receiving his de- 424 PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. gree came lo Illinois, making the journey by boat down the Ohio and up the Mississippi and IlHnois rivers to Henry, IlHnois, and thence across the country to Magnolia, where he was engaged in the practice of his profession until 1869 with the exception of the three years he spent in the army during the trying days of the Rebellion. In the fall of 1862 he enlisted as surgeon in the Seventy-seventh Illinois Volunteer In- fantry, which left Peoria under the com- mand of Colonel Greer. The regiment was first with the Army of the West and later with the .-Vrmy of the Potomac. Before entering the service Dr. Cowen was mar- ried at Hennepin in i860 to Miss Amelia Ann Dent, a native of Putnam county, Illi- nois, a daughter of George and Comfort Dent, who were from Virginia. Her father became quite an extensive farmer of this state. Mrs. Cowen was one of two daugh- ters in a large family, the oldest son being Thomas Tjams Dent, a prominent lawyer of Chicago. She was a distant relative of Mrs. Julia (Dent) Grant, the wife of General U. S. Grant. She was educated at the Rock River Seminary in Mount Morris, IlHnois, and was a lady of culture and refinement, as well as a devout and earnest Christian worker in the Methodist Episcopal church. In 1869 Dr. Cowen and his wife removed to Hennepin, Illinois, which was the old historic French trading post in the west and is to-day one of the quaint old towns of the state, being without railroad, telegraph or other connection with the outside world, although it was formerly, during steamboat days, one of the busy towns of the state. Mrs. Cowen died there of rheumatism of the heart when only thirty-six years of age, leaving many friends as well as relatives to mourn her loss. Our subject at that time was only fourteen and his brother Robert M. was twelve. The latter is now married and living in Peoria. He had six children but the oldest is now deceased. Dr. Cowen was the only son in a family of several chil- dren. He long survived his wife, dying at Hennepin of apoplexy in September, 1890, at the age of fifty-six years. Both were laid to rest in the Hennepin cemetery. For many years he was leader of the choir and chorister in the Alethodist Episcopal churches of Magnolia and Hennepin and was also leader of musical clubs in both towns, lie was a man highly honored and esteemed by all who knew him on account of his many sterling traits of character. Charles C. H. Cowen's early education was limited to the common branches taught in the public schools of Hennepin but a solid foundation for knowledge acquired in subsequent years was laid by his parents at home. Until eleven years of age he assisted in the work of the farm during the summer months, while during the winter season he attended school. During the early "80s lie entered the employ of Ed White, who was serving as postmaster at Bureau Junc- tion, Illinois, and was engaged in business as a general merchant and grain dealer. He remained there four years, during which time the business passed into other hands. The following year was spent at Peoria in the wholesale dry goods house of Day Brothers & Company, and he was next em- ployed in a dry goods house in Chicago for one year. For two years he was engaged in railroad claim work for the Missouri Pa- cific Railroad Company at St. Louis, Mis- souri, and for the Santa Fe, at Galveston, Texas, and at the end of that time came to Warrensburg, Illinois, where he resumed merchandising with his former employer, Ed White. The business being sold to D. C. Myers in 1896, Mr. Cowen has since been engaged in the insurance and real estate business on his own account. On the 17th of August, 1893, was cele- brated the marriage of Mr. Cowen and Miss Millie Pearce Batchelder, a daughter of lohn J. and Mary F. (Thorndikc) Batchcl- PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 427 der. Her elementary education was acquired in the district school near her childhood home and she afterward attended the De- catur high school-, where she was graduated in 1889. Later she was graduated at Knox College, Galesburg, Illinois, which was then under the presidency of Dr. Bateman, who had formerly served as state superintendent of public instruction. In 1891 and 1892 she taught in the Ryerson school of Chicago, after having cadetted in the Ogden school on the north side of that city. By her mar- riage she has become the mother of two children : Joy Batchelder, born January 9, 1896; and Nira Elizabeth, born April 2:2, 1900. Mr. and Mrs. Cowen are both mem- bers of mini Congregational church, located on land set apart for church purposes on her father's farm, and she is also a charter member of Concordia Club, which is a literary and musical organization formed in 1899. Our subject and his wife are very popular socially and have a large circle of friends and acquaintances in the community where thev now make their home. JOHN WHEELER BROWN. For many years J. Wheeler Brown was connected with agricultural interests in Christian county, Illinois, but in more recent years has devoted his time and energies to the banking business, which he is now fol- lowing in Blue Mound. He was born near North Stonington, Connecticut, September 17, 1S38. His father, John Denison Brown, was born in North Stonington, March 23, 1S09, and was the oldest son of John and Sally (Denison) Brown. His ancestry, however, can be traced back to Lady Anne Bordell, a member of the English nobility. After arriving at years of maturity the father of our subject was joined in wedlock to Mary Ann Wheeler, who was the third in a family of twelve children born unto Peres and Desire (Wheeler) Wheeler. The mother of our subject traces her ancestry back for thirty-five generations, through Godfrey I, Henry II, Lambert III, Lady Geoberga, wife of Lambert of Lorain I, Charles, duke of Lorain, Louis II, King of France, Charles III, King of France, Louis II, King of France, Charles II, King of France, Louis I, King of France, to Em- peror Charlemagne, born in 742 A. D. The Wheelers were also connected with the Grant family, of whom General U. S. Grant was the most illustrious member, and both the Grant and Wheeler families were repre- sented in the Revolutionary war. At an early period in the development of Christian county, Illinois, John Denison Brown lo- cated there with his family, and in 1839 secured a tract of land on which he de- ^•eloped a good farm, making there a com- fortable home for his family. When thirty- two years of age he united with the Baptist church at Stonington, Christian county, Ill- inois, and seven years later was chosen one of its deacons, in which capacity he acted for over thirty years, and though seventy years of age at the time of his death, he was active to the last in anything that con- cerned the church and its welfare. Both the father and mother of our subject have passed away. J. Wheeler Brown received but limited educational privileges, attending school for only about three months in each year. His first teacher was the late Judge Wilham Hammer, who died but a few years ago, and under whose instruction he pursued his preliminary studies in the winter of 1843-4. His best mental training, however, was received from his father, who was him- self a well educated man, taking an active interest in educational affairs, and who, in connection with Judge William S. Frink, of Taylorville, was instrumental in securing the services of two of the most prominent teachers that ever came to the west — Miss 428 PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY, Ihinihain, who taught in Stoiiington, and Miss Holland, who taught in Taylorville, both from Governor Slade's school in Mas- sachusetts. When not engaged in the duties of the school-room Mr. Brown worked in the fields and meadows and early became familiar with the experiences that fell to the lot of farmer boys in the west in those days. On the 'SOth of September, 1862, he was united in marriage to Miss Rebecca T. Cath- erwood, a daughter of Joseph and Lydia Catherwood, and one of a family of ten children, four of the number, Catherine. Joseph, Allen and Mrs. Brown are now de- ceased ; the others being John, William T., Mrs. Eliza J. Bonnel, J. Steele, Lydia A. and Mrs. Emma Powell. ^Irs. Brown re- moved with her parents to Guernsey county, Ohio, in 1846, and there her father died. The family afterward went to Shelby coun- ty, Illinois, in" 1857, and in 1859 took up their abode near Old Stonington, Christian county, Illinois. On the 30th of September, 1862, Rebecca Catherwood gave her hand in marriage to J. Wheeler Brown, and for twenty-eight years she resided with him upon the old home farm. Mr. Brown continued to reside on the old homestead which had been purchased by his father in 1839, until September, 1890, when he removed with his family to Normal, Illinois, there remaining for nearly two years. On the ist of August, 1892, he went to Moweaqua, and in connection with Will- iam Miller, now of Decatur, Illinois, and the late Hon. D. P. Keller, he established the Commercial Bank under the firm style of Miller, Brown & Keller. This institution opened its doors for business on the 2d of December, 1892, and Mr. Brown re- mained in Moweaqua until the ist of May, 1896, when he came to Blue Mound, having in connection with Ralph Ayers purchased the bank of J. M. Brownback. About the 1st of May, 1900, Mr. Brown purchased his partner's interest and in turn sold him his own interest in the Commercial Bank at Moweaqua. He then transferred one-third of the Blue Mound bank to his son, John A. Brown, and the present firm of J. W. Brown & Company was established. They are now conducting a good banking business, having a large patronage and enjoying in high de- gree the confidence of the public. After the removal to Blue Mound Mr. Brown was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife, who died on the 2d of October, 1896, and was laid to rest in the old Ston- ington cemetery. Her mother, Mrs. Lydia Catherwood, died in Taylorville in the spring of 1897, at the very ad\anced age of ninety-three years. She was noted for her strong religious character and her upright life. In the fall of 1867 Mrs. Brown was converted and immediately united with the "Nebraska Schoolhouse Class," which at that time was an auxiliary of the Methodist Ki)isco[)al church at Aloweaqua. In 1890 she transferred her membership to the church in Normal, and after the removal of the family to Moweaqua she joined the Methodist church in that place, remaining a consistent member there until her death. She took great pleasure in aiding in the work of the churches to which she and her husband be- longed, being especially active in the Ladies' ^Missionary Society, and as long as health permitted she faithfully attended the church and worshiped at all its services. She was a devoted and loving wife and mother and her loss was very deeply felt, not only by her immediate familj', but by many friends throughout the county. L^nto Mr. and Airs. Brown were born four children : John .\rthur. who is now the junior member of the banking firm of J. W. Brown & Com- pany, of Blue Mound ; Mary A., now Mrs. J. Riley Anderson, and the mother of ten children ; Grace L., wife of O. E. Briggs : and S. Agnes, at home with her father. Mr. Brown has always given his political support to the Republican party. He has PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 429 held nor sought no office save township po- sitions. \\'hile living upon his farm he was called upon by his fellow townsmen to serve in a number of local offices and was super- visor, overseer and justice of the peace. Fe was also school airector for seventeen yearb. In May, 1845, 'ic became one of the scholars in the Sunday-school organized at Old Stonington — the first Sunday-school formed in Christian county, Illinois. In November. 1850, he united with the Baptist church at that place and has held membership there- with continually since. Fraternally he is a Master Mason, belonging to Blue Mound Lodge, No. 682, F. & A. M. In his business life he has prospered. For long years he followed farming, and in connection with his banking and property interests in Blue Mound he still owns six hundred acres of land in Prairieton township, Christian county, a part of which is included within the old homestead, which came into his father's possession in 1839. He was only about a year old when the family came to Illinois, and in this state he has spent his remaining days, always living in this por- tion of the state. He is, therefore, well known to its citizens and his life history has been such as to win for him the regard and confidence of his fellow men. ROBERT N. BAKER. Robert N. Baker was a life long resident of Macon county and spent many years in Decatur, where he became widely known as a citizen of worth and one of business enter- prise and integrity. He was born on a farm near Antioch in Macon county on the loth of September, 1834, and was a son of James and Arrahnah (Hodge) Baker, both of whom were natives of Tennessee. In an early day they came to Macon county and established their home upon a farm near Antioch, first living in a log cabin after the primitive manner of the times, but later building a more comfortable and modern residence. The father continued to engage ,11 farming on the old family homestead near Antioch throughout his remaining days, but he died in the prime of life, passing away when about forty years of age. For a num- ber of years thereafter his widow resided on the old home farm and then removed to the village of Mount Zion, where she made her home with her daughter for a few years. Afterward she came to the city of Decatur, where she continued to reside until called to her final rest in 1896. There were but two children in the family, the daughter being Sarah Ann, the wife of James Greg- ory, of Lovington, Macon county. Robert N.Baker, who was the older, began his education in the common schools near his native place and accjuired a good prac- tical knowledge of the English branches of learning. He was reared upon the old home farm and after he had attained his majority he engaged in farming on his own account near his father's homestead for a few years, but later he sold his property and came to Decatur. After his marriage he was employed as express messenger by both the American and Pacific Express Companies, but finally secured a position with the latter which enabled him to remain at home. Previous to this time his services had called him upon the road. He con- tinued with the express company until his death and was one of its most faithful and trusted employes. In his work he was sys- tematic and methodical, prompt and re- liable and he enjoyed the confidence of all with whom he came in contact. In the city of Decatur Mr. Baker was united in marriage to Miss Sylvira M. Mat- thews, a native of Fayette county, Indiana, and a daughter of Gerard and Sarah (Cooper) Matthews, who were natives of Baltimore, Maryland, whence they removed to the west, settling in Favette countv, 430 PAST AXD PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. Indiana. There the father was engaged in farming for thirteen years, after which he took up his abode in Springfield, Illi- nois, where he spent one winter. On the expiration of that period he settled on a farm in Sangamon county, this state, mak- ing it his home for several years and then came to Macon county, purchasing a farm in P)lue .Mound township, on which he con- tinued to reside up to the time of his death. His attention and energies were devoted to general farming and to the raising, buying and shipping of stock and his business af- fairs were capably managed. He died at the age of forty-eight years, in the prime of life, and his wife passed away when forty- seven years of age. They were the parents of five children, who are now living, namely : Mrs. Baker; John, a retired farmer residing in Decatur; Mrs. J. C. Bell, a resident of Springfield, Illinois; Mary J., whose home is in Nebra.ska: and Mrs. S. M. Trump, who resides in Indiana. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Baker was born one son, Lewis G., who married Emma Wagner, and resides in Decatur. He is now express messenger for the Pacific Express Company, his route be- ing between Decatur and ?kloberly. He also has one child, Gladys, aged eleven years. Mr. Baker was a citizen of prominence, active in public afTairs and several times was solicited to become a candidate for public office, although his aspirations were not in that direction. He served as city marshal of Decatur for one year and was ui-ged to become a candidate for sheriff of Macon county, but declined the nomina- tion. In his political views he was a Re- publican and took a deep interest in poli- tics, believing firmly in the principles of the party and doing everything in his power to secure their adoption. He held membership in the Masonic Lodge at Decatur and be- longed to the First Methodist Episcopal church, of which his wife is also a member. His life was honorable, his actions kindly and sincere and the salient traits of hi.« character were such as won for him the regard and good will of all with whom he >vas associated. He passed away April i, 1899, but his memory is still cherished and revered by those who knew him. Mrs. Baker now owns and occupies a nice resi- dence at No. 404 West Decatur street, which was built by her husband. She is an estimable lady and has many friends in this city. GEORGE FAITH. This well known and progressive citizen of mini township, who is now so success- fully engaged in farming and stock-raising on section 11, was born in Cumberland county, Maryland, on the 26th of January, 1863, and is a son of Joseph and Catherine (Hasine) Faith. His paternal great-grand- father was born in Alsace-Loraine, Ger- many, though it then formed a part of France, and he was of French descent, while his wife was born in Amsterdam, Holland, and was of Dutch ancestry. Our subject's father was born in Baltimore, Maryland, April 25, 1823, and in early manhood he mar- ried Miss Catherine Hasine, a native of the same state, whose birth occurred on the 5th of March, 1826. For some years he worked at the machinist's trade in Cumberland, Maryland, but finally selling his property in the east he came to Illinois in the spring of 1871 and settled on a farm west of War- rensburg in ]\Iacon county, his time being devoted to agricultural pursuits until his retirement from active labor. He and his wife are now living in Decatur and they have the respect and esteem of all who know them. More extended mention is made of them in the sketch of Charles H. l-'aith, on another page of this volume. George Faith is the eleventh in order of PETER BETZEK PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 433 birth in a family of fourteen children, nine of whom came with the parents to Illinois. Our subject completed his education in the schools of Warrensburg, and on laying aside his text books at the age of nineteen years he devoted his entire time to farming, giving his father the benefit of his labors until twenty-two years of age, when he went to Stanton, Kansas, and pre-empted one hundred and sixty acres of government land. After constructing a dugout, in which to live, and a sod barn, he began to break and im- provehis land andplanted a number of trees. Selling out in iSgg, he returned to Illinois, and entered the employ of C. J. Off, of Peoria, training race horses. Two years later we again find him in Warrensburg and he is now successfully engaged in farming and stock-raising on bis own account, feeding over one hundred and thirty hogs and a large number of cattle for market. He has a good farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Austin township and carries on his work in a most approved manner. On the 26th of February, 1890, Mr. Faith married Miss Alice Schroll, of Warrens- burg, the only child of D. L. and Alice (Watkins) Schroll. Her father is a veteran of the Civil war and endured all the hard- ships of armv life while assisting the gov- ernment in her efforts to preserve the Union. Mrs. Faith was educated in the district schools of Macon county and is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church of Warrensburg. The children born to our subject and his wife are David Franklin, whose birth occurred August 21, 1891 ; and Edna Joy, born October 11, 1893. Politi- cally Mr. Faith is independent, and socially is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America and Good Templars. In this county where he has so long made his home he is widely and favorably known, and wherever he has lived he has made many friends for he is pleasant and courteous in manner. PETER BETZER. Peter Betzer, who was one of the old and prominent citizens of Macon county, took up his abode in this part of the state in 1856, and up to the time of his death re- mained a valued citizen of the community, interested in all that pertained to the gen- eral welfare and active in support of many measures for the public good. He was a native of Chillicothe, Ross county, Ohio, born on the 17th of January, 1820. His pa- rents were William and ^largaret (Mc- Harvey) Betzer, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania, whence they removed to Ross county, Ohio, at an early period in the development of that portion of the Buckeye state. There the father engaged in farming until his death, and the mother also passed away there. Mr. Betzer was educated in the common schools of his native county and in early life, learned the plasterer's trade, which he followed in Ohio for a number of years. While still making his home in the state of his nativity he was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Bunn, also a native of Ross county, Ohio, born on the 30th of Sep- tember, 1823. Her parents were Ezekiel and Mary (Prutzman) Bunn, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania, whence they removed to Ross county, Ohio, the father becoming identified with agricultural pur- suits. His death occurred in that county, after which his widow came to Decatur and spent her last days in the home of her daughter, Mrs. Betzer, where she died at the advanced age of eighty-five years. Unto :Mr. and Mrs. Betzer were born four chil- dren : W. O. died October 16, 1875 ; Alice M. is now the wife of Dr. C. D. Camp, a practicing physician of Chicago; Margaret is the wife of Benton Blackstone, who is connected with the firm of Linn & Scruggs, of Decatur ; and Frank C. married Florence Ellis and thev have three children; Frank 434 PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. E., I^'Iorcnce .\da and William Cass. He and liis family now reside with Mrs. Bet- zer and he is engaged in the grain business in Decatur. ,\fler his marriage Mr. Betzer settled upon a farm in Ross county, C3hio, and was engaged in its improvement and cultivation for a few years, or until 1856, when, thinking that he might have better business oppiir- tunitics in the west, he came to Illinois, settling in .Macon county. Here he pur- chased a tract of land in Hickory Point township and resided thereon for eleven years, devoting his energies to general farm- ing with good success. Then on account of impaired health he sold his property and in 1867 took up his abode in Decatur, pur- chasing a residence on North street, after which he lived a retired life until called to his final home. He died on the 17th of January, 1876, which was the hfty-si.xth anniversary of his birth. In public alTairs he had been [irnminent and active and he served as assessor of his township in Macon county for one year and as township collector for two years. His political allegiance was given to De- mocracy and his religious faith was indi- cated by his membership in the German Reformed church of Ross county, ( )hio. The Betzer family became prominent in Macon county and Mr. Betzer was widely and favorably known, the sterling traits of his character winning him the friendship and favor of many with whom he came in contact. Mis l)usiness career was attended with prosjH-rity, owing to the capable con- duct of his affairs, his laudable ambition and his indefatigable industry. Mrs. Bet- zer, who still survives her husband, owns a nice brick residence at No. 406 West Ma- con street, where she is living with her son and his famih\ She also has other property on North street, in Decatur, and thus is comforlablv situated in life. HARRY L. HOLIDAY. Harry L. Holiday, who is a traveling salesman of Decatur, was born in I'airfield, Iowa, December 8, i860, and is a son of John 1'. and Frances A. (Wright) Holiday. The father was of Scotch ancestry and was a native of Xenia, Ohio, while the mother, who was born in Hagerstown, Maryland, was of Irish lineage. When only nine years of age John Holiday was left an orphan but in connection with his three sisters he maintained the old family home until all had reached adult age. By trade Mr. ] loliday became a carpenter and followed that pursuit throughout his active business career. About 1840 he came to Macon county, journeying by stage from Indiana to Alount Zion. He then forded the river on horseback and continued on his way until he reached Decatur, arriving here before any railroad was built in the county. He was thus one of its pioneer settlers and he took an active and helpful ])art in the work of ])rogress and impro\emenl. .\ nunil)er oi years later he removed to Fair- field, Iowa, where the subject of this review was born. He had been married before coming to the west and eight children graced the union, of whom one died in in- fancy. The others are as follows: J. W., who married l-".mma l)a\is, by whom he has four children, and is now living in Bur- lington, Iowa: C. W'., who married Jennie Leisk, but is now a widower; J. I-'rank, who wedded Sallie Delzell and is located in Morning Sun, Iowa; Janies F., who wedded Mary Priest, of Decatur, and has one son ; C. D., who married Emma Christman and is living in Chicago; Harry L., of this review; Fannie, the wife of Lyman Crosthwait of Nebraska, by whom she has three sons. In 1869 the father re- turned from Iowa to Macon county, Illi- nois, where he continuefl to work at his trade until his death. He assisted in the erection of many buildings in this city and PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 435 did considerable contracting on his own account. He was a devoted member of the Methodist Episcopal church and died in that faith June 26, 1897, when seventy- nine years of age. His widow still survives him and is now living with her son. Dr. J. W. Holiday, of Burlington. Iowa, in the seventy-eighth year of her age. Harry L. Plolida}'. who was the seventh in order of birth in ilieir family, pursued his education in the schools of Decatur and after putting aside his text books learned the carriage-maker's trade, which he fol- lowed for four years. On the 24th of June, 1886, he entered the employ of the Standard Oil Company as a salesman and has since remained with that corporation, for which Tie is now doing special work, his duties being of an important and responsible nature. That he has the entire confidence of those whom he represents is indicated by his long continuance in the one em- ploy. On the 27th of January, 1894, Mr. Holi- day was united in marriage to Miss Eu- genia ?ilaxfield. a daughter of B. F. and Charlotte J. (Davis) Maxfield. The father was a native of Kentucky and the mother of Illinois. Of their three children one is now deceased and the youngest sister of Mrs. Holiday is Ella M. Maxfield, who re- sides in Decatur with our subejct and his wife. In his political atlfiliations Mr. Holiday is a Republican, firm in support of the principles of the party, but never an office- seeker. He has witnessed the growth and development of Decatur from a very early period. He has seen it when it was but a \'illage and in his boyhood days he had ample opportunity to indulge his love of hunting in this locality. He yet enjoys that sport and follows it to some extent during periods of rest and recreation. In his business afTairs he is methodical and during his long connection with the Stand- ard Oil Company he has kept an accurate account of all business transactions to which he can refer on a moment's notice. In all his trade dealings he has been strictly fair and reliable and is justly re- garded as a man of strong individuality and U])right character and as one of the early settlers of Alacon county he certainly deserves representation in this volume. JABEZ J. COMBS. Jabez J. Combs, an honored and highly re- spected citizen of Macon, now living a re- tired life, was born in Wilkes county, North Carolina, December 7, 1824, and is a son of William and Asenath (Ellis) Combs, also natives of that state, the former born in 1802, of English ancestry, and the latter in 1800 of Welsh lineage. In early life the father was engaged in farming in North Carolina and from there removed to Indiana .in 1833, becoming one of the pioneer settlers of that state, where he improved a farm and made it his home until his death in 1866. His wife survived him a few years and died in 1872. They were married in North Caro- lina an'd became the parents of eight child- ren, five of whom are still living, namely: Jabez J., of this review: Niram, a farmer of Hancock county, Indiana ; JMartha, who lives on the old home place in the Hoosier state: Eli, who is also living on the home farm and is unmarried; and William, who married Bell Fauset and occupies a part of the old homestead. The subject of this sketch was quite young when he accompanied his parents on their removal to Indiana and upon the home farm in that state he grew to manhood, his education being acquired in a log school house with slab seats, greased paper win- dows and an old-fashioned fireplace. The farm consists of over five hundred acres and is to-dav one of the finest and best im- 436 PAST AND PRESENT OF .MACON COUNTY, proved places in Ihat part of the state, Ijut when the land came into possession of our subject's father it was covered with a dense growth of timber and was entirely unimproved. In those early days the fam- ily had to haul their corn thirty miles to mill and were forced to endure all the hardships and privations of pioneer life. On attaining his majority Jabez J. Combs left the parental roof and learned the black- smith's trade, at which he worked for sev- eral }-ears. In the meantime he was mar- ried, November 4, 1849, to Miss Sarah Whitaker, who was born December 2, 1832, a daughter of James and Susan (Cullison) Whitaker. Twelve children blessed this union, namely: Judson is now proprietor of a general store at Moweaqua, Illinois ; Edward P.. is a farmer of South Macon township this county; Albert is now a bookkeeper in a general store in Paunee, Nebraska, but was formerly engaged in teaching school and was principal of the schools at that place for several years ; ^VilIianl M. is at home with his parents; Su.san died at the age of five years ; Eli S. is carrying on a lumber and coal yard at Findlay, Illinois; James A. was at one time bookkeeper in the Woodcock Bank of Macon but is now with his brother, Eli, in the lumber and coal business at Findlay ; Mary G., wife of O. S. Highley, a farmer of South Macon township ; Flora B., wife of Frank Tomlinson, a farmer of the same township ; Ada L., wife of Benjamin Arm- strong, superintendent of the coal mines at Niantic, Macon county ; Ethel, wife of Orin Lindley, a farmer of South Macon township ; and Sarah, wife of Robert Pat- terson, Jr., a dealer in horses and mules at Macon. Mr. and Mrs. Combs take a just pride in their family as none of their sons drink or lia\e any bad habits. They also have twenty grandchildren and one great- grandchild. Coming to Illinois in April, 1861, Mr. Combs first settled in Christian county, where he engaged in farming upon rented land for four years, and then removed to the village of Macon, which at that time con- tained not more than a half dozen houses. After working at his trade in that place for four years he resumed farming upon rented land in South Macon township, this county, and continued to engage in agricul- tural pursuits for twenty-two years. At the end of that time he sold out and returned to Macon, where he has since lived a re- tired life, enjoying a well earned rest. Here he owns a nice home and eight lots, the residence being surrounded by beautiful shade trees and a small orchard which fur- nishes its fruits in season. When Mr. Combs came to this ])art of the country ponds and sloughs were to be seen on every hand, there were no roads, and it looked as tk.ough this region would never be fit for habitation. There were only two houses between Macon and Mt. Auburn, and our subject has watched with interest the development of the county, at the same time aiding in its upbuilding, lie has contrib- uted liberally of his means to churches and schools and in other ways has mate- rially advanced the interests of the com- munity in which he has lived. For over half a century Mr. and Mrs. Combs have traveled life's journey together as man and wife, their mutual respect and love increasing as the years have gone by. As children they attended school together and through the long j-ears that have since passed they have never had a quarrel or misunderstanding of any kind. Both are earnest members of the Baptist church of ^loweaqua and their lives have been in har- mony with its teachings. Politically Mr. Combs is a Republican but has never cared for office, though he served as road com- missioner for a few terms. Pie is now near- ing the eightieth milestone on life's journey but is still hale and hearty for nature deals MOSES B. BATCHELDER MRS. MOSES B. BATCHELDER PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 439 kindly with the man who abuses not her laws, and he has the confidence and respect of all who know him. MOSES E. BATCHELDER. There is particular satisfaction in revert- ing to the life history of the honored and venerable gentleman whose name initiates this review, since his mind bears impress of the early historical annals of the country and from the fact that he is a worthy repre- sentative of a very old and patriotic family. He was born on the 12th of July, 1823, in Hampton Falls, Rockingham county, New Hampshire, of which state his parents, Moses and Abigail (Drake) Batchelder, were also natives. On the paternal side he traces his ancestry back to Rev. Stephen Batchelder, who was born in England in 1561, and came to America in 1632. He was an Episcopalian minister and was eject- ed from his vicarage because of his religious views. He brought with him to this coun- try his grandson, Nathaniel Batchelder, Jr., who founded the old homestead at Hampton Falls, New Hampshire, in 1638. The latter's fourth child was Josiah Batch- elder, whose youngest son was Davitl, the grandfather of our subject. David Batch- eWer wedded Mary Emery, who was per- sonally acquainted with the nurse of Han- nah Dustin, who was captured by a north- ern tribe of Indians. Mrs. Batchelder was familiar with all the circumstances leading up to this capture. At night Mrs. Dustin and her nurse would be placed on rugs of skins and the Indians would lie all around them with their feet upon the women. After several days spent in captivity the Indians got drunk on some rum they had secured and in the night Mrs. Dustin and the nurse quietly got up and killed the seven red men while they slept. They thus made their es- cape, and on her return home Mrs. Dustin found that her husband had erected a new house on the site of the one burned when she was taken prisoner. Our subject well re- members his grandmother telling this and other wonderful tales of early New England life. She was born in 1741 and died in 1834. Three of her brothers were soldiers in the Revolutionary war and endured all the hardships of army life at that time. On one occasion one of her brothers was granted a twenty-four hour leave of absence and re- turned home. Being in rags his mother asked him if her other sons were in the same condition, and when told that they were she went to a cupboard, got a pair of sheep shears and told her youngest son to go to the barn and shear some sheep and bring the fleece to the house. She thcK sent for a shoemaker and with his assist- ance and that of three women she made three full suits of clothes, including stock- ings and shoes, all from raw material, before the twenty-four hours expired, which was no easy undertaking in those days, when all sewing had to be done by hand, not to say anything of the carding, spinning and weaving. All of her sons survived the war. Aloses E. Batchelder was educated in the school at Hampton Falls, New Hampshire, where he attended during the winter months until seventeen years of age, while he worked on the home farm during the sum- mer. After leaving school he engaged in general farming and also assisted in carry- ing on a lumber business in the east. On the 22d of January, 1852, he was united in marriage to Miss Sarah A. L. Batchelder, a daughter of Colonel Nathaniel Batchelder, of Pittsfield, New Hampshire. She was born in March, 1822, and was educated in Pitts- field. Five children blessed this union : Fred Janness, who married Elizabeth J. Jones, and lives in Illini township; Na- thaniel Cary and Frank Drake, both at home with their parents; Edward L., who is en- gaged in farming south of Warren.sburg, 440 PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. Illinois ; and Clarence Emery, who owns and operates a farm of three hundred and twenty acres near Lamar, Missouri. It was in 1864 that Mr. Batcheldcr brought his family to Illinois and purchased a farm of one hundred and sixty acres on section 19, Illini township, Macon county, paying for the same thirty dollars per acre, In 1867 he bought another one hundred and sixty acre tract for ten dollars per acre and to the cultivation and improvement of his land he has since devoted his attention with marked success. He has also raised consid- erable stock and has found that branch of his business quite profitable. Since his earliest years Mr. Batchelder has always taken a great interest in politi- cal affairs and well remembers the cam- paign cries of "Tipi)ecanoe and Tyler, too," and "Old Tipp's the boy that swings the flail and makes the Locos all turn pale."' He also remembers when Jackson was first elected president in 1828. At that time men would work from fourteen to fifteen hours and would only earn fifty cents per day. Mr. Batchelder cast his first vote for the Whig candidate of 1844, and since the or- ganization of the Republican party has been one of its stanch supporters. He served as school director a good many years and has always aided in promoting any enter- prise calculated to advance the educational, moral and social welfare of his community. He and his wife are to-day the only charter members of the Congregational church of Illini township now living in the town- ship, and they arc people highly respected and esteemed by all who know them. WALTER POPE. Although a number of years have passed since Walter Pope departed from the scene of earthly activities he is yet remembered by many who knew him well and esteemed and honored him. He was an active factor in business life in Decatur for long years and was one of the early settlers of the county, dating his residence here from 1856. Mr. Pope was born in County Waterford, Ireland, on the 19th of November, 1835, and his parents, Mr. and Mrs. William Pope, were also natives of that county and there spent their entire li\es. The son acquired a common school education on the Emerald Isle and remained a resident of his native land until al)out twenty-one years of age, when, thinking to benefit his finan- cial conditions in the new world he crossed the Atlantic to .America. He had heard favorable reports concerning the business opportunities of this country and he re- solved that he would make his home here. He first settled in Quebec, but only re- mained there for a short time, after which he came direct to the city of Decatur, where his remaining days were passed. He began W'Ork here as a common laborer and a few years later he purchased a horse and dray and began teaming. This was the extent of his outfit for several years and then when his financial resources had increased he purchased more horses and drays until he controlled and operated nearly the entire drayage .system of Decatur. He continued in the transfer business until October, 1894, receiving a very liberal patronage, whereby a large sum of money was annually returned to him in compensation for his services. At length failing health obliged him to put aside the arduous duties of a business career and for several months he lay ill at his home and then death came and on the 21 St of July, 1893, he passed away. Mr. Pope was married in Decatur in 1864 to Miss Margaret Turner, also a native of Ireland, and a daughter of James and Mary Turner, who were likewise horn on the Emerald Isle, where her father, a brick-layer by trade, was connected with the building interests for a number of years. In 1850, PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 441 accompanied by his family, he bade adieu to friends and native land and sailed for the new world, taking up his abode in New Orleans, but the climate did not seem to agree with him and because of his ill health he started to return to Ireland. He died, however, ere reaching his destination. His widow went back to Ireland in later years and there spent her last days. 'Sir. and Mrs. Pope never had any child- ren of their own. They were very con- genial and companionable, however, and theirs was a happy married life. Mr. Pope never sought or held office, preferring to give his time and energies to his business affairs and the enjoyments of social life. He voted with the Democratic party, believing firmly in its principles and desiring its suc- cess. In his business affairs he was ver}' successful and became a prominent citizen of Decatur, widely known and honored be- cause of his fidelity to strict business ethics and his just and honorable dealing at all times. Mrs. Pope is now the owner of much valuable property in the eastern part of the city, including her residence at No. 702 East Wood street, also three other houses and lots on the same street, a house and lot on East Williams street and another on East Jackson street. She is a member of St. Patrick's Catholic church and like him she shares in the high regard of many friends. DAVID E. BRETT. There are in every community men of great force of character and exceptional ability, who by reason of their capacity for leadership become recognized as foremost citizens and take an active and prominent part in the.afifairs of the locality with which they are connected. Such a man is David E. Brett, who is serving as supervisor of Hickory Point township. A native of this county, he was born May 23, 1859, on t^lie old homestead on sec- tion 35, Hickory Point township, where he now resides. His father, David Brett, was born in Prince William county, Virginia, on the 2ist of December, 1817, and was a son of Richard A. and Margaret (Lee) Brett. The grandfather was also a native of the Old Dominion and of English descent. In his family were fifteen children, all of whom grew to man and womanhood. The father of our subject attended a sub- scription school conducted in an old log cabin, and the knowledge there acquired was greatly supplemented in later years by reading and observation, which made him a well informed man. He remained under the parental roof until coming west and after the death of his father took charge of the old homestead in Virginia. It was in 1835 that he arrived in. Macon county, Illinois, and after spending two years on a rented farm in Decatur township, he removed to Hickory Point township, where he entered one hundred and sixty acres of land from the government, paying one dollar and a quarter per acre. In 1848 he purchased the farm on section 35 where our subject now resides and took up his residence thereon in 1852, making it his home throughout the remainder of his life. In 1847 li^ was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth P. Wheeler, and to whom were born five children: Annie M.; Richard, who is engaged in farming on section 4, Hickory Point township; Frances, wife of John Christie, of the same township ; Edward, who died when about one year old ; and David E., of this re- view. The mother died on the 7th of Oc- tober, i8ri4, in the faith of the Christian church, of which she was a faithful and con- sistent member. The father was a Baptist and in politics was a stanch Republican. He filled the offices of school director and school trustee but never cared for political preferment. After a useful and well spent life died on the old homestead December 4-12 PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 29, 1893, honored and respected by all who knew him. Mr. Brett, whose name introduces this sketch, gave his father the benefit of his labors upon the home farm during his minority, and for a year and a half after his marriage he remained there. In the spring of 1885 he removed to Maroa township, but in 1896 returned to the old homestead on section 35, Hickor}' Point township, where he is now living. He has set out a young orchard and made a number of other im- provements to the place. On the 8th of November, 1883, Mr. Brett was united in marriage to Miss Addie S. Rife, a daughter of Joseph and Rosanna (Campl)ell) Rife, both natives of Pennsyl- vania. The mother was born in Adams county, that state, and followed teaching in early life. Mrs. Brett's ancestors were among the earliest settlers of Macon county, her paternal grandfather having located here in 1832. Plis father was of German and his mother of English descent. In the family were three children, namely : Jacob; Joseph, the father of Mrs. Brett; and Elizabeth, wife of Andrew Trimmer, whose sketch appears on another page of this volume. The father of these children was a charter member of Boiling Springs church, which he helped to organize, and to which he was a most liberal contributor. In business affairs he met with success and he not only left a comfortable competence but also the priceless heritage of an untar- nished name. His word was considered as good as his bond and he was honored and respected by all who knew him. In early life Joseph Rife accompanied his father on his removal to this state and he was mar- ried in Decatur to Miss Rosanna Campbell. They spent their married life on his father's old homestead where their son, Frank, now resides. Mr. Rife died May 23, 1892, and his wife passed away on the 21st of Decem- ber, 1886. They were the parents of eight cliildren, namely: Mrs. Mary Carruthers, now a resident of Wichita, Kansas; Mrs. Minnie Moore, of Niantic, Illinois ; Addie S., wife of our subject; Mrs. Cora Willard, of Johnson City, Illinois; Frank, who is single and lives at Bearsdale; James B. : Elizabeth A. ; and Harry L., deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Brett have three children: Edna E., David Franklin and Harry Richard. Since attaining his majority Mr. Brett has affiliated with the Republican party and has taken quite an active and influential part in [)olitical affairs. Since 1896 he has served continuously as a director of the Mound school and is now president of the board. He was elected townsship collector, and so acceptably did he fill the office that he was re-elected the following year, and in the spring of 1903, he was chosen to the office of supervisor. His official duties have always been most capably and satisfactorily discharged, and he has done all within his power to promote the interests of his town- ship and county. JACOB W. BARTH. Among the representatives of real estate and insurance business in Decatur is Jacob W. Barth, who has here resided since 1892. He was born in Newark, Ohio, on the 7th of April, i860, and is a son of Michael and Anna Maria (Dittus) Barth. The father was a native of Stuttgart, Ger- many, and in 1832 came to America, locat- ing first in Ohio. At the time of the Civil war he responded to the call of his adopted country for aid and served for eleven months as a private in the Union army. He joined the Seventy-sixth Ohio Volun- teer regiment, was assigned to Company E and remained with that command until re- ceiving an honorable discharge on account of physical disability. He afterward re- moved to Illinois, settling in Macon county in 1868. He purchased a farm in Friends PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 445 Creek township east of Maroa and with characteristic energy began its develop- ment, placing it under a high state of cul- tivation. There he carried on general agri- cultural pursuits until his life's labors were ended in death in 1892, when he was seventy-six years of age. His wife, to whom he was married in Ohio in 1857, died in the year 1888, at the age of sixty years. She was a daughter of Jacob Dittus, who lived and died in Germany, in which country Mrs. Barth was born. By her marriage she became the mother of four children : John A., who is now living in York, Nebraska ; Jacob W., whose name introduces this record ; Mary, the wife of Joe Schall, also of York, Nebraska ; and Annie P., the wife of Oscar Allert, of Louisville, Colorado. Jacob W. Barth acquired his preliminary education in the public schools and later he pursued a business course in the Indianap- olis Business University, in which he was graduated with the class of 1888. The duties of the home farm next demanded his attention and he there remained until after the death of his father, when he dis- posed of his agricultural interests and in .892 removed to Decatur. Here he estab- lished a real estate and insurance business, in which he has since successfully contin- ued. He has won for himself a good client- age and has written a large amount of in- surance, annually receiving therefrom a profit that has made his income a desirable one. He has also informed himself thor- oughly concerning realty values and loca- tions and has thus been enabled to place at the disposal of his clients propert)' inter- ests such as they desire, while in the con- duct of his negotiations he has won fair success. On the 27th of December, 1899, Mr. Barth was united in marriage to Miss Barbara K. Klenk, a daughter of David and Anna (Mezger) Klenk. They are well known in Decatur and have the warm friendship of a large circle of acquaintances. Mr. Barth of this review votes with the Republican party, but is not active in politics, preferring to give his time and attention to his busi- ness interests and to the enjoyment of pleasures of home and social life. COLONEL NATHAN W. TUPPER. Colonel Nathan W. Tupper was one of the early members of the Macon county bar, becoming an attorney of Decatur at an early date. He settled here in April, 1855, when the greater part of the ground on which the city now stands was a cow pas- ture. He gained distinction as one of the leading attorneys of this part of the state and left the impress of his individuality and his talents upon the early judicial history of Macon county. Colonel Tupper was born in St. Lawrence county. New York, July 8, 1830, a son of Harvey and Joanna (Willis) Tupper, both of whom were natives of the Empire state, where they resided until 1833. They then removed to Akron, Ohio, and afterward to Sheboygan Falls, Wisconsin. His death occurred at Sheboygan Falls and his widow afterward removed to Missouri, where her last days were spent. As Colonel Tupper had little interest in farm work, desiring to become an attorney, he did not occupy and operate the farm which his father had secured for him in Wisconsin, but left that state and went to Potsdam, New York. There he boarded with an aunt while attending the St. Law- rence Academy, wherein he pursued his studies for a few years. He then began teaching school in Potsdam and afterward became principal of the schools at that place, but this he regarded merely as an ini- tial step to other professional labor for throughout all this time it was his ambition 446 PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. to become a member of the bar and also was the goal toward which he was striving. He devoted all of his k-isure lime outside of the school room to the study of law and thus continued his teaching and study until 1852, when he returned to Sheboygan Falls, Wisconsin, where he was admitted to the bar and then opened an office, practicing in that place for one j-ear. Early in the year 1854 he removed to West Bend, Wash- ington county, \\'isconsin, where he re- mained for a year and in 1855 he came to Decatur. In the ])re\ious year — 1853 — Colonel Tup- per had been married in St. Lawrence county, New York, to Miss Lamira M. Peck, a native of Alalonc, New York, born Febru- ary II, 1829, and a daughter of Samuel and Myra (Hickok) Peck, who were natives of Vermont. After their marriage, how- ever, they settled in Malone, New York, where the father owned and operated a tannery and was also engaged in the manu- facture of shoes. He died in that place but his wife, long surviving him, died at the age of ninety-two years at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Tupper, in Decatur. Unto Colonel Tup]3er and his wife were born three children : Herbert Eugene died at the age of six months. Sheridan, who is now a very prominent actor on the American stage, residing in New York city, was asso- ciated with Roland Reed and other noted actors and at the present time is connected with the William H. Crane Company. He man'ied Ada Shattuck, an actress, and they make their home in New York city, al- though Mr. Tupper owns property in De- catur near his mother's residence. He and his wife usually spend their summer months in this city, visiting his mother. Emorett, the youngest of the family, died at the age of ten months. When Colonel Tupper came to Decatur he found that the little village was situated in the midst of a district which was largely wild prairie land and what is now the pub- lic square of the city was then covered with weeds. In the village, however, Colonel Tupper opened a law office, forming a part- nership with Mr. Thorpe, with whom he practiced for a number of years. He then entered into partnership with Judge \\'ill- iam E. Nelson, who is still residing in De- catur and who is represented elsewhere in this work. They opened an office in the old Power's Building, practicing there together for several years, during which time they secured a very large and distinctively repre- sentative clientage. Colonel Tupper had a broad and comprehensive knowledge of the principles of jurisprudence. His arguments were forceful, his logic convincing and his appeals were strong so that his presentation of a case always carried weight with judge and jury and seldom failed to gain the ver- dict desired. The Colonel continued in the active prac- tice of the law until after the outbreak of the Civil war when his patriotic spirit was aroused and he offered his aid to his country in defense of the Union. Pie became col- onel of the One Hundred and Sixteenth Illi- nois Regiment and in command of his trooj)s went to the front and participated in many important battles. In 1862 he was taken ill and never recovered his health throughout the remainder of his term of ser- vice. Returning to his home in Decatur on the /th of January, 1864, he lay ill until the loth of March, following, when he was called to his final rest, thus practi- cally giving his life in defense of his country. His political support was given to the De- mocracy in early life, but when the Civil war was inaugurated he joined the ranks of the new Republican party, which stood as the defender of the Union. He was a man of marked personality and strong individuality and the salient features of his career were such as to win for him the unqualified confi- dence and respect of his fellow men. He was PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 447 ever fearless in defense of his lionest convic- tions and no trust reposed in him was ever betrayed. He gained distinction at the bar and upon the field of battle and as long as memory remains to the American people he will be honored as one whose life was given as a noble sacrifice to his country. Mrs. Tupper now owns a nice home at No. 247 West Eldorado street, where she has resided for the past forty-eight years. She, too, is well known in Decatur and is a mem- ber of the Presbvterian Church here. AMSTEAD S. KNOUFF. In taking up the personal history of A. S. Knouff we present to our readers the life record of one whose success has been worthil}' achieved through his own efforts. Decatur's enterprise and commercial activ- ity, which characterize both the city and the people, naturally cause one to ask what are a man's business connection. The business history of .\mstead S. Knouff in recent years is one well known to the people of this city for the Decatur Lumber & Manufacturing Company, with which he is financially con- nected, is well known to the public. The enterprise has become an important factor in industrial circles here and the methods employed in its conduct indicate the excell- ent business capacity, keen foresight and energy of the owners. Mr. Knouft' was born on the 17th of March, 1837, upon a farm in Guernsey county. Ohio. His father, Henry Knouff, was a native of Frederick City, Maryland, his birth having occurred there about forty miles northwest of Washington, D. C. The family is of German lineage and there is a German Bible possessed by representatives of the name which is one hundred and sixty years old. In his boyhood days Henry Knouff accompanied his parents on their removal to Ohio, a home being established just across the line from Wheeling, West Virginia, where for a number of years after attaining to man's estate Henry Knouff engaged in the shipping of produce, flour, bacon and other articles of food by flatboat to New Oreleans. This was before the ad- vent of railroads when all transportation was by means of water. Later Mr. Knouff removed to a farm in Guernsey county, Ohio, and carried on agricultural pursuits until his death. In his political views he was a Democrat in early life, but at the time of the Civil war he espoused the cause of the Republican party, which was the de- fender of the Union and remained one of its stanch advocates until his demise. In early manhood he was united in marriage to Mary Kinsey, who was born in the city of Dover, Delaware, and was of Scotch lineage. Her grandparents on the maternal side were slaveholders in Delaware, but gave to their bondsmen freedom. When -Mrs. Knouff was quite a young girl her parents removed to the city of Philadelphia and later to Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. A number of years afterward they went to (Jhio, settling in the vicinity of West Vir- ginia and it was in that locality that Mary Kinsey became the wife of Henry Knouff. She was a lady of superior mental culture, being well informed on many subjects. She read extensively, keeping in touch with standard works and current literature. In her religious faith she was a Methodist. J\Ir. Knouff, who was reared in the Pres- byterian church, became a member of the Methodist church later in life and both were earnest Christian people. He died at the advanced age of eighty-four years and his wife passed away at the age of eighty years. In the public schools of Ohio A. S. Knouff of this review pursued his education, mas- tering the branches of reading, writing, arithmetic and higher mathematics, includ- ing algebra and geometry, chemistry, nat- 448 PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. ural philosopliy, astronomy, history, mental and moral philosophy, elocution and the theory and practice of teaching. His early ambition was to secure superior educational advantages and he devoted his meager earn- ings during his school years to the purchase of books. He has always been a great reader and is to-day a well informed man, keeping in touch with the world's progress along literary as well as other lines. He was graduated from the Ohio public schools at the age of sixteen years and when seven- teen years was employed as a teacher there, his identification with educational work in that capacit}' covering a decade. He was quite successful in the schoolroom, impart- ing readily and clearly to others the knowl- edge that he had acquired. In the meantime he had purchased a four year's scholarship in a college with a view to preparing him- self for the profession of law, but conditions over which he had no control led him into commercial lines and his ambition to be- come a member of the bar was never re- alized. After retiring from the profession of teach- ing Mr. Knouff entered into partnership relations with his father-in-law in the live stock trade, shipping cattle and other stock to the eastern markets, principally to Bal- timore, but occasionally to Philadelphia, Pittsburg and New York. For several years he followed that pursuit and later he devoted some time to the raising of cattle and sheep upon his farm in Ohio. Afterward he was engaged in the dry goods business and in the conduct of a general store in the Buckeye state. At the time of the Civil war he was engaged in the cattle trade and traveled over the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad when it was hazardous to make such a trip, being menaced by the rebel forces. On one return trip he and his partner lost three thousand dollars in cur- rency, the train being captured and burned and the passengers robbed by Colonel John S. Mosby. .At the time General Lee men- aced Baltimore Mr. Knouff corralled his cattle under the range of the guns of Fort Henry for protection. On disposing of his business interests in Ohio he removed to Illinois and engaged in the grain trade, also dealing in hay. He afterward conducted a grocery store at Pana. Illinois, for two years. In 1890 he purchased an interest in the business of the Decatur Lumber & Manufacturing Com- pany, of Decatur, with which he is now actively identified as a stockholder and as one of its officers, being the secretary at the time of this writing. This company maufactures doors, sash and blinds, store and office fixtures and fine interior finish- ings and also deals in lumber, lath and shingles. The factory and lumber yards cover a space of ground one hundred and thirty by three hundred and twenty feet adjacent to the Wabash Railroad tracks, thus securing to them good shipping facili- ties. This company commenced business in 1888 with a capital stock of fifty thou- sand dollars and in 1892 increased the cap- ital stock to one hundred thousand dollars and enlarged the plant. They have from time to time made many improvements until now they have one of the best equipped plants in this part of the state. The company has furnished the interior finish for a large number of the best build- ings erected throughout this section of Illi- nois, shipping within a radius of one hun- dred miles. The present officers of the company are Thomas \'. Jones, president; J. B. Good, vice president ; H. M. Prescott, treasurer; and A. S. Knouff, secretary. .A.11 are practical men in their line of busi- ness and they have made a decided success in the control and enlargement of this enter- prise. In 1861 Mr. Knouff' was united in mar- riage to Miss Margaret Depew, the wedding taking place at her father's home in Ohio. WILLIAM ARMSTRONG MRS. ELIZABETH ARMSTRONG PAST AivlJ PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 453 She is a daughter of Abraham Depevv, now deceased, who was born in New York and was a cousin of the Hon. Chauncey M. Depew, the present United States senator from New York. There .was a marked resemblance in their facial contour and ex- pression and Mrs. Knouflf's father was a man of fine physique and marked personal- ity. She has one brother living in Barnes- ville, Ohio, and two sisters in this state, one in Ellworth, Kansas, a fourth in Ore- gon, while her youngest sister is in St. Louis and is the wife of T. R. Ballard, the president of the St. Louis Chamber of Commerce. Mr. and Mrs. Knouff lost two children in infancy and their only living child is Virginia M. She was educated in the public schools of Ohio, continued her studies in Zanesville and pursued a course in music in DePauw University of Indiana. She is now the wife of Dr. J. F. Fribley, of Decatur, who is a graduate of the Chicago College of Dental Surgery and is practicing his profession here. Both the doctor and his wife are members of the First Methodist Episcopal church, in this city. Mr. KnoufT cast his first presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln and his views on political questions are fully in accord with the principles and policy of the Republican party. He took an active interest in politi- cal work when in Ohio, but he has never sought any position of public trust as a reward for his party fealty. About forty years ago he united with the Methodist Episcopal church under the pastorate of Rev. C. W. P. Hamilton, the father of Bishop J. W. Hamilton, of that denomina- tion, and his wife became a member of the same church during her girlhood. Mr. KnouiT has a firm faith in the validity of the scriptures and believes in the doctrines and polity of the denominations. Both he and his wife hold membership in the First Methodist Episcopal church of Decatur. In matters of citizenship he is public spirited and progressive, co-operating in many movements for general progress and mater- ial upbuilding here. Wherever he is found he is a social, afifable and genial gentleman, whose affairs are conducted in an upright way and all honor and esteem him for his many virtues and genuine worth. Success is not measured by the heights which one may chance to occupy, but by the distance between the starting point and the altitude he has reached and therefore Mr. Knoufif has gained splendid success — a just reward of meritorious, honorable effort which com- mands the respect and admiration of all. WILLIAM ARMSTRONG. The deserved reward of a well spent life is an honored retirement from business in which to enjoy the fruits of former toil. To-day after a useful and beneficial career Mr. Armstrong is quietly living at his pleas- ant home in Argenta, surrounded by the comfort that earnest labor has brought him. A native of Virginia, he was born in Highland county, that state, on the 23d of July, 1839, a son of James and Sallie (Smith) Armstrong, the former a native of Scotland and the latter of Germany. The father was a soldier of the war of 1812 and was a farmer by occupation. Our subject was reared and educated in Virginia and before leaving that state he was engaged in farming upon rented land for a time. In 1868 Mr. Armstrong came to Illinois and locating in Macon county was em- ployed by the month on the farm of Robert Gray west of Maroa for three years. The following year he operated a rented farm and then removed to the Parker farm, which he cultivated on the shares, giving one-half of the proceeds for the rent of the place. During the five years he spent there he met with excellent success and has since steadily prospered in all that he has undertaken. 454 PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. His first purchase of land consisted of a tract of one hundred and sixty acres in Friends Creek township, to which he after- ward added one hundred and sixty acres more, and still later one hundred and fifteen acres, paying over fifty dollars per acre for all of it. He raised both grain and stock and always the best of each, and he made many improvements upon his land which was divided into two farms, supplied with all the conveniences and accessories found upon the model farm of the present century. In i86l Mr. Armstrong was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Cdadwell, who was killed by lightning June i8, 1866. P.y that union were born four children, namely : Edward, who married Mary Hensley and is now living in Champaign county, Illinois; Elizabeth, who died about 1885; Sallie, wife of B. Walker, of Decatur; and William who wedded Emma Taylor and makes his home in Friends Creek township. Mr. Arm- strong was again married in 1871, his second union being with Mrs. Elizabeth James, by whom he has one son, James H., who married Lula Yates and lives on the old homestead. ]vlrs. Armstrong was born in Crambrook. Kent, F.ngland, June 7, 1837, and is a daughter of John and Jemima Chapman. In 1842 she came to America, landing in New York on the 1st of October after being five weeks and five days out of sight of land. She first lived in Cincinnati, and from there removed to St. Charles, Mis- souri, in the fall of 1844, making her home in the latter place until her marriage De- cember 18, 1856, to William James, who was also a native of England and a farmer by occupation. In March, 1865, they came to Macon county, Illinois, and purchased a farm in Maroa township, which Mr. James operated until his death on the 23d of December, 1868. By that union six child- ren were born but three died in early life and one died after reaching womanhood. Those still living are Charles James, who owns and ojieratcs a farm of one hundred and sixty acres near Oreana, Macon count\- ; and Mrs. William Clifton, whose husband is a farmer of Friends Creek township, owning two hundred and forty acres of land. In 1895 Mr. Armstrong retired from the active management of the farm and re- moved to Argenta. where he bought a home and im])roved it. Two years prior to this he had erected a large brick building in the \illage. the lower tloor of which is now oc- cuijied by the store of Kuhns & Ruddock, while the upper story is the Argenta (Jpera House. Mr. Armstrong also has seven acres of laud at the edge of the town, for which he ])aid one hundred and twenty-five dollars per acre and as a public-spirited and ]5rogressive citizen he has done much toward promoting the welfare of the place. He never forgets or ignores the bond of common interest which should unite the people of every community and he has always been ready to promote progress in every line. He is most efficiently serving as trustee of the village and both his pub- lic and private duties have always been faithfully and conscientiously discharged. Since attaining his majority he has affili- ated with the Republican party, and both he and his wife Jire earnest and consist- ent members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Although he started out in life in limited circumstances he has steadily and perseveringl}' worked his way upward, leaving the ranks of the many to stand among the successful few, and is to-day one of the most substantial men of Argenta, as well as one of its most honored and highly respected citizens. . JACOB MAJOR. Jacob Major is one of the honored citi- zens of Macon county, who has passed the seventy-seventh milestone on life's journey PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 455 and is now living retired in Warrensburg. His career has ever been such as to com- mand the respect and confidence of men and he is a wortliy representative of the pioneer settlers of this section of the state. Air. Major was born December 20, 1826, in Harrison county, Ohio, twenty miles west of \MTeeling, West Virginia, and is a son of John and Edith (Webb) Major. The mother was born in 1800 and was of Quaker origin. By occupation the father was a farmer and in aiding in the operation of the old home farm in Harrison county, Ohio, our subject early becan;ie familiar with all the duties which fall to the lot of the agriculturist. During his boyhood farm machinery was still very primitive, the cradle being used in cutting grain. He be- gan his education in the district school con- ducted in a hewed log" house with a large fireplace at one end, and his studies were limited to reading, writing and ciphering, there being but one geography in the school. The teachers at that time boarded around among the patrons and received only twenty or thirty dolars per month. As a general thing they believed in the old saying of "spare the rod, spoil the child" and the birch was often used without reason. Mr. Major was only able to attend school for three or four months during the year and his education was completed when about nineteen years of age. He began his business career by working on a farm at eight dollars per month but as time passed he prospered in his chosen work and became the owner of one hundred acres of timber land, fifty of which he cleared, sawing most of the trees into planks for a. plank road. He also cut some cord wood, which at that time was only worth a dollar and a half per cord. In the sum- mer of 1849 '^fr. Major raised six hundred bushels of grain and the expense of harvest- ing it was only about seventeen dojlars, that being the first year the grain separators came into use. He continued to make his home near Columbus in Franklin county, Ohio, until 1858, when he sold his farm for thirty- five dollars per acre and came to Macon county, Illinois, purchasing a farm of one hundred and sixty acres three miles south of Warrensburg. Subsequently he bought an additional sixty acres, making two hun- dred and twenty acres besides his town property in A\'arrensburg. He continued the operation of his land until 1883, when he removed to Warrensburg and has since practically lived retired from active labor, enjoying the competence secured in former years through his industry, perseverance and good management. On the loth of February, 1848, Mr. Major was united in marriage to Miss Rachel -Warley, a daughter of Wesley and Jane (Virtue) Warley. She was born in Har- rison county, Ohio, was educated in the dis- trict schools of that state, and in early life could rake and bind after the cradles as good as any man. She died on the loth of February, 1884, loved and respected by all who knew her. The children born to our subject and his wife are John Wesley, who married Martha Carr and is living in De- catur; Susan Jane, who married Augustus Stine and is now deceased; Edith, who died in infancy; Martha, widow of Malcolm Hcall and a resident of Warrensburg; George, who first married Tennie Burse and secondly married Rhoda Munson ; Maria, wife of Andrew Moore, of Decatur ; Cyrus, who married Hattie Dyer and re- sides in Webster City, Iowa ; and James Taylor, who wedded Mary Vail and makes his home in Findlay, Illinois. Mr. Major has twenty-seven grandchildren living and eleven deceased ; and has four great grand- children, the oldest being eight years of age. Mr. Major cast his first presidential vote for the Democratic candidate but afterward supported .\braham Lincoln and has since been an ardent Republican. He attended 456 PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. two meetings of the Know Nothing party in 1856. He has filled the offices of jus- tice of the peace and road supervisor and has always been found true to every trust reposed in him whether public or private. Since 1843 he has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, lias been a constant worker and a firm believer in the faith. Although now seventy-seven years of age he is still hale and hearty, for nature deals kindly with the man who abuses not her laws. His life is exemplary in all re- spects and he has ever supported those in- terests which are calculated to uplift and benefit humanity, while his own high moral worth is deserving of the highest commen- dation. W. T. COOPER. W. T. Cooper, now deceased, was for many years engaged in agricultural pursuits in Macon county and by indefatigable en- ergy and strong determination steadily worked his way upward from a very humble financial position to one of affluence, becom- ing a leading farmer of this portion of the state. A native of Ohio, Mr. Cooper was born in the year 1842, a son of W. T. and Maria Cooper. The father was a farmer by occu- pation and came to this state when the country was very wild, casting in his lot with the pioneers who reclaimed the land for the purposes of civilization and laid the foundation for the present progress and prosperity of this locality. He was one of the first settlers of Macon county and built the first road west of Maroa. His wife is still living in Maroa and has reached the advanced age of ninety-one years. W. T. Cooper was reared upon the old homestead and early became familiar with the ardti- ous task of developing a new farm. The practical experience which he gained in his youth, however, proved of great value to him when in later years he began busines for himself. He started out in life on hi own account when about twenty-one year of age and the occupation to which he ha( been reared he determined to make his lif work. As a companion and helpmate on life' journey Mr. Cooper chose Miss Eliza A Gray, a daughter of Robert and Catherin Gray, the wedding being celebrated Decern ber 23, 1853. The lady was born at Lynn ville, Morgan county, Illinois, and whei eleven years of age was brought to thi county, where she pursued her education ii the public schools. At the time of thei marriage Mr. Cooper rented forty acres c land for two years and they began thei domestic life in a little house containing bu a single room. There they made a gooi start and were enabled to purchase a farn of forty acres, on which they lived for abou five or six years. On the expiration of tha period Mr. Cooper purchased one hundrei and twenty acres of land and built a home This he afterward traded for one hundrei and sixty acres which had been the old horn place of Mrs. Cooper and which she stil owns. Subsequently they purchased a hal section of land in Nebraska and also bull a home in Maroa. Throughout his busines career, however, Mr. Cooper was interestei in farming and for several years was als( engaged in the hardware business in con nection with his son Frank R. under th' firm name of Cooper & Son. As the year passed he prospered, adding to his pos sessions until his property holdings becami very valuable and he was the possessor o a very desirable income. Unto Mr. and Airs. Cooper were born tw( children : Frank R., who married Misi Compton, lives in Decatur with his wifi and two children; and Linnie I^uanc is thi wife of Dr. Weyl, a practicing physiciai of Maroa. Mr. Cooper was a devoted mem ber of the Cliristian church, to which hii f NATHAN L. KRONE PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 459 wife also belongs. He held membership with the Masonic fraternity and she belongs to the Order of the Eastern Star, being se- lected at the organization as first worthy matron at this place. In his political views he was a Democrat and almost continuously held some position of public trust, serving for some time as school director and also as road commissioner. He took an active interest in everything pertaining to the pub- lic good and his efforts for the general wel- fare were far-reaching and effective. He passed away January 19, 1902, and was laid to rest in the Maroa cemetery, where his widow has erected a handsome monument to his memorv. NATHAN L. KRONE. Nathan L. Krone is a popular and well known druggist of Decatur and it would be impossible to find a business man in this city that is more widely known than he. He has been a resident of Decatur for sixty-one years and thus has been a witness of Decatur's development from a mere vil- lage to a city whose trade interests have caused a new chapter to be written in the commercial history of the Mississippi val- ley. He was born in York county, Penn- sylvania, on the 14th of March, 1833. His paternal grandfather, Michael Krone, a native of the same state, grew to manhood and married Miss Franklynberger. Their son, Daniel, the father of our subject, was also born in Pennsylvania and in early life learned the trade of a carpenter and builder, which he followed throughout the period of his active connection with busi- ness afifairs. He was joined in wedlock to Miss Ruth Worley, who was likewise born and reared in Pennsylvania and was a daughter of Nathan Worley, who was of German lineage. His birth, however, oc- curred in the Keystone state and he there met and married Miss Popp, who was of Welsh descent. In the year 1839 Daniel Krone removed with his family from York county, Pennsylvania, to Decatur, Illinois, where he made a permanent location. Here he followed his trade for some time and he also became proprietor of the Macon House, while later he was in the employ of the Wayne Sulkyette Company. His death occurred in the spring of 1867 and his wife, surviving him for a number of years, passed away in the spring of 1885. In their family were several children : Margaret, wife of George W. Bright, of Decatur ; Annie, who is the wife of David S. Shella- barger, a prominent miller and manufact- urer of Decatur; and Mrs. Sophia McChirg, of St. Joseph, Missouri. Nathan L. Krone spent the first seven years of his life in the state of his nativity and then came with his parents to Decatur, where he entered the public schools. He continued his work therein until his six- teenth year, when he left school and ac- cepted a position as clerk in a dry goods store, in which he was employed for four years. He entered as a salesman in the drug store of King & Reed, of Decatur, with whom he remained for three years and later formed a business connection with Dr. J. E. Roberts, a druggist, with whom he remained for seventeen years. On the expiration of that period Mr. Krone re- moved to Iowa, but after a short stay in Council Blufi's again came to this city and entered the employ of W. C. Armstrong, who was the successor of Dr. Roberts. Six- teen vears covers the period of his connec- tion with with Mr. Armstrong and certainly indicates his fidelity to duty, his capability and his trustworthiness. In 1893 he estab- lished his present store at the corner of Cal- houn and Herkimer streets. His long ser- vice as a clerk well equipped him for carry- ing on an enterprise of his own. He is thor- oughly informed in the business and has a most comprehensive knowledge of the drugs 460 PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. and other remedial preparations. His asso- ciation with this one line of business has also gained him an extensive acquaintance in Decatur and when he established an enter- prise of his own he gained the patronage of many whom he formerly met in a busi- ness way. In 1854 Air. Krone was united in mar- raige to Miss Jane Frederick, of this city, a daughter of Samuel and Rachel (Robin- son) Frederick, and a native of Ohio. They now have one child, Charles O., who is as- sociated with his father in the store. .Mrs. Krone is an acceptable member of the Meth- odist Episcopal church and takes an active and helpful interest in its work. Mr. Krone is an exemplary member of the Masonic fraternity, belonging to Macon Lodge, F. & A. .M.; .Macon Chapter, R. A. M. ; and Beaumanoir Commandery, K. T. In his political support he is a Republican and has been honored with local official preferment. I'^or nine years he served as city treasurer of Decatur and his father was one of its trustees for four years. Over the record of his life there falls no shadow of wrong or suspicion of evil and as a public official he gave entire satisfaction to those whom he represented. His manner is genial and entirely free from ostentation, and without pretense or display he com- mands the respect of his fellow men who regard him as a valued friend. He has added much to the brightness of life and has been true and faithful in every relation in which he has been placed. \'o\v at the age of seventy years he commands uniform confidence and is an honored representa- tive of the trade interests of the city, whose develojiment he has witnessed through almost its entire historx-. Whatever has tended to prove of benefit to Decatur has received his endorsement and his active co-operation has frequently been of marked assistance in advancing the general wel- fare. BENJ.\.MIN F. LANHAM. Benjamin F. Lanham, who is a retired builder of Decatur, has passed the seventy- fifth mile-stone on life's journey and the rest which has been vouchsafed him is well merited. His life has been one of industry and enterprise, in which his efforts have been crowned with success, and now in the evening of life he is resting from further labor amid a wide circle of warm friends w'ho esteem him highly for his genuine worth. Mr. Lanham was born upon a farm ten miles east of Springfield, Sangamon county, Illinois, his natal day being July 8, 1828. His father, Elijah Lanham, was a nati\e of Maryland and after arriving at years of maturity wedded Nellie Constant, who w-as born in Kentucky. From their respective states, however, in early life they removed to Clermont county, Ohio, where Ihey became acquainted. Subsequently they took up their abode in Sangamon count)-, Illinois, arriving here in 1826, when pioneer conditions still existed for the work of im- pro\emcnt and progress had been scarcely begun. They took up their abode upon a farm which Mr. Lanham improved, placing the land under a high state of cultivation and nUroduciiig the equipments known at that day. There he reared his family and died September u. 1847. His political sup- port was given to the ^\'hig party and in matters of citizenship he was progressive, doing everything in his power to promote the welfare and advance the best interests of the community. His widow, long sur- vi\ing him, passed away in Decatur on the 3d of November, 1870. She had long been a member of the Methodist church and was an earnest and most consistent Christian woman. In the family were eight children, five of whom had reached mature years and three died in infancy. Benjamin F. Lanham, who is the third of fi\e who reached adult age, spent his boj'- hoixl (lays in Sangamon county and there PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 461 began his education in the common schools. When he had put aside his text books he began learning the carpenter's trade pre- paratory to making that pursuit his life work. His father instructed him in this in- dustrial art for Elijah Lanham was a car- penter as well as an agriculturist and also a brick mason. He continued with his father until he was nineteen years of age and then started out upon an independent business career. Attracted by the opportunities of Alacon county, he took up his abode within its borders in 1856, living upon a farm for four years, while in i860 he established his home in the city of Decatur. Here he has since resided and with the work of improve- ment and development he has borne an ac- tive part. Through the line of his business operations he has done much for the devel- opment of the city and to-day many of the substantial structures of Decatur stand as evidence of his handiwork. He has here erected not only residences, but also churches and schoolhouses, and has done much of the building in the surrounding country. He continued his active connec- tion with his chosen vocation until 1899, when he retired to private life. He had in the meantime been accorded a liberal patronage and the public reposed in him entire confidence because of his fidelity to the terms of a contract and his excellent work as a builder. The home life of ?.Ir. Lanham has ever been most pleasant. In April, 1855, he wedded Miss Marinda Stockton, of Sanga- mon county, Illinois, a daughter of Ira and Ruth (Fugett) Stockton. Her father was a native of Kentucky and her mother was born in Virginia. They became residents of Sangamon county in 1836 and in 1855 took up their abode in Macon county, where Mr. Stockton died in 1892. The mother, however, was not long permitted to enjoy her home in this county for her death oc- curred in 1858. Mrs. Lanham was born February 16, 1833, in Bath county, Ken- tucky, and by her marriage has become the mother of six children, of whom a son and four daughters are now living, namely : Certrude ; Isadora, the wife of A. H. Cope, of Decatur; Lucy, the wife of N. P. Foulks, of Portland, Oregon ; Arthur F., at home ; and Nellie, the wife of Stephen Ryan, of St. Paul, Minnesota. For almost forty years Mr. and Mrs. Lanham have traveled life's journey together, sharing with each other its joys and sorrows, its adversity and prosperity. He gives his political support to the Re- publican party and in former years took an active interest in its work, but never sought office. As he prospered in his business un- dertakings he made judicious investments in real estate and is now the owner of some valuable property which enables him to live retired, enjoying the comforts and many of the luxuries of life. WILLIAM H. WILLIAMS. This venerable gentleman, who is now an octogenarian, having passed the eightieth mile-stone on life's journey, is at the present time living retired and the rest which is vouchsafed him has been well earned. Through activity, business energy and strong purpose in former years he gained the competence that now enables him to enjoy many of life's comforts and luxuries without recourse to further labor. Mr. Williams was born near Annapolis, Maryland, on the 12th of August, 1821, and is a son of John and Olivia (Fobes) Will- iams. The ancestral line can be traced back to Roger Williams and to Miles Standish. The father, also a native of Maryland, served his country in the war of 1812 and in 1836 he removed to Knox county, Ohio, where he spent his remaining days, passing away in 1843, when fifty years of age. His 462 PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. wife died in 1869. She was a daughter of Azariah Fobes, who belonged to an old Massachusetts famil}-. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Williams were born eight children, namely: William H., of this review; Mary Eleanor, who is the wife of Allen Scott ; Charles, who died at the age of five years ; Lilburn A. ; Louisa, the wife of Robert Watson ; Julia, the wife of Charles A. Polland ; Sarah, the wife of Alfred Florcy; and Emily Su- sana. William H. Williams spent his early life in the place of his nativity and in 1836 went to Ohio. When still a boy he worked for Iiis uncle, Azariah Fobes, under whose di- rection he learned the tailor's trade in Gam- bier, Ohio. He afterward followed that pur- suit for fourteen years. He had been well equipped for life's practical and responsible duties by excellent mental training, having supplemented his public school course by study in Kenyon College. In 1843 he re- sumed work at his trade and continued to follow that pursuit during his residence in Ohio. In 1853 Mr. Williams arrived in Macon county and during the first winter here he engaged in teaching in a country school. He then purchased a farm near De- catur and in connection with its cultivation he engaged in the dairy business, in fact, made it his chief occupation until 1893, when he retired from further business cares. For forty years he had been an active factor in agricultural circles in this county and his business methods were such as would bring to him excellent success and also an honor- able name. Year by year he added to his capital until, having acquired a handsome competence he put aside further business cares and took a trip to California. Upon his return he established his home in Deca- tur, where he has since lived. In the year 1847 Mr. Williams was united in marriage to Miss Lovina Hampshire, who was the third child of Peter and Eliza- beth (Kline) Hampshire, whose home was near Shippensburg, P'ennsylvania. The marriage was celebrated in Ohio, in which state Mrs. Williams had located in 1846. She belonged to a family of eight children, namely : Rebecca, now deceased ; William, who has passed away ; Lovina ; Susan, who is the wife of Ephraim Bear ; Samuel ; John and David, who are now deceased ; and Bar- ney. Mr. and Mrs. Williams have reared a family of five children, three sons and two daughters, and are still happily traveling life's journey together. They hold mem- bership in the .Methodist Episcopal church and are people of the highest respectability and of genuine worth. Mr. Williams is a nioilest. unassuming man, but has ever been an excellent citizen and is one of the es- teemed residents of Macon county, pos- sessing those sterling traits of character which in every land and clime command confidence, regard and friendship. L. A. MELVIN. L. A. Melvin. who carries on farming and stock raising on section 21, Friends Creek township, was born in Adams county, Ohio, in 1848, and is a son of John H. and Eliza- beth Jane Melvin, who were life-long resi- dents of that state. The father, who was also a farmer by occupation, was born in 1815 and died in 1881. and the mother was born in 1824 and died in 1849. In the state of his nativity our subject was reared and educated in much the usual manner of farmer boys of his time. At the age of sixteen years he donned the blue uniform of the northern army, enlisting in \SC>4 in Com])any F, First Ohio Light .'Kr- tillcry. Tic was at Decatur, Alabama, and in many small engagements, and at the close of the war was mustered out at Camp Dennison, Ohio, on the 23d of July, 1863. The following two years Mr. Melvin spent at liDmc with his father, and at the end of 7^^ #1^ % Q-^-;caW6>v ^ c/^/^^^2^ PAST AND PRESEx\T OF ^lACON COUNTY. 4()5 that lime went to McLean county, Illinois, where he lived for two years. He then spent a short time in Piatt county, this state, ami in 1872 first came to Macon coun- t\-, where he farmed for three years and then in 1876 purchased forty acres of land in Piatt county, where he resided for six vears, and on disposing of that place he bought eighty acres in Friends Creek town- ship, Macon county, where he is now living. Prosperity at length crowned his efforts and he and his wife now own one hundred and sixty acres here ; a half section three miles north of the home place and one hundred and sixty acres in De Witt county. Mr. ^lelvin is a progressive farmer and a self- made man, who was not only without capi- tal on coming to this state but had to bor- row the money to buy his railroad ticket. He has worked earlv and late, lived econom- ically and managed his affairs in a worthy manner, so that he is now quite well-to-do. He has erected a good house and barn upon his Y>\ace and made all necessary improve- ments. He raises grain mostly, but also raises some stock. In 1872 Mr. Melvin married Miss Martha A. Chandler, a native of Indiana, and they ha\'e six children, namely: Lutie, who mar- ried Charles Parr and now lives in Piatt county; Henry, who married Alma Olson: Ernest, who married Lillie Hanrruff and resides in Cisco; Maud, wife of G. E. Har- lan, of Cisco; and ]\Iabel and Alyrtle, both at home. Mr. and Airs. Melvin hold mem- bership in the Alethodist Episcopal church and he also belongs to the Grand Army of the Republic. His political support is given the Republican party, and he served on the grand jury in 1903. ALEXANDER T. METTLEN. (Jne of the pioneer citizens of Macon county is Alexander T. Mettlen, now re- tired from business activity and (piietly enjoying the income he accumulated in former years. He has many interesting reminiscences of early days in this county and well remembers when Decatur was a mere village and the surrounding country mostly wild and unimproved. Mr. Mettlen was born in Juniata county, Pennsylyajiia, on the 5th of December, 1830, his parents being Robert and Elizabetli (Custer) Mettlen, who were also natives of Pennsylvania and of Scotch and German descent, respectively. Leaving their old home in the east the family came to Illi- nois in 1840 in company with the Dailey family, consisting of two grown people and nine children. As a bare-foot boy our subject walked the greater part of the way, as did all the others who were able to do so, the remainder of the party making the journey in a prairie schooner. Their route lay through Ohio. Indiana and the Black Swamp, and thej' were five weeks upon the road. On arriving in Macon county they spent the first winter in Decatur and then removed to a farm northwest of the city. In the fall of 1841 the Mettlen family lo- cated on North Water street, where Milton Johnson now lives, the site of his residence being then a cornfield. They resided there until the spring of 1844, when he removed to Stephen's creek, northwest of the city, on land later owned by Orlando Powers, and upon that place the father of our sub- ject died the following fall. Only fifteen acres of land had been broken at that time, the remainder being wild prairie covered with brush. Mrs. Mettlen survived her hus- band about ten years, dying on the 20th of August, 1854, and two days after her death her daughter Martha also passed away. There were six children in the fam- ilv. namely: Samuel Jordan, now deceased; Alexander T., our subject; Joseph C, a res- ident of Dillon, Montana ; David E., a prom- inent citizen of that place ; Martha, de- ceased ; and one who died in infancy. 466 PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. Our subject's early education was ac- quired in a primitive log school house with greased paper windows, a fireplace with a mud and stick chimney and slab benches. He was only able to attend school about three months during the winter season, as during the remainder of the time he had to work on the farm. He has broken many an acre of prairie in Hickory Point town- ship and the first plow which he used had a wooden mold-board made by his father. He has cultivated corn with a single shovel plow and has cut grain with a sickle and later with a cradle. During those early days the women of the family used to drop most of the corn and cover it with a hoe. They also spun and wove most of the cloth to be converted into clothing for the familv. During- the boyhood of our subject all the candles used in the Mettlen house- hold were made by dipping but after the death of the mother a mold was bought for that purpose. When they came to this county deer, wild turkey and all kinds of game were plentiful and furnished most of the meat for the early settlers. Mr. Mettlen of this review remained at home with his mother until his marriage, which was celebrated on the ist of January, 1852, the lady of his choice being Miss Malinda Jane Hanks, who was born near the Boiling Springs church in this county in January, 1831, and was a daughter of John and Susan Hanks, the former a second cousin of Abraham Lincoln. Five children blessed this union, namely : John, now de- ceased ; .Martha, who married Frank Bear and had two children, both now deceased; Sarah, wife of Frank Beal ; Emma, wife of Marion Moore, of Jasper county, Illinois ; and Jane, deceased. The mother of these children died in August, 1874, and was buried in the Boiling Springs cemetery. On the 5th of June. 1887. Mr. Mettlen was again married, his second union being with Mrs. Sarah A. M. Kilpatrick, nee Kerr, who was born near Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, November 25, 1840. By her former marriage she has one son, Edgar Kilpatrick, who is married and has one son; and one daughter, Florence Slayback, who has six children. Mr. Mettlen has sixteen grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and seven step-grandchildren. After his first marriage Mr. Mettlen lo- cated on section 30, Hickory Point town- ship, where he owned eighty acres of land, on a part of which the village of Bears- dale now stands. He made his home there from 1852 until 1861 and then removed to section 34, the same township, which farm at that time was only partially improved. He cleared the remainder of the tract, tiled the land and erected good substantial build- ings. To the cultivation of his farm he devoted his time and energies for many years but is now living a retired life, en- joying a well earned rest. Since casting his first presidential vote for Franklin Pierce Mr. Mettlen has sup- ported the Democratic party, and has taken quite an active and influential part in pub- lic affairs. On the organization of Hickory Point township he was elected the first highway commissioner and most capably filled that office for the long period of thirty years. He has also served as school direc- tor many years and is now school treas- urer of his township. During his boyhood he many times attended religious services hold in the barn of Joseph Rife, Sr., this being before the church was built at Boil- ing Springs. He has seen almost the entire development of Macon county and his name is inseparably connected with its upbuild- ing and progress for he has ever borne an important part in the work of improvement. His first wife spun the wool which Grand- ma Jlornback converted into blankets that won the premium at the State Fair in 1869 and which were presented to Mrs. Mettlen as a souvenir. .Vmong the most valuable PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 467 relics belonging to our subject is a solid silver medal presented to his uncle, Alex- ander Mettlen, September lo, 1813, for bravery displayed in the fight on Lake Erie in the war of 1812. In size it is large as two silver dollars and weighs as much as four dollars. SAMUEL RITCHIE. Samuel Ritchie, publisher of "The Big 3," the Warrensburg Times, Forsyth World and Oreana Herald, was born in Franklin county, Pennsylvania, December 23, 1840. He was the son of Samuel and Susan (Hin- zie) Ritchie. His father was a farmer, of Scotch-Irish stock, and his mother was a German. They were the parents of twelve children, six sons and six daughters, though ■one of the latter died in infancy. With the other eleven children they moved to Macon county, Illinois, in the spring of 1856. They came all the way in one two-horse wagon, carrying cooking utensils and bedding with them, stoppings nights at "moving houses" along the turnpike roads and arriving in Decatur June 7, 1856. The first summer they lived in a little house owned by Jacob Bear, near what is now Bearsdalc. They bought some prairie land a few miles north and put up a substantial house, which after the lapse of nearly fifty years, still stands, HI fairly good condition, though now un- occupied. It is called the "Old Ritchie bome." Samuel Ritchie, Sr., with his boys, at once commenced to improve the land, and for two successive years Samuel Ritchie, Jr., then a youth of sixteen years, broke raw prairie land with four yoke of oxen. Several years later in connection with his brother William, he bought a tract of land a few miles farther west and they engaged in farming for themselves. Still later Samuel engaged in grain buying at Forsyth, Wyckles and later in Warrens- burg. He also bought and shipped live stock from 1868 to the present date, and is still engaged in that business. In the fall of 1869 he was married to Miss Clara M. Dudley, of Sangamon county. For five years they resided on their farm, and then moved to Warrensburg, which was then a new town. In January, 1885, Mr. Ritchie commenced the publication of the Warrensburg Times, which he has successfully managed, with the assistance of his wife, up to the present time. Mr. Ritchie for many years has been a zealous member of the Church of God. He and his wife assisted in organizing the church at Warrensburg in 1875, and are charter members of the same. He is much interested in educational work, and is a trustee of Findlay College, Ohio, which position he has held for six years. In politics he is a stanch Democrat, "deep- dyed," as was his father before him, and his five brothers are also Democrats. Mr. Ritchie has quite a legal turn of mind, and although he never read law at school, nor associated with any lawyer, only in a general way, yet he has given the study of law some attention, so that his advice and his services are constantly being sought, and his judgment and decisions on legal cases are respected and usually found to be cor- rect. He has filled the office of justice of the peace several years, and has also served as village attorney in Warrensburg a num- ber of years. He is now serving his third term as notary public. If he had given his early time and attention exclusively to the study of law he would doubtless have made an eminent attorney. Samuel Ritchie and wife have seen the • building and growth of the village of War- rensburg, also the building of what is now the Peoria division of the Ilhnois Central Railroad, which was commenced in the fall of 1 87 1, and which cut off a corner of their farm on the southwest. As soon as the vil- i6S PAST AXI) PRESENT OF MACOX COUNTY. lage was laid out in lots Mr. Ritchie bought a strip of land west of his farm and next to the town plat and had it laid off in lots, which is now known as "Ritchie's addition to Warrensburg." For twenty-six years Mr. Ritchie and wife lived in I'^asl Warrens- burg, but two years ago they purchased a piece of ground of seventeen acres in the west end, which is a sort of suburban resi- dence, where they have a commodious house and pleasant grounds, so this will probably be their permanent home, unless they should decide to leave Warrensburg. They have no children of their own, but have reared and educated a niece of .Mrs. Ritchie's, whose mother died when she was but three years old. She has a fine musical education, being a graduate of the musical department of F'indlay College, Ohio. She is now the wife of R. Ilerrod, a hardware merchant, and resides in Warrensburg. In a newspaper way Samuel Ritchie and wife are known as the "Times Pair," and have traveled extensively through the Unit- ed States, from the lakes on the north to the gulf on the south, and from the At- lantic to the Pacific, visiting nearly every state in the Union and most of the large cities and places of interest, thus ac- quiring much valuable information in regard to our own country, and for the benefit of the ])atrons of their i)aper. The W'arrensburg Times is one of the oldest pajiers in Macon county, anil has a large and increasing circulation. This paper was tounded in January, 1885, and from a little two by four sheet with a ready print inside, and outside printed in Mt. Pulaski, it has grown to its present vast proportions — four pages, eight columns wide and all Warrensburg jirint. The I'"or- syth W'orld and Oreana Herald are also printed at this office. S. Ritchie, ])ublisher, and Mrs. C. M. Ritchie editor, constitute the "Times Pair," and stand at the head of this great enter- prise. Miss Nettie S. Lindsay is the compe- tent lady foreman at the office, which has a strong force and a large amount of work is turned out from this printing office every week. This office has a splendid \'aughn's Ideal newspaper printing press, a fine Gordon job press and an immense amount of type and other ])rinting material. The office was enlarged two years ago last spring to ac- commodate the ra])idly increasing business. In fact the Warrensburg Times is well known — not only in Warrensburg and Ma- con county, but all over the United States, and even to the PhiliiJpines and far distant China. MRS. C. M. RITCHIE. Mrs. Clara :\I. (Dudley) Ritchie, editor of the Warrensburg Times, was born at Mendon, Adams county, Illinois, not far from Ouincy, August 27, 1847, ^""^ '^''^ '''" ways Hvcd in this state. She is the daugh- ter of Timoth}- and .Monimia (Penton) Dud- ley, who were of English descent, of old Puritan stock, and both were born in New Ha\en county, Connecticut, in 1808, arid moved to Illinois in 1836, and settled near the town of Mendon. Mrs. Ritchie remem- bers interesting stories of the early settlers of that part of the state, as told by her parents, and particularly of the Mormons, as they were thickly settled about .Xauvoo, which was not far from her old home. Her parents were both of a literary turn of minil, and both weie school teachers in tlieir younger days. Mrs. Ritchie was the young- est in a faniilv of four children, comi^oscd of one boy and three girls. When she was but five vears old her parents moved to Jack- sonville, in order to educate their children. For nine years ?klr. Dudley was a traveling agent for the American Bible Society and canvassed Morgan, Macoupin. Scott and Pond counties. Although but a little girt PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 46'J Hi that time she would frequently accom- pany her father on his trips and calls them her early* "missionary tours." Her brother died of quick consumption, after one year in Illinois College, and one sister gradu- ated from the Presbyterian Academy of Jacksonville. Mrs. Ritchie received her ed- ucation in the public schools of Jackson- ville and commenced teaching at the age of eighteen years. During the Civil war her parents moved to Waverly, and later to Loami, not far from Springfield. She was married at Loami September 26, 1869, to Samuel Ritchie, of Macon county, who owned a large farm twelve miles northwest of Decatur, to which place she moved with her husband, and continued teaching school for a number of years after her marriage. She followed the occupation of teaching almost continuously for fifteen years. From 1876 to 1879 she taught in the school at Warrensburg, which was then a new town. Mrs. Ritchie has always been greatly in- terested in church, Sunday-school, mission- ary and temperance work, and has always been actively engaged in these lines of work. She was a member of the Independent Or- der of Good Templars for many years, also of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union, and is still a member of that organ- ization ; has been a teacher in the Stmday- school for thirty years and was superin- tendent for ten years ; was always much in- terested in work among the children, and conducted a "P>usy Bee Mission Band" in Warrensburg for twelve years. She was always possessed of a missionary spirit, and is now secretary of the board of direct- ors of the Women's General Missionary So- ciety of the Church of God, which organi- zation she has been connected with ever since her marriage. Although reared a Congregationalist, and for several years a member of that church, she believes thor- oughly in the doctrines of the Church of God. She was always musicallv inclined. and learned to read music at the age of eight years, and has been chorister and organist of the Warrensburg church of God for twenty-eight years. In regard to Mrs. Ritchie's experience in the newspaper work, we quote her own words : My experience in newspaper work covers a period of nearly nineteen years, and I have laid the flattering unction to my soul that if I had started in newspaper work when 1 was in the "bloom of youth" I might possibly have accomplished something in this direction ; as it is, I have simply a smattering of what a woman can do with a "country newspaper." \Vhen I was a girl — O blissful period of the long-ago past — I don't remember of having any particular ambition to become an editor or to be connected in any way with a newspaper. I rather regarded edi- tors and publishers as superior beings, of a higher order of intelligence, and even good- ness, than other people ; in fact, only a very little lower than the angels of Heaven ! But having mingled with them for nearly twenty years, and getting a closer insight into their characters and dispositions, their motives and aims, I find them to be made out of just common clay, after all! When I was eighteen years old I became a school teacher, and like many young girl teachers, who fancy they are doing some- thing wonderful when they begin to teach "the young idea how to shoot, ' I kept what we called a "journal" of my every-day work and at stated periods sent this journal to an absent sister, also a teacher, that she might be apprised of the remarkable ( ?) work that I was doing! Years after, at the death of this sister, my letters to her, including these journals, were returned to me. On look- ing them over I found they were gotten up in regulation newspaper style ! The girlish journal was issued monthly, and was digni- fied bv the name of "Gazette!'' It was Vol. 470 PAST AND PRESENT OF ]MACON COUNTY. I, and each month was numbered. It was devoted to "Art, Science and the Current News of the Day;" though where the "Art and Science" came in it would be difficult to tell ! My "Gazette" had the very pert motto — "Independence in Thought, Word and Deed." I had dubbed myself "Edi- tress," and in the editorials made profuse apologies to my patrons for all mistakes^ the poor print, scarcity of news, etc., etc., just as amateur editors do nowadays. I recall this simply to show that after all I must have had some unrecognized aspira- tions for newspaper work. One day in early January, 1885, Mr. Ritchie suddenly announced that he was going to engage in the newspaper business! I meekly inquired: "How?" He replied by saying that he expected me to write pieces, the news and so on, but that he would be the editor, publisher, business manager and general boss ! The very idea ! Now wasn't that cheeky? But who ever saw a news- paper man that didn't have an abundance of cheek? And that's all right, for who could run a newspaper without it? And with this understanding, our work began, and the Warrensburg Times was established and my actual "newspaper experience" com- menced. For several years we used ready print inside, and the mechanical work was done first in Mt. Pulaski, and then in Decatur. As the years rolled on and I did much of the writing, my liege lord permitted me to share the honors of editorship and gra- ciously granted me the position of associate editor. In the spring of 1894 we established our our own ]irinting office in Warrensburg, and then the hard work began. In the meantime I had learned to set type, and picked up a deal of information about the printing offices where we had our papers printed. Wc hired a boy. to work in the office and run the press, and to learn alt about printing from me, who knew so little, .Mr. Ritchie continued to do the outside work, solicit "ads," furnish printing* mater- ials for the office, write telling articles for the paper, buy and ship stock, and very obligingly take all the lickin's when some- thing appeared in the paper which didn't suit somebody. I have usually been accred- ited with writing all the " goody-goody" articles, such as funeral notices, obituaries,, etc., (when we send people to ' Heaven on flowery beds of ease,") resolutions of re- spect, cards of thanks, weddings, where the bride looked sweet and lovely, revival meet- ings, etc., while Mr. Ritchie has been blamed for the sharp articles and the shak- ings up that the people get for their mis- demeanors, when in fact, many of the latter I have written, as I rather enjoy writing articles of that character. A few 3-ears later Mr. Ritchie promoted me to the chair of editor-in-chief, while he continued as publisher and business man- ager. For the last five years we have our papers all home print, and it takes hustling to get it up and have the matter all fresh and l)right. As editor of the paper I enjoy the work amazingly well, with the publisher as a strong bulwark upon which to lean. If anything goes wrong at the office and the devil gets saucy and talks of putting me out, I simply have to call up the pub- lisher, and the devil is settled at once. If a form gets " pied " as once happened last winter, he calmly steps in and chaos soon, becomes order. My time is not all spent at the printing office, as much of my editorial work is done at homo, but the telephone does good ser- vice, and with its aid I am always in close touch with the office force and know how business is moving on there. And so this work is pleasant in a great PAST AND PRESENT OF MACOxN COUNTY. 471 many respects, and after nearly twenty years of experience I liave never regretted entering the journalistic field. JOHN J. BATCHELDER. John J. Batchelder, deceased, through the years of his identification with Macon coun- ty, enjoyed the highest respect of his fellow citizens by reason of his strict integrity and many sterling qualities of mind and heart. ■ His early home was in New England, for he was born at Pittsfield, New Hampshire, June i6, 1824, his parents being Colonel Nathaniel and Abigail (Jenness) Batchel- der. His father died on the 3d of Decem- ber, 1858, in consequence of injuries sus- tained while felling a tree. By occupation he was a farmer and stock-raiser, making a specialty of the breeding of Morgan horses. J. J. Batchelder was the second in order of birth in a family of five children, and was educated in the high schools of Pittsfield and Gilmanton, New Hampshire. On leav- ing school in 1846 he took up the carpen- ter's trade, which he followed at Holyoke, Massachusetts, until 1849, ^"d then went south, spending some time in Georgia, Ala- bama, Mississippi and Tennessee, where he was employed as a bridge builder. Return- ing north in 1857 he settled in Harristown township, Macon county, Illinois, where he lived until 1864, when thinking he would meet with better success elsewhere, he sold his farm and removed to Illini township. Here he purchased land and successfully engaged in agricultural pursuits until his death, which occurred August 23, 1898. He formed what was known as the Yankee set- tlement and was regarded as one of the leading and valued citizens of his com- munity. Success attended his efforts toward acquiring a home and competence and he became the owner of four hundred and eighty acres of rich and arable land in Illini township. Mr. Batchelder was twice married, his first union being with Miss Malinda A. Green, by whom he had one child, Howard M., a resident of Omaha, Nebraska, who married Annis R. Childs and is government meat inspector at that place. For his second wife our subject wedded Miss Mary Thompson Thorndike, who is the fifth in a family of seven children, her parents being John Larkin and Maria (Joy) Thorndike. Her father was born in Concord, New Hampshire, April 23, 1796, and died January 23, 1884; while her mother was born in Durham, New Hampshire, April 25, 1804, and died September 20, 1845. Mrs. Batch- elder began her education in South Berwick, Maine, and later attended the Bowdoin street school of Boston, Massachusetts, and also the Boston Normal School on Mason street, that city. While there she made her home with an aunt, Mrs. Pearce. By . her marriage to our subject she became the mother of three children : Mary Pearce, wife of Charles H. Cowen, who is engaged in the real estate and insurance business in Warrensburg, Illinois; Bessie Ingleton, wife of Joseph T. Tucker, a farmer and stock-raiser; and Georgiana, who lives with her mother in Warrensburg, to which place they removed in 1899, shortly after the death of our subject. As a Republican, Mr. Batchelder took quite an active and prominent part in local politics and was called upon to serve as supervisor of his township for a number of terms and as township treasurer for thirty years. He was a charter member of the Il- lini Congregational church and was a man highly respected and esteemed by all who knew him. In his business dealings he was ever prom.pt, reliable and entirely trust- worthy, and although he gained a greater degree of success than came to many of his fellow citizens it was because he was very energetic, perservering and capable in man- aging his business affairs. In his death the 472 PAST AND 1"RF.SF':.\T OF .MACOX COUXTY. comnniiiily lost one of its best citizens, his neighbors a faithful friend and his family a considerate Juisband and father. Since the age of seventeen years Mrs. Batchelder has been a member of the Congregational cliurch and her earnest Christian life has endeared her to all with whom she has come in contact. SAML'EL K. SMITH. .Macon comity "s de\elopment had not been carried on through many years nor had it reached an advanced stage of progres- sion when Samuel K. Smith established his home in this county and became actively identified with the business interests and with the impro\ement of this portion of the state. It was in the year 185J that he lo- cated here. He was born in Caldwell coun- ty, Kentucky, in I''ebruary, 1824, and was a son of William and Rebecca (Maxwell) .Smith, both natixes of Kentucky. The father died when our subject was only a boy. His education was acquired in the common schools of his native state and he remained a resident of Kentticky until about twenty-eight years of age, when he deter- mined to seek a home in Illinois, believing that in this new but rapidly developing dis- trict he would have good business privi- leges. Accordingly removing to Macon county, he settled upon a farm in Mount Zion township. Here he purchased a good tract of land and with characteristic energy began its development and cultivation. He continued to carry on general farming throughout his remaining days and in his business affairs he prospered. He divided his place into fields of convenient size by well kept fences, plowed and planted his land and because of the practical methods which he ever followed was enabled to gather rich harvests as a reward for his labors. .Mr. Smith was twice married. He first wedded Miss Eliza .Miller, who died in Mount Zion. She was to him a faithful com- panion and helpmate on life's journey for many years and she bore him seven chil- dren : Sarah, who is now the deceased wife of the Rev. R. G. Cardinal : Mary, the wife of .V. R. Scott, of Bethany, Illinois; Eliza, the wife of Dr. McMillan, a practicing phy- sician of Bethany; Josephine, who is the wife of J. T. McGaughey, of Mount Zion; Laura, the wife of Thomas L. Boone, a grain dealer of Bethany; Maggie, the wife of hVed Williams, a resident of Texas; and Samuel 1)., who is now living a retired life in Mount Zion. .\fter the death of his first wife Mr. l^mith was again married, his sec- ond union being with Miss Cynthia A. Pow- ell, of Cass county, Illinois, a daughter of Hugh R. and Susan (Price) Powell, who were early settlers of Cass county, where the father carried on general farming imtil his death. Mr. Smith was never an office seeker and yet his fellow townsmen, recognizing his worth and ability, several times called upon him to serve in local offices, wherein he dis- charged his duties with promptness and fidelity. He voted with the Republican party in early life and afterward became a stanch Prohibitionist, because of his deep sympathy with the cause of temperance and his earnest desire that the sale of intoxicants shall be suppressed. Both he and his wife were members of the Cumberland Presby- terian church and for several years he served as one of the elders of the church and took a very helpful part in its work, contrib- uting generously to its support and doing everything in his power for its improve- ment and upbuilding. He died in the Chris- tian faith yVugust 16, 1896, after having been a resident of the county for forty-four years. During that time he had become very wide- ly known. He was a faithful friend, a good neighbor, a devoted and loving husband, a consistent Christian gentleman, his loss was PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 475 felt throughout the entire community. Af- ter her husband's death Mrs. Smith removed to Decatur and purchased her present home at No. 717 ^^'est North street, making many improvements here. She also owns a farm at P)ethany, this county, and thus her prop- erty interests return to her a good income, supplying her with all of the comforts and many of the luxuries of life. LIEUT. COL. ANSEL TUPPER. When the tocsin of war sounded and the dark cloud of destiny gathered over the country, bringing in its wake destruction and death, a strong feeling was aroused throughout the length and breadth of the land. The south remained in opposition to the supremacy of the national government at Washington and the north donned the blue uniform in defense of the LTnion. There is in all modern times no account of such desperate warfare as was then waged and in many a home there came gloom and sad- ness because of the destruction of life which took place upon the southern battlefields. Lieutenant Colonel Tupper was one whose life was given on the altar of his country. His memory is enshrined in the hearts not only of all those who knew him, but also of his fellow countrymen who love their native land and have gratitude for its preservers.' Certainly he deserves mention in the his- tory of Macon county, where he was living at the time he joined the army and where he had become known as a respected, worthy and upright citizen. Lieutenant Colonel Tupper was born in St. Lawrence county. New York, June 5, 1832, a son of Harvey and Johanna (Willis) Tupper. His parents, likewise natives of the Empire state, resided there until 1833, in which year they became residents of Akron, Ohio, but subsequently they estab- lished their home in Slieboygan county. Wisconsin, where the father carried on farming. He died in that place, but the mother afterward went to Missouri, where her last days were spent. Lieutenant Colonel Tupper was but a small lad when his parents went to Ohio and was a youth of fourteen when they ar- rived in Wisconsin, where he acquired the greater part of his education. He studied law with" Hon. N. W. Tupper, his brother, in the counties of Sheboygan and Washing- ton, Wisconsin, and in June, 1854, was ad- mitted to the bar, after which he fiegan prac- tice in the village of Hartford, where he soon won recognition as a young man of more than ordinary ability and prominence. He was married in Hartford, Wisconsin, December 16, 1855, to Miss Mary Wiley, a native of Trumbull county, Ohio, and a daughter of William and Mary Wiley. Her father was born in Pittsburg, Pennsyl- vania, and her mother in Youngstown, Ohio. When twenty years of age he removed to Ohio, where he engaged in farming for a time, but later turned his attention to the real estate business, buying and selling much land in that locality. There he re- sided until 1847, when he removed to Har- rison, Washington county, Wisconsin, where he was engaged in farming and also in real estate dealing. There he died in 1852 and his wife, who long survived him, passed away in Harrison in 1888. Mr. and Mrs. Tupper became the parents of two children: Leonidas H., born January 15, 1857, became a student in Cornell Univer- sity at the age of eighteen years and pur- sued his studies there for five years. He then went to New York city and became one of the editors at dilTerent times of the New York \A'''orld, New York Journal and New York Sun, being a prominent factor in journalistic circles in that city for a long period. P)ecause of ill health, however, he left the Atlantic coast and spent a few years in Louisiana. He then returned to Brook- 476 PAST AND PRESENT OF MACOx\ COUNTY. lyn, New York, and for one year was con- nected with the Brooklyn Standard Union, after which he devoted his attention to liter- ary work, writing for magazines for a few years. He had many friends in New York city and Brooklyn and, in fact, in every locality in which he was known, and he was very prominent in social circles and also active in philanthropic and benevolent work, the poor and needy finding in him a valued friend. Becoming ill he was taken to one of the hospitals of New York city, where he remained for a few days and was then taken by his mother to his sister's home in She- boygan Falls, Wisconsin, where his last days were spent, his death there occurring on the 1st of September, 1902. The daugh- ter, Ella, was born April 17, 1858, and is now the wife of Aretus Tupper, a resident of Sheboygan Falls, Wisconsin, now one of the most wealthy and prominent citizens of that place. Mrs. Tupper resides at her at- tractive home in Decatur at No. 273 West Cerro Gordo street. She yet remains true to her husband's memory and well may she cherish her recollections of his honorable manhood, his kindly nature and his unfalt- ering bravery in the hour of danger. The last six years of Lieutenant Colonel Tupper's life were passed in Decatur, where he located as a young man full of hope and with a determination to win a creditable place at the bar. Perhaps no better ac- count of his career can be given than by quoting from the funeral sermon which was delivered at his grave on the 22d of April, 1862. The minister. Rev. J. H. Moore, in speaking of his removal to Decatur said: " Here likewise his talents were soon acknowledged, and his business became profitable. Yet he did not rapidly accumu- late property, for, as is usual with men of such a spirit as he possessed, he spent freely what he had earned and was benevolent to a fault. Such men never suddenly become wealthy, but fail not, if life is spared, to rise to distinction, and li\e in the hearts of their fellow men. Nor are such men ever indifferent to the stirring events which are going on in the world around them, but are. constantly awake to whatever is likely to affect, for weal or woe, the destinies of mankind. " Colonel Tupper was not long in sur- rounding himself with numerous ardent and devoted friends. His social qualities were of a high order and those who knew him most intimately, who knew the nature of that deep under current of manly, generous feeling, not so readily discerned by the superficial observer of character, loved him best, and esteemed him the most sincerely. In all his intercourse with the members of his own profession he showed himself to be a gentleman in the most emphatic sense of that term. He was manly, frank, open in all his business transactions at the bar and with the community at large. He was quick tempered, impetuous as a mountain torrent, and fearless as the grave ; but gen- erous, honorable and just. Whatever sen- timents he espoused, he dared fearlessly to utter and defend, on all suitable occasions, regardless of consequences, so far as they might affect himself. But he cherished a decent respect for those who honestly and sincerely differed with him in opinion. He was proverbially large-hearted, kind and sympathetic. No man was more ready to do a favor than he. He strongly felt for the suffering, the weak and the defenseless. As a husband, he was a model of tenderness and affection. He was a loving and indul- gent father and unsurpassed in all the qual- ities of good neighborship. So acute and tender were his sensibilities that scarcely could he either eat or sleep, or in anywise take rest, while any member of his own family, or any of his friends were suffering from pain or disease — such a man could never have been a bad man. And though we may not say that he was a Christian in PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 477 the most exalted sense of that term yet his was a noble nature and the longer he had lived, the more would he have endeared himself to society and the more would the noble qualities of his soul have unfolded themselves to the world. With such at- tributes of character as these, he could not fail to secure the confidence and esteem of the community in which he lived. He was a rising star, but recently emerged from the mists of the morning twilight, shining more refulgently as it neared its meridian height. But a thick cloud, shall I say, has suddenly passed over that rising luminary, hiding it from our vision forever? Have its fires paled, and its light gone out in darkness and obscurity? Nay, verily. But rather may it be said, it was, ere it reached its noontide splendor, snatched from its particular orbit to make one more in that bright constella- tion which our stormy heavens have so recently revealed. Colonel Tupper deserves for his gallantry, shown on more than one bloody battle-field, henceforth to be men- tioned along with those other fallen heroes, leaders of our citizen soldiers, in this the second great struggle of the American people for the maintenance of free demo- cratic institutions. He entered the service of his country with a willing and cheerful heart. He uncovered his arm in her de- fense. She had sheltered him and his fathers in the past, and he was now ready to swear by his life's blood that his own loved ones should live in the future be- neath her broad-spreading aegis and know no fear nor ever feel the blush of shame. He was not the man to fold his hands and quietly and with indifference behold the heart-sickening spectacle of traitors, with fell intent, striking his beloved country, dismantling her forts and trailng her ban- ner in the dust. A genuine, warm-hearted patriot, feeling that his own honor and that of all whom he held dear to him on earth, was inseparably blended with the honor of his country, he would have chosen to die, rather than to look upon her degrada- tion and shame. And he is a coward and a base driveler, whoever he may be, and what- ever may have been his antecedents, who is willing to survive the wreck and ruin of his country. Who that posseses any of the attri- butes of a noble nature, would wish to live without a country he cAn call his own or that could endure to see it become a hissing and a by-word among the nations of the earth ? Verily none but such as are already fit for manacles and chains and the ty- rant's whip could become reconciled to such a state of things. The Almighty has im- planted in man's heart for the most obvious reasons the passion of patriotism and in- tended that it should burn with an inextin- guishable flame ; and whoever is true to God and his race is by no means a stranger to its powerful and generous impulses. " Colonel Tupper, we have said, cheer- fully, we might have said eagerly, entered the service of his country ; and nobly did he sustain himself in every position and rela- tionship from the day that he enlisted until his short but illustrious career was ended. He was beloved by his men, popular with his brother officers and ready and efficient in the discharge of every duty whether in the camp, on the fatiguing march or facing the enemy upon the field of battle. In short, he showed himself to be the true soldier, brave as the bravest and generous as brave. On the bloody Held of Donelson he rushed into the fight, fearless of the terrible shafts of death as they fell thick and fast around him. He breasted the storm of battle with a lofty heroism, marching on to nobler deeds of daring as the combat thickened. " His friends rejoiced when he emerged from that fearful struggle unscathed by his country's foes and honored by all who wit- nessed his noble bearing. But a still more fearful conflict awaited him and his brave men. But no matter, for he had a heart 478 PAST AXn TRKSKXT OF M ACoX (OrXTV for any fate. At the call of country he was ready, if need l)e, to rush c\en into the \ery jaws of death. " That conllict came, at lenglli, at Pitts- burg landing, April 6th ; more terrible than had been anticipated and more terrible than it should have been. Somebody was at fault, but who, we leave for the future to disclose. Yet by how much the more sud- den, unexpected and overwhelming was the onset of rebel hordes, bj-^ so much the more conspicuously shone the invincible valor of our glorious western army. They tinall) rolled back the tide of battle; they were victorious, though the slaughter was im- mense and the odds fearfully against them. lUit in no previous engagement has the superiority of the armies of the republic been so clearly manifest as on that occa- sion. The enemy ought, under the circum- stances, to have taken our whole army, before high noon of that eventful day. If all the favorable circumstances had been ours, the advantage of the attack, the sur- prise and of almost double the number of forces, we would certainly lia\e captured them and scarcely felt the struggle. Why they did not take us is absolutely a stupen- ous wonder: and thanks to a kind Provi- dence and our incomparably brave men that that they did not. In that bloody fray Col- onel Tupper led on the brave Forty-first Regiment in person, the veteran Pugh having been detailed to the command of a brigade. .'\nd never were brave men more bravely led. lie infused his fiery spirit into every breast. Not one of them faltered, or turned his back to the foe. .And rest as- sured, my friends, that when the men of that noble regiment return home, whether living or dead, you will he proud to ac- knowledge that every man of them was a hero. And thus will it e\-er be with our bra\-e citizen soldiers. There will be no running, no pale and unmanly fear, if they are led on 1)\- brave and skillful ofVicers. ■■ ( )n that ever memorable da_v. that bloody .Sunday, the bloodiest hitherto re- corded in .\merican history, the noble Tup- ])er fell, fell gloriously, fell in the defense of constitutional liberty, fell bearing aloft the ensign of his fatherland, that ensign which has floated in proud triumph over every sea, and commanded the respect of everj' land and dishonored never, only by traitors. He fell with his sword unsheathed and his face to the foe. Thus ever fall the brave "who rush to glory or the grave.' He fell, but the banner that he loved still proudly waved o'er the land of the free and the home of the brave. " .\nil now, for whom did he fall ? For what was his blood poured out? For you, my fellow citizens, and for me ; for your rights and mine ; for your wives and child- ren and for mine; for generations yet un- born : for the struggling and down trodden of all lands ; for God and Liberty and native land. ■■ .\nd shall we ever be unmindful of the ■lo\ed ones he has left behind? .Shall we be i^artakers of the benefits of his death, and forget to bestow the gratitude upon those he loved which would have been more particularly due to him, had he continued to live and walk among us? — Shall not the warm, gushing sympathies of this commun- ity ever flow t)ut strongly toward his stricken widow, and his now fatherless children?' Will not an appreciating jjeople, blessed by such a sacrifice as this, cheer and console these stricken ones, through all the pathway of their future trial, and so en- courage and strengthen them that they shall feel that the staff upnu which they have hitherto leaned with so much confidence and security, has in a measure been restored to them in the thanks and kind offices of those who share with them their heavy griefs to-day? " Colonel Tup])er is dead : Treason has done the deed. The enemies of his countrv PAST AXD PRESEXT OF AL\CON COUNTY. 471) are his murderers. Could you but look upon that pale visage, it is marred by traitor hands. Think of it, my countrymen, and here, over the dead body of the slaughtered brave, swear anew allegiance to your coun- try and eternal uncompromising enmity to treason. Rest thee now our fallen brother, in the grave which affection and gratitude have prepared for thee ! " 'For thou art Freedom's now and Fame's ; One of the few, immortal names That were not born to die ! ' "Colonel Tupper leaves behind a stricken wife, worthy of the relationship she bears to the honored dead, and two lovely chil- dren, a son five and a daughter three years of age. But he leaves them the inheritance of a noble name, he has secured for them the consideration of a grateful country and by that country shall they never be for- gotten. I claim them as henceforth belong- ing to my country, as the jewels of my country, because they are the relics of her patriot dead. We hail you then to-day, dis- consolate, mourning friends, tossed as you are upon life's stormy sea, forlorn, it is true, but not forsaken, cast down but not destroyed, enveloped in clouds and rocked in this fearful tempest, but yet assured that there is an Almighty one who rides upon the whirlwind and controls the storm, in- finite in goodness and pledged to be the hus- band of the widow and a father to the or- phan. "May the kind Providence who has hith- erto watched over our families, and our country, temper the storm to the shorn lamb, keep under his divine protection the loved ones of the departed, and preserve to them and to us a country and a home, honored, feared and respected, even to the ends of the earth, and by the latest gen- erations of men." JOHN R. MATTHEW, M. D. Successfully engaged in the practice of medicine in Blue Mound, Dr. John B. Mat- thew has worthily won his reputation as a skilled physician. He was born March 2, 1850, on a farm near Palmer in Christian county, Illinois, his parents being Oscar F. and Margaret (Britton) Matthew. The an- cestry of the family can be traced back to the time of Cromwell when a Matthew was appointed by the Iron Chancellor as gov- ernor over one of the British colonies and thus served for eight years. He was the first framer of a republican form of govern- ment under the old colony system. After his death the adherents of the royal cause seized upon the opportunity to proclaim Charles II king of England and to invite Berkley to resume his rule of the colony. The paternal great-grandparents of our subject were Nathaniel and Mary Matthew. It is not definitely known at what time the former left England, but it is an authentic fact that he was one of seven brothers and two sisters who came to America at an early period in the colonization of this coun- try. They were of Quaker faith and settled in Jamestown, Virginia. Nathaniel Mat- thew was a cooper by trade and made his home in the Old Dominion until his death, which occurred August 27, 1829, while his wife died on the nth day of the same month and 3'ear. Simon Matthew, the grandfather of our subject, was born February 12. 1787, and died in Virginia June 18, 1848, at the age of sixty-one years, four months and six days. His wife, Anna Smith, died October 24, 1834, at the age of thirty-eight years, three months and thirteen days. They were the parents of nine children : James D., the eldest, was born November 24, 1813; John M., the next in order of birth, vvas born December ig. 1815; Charles D. was born May 24, 1818; Catherine Amanda was born November 5, 1821 ; Oscar F., the father of 480 PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. our subject, was the next younger; Francis M., born June 29, 1826, left Springfield, Illi- nois, in 1853 for California to dig gold and located near where Los Angeles now stands. There he continued to reside most of the time until 1890, when he entered the office of sheriff as a deputy and died there in 1901. His first child was born while crossing the plains and she afterward taught the first free shchool in Los Angeles county. In 1851 Francis M. Matthew married in Spring- field and his wife died in California in 1902, leaving four daughters and one son, thir- teen grandchildren and one great-grand- child. The other members of the family of Simon Matthew were Sarah E., born March 11, 1829; David L., October 6, 1831 ; and AVilliam Paul, July 25, 1834. Oscar F. Matthew, the Doctor's father, was born in Kentucky, January 30, 1821, and was a farmer by occupation. He wedded Margaret Britton, who was born near Cyn- thiana, Ohio, in 1821, a daughter of Benja- min Britton, who was a veteran of the Mex- ican war and became a farmer near Spring- field, Illinois, living in the Cotton Hill neighborhood. Throughout his entire life he followed farming. In 1861 he became a constable and served as such' for eight years. He died in 1868. It was in ])ioneer times in the development of Illinois tliat the father of the Doctor came to this state and he, too, lived in the Cotton Hill district. His death occurred February 12, 1881, and he was buried in the Cotton Hill cemetery. His wife, long surviving him, passed away at Edinburg, Illinois, De- cember 16, 7898, and her remains were then interred by his side. In the family of this worthy couple were nine children, of whom the eldest, .Anna K., died in childhood. W. S. Matthew, D. D., now fifty-five years of age, is presiding elder of the San Francisco district in California. He is a graduate of the Northwestern University of Evanston, Illinois, and preached in Taylorville for three years ; in Springfield three years ; Red Wing, Minnesota, two years; and St. Paul, Minnesota, two years. He was dean of the Los .Angeles University for four years, was editor of the Christian Advocate of San Francisco and lives in Berkley, California. The Doctor is the third of the family. The next is Rebecca Jane PofTenbarger, a wid- ow, residing in Edinburg, Illinois. Thomas L. is a retired farmer at Springfield. L. L. is a farmer and stock-raiser living near Pawnee, Illinois. Mary is the wife of John T. Vigal, a farmer and stock-raiser of Mex- ico, Missouri. Luticia died in girlhood and Oscar, Jr., died in infancy. Dr. .Matthew was a lad of seven summers when in 1857 his parents settled in the Cot- ton Hill district near Springfield, Illinois. He attended the common schools and also the Cotton Hill Academy and in 1870 he entered the office of Drs. L. H. and J. H. Clark, of Taylorville, with whom he studied for two years. He next attended lectures in the American Medical College at St. Louis for two years and was graduated on the i2th of May, 1875, after which he removed to Mount Auburn, where he began the prac- tice of medicine on the 22d of May of that year. There he resided continually until November 9, 1892, when he removed to Blue Mound, where he has since engaged in ac- tive practice, having now a large patronage. On the 26th of March, 1868, occurred the marriage of Dr. Matthew and Miss Aman- da E. Lawley, a daughter of William B. and Sarah M. (Duncan) Lawley, the for- mer a native of Tennessee and the latter of Illinois. Mrs. Matthew belonged to a family of six sons and four daughters and her brothers, David, Elijah and James, were all soldiers in the One Hundred and Four- teentii Illinois Infantry, serving in Company E under Captain Adam Hivelcy and Colonel Shoup. One sister of Mrs. Matthew died in infancy. Ruth Jane became the wife of Lawrence Salanger and lives in Palmer, PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 481 Illinois. Sara M. is the wife of William Knotts, residing near Chatham, IlHnois. Ehner died in childhood. Leonard N. re- sides at the old family homestead in Cotton Hill. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Matthew were born five children, but three died in infancy. The oldest and the youngest, however, are still living. These are Charles Edgar, who at the age of thirty-three years is engaged in farming, and William Oscar, who is twenty-two years of age and is attending the Northwestern University. He is a grad- uate of the Blue Mound high school and spent three years in the academy . of the Northwestern University. In addition to his practice Dr. Matthew is financially interested in industrial afYairs, holding sixteen shares in the Illinois Skein & Nutlock Company at Pana, Illinois. He is a member of the Illinois State Eclectic Medical Society and the National Eclectic Medical Society. In politics he has always been a Republican and takes an active in- terest in the work of the party. While liv- ing at Mount Auburn he was appointed postmaster, but resigned in favor of an old soldier. He belongs to the Methodist Epis- copal church and the Masonic lodge and to the Royal Arch Chapter. He also holds membership relations with Joe Miller Post, of the Fraternal Armj', the Mutual Protec- tive League and is medical examiner for the Equitable Life Insurance Company of New York, the Prudential of New York, the Franklin of Springfield, Illinois, and the Fi- delity Mutual Life Insurance Company of Philadelphia, and is likewise examiner for the Fraternal Army and the Mutual Pro- tective League. Each year the Matthew family has an an- nual reunion held on the last Thursday in August at Reservoir Park in Springfield. The Doctor has some valuable old papers, including a land grant issued and signed by John Quincy Adams and also letters re- ceived by his father between the years 1816 and 1861. He represents one of the old families of central Illinois and is a promi- nent and influential citizen, having the warm regard of many friends in Blue Mound and this section of the state. STEPHEN H. SWAIN, D. V. S. Careful preparation through private study and a deep interest in his chosen profession has made Dr. Stephen H. Swain one of the leading veterinary surgeons of the state of Illinois. He was born in Madison county, Illinois, July II, 1841, and is a son of Asa and M. Elizabeth (Truit) Swain, the former a native of North Carolina and the latter of Tennessee. In an early day the father manifested a fondness for horses and showed a special skill in treatment of those that became diseased. He was an excellent judge of horses and made a specialty of breeding fine stock. Both he and his wife have now passed away and of their six chil- dren four are yet living. The public schools of his native county aiTorded the Doctor his educational privi- leges. He spent much of his youth upon the home farm and in 1866 he began farm- ing on his own account. He seemed to have a natural predilection for the work of the veterinary profession and in 1875 we find him located in Maroa, Illinois, where he was following that calling. While upon the farm he began the study of veterinary sur- gery and while pursuing his investigations along that line he was also engaged in the breeding of good horses, making a specialty of fine trotting stock. In February, 1884, he removed to Decatur, where he opened an office and his time has been devoted almost exclusively since to the practice of his pro- fession, in which he has been very success-; ful. He is not a graduate of any veterinary school, but has an ability scarcely equaled in the state. His patronage is now very ex- 482 i'AST AXl) l'Ki:SK.\"l" OV MACOX C()L"XTV. tensive ancl reaches as far as one hundred and fifty miles from Uecatur. He makes a si)ecialty of spaying and the castration of ridglings and has been a very successful operator. He has read broadly and studied widely upon the subject of veterinary sur- gery and iiis knowledge is now comprehen- sive and exact so that he is to-day recog- nized as one of the leading veterinary sur- geons of central llliiidis. He was instru- mental in founding what is known as the Illinois \'cterinary Medical and Surgical As- sociation and lir drafted its constitution and by-laws. The Doctor has been twice married. In 1862 he wedded Miss Mary E. Emerson, who died about 1867. They had two chil- dren, one of whom is now living: Mary R.. who is the widow of William II. .Miller of Maroa. In 1868 Dr. Swain was again married, his second union being with Nancy L. .An- derson, of Carlinxille, Illinois, who died August 31, \Si)/. Ily this union there were born a son and daughter, William .\. Swain, who married Imogene Peadler. studied un- der iiis father and is now a successful prac- ticing veterinary surgeon in Mount I'ulask', Illinois, lie also IkjKIs tlie position of sec- retary of the Illinois \'elerinary Medical and Surgical .\ssociation. Louisa Swain, the daughter, is yet at home and with Mrs. Mary E. Miller is keeping house for her father. The Doctor owns a fine residence at Xo. 226 West Decatur street and in con- nection has forty acres of farming land in Decatur township, upon which 'he keeps good horses. lie likewise has other city I)ro]ierty and his office is located at 127 South Franklin street. All that he pos- sesses has been acciuired tin-ough his own efforts and his property holdings are a monmnent to his life of thrift and industry. lie has been ambitious to win sticcess and has realized that there is no excellence with- out labor, so that he has worked hard and consecutively in order to win the success and prominence which he now enjoys as a worthy representative of his profession. In politics he is a Democrat but has never sought or desired office. He is a member of Coeur de Lion Lodge, \o. 17, K. P., of Decatur; Decatur Camp, .M. W. .\. ; the Royal Circle, and Knights and Ladies of Securit\'. W. H. WlLLOl'CHr.V. .\ prominent rejiresentative of the busi- ness interests of Macon. Illinois, is \\ . H. W'illoughby, a successful dealer in agri- cultural implements. He is a wide-awake, progressive business man and by fair and honorable dealing has built up- a good trade which extends for many miles throughout the sttrrounding country in e\ery direction. .Mr. W'illoughby is a native of Illinois, his birth having occiUTcd in St. Clair county on the 15th of November, 1852. His parents were \V. E. and Mary (Moore) ^^'illoughby, the former of whom was born in Delaware, June 7, 1820, and died at Lebanon. Illinois, July 20. 1896. and the latter was born in St. Clair county, Illinois, June 14, 1825. and died at Lebanon. .Xovember 24, 1890. The father was of .Scotch-Irish descent and was a farmer by occupation. .\t a very early day he settled in St. Clair county, Illinois, becoming one of its pioneers. In his family were four children, of whom W'. H. is the oldest, the others l.ieing J. .\mos. who is editor of the r.elleville .\d\ocale of I'.elle- \ille, Illinois; Mary Julia, wife of Robert Keith, of .Milwaukee, Wisconsin: and Ida .Mav. who is llie wife of Charles Starr and li\es on the old home place at Lebanon, 1 Ilinois. W. 11. W'illoughby completed his literary .•dncation at .McKiidey College in Lebanon, Illinois, where he was a student until eigh- teen years of age, and then turned his at- tention to farming. In 1883 he came to PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 485 Macon county and settled in Pleasant View township, where he carried on agricultural pursuits until 1891. The following year he was engaged in the butchering business in Macon and the next year was agent for the Champion Machine Company at the same place. In 1900 he became associated with W. H. Carroll in the implement busi- ness, under the firm style of W. H. Carroll & Company. This connection has still con- tinued and the firm enjoy a large patronage which is constantly increasing. Besides his town property and business, Mr. Wil- loughby owns a quarter section of fine farm- ing land in Pleasant View township, which is well cultivated and improved. On the 20th of September, 1871, in St. Clair county, Mr. Willoughby led to the marriage altar Miss Emma Forquer, and to them have been born four children ; May, who married Silas Morehead, of Macon county, and died at the age of twenty years ; Blanche, wife of W. H. Carroll, who is in business with our subject; Harry F., at home ; and Edward, who died in infancy. In his social relations ]\Ir. Willoughby is a member of the South ^facon Lodge, No. 467, A. F. & A. M., of Macon. He was made a Mason at Lebanon, Illinois, in 1880. He is a standard bearer in the ranks of the Republican party in his locality and is now serving as chairman of the central commit- tee. He filled the office of constable for four years and has ever taken an active and commendable interest in public affairs, do- ing all in his power to promote the interests of his town and county along moral, social and material lines. SHEFFIE REEVES AIAY, M. D. One of the most exacting of all the higher lines of occupation to which a man may lend his energies is that of the physician. A most scrupulous preliminary training is demanded, a nicety of judgment but little understood by the laity. Dr. May, of Mount Zion, is well fitted for the profession which he has chosen as a life work and his skill and ability have won him a large and lucra- tive practice. The Doctor was born in Oakland, Illi- nois, June 3, 1859, and on the paternal side is of German descent. His father. Rev. D. E. May, was born in 1829 in Port Republic, Virginia, where he was reared and educated, and in early life he studied for the ministry, becoming a clergyman of the Methodist Episcopal church. At the age of twenty- five years he came to Illinois and located in Coles county. Throughout his active life he continued the work of the ministry, but is now living a retired life in Mount Zion, enjoying a well earned rest. In early man- hood he married Miss Sarah Ann Merica, whose birth occurred in Page county, Vir- ginia, in 1834, and to them were born four children, of whom the Doctor is the eldest, the others being Edward M. ; Clara, wife of J. B. Henry ; and Wilbur F., who died at the age of thirty-five years. During his boyhood Dr. May attended the public schools of his locality and was graduated at the high school and also at the Springfield Business College in 1876. He commenced the study of medicine under the direction of Dr. J. L. Connelly, of Har- ristown, Illinois, and later was with Dr. Buck, of Moweaqua. He next attended lectures at the College of Physicians and Surgeons at Keokuk, Iowa, and was grad- uated with the class of 1880. As soon as he obtained his degree, the Doctor located at Dalton City, where he was engaged in prac- tice for seven years, and from there came to Mount Zion, where his skill and ability soon won for him a liberal patronage which is constantly increasing. He has been re- markably successful in the treatment of all cases that have been placed in his care and he enjoys the largest country practice of 486 PAST AND PRESENT UE .\L\COX COUNTY. any physician in Macon county. He is mak- ing a specialty of electro-therapeutics and possesses all the latest electric and X-ray apparatus and ap])liances. He also has a very fine library, some volumes of which were published in 1812. He has become interested in real estate and has made sev- eral valuable investments in rice planta- tions in Louisiana. On the 5th of June, 1884, was celebrated the marriage of Dr. May and Miss Jennie Lawrence, of Mattoon, Illinois, and to them •have been born four children: George Shef- fie, who was born in Dalton City, June 20, 1885, and died in Mount Zion at the age of three years and eleven months ; C. Jewel, born February 10, 1889; Myrtle Louise, born February 20, 1891 ; and Freddie Reeves, born February 14, 1894. The Doctor is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and belongs to Mount Zion Lodge, No. 300, L O. O. F., and De- catur Encampment, No. 37. He is also a member of the Modern Woodmen of Amer- ica and the Court of Honor and is medical examiner for both of these organizations as well as for a great many old line insur- ance companies. In connection with his profession he holds membership in the American Medical Association, the Illinois State Medical Society and the Decatur Med- ical Society. Genial and pleasant in man- ner, he is popular in both ])rofessional and social circles and wins friends wherever he goes. SOLOMON WILLIA^ISON. Solomon Williamson, deceased, was for many years a contraclor and builder of Ma- con county and was a man highly respected and esteemed by all who knew him. He was a native of Ohio, born in. Ross county, De- cember 23, 1830, and was a son of llenr\- and Elizabeth (Chaffin) Williamson. In the state of his nativity he grew to manhood and learned the carpenter's trade in De- catur. In 1850 he came west and settled in Macon county, Illinois. After living in Decatur for two years he removed to the farm on section 34, Hickory Point township, now owned and occupied by his widow. Throughout life he followed contracting and building and in the employ of the Illi- nois Central Railroad Company he erected many buildings along their line. .Mthough he resided on his farm of eighty acres for many years he left its operation to hired help while he worked at his trade. Mr. Williamson was very fond of hunt- ing and in early days had ample opportunity to indulge in that sport as wild game was then plentiful in this region. He shot a deer about two hundred yards from his resi- dence, and from where the barn stands he shot wild turkeys. One of his principal companions on his hunting trips was John Read and together they killed hundreds of jjrairic chickens and other game. On the 26th of May, 1852, Mr. William- son was united in marriage to Miss Eliza- beth Johnson, and to them were born ten children, of whom seven, are still living, namely: Edward, now a contractor of De- catur ; Laura, wife of William Slayback, of Macon county ; Maggie, wife of Rev. (X P). Hust^in, of Charleston. Illinois; George, a resident of Decatur ; Eva, at home with her mother: May, wife of George Met- len, of Dillon, Montana: and Gussie, at home. Mr. William.son was a prominent and in- fluential man in his community and a stanch supporter of the Republican party, taking an active part in campaign work. He served as a delegate to a number of conventions of his party and filled various township of- fices in a mo.st commendable and satisfac- lorv manner. He was a member of the l-"irst Methodist l'4)iscopal church of De- catur and at his death, which occurred on the nth of February. 1892, the community PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 487 realized that it had lost a valued and use- ful citizen. Being left an orphan in infancy. Mrs. A\illiamson was adopted by Robert and Lou Ann (Church) Johnson, who were pioneer settlers of Macon county, who emi- grated from Dath county, Kentucky, and made the journey to this state in a wagon by way of Indiana. Settling in Decatur, Mr. Johnson bought property in that city and also entered eighty acres of land on section 34, Hickory Point township, now owned by C. E. Akers. For a time he worked at his trade, that of shoemaking, but afterward removed to his farm just north of where Mrs. Williamson now re- sides and turned his attention to agricul- tural pursuits. He died there in May, 1885, at the age of seventy-eight years, honored and respected by all who knew him. His wife passed away at the age of sixty-seven. They had no children of their own. Re- ligiously they were members of the church of God and politicall}^ Mr. Johnson was a Democrat. He filled the office of justice of the peace for a time. Since her husband's death Mrs. William- son has carried on the farm and has dis- played good business ability in the manage- ment of her affairs. She has a nice peach orchard and raises a variety of other fruits. During her younger years she spun and wo\-e most of the material for her own dresses and became very proficient in such work. She would weave fine linen for arti- cles of wearing apparel and use the re- mainder of the flax for toweling. She re- members to have seen the old fashioned grease lamps in use for lighting, and later the molded candles became quite common. Cooking was then done over a fireplace and everything was baked either in a covered skillet or Dutch oven. Mrs. Williamson once saw nine hundred Indians march through Decatur on their way to the San- gamon river and remembers distinctly of one time when it took four horses to pull a wagon with two sacks of flour in it from Decatur to the farm, so bad were the roads at that time. On another occasion, while returning home on horseback with a child in front of her, the creek had risen so high on account of a recent rain that she was obliged to swim the horse across. In those early days she often rode to church on horseback, but the conditions of pioneer life have now passed away and the people of Macon county now have all the advantages and conveniences known to the civilized world. Mrs. Williamson has a nice home on the main road of the township line and the residence is surrounded by beautiful shade trees and many flowers. Here she has resided for about forty-eight years and the home has ever been noted for its hos- pitality and good cheer. She is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and is held in the highest regard by all who know her. WILLIAM BLANK. William Blank became well known as an artist and possessed superior talent in that direction. He gained fame not only in De- catur but in many other parts of the country because of his fine paintings and now in many of the homes of this section of the state his works are seen. He also put forth his efforts not only along ornamental lines, but also in sign painting, fresco and other decorating work of a more practical nature. Mr. Blank was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, on the nth of May, 1845, a son of Gottlieb and Barbara Blanc, both of whom were natives of Germany, where they spent their entire lives. The subject of this review was the only one of the family who came to the new world. In his youth he attended the [lublic schools in his native country for four years and it was noticed by liis teachers that he possessed strong 488 PAST AXn PRESENT OF MACOX COUNTY. artistic talent and tendencies for when a boy of only seven years he made many fine drawings. At the age of fourteen his pa- rents, desiring to cultivate his artistic pow- ers and temperament, sent him to an art school in Stuttgart, Germany. While in that city he followed many kinds of employ- ment during the daytime in order that he might earn tlic money necessary to meet his tuition at the night school. He was a stu- dent in the night school of art for over three years and there his talent was prop- erly directed along lines of great benefit in his work. He began painting pictures while still in the fatherland and also did fresco and other decorative work for several years. While thus engaged Mr. Blank was united in marriage to .Miss Louise Koeppler, who was born in Germany on the 19th of July, 1852, and is a daughter of Gottlieb and Caroline (Segar) Koeppler, both of whom were natives of Germany. The father was a cabinet maker by trade and followed that pursuit in order to provide for the wants of his family. Both he and his wife died in that countrj'. Mr. and Airs. Blank be- came the parents of seven children, five of whom are now living: Earlea, who resides in St. Joseph, Missouri; Emil, who is a baker by trade and makes his home with his mother; Emma, the wife of W. Fred Ferguson, of Decatur; Pauline, who resides in Jacksonville, Illinois ; and Schiller, who is also with his mother. The two children who have passed away were both named Paul. After his marriage Mr. Blank continued to reside in his native country until twenty- eight years of age and worked at his chosen trade and also in the more artistic lines of ornamental painting. He then sailed with his family for America, landing in New York, but he did not tarry in the eastern metropolis. He went, instead, direct to Lan- caster, Ohio, where he established his fam- ily in a comfortable home and then began traveling over the United States executing fine paintings and art work of all kinds in different portions of the country. After traveling for a year and a half he came to Decatur, where his talent won recognition and be was employed to paint a number of fine pictures. Being pleased with the city he decided to locate here and sent for his family who joined him in Macon county. Many of his paintings here sold for as high as one thousand dollars each and beautiful specimens of his artistic skill adorn the walls of many fine homes in this portion of the state. At length, however, his health began to fail and once more he traveled, hoping that he might be benefited thereby, his family during this period remaining in Decatur. He traveled for a number of years, making frequent visits, however, to Decatur and his health becoming very bad- ly impaired he decided to travel in the west and visit many places of interest in that section of the country, where he painted many fine pictures from nature. He finally located in Pueblo, Colorado, and because of his marked talent and ability he received a very liberal patronage, in fact, the de- mands made upon his services as a painter were more than he could meet. His health gradually grew worse there and he died in Pueblo three months after locating in that city. He passed away December 23, 1901, and was laid to rest on Christmas day in a grave on the side of a beautiful mountain near Pueblo — a mountain whose loveliness he had transferred to can\as only a few weeks before. Many of the largest business houses of the city were draped in mourning at his death, for all of the people of Pueblo liad either heard of him, seen his work or knew him personally. At the sale of his estate in Decatur many of his paintings brought thousands of dollars, one of the finest of his productions now being in pos- session of Mrs. Graham of this city. Mrs. Blank has very few of his works, the greater JOHN M. LOWRY PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 491 number of them having been sold by him prior to his death. The Millikin Univer- sity, which is now being erected in Decatur and is one of the best educational institu- tions in this part of the country, intended through the board of directors to have Mr. Blank take charge of the art department and conduct classes in drawing and paint- ing. His work here made him well known to all the citizens whose great admiration for his talent and ability was strictly mani- fest. Mr. Blank was a member of the Modern Woodmen of America and belonged to the church in Germany, but united with no re- ligious organization after coming to this country. Like those who live on a high plane, the circle of his friends was select rather than large, but all entertained for him the highest respect and his death is deplored by all true lovers of art. Mrs. Blank still resides in Decatur and has a nice home at 467 South Webster avenue, where she is living with her two sons. JOHN M. LOWRY. No history of the business development of Decatur and its expansion and its prog- ress along commercial lines would be com- plete without the history of John M. Low- ry, because he was one of the first business men of the city and also because his honor- able methods, straightforward dealing and unflagging energy- commended him to the confidence and good will of those with whom he came in contact. He took up his abode here about 1850 and remained a re- spected and valued resident of Macon coun- ty until his death. Mr. Lowry was born in Clark county, Illinois, November 2, 1825, ^"d was a son of William and Elizabeth Lowry, both of whom were natives of Kentucky. The father was born in that state, July 5, 1779, and the mother's birth there occurred on the 1st of January, 1782. After their mar- riage they removed to New York, where they remained for several years and then came to Illinois, settling in Clark county, where Mr. Lowry engaged in farming for a few years. He next went to DeWitt county, Illinois, where he again secured a tract of land and carried on agricultural pursuits until his death. His wife died in Macon county and was buried in DeWitt county. John M. Lowry was reared upon the home farm and obtained his education in the common schools, while during the periods of vacation he assisted his father in the work of field and meadow. After com- pleting his school life he continued to de- vote his entire attention to work upon his father's farm for a few years and then learned the miller's trade, which he followed until his removal to Macon county in 1850. He settled in Decatur, which was then mere- ly a crossroads town, the embryo city giv- ing little promise of its future growth and development, but he had faith in its pos- sibilities and believed it afforded a good business opening. He established a small grocery store on what is now East Main street and about the same time he was made assistant postmaster of Decatur, in which capacity he served for one year. He con- tinued to engage in the grocery trade for a few years and then, selling his own place of business, he accepted a position as sales- man in the Gorin store, where he remained for a few years. He was also for some time a salesman in the employ of Colonel Pugh. He next settled upon a farm in De- catur township, where he carried on agri- cultural pursuits until after the outbreak of the Civil war, when his patriotic spirit being aroused by the attempt of the south to overthrow the Union he joined the army and fought in defense of the stars and stripes. 492 PAST AND PRESENT OF MACOX COUNTY. After the war .Mr. Lovvry removed to Marion county, Iowa, and subsequently set- tled in Clark county, that state, engaging in farming there altogether for about two years. He next spent one year in Bates county, Missouri, where he carried on gen- eral farming for one year and at the end of that time returned to Macon county. He had been married in Decatur in 1852 to Miss Martha M. Pugh, a native of Fayette coun- ty, Illinois, born June 4, iIACON COUNTY. 493 effort in her power to promote the welfare of her children, assisting them as best she could until they were able to care for them- selves. On account of the limited financial re- sources of the family it was necessary that the children should begin to earn their own living at an early age and when but a boy of eight years Mr. Springer, of this review, started out for himself. He hired out to work for fifteen cents per day and his board, and his life was one of unremitting toil. He learned to cut wood, peel tan bark, make rails and cross ties and he had to endure many privations and hardships in order to get the few necessities of life. He never wore a ready-made suit of clothes until after he had earned enough money to pay for it. The school privileges were limited to only about four months attendance during the winter season at a log schoolhouse, where the methods of instruction were almost as primitive as the little "temple of learning." In his youth Mr. Springer worked at every kind of employment that he could secure which would bring him an honest living. He has cut thousands of cords of wood and it was in this way that he gained his early start in life. Desiring a companion and helpmate for life's journey JMr. Springer was united in marriage in 1870 to Miss Nannie St. Clair, a daughter of Thomas St. Clair of Ohio. The young couple soon afterward decided to seek a home in the west, believing that they might have better opportunities than in Ohio. Accordingly they started for Illi- nois, driving across the country to Loving- ton, where they arrived in March, 1876. Mr. Springer had about twenty-seven dol- lars in his pocket. This constituted his en- tire capital, but he possessed resolution, courage and determination and upon this he has built his success. He first rented a small farm on the prairie and during the summer months engaged in the tilling of the soil, while through the winter seasons he cut woo^l, going from four to six miles to the timber regions. He traded wood to his neighbors for pigs, calves, cows or any kind of stock and in this way he grad- ually got a start. In two years he had ac- cumulated enough money to make a small payment upon a forty-acre tract of land and with characteristic energy he began its im- I^rovement, having the added stimulus of knowing that the farm was his own. His labors soon wrought a great transformation on the place and where was once wild prairie was seen rich fields of corn, giving promise of golden harvests. For five years Mr. Springer there carried on agricultural pursuits and then traded his farm to Frank Blaine for his general store in Lake City, Mr. Blaine removing at that time to Decatur. It was predicted that JMr. Springer would lose money in this transaction, but time soon proved that the prediction was not correct. He brought to bear upon his mercantile enterprise the same energy, keen foresight and sound busi- ness judgment that he had ever manifested. In six months he had purchased a large and very complete stock of goods for a country store and was having large sales, his cus- tomers coming from miles around. At the end of two years he was able to purchase from Mr. Blaine the store building and it was not long after this that he bought of A. Wait, of Decatur, a farm in Moultrie county, for which he paid fifty dollars per acre. Again his friends regarded the trans- action witli dismal foreboding. So high a price had never been before paid for land in this locality, but ^Ir. Springer said that in the course of years he would be able to command one hundred dollars per acre for the place. This has not only proved true, but to-day the farm is worth easily one hun- dred and fifty dollars per acre. Whatever he has undertaken Mr. Springer has car- ried forward to successful completion. 4li4 PAST A\U PRP:SEXT of .MACON COUNTY. Seeking a still broader liekl of labor ]\Ir. Springer came to Decatur in 1895 and en- tered its business circles as a grocer. From the establishment of his store here his suc- cess has been uniform, rapid and gratify- ing, and to-day he conducts one of the largest retail grocery establishments in the city. Jn 1900 he removed to enlarged quar- ters at No. 108-114 Merchant street, where he has since been located. One of the se- crets of his success is that he has always been most progressive in his methods, be- ing not a follower but a leader in mercan- tile circles. His patronage is now large, his business profitable and his success could not justly be envied by any, because it has been so worthily won. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Springer as the years have passed several children have been born, namely: Alanson ; Lydia K., now the wife of C. E. Shiery; William T.; Charles C, and Jessie K. The family has a pleas- ant and attractive home in Decatur and the hospitality of many of the best residences in the city is extended to them. Since 1887 Mr. Springer has been a valued and exemplary member of the Masonic fra- ternity, has attained to the Knight Templar degree of the York Rite and is also a mem- ber of the Mystic Shrine. In politics Mr. Springer has always been an earnest Demo- crat and has been called upon to serve in a number of township offices. He was a jus- tice of the peace for eight years and super- visor for six years. In the spring of 1903 he was the candidate on the Democratic ticket for the office of mayor and, although this is a strong Republican city, he ran far ahead of his ticket, receiving a large support from Republicans, who recognized and appre- ciate his worth and who felt that they would receive from him a business administration that would prove of material benefit to De- catur. No improvement or measure which he believes will contribute to the general good or to the advancement of the city along material, intellectual or moral lines has by him been neglected. His life record is that of a typical western man, belonging to that class whose efforts have resulted in the upbuilding of this wonderful section of the country, the growth and progress of which has been so great and rapid as to seem almost phenomenal. .Mr. Springer has never had a dollar that he has not himself earned and. that has not been honorably won. Although his early life was fraught with hardships, difficulties and trials he overcame these and to-day is one of the prosperous residents of Decatur, whose life record should be a source of inspiration and encouragement to others. HENRY B. KUHNS. Henry B. Kuhns, who is engaged in gen- eral merchandising as a member of the firm of Kuhns & Ruddock, of Argenta, was born in New Jersey, on the 4th of July, 185 1, his parents being John and Barbara Kuhns, both of whom were natives of Pennsyl- vania. The father was a farmer by occu- pation and therefore the subject of this re- view was reared to the work of the farm, early becoming familiar with the duties of field and meadow as he assisted in the plow- ing, jilanting and harvesting. He attended the public schools of his native state and remained upon the home farm until twenty- six years of age, when he started out upon an independent business career. For five years he worked by the month as a farm hand, after which he decided to give his attention to mercantile rather than to agri- cultural pursuits and established a general store at Oreana, where he was engaged in business for ten years. He found this pur- suit congenial and his capable management and energ\- made it profitable. At length WILSON S. QAGE PAST AND TRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 497 determining to make his home in the middle west, lie removed to Argenta and on the 1st of September, 1893, he formed a part- nership under the firm style of Kuhns & Ruddock, a connection that has since been maintained with mutual pleasure and profit. They have a large store and carry a com- plete line of dry goods. Their stock is worth ten thousand dollars and their busi- ness is large and profitable. They conduct their store along progressive, up-to-date lines, carry a good assortment and sell at reasonable prices — qualities which always insure patronage. In 1888 Mr. Kuhns was joined in wed- lock to Miss Leah Garver, a daughter of C. H. Garver, a well known resident of Ma- con county. Two children have been born of this union : John C. and George H. Mr. Kuhns is a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian church, his wife of the United Brethren church, and both are held in the highest esteem by a large circle of friends, while the hospitality of the best homes of the locality is freely accorded them. Mr. Kuhns also belongs to the Knights of Pythias fraternity and the Modern Wood- men Camp. His political support is given the Prohibition party and the cause of tem- perance finds in him a warm friend. For two terms he served as a member of the vil- lage board and whether in office or as a pri- vate citizen he is always the same loyal ad- herent of measures for the general good, giving active help to interests for the wel- fare of the village and its people. He owns a good residence and several lots in Ar- genta and his property holdings also include a half interest in a farm of one hundred and twenty acres in Macon county. There is no royal road to wealth. It always comes as the result of the labor and sound judg- ment of some one, and in the case of Mr. Kuhns we find one whose prosperity is the direct outcome of his own diligence and en- ergy. He is now a prosperous merchant and moreover he enjoys the respect of his fellow men because of his close adherence to the ethics which govern commercial life. WILSON S. GAGE. Wilson S. Gage, deceased, was for many years identified with the commercial and agricultural interests of Macon county and was recognized as a useful and valued citi- zen of the community in which he made his home. He claimed New England as his birth place, being born in Roxbury, New Hampshire, May 21, 1825, a son of Daniel and Polly (Shaw) Gage. In the paternal line he was a lineal descendant of the British General Gage, of Revolutionary fame. His father was born in 1780, his mother in 1788, and they became the parents of ten chil- dren whose names and dates of birth were as follows : Marion, July 28, 1808 ; Simp- son S., February 6, 1810; Catherine, May 5, 1813; Susan H., November 3, 1815; Alpha S., May 5, 1818; Ruth, October 28, 1820; Elizabeth B. and Mary A., twins, July 7, 1823; Wilson S., May 21, 1825; and Martha L., April 20, 1827. In early life the father engaged in farming in New Hampshire, and from that state removed to Ohio in 1833, locating in Washington county, where he bought land near Marietta and continued to engage in agricultural pursuits. Our subject began his education in the schools of his native state and after the re- moval of the family to Ohio he continued to attend the country schools for some time, and later taught school for a few years. For four years he was employed as book- keeper in the Buckhorn Iron Works, of Ohio, and was similarly employed in a like establishment for two years in a near-by town. He then went to Missouri, where he was bookkeeper for the Moselle Iron Works for a time, and subsequently was engaged in mercantile business on the Frisco line 498 PAST AND PRRSRXT OF MACOX COLXTV. for a number of years or until the breaking out of the Civil war, when he returned to Ohio and ]>urcliased a part interest in the Stacy Hotel at Zanesville. He subse(|uent- ly removed to Illinois with his family and was engaged in merchandising at Macon for several years in partnership with a Mr. VN'hitaker. On retiring from that business he bought a farm east of the \ illage, which he impro\ed and cultivated for two years, and then traded the place for the farm of two hundred acres in Pleasant \'iew town- ship where his widow now resides. He continued the operation of his land ii]) to the time of his death, which occurred Jan- uary 26, 1896, his remains being interred in Macon cemetery. He was a man of good business and executive ability and achieved success in his undertakings. On the 28th of January, 1857, Air. Gage was united in marriage to Miss Catherine Harriet Sterigere, who was born in Frank- lin county, Missouri, October 27, 1831, and was educated in the country schools of that state and at Norristown, Montgomery coun- ty, Pennsylvania. Her father, David Steri- gere, was born in the Keystone state of German parentage and at an early day went to Missouri, where he married Emily Pat- ton, a native of that state and of English and Irish descent. He In^came the owner of a number of slaves who were taken from him at the time of the Civil war. He raised considerable wheal and tobacco, all his farm work being done by the negroes. He served as circuit judge of the ninth judicial dis- trict of Missouri. Mr. and Mrs. Gage became the parents of seven children, namely: D. Leslie, born April 2. 185S, is married and lives on the home farm ; Willard E., born December 7, i860, is married and is engaged in the prac- tice of medicine in Missouri ; Daniel S., born August 2, 1863, makes his home in Fulton, Callaway county, Missouri; Emily S., born February 24, 1868, is the wife of Marion \V. Gage, who lives near .Marietta, Ohio; Marian H., born September 7, 1871, is the wife of Herbert Royston, of St. Au- gustine, Florida ; Charles E., born Febru- ary 22, 1876, is deceased ; and Franklin, born November 16, 1866, died in infancy. Pjy his ballot .Mr. Gage supported the men and measures of the Democratic part)', and in his social relations was connected with the .Masonic fraternity. He held mem- bership in the Presbyterian church, to which his estimable wife also belongs, and she is also a member of the Order of the Eastern Star. He was a man of the highest re- spectability, and those who were most inti- mately associated with him speak in unr|ual- ified terms of his sterling integrity, his honor in business and his fidelity to all the duties of public and private life. His death oc- casioned the deepest regret throughout the community and Macon county thereby lost one of its most valued citizens. WALTER DELAHUXTY. AX'altcr Delahunty. now deceased, was a well knowri business man of Decatur who took up his abode here in 1863 and became active in connection with business affairs, gaining for hinisi'lf wide and favorable ac- quaintance in the city. He was born in the County of Kilkenny. Ireland, on the 3th of June. 1842. and was a son of William and Ella Delahunty, both of whom were natives of the same county and always lived there, spending their entire lives on the Emerald Isle. The subject of this review spent his youth and pursued his early education in Ireland and remained a resident of his native land until 1865, when at the age of twenty-one years he crossed the Atlantic to America, believing that he might have better business opportunities in the new world, concerning whose advantages he had heard much. He PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 499 was two weeks upon the water and then landed in New York city, whence he came direct to Decatur. His capital was very limited and it \Vas necessary for him to provide for his support. He began work here as a shoemaker in the shoe store owned by William F. Busher. There his efficiency and fidelity enabled him to work his way steadily upward. That he was a most capa- ble representative of the firm, true to their interests and active and energetic in busi- ness is indicated by the fact that he re- mained in the employ of the house for four- teen consecutive years. It was during that time that Mr. Dela- hunty was united in marriage to Miss Bridget M. Finn, a native of County Lim- erick, Ireland. Her father, Thomas Finn, spent the greater part of his life in County Limerick, residing upon a farm, to the cul- tivation and improvement of which he de- voted his energies. At length, however, accompanied by his wife and eight children, he crossed the briny deep to the new world and, establishing his home in Decatur, here lived retired up to the time of his death, which occurred when he had attained the age of eighty-six years. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Delahunty have been born eight chil- dren : May Ellen, who was born December 14, 1874, and is the wife of Albert Cocoran, a farmer living near Lake City, Illinois Catherine, who was born August 14, 1876 Walter Francis, born January 29, 1878 Theresa Honora, who was born June 15, 1879, and is the wife of Ed. Moriarity, of Decatur ; James J., who was born Decem- ber 10, 1886, and is yet with his mother ; Myrtle H., born March 25, 1891 ; one that died unnamed ; and Thomas D., who died on the 23d of July, 1883. After leaving the firm of Busher & Com- pany Mr. Delahunty entered into partner- ship witli his brother-in-law, P. W. Finn, in the establishment of a retail liquor business in Decatur. They afterward purchased other saloons and continued in that business until the death of our subject, who passed away on the 23d of August, 1902. In his political views Mr. Delahunty was inde- pendent, supporting the men whom he thought best qualified for office and taking an active part in politics. He and his fam- ily are all members of St. Patrick's dhurch of Decatur and he contributed generously to its support. He was a man of social nature, always cordial and genial, and these qualities made him popular with a large number of friends. In his business he was very successful and was thus enabled to leave his family in comfortable circum- stances. Mrs. Delahunty now owns and occupies a beautiful home at No. 912 East North street and is also the owner of a large and valuable farm in Moultrie coun- ty, Illinois, near Lake City. She and her family are prominent here and have many friends in Decatur. VICTOR DEWEIN. Victor Devvein, who is now successfully engaged in the grain business at Warrens- burg as the junior member of the firm of of Faith & Dewein, was born in Peoria, Illi- nois, on the 21S!: of October. 1876, and being left an orphan at the age of four years he was adopted by his grandparents, Valentine and Margaret (Shafer) Dewein, both natives of Germany, the former born in Alsace-Loraine, April i, 1817, and the later in Baden-Baden, April 28, 1823. The first of the family to come to America was Frederick Dewein, who was the grandfather of Valentine, just mentioned. He accom- panied Lafayette across the sea in 181 1 and located in Shippensburg, Pennsylvania, where he died in 1823. Prior to coming to America he had served as commissary in the eastern division of the French army. His son, Valentine Dewein, Sr., served 500 PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. seven years in ihe French army under Na- poleon I, and on coming to America in 1830 located in Baltimore, Maryland. He was a tailor by trade but after his removal to Cincinnati engaged in the manufacture of bagging. He died there September 9, 1844. Valentine Dewcin, Jr., uur suljjcct's grani MM ( ).\ colXTV. to this place and purchased the Independent, which he edited and pubUshed for three years, selling out on the expiration of that period to the firm of Gepford & AIcElroy. On leaving the journalistic field Mr. Spooner went to Palmyra, but after a year spent in conducting a meat market there he re- turned to llluc Mound and entered the post- office in September, 1897. lie has since been connected with its administration and is a worthy public official. On the 14th of July, 1887, occurred the marriage of -Mr. Spooner and Miss Hattie \\'. Wood, a daughter of George and Sarah (Hodge) \\'ood, of ^lacon county. She was educated in the schools of Blue Mound and is a most estimable lady. Six children were born of this union; Helen I)., born September 10, 1888; Harold \\'., July 6, 1890; John R., May 12, 1892; Robert Whip- ple, February 11, 1894; Eleanor Mabel, August 30, 1900; and a baby girl, unnamed, July 26, 1903. In his political affiliations .Mr. Spooner is a Republican and fraternally he is con- nected with the Fraternal Army of America. His wife also belongs to that organization, to the Eastern Star and the Rebecca Lodge, her father ha\ing been a charter member of the Odd b'ellows Society here. Both Mr. and Mrs. Spooner are well known in lUue Minmd and enjoy the friendship of many peo])le because of their upright lives, social dis])osilions and genial c|ualities. DAVID KRETZER. .\t an early ])eriod in the development of .Macon county David Kretzer, now de- ceased, became one of the residents of De- catur and was actively identified with its building interests, becoming a leading and im])ortant factor in the early improvement and de\'elopment of the city. Because of his excellent workmanship and bis straight- forward honorable dealings he secured a liberal patronage and was widely known for his sterling traits of character and his business integrity. He was a native of Maryland, his birth having occurred in that state on the 21st of October, }8i8. His parents were both natives of Germany and on leaving the fatherland they crossed the -Atlantic to -America, settling in Maryland in early life. There they lived for several years, during which time their son David was born. .Af- terward they took up their abode upon a farm near Dayton, Ohio, where they spent their remaining days, both d\'ing on the old homestead there. .Mr. Kretzer devoted his energies to general agricultural pursuits and thus pro\-idcd a good living for his family. In taking up the personal history of David Kretzer we present to our readers the life record of one well worthy of representa- tion amiing the leading men who have been connected with business affairs in Decatur. He acquired his education in the common schools of Maryland and after his parents" removal to ( )hio he, too, went to that state and purchased a farm near Dayton, carrying on the work of tilling the soil for a few years. .Subsequently he disposed of his ]jroperty there and removed to Miami coun- ty, Ohio, where he again engaged in farm- ing for a few years. He next went to Darke county, Ohio, and once more settled tqion a farm on which his labors wrought many changes in the way of improvements. Mr. Kretzer was first married in Ohio to Miss Elizabeth LTlery, who died in Cov- ington, that state, leaving one son, Joseph, who is now a resident of .Arcolo, Illinois, and is engaged in farming. For his second wife Mr. Kretzer chose Miss Jemima llousse, the wedding being celebrated on the 4th of March, 1856. She was born in Darke county, Ohio, January 28, 1832, a daughter of Isaac and Tacey fBriggs) PAST AND PRESENT OF AIACOX COUNTY. )13 Floiisse, who were natives of Darke county, where they always lived, the father devoting his energies to farming and also carrying- on the milling business, for he owned and operated a mill near his home. Both he and his wife passed away in Darke county. Unto the second marriage of Mr. Kretzer -seven children were born, namely: Ed- ward C, who is now a carpenter living in St. Clair county, Illinois; Ellen, the widow of Henry Mondabaugh, of Dayton, Ohio ; Ruth Belle, who is the wife of Ewing Hunt, and is living in Leroy, Illinois; Benjamin Franklin, a land speculator located in Fort Worth. Texas; Ceora, of Danville, Illinois; David, C, who is a prominent practicing physician of Fort Madison, Iowa ; and Lucy, who resides at home with her mother. Mr. Kretzer continued to make his home in Darke county, Ohio, until 1855. and then came to Illinois, establishing his home in Decatur. Here he began work at the car- penter's trade and as a contractor and build- er erected many of the first buildings in this city, his excellent workmanship causing his services to be sought by the newcomers who located in Decatur and built for them- selves homes and business houses here. For several years Mr. Kretzer continued to work at his trade and was accorded a lib- eral patronage by the public. When his financial resources had increased and made him the possessor of considerable capital he made investment in a farm comprising two hundred and twenty-five acres of land in Harristown township, Macon county, and removing to that place, he devoted his lime and energies to its cultivation and im- provement. His labors soon wrought a marked transformation in its appearance. He placed the fields under a high state of cultivation and each autumn reaped abund- ant harvests. He also erected splendid buildings and secured the latest improved machinery to facilitate the farm work. Everything about his place was neat and thrifty in appearance and he became recog- nized as one of the leading agriculturists of his locality. In matters of citizenship he was progress- ive, taking an active interest in everything pertaining to the welfare of his community. In his political views he was a Democrat, but was never an aspirant for ofSce. Both he and his wife were members of the Chris- tian church in Harristown township and took a very deep interest in church work, doing all in their power for the extension of its influence and contributing liberally to its support. He passed away November 30, 1884, and in a review of his completed life record one finds many elements that are Worthy of commendation and of emulation. He started out in life empty handed, but ]50ssessed resolution and courage and would brook no obstacles that could be overcome by persistent and honorable labor. Gradu- ally he thus worked his way upward until he became one of the substantial farmers of the community and he left to his family a good name as well as a comfortable com- petence. After her husband's death Mrs. Kretzer removed to Decatur and now re- sides at No. 1236 North Main street, where she has recently erected a fine large resi- dence. She also owns the old homestead of two hundred and twentj'-five acres in Harristown township and the income there- from supplies her with all of the comforts and manv of the luxuries of life. GUSTAVE E. DUKER. The name at once suggests a power' in the world of trade in Decatur and only two years have passed since Gustave F. Duker established his home in this city. He has become recognized as one of its most pro- gressive and enterprising merchants, con- ducting his business aflr'airs along lines that prove not only a benefit to himself but are 514 PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. instrumental in the commercial expansion of the city. He is now the proprietor of the store conducted under the name of the Empire Shoe Company and has in two years achieved a success which is indicative of the possession of splendid business ca- pacity and executive force. Mr. Duker was born on the 5th of Jan- uary, 1864, in the city of Quincy, Illinois, his parents being Theodore and Elizabeth Duker. His father was born in the province of Hanover, Germany, not far from the border of France, and in his boyhood days was brought to America by his parents, the family home being established at Quincy, Illinois. Since that time Theodore Duker has resided in that city and has become one of its wealthiest and most prominent bus- iness men. His wife was a native of Aus- tria and of noble birth. She, too, was brought to the new world by her parents in her childhood days and became a resident of Quincy, where in due time she gave her hand in marriage to Mr. Duker and there resided until she was called to her final rest. Twelve children were born unto this worthy couple, seven sons and five daughters, and with one exception all are yet living. Gustave F. Duker began his education in St. Boniface parochial school in Quincy and later attended St. Francis College in the same city. When his literary education was completed he pursued a commercial course in the Gem City Business College in that city, and thus entered upon his bus- iness career well prepared to meet its re- sponsible and arduous duties. He began work for C. Wand, of Quincy, in whose em- ploy he remained for fourteen years, and this fact is certainly indicative of his fidelity, ability and trustworthiness. At the end of that time he accepted a position with E. I. Martin Dry Goods Company of Quincy, remaining with that firm for four years, when he resigned in order to enter upon a similar business relation with the firm of J. Kespohl & Company of Quincy. Whert three years with that house had elapsed he removed to Hurdland, Mis.souri, where he began business on his own account, con- ducting a general store for a little more than three years. Returning to Quincy he was in business in his native city for a short period and then came to Decatur in May, 1901, establishing his store here at No. 118 East Prairie street. A year later he removed to No. 114 North Water street, where he is still conducting business under the name of the Empire Shoe Company. He has one of the largest and best equipped shoe stores in the county, carrying a well selected stock of goods and having an ex- tensive and growing patronage. He is very energetic and by strict adherence to the ethics of commercial life and by straight- forvv^ard dealing he has gained a patronage which is indeed gratifying. On the 1st of February, 1888, Mr. Duker was united in marriage to Miss Susie Alex- ander of Quincy and unto them two chil- dren have been born: Theodore and Ken- neth. Mrs. Duker is a descendant of Alex- ander the Great, and her parents, who are now living in Quincy, are among the wealthy and distinguished residents of that city. Her grandfather was a quartermaster in the Continental Army during the Revo- lutionary war. Socially Mr. Duker is con- nected with Decatur Council, No. 577, Knights of Columbus, and he is likewise a member of St. Patrick's Catholic church of Decatur. Steadily pursuing his way un- deterred by the obstacles and difficulties in his path he has achieved splendid success. Close application, careful study of business methods and plans to be followed, close at- tention to the details combined with an untiring energy, directed by a superior mind, these are the traits of character which have brought to him success and made him one of the foremost merchants of Decatur. PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 516 WILLIAM T. McLEAN, M. D. As the oldest pln'sician of Maroa, Dr. McLean has maintained his position in the front ranks of the medical fraternity in this part of the county b}- reason of his com- prehensive reading and study, whereby he has kept in touch with the progress of the times in connection with the science of medicine. A native of Iventucy, he was born in Harrison county, that state, in 1858, a son of C. A. and Lucy McLean, who in 1865 removed to Maroa. It was therefore in the schools of this city that the Doctor acquired his preliminary education. Later he became a student in the University of Illinois in the class of 1877. With broad literary knowledge to serve as the founda- tion upon which to rear the superstructure of professional learning, he took up the study of medicine in the Rush Medical Col- lege of Chicago and was graduated with the class of 1881. Thus well equipped for his chosen profession he returned to Maroa and remained with his father for a time. In July, 1882, he removed to Warrensburg, Illinois, but in ^lay, 1883, returned to Maroa, where he has since remained, and as the years have come and gone he has in- creased his skill and proficiency by compre- hensive investigation into the methods of practice that have been followed and that are being introduced for the alleviation of human suffering. While never hasty in discarding the old and tried methods he is ever alert to know of new ones which will benefit mankind and his reading and re- search have made his knowledge profound and accurate. He pursued a post-graduate course of study in both New York and Chi- cago, on the eye, ear, nose and throat. At one time Dr. McLean owned a farm but afterward sold it. However, he is now interested in the farming of thirteen hundred acres of land, but does not own it. In Maroa he has a fine residence, which is indicative of the success that has crowned his efforts in his chosen life work. In his practice he was associated with Dr. Mor- gan as a partner from 1890 until 1897, and they fitted up a splendid office with all modern improvements, which Dr. McLean now owns and occupies. On the 16th of June, 1885, the Doctor was united in marriage to Miss Margaret P. Crocker, a daughter of John H. Crocker, and unto them have been born four chil- dren: John C, Franklin C, Edwin P. and Anna Louise, all of whom are attending school. The Doctor and Mrs. McLean be- long to the Presbyterian church, and fra- ternally he is connected with Maroa Lodge, No. 454, A. F. & A. M., and Maroa Lodge, No. 314, I. O. O. F. Politically he is a Democrat and has twice served as mayor of Maroa, giving to the city a practical bus- iness-like administration that appealed to the people and won their strong endorse- ment and high encomiums. The Doctor has spent almost his entire life in Maroa, and his life history is in contradistinction to the old adage that a prophet is never without honor save in his own country, for along lines of signal usefulness he has directed his labors among the people who have known him from boyhood and the com- munity accords him respect and confidence. WILLIAM H. STARE. William H. Stare, now deceased, was a contractor and patternmaker in Decatur during the greater part of his life. His business record was creditable and in social relations he maintained the strictest honor and integrity with his fellow men so that he was classed with the leading and highly respected citizens of his community. A native of York county, Pennsylvania, he was born on the 21st of January, 1854, and is a son of John and Mary Ann (Bruaw) Stare, both of whom were natives of the 516 PAST AXI) I'RICSI'.X T ol' M At < ).\ euLXlV. Keystone state. The father was also a con- tractor by occupation and followed that pursuit in \'ork county, Pennsylvania, un- til 1858. lie then removed westward with his family and settled in Decatur, where he established a hmd)eryard and engaged in business. He also worked at his trade here throughout his remaining days and his wife spent her last days in Decatur. William II. .'^tare acijuired a good educa- tion, completing the high school course in Decatur. He was but four years of age when, w ith his father, he came to this city and here the days of his youth were passed in the usual manner of boys of that period, the duties of the schoolroom being alter- nated by the enjoyment of the playground. When he had put aside his text books he began to learn the contractor's trade and followed that pursuit with his father for many years. ITe also learned the pattern- maker's trade and followed that calling in Decatur, .\nother enterprise to which he turned his attention was the manufacture of tile in Cerro Gordo, Illinois, where he conducted the business for two years. On the expiration of that period, hpwever, he returned to Decatur, where he worked at contracting and pattern-making until the time of his demise. His capability in the line of his chosen vocation, his close appli- cation and his indefatigable industry were the elements in his success that brought to him a comfortable and desirable com- petence. On January 14, T879, William H. Stare was united in marriage to Miss Harriet E. Hoover, a native of Ashland county, Ohio, and a daughter of John and Catherine Hoover. Her father was a farmer in Ohio throughout his entire life and there his death occurred September 30, 1861. His widow afterward came to Decatur and made her home with Mr. and Mrs. Stare until she was called to her final rest, Ajiril 10, lyoo. In social circles in Decatur .Mr. and .Mrs. .Stare were widely and favorably known. They had many friends who esteemed them highly for their genuine worth. In his political views Mr. Stare was an earnest Republican, but never sought or desired the rewards of office in recognition of his ])arty fealty. He held mend)ership in the Church of Cod in Decatur and took great interest in church work, doing everything in his power to extend its influence and promote the cause of Christianity. In early manhood he was made a deacon in the church and acted in that capacity up to the lime of his death. He was also serving as superintendent of the Sunday-school when called to his final lest. Of the Young Men's Christian .Association of Decatur he was a charter member and a director at the time of his death, and was also a charter member of the Christian luideavor Society here. His labors were etTective and far-reaching in be- half of the cause of Christianity and his ex- ample is one well worthy of emulation. His wife is an earnest Christian woman, be- longing to the First Baptist church of De- catur. It was on the 5th of August, 1890, that Mr. Stare was called to his final rest, and his remains were interred in Greenwood cemetery. He had so lived that all who knew him gave him confidence and regard and Decatur numbered him among its valued citizens. His life was indeed hon- oralile, upright and useful and it is therefore with pleasure that wc mention him among the representative men of the city in which he so long resided. Mrs. Stare yet makes her home in Decatur and has a fine new resi- dence at Xo. 874 Xorth Main street, where she is now living. In addition to this she owns residence property at Nos. 115 and 125 East King street in Decatur, from which she receives a good income. r flBF ¥*, ANDREW DENNIS MKS M. L. DENNIS W. D. BAKER MRS. W. D. BAKER PAST AND PRESENT OF IMACON COUNTY. 525 ANDREW DENNIS. About 1850 Andrew Dennis became a resi- dent of Alacon county antl for long years resided here, watching the development and growth of this portion of the state and tak- ing an active interest in the work of prog- ress and improvement here. He was a na- tive of Greencastlc, Pennsylvania, born on the 14th of December, 1820. His parents were John and JMagdeline Dennis, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania, whence they removed to Ohio in an early day. The father there turned his attention to farming and was e^igaged in agricultural pursuits up to the time of his death. His widow afterward came to Macon county and re- sided with a daughter in Decatur until her demise. Andrew Dennis began his 'education in the public schools of Pennsylvania and con- tinued his studies in the schools of Ohio, gaining a practical knowledge which proved of benefit to him in the control of his busi- ness interests in later years. When he left school he became his father's assistant on the home farm in Ohio, and prior to this time he had rendered active service in the care and cultivation of the fields during the summer months. He had a brother who came to Macon county about 1849 and, sending back favorable reports concerning this section of the country, Mr. Dennis of this review was induced to come to Illinois in 1850. Joining his brother he worked at the plasterer's trade in Decatur for a num- ber of years. He then purchased a tract of lanfl in Decatur township and turned his attention to farming, placing his land under a high state of cultivation and raising good crops. Mr. Dennis was united in marriage to Miss Matilda L. Baker, a native of Ruther- ford county, Tennessee, born August 28, 1824, and a daughter of William D. and Marilla (Martin) Baker, both of whom were natives of North Carolina. At the age of fifteen years William D. Baker removed to Rutherford county, Tennessee, where he engaged in carpentering until 1828, when in company with a Mr. Davis he came to Ma- con county, Illinois. They were among the first settlers of this county. Hardly a home had been established within its borders and the work of civilization and progress had been scarcely begun. Mucii of the land was still in possession of the government, roads had not been laid out and only here and there was a log cabin to show that civiliza- tion had penetrated into the interior of Illi- nois. Mr. Baker and Mr. Davis settled in Long Creek township, when it was all wild prairie land and their neighbors were be- tween six and eighteen miles away. Mr. Baker made improvements upon his farm and there resided until his death, giving his time and attention to the further develop- ment of his property. He died in 1883 at the age of eighty-three years and twenty- eight days, having for fifty-five years been a resident of Macon county and a witness of its growth as it emerged from pioneer conditions to take its place among the lead- ing counties of the state. Mrs. Baker sur- vived her husband for about ten years and passed away in 1893, at the very advanced age of ninety-four years. The Baker fam- ily has long been a prominent and well known one of Macon county. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Dennis were born four children : Mag- gie, the wife of A. P. Cobb, now a Christian minister of Decatur; Alary, who died at the age of twenty-one years ; Charlie, who is employed on the Chicago News in a con- fidential capacity to Mr. Lawson and mar- ried Rachel \\'ilson, while after her death he wedded her sister, Nellie Wilson ; and Ira, who died in infancy. The children have had the benefit of splendid educational privileges. On taking up his abode in Decatur town- ship Andrew Dennis applied himself closely to the improvement of the property and 526 PAST AXD PRESENT OF MACON C"OL"NTY. there engaged in fanning until his life's labors were ended. iVs the result of his energy and capable management his farm became valuable, the fields yielding excel- lent crops, while good buildings and other improvements indicated the careful super- vision and progressive spirit of the owner. Mr. Dennis was never an office seeker but served as county commissioner for a short time. In early life he gave his political allegiance to the Democracy and later, on account of his strong temperance principles, he became a Prohibitionist. ]')Oth he and his wife were members of the Methodist Epis- copal church but since her husband's death Mrs. Dennis has joined the Cumberland Presbyterian church »if Decatur, in which denomination two of her brothers are minis- ters. In his business affairs Mr. Dennis was very successful and became well-to-do. lie was systematic in all that he undertook and his capable management and energy resulted in bringing to him very gratifying financfal return for his labor. He died March 3, 1893, and though ten years have since passed his memory is yet enshrined in the hearts of many who knew him and who entertained for him warm regard by reason of the sterling traits of character which he pos- sessed. In December, 1895, Mrs. Dennis left the farm and removed to Decatur, al- though she still owns the rich tract of land of one hundred and forty-one acres on which she and her husband long resided. In this city she purchased her present property at No. 820 North Union street, where she is now living, her home adjoining that of her sister. JOHN P. LEHN. At the time of his death John P. Lehn was one of the most successful farmers and highly esteemed citizens of Illini town- ship and his possessions had been acquired through his own industrious and well di- rected efforts. He had won by an hon- orable, upright life an untarnished name, and the record which he left behind is one well worthy of perpetuation. Mr. Lehn was born in Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, January 17, 1838, a son of Peter and Elizabeth (Waggoner) Lehn. His father died about 1850 and his mother three years later, so that he was left an orphan at an early age. In the fam- ily were seven children, five sons and two ilaughters, namely: .\nna, wife of Frank Chugerts; John 1'.; Susannah, deceased; Sylvester, a resident of Tennessee; Wilson, who makes his home in Colorado ; Josiah, who is a fruit grower of Shedds, Linn county, ( )regon ; and Samuel, a resident of .Macon county, Illinois. In the county of his nativity John P. Lehn was reared and educated and although his school privileges were limited he became a well informed man by reading and obser- vation in later years. Leaving Pennsylvania in 1856 he came to [Macon county, Illinois, and worked by the month as a farm hand for seven years. Having lived economically and saved his money, he was then able to ]nirchase one hundred and sixty acres of raw prairie land, to which he afterward added four hundred acres, making five hundred and sixty acres, which he con- verted into a highly cultivated and well improved farm. Since his death this has been divided among his sons, so that they now have eighty acres each. .Mr. Lehn was married February 20, 1873, to Miss Tabitha Jones, a daughter of Rob- ert Jones, of Pennsylvania, and five children blessed this union, namely: George "Wag- goner, who married Lois L. Baum and re- sides in Illini township; Calvin, who wed- ded Lilly Sibthorpe and lives in Hickory Point township; Frank, who married Ada Moore and lives in Illini township ; and Ellis and Howard, still at home with their mother. PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 521 In his political affiliations Mr. Lehn was a Democrat and he filled the offices of road commissioner and school director. He was very public spirited and progressive and always took a deep interest in any enter- prise calculated to promote the general wel- fare. He was emphatically a self-made man his success in life being due entirely to his own industry and good management, and he is certainly deserving of honorable men- tion among the leading and representative citizens of his adopted county. After a use- ful and well spent life he passed away on the old home farm, where his widow still resides, January 14, 1899. H. MARTYN OWEN. One of the most notable features in the educational world is the growth and de- velopment of schools for the education of those wishing to enter the business life. The employer of to-day does not care to retain in his service an unskilled employe. His time is too valuable to instruct others in business methods and he secures the aid of only those who have already been fitted for responsibilities of the business world. Decatur has an institution of marked merit for the training of young people for business life and at the head of this school is H. Martyn Owen, who for a number of years has labored here along the line of educa- tion. Mr. Owen was born in Christian county, Illinois, December 30, 1866, and is a son of Oscar J. and Mary (Wickens) Owen, both of whom were natives of Ohio. They were born in the vicinity of Marietta, Wash- ington county, and removed from the Buck- eye state in 1865, established their home upon a farm in Christian county, Illinois, where the father engaged in general agri- cultural pursuits, including the cultivation of the soil and the raising of stock. Upon that farm the mother died in August, 1902, and the father, who still survives her, is now living retired in Stonington, having through his capable efforts in former years won a competence that now enables him to rest from further toil. He owns and con- trols a large amount of valuable land in Christian county and is also a stockholder in the First National Bank of Stonington. H. Martyn Owen, whose name intro- duces this record, spent his early life upon the home farm and in his leisure hours as- sisted in its cultivation.the sun shining down on many a field which he had plowed and planted. His educational privileges were such as were afforded by the district schools and he remained upon the home farm until about seventeen or eighteen years of age, when, wishing to have the benefit of more advanced educational privileges, he entered Shurtleff College at Upper Alton, Illinois, where he continued his studies for three years. In 1889 he attended school in Quincy, Illinois, and in 1890 he went to Davenport, Iowa, where he taught in a commercial school for a time. Later he be- came one of the instructors in the Iowa Commercial College, where he remained for a year and since 1891 he has been associated with educational work in Decatur in con- nection with Brown's Decatur Business College. In 1894 he became a stockholder in the institution and was elected to the position of principal. He has since acted in this capacity with credit to himself and satisfaction to the many students who have been in attendance here. His methods of instruction are practical and thorough — the demand of the times. In 1896 he was elected secretary of the Brown College corporation at Peoria, Illinois, the company having colleges in Peoria, Decatur, Bloom- ington, Ottawa, Centralia, Galesburg, Dan- ville, Champaign, Jacksonville, Rock Island, Streator, Moline and Rockford, Illinois; in Terre Haute, Indiana ; and in Davenport, 528 PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. Iowa. The greater part of his attention, however, is devoted to the Decatur Col- lege, which is well e(|iii])]XHl with every ap- pliance bearing iqion the l)ranclies of learn- ing therein studied. In iSyo .Mr. Owen was united in marriage to Miss Susanna Francis, oi Moweaqua, Illi- nois, a daughter of .\atlian and Mary Francis, and unto ihein have been born two childen, Helen I'rances and Honora .\1. (Jwen. .Mr. ( )wen has gained a very wide ac(|uaintance in Decatur and throughout the surrounding country and is known as a gentleman of scholarly attainments and broad general learning. He has a large circle of friends and it is with pleasure that we present to our readers tlie record of his career. JOHN" T.. M.\TTHEW. Among tile honored citizens of .Macon county who were among the defenders of the Union cause during the dark days of the Rebellion must be numbered the gentle- man whose name introduces this sketch. Throughout the years of his manhood be has engaged in agricultural pursuits and to-day owns and operates a good farm on section 29, Stnith .Macon township. Mr. Matthew was born near Cleveland, Ohio, on the 16th of December, 1845, a son of John 1;. and Uarljara (Stuck) Matthew. The father was a native of Germany and about 1795 came to the United States, tak- ing u\i bis abode in < )hio, among its earli- est settlers. There he purchased land anil engaged in farming about twelve years, and then removed to Jackson county, Indiana, becoming the possessor of one hundred and twenty acres of timber land near Browns- town, but he w^as not long i>erniitted to en- joy his new home as he died about two years after locating thereon. His wife sur- vived him many years, making her home with her sons until she, too, was called away, about twelve years ago. They were the parents of si.x children, of whom our subject is the third in order of birth, those still living being Helen, widow of William Hockey and a resident of Cleveland, Ohio; Kate, wife of George Hemer, a farmer of Shelby county, Illinois; John L., of this re- view; (]eorge, who is engaged in farming near .Moweaqua in Shelby county; and IClizabeth, wife of Peter Lee, a wagon man- ufacturer of Seymour, Indiana. John I.. .Matthew was born in an old log house and was educated in a log school building near \'alona, Indiana, conning his lessons upon a slab bench. He remained at home until seventeen years of age and then entered the Union army, enlisting in the spring of 1863 as a member of Company G, One Hundred and Fifty-fourth Indiana Vohmleer Infantry. He was in the service at that time for four months and was then honorably discharged at Indianapolis, but the following year he again entered the army, this time' enlisting in Com])any (i, ( )ne Hundred and Seventeenth Indiana In- fantry, with which he served nine months. He was promoted corporal and received his final discharge at Indianapolis. He was in the engagement on Clinch mountains, where he came very nearly starving, his rations being only one ear of corn per day. .\fter his return from the army Mr. .Mat- thew commenced work by the month on a farm in Jackson county, Indiana, and was thus employed for three years. He was next engagetl in the sawmill business for one year and later engaged in farming on rented land in Jackson count}' for four or five years. He then turned his attention to the tanning business in i)artnership with hi^ brother-in- law. Jolm \ . .Miller, and on disposing of his interest in that enterprise two years later, he bought a small farm near Sey- mour. Indiana, which he operated for two vears. and llu-n sold. During the following \ JOSEPH WARBURTON PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 531 three years he cultivated a rented farm. In 1881 Mr. Matthew came to Alacon county, Illinois, and rented a farm south of the vil- lage of Macon for three years, after which he had charge of the John J. Bradley farm northeast of Macon for six years. He next rented the Orlando Powers farm for eight years, and at the end of that period pur- chased his present farm of one hundred and three acres on section 29, South ^lacon township. He has since tiled the land, built fences, erected a residence and barn, set out an orchard and made many other use- ful and \'alual)le improvements which add greatlv to the attractive appearance of the place. He feeds a few hogs for market but devotes his attention principally to gen- eral farming. During his life time he has witnessed great changes in the methods of agriculture, for during his youtli grain was harvested with a cradle and threshed with a ground-hog thresher. On the 1st of January, 1870, Mr. Mat- thew married Miss Ella Miller, a daughter of Casper and Margaretta (Noah) Miller, and they have become the parents of six children, those now living being Ida, wife of Charles Young, a farmer living near Boody ; Mary, at home ; Anna, wife of Fred \\''agoncr, a farmer of Milam township ; Katie and John, both at home. Mr. and Airs. Matthew are members of the Catholic church of Macon and are highly respected and esteemed by all who know them. In politics he is a Democrat, but has never cared for the honors or emoluments of pub- lic office. JOSEPH WARBURTON. Joseph Warburton, deceased, was for many years an honored resident and suc- cessful farmer of Macon county. His early home was on the other side of the Atlantic, for he was born in Manchester, England, on the 25th of December, 1847, ^"fl ^^'^^ ^ ^'-~"'' of Thomas and Mary (Marlow) Warbur- ton, also natives of the merrie isle. There our subject was reared and educated, and when about twenty years of age came to America, landing in New York in 1862. For ruary, 1903. While in Macon township Mr. Might held PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 533 several positions, including that of consta- ble and of school director. He was town- ship collector in Milam township for one year and was assistant assessor in Decatur for a year. His political allegiance was given to the Democratic party and he al- ways voted for its men and measures. Both he and his wife were members of the First ;\Iethodist Episcopal church, loyal to its teachings and interests. Mr. Hight was indeed a self-made man. He started out upon his business career empty handed and it was by working as a farm hand that he gained his start in life. As the years passed he gradually advanced and the success which he achieved was due entirely to his well directed labor. The Hight family has long been a prominent one in Macon county and two of Mr. Hight's brothers are en- gaged in the banking business and are con- nected with other important business af- fairs of the village of Macon. Mrs. Hight, the widow of our subject, now owns and oc- cupies a good home «t No. 1254 North Ed- ward street in Decatur and is well and fa- vorably known here. JAMES H. MONTGOMERY. James FI. Montgomery is the junior member of the firm of Brown & Montgom- ery, dealers in real estate in Decatur. He is a representative of an old southern fam- ily. His paternal grandfather, Thomas Montgomery, was born in Virginia, and in 1823 removed to Ohio, casting his lot among the pioneer settlers of that state. He wedded Catherine Hahn and in order to provide for his family he devoted his energies to operating on the Ohio river as steamboat captain. He died in 1832, of cholera. He had marked influence for good and dis- played characteristics of a Scotch-Irish ancestry. Among his children was John Montgom- ery, who was born in the Old Dominion in 1810, the family home being at that time in the Shenandoah valley. He became a general business man and. at one time was largely interested in the milling and coal business. He married Miss Margaret Tidd, a native of Ohio, and a, daughter of John and Mary (Hulter) Tidd, who were early settlers of the Buckeye state. Her father was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and a very devoted Christian gen- tleman. He reached the advanced age of ninety-two years, and passed away hon- ored by all who knew him. In the year 1858 the family of James Montgomery came to Illinois, settling two and a half miles northeast of Decatur, where they remained until 1864. They then removed to Wheat- land township, Macon county, where the father died on the Sth of January, 1885, in the seventy-fourth year of his age. The mother and children afterward established their home in Decatur, where she died on the 19th of August, 1892. She was the mother of eight children, seven of whom lived to years of maturity, namely : William H., Mary J., Benjamin F. and John T., all of whom are now deceased; Charles M., who is a resident farmer of Gilmore, Illi- nois ; Martha A., who died in infancy ; James H., of this review; and Amanda C, who is now the wife of Martin J. Rubican. James H. Alontgomery was born in the city of Wheeling, West A/'irginia, May 8, 1850, and in 1858 came with his parents to Decatur, Illinois. Flere he pursued his edu- cation in the public schools, in which he continued until his sixteenth year. He then entered Mount Zion Academy, where he pursued his studies for one year, after which he returned to the farm. Soon, how- ever, he began teaching and followed that profession for four years. He was next em- ployed by the Haworth Manufacturing Company and afterward by B. F. Avery & Son, while subsequently he was with the 34 i>3': PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. F. B. Tait Manufacturing Company. In 1898 he began dealing in real estate, hand- ling both city and farm property. Me han- dles lands in Illinuis, .Missouri, .\rkansas, -Minnesota, Indiana and Wisconsin, and in this work is associated with Hon. John A. lirown. under the firm name of ilrown & .Montgomery. Both partners are old resi- dents of Macon county and here hear an ex- ceJU-nt reputation fur fair dealing. They have built up a large business not only in Decatur, but in the states mentioned. They handle large amounts of realty anmiallv and their yearly sales have reached a very grati- fying figure. In his political \ie\vs .Mr. ^Montgomery is a Republican, but ne\er sought or de- sired office. He keeps well informed on the issues of the day, however, and is thus able to support his position by intelligent argument. He labored earnestly for ■ the success of the party principles during the McKinley campaign in iSgf). The greater part of his attention, however, has been de- • voted to his business affairs and in con- nection with the real estate operations of this section of Illinois he is widelv known. C. H. BEAN. In a i)leasani home on one of the good farms of Macon county, located in Pleasant View township, resides C. H. Bean, who is one of Illinois' native .sons, his birth hav- ing occurred in LaSallc county, .\ugust 15, 1857. His parents were Jacn-ned his attention to farm- ing. ])urchasing a tract of land in l.aSalle county, lie bought this of the government and he also purchased a farm in Carroll county, near .Mount Carroll, whereon he lived until 1865, when he sold that prop- erty and came to Macon county. Here he purchased six hundred and forty acres of land from the Illinois Central Railroad Company for ten dollars per acre, and de- veloped a splendid farm, which is still in possession of his heirs. It is upon this farm that C. H. Bean resides. In the family were seven children, of whom four are yet living. The two eldest, however, died in infancy. Amanda is the wife of D. X. Sy- ford, of Lincoln, Nebraska, who is a farmer and stock-raiser, making a specialty of polled .Angus cattle. C. H. is the next of the family. Martha V. is the widow of Edward L. Garwood and resides on the northeast quarter of section 10, Pleasant X'iew town- ship. W. H. married .Miss Lizzie Ballard, of Bloomington, and after her death wedded Hattie Bethards. of (,'hristian county. He is a clothing merchant of I>lue Mound and lives in Pleasant \'iew township. Emma, the youngest, died at the age of three years. The mother's death occurred .April 28. 1888, when she was nearly sixty-six years of age, and the father's death occurred in 1898, when he was about seventy-fi\'e years of age. To the district schools C. H. Bean is in- debted for his preliminary educational train- ing. • He afterward attended the State Nor- mal University, at .Xormal, Illinois, and the Jackson\iile lUisiness College. Following his return home he worked upon his father's i"ann and was twenty-se\en years of age when he began farming and rais- in stock for himself. lie has since ccintinued to engage in agricultural inirsuits and has made a s]3ecialty of the raising of ])olled .Angus cattle and Poland China hogs, having considerable registered stock and jdacing upon the mar- ket only high grades. His farm comprises two hundred and fort\- acres of land, which m GARRETT S- STOUTENBOROUGH MBS. MARGARET J. STOUTENBOROUGH PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 539 is very valuable and productive and his is one of the fine farms of the county. On the ist of September, 1885, Mr. Bean was married to Miss ^lary A. Gregory, a daughter of Jacob Gregory, of this county. By this marriage there are seven children : Harley, born June 17, 1887; ^lay, January 13, 1890; Inez, March 19, 1892; Carl, No- vember 7, 1894; Hazel, March 27, 1897; Fred, May 30, 1899; and Roy, November 20, 1902. Mr. Bean has been successful in his chosen field of labor and is now very comfortably fixed in life. He erected on his land an attractive home, which, with the other modern improvements and surround- ings, constitutes this one of the best and most desirable farms in Pleasant View township. GARRETT S. STOUTENBOROUGH. Garrett S. Stoutenborough, of Maroa, is the possessor of a handsome property which now enables him to spend his years in the pleasurable enjoyment of his accumulations. The record of his life, previous to 1891, is that of an active, energetic, enterprising and methodical business man, who bent his en- ergies to the honorable acquirement of a comfortable competence for himself and family. Mr. Stoutenborough was born in Butler county, Ohio, in 1824, and is a son of John and Jane (Schenck) Stoutenborough, both natives of New Jersey, the former born in 1791, the latter in 1796. The father was a farmer and followed that occupation in Ohio throughout the years of his manhood. In the schools of his native state our subject acquired his education and during his minor- ity aided in the work of the home farm, thereby gaining a good practical knowledge of agricultural pursuits. At the age of twenty-one he commenced farming on his own account, operating rented land for nine years. Coming to Illinois in 1854 he first located near Kenney, DeWitt county, where he purchased a small tract of land, to which he subsequently added from time to time as his financial resources permitted until he and his wife became the owners of seven hundred acres of land near that place and si.x hundred acres in ^lacon county. The wife also owns the residence they now oc- cupy in Maroa, where they have made their home for the past twelve years. The price paid for his land has ranged' all the way from twenty-five to seventy-seven dollars per acre. In his farming operations Mr. Stoutenborough was remarkably successful, being a man of good business and executive ability, as well as a thorough and pains- taking farmer, and he generally carries for- ward to successful completion whatever he undertakes. He has made all of the im- provements upon his farms, which are now operated by his children. In 1845 ^ff. Stoutenborough married Miss Margaret J. Hankinson, who was born in 1825 and is a daughter of James and Sarah Hankinson. Her father was also an Ohio farmer. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Stoutenborough were born the following children : Sarah Jane, born March 18, 1848, is now the wife of James Fruit, who lives on our subject's farm near Kenney, and by whom she has three children ; T^Iary E., born October 7, 1850, is the wife of Edward Schoby, of I Witt county, and they have three children; James, born January 16, 1854, married Ella Baird and has one child living; John, born September 14, 1856, married Ella Miller and with his wife and five children lives in Ma- roa township, Macon county ; William, born April 13, 1858, married Hattie Miller and has four children ; Frank, born November 20, 1861, wedded Emma Moore and has fovr children. He makes his home near Ken- ney. Mr. Stoutenborough has three broth- ers living in ^laroa. Mr. and Mrs. Stoutenborough hold mem bership in the ^Methodist Episcopal church 540 PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. and he votes with the Republican party. He has filled the office of school director hut has never cared for political preferment, his time and attention being wholly occupied by his business affairs in early life. When he came to this state they were just build- ing the railroad through ^laroa but the vil- lage had not yet sprung into existence and he has watched with interest the growth and development of this region, at the same time taking a very active part in its up- building. Now in his eightieth year, his career has ever been such as to command the respect and confidence of men and he is well worthy of representation in the his- tory of his adopted county. JOHN R. FITZGERALD. John R. Fitzgerald is the junior member of the well known law firm of Decatur of Wills & Fitzgerald. He was born upon a farm in IMoultrie county, Illinois, Novem- ber 29, 1873, his parents being M. C. and Ellen (Delahunty) Fitzgerald, who in 1870 came to this state and established their home near Bethany, where the father en- gaged in general farming and stock-raising. He still resides upon that farm and thus for more than a third of a century has been identified with agricultural interests there. John R. Fitzgerald, who is one of a family of five children, began his education, as did the other members of the household, in the district school. Later, however, he had the opportunity of attending the Bethany high school, in which he was graduated and after- ward he entered the Lincoln University. His mental training was still further ob- tained in the State University of Cham- paign, where he pursued his studies for three years. Thus he gained broad general and literary knowdedge to serve as the founda- tion upon which to rear the superstructure of his professional learning. Upon the com- pletion of his college course he took up the stud}- of law in the office of Judge Cochran, at Sullivan, under whose direction he pur- sued his reading until he was ready for en- trance into the law department of the Uni- versity of Michigan, at Ann Arbor, where he was graduated in 1894. For a year there- after he served as a clerk in the office of .Mills Brothers. He was then admitted to the bar in 1895 before the supreme court at Springfield and came to Decatur, where he opened a law office. Soon thereafter he entered into partnership relations with L. A. Mills, under the firm name of Mills & Fitzgerald, and they have since been en- gaged in general practice. The firm has won- a wide reputation for ability and splendid success has attended them in the control of numerous interests in which they have been employed. As a law- yer Mr. Fitzgerald is distinguished in the trial of cases in court, where his quick per- ception, close reasoning and power of speech make him a dangerous antagonist. It was on the 30th of October, 1899, that Mr. Fitzgerald was united in marriage to Miss Jennie Griffin, of Dalton, Illinois, a daughter of P. Griffin. They are surrounded in their home by many friends and are well known young people of this city. Mr. Fitzgerald is a young man of strong men- tality, of keen intellect, logical in his ans- wers and forceful in his reasoning and thus his qualities are such as insure success in the arduous and difficult profession of the law. Being a Republican in politics he stands high in the council of his party and is an able exponent of its principles on the platform, but has never sought public office. He is a member of a great many fraternal and benevolent organizations. BUTLER SIMPSON. This well known and highly esteemed citizen of Hickory Point township is a native of Illinois, his birth having occurred PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 541 in St. Clair county on the 4th of May, 1848. His father, W. G. Simpson, was born in the same county and was a son of William G. Simpson. The grandfather was of English descent and his wife belonged to an old \'irginian faniih'. .At a very earl}- day they came to Illinois and settled in St. Clair county and there the father of our subject made his home until 1854, when he came to Macon county, the trip being made in a prairie schooner. He first located two and a half miles west of Decatur, where he lived in a log cabin until February, 1857, and then removed to the northwest corner of Macon county, settling on section 21, Ni- antic township. On coming to this county he brought stock with him and throughout the remainder of his life was quite ex- tensively engaged in the stock business. His first purchase of land in Niantic town- ship consisted of a tract of one hundred and sixty a<:res, to which he subsequently added until he had two hundred and eighty acres. Upon the old homestead his daughters now reside. The family passed through the usual pioneer experiences and the father materi- ally aided in the early development of this section of the state. After a useful and well spent life he died at Illiopolis, May 19, 1903, when over eighty-one years of age, and his wife, who was also a native of St. Clair county, passed away in 1902, at the age of eighty years. Both were laid to rest in Long Point cemetery, Niantic township. Eleven children were born to this worthy couple, eight of whom are still living, name- ly: Butler, of this review; Kate, wife of Thomas Wright, of Niantic township ; Mrs. A. E. Sullivan, a widow living in Illiopolis ; William, a resident of Logan county, Illi- nois ; Jacob and Edward, both of I\Iacon county ; John, of Christian county ; and Ida, of Illiopolis. Butler Simpson was only six years of age when he accompanied his parents on their removal to Macon county and here he ob- tained his education in the common schools. The earlyhome of the familywas a log cabin, but during the boyhood of our subject a frame house, sixteen by thirty-two feet, was built. .\s the land which his father pur- chased was wild and unimproved he assist- ed in breaking many an acre of virgin soil with a plow that cut a furrow from eighteen to twenty inches wide, to which were at- tached four or five yoke of cattle. He began plowing when only ten years of age and continued to drive cattle until twenty-two. He not only became familiar with the work of the fields but with household duties as well. He would shear the sheep, spin the wool into yarn and knit his own socks and mittens. At that time all of the clothing of the family was home-made. Deer were often seen and other wild game was plenti- ful, the ducks and geese rising from the ponds in great dark clouds. During his boy- hood I\Ir. Simpson thus had ample oppor- tunity to indulge his love of hunting. The young farm animals had to be penned up every night to keep them from the wolves who often came prowling around the house, and rattlesnakes were also very numerous at that time. Mr. Simpson killed the last den of young wolves found in his neighborhood. He has often assisted his mother in mold- ing candles to light their little home and has driven six miles for wood to be burned in the old fashioned fireplace. He used to go to market in a two-wheeled wagon drawn by two yoke of oxen over almost impassable roads between his home in Ni- antic township to Decatur, a distance of seventeen miles. P'arming was then carried on in a rather primitive manner, the grain being cut with a cradle and thrashed out by horses. It will thus be seen that Mr. Simpson is thoroughly familiar with pio- neer conditions, yet those were the good old times when the latch-string was always out and hospitality reigned supreme in the little cabin home. 542 PAST AND TRESENT OF MACOX COUNTY. At Illiopolis, on the 5th of Marcli, 1873, Mr. Simpson was united in marriage to Miss Martha Gourley, who was born in Carter county. Tennessee, September i, 1856, a daughter of Marcus L. and Julia A. (Edens) Gourley. The father was also born in that county, April 19, 1831, his parents being Charles and Nancy (Morgan) Gourley. Charles Gourley was educated in Edinburgh, Scotland, becoming a civil en- gineer and government surveyor, and in the community where he resided was recog- nized as a very prominent citizen. In 1837 in Tennessee while fording a river on horse- back he was drowned and his wife died the following year, thus leaving Marcus L. Gourley an orphan at the age of seven years. There were six other children in the family. His brother, David, was killed at Chucks Crossroads, Tennessee, during the Civil war and was buried on the battlefield, and Jiis brother William, who was serving as 'captain of Company C, Thirteenth Ten- nessee Cavalry was killed at Marion, Vir- ginia, and his remains were also interred at the scene of conflict which cost him his life. After the death of his parents, Mar- cus L. Gourley lived with an aunt until his sixteeenth year, when he started out in life for himself with a limited education, working on a farm at six dollars per month. .'\t the end of five years he rented land in Tennessee and carried on farming there until 1856, when he removed to Sangamon county. Illinois, locating near Springfield, where he operated rented land until 1868. That year he purchased a farm on which he made his home until 1882 and then re- moved to mini township, Macon county, buying an eighty acre tract near Harris- town. In 1883 he located on section 35. Hickorj' Point township, two and a half miles north of Decatur on the Blooming- ton road, where our subject and his wife now reside. When Mr. Gourley first landed in Illinois he had onlv fiftv cents and a wife and two children depending on him for support. His wife died September i, 1887, and was buried in Boiling Springs ceme- tery, where a monument now marks her last resting place. Mr. Gourley was a Republican in politics and was a good re- liable business man. He died in February 1900, and was buried by the side of his wife. He was married in 1852 and had three children but Lavina died in infancy and John E. died April 11, 1890, so that Mrs. .Simpson is the only one now living. Unto our subject and his wife have been born seven children : Annie E., now the wife of Charles Marshall, of Niantic town- ship ; Bertha, wife of W. G. Gourley, of Perry, Iowa ; Lucy, wife of Frank Hays, who lives on the Bloomington road; Nel- lie E., Julia and Otto W., all three at home; and one who died in infancy. For one year after his marriage Mr. Simpson lived on his father's old home- stead and then purchased eighty acres of ])artially improved land in Illini township, where he lived for a number of years. On selling that ])lace he bought another eighty acre tract one mile south of the old home place and resided there until his removal to his wife's farm on section 35, Hickory Point townsliip. Here he now lives retired, the farming being operated by hired help, while he enjoys a well merited rest. Mr. Simpson's interests center in his fam- ily, especially in his descendants, and he has three very interesting pictures, one of four generations of males, the second of four generations of females, and the third a group of the whole family. These he prizes very highly. Politically he is a stanch Democrat and he has been called upon to fill the offices of commissioner of highways in Illini and Niantic township, and was also school director for many years. His father was identified with the building of churches and school houses in Niantic township, and the family has always taken THOMAS B DOAKE PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 545 an active interest in the growth and devel- opment of the county, doing all in their power for its improvement. THOMAS B. DOAKE. Thomas B. Doake, now deceased, was a well known liveryman of Decatur for many years and among the earlier representatives of the business interests of the city, com- ing here in 1854. Illinois claimed him among her native sons, for his birth oc- curred in Quincy, this state, on the 19th of September, 1846. His parents were Mad- ison and Mary Ann Doake. At an early epoch in the history of Sangamon county, Illinois, the father located within its bor- ders and for a few years was engaged in farming there. He afterward removed to Quincy, Illinois, where he lived until 1854, when he came to Decatur. Here he was engaged in buying and shipping stock for a few years and in 1856, while traveling in a stock train between Decatur and St. Louis, he was killed in a railroad accident, which occurred at Taylorville, Illinois. His wife passed away in Springfield some years later. To the common school system of the state Thomas B. Doake was indebted for the educational privileges which he enjoyed. After leaving school he was employed in various ways in Quincy until his father's removal to Decatur, when he came to this city and assisted in the stock business here for a few years. After his marriage he turned his attention to the livery business, establishing a barn in Decatur at Nos. 205 to 225 West Wood street. There he con- ducted a very fine livery and boarding stable and also did transfer business for many years. He had a large line of fine carriages and many good horses and from the public he received a liberal patronage because of his well known fairness in business trans- actions and earnest desire to please his cus- tomers. He was a lover of fine horses, care- ful in his treatment of them and gave them every consideration which is due from man to the animal world. Mr. Doake was married April 16, 1871, in Mount Zion, Macon county, to Miss Mar- garet Ballinger, a native of West Virginia, born December 2, 1852, and a daughter of Robert and Catherine M. Ballinger, who removed to Macon county in i860, settling on a farm in Wheatland township, where they resided until death, the father passing away in 1862, while the mother long sur- vived and departed this life in 1895. Four children graced the union of Mr. and Mrs. Doake : Jessie, now the wife of George Mc- Crory, a resident of Peculiar, Missouri ; Cora B., the wife of James Logan, who is a traveling salesman and makes his home in Decatur; Mary M., the wife of Everett Iv. Ehrhart, a groceryman doing business at No. 27s West Greene street, Decatur; and Robert C, who resides with his mother. Mr. Doake voted with the Democracy and never faltered in his adherence to Demo- cratic principles.' The citizens of Decatur and Macon county wished him to accept the nomination for county sheriff on several different occasions, but he always refused, never being an office seeker, content to do his public duty as a private citizen. He belonged to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, holding membership in the lodge in Decatur, and both he and his wife were members of the Cumberland Presbyterian church here. A very prominent citizen, he was well known through Macon county and in his business affairs he gained success. He had many friends here, his genial man- ner, unfailing courtesy and unostentatious life winning him the warm regard of those with whom he was associated. After her husband's death Mrs. Doake sold the livery business. She and her son reside at No. 1015 North Edward street and the residence property there she owns. AG PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. NICHOLAS UU.M.MERSBACH. Industry wisely and vigorously applied ne\er fails of success but carries a man up- ward and onward and in due time he reaches the goal of his ambitions. The truth of this statement has been many times verified in the lives of the prosperous citi- zens of the United States and again finds exemplification in the career of Nicholas Boniinershach, who is the leading florist of of Decatur, carrying on an extensive and profitable business. Mr. Bomniersbach is a native of Metz, France, born on the ^loselle, on the 25th of June, 1S45. His parents were John and Susan (Laqua) llommersbach and the name is of Holland origin. The father was a farmer by occupation and died in France— his native country — in 1872. The subject of this review was early trained to the business in which he is now engaged. .\t the age of fifteen years he began to learn the florist's trade, for which privilege he had to pay three hundred and fifty dollars, in order to receive his special instruction of the leading florists of France. During the first two years he received no wages. He has a diploma which was signed by the mayor for each two years' service. This had to be done before he could receive any compensation for his labors. He spent the years of his apprenticeship in the Leona florists gardens, where twenty-five men were employed, roniaining there from 1862 until 1865. Tn the year 1870 he joined the French army for service in the Franco- Prussian war and went to Belgium and from there to Paris. He participated in the battle of Weissenberg and in the battle of Sedan where Napoleon was captured. In Paris he was stationed in the Fort Setienne and took part in many actions of that siege dur- ing the summer of 1870. He was afterward at Versailles, where he did guard duty un- til the 6th of April. 1871. The soldier en- dured manv hardships ancl trials and fre- iiuentiy had hartlly enough to keep him from starving. .■\fter being mustered out of the service Mr. Bonnnersbach returned to his home in .Melz. l)ul the idea of seeing his province Alsace become a part of Germany was so distasteful to him that he determined to emigrate to America and in 1871 he crossed the Atlantic to the United States, landing at New York on the nth of June of that year. He then made his way from there to Albany, Indiana, but after a short time he went to Nashville, Tennessee, where he remained for two years, being in the employ of Mr. Clement, a florist. On the expira- tion of that period he went to Indianapolis, Indiana, where he spent two and a half years in the service of Herr Recourt. From 1876 until 1881 he served as florist for the .State Insane Asylum in Indianapolis, hav- ing entire charge of the improvement and beautifying of the grounds there, eighteen men working under his supervision. On the T7th of March, 1881, Mr. Bomniersbach arrived in Decatur, where he established a business of his own on a small scale. Each year he has built additions to his greenhouses until they are now the most extensive and his plant is the largest of the kind in Decatur or this portion of the state. Success has attended his efforts since his arri\-al here and is the outcome of his in- dustry, guided by intelligence and experi- ence. On the 28th of December, 1876, Mr. Bom- mersbach was united in marriage to Miss Rebecca Cody, of Indianapolis, and unto ihem were born five children, but only two are now living, John and Albert. Those who have passed away are Estella, who died at the age of five years ; Arthur, who died at the age of nine years and six months; and Katie, who passed away at the age of four years. In 1899 Mr. Bomniersbach was made a Alason. He belongs to Macon Lodge, No. PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 547 8, A. F. & A. M. : Macon Chapter, No. 21, R. A. A[. : Bcaunianoir Commandery, No. 9, K. T. : to the Mystic Shrine of Peoria, and to Decatur Chapter. No. in, O. E. S. He is also connected with the Knights of Pythias Fraternity and the Modern Wood- men of America. He is one of Decatur's sohd men and has done considerable for his adopted city in the way of co-operating in general improvements. He is a most genial man to meet and is a tine illustration of the self-made man. He began his career under somewhat adverse circumstances, being compelled to make his own way and his success in life illustrates most forcibly the power of patience and persistent effort and self-reliance. He has so conducted all affairs, whether of a private interest or of public trust, as to merit the esteem of all classes of citizens. JOHN L. DRAKE. John L. Drake, who is engaged in the hardware business and has done much to improve the city both through his business activity and capable official service, has spent almost his entire life in Macon coun- ty. He was born upon a farm near Argenta on the 25th of October, 1854, and is a son of John and Rebecca (Robinson) Drake. But little is known concerning this branch of the Drake family yet it is reasonable to think that the ancestors of our subject were from New Jersey and at an earlier date from New England. The Robinson family also lived in the east and the grandfather of our subject, removing westward, settled in Friends Creek in Macon county when his daughter, Mrs. Drake, was only nine years of age. A few years afterward he removed to Arkansas where his last days were spent. John Drake was one of the pioneers of Macon county, coming to this state about 1843 from New Jersey. He purchased a large tract of land which he improved, but in the work of development he subjected himself to exposure and as the result of this and his untiring efforts his career was terminated in death at the early age of forty years, passing away in 1855. At the time of his demise he was the owner of three hundred and twenty acres of valu- able land in ]\Iacon county. His widow sur- \ived him until November, 1898, when she, too, died at the age of seventy-two years. They were the parents of five children, but two of the number died in infancy. The others are S. P., a resident of Luddington, Illinois ; John L. : and Isaac, who died at the age of twenty-one years. John L. Drake, whose name introduces this record, has practically spent his entire life in Macon county and his early privi- leges were those of the common schools and such as might be obtained upon the home farm. He began earning his own living by working as a farm hand at twelve dol- lars per month and was thus employed for two and a half years. He then began farm- ing on his own account in Friends Creek township when but eighteen years of age. Later he purchased land and improved it, carrying on agricultural pursuits with good results for fourteen years. On the expira- tion of that period Mr. Drake took up his abode in Argenta, where he engaged in the lumber business for two years and in the spring of 1889 he removed to Nebraska, while in the fall of i8go he came to Decatur. Here he has engaged in the real estate busi- ness and has handled considerable valuable property, negotiating many important realty transfers. He bought and now owns three hundred and seven acres of valuable land in Macon county and in 1893 he built the Co- lumbia block and has other moneyed in- terests in Decatur. On the 3d of August, 1903, he purchased the stock of the Barnett Hardware Com- 5^8 PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. pan)', which is the oldest store of the kind in the county, it being first owned by Mr. Close, later by the firm of Close & Gris- wold, still later by C. L. Griswold and aft- erward by C. M. Piarnett. Mr. Drake is now carrying on this business and has the second largest stock of hardware in the county. The home life of Mr. Drake has been very pleasant. He was happily married April 12, 1877, to Miss Aura Belle Dickey, a daughter of Harvey Dickey, a pioneer of Macon county. Six children have been born this marriage : Jeanette M., who has been educated for the duties of a librarian and was graduated at Champaign, Illinois, in the class of 1903; Clarence E., who is with the Decatur Plumbing & Heating Company and who married ]\liss Amy Bray, of this city; Mabel; Erma Fay; Leah, deceased; and Louise. Mr. Drake is an ardent supporter of the Republican party, casting his first ballot for Rutherford B. Hayes and for each Repub- lican presidential candidate since that time. He has been honored with a number of local positions, having been elected alderman of his ward in 1893 and afterward re-elected for a second term. While residing upon the farm he served as commissioner of high- ways and has always been most loyal in his performance of public duties. He is a member of Chevalier Bayard Lodge, No. 189, K. P.; of Celestial Lodge, No. 186, 1. O. O. F. ; and of Decatur Camp, No. 144, M. W. A. In his business career he has been active, energetic and successful. His close study of the issues and situations has made his knowledge broad, thorough and comprehensive. His loyalty in citizenship, his honesty in business and his trustworthi- ness in private life stand as unquestioned facts in his career, making him one of the most honored and esteemed men that has ever represented the city in its council. J. H. ARMSTRONG. J. IL Armstrong is a young and enterpris- ing farmer residing on section 27, Friends Creek township. He is one of Macon county's native sons, his birth having oc- curred in Maroa township on the 2d of December, 1871. His parents are William and Elizabeth Armstrong, whose sketch ap- pears on another page of this volume. Our subject was but five years old when the family removed from Maroa to Friends Creek township and here he grew to man- hood amid rural scenes. W^hen not in school he assisted in the work of the home farm and early acquired an excellent knowledge of all the duties which fall to the lot of the agriculturist. On attaining his majority he began farming for himself upon a one hundred and sixty acre tract which then belonged to his father, but was purchased by our subject in the spring of 1903, and to the cultivation of this place he has since devoted his time and attention with re- sults that are highly satisfactory to himself. He raises the grain best adapted to the soil and climate of his native county and is also interested in the raising of hogs for market. His father made all of the improvements upon the farm with the exception of the house, which is one of the oldest in the township and is now being repaired by our subject. He is very progressive in his farming methods and is meeting with well deserved success. In 1895 Mr. Armstrong was united in marriage to Miss Lula Yates, a daughter of D. C. Yates, now living in Missouri, and they have one child. Opal, who was born January 23, 1896. Mrs. Armstrong is a most estimable lady and a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Socially Mr. Armstrong is a Mason and is also a mem- ber of the Modern Woodmen of America. The Republican party finds in him a stanch supporter of its principles but he takes little part in politics aside from voting. PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 549 J. D. BOTTRELL. In taking up the personal history of J. D. Bottrell we present to our readers the life record of one who has a wide "acquaint- ance in this part of IIHnois and whose ac- tivity and integrity in business Hfe as well as in social relations has brought him the warm regard and friendship of many with whom he has come in contact. He was born near Mount Auburn in Christian coun- ty, November 28, 1859, ^ son of Daniel and Mary Ann (Dunn) Bottrell, both of whom were natives of England, whence they came to America in the fall of 1855, settling in Christian county. The father, who was a farmer by occupation, purchased one hun- dred and eight)'-five acres of land two miles northeast of Mount Auburn that is now the property of Daniel Bottrell, Jr. The father was a veterinary surgeon at Red Root, England, and practiced his profession until coming to the United States, but here devoted his attention to agricultural pur- suits until his death, which occurred in the winter of 1871. His wife survived him until February, 1873, and was then laid by his side in Mount Auburn cemetery. They were the parents of ten children : Jane, born June 15, 1837, died March 9, 1839; Jane, the second of the name, was born August 18, 1839, and is now the wife of Henry Gough of Butler, Bates county, Missouri ; Daniel, born July 26, 1841, is a retired farmer of Illiopolis, Illinois; Samson, born April 30, 1844, is a farmer living near Mount Auburn ; Emma, born May 10, 1846, is the wife of Thomas Wilson, who is living near Dalton City, Macon county, and who was a surgeon in the Ninth Illinois Infantry and was wounded at Fort Donelson ; Mary, born January 31, 1847, is the wife of B. F. Sud- duth; Annabelle, born October 30, 1861, died on the 7th of November of the same year; Thomas, born October 26, 1851, mar- ried Alice Hershev, and lives north of Os- bornville, in Christian county; John and our subject complete the family. In the common schools of. Christian and of Macon counties J. D. Bottrell was edu- cated. He left school at the age of nine- teen and previous to this time he had be- come familiar with farm work, by assisting in the labors of field and meadow through the months of vacation. His school life end- ed, he began farming near Dalton, living with his sister, and when twenty years of age he bought a farm of eighty acres, which he owned and operated for a year and a half. He then sold that property and worked for others for a year, after which he bought one hundred and sixty acres on section 4, ^Hlam township, which he conducted for a year. During that time Mr. Bottrell wedded Miss Emma Hershey of Mosquito town- ship. Christian county, and after living upon one farm for two years they removed in 1856 to the old Hershey homestead in Mosquito township, there remaining un- til October, 1895. They then came to Blue Mound and Mr. Bottrell now occupies a beautiful and substantial residence in the eastern part of the city. He still owns, however, one hundred and sixty acres of land in Mosquito township, which is now rented and brings to him a good income. Mrs. Bottrell is a daughter of Jacob and Sarah (Ebert) Hershey of Christian coun- ty, both of whom are natives of Pennsyl- vania, born of German ancestry. The father was fourteen years of age, the mother two years old when with their respective parents they removed to Ohio, the families settling near ^iassillon. In April, 1865, Mr. and Mrs. Hershey came to Illinois and located upon a farm of about three hundred and sixty acres in Mosquito township, Christian county. The father, born August 23, 1818, died May 9, 1880, and the mother, whose birth occurred March 2, 1822, passed away November i, 1892. They 550 PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. were laid to rest in Stafford cemetery in Mosquito township. Of their family of ten children Mrs. Bottrell is the young- est. The others are James \V., born April 6, 1859; Nancy, who was born September 19, 1847, ^"<^' 's the wife of John Goodrich of Shelby county, Illinois; Margaret Ann, who was born December 9, 1848, and be- came the wife of Samuel Reazin, her death occurring December 30, 1876, while he died December 20, 1898; Isaac Edward, born June 10, 1861 ; James E., who was born Sep- tember 6, 1851, and died January 3, 1898; John I'"., who was born September 12, 1852, and is living near Hebron, Nebraska, with his wife, who bore the maiden name of Maria Morris; Sarah Alice, who was born July 14, 1857, and is the wife of Thomas Bottrell ; Maria E., who was born April 17, 1855, and is the wife of Frank Over- meyer of Belviderc, Missouri; and Emma Frances, born May 30, 1863. Mrs. Bottrell was educated in the district schools of Mos- quito township and lived at home up to the time of h.er marriage. Unto our sub- ject and his wife have been born three chil- dren : Bertha, who was born July i, 1886, and died six days later; Homer Benjamin, who was born June 14, 1889, and is attend- ing school in Blue Mound; and Mabel Pearl, who was born November 11, 1893, and is in school. .Mr. I'lOtlrell exercises his right of fran- chise in support of the men and measures of the Republican party and in 1897 he served as mayor of Blue Mound. He has also been president of the school board here and everything pertaining to the public good receives his endorsement and co-opera- tion. He holds membershiji in the Metho- dist Episcopal church, of which he is one of the stewards and he belongs to Blue Mound Lodge, No. 682, F. & A. M., and to the Knights of Pythias Lodge, No. 607. In the former he has been senior deacon and for a number of vears has been the treas- urer, while in the latter lie was master of the exchequer for one year. He likewise has membership relations with the Modern Woodmen Camp, No. 310, and is ever true and loyal to the teachings of these fra- ternities, exemplifying in his life their be- neficent S]3irit. His success in life is the re- sult of his own well directed efforts, for he started out with little capital and has grad- ually advanced until he now occupies an en- viable position among the substantial citi- zens of the community, having a comforta- ble competence which enables him at the present time to live retired. :\IRS. MARY E. SMITH. Mrs. Mary E. Smith is residing in Deca- tur and for long years has been a resident of Macon county, having formerly lived on a farm within its borders. She bore the maiden name of Mary E. Baker and was Ijorn in this county on the 24th of Decem- ber, 1831, being a representative of one of its oldest and most prominent pioneer fam- ilies, her father, \Villiam D. Baker, having located here in 1828. He was a native of North Carolina and when a youth of fifteen years became a resident of Rutherford coun- ty, Tennessee. In Elkton, Kentucky, he learned and followed the carpenter's trade. He was married there to Miss Marilla Mar- tin and in 1828 he left the south, making his way northward to Illinois. He estab- lished his home in INIacon county in what is now Long Creek township. The wild ])rairie lands stretched away for miles and one could ride long distances without com- ing to a fence or building to impede prog- ress. Decatur at that time was merely talked of as a prospective town site. The work of improvement was still in an incipi- ent condition and Mr. Baker took an active anusiness College. Carl K., born June 22, 1883, is a graduate of Brown's Business College and is his father's assistant in the insurance business. Mr. Daggett has always taken a deep in- terest in political affairs and is one of the standardbcarers of the Republican party. His fellow citizens recognizing his worth and ability have called upon him to fill the offices of constable, city marshal, alderman and justice of the peace. He was first elected to the last named office in 1885 and is still filling that position in a most cred- itable and satisfactory manner. About 1863 he was made a Mason in Champaign county and is now a member of South I\lacon Lodge, No. 467. Both he and his wife hold membership in the Methodist Episcopal church and take an active interest in its work. He has taught in the Sunday school for many years, has served as manager of church affairs and at present holds the of- fice of trustee. He is also president of the cemetery association which has well kept and beautiful grounds, everything being in first class order. As a public-spirited and progressive man. Mr. Daggett has done much to promote the interests of his town and county and is recognized as a most valued and useful citizen, never withhold- ing his support from any enterprise which he believes will prove of public benefit. .\. H. DAVIDSON. A. H. Davidson, whose fine farm of one hundred and sixty acres, pleasantly located about a mile south and a half mile east uf Blue Mountl, is one of the valuable agricultural properties of Macon county, is a native of Mosquito township. Christian county, where his birth occurred February 28, i860. His parents were Hezekiah and Nancy J. ( Proffitt-Galowa) Davidson. The father was born in Kentucky, September 5, 1826, and his father was an old citizen of that state, whence he came to Illinois in 1829, settling in Greene county. He first lived in a tent until a log cabin could be built and there amidst the wild scenes of frontier life he made his home and reared his familv. All of the clothing and shoes PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 557 were made at home by members of the fam- ily and many of the hardships and trials of pioneer life were borne. The home farm is now occupied by the town of VVrights- ville. There the grandfather entered from the go\'ernment about a half section of land, which he improved and cultivated, making his home thereon until his removal to Chris- tian county, Illinois. The father of our sub- ject went to Christian county in 1859 and purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land constituting the farm upon which he now resides at the advanced age of seventy- seven years. He has been twice married, liis first union being with Amanda Solomon, by whom he had one child, A. B. Davidson, a carpenter who is married and resides in Blue ]\Iound. Aher the death of his first wife Plezekiah Davidson wedded Nancy J. Galowa, a native of Tennessee, who was born near Chattanooga, whence she re- moved to Illinois, the family settling near Carlinville, Macoupin county, where her father purchased land and improved a farm. He carried on the tilling of the soil and also engaged in raising stock. Air. David- son has followed the same pursuits and has been a very active and successful agricul- turist of his community. His political sup- port has long been given the Democracy and for nearly sixt\' years he has been a member of the Baptist church. Unto the parents of our subject were born nine chil- dren, A. H. being the eldest. The others are as follows : Sarah C. became the wife of W. A. Henderson, a farmer living in the northern part of Christian county. She died January 22, 1903, and was buried in Hunter cemetery. Libbie M. is the wife of William L. Carpenter, a farmer and stock-raiser of Vermont, living near Granby. Mary La- mattie is the wife of J. L. Marshall, a farmer of Mosquito township. Christian county. Rosa B., who was a successful school teach- er, is now at home with her father. Leon- ard A. is employed in Bohon's general store in Mount Auburn, Illinois, Hettie E. is at home. James R. died July 26, 1891, at the age of thirteen years and was buried in Hall cemetery. X'irgil H. is farming for his father. In the district schools of jMosqnito town- ship A. H. Davidson was educated, leaving school when twenty years of age, after which he worked on his father's farm for a time, as he had also done during the period of vacations. He left home at the age of twenty-four and began farming for himself on rented land, being thus engaged until he had saved enough from his earnings to en- able him to purchase a farm of his own. In 1889 he started out with a cash capital of eight hundred dollars. Now he owns one hundred and sixty acres of valuable land one mile south of Blue Mound and a half mile east. This is splendidly improved and is worth at least one hundred and fifty dol- lars per acre. On the 25th of October, 1883, Mr. David-^ son was married to Martha L. Short, a daughter of James A. and Charity (Chaney) Short. Her father was the second in a family of sixteen children and was born in Tennessee in 1827. In 1830 he was brought to Illinois by his father, Thomas J. Short, who settled on a farm of twelve hundred acres near the present site of Wrightville. This farm he owned at the time of his death, which occurred in 1874, when he was eighty years of age. In 1847 J- -'^- Short was mar- ried to Charity Chaney. He bought a farm in Greene county, Illinois, and lived there until 1867, when he removed to a farm of two hundred acres in Christian county. Three years later he removed to Greenfield, Illinois, where his death occurred in 1882. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Davidson have been born two sons and two daughters : Rolland C, born May 15, 1885, attended the district schools, spent the year 1902 as a student in the high school of Blue Mound and is now upon the home farm. Demry B., born De- 558 PAST AND PRESENT OF iMACON COUNTY. cember 29, 1888; Louie May, born May 19, 1892, and Hallie Estella, born September 20, 1895, are all at home. The parents are devout members of the -Methodist Episcopal church at Blue Mound and ]\lr. Davidson has served as superin- tendent of the Sunday-school for a year and a half. His political support is given the Democracy and he has held various town- ship offices. While in Mosquito township, Christian county, he was township Sunday- school superintendent for three years and was also interested in the intellectual de- velopment of the coninuniity as a school director. Fraternally he is connected with the Modern Woodmen of America and Fra- ternal Army. In his business afTairs he has prospered and now in addition to his fine farm he has an interest in the Blue Mound C;oal Company. He was one of its three incorporators and is now one of its direc- tors. Whatever success he has achieved is the direct result of his own indefatigable en- ergy, perseverance and .sound business judg- ment. As a public-spirited and progressive citizen he is deeply interested in every movement for the general good and his co- operation has been a helpful factor along mauN- lines. J-ACOB R. PRICE. For many years Jacob R. Price was iden- tified with agricultural interests in Illinois and is now living retired at No. 1083 West Decatur street in the city of Decatur. His residence in Macon county dates from 1S56, at which time he took up his abode on a farm on section 32, South Wheatland town- ship. He is a native of Butler county, Ohio, born on the 2Sth of March, 1834. His pa- rents, John and Elizabeth (Rhinehari) Price, were natives of Rockingham county, Virginia, whence they removed to Butler county, Ohio, where the father engaged in farming until his life's labors were ended in death. The mother afterward came to Macon county, Illinois, and spent her last days in the home of her son Jacob in South Wheatland township. This worthy couple were the parents of eleven children, name- ly : Henry W., who is now residing in Car- roll county, Indiana ; Nancy Jane, deceased ; Mrs. B. A. Neyhard, who lives in South Wheatland township, this county; Benja- min v.. who resides in Decatur; Mrs. Alar- garet Foster, also of Decatur; William, who lives in South Wheatland township; Jacob R. ; Sarah, who is the wife of Rev. N. M. Baker, of Decatur; .Mary, the wife of A. F. Hopkins, of this city; F. O., deceased; and Jiilin, who has also passed away. To the common-school system of his na- tive county Jacob R. Price is indebted for the educational privileges he received. Af- ter he had attained his majority he sought a companion and helpmate for the journey of life and on the 8th of February, 1859, was united in marriage in Butler county, Ohio, to Miss Amy D. Hyatt, a native of Hamil- ton county, that state, born on the 26th of October, 1837. Her parents were John and Martha Hyatt, the former a native of New York and the latter of Ohio. Mr. Hyatt spent the greater part of his life, however, upon a farm in Butler- county, Ohio, wliere both he and his wife died. -Mr. Price first came to Macon county in the year 1856 and he returned from this place to Ohio for his bride. He then brought her to South Wheatland township, where he rented what was known as the old Young farm. He afterward ptirchased that land and made all of the substantial improve- ments upon it. There he resided for many }ears, devoting his time and attention to the cultivation of his fields and to the raising of hogs, both branches of his business prov- ing good sources of income. He remained an active factor in agricultural circles until .September 2, 1902, when he removed to Decatur where he has since lived a retired JAMES P. BOYD PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 5(11 life. However, he still owns the farm of one hundred and sixty-five acres which he rents to his son. The home of Mr. and Airs. Price was blessed with four children : Florence, who died in 1865, at the age of five years ; Mary, . the wife of William Montgomery of Deca- tur; JNIinnie A., the wife of Frank G. Hill, a farmer living in Blue Mound township, tliis county; and John, who married Etta Hciir_\' and resides on our subject's farm in South Wheatland township. ]\[r. Price has held several minor offices in his township, such as school director and road overseer. He votes with the Repub- lican party and never fails to cast his ballot at each election, for he believes it the duty as well as the privilege of every American citizen to support the measures in which he believes. His wife is a member of the United Brethren church of Decatur and they are now living in a very comfortable home at No. 1083 West Decatur street, being sur- rounded by the necessities and many of the luxuries of life. That Mr. Price is now the possessor of a good competence is due to his own energy, diligence and persistency of purpose in former years. JAMES P. BOYD. James P. Boyd was for a number of years a prominent attorney of Decatur and was well known among the early settlers of the city. He took up his residence here about 1855, when Decatur was still a struggling town, giving little promise of its present prosperity, progress and improved condi- tion. Born in Pennsylvania on the 17th of November, 1820, he was a son of Samuel Boyd and his wife, who were likewise na- tives of the Keystone state. For many years the father engaged in farming there and then removed to a farm near Cambridge, Ohio, where he continued to carrv on the tilling of the soil until his death. He de- veloped a good property and annually har- vested large crops which returned to him a gratifying income for his labors. Both he and his wife died upon the old Ohio home- stead. James P. Boyd began his education in the public schools of Pennsylvania and contin- ued bis studies in Ohio. He was reared in the usual manner of most farm lads, but did not find the work of the fields entirely congenial and decided to enter upon a pro- fessional career. He therefore began the study of law in his native state and after the removal of his parents to their farm near Cambridge, C)hio, he became a school teacher in that vicinity, devoting his leisure hours outside of the school-room to the further reading of law. There he resided until 1855, when he came to the west and Decatur was his chosen field of labor. En- tering upon the practice of law in this city in partnership with James Lake, he soon gained a distinctively representative client- age here and was connected with much of the important litigation tried in the courts of Macon county at an early day. His knowledge of the science of jurisprudence was comprehensive and exact and he ap- plied his knowledge with great accuracy to the points at issue. Soon after his arrival in Decatur Mr. Boyd was united in marriage to Mrs. Susan S. (McGovern) Packard, a native of Kentucky, born October 21, 1827, and a daughter of Edmund and Alalinda (Huddleston) Mc- Govern, both of whom were natives of Ken- tucky and at an early day came to Illinois, settling in Morgan county during the pioneer epoch in its development. There both parents resided until death. Mrs. Boyd was first married to Dr. Edmund Packard, a representative of the old and prominent Packard family of Decatur. The Doctor was one of the first residents here and a physician of prominence in this city. He 562 PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. practiced both in (Juincy, Illinois, and in Decatur until 1849, when, attracted by the discovery of gold in California, he made his way to the Pacific slope in the hope of rap- idly acquiring a fortune there. Death, how- ever, interfered with his plans for he passed away in the Golden state in 1850. Three children had been born of this union ; Charles, who married Ella Gosshorn and resides in Decatur; Katie, now deceased; and Lilly, who is the widow of Monroe Rob- ertson and resides with her mother. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Boyd was blessed with six children, namely: Frank S., who wedded Ida Hampsher and resides in St. Louis ; Lizzie, the wife of Roy Loughbom, of Decatur; Laura, who died in infancy; lola, the wife of John E. Baker of Mishawa- ka, Indiana, by whom she has three chil- dren, Forest, Donald and Dorothy ; James P., who married Sarah Taylor and is living in Spokane, Washington ; Ada, the wife of Augustus Meckelnburg, of Mishawaka, In- diana. After his marriage Mr. Boyd continued in the practice of law in Decatur until the Civil war broke out. He watched with interest the progress of events and when he saw that the war was to.be no mere holiday affair and that the Union needed the aid of its loyal sons he offered his services to the govern- ment and became a lieutenant colonel of the One Hundred and Sixteenth Regiment. His regiment was in many important bat- tles and engagements including the siege of Vicksburg in which he was shot through the lung. He was then in the hospital for a short time, after which he was brought home to Decatur. His wound was very serious and, hoping that he might bencrit his health by a change of climate, he began traveling in the south, spending four years in this way. He visited New Orleans and other southern cities and then at the end of four years he returned to his home in Decatur. He died on the nth of October, 1868, his demise being the direct result of the injury which he had sustained upon the field of battle and thus he gave his life for his country just as truly as those whose graves were dug on southern battlefields. \\'hile in New Orleans Mr. Boyd had been appointed circuit judge, but on account of illness he refused to serve in that position. In politics he was a Republican and he kept well informed on the questions and issues of the day, believing it the duty as well as the privilege of every American citizen to exercise his right of franchise in an intelli- gent way in the support of the measures in which he believed. He was a member of the Grand Army Post of Decatur and en- joyed the high regard of his brethren of that order. His scholarly attainments and broad learning made him the companion of the best people of Macon county and at the bar the members of the legal fraternity recognized his ability and accorded him a prominent position in their ranks. Before going into the service he became the owner of a large farm in Niantic township, ]Macon county, which he rented and which remained in possession of his heirs until recent years, when it was sold. He was very success- ful in his business affairs and in his prac- tice here and was indeed a prominent, in- fluential and honored man. Mrs. Boyd still lives in Decatur, owning a nice home at No. 506 West Williams street, where she and her daughter are living, and it has been her place of residence for over half a cen- tury. She is a member of the First Meth- odist Episcopal church of Decatur and is a lady whose many e.xcellent traits of heart and mind have endeared her to all with whom she has been brought in contact. CYRUS J. TUCKER. The prosperity of any community de- pends upon its business activity and the en- terprise manifest in commercial circles is PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 563 the foundation upon which is builded the material welfare of town, state and nation. The most important factors in public life to-day are therefore the men who are in con- trol of successful business interests and such a one is Cyrus J. Tucker, who is engaged in general merchandising at Warrensburg and is serving as supervisor of his town- ship. He was born on the 26th of October, 1868, in mini township, and is a son of Jo- seph Clough Tucker, who was a resident of Macon county frorn 1861 until his death, September 14, 1903, his remains being in- terred in mini cemetery. The father was born in Merrimac county. New Hampshire, December 19, 1838, in the same house where the birth of his father, ]\Iajor Cyrus Tucker, occurred. Our subject's great-grandfather was Rev. Jedediah Tucker, a native of Mas- sachusetts and a pioneer of the Old Granite state, where he located in 1784. He was a Congregational minister and served as pas- tor of one church for thirty years. His son. Major Cyrus Tucker, grew to manhood in his native county and there married Miss Fannie J. Hoyt, a daughter of Jacob Hoyt, who was a representative of one of the early Puritan families of New Hampshire and reached the advanced age of ninety- five years. The Major was a very promi- nent man and won his title while serving in the State iNIilitia. He died on the 12th oi November, 1850, and his wife passed away October i, 1843. Joseph C. Tucker, the father of our sub- ject, received a good education, being a student in the Quaker college at Providence, Rhode Island, for two years, during which "time he completed the mathematical course. He then taught school for two seasons in New Hampshire. As before stated he came to Macon county, Illinois, in 1861, and for many years was identified with its agri- cultural interests. He resided at his home just outside of Warrensburg from the ist of April, 1872, until his death, and his place was one of the best in Illini township. He owned considerable property and was num- bered among the well-to-do citizens of his community. Politically he was a stanch Democrat and frequently served as a dele- gate to state and county conventions. He was very prominently identified with public aft'airs, serving as assessor of his township three years, supervisor for several years and also as township trustee. Fraternally he was a Knigh*- Templar Mason. On the 5th of February, 1868, in Macon county, Mr. Tucker was united in marriage to Miss Emma Ferree, a native of Pike county, Illi- nois, who died November 5, 1883, leaving five children, namely : Cyrus J., Benjamin F., Joseph T., John Guy and Charles. For his second wife he wedded Mrs. Mary J. Ferry, and his third wife was Martha K. Clough, who died ten days after their mar- riage. Cyrus J. Tucker attended the public schools of this county and completed his education in the high school of Decatur but left school on the death of his mother when in his senior year. He remained with his father on the farm near Warrensburg until 1887, and then engaged in farming by the year until the 19th of December, 1892, when he embarked in general merchandising as a member of the firm of Ritchie, Tucker & Company'. In January, 1896, he purchased Mr. Ritchie's interest in the business, and became sole proprietor of the store twd years later, since which time he has been alone in business. In 1900 he enlarged his establishment, making the main room twen- ty-four by sixty feet, with a back room twenty-four by forty feet stocked with gro- ceries and meats ; while the front room is devoted to dry goods. He carries a large and well selected stock and by fair and honorable dealings has built up an excellent trade. In June, 1896, Mr. Tucker married Miss 564 PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. Lillian Thompson, a daughter of Captain George W. and Mary (Langston) Thomp- son. On the paternal side her ancestors came from the Empire state and the Lang- stons were from Kentucky. She is the third in order of birth in a family of eight chil- dren, all of whom reached years of maturity with the exception of one. Airs. Tucker was educated at the Illinois State Normal at Normal and by her marriage has become the mother of one son, Gerald, now five years of age. She is a member and active worker in the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Tucker is a member of the Illini Con- gregational church and served as superin- tendent of the Congregational Sunday school while living in the country and is now assistant superintendent of the Methodist Episcopal Sunday school in Warrcnsburg. He belongs to the Mod- ern Woodmen of America and the In- dependent Order of Odd Eellows and is a member of the encampment and canton at Decatur. In politics he is a Democrat, and his fellow citizens recognizing his worth and ability have called upon him to serve in several official positions of honor and trust. He has several times been a delegate to county and congressional conventions and was once a delegate to the state con- vention of his part}', and he has served as township clerk, school trustee and super- visor, having held tlie last named office for six years. He was elected by a large ma- jority on the Democratic ticket in a Re- publican township and has just entered up- on his fourth term. Mr. Tucker gives his attention principally to his business inter- ests, which have been most carefully man- aged, and his success in life is due to his own energy, economy and perseverance. In most of his undertakings he has prospered, and to-dav ranks among the leading and substantial county. )usiness men of his native I GEORGE McCUNE. -Mthough never a resident of Decatur Cjeorgc McCune, now deceased, was well known in .Macon county and was an early settler of Madison county. He figured prominently in the public regard in pioneer times for he carried freight and passengers between Alton, Illinois, and Decatur, and his brother drove a stage coach from Alton to St. Louis. His birth occurred in Ireland on the i6th of November, 1816, his parents being Mr. and Mrs. Hugh McCune, both of whom were natives of the Emerald Isle. The father of our subject died during the early boyhood of our subject. George was fourteen years of age when with his mother, three brothers and three sisters he bade adieu to the land of his nativity and sailed for the new world. They first settled in Canada, where they lived for a short time and then removed to Westmoreland coun- ty, Pennsylvania. Our subject was engaged in farming there until 1846, when attracted by the possibilities of the growing west, he came to Illinois, establishing his home in Alton, Madison county. He was there engaged in teaming for three years, after which he purchased a tract of land in that county and carried on general farming for a number of years. While residing in }iIadison county Mr. McCune was united in marriage to Miss Alargaret Cobinc, who was also born on the Green Isle of Erin, a daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth (Townly) Cobine, who came to America in 1838, settling in Pennsylvania. They afterward removed to Madison coun- ty, Illinois, where the father was a well known farmer for one-third of a century, conducting his business in a capable man- ner that brought him success. At the end of that time he removed to the city of Ed- wards\ille, Illinois, w'here both he and his wife spent their remaining days. In Alton, inois. in 1S50, Mr. McCune was called upon to mourn the loss of his first wife. PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 565 There had been three children born of that marriage : Samuel T., who is now living in Barton county, Missouri ; James W., a resident of Wallace, Idaho ; and George, of Jasper county, Missouri. After the death of his first wife Mr. McCune married her sister, Miss Sarah Cobine, who is also a native of Ireland, her birth having occurred on Christmas day of 1830. Nine children were born of this marriage, as follows : Thomas, who is agent for the Standard Oil Company at Edwardsville, Illinois ; Eliza- beth, deceased ; Jennie, the wife of Robert L. Dixon, who for the past fifteen years has been a well known contractor of Decatur and who with his family resides at No. 862 North Union street, Mrs. McCune liv- ing with them ; Hugh John, a resident of Alton, Illinois; Joseph D., a teamster of Edwardsville ; Charles Grant, who is a sta- tionary engineer in East St. Louis, Illinois ; Martha Ann, the wife of J. L. Shields, who is employed with the Starr Buggy works of Decatur; Margaret ^la}', who died at the age of two years ; and Ervin Pogue, an electrical engineer residing in Decatur. After his first marriage Mr. AlcCune en- gaged in general farming in Madison county until 1885, when on account of advanced age and having a capital sufficient to supply him with all the comforts and necessities of life, he put aside further business cares and removed to the city of Edwardsville, where he purchased a residence which he occupied until called to his final home. He died on the 15th of January, 1888, and thus passed away one of the old time citizens of Illinois. In politics he was a Republican and both he and his wife were members of the Pres- byterian church of Edwardsville. ^vlrs. Mc- Cune now belongs to the Presbyterian church of Decatur. After her husband's death she continued to reside in Edwards- ville until 1892, when she came to this city and now makes her home with her daugh- ter, Mrs. R. L. Dixon, at No. 862 North Union street. She owns property at No. 835 North Edwards street in Decatur, where her other daughter is living and she also has other propert\" interests in Madison countv, Illinois. DANIEL DINNEEN. Daniel Dinneen is proprietor of one of the extensive grocery stores of Decatur and although he entered upon a business al- ready established he has succeeded in ex- panding it and in enlarging its scope until the volume of trade is now very large and profitable. Mr. Dinneen is one of Decatur's native sons, his birth having occurred here on the 6th of October, 1870. His parents were John and Rose (McDonald) Dinneen. The father was born in County Cork, Ire- land, in November, 1836, and was a son of Daniel and Catherine (Maloney) Dinneen, who were also natives of the Emerald Isle. In their family were three children, of whom John was the second in order of birth. His mother died when he was about six years of age and in 1847 the grandfather emi- grated to America with two of his children, the oldest son having died in Ireland. The voyage was made in a sailing vessel from County Cork to Montreal, Canada, and soon afterward the family continued their jour- ney to Worcester county, Alassachusetts. John Dinneen had attended school to some extent in his native country, but obtained the greater part of his education in the Bay state, where he attended school regularly until he reached the age of fourteen years. He then went to work in a cotton factory and at intervals he worked on a farm. In March, 1856, when twenty years of age, he came to Illinois, settling first in Spring- field. He was employed there for several years on the Great Western Railroad, now a part of the Wabash system, being thus en- gaged until 1861. He first worked on the track and was afterward promoted to take 566 PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. charge of the yard in Decatur, continuing to act in that capacity until August, 1875. In the early days his work was performed in a priinitive manner, while in the Wabash Railroad yards he did switching in 1866-7 with a yoke of oxen. At length retiring from railroad service he opened a grocery store on North Broadway in Decatur and in later years was succeeded by his son Daniel, who is now proprietor of the estab- lishment. In January, 1864, John Dinneen was united in marriage to Rose McDonald, a native of Ulster, Ireland, and they became the parents of two children : Catherine, now the wife of M. Leach, of Chicago ; and Daniel, of this review. Until February, 1878, the father resided upon a farm which he owned not far from Decatur. He was reared among the Whigs of Massachusetts, but subsequently became a Democrat and in i860 voted for Stephen A. Douglas. In 1878 he was nominated by his party for the office of coroner and his personal popularity was indicated by the fact that he ran far ahead of his ticket, being the only Demo- crat elected in that year. Again he received the nomination in 1880. He had the warm regard and confidence of his fellow men to an unusual degree and was highly respected by all who knew him. As a merchant he was very successful and continued in the grocery business up to the time of his death, which occurred August 14, 1896. His widow still survives him and is now living in De- catur in her sixtieth year. The family are communicants of St. Patrick's Catholic church. Daniel Dinneen was educated in the pub- lic schools of this city, leaving the high school in his senior year. He entered upon his business career at the age of fifteen, en- gaging with the Wabash Railroad, and con- tinued in their employ until abotit 1892. Later he was associated with his father in the grocery business and upon the latter's (kalh assumed control of the store and has greatly increased the trade as the years have gone by. He deals in staple and fancy gro- ceries and he has several delivery wagons used in sending out his goods to his cus- tomers. His store is located at No. 545 North Broadway and he there employs a large force of clerks. He has extensive rooms and carries a very desirable stocky conducting his store along progressive and modern ideas. His methods of business will bear the closest investigation and scru- tiny and his labors are attended with the highest success. On the loth of February, 1897, was cele- brated the marriage of Mr. Dinneen and Miss Helen J. Hackett, a most estimable and cultured lady. She is a graduate of Brown's Business College of Decatur and in social circles occupies an enviable posi- tion. Mr. Dinneen is a member of the fire commission of Decatur and in politics is an earnest Republican. He has frequently served as a delegate to county conventions and his opinions carry weight in the coun- cils of his party. Socially he is connected with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and with the Modern Woodmen of America, and he and his wife are devoted members of St. Patrick's Catholic church. His business record is indeed creditable. It is true that he entered upon a business already established, but in controlling and enlarging this many a man of less resolute spirit would have failed. He instituted new methods in keeping with the progressive spirit of the times and his capable control of his store has led to its expansion and made him one of the prosperous merchants of the city. JOHN J. JOYNT. John J. Joynt, a well known farmer and stock-raiser of Harristown township, is a native of Illinois, his birth having occurred PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 567 in Logan county, this state, on the 27th of September, 1858. His parents were E. A. and Clara S. Joynt, who were born, reared and married in London, England. About 1855 the father came to America, making the voyage on a sailing vessel which was si.x weeks in crossing the Atlantic. Dur- ing that time a mutiny broke out on board the ship and the crew was arrested on reaching New York. Although Mr. Joynt had previously served an apprenticeship as a sailor, on coming to this country he turned his attention to farming and first located near Jerseyville in Jersey county, Illinois. Later he returned to England, where he was married, and then brought his bride to this country, establishing a home on Salt creek in Logan county, Illinois, where he purchased forty acres of land. He subse- quently sold that place and bought another forty-acre tract near Latham. There he conti-nued to niake his home, though since the death of his wife in April, 1902, he has spent much time in visiting his children. He had four sons, three of whom are liv- ing, and two daughters, namely: John J., of this sketch ; Stephen A., of Macon coun- ty ; Clara, now Mrs. William Brown, of Decatur, a twin sister of Stephen A. ; Alice, now Mrs. Leslie Benson, of Macon county ; and Frederick E., of Logan county. John J. Joynt was educated in a little schoolhouse near Latham, where he pur- sued his studies until about twenty years of age and at the same time acquired a good practical knowledge of farm work while assisting his father in the labors of field and meadow on the home farm. He then rented land and commenced farming on his own account and has for several years operated the J. G. Willard farm in Harris- town township, Macon county, where he now resides. It consists of two hundred and forty acres and is under excellent culti- vation. Mr. Joynt feeds cattle and hogs for market, but makes a specialty of the breed- ing and raising of draft and road horses, doing a good business in that line. On the 2d of April, 1884, he was united in marriage to Miss Louisa O. Whiteside, who was also born near Latham in Logan county, and is a daughter of James and Elizabeth Whiteside, the former a native of North Carolina and the latter born near Belleville, St. Clair county, Illinois. Her father, who was a Democrat in politics, died on his farm at Latham in 1892, and her mother passed away many years ago, about 1 861. In their family were one son and three daughters, but one daughter is now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Joynt have six children, namely: Clarissa Jane, Alice Ada, Irene Ellen, Minnie M., Hilda M. and James Roscoe. Socially Mr. Joynt is a member of the Modern Woodmen Camp, No. 1786, and politically, he is identified with the Re- publican party. He has filled the offices of school director and road commissioner, and has always taken a deep and commenda- ble interest in public affairs, doing all in his power to promote the general welfare. JOHN GOGERTY. John Gogerty was born in County Meath, Ireland, in the year 1833, a son of Chris- topher and Jane Gogerty. The father died in the year 1854 and the mother passed away in New York in 1872. In the family were eleven children, all of whom reached years of maturity, but there is only one brother now living, Christopher Gogerty, who came to America in 1849 ^"^1 's now living in Michigan. Our subject spent the first fourteen years of his life on the Emerald Isle and in 1847 he accompanied his elder brother, Thomas, to America, landing in New York. From that time he has been dependent upon his own resources for a living and all 568 PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. thai lie has ac(]uirc(l ma)- be attributed to his own efforts. He first worked on a farm and in a dair)- at Ogdensburg, New York, for three years, and in 1850 he went to Rochester, that state, where he continued to serve as a farm hand for about two years. In 1852 he was apprenticed to learn the blacksmith's trade at Waddington, New York, serving for a term of four years, dur- ing which time he became a very proficient workman. His residence in the Empire state continued until 1870, when thinking that he might have better business oppor- tunities in the middle west, he came to Illi- nois, arriving in Decatur on the 22d of January, of that year. Here he began work- ing for the W^abash Railroad in the capacity of blacksmith and filled that position until 1885. He was in charge of the railroad shops at the depot for fourteen years and was one of the most trusted representatives of the company, being ever prompt and faithful in the discharge of his duties and capably superintending the labors of those who worked under him. On severing his connection with the rail- road company he engaged in contracting, laying brick in connection with Harry Wag- oner, now city assessor. Subsequently he became associated with Andrew Shoemaker under the firm name of Shoemaker & Gog- erty, and still later another partner was admitted to the firm and the name was changed to Shoemaker, Gogerty & Kincaid. As a contractor Mr. Gogerty has been ac- tively and closely identified with the city's improvement and has conducted a large and profitable business. This is now in great contrast to his financial position dur- ing his early years of residence in America, for from 1847 tmtil 1850 he worked for Isaac Ogden and the highest wages he received during that time was two and a half dol- lars per month. The first year he worked at his trade he received fifteen dollars per monih and his clothing and the seconcl year twenty dollars while the third year brought twenty-five dollars. He was a very industrious and energetic man, how- ever, and thus he gained his start in life. He WDuld work from four o'clock in the morning until ten o'clock at night in order to get the shoes prepared for the smithy the next day. It was necessary that he go to Plattsburg to get three-inch iron which he made into shoes, all work being done by hand at that time. Now he is kept busy as a contractor because of the demands whicli arc made upon his time and services and his business has assumed extensive and profit- able proportions. \\niile residing in Rochester, New York, John Gogerty was united in marriage on the loth of August, 1857, to Miss Nora Guerin, and unto them have been born seven children: J. L., who married Eliza McGowan and has a family, is now superin- tendent of the Terminal Iron Mountain Railroad and li\es at Little Rock, Arkansas. .Mary Ursaline is the next of the family. John is the third in order of birth. Rose is the wife of Frank Grayson, of Decatur. Ed J. is the fifth in order of birth. Fred A. wedded a Aliss \\'itt. Frank P., the young- est, married Miss O'Brien and is engaged in railroad work on the Vandalia line. In his political views Mr. Gogerty has al- ways been a stanch Democrat since becom- ing a naturalized American citizen. He served as alderman of the fifth ward of this city for ten years and has been influential in political circles. While a member of the city council he did most effective work for the city, promoting many measures which have proven practical and have been im- portant factors in the substantial develop- ment of this portion of the state. He is a member of St. Patrick's Catholic church and he takes an active interest in everything pertaining to public progress and improve- ment along social, material and moral lines. ills (iwn Iiusiiiess career is one well worthy 6. T. OUTTBN '^. X PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 573 of study for it shows what can be accom- phshed through firm purpose, strong deter- mination and unflagging industry. Coming to this country a poor boy, he has steadily worked his way upward and to-day he is the owner of very desirable city property on Jasper street, together with a pleasant resi- dence on East North street in Decatur, where he has resided continuously since 1870. He is to-day one of the well-known and highly respected citizens of Macon county and it is with pleasure that we pre- sent to our readers the record of his career. GEORGE CARROLL OUTTEN. George C. Outten, a well known resident of Mount Zion, is one of Macon county's native sons and a worthy representative of one of her most prominent and honored families, whose identification with her his- tory dates from an early period in the de- velopment of the county. The first to lo- cate here was his grandfather, Purnell S. Outten, a native of Kentucky, and of Welsli descent, who came to Macon county at a very early day and took up government land. He was actively identified with the upbuilding and improvement of this region and so successful was he in his farming operation that he was the owner of over two thousand acres of land at the time of his death, which he divided among his chil- dren. George T. Outten, the father of our sub- ject, was born in Cass county, Virginia, June 4, 1850, and came to Macon county at the age of four years, when this section of the state was wild and unimproved. Throughout his active business life he fol- lowed farming with good success, accumu- lating a fair competence. He died on the 22d of May, 1885, at the age of thir- ty-five years. A genial, kind hearted man, he made manv friends and was highly respected by all who knew him. By his ballot he supported the men and measures of the Democratic party and took quite an active part in local poli- tics, efficiently serving as supervisor of his township and in other offices. He was a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and was a well read man and in early life engaged in teaching school for a time. In Mount Zion, November 9, 1872, George T. Outten was united in marriage to Miss May Bell, a native of Macon county, Illi- nois, born near Mount Zion April 21, 1852, and a daughter of Alexander W. and Mary (Montgomery) Bell, also resident farmers of Mount Zion township, who came from Tennessee to this county at an early day. Her father died October 6, 1901, at the very advanced age of ninety years, and her mother passed away January 29, 1892, at the age of seventy-five years, three months and four days. Mr. Outten, whose name introduces this sketch, was born on the old homestead farm in ]\Iount Zion township, January 11, 1874, and is an only son, but he has a sister, Cora T., now the wife of J. A. Kessler, of Auburn, Illinois. Our subject is indebted to the public schools of the county for the early educational advantages he enjoyed, and later he attended Brown's Business Col- lege, of Decatur, and Gem City Business College, of Quincy, Illinois. On the com- pletion of his education he returned to the home farm in Mount Zion township, which he conducted until the 5th of March, 1903, when he removed to the village of Mount Zion, where he erected a handsome resi- dence with all modern conveniences of a city home. With him resides his mother. He is part owner of four hundred and ninety acres of rich and arable land in Mount Zion township, which he now rents, while he devotes his entire attention to buying and selling stock. His largest yield of corn 574 PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. was fifteen thousand bushels from two hun- dred and forty acres of land. Mr. Outten is a very active, energetic and progressive young man, who stands high in the community where he resides. He is devoted to his mother and fondly looks after her welfare and interests. He filled the of- fice of collector two terms and as assessor of his township and votes with the Demo- cratic party. Socially he is a prominent member and past noble grand of Mount Zion Lodge, No. 300, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and also belongs to the Court of Honor. Religiously he is a mem- ber of the Methodist Episcopal church. READ SPENCER. Read Spencer, a retired merchant of De- catur, was born in Pennsylvania, on the 23d of December, 1836, his parents being John and Sarah (Read) Spencer, the former of English lineage while the latter came of Puritan ancestry. In the spring of 1838 the father brought his family to Illinois, set- tling in Stark county, and in the spring of 1863 he located on a farm a mile and a half west of Oakley, in Macon county, where he lived until his death. His wife had departed this life in Stark county. They were the parents of three children, of whom two died in infancy. Read Spencer was reared upon the home farm and received his preliminary education in the district schools. Better opportunities, however, were later accorded him and he became a student in the preparatory depart- ment of Knox College. After putting aside his text books he went upon a farm and while engaged in its cultivation he devoted the winter months to teaching school. Later he became a traveling salesman and fol- lowed that pursuit for five years. The year 1875 witnessed his arrival in Decatur as a permanent resident here. He became manager of the Grange Implement House and later he entered into a partnership for the sale of implements under the firm name of Spencer & Lehman. This relationship was maintained with mutual pleasure and profit for a number of years or until July, 1901, when they sold out to the firm of Tenny & Sikking. Mr. Spencer then re- tired from business and is now enjoying a well merited rest at his comfortable home at No. 751 West Wood street. On the 23d of February, 1863, occurred the marriage of Mr. Spencer and Miss Sarah J. Greenman, a native of Center Belpre, (Jhio. ller ]jarents were L!. M. and Sarah A. (Folsom) Greenman, the former of Welch and the latter of Holland-Dutch an- cestry. Mrs. Spencer, the mother of our subject, was at one time a school teacher and his wife followed the same profes- sion prior to her marriage. Unto our sub- ject and his wife have been born three daughters : Jessie, who is a graduate of the Pratt Institute of Brooklyn, New York, and who pursued a post-graduate course in art in New York city, has for seven years been teaching drawing the Normal School at Mankato, .Minnesota. Estella, also a graduate of the Pratt Institute and who holds the degree of Bachelor of Arts, has for two years been supervisor of draw- ing in the schools of New York city. Ber- tha is the wife of Professor A. Miner, who occupies the chair of Latin in the schools of Kewanee, Illinois, and who won the degree of Alaster of Arts on the completion of a collegiate course at Galesburg, Illinois. In his political views Mr. Spencer is an earnest Republican, keeping well informed on the issues of the tlay and thus being able to support his position by intelligent argument. For several terms he served as supervisor of Oakley township. As a citizen he is public-spirited and ])rogressive and takes an active and heli)ful interest in every- thing tending to prove of public benefit. PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 575 His labors have been effective in advancing social, material, intellectual and moral progress and wherever he is known his genuine worth has won for him the respect and confidence of those with whom he has come in contact. He owes his success in life entirely to his own efforts and his his- tory stands in illustration of the fact that prosperity is ambition's answer. MELVIN FISHER BOYER. One of the representative and prominent citizens of Whitmore township is Melvin F. Beyer, who follows farming on the old homestead on section 2. He was born on section 12, the same township, January 18, 1864. He belongs to a family which has for over half a century been identified with the agricultural interests of this county and has borne an important part in its upbuilding and development. His father, William Boyer, was born Feb- ruary 23, 1832, in Shelby county, Ohio, a son of Samuel and Christina (Fisher) Boyer, natives of Pennsylvania. His early education, acquired in the common schools of Ohio, was supplemented by the vast knowledge he obtained through reading and observation and William Boyer became a well informed man. After reaching man- hood he engaged in farming for a time upon the old home place in his native coun- ty. On the 3d of June, 1852, he was there married to Miss Lydia Moothart, the wed- ding ceremony being performed by Rev. Spangler, who boarded them for some time. Her parents were Andrew and Mary Ann (Cashner) Moothart, the former a native of Holland, whence he emigrated to America at an early day and settled in Pennsylvania. He was a tailor by trade. After his death his widow made her home with her daugh- ter, Mrs. Boyer, and died there March i. 1889, at the age of eighty-eight years and nine months. In 1859 William Boyer and his wife came to Macon county, Illinois, and settled in Whitmore township, where he purchased forty acres of prairie land. At that time wild game was still plentiful in this region and deer were still seen. Mr. Boyer im- proved his land and added to the original purchase until he had a large well culti- vated farm, but finally sold part of his land to his son Samuel. For a time he was inter- ested in the hardware and grain business in Argenta, as a member of the firm of Pratt «& Boyer, his partner being F. M. Pratt, who finally sold out to S. Gerber. As an enter- prising and public spirited citizen Mr. Boyer took a deep interest in public affairs and gave liberally toward building the Zion school and Union church in Whitmore township. He held the ofiice of pathmaster and supervised the ditching and building of roads in his district. He assisted in organizing the Christian church in Oreana and was there ordained an elder by Rev. Thayer, of Maroa. His life was ever in harmony with his professicms and he was honored, respected and esteemed by all who knew him. Upon the home farm he passed away September 7, 1886, at the age of fifty-four years and seven months. There were seven children in his family, six sons and one daughter, all of whom reached years of maturity. In order of birth they are as follows: Samuel M. ; Mary Jane, who wedded F. M. Pratt, and is now deceased ; William F. ; Andrew W. ; Melvin F., of this review; James M. ; and John E., who died June 25, 1884, at the age of fifteen years, as the result of a kick from a colt, on the home farm. On the 13th of December, 1900, the mother of these children married Elijah S. McCarty, who was born in Shelbyville, Tennessee, May i, 1836, a son of William C. and Louisa (Hardin) McCarty, who were 576 PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. natives of \irgiiiia and Ohio, respectively, and were married in Morgan county of the latter state. In early life his father en- gaged in farming but later followed mer- chandising. He was born in 1809 and lived to be almost ninety years of age, while his wife was seventy-nine years old at the time of her death. They had four children, two sons and two daughters, all of whom remained in ( )hio. with the exception of Elijah S. He was educated at Marietta, Ohio, and successfully engaged in teaching school there for a time. Tn 1861, at the outbreak of the Civil war, he enlisted in Company G, Seventy-seventh Ohio Volunteer Infantry, under Colonel Hildebrand, who died in the service and was succeeded by Colonel Mason. Captain W. A. McCormick, of Marietta, commanded the company. Mr. McCarty was made hos- pital steward on the regimental staff, his duties being to attend to the wounded and establish hospitals wherever needed. He was in the engagement at Pittsburg Land- ing, the siege of Corinth, the capture of Mobile and Little Rock and the engagement on the Saline river. After four years of faithful service he was honorably discharged in July, 1865, and the following winter at- tended the Michigan University at Ann Arbor. Coming to Illinois in 1866, he first located in Litchfield, where he wedded Mary Blackburn, a daughter of Richard and Mary A. Blackburn, of England. She died June 26, 1893, and their only child died in infancy. Mr. McCarty was first en- gaged in the drug business at Litchfield and after selling out taught school for a few years. In 1875 he removed to Decatur and was in the railway mail service under Presidents Harrison and Cleve- land for eleven consecutive years. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church and are held in high re- gard by all who know them. Melvin F. Bover was reared on the home farm and attended Zion school in Whitmore township until he had acquired a good prac- tical education. His whole life has been devoted to farming and with exception of seven years, when at work in different parts of the county, he has spent his time upon the old homestead. He purchased part of the interests of the other heirs in the tract of one hundred and twenty acres, which he keeps under a high state of cultivation. He is a thorough and systematic farmer and in the management of his affairs has met with marked success. In February, 1889, Mr. Boyer led to the marriage altar Miss Ida Bowman, a native of Miami, Indiana, and a daughter of A. Bowman, in whose family were seven chil- dren, one son and six daughters. Mrs. Boyer and all her sisters became popular and successful teachers. Our subject and his wife has two children, Floyd and Homer, and the older son is now attending the same school in which his father was edu- cated, and is one of the brightest boys of his class. Mr. Boyer is a member of the Court of Honor and his wife belongs to the Christian church. They began life in limited circumstances but success has crowned their combined efforts to secure a home and competence and by industry, perseverance and good management they have become quite well-to-do. They are well known in the community where they make their home and their circle of friends is extensi\-e. TlloALVS \V. PITXER. Thomas W. Pitner is the junior member of the firm of Bixby, Pitner & Company, manu- facturers of burial shoes in Decatur. He was born in this city on the 21st of December, 1873, and comes of ancestry that at an early period was established in ^^ermont. His par- ents were Washington and Sarah (Starr) Pitner. the former a native of Tennessee and ! [mf i ; m M i ^ ^^^^^^^^^^ V' *^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^B J. R. HENARD PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 579 the latter of Pennsylvania. The name of Pit- ner was originally Buettner, but little is known of the ancestry of the family. Re- moving to the west, the father of our subject established his home in Decatur, where he opened a photograph gallery and to-day he is the oldest photographer of this city as well as one of the most prominent and capable. Under the parental roof Thomas N. Pitner was reared and at the usual age he entered the public schools, pursuing his studies therein until he had completed the high school course. He afterward matriculated in the Illinois Col- lege at Jacksonville, Illinois, where he devoted two years to the mastery of the branches forming the scientific course in that institution. Entering upon his business career he became an employe of the firm of Bixby, Pitner & Company, the second partner in the enterprise at that time being his brother, Frank S. Pit- ner, whom he succeeded in the business on the 1st of January, 1902. The latter was then in poor health and died on the loth of Janu- ary, 1902. when thirty years of age. Mr. Pit- ner of this review is an enterprising business man, wide-awake and alert to opportunities, and in the control of the enterprise in which he is now a partner is proving an important factor. He is well known in this city, where his entire life has been passed, and is a popu- lar young man, having a large circle of friends. He now belongs to W. C. Roe Camp. No. 7201, M. W. A. JESSE R. HENARD. Jesse R. Henard, now deceased, was a farmer whose prosperous business career enabled him to spend his last days quietly at his home in Decatur in the enjoyment of the fruits of his former toil. He was born in Plawkins county in eastern Tennessee. His parents, James and Mary (Tucker) Henard, were also natives of that state and the father was a farmer and stockman who carried on business there throughout his active life. He died in May, 1868, at the age of fifty-six years, and was long survived by his widow, who passed away in June, 1900, at the age of seventy-two years. The paternal grandfather of our subject also bore the name of James and was a lifelong resident of Tennessee. Unto James and Mary (Tucker) Henard were born five chil- dren, all of whom are now living with ex- ception of our subject, namely: Jesse R. ; Martha J., the widow of John Birchfield ; Lewis C. ; Robert; and Elizabeth, the widow of William Howe. In his boyhood days Jesse R. Henard be- came familiar with the work incident to the development and improvement of the home farm. His educational privileges were some- what meager, although he pursued his stud- ies in subscription schools conducted in log houses in his home neighborhood. Like his lather before him he early manifested a preference . for working with horses and dealing in stock and it was because of his excellent judgment concerning horses and his ability in caring for them that he largely won success. At the outbreak of the Civil war he put aside all business and personal considerations that he might defend his loved southland, enlisting in the Confeder- ate army as a member of the Twenty-ninth Tennessee Infantry, which regiment was assigned to the department at Nashville and was located in that portion of the state until the city was evacuated. Mr. Henard was afterward with the Thirty-first Ten- nessee Cavalry until the close of the war in 1865. He then returned to his home in Ten- nessee, but found that portion of the state the scene of desolation. The contending armies had marched back and forth across the country, leaving desolation and destruc- tion in their path. Mr. Henard then de- cided to seek a home elsewhere and came to the north, arriving in Union county, Illinois, on the 1st of May, 1865. 580 PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. There he suffered so severely with ague that he decided to seek another location and in August of the same year he arrived in Decatur, having at that time a cash capital of about six dollars. It was necessary that he find immediate employment nor did he rebel against fate, but was willing to do anything that would earn him an honest living. He sought and obtained a position as a farm hand near Forsyth, Macon county, and he continued to work in that capacity for three years. In the spring of 1868 he was married and then took up his abode upon a tract of rented land in Hickory Point township. For nine years he culti- vated land belonging to others and during that time lived economically. As the result of his care in expenditures and his unflag- ging industry in his work he accumulated some capital and with this made arrange- ments for the purchase of one hundred and sixty acres of land in Whitmore township, for which he paid forty dollars per acre. His money was sufficient to meet one-half of this amount and in the course of a com- paratively short time he was enabled to dis- charge the entire indebtedness. He brought his farm up to a very high state of cultiva- tion and when he resolved to retire from further business cares he sold the property in 1900 for twenty thousantl dollars, re- moving then to the city of Decatur, where he occupied a very comfortable residence at No. 1509 North Main street. Throu_t;;h- out the time he resided on his farm he on- gaged in stock-raising, making a specialty of dealing in horses. He would buy horses and feed them until they met with a ready sale. It was to this department of his busi- ness that he owed his greatest prosperity. He handled both farm and draft horses. He did not engage in breeding to any extern . but bought horses from dealers and by ju- dicious care placed them in a condition to command a good sale on the market. J Ic also held a horse sale at the time he tlis- posed of his farm in 1900 and this brought to him a sum of thirty-two hundred and ninety-seven dollars. A short time prior to his death he purchased a half section of the finest farming land to be found in Christian county, Illinois, and the property returned to him a good income. On the i8th of February, 1868, Mr. He- nard was united in marriage to Miss Caro- line Lanham, one of the pioneer settlers and members of the Lanham family of San- gamon county. Unto this union were born the following named : Minnie, now the wife of Robert J. Long, who is residing near Maroa, this county; Josie, the wife of Harry Stroah, of Hickory Point township ; Be- atrice, who is the wife of J. D. Long, of Peoria, Illinois; and Lucretia, the wife of J. C. Birchfield, of Hickory Point township. In his political affiliations Mr. Ilenard was a Democrat, but never sought or desired official preferment to any great extent, al- though he served for several terms as high- way commissioner of his township. He had just reason to feel a pride in a successful career which was the outcome of foresight and good judgment. Leaving the south as a Confederate soldier he soon won the re- spect and recognition of his neighbors by his integrity and upright dealing, and tiiey accorded him admiration and regard by reason of his prosperous business career and his genuine worth of character. After a useful and well spent life Mr. Henard died September 15, 1903, and was laid to rest in Greenwood cemetery. JAMES H. RECORD. James H. Record, an honored veteran of the Civil war, now identified with agricul- tural interests in Macon county, makes his home near the city of Decatur. He was born upon a farm in Pendleton county, Ken- tucky. June 4, 1841. and belongs to a family PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 581 that originated in England. The first to ■come to America settled in New Jersey at an early day. The family name was origin- ally spelled Records. John Record, our subject's paternal grandfather, was born in Pennsylvania, and in early manhood mar- ried a Miss Stewart, who was also a native of the Keystone state. Subsequently he removed to Mason county, Kentucky, where he resided for a number of years, and then went to Pendleton county, that state. It was his son William S. Record who became the father of our subject. Reared in Ken- tucky, William S. Record was united in marriage to Miss Susannah Said and for a time carried on agricultural pursuits in Pendleton county, where his wife died on the 17th of November, 1842. He subse- quently married her sister, Martha Said, and in 1857 brought his family to Illinois, establishing his home on a farm in Coles county, where he carried on agricultural pursuits until his life's labors were ended in death in the year 1869. His second wife passed away August 29, 1864. James H. Record is one of the four chil- dren born of the first marriage. His sis- ter C)rpha now resides in Oklahoma, but the others are deceased. He was reared in the usual manner of farmer lads of the period, working in the fields from the time of the early spring planting until crops were harvested in the autumn. His early educational advantages were those afforded by the subscription schools of Kentucky and later he attended the public schools of Coles county, Illinois, for two winters. Mr. Record continued on the home farm until after the outbreak of the Civil war, when, feeling that his duty was to his coun- try, he oiTered his services and donned the blue uniform, becoming a member of Com- pany C, Fifty-fourth Illinois Volunteer In- fantry, under command of Colonel G. M'. .Mitchell. The regiment was first ordered to western Tennessee under General Grant and in the spring of 1863 entered upon the siege of Vicksburg, being thus engaged until the fall of the city. The troops were then ordered south on the river and the Fif- ty-fourth Illinois' was attached to the Seventh Army Corps, Trans-Mississippi Department, with which it participated in many battles and during a part of the time was also on garrison duty. Mr. Record served faithfully until the ist of November, 1865. He was always at his post, whether it called him to the lonely picket line or to the firing line, and after the cessation of hostilities lie was mustered out and ordered to Camp Butler, in Springfield, Illinois, where he was paid and received an honor- able discharge. He then returned to Charleston, Illinois, where he had some business interests. In 1878, however, Mr. Record came to Macon county, Illinois, locating in Long Creek township, where he was engaged in general farming for eight or nine years. Throughout his business career he has been identified with agricultural pursuits, this being the source of his income, and his work has ever been conducted along pro- gressive lines, showing that he is in. touch with the most improved methods of farm- ing. On the 2ist of February, 1867, Mr. Record was united in marriage to Miss Margaret Swope, of Charleston, a daughter of Solo- mon Swope, who died in Ross county, Ohio, when she was only two years and a half old. Her mother bore the maiden name of Minerva Divens. Mrs. Record was born in Ross county, Ohio, July 17, 1846, and was six years of age when she removed to Charleston, Illinois, with her step-father, D. C. Ambler, who became a noted poli- tician of Coles county. For a time after his marriage Mr. Record was connected with mercantile business in Charleston. Unto him and his wife were born seven children, as follows: Nellie, born January 25, 1868, 582 PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. is with her parents. John A., burn June 26, 1870, had the advantages of a common- school education and for four years was a student at the Lincohi University in Lin- cohi, llHnois, and one year at Brown's Business College in Decatur. He is now en- gaged in the broom-corn brokerage business in Areola, Illinois, lie married Marguerite Dimond, of that place, and they have one child, Grace, born June 3, 1901. Carrie, born September 2, 1874, was graduated with honors at the Decatur high school in 1894, and was also graduated at the State Nor- mal .School. She then engaged in teaching in the public schools of Macon county until her death, which occurred on the 20th of September, 1901. Charles F., born April 2^, 1878, was graduated at the Decatur high school in 1897, and is now preparing for the ministry in .Millikin University, of Decatur, where he will complete his course in 1905. Grace, born May 15, 1881, was graduated at the Decatur high school in 1899, and is now at home with her parents. Clarence, born May 20, 1884, died October 8, 1893. Pearl A., born .August 23, 1886, completed the high school course in Decatur with ihc class of 1903. A stanch l'!t'])n]ilican in his political views, Mr. Ut'cord is unfaltering in his ad- vocacy of the ])rinciples of the party. For six years he ser\-ed as snper\-isor of Decatur townshi]) and for one year was chairman of the board. He belongs to Coeur de Lion I^odge, No. 17, K. P.: Dunham Post, No. 141, Ci. A. R. : and to the Independent Or- der of Odd FelUnvs. His wife belongs to the \\'oman's Pclief Corps and the family hold meml:)ersliip in the Cund)erland Pres- byterian church. They are well known in Decatur and it is with pleasure that we present our readers their life record. GEORGE CONO\'ER. George Conover, how one of the most prominent and prosperous business men of iNIaroa, was twenty years ago a bookkeeper working on a small salary. His life record stands in exemplification of what can be ac- complished by men of energy and determina- tion in a land where opportunity is open to all. He has never waited i\Iicawber-like for things to turn up, but has made his opportunity where none seemed to exist and by a utilization of the advantages at hand has progressed to a position prominent among the leading men of the city. Various interests have profited by his labors and wise counsel and he is especially well known in banking circles. In Shelby county, Ohio, on the 6th of June, 1855, George Conover was born. His father, Tyler Conover, was one of a family of si.x children. He was born in New Jersey, became a farmer by occupation and was married in C )hio to Miss Hester .\nn Bond, a native of that state. In 1858 he came to Illinois with his family and settled on a farm in Logan county, where he remained until 1865, when he removed to ]\Iaroa. Here he built a steam flouring-mill and operated it successfully until 1880. when lie retired from active business, spending his remaining days in the enjoy- ment of the fruits of his former toil. His wife died in 1874 and he was again married in 1876. his second union being with Miss Susan Henry. His death occurred in July. 1895, and Maroa was thus called upon to mourn the loss of one of its citizens whose efforts in her behalf had been hel])ful and beneficial, while his labors in business had brought to him very gratifying results. George Conover is the youngest in a family of six children and was three years of age when his parents came to this state. He ac- (|uired his education in Macon county and after his school life was ended he took up the duties of manhood as a factor in the business world. He became weighmaster and 1)0(jkkeei)er in the elevator of Emery & Compton, filling that position for three years, after which, from 1880 until 1887. he was bookkeeper for C F. Emery, engaged in tlu- real estate business. BRICE I. STBRRETT PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY, 585 Watching- his opportunity for investment he eventually became a prominent factor in busi- ness circles in the city. He became a partner in the C. F. Emery & Company banking busi- ness in 1887, wliich in 1888 was consolidated with the banking business of Crocker & Com- pany, the latter name being retained by the new firm. In February, 1889, Mr. Crocker and Mr. Conover purchased Mr. Emery's in- terest and have since been associated in the control and ownership of the institution. Mr. Conover very largely manages the bank, while Mr. Crocker attends to outside interests. Gradually Mr. Conover has expanded his busmess affairs and is now associated with en- terprises of importance to the business life and prosperity of the city. He has an interest in the electric light plant and owns one-fifth of the stock of the Maroa Manufacturing Company, which manufactures the " boss car loader", which is now largely used in con- nection with elevators in loading the grain into cars. He is also the owner of a furniture store in Maroa. which is managed by Mr. Rammel, and he has a small interest in the Crocker Elevator Company, while the banking firm of Conover & Crocker owns the Maroa Dry Goods Store. At one time Mr. Conover owned two hundred and forty acres of land in South Dakota, which he traded for land in Iowa and afterward exchanged the latter for land in Minnesota. His home is one of the beautiful residences of Maroa. Mr. Conover has been twice married. On the 1st of February, 1883. he was united in marriage to Miss Mary Sanderson, a daughter of Alexander and Ann (Dent) Sanderson. Two children were born of that marriage : Bessie May and Charles Sanderson. The mother died June 4, 1890, and on the 28th of June, 1892. Mr. Conover was again married, his secoml union being with Miss Christine Sanderson, a sister of his first wife. There are two children by this marriage: Alary Frances, born August 12, 1894: and George William, biirn March 15, 1901. Mrs. Conover 28 is a member of the Episcopal church while Mr. Conover belongs to the Christian church. He is also a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and in his political views he is a Republican, but the honors and emolu- ments of office have little attraction for him, as he prefers to devote his time and attention to his business interests. His affairs are so well regulated, the business so systematized and his work carried on with such energy that success seems to be the natural sequence of his labors and he stands to-day among the .strongest representatives of commercial activ- ity in Maroa. BRICE I. STERRETT. On the roll of those who have conferred distinction upon the legal fraternity of De- catur appears the name of Brice I. Sterrett. who was recognized as one of the leading members of the bar of Macon county. He came to this city in 1867 and here died on the 24th of February, 1901. Pennsylvania was the state of his nativity, his birth hav- ing occurred in Cumberland county, on the 9th of August, 1844. His parents, David and Mary Ann (Byerly) .Sterrett, were also natives of that state and at an early day they came to the west, but later returned to Pennsydvania, where the father engaged in farming and also conducted a gristmill. Later, however, he once more went to the west and this time settled in Decatur, where he lived retired for a few years. He next re- moved to Taylorville, where both he and his wife resided until they were called to the home beyond, Mr. Sterrett passing away on the 31st of October, 1878, while his wife died December 15, 1879. When a small boy Brice I. Sterrett be- came a student in the schools of Carlisle. Cumberland count)^, Pennsylvania, where he pursued his studies from 1850 until 1857. He then entered the preparatory depart- 586 PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. ment of the Illinois College at Jacksonville, Illinois, continuing his studies there in the year 1860-1861. lie next entered Dickin- son College of Carlisle, Pennsylvania, where he was graduated with the class of 1867, winning the degree of Bachelor of Arts on the completion of a law course. With broad general knowledge he took up the study of law, spending a short time in that way in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. He then came to the west and located in Decatur, where he became a law student in the office and un- der the direction of Judge Charles Emerson. In order to supply the funds necessary for the continuance of his legal studies he en- gaged in teaching in the common schools of Macon county for two terms. He was admitted to the bar of Illinois before the supreme court of the state in 1868 and then began his law practice in Decatur, where he soon won recognition as a young man of marked ability, of earnest purpose and of thorough preparation in the law. He pre- pared all of his cases with great precision and after extended research was well quali- fied to uphold his cause and position. He was also pension agent in Decatur for many years. Eventually- on account of ill health, he was obliged to give up general law prac- tice, after which he devoted his attention to lighter work, such as collecting and other kindred branches usually performed by the members of the legal fraternity. He thus lived a more retired life until his death. On the 2ist of October, 1879, Mr. Sterrett was united in marriage with Miss Clarissa Cline, a native of Lewisbe'rry, York county, Pennsylvania, and a daughter of Andrew and Margaret (Foster) Cline, who were likewise natives of York county, where they always lived. The father was a farmer and mill man and there he and his wife re- mained until the tide of life ebbed away. There came to the home of Mr. and Mrs. Sterrett but one child, Mary C, who now resides with her mother and is a teacher in the public schools of Monticello, Illi- nois. It was in 1901 that the wife and daughter were called upon to mourn the loss of the husband and father, whose death occurred on the 24th of February of that year. He had held no offices in the city nor had he sought public notoriety' of any character beyond his profession. He was very successful in his law practice here and became a well-to-do citizen, the public recognizing his genuine worth and capa- bility. He was a man of strong mind, of marked individuality, of resolute will and of honorable purpose. He gave his political support to the Democracy in early life and later became a stanch Republican. For a long period he held membership in the Presbyterian church of this city and in that faith passed from this life. Mrs. Sterrett is also a devoted member of the Presby- terian church. She has a fine residence at No. 717 West Prairie avenue, where she and her daughter reside and she also owns other residence property in the city, which was purchased by her husband who built upon and improved all. His interest cen- tered in his familj' and it was a matter of great satisfaction to him that he could leave his wife and daughter in comfortable finan- cial circumstances. He also left to them the priceless inheritance of an untarnished name and of a memory that is honored by all who knew him. EDWARD ALLMAN. .\fter years of active labor, mostly devoted to farming, Edward .Mlman is now living a retired life in the city of Decatur, enjoying a well earned rest and the fruits of his former toil. He is a native of County Kerry. Ireland, and a son of John Allman, who spent his en- lire life in that country. He still has one brother and a sister living, these being James L., a prominent citizen of Monticello. and PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 587 Mrs. Edward S. Stout, also a resident of Piatt county. Edward Allman spent the tirst thirteen years of his life in his native land and then came to the United States, landing in New York city, whence he made his way to Ohio, where he spent two years. At the end of that time he proceeded westward and settled in Monticello, Illinois. In partnership with his brothers, James L. and John Allman, he took up a tract of wild prairie land in Monticello township, Piatt county, which at that time was covered with ponds and sloughs, but by draining and cultivation they converted the place into a well improved farm. At that early day deer, wild geese and other game was plentiful and furnished the early settlers with many a meal. The farm machiner}' then in us.e was very primitive and the first corn which Mr. Allman helped to cultivate was with a single shovel plow, while he cut grain with a cradle. Upon their place the brothers erected a small frame house, which was later replaced by a more commodious and modern residence and all of the improved machinery and conveniences were added to their farm. When his adopted country became involved in civil war, Edward Allman laid aside all per- sonal interests and was one of the first to enlist from Piatt county, becoming a private of Company E, One Hundred and Seventh Illinois Volunteer Infantry, which was at first under the command of Colonel Snell and when he resigned under the command of Colonel Lowery, who was killed in the battle of Frank- lin. The captain of Company E was John W. ^^'ood. Mr. Allman went into camp at Camp Butler, and from there was sent south with his regiment. The first engagement in which he participated was with Morgan in Kentucky and after his capture in Ohio re- turned to Kentucky. Our subject later took part in the battles of Nashville and Campbell Station, the siege of Knoxville, the battle of Peach Tree Creek, the siege of At- lanta and the battles of Tonesboro and New- bern, North Carolina, besides several other en- gagements of less importance. After three years of valiant and meritorious service on southern battlefields, he was honorably dis- charged in 1865 and returned to his home in Piatt county. After leaving the army Air. Allman con- tinued to engage in general farming and stock-raising with his brother, James L., for some years. He worked by the month for some time after coming to Piatt county, but about 1868 started out in life for himself. His first purchase consisted of a tract of virgin soil, upon which he laid about five miles of tiling, and also erected thereon a good set of farm buildings. He is still the owner of a good farm of two hundred and forty acres in Monticello township, where he was success- fully engaged in agricultural pursuits for many years, and gave considerable attention to the stock business, which he found cjuite profitable. In 1892, on account of ill health, he rented his farm and has since lived retired. He has twice crossed the ocean to visit his native land and also went west in the search of health, having traveled quite extensively over this country for that purpose. Since 1892 he has made his home in Decatur and now has a beautiful residence at No. ioo6 East Lincoln avenue, surrounded by well-kept lawns. His housekeeper is his niece. Miss Maggie C. Allman, a daughter of John and Nora (Cronin) Allman, Ijoth now deceased. By his ballot Mr. Allman supports the men and measures of the Democratic party. He is- a devout member of the Catholic church and has helped to organize the churches at Tolono, Champaign, Ivesdale and Bement, but is now connected with St. Patrick's church of Decatur. Pie well remembers seeing the first Catholic missionary that ever came to Piatt county and he has borne an active and prom- inent part in the moral and material develop- ment of this section of the state. He is one of the self-made men of the community, his suc- cess in life being due entirclv to his own well 588 PAST AXU PRESENT OF MACOX COUNTY. directed efforts and jjood business ability, and lie not only deserves tbe prosperity that has come to him but he has also gained the con- fidence and good will of those with whom he has been brought in contact either in busi- ness or social life. CAPTAIN GEORGE W. THOMPSON. Captain George W. Thompson, deceased, was one of the gallant defenders of the Union during the dark days of the Civil war and was a man highly respected and esteemed wherever known. For many years he made his home in Macon county and was residing in W'arrensburg at the time of his death, which occurred on the 6th of August, 1896. A native of New York, Captain Thompson was born in Erie county, February 17, 1836, and was a son of James and Alehitable (Gould) Thompson, who were also natives of the Empire state and the former of .Scotch descent. In 18^4 the family came to Illinois and settled in McHenry county twelve miles from Woodstock, where the father owned and operated a large farm. The Captain grew to manhood in this state and was educated at P)elvidere, Boone county. For several years after leaving school he was engaged in teaching and after coming to Macon county in 1837 ''"^ taught for a time at Qierry Point. He was principal of the high school at Mount Pulaski two years and of the Buffalo school in Sangamon county for one year. He subsequently engaged in farming in that county for two years, and at the end of that time removed to a farm of two hun- dred and forty acres on Section 18, Illini tov,'nship, Macon county, which he had pur- chased. After operating that farm for eight years he took up his residence in \A'arrens- burg, where he continued to make his home until called to his final rest. On the 10th of April. 1866. Captain Thomp- son was united in marriage to Miss Mary Langston, a daughter of James and Harriet Langston, natives of North Carolina and Kentucky, respectively. Her father was a veteran of the Black Hawk war and her pa- ternal grandfather had aided the colonies in their struggle for independence as a soldier of the Revolutionary war. Mrs. Thompson at- tended the State Normal School at Normal, Illinois, for two years and subsequently en- gaged in teaching at Williamsville and Buf- falo. It was the spring following her last term at Buffalo that she gave her hand in mar- riage to our subject and removed to Macon county. Unto them were born nine children, who in order of birth are as follows: Har- riet, now the wife of Gilmore Cunningham, a Methodist Episcopal minister of Cantrell, Il- linois ; Lam-a, who died at the age of eight years ; Lillian, wife of C. J. Tucker, a general merchant of Warrensburg; Gertrude, who is teaching music in the school for the blind at Nashville, Tennessee; Flora, the wife of Pro- fes.sor O. L. Manchester, a teacher of lan- guages in the State Normal University; George H., who was graduated at the Uni- versity of Illinois in 1900 and at the John Marshall I.aw School of Chicago, June 29, 1003; Frank L., who was graduated at the L'niversity of Illinois in 1902 and is now con- nected with the St. Louis Terminal Railroad in .St. Louis: Clarence, who is pursuing an agricultural course in the LTniversity of Il- linois, and is a member of the class of 1904; and .Sherman, who is in the office of Mr. Pat- terson, an architect of Decatur. At different times Captain Thompson credit- ably filled the offices of township clerk, jus- tice of the peace and school director, and by his ballot he supported the Republican party. Socially be was a prominent member of the ^lasonic fraternity, the Modern Woodmen of America and the Grand .\rmy of the Repub- lic. When the Union was in jieril he offered bis services to the government and was com- missioned first lieutenant of Company A, Fif- teenth Illinois \'olunteer Infantrw which was- JAMES G. GRIFFITH PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 591 assigned to the Seventeenth Corps. Army of the Cumberland. He participated in many important engagements and was with General Sherman on his celebrateil march to the sea. At the close of the war, when his services were no longer needed, Captain Thompson was mustered out with the rank of captain and returned home with a military record of which his family may be justly proud. For many years he was an earnest member of the Meth- odist Episcopal church and was quite active in its work. He was always found faithful to his church, to his country, and to his friends, and in his death the community realized that it had lost a valued citizen. JAMES G. GRIFFITH. James G. Griffith, now deceased, was born near Tunbridge, Orange county, Vermont, on the 30th of March, 1830. The family is of English lineage. The father of our sub- ject was a farmer of the Green Mountain state and owned one hundred and sixty acres of land which is . still in possession of his heirs. The old house is still standing there with its old fashioned fireplaces and other early equipments. The place is called the Whitney Hill. The father died when his son James G. was five years of age and the latter then lived with a distant relative until twenty years of age. He pursued his preliminary education in the country schools and later was a student at Haverhill, Mas- sachusetts. Later he was employed by a Mr. Wadleigh at Haverhill and thus entered upon his business career. About this time James G. Griffith was united in marriage to Miss Susannah Whit- ney, the wedding taking place in 1855. In the fall of the same year they removed to Morgan county, Illinois, settling near Chat- ham, where Mr. Griffith engaged in farming until 1866. when he came to Macon county. He then rented a tract of land in Pleasant View township and after a few years he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land on section 26 of the same township, residing thereon up to the time of his death. He was an active, enterprising, practical and progressive agriculturist and as the result of his labors his fields were placed under a high state of cultivation and re- turned to him an excellent income. As the years passed seven children were added to the home: William H., a retired farmer who married Alice Logan and resides in Macon ; Clara Adeline, the wife of Charles L. Colby, a lumberman of Decatur, by whom she has two children ; Arthur L., who lives on a farm southeast of Macon, and married Sattie Ingram, by whom he has two children ; and four who passed away. The mother of these children died Novem- ber 5, 1891, and on the 23d of November, 1892, Mr. Griffith was again married, his second union being with Vida J. Holtz, a daughter of Major David and Elizabeth (Hoover) Holtz. Her mother was a daugh- ter of Christopher Hoover, of Ohio. The paternal grandmother of Mrs. Griffith was ninety-six years of age at the time of her death and the paternal great-grandmother reached the advanced age of one hundred and eleven years. Mr. Holtz passed away at the age of si.xty-eight years. He was a mechanic by trade, but reared his family upon a farm. He had the following chil- dren : Addie E. became the wife of Sam- uel T. Young, of Macon county; Christo- pher H., who was in the hospital corps during the Civil war, afterward became a practicing physician and died in 1867 ; Rachel ]\Iargaret died in February, 1875; John William, who served in an Ohio regiment during the Ci\il war, died in hospital No. 6 at Nashville, Tennessee, in the middle of October, 1862, as the result of exposure and hardship at Shiloh, being then but twenty-one years of age; Mrs. Griffith is the ne.xt of the family ; .Susan 592 PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. died July 27, 1876; David Henry passed away August 20, 1874; Isaac Milton died in February, 1879; Mary Elizabeth became the wife of Martin Miller, of Blue Mound, and the mother of three sons; Carl D. is part owner and cashier in the Mount Auburn Bank ; Arthur G. is cashier in the bank of Blue Mound; Earl M. is engaged in horti- cultural pursuits in Montgomery county, Illinois; Jacob LcRoy died May 24, 1887; Edward Augustus and Clarence H. were twins and the former died December 2, 1880, while the latter died August 3, 1881. IMrs. GriiYith was educated in eastern Ohio and in Antrim College, in which she spent one year. When fourteen years of age she won two teacher's certificates. She first taught school at Attica, Indiana, as assistant principal, and afterward in Marsh- field, Indiana, for a year. She then spent a year as a teacher south of Attica, three years in a school south of Rossville and two years in Warren county, Indiana. For four terms she was teacher in the Dales school northeast of Alvin, was next em- ployed at College Corner, then at Pleasant Hill and in 1881-2 was a teacher in the high school in Rossville. She was ne.xt employed at Hedge Corner, west of Rossville. In 1887 on account of illness in the family she re- mained at home in order to act as nurse and then came to Pleasant View township, where she engaged in teaching for one year. She afterward gave her hand in marriage to Mr. Grifiith and for fourteen months they traveled life's journey happily together. In January, 1866, Mr. Griffith became a member of the Methodi.st Episcopal church, being connected with the organization at Macon, Illinois. His political allegiance was given to the Republican party and he was enthusiastic in its support, but never sought or desired office. He died December 29, 1893, respected by all who knew him. He had been a loving and devoted husband and father, a consistent Christian gentle- man and a faithful friend, and the sterling c|ualities of his manhood had endeared him to all with whom he came in contact. His widow is now occupying a handsome home in Blue Mound, where she is widely and fa- vorably known. JOHN W. HAMMAN. John \V. Hamman was born November 6, 1867, in Ohio, and is of German lineage. His paternal grandfather, Philip Hamman, was a native of Germany and about the time he at- tained his majority he bade adieu to friends and native land and sailed for the new world. Favorable reports had reached him concern- ing the opportunities for a business career in this country and hoping diat he might benefit his financial conditions he established his home in Ohio, arriving there about 1807. He was a farmer by occupation and carried on agricul- tural pursuits in the Buckeye state until called to his final rest. His son William Hamman, the father of our subject, was born in Ohio- and on leaving that state took up his abode in Illinois in 1879. Here he carried on farming west of \\'arrensburg in Macon county. He became a representative and influential resi- dent of that district and was also prominent in public life in the Buckeye state, having served as overseer and collector. A gentleman of the highest respectability, his life was honorable and upright and when he was called to his final re-st his death was deeply mourned by many friends. It was in July, 1899, when sixty years of age that he passed away. Unto him and his wife had been born ten children, of whom nine are now living, as follows: Elizabeth, the wife of George Theobald ; Kate, who is the wife of Otto Heiner ; Tena, who married Judson Drobich ; William ; John W. : Philip P. ; Mollie, the wife of Guy Park ; Daniel ; and Raymond. Edward, the eighth child, died at the age of nineteen years. There was no event of special importance PAST AXD PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 593 to vary the routine of life for John W. Ham- man in his early youth. Some duties claimed his attention, especially the duties of the schoolroom, and hours of pleasure in the play- ground were enjoyed by him. After reaching man's estate, however, the cares and responsi- bilities of life came upon him and in order to earn a living he established a transfer line and storage warehouse in partnership with his brother Philip P. under the firm name of Hamman Brothers. They began this work in 1892 with limited capital, each having only a few dollars. By persistent effort and square dealing, however, they have developed their business to its present proportions and its ex- tension has been along safe, conservative and yet progressive lines. They first had but small quarters in East Prairie street, but have occu- pied their present quarters on Franklin street since February, 1898, and in addition they have a large warehouse on East Main street and Broadway. The afifairs of their business now make heavy demands upon their time and as the result of their close application and careful management they are now enjoying a season of prosperity which is much appre- ciated and justly deserved. In 1889 Mr. Hamman of this review was united in marriage to Miss Lou L. Davis, a daughter of George C. Davis, of Long Creek, Illinois, and they now have three interesting children — Lester, Irene, and Ruth. In 1899 Mr. Hamman was made a Mason. He be- longs to Ionic Lodge, No. 312, F. & A. M., and he also holds membership relations with the Order of the Eastern Star. He is a mem- ber of Easterly Camp, No. 1626, M. W. A., has been its manager for the past six years and is now its banker and he also has mem- bership relations with the Royal Neighbors of America. He has a place amid a circle of friends who honor and esteem him for his many manly virtues and genuine worth. His prosperity cannot be attributed to any com- bination of lucky circumstances, but has risen from energy, enterprise, integrity and indi- vidual effort well directed and his business has ever been conducted on the strictest prin- ciples of fair dealing. JOHN McEVOY. Among the early residents of Decatur whose work entitles them to distinction as leading citizens and as upbuilders of the city John McEvoy should be numbered. He was a native of the Emerald Isle, his birth having occurred in Kilbegnet, county Galway, Ireland, on the 12th of December, 1832. His parents were Felix and Ellen (Scanlan) McEvoy, also natives of Ireland, in which country they spent their entire lives. It was to the common-school sys- tem of his native land that Mr. McEvoy was indebted for the educational privi- leges he enjoyed in his youth. In 1849, when about seventeen years of age, he came with two of his cousins to America. They landed in New York and thence went to Pittsfield, Massachusetts, where John McEvoy learned the carpenter's trade. He continued to follow that pursuit in Pittsfield until 1856, when he removed to the west, settling in Decatur. Here he continued in the employ of others for a time and finally began working at bridge work for both the Illinois Central and Wa- bash Railroads and he was afterward given full charge of all of the bridge work on the Wabash Railroad between Stateline, Indi- ana, and the Mississippi river, and continued to serve in that capacity for seven years. He then ceased building operations and turned his attention to the conduct of a grocery and meat market in Decatur, but after a short time disposed of his interests in mercantile life in 1864. He then built what it now the National Hotel, conducting it successfully up to the time of his death. While in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, Mr. McEvoy was married to Miss Jane Kenney, ,di PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY, a native of Frankfort, Kings county, Ire- land, born December 26, 1835, and a daugh- ter of Richard and Julia Kenney, who were also born in Kings county, and there re- mained from birth until death. The father was a carpenter by trade and made that his life occupation. Unto Mr. and i\lrs. Mc- Evoy were born nine children : James D., who was born January 23, 1856, resides at the National Hotel and superintends the business interests there; Julia E., born June 1, 1857, is the widow of James P. Nolan and resides with her mother at the hotel. She had two chidren, Richard F. and Fran- cis J., but the latter is now deceased. The third member of the McEvoy family is Richard F. McEvoy, who was born Febru- ary 13, 1859, ^"^ married Minnie Mall. He is now foreman of the large blacksmith shop of the Wayne Carriage Manufactory in De- catur. John Patrick, born December 23, i86q. died in childhood. Maria E., born December 19, 1861, died at the age of two years. Jennie Agnes, born November 8, 1863, is the deceased wife of W. B. Thomp- son, of Decatur. Patrick F. was born March 6, 1867, and resides at the hotel. Henry M., born April 10, 1869, is living in California. Cathaline M., born March 30, 1871, is the wife of James R. Rtissell, a con- ductor on the Vandalia Railroad, living in Decatur. Mr. McEvoy always took a deep and active interest in political affairs and gave his support to the Democracy until i860, when he became a stanch Republican. He always kept well informed on the issues of the day and did everything in his power to secure the success of his party, yet never sought or desired office. He was one of the leading representatives and charter member of the Ancient Order of Hiberni- ans, Division No. i, of Macon county, and held some high offices in the organization. He and his wife were members of St. Pat- rick's Catholic church of Decatur, of which their children also became communicants. Mr. .McEvoy deserves great credit for what he accomplished in life, for when he came to Decatur he had no capital and was de- pendent upon his own labors in his trade for all that he possessed and enjoyed up to the time of his death. He owned consider- able property in this city and was recog- nized as a leading and influential man here. He passed away August 29, 1889, and thus ended a life record of usefulness and activity crowned with good results. Mrs. McEvoy and her sons now own and conduct the National Hotel, located at Nos. 561 to 565 North F"ront street. The building is new and modern and the hotel has a liberal patronage, being conveniently located near both the Illinois Central and W'abash tlcpots. CHARLES P. THATCHER. Practical industry, wisely and vigorously applied, never fails of success and the truth of this statement finds another exemplifica- tion in the life record of Charles P. Thatcher, who after many years of close connection with business affairs, during which he labored earnestly and indefatigably, is now enjoying a well earned rest from further work. He was born January 16, 1841, near Alilford Mills, in Chester county, Pennsylvania, his parents being William P. and Sarah M. Thatcher. The father was a farmer by occupation, follow- ing that pursuit in Chester county until 1853, after which he turned his attention to mer- chandising in Schuylkill county, Pennsylvania. There he remained until 1861, when he dis- posed of his mercantile interests in the east and came to Illinois. yiv. Thatcher, whose name introduces this record, was for two years a student in the school conducted by S. Aaron at Norristown, Pennsylvania, and he completed his education in the Friends Central School in Philadelphia. MR. and MRS J. B. GLEASON MR. and MRS. ADAM DICKSON PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 599 After leaving school he spent one year in the general mercantile business conducted by his father in the town of St. Clair, Pennsylvania, and in the spring of 1861 he accompanied his parents on their removal from the Keystone state to Illinois, the family home being estab- lished in Decatur, near which city the father purchased a tract of land. He then engaged largely in the growing of sheep and the pro- duction of wool and Mr. Thatcher of this re- view assisted him in the business through the six years of its continuance, when owing to the father's death this industry was discon- tinued. In the spring of 1867 Charles P. Thatcher turned his attention to the lumber business, establishing a yard in Decatur, at the intersec- tion of the Wabash Railroad and North Water street. There he conducted a growing trade for many years, continuing in that line until 1890. Gradually his patronage increased and his sales brought to him a splendid financial return. His business methods were honorable and in all trade transactions he was straight- forward, never taking advantage of the neces- sities of his fellow-men, but gaining thereby a fair profit on his investment. On the i8th of January, 1865, Mr. Thatcher was united in marriage to J. Neta Robinson, who resided with her parents at Schuylkill Haven in Pennsylvania. Immediately after- ward he brought his bride to Decatur and as the years passed four children were added to the family, of whom two died in infancy. The others are Irene R., now the wife of W. L. Shellabarger ; and Alice Neta, who is the wife of Robert U. Maffit, both residing in Decatur. Mrs. Thatcher died in this city March 9, 1895, and was laid to rest in Green- wood cemetery. On the 6th of October, 1898, Mr. Thatcher was again married, his second union being with Mary M. Hall, with whom he is now living in a pleasant home at the corner of Water and North streets. Keen and clear-headed, always busy, always careful and conservative in financial matters, moving slowly but surely in every transaction, he had few superiors in the steady progress which invariably reaches the objective point. ADAM DICKSON. Adam Dickson is a prominent and well- known citizen of Decatur, where he is now living retired after many years' connection with agricultural interests. His residence in Macon county dates from 1859, at which time he took up his abode in Macon town- ship. He came from the land of hills and heather, his birth having occurred in Scot- land, on the 19th of July, 1835. His parents were Archibald and Alice (Innes) Dick- son, who were also natives of Scotland, where they spent their entire lives, the father providing for the family by following farming. Unto this couple were born eight children, five of whom have passed away, while the three now living are residents of this country, namely : George, who is now residing in Clay Center, Nebraska ; Archi- bald, a retired farmer residing at No. 1012 West Decatur street ; and Adam. Mr. Dickson of this review was reared on a farm and educated in the common schools, but his privileges in that direction were very meager, for at the age of ten years he had to leave school in order to assist his father upon the home farm. He was thus employed until 1853, when, de- termining to try his fortune in America he sailed for the new world, landing in New York city. He did not tarry long in the eastern metropolis, however, but went at once to Rock county, Wisconsin, where he was engaged in farming for three years. On the expiration of that period he took up his abode in Red W^ing, Minnesota, where he followed the trades of plastering and brick-making for a season. He then returned to Rock county, where he carried on agri- cultviral pursuits and also worked at odd 600 PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. jobs of plastering, being thus engaged uniil 1858, wlien he went to PhilHps county. Arkansas. In that state he was employed in the timber regions through the winter and in 1859 he returned to the north, settling in Macon county, Illinois, where he se- cured employment as a farm hand. In this manner his time was passed until 1865, when with the capital he had acquired through his own labors he purchased a farm in Alilam township, for which he paid nine dollars per acre. At once he began its further development and cultivation and at the end of that time he built the tirst school- house in .\lilani township, erecting this m 1866. His wife's father was the second teacher of the first school in the township. After his marriage Mr. Dickson engaged in general farming in Milam township and as his financial resources increased he kept adding to his land from time to time until now he owns three hundred and twenty acres, constituting one of the best improved farms of the locality. The entire tract is situated on sections 2 and 11, Milam town- ship, and it is improved with modern build- ings and substantial equipments in harmony with the progressive spirit of the twentieth century. On the 31st of December, 1868, occurred the marriage of Mr. Dickson and Miss Har- riet J. Gleason, a native of Summit county, Ohio, born December 29, 1850. She is a daughter oi Jonah P.. and Rebecca (Little) Gleason, the former a native of Hartford, Connecticut, and the latter of Peru, Massa- chusetts. The father was a carpenter, brick- mason and farmer and on removing from Connecticut settled in Ohio, while later he took up his abode in Iowa, where he lived until 1865. During that time he was county surveyor for a number of years and also worked at the brick-mason's trade. He then established his home in Milam township. Macon county, where he was engaged in general farming in connection with car- pentering. Of that locality he remained a resident up to the time of his death, which occurred February 29, 1884, and his wife passed away September 13, 1889. In the family of Mr. and Mrs. Dickson are nine children : Nina R., who resides at home ; Allie, the wife of Frank Kennedy, a resi- dent of Mount Zion t(jwnship, this county; Luella, who died at the age of four years ; .•\rchie R., a resident of Portland, Oregon ; Louis 1!., who married Grace Wilson and lives in Milam township, this county; George A., who resides on his father's' farm in Milam township with his brother Louis B.; Bert, Edward M. and Nellie M., all re- siding with their parents. Edward won the four-years' free scholarship and is now at- tending James Millikin University, where his brother Bert is also a student. On account of advanced age Mr. Dickson decided to retire from general farming in 1902 and on the 12th of August of that year removed to Decatur, where he has since lived retired. He served as assessor while in Milam township for two years, but has never been an active politician in the sense of office seeking, preferring to devote his time and energies to his business interests. Since becoming a naturalized American cit- izen, however, he has given an earnest sup- port to the Republican party. His wife and daughters are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian church of Decatur. In his business career he has been successful, for he came to America empty handed and as an employe on a farm began working hard to earn his living. His economy, industry and perseverance have been the strong-elements in his success and ha\i' gained for him valu- able property holdings. The hope which led him to America has been more than realized, for in this country he has found not only prosperity, but has also gained the warm friendship and regard of many with whom he has been associated. PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 601 WILLIAM BAUM. William Baum, who is successfully engaged in farming on section 24, Illini township, was born on the igth of May, 1851, near Chambersburg, in Franklin county, Pennsyl- vania, and is a son of William and Lydia (Swan) Baum, the former of German and the latter of English descent. The mother was a devout Christian and was noted far and near for her charity. By occupation the father was a fence builder. In the family were four chil- dren, of whom our subject is the youngest. One son and one daughter died in infancy. Samuel Baum, oiir subject's surviving brother, was a member of a Pennsylvania cavalry regi- ment during the Civil war and is now living at Chambersburg, Pennsylvania. He was twice married, his first wife being a Miss Lutz, by whom he had a son, Harry, now living in Hickory Point township, Macon county, Illinois. Our subject was quite young when his father died and he then went to live with a Mr. Allen near Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, remaining with him until Mr. Allen's removal to Illinois in 1865. He received a fair district school education in his native county, and on leaving "school at the age of fifteen years began work on a farm at seven dollars per month and was thus employed until he, too, came to Illinois in 1869. In the northern part of this state he was also engaged in farm labor at twenty dollars per month for one year and his wages were subsequently increased until he received twenty-five dollars per month. He began life for himself without a dollar and to his own industry, economy and perseverance is due his success in life. He has acquired a good farm of eighty acres, which he has placed under a high state of cultivation and improved with every modern convenience. He paid fifty-two dollars and a half per acre for his land and has made it one of the most de- sirable places of its size in Illini township. In 1876 Mr. Baum married Miss Annette Pharis, who is the fifth in order of birth in a family of ten children, her parents being Thomas and Lydia Pharis. She was educated in the district schools of Ohio and Macon county, Illinois, and is a faithful member of the Church of God. JMr. and Mrs. Baum have one daughter, the wife of G. W. Lehn, who is a young farmer of exceptional energy and ability whose farm adjoins that of our sub- ject. In his political affiliations Mr. Baum is a Republican and he has most capably filled the office of school director. Wherever known he is held in high regard and those who know him best are numbered among his warmest friends. THOMAS POWERS. Thomas Powers, deceased, became a resi- dent of Macon county about 1863 and those with whom he was daily associated learned that his characteristics were those of upright honorable manhood and gave him their re- spect and regard. He was born in Waterford, Ireland, on the 21st of March, 1824, his parents, Thomas and Fannie Powers, being also natives of the Emerald Isle, where they spent their entire lives. In their family were four sons and a daughter that started for America, but the daughter died while on the ocean voyage. The eldest son was Father James Powers, who labored in the priesthood near St. Louis, Missouri, and is now deceased. Michael is a merchant of Curran, Illinois. Nicholas died in 1902. Thomas Powers, the fourth son, acquired a good education in the best schools of his native country and then determining to try his for- tune in America he crossed the Atlantic and made his way direct to the village of New Berlin, Sangamon county, Illinois, where he secured a position as ticket agent with what is now the Wabash Railroad Company. He occupied that position for several years, dis- charging his duties in a manner very satisfac- tory to the public and to the corporation which he represented. «02 PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. While there residing Mr. Powers was mar- ried in Springfield, Illinois, to Miss Mary Murphy, also a native of Ireland, born Novem- ber II, 1831. Her parents, Thomas and Bridget (Ryan) Murphy, spent their entire lives in that country. Eight children were born tnito Mr. and Mrs. Powers: William, now deceased; Beatrice, the wife of Thomas Delanev, a resident farmer of Illini township, Macon conntv : I'annie, the deceased wife of William I'.a!!, lier death licing occasioned liy a railroad wreck; James and Thomas, who have passed away; Mary, who was killed in a railroad wreck; Catherine, the wife of An- drew Paine of Missouri; and Anna Henrietta, the widow of Thomas Hayes, who was a clerk in the Waba.sh Railroad office in Decatur. She has one child, Mary Mildred, and they reside with her mother, Mrs. Powers. After his marriage Thomas Powers resided in New Berlin, Illinois, for several years and then came to Macon county, purchasing a tract of land in Maroa township. He made a nmnber of substantial and modern improve- ments upon his place and engaged in farming there with excellent success for about twenty years. On the expiration of that period he sold his farm and removed to Decatur, where he conducted a dray line for a short time. He then went with his family to Springfield. Il- linois, where he lived retired until called to his final rest, his death occurring October 10, 1883. He voted with the Democracy and had firm faith in the party and its principles, but never sought or desired office. His church relationship was with the Catholic church of Decatur and his widow and daughter now be- long to the same organization. Mr. Powers was an honest, upright man. very successful in his business affairs and wherever he lived he won the confidence and trust of his fellow- men. After her husband's death Mrs. Powers resided in Springfield until i8qi, when she re- turned to Decatur, where she has since made her home, owning and (Kcupying a nice resi- dence at No. 545 North Monroe street, where she is now living with her daughter, Mrs. Hayes. She also owns the adjoining property at 543 Monroe street. ROBERT T. WILLIAMS. After many years connection with the agri- cultural interests of Macon county, having lo- cated here in 1864, Robert T. Williams is now living a retired life in Decatur and has justly earned the rest which is now vouchsafed him. He is a native of Kentucky, his birth having occurred in Montgomery county, October 5, 1837, his parents being Colonel John and Car- olina (Morrow) Williams. The Colonel spent almost his entire life in Montgomery county, having removed to Kentucky from N'irginia in his early boyhood days. His wife was like- wise a native of the Old Dominion and in her girlhood days accom])anied her parents to the Blue Grass state, the family home being estab- lished in Montgomery county. Joining the Kentucky militia, the father became a lieuten- ant under William Henry Harrison, and gained considerable distinction in military af- fairs. In the communit}' in which he lived he was known as a progressive, prominent and influential man and was frequently called to positions of trust, having at one time been sheriff of his county. As a means of liveli- hood he followed the occupation of farming. His wife's father, Robert Morrow, lived for many years in Montgomery county, but ere his removal from X'irginia served his coimtry in the Indian war under the command of Gen- eral -Anthony Wayne. He was an honored pioneer settler of Kentucky and aided in re- claiming that state from the dominion of the red men and in utilizing it for the purposes of civilization. The Morrows were originally from the north of Ireland and were of Scotch Presbyterian stock. Robert T. Williams, whose name introduces this record, acquired his early edtication in private .schools near his home and later Ijecame a student in the seminary at Motmt Sterling, JEROME B- DAVIS MRS. AMELIA DAVIS PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 60T Kfiitiicky. In 1859 he took up tlie study of law with the intention of making its practice liis life work and continued to read the text books bearing on that subject until after the inauguration of the Civil war, when he of- fered his services to his country and joined the Fourth Kentucky Infantry. The period of his enlistment covered three years and he was mustered out with the Fourteenth Kentucky Cavalry, having served under the command of General Thomas. As a soldier he was brave and faithful to duty, never faltering in his al- legiance to the cause which he espoused. After being mustered out Mr. Williams sought a home in Illinois, arriving in Macon county in 1864. He located in Mount Zion township, where he purchased a tract of land, which he at once began to improve and culti- vate and as the years passed and his financial resources increased he extended the bound- aries of his farm until it now comprises four hundred acres of choice farming land. Year by year he worked as an active and enterpris- mg agriculturist and annually added to his income until, having become the possessor of a very comfortable competence, he removed to Decatur, wliere since 1892 he has lived a re- tired life. The year following his arrival in IMacon countv Mr. Williams was united in marriage to Aliss Sallie Gill, a davighter of Harrison Gill, of Bath county, Kentucky, and unto them have been bom six children : Margaret, Harry L., Roger, Cordelia, Warren and Sybil. Mr. W^illiams became widely known as a lead- ing and enterprising agriculturist of his community and since establishing his home in Decatur has gained many friends here. His achievements should inspire all young men who read this record with a truer estimate of the value and sure rewards of character. JEROME B. DAVIS. Jerome B. Davis, deceased, was for many years one of the honored and highly es- teemed citizens of Macon countv, his home being in the village of Macon at the time of his death. He was then living retired after many years devoted to farming. He was born in Cohocton, Steuben county, New York, July 7, 1829, his parents being Daniel and Elizabeth (Van Warmer) Davis, the former of Scotch and the latter of Dutch descent. They reared a large family in the Empire state. There our subject grew to manhood and was educated in much the usual manner of boys of his day. On coming west Mr. Davis first located in Kendall county, Illinois, and at Newark he was married October 24, 1850, to Miss Amelia Hollenback, a daughter of George and Sophia (Sidel) Hollenback. Her father was a native of Virginia but when a young man removed to Muskingum county, Ohio, in 1829, and was there married. He subse- quently came west and after residing in Kendall county, Illinois, for a time, he lo- cated permanently on a farm in Macon county, this state, where he made his home until called to his final rest at the age of seventy-two years. His wife was sixty- two at the time of her death. Her father died at the age of eighty years and her mother at the age of seventy. Mrs. Davis' paternal grandfather was eighty-two at the time of his death, and her grandmother reached the advanced age of ninety-seven years. Her ancestors came to America be- fore the Revolutionary war. Mrs. Davis was born in Kendall county, Illinois, on the ist of December, 1831, and is a twin sister of Hon. George Hollenback, a prom- inent citizen of Aurora, Illinois. In the family were twelve children, ten of whom reached manhood and womanhood and six are still living, but Mrs. Davis is the only one of the number living in Macon county. She was only six months old when the Black Hawk war broke out, at which time the family fled to Fort Dearborn (now Chi- cago) for protection, being among the first to reach that place. Her brother, Clark 60S PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. Hollenback, was a soldier of the Civil war and died from the effects of wounds re- ceived in the service. Mrs. Davis was reared and educated in her native county, and is a lady of culture and refinement, well informed, and possessing remarkable intel- lectual powers. Five children were born to ^Ir. and Mrs. Davis, as follows : Sophia is now the wife of Arthur McNichoU and has six children. George H., living near Lake Benton, Min- nesota, is married and has twin children. Daniel H., of Decatur, is married and has two children. Melvin H., a prosperous farmer of Macon township, is married and has one child. Carrie Belle married Clem Smith, of Louisiana, and died in April, 1903, leaving two sons, I'oth of whom are mar- ried. In 1851 Mr. and Mrs. Davis went to New York state, where he was engaged in farm- ing until 1857, when they returned to her native county, settling on the Fox river, near Aurora. He continued to carry on agri- cultural pursuits in Kendall county until the 15th of January, 1865, when they came to Macon county and located on a farm five miles southeast of ]\lacon, having purchased two hundred and forty acres of wild land, which he at once began to cultivate and improve. At that time the country was full of sloughs and ponds and wild game was abundant, and Air. and Mrs. Davis were eye witnesses of almost the entire develop- ment of this state. Tlicir first home here was a little shanty, which was later replaced by a nice comfortable residence; good barns and outbuildings were also erected : and Mr. Davis planted every tree upon the place and ditched and tiled the land, spend- ing about three thousand dollars in improve- ments. He handled considerable stock and continued to engage in general farming until the 1st of January, 1894. when he retired from active labor and removed to the village of Macon, where he purchased a pleasant iiome and improved the place, it being still the home of his widow. For fifty years they traveled life's journey together, shar- ing its joys and sorrows, its adversity and prosperity, but soon after celebrating their golden wedding the husband was called away, dying on the 26th of November, 1900. The funeral services were held in the Meth- odist church and after the sermon, which was preached by Rev. Willard, he was laid to rest with Masonic honors, having long been a member of that fraternity. In August, 1868, Mr. Davis united \vith the Methodist Episcopal church and was ever afterward a devout and earnest Christian, taking an active part in church work. He voted with the Republican party and held the offices of school director and road mas- ter in his township. Honest and reliable in business, he met with well desdrved suc- cess and was able to leave his widow in com- fortable circumstances. The old home- stead is now rented and Melvin H. Davis now manages his mother's business affairs. Since the death 01 her husband and daughter she has failed somewhat in health owing to the shock caused by these sad events. She is a most estimable lady and is highly re- spected by all who know her. her lovely character having won her the friendship of all with whom she has been brought in con- tact. JOHN W. WALKER. For many years this gentleman has been a resident of Macon county and his name is in- separably connected with the agricultural and commercial interests of this region. He has a wide reputation as a most capable business man and his life demonstrates what can be ac- complished through energy, careful manage- ment, keen foresight and the utilization of the powers with which nature has endowed one and the opportunities with which the times surround him. PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 609 A native of Illinois, Mr. Walker was born in Madison county, this state, on the 29th of October, 1838, and is a son of Edmond B. and Rebecca (Chance) Walker. The father's birth occurred in North Carolina in 1809, and he was seventeen years of age when he came to Illinois with his parents and located near r.elleville in St. Clair county, becoming early settlers of that portion of the state. There he carried on farming and stock-raising quite successfully for several years and became the owner of about two hundred acres of valuable land. He died in December, 1847, •" ^^e faith of the Baptist church, of which he was a life- long member, and to which his wife also be- longed. They were married at the home of the bride on Rich Prairie, north of Belleville, and became the parents of nine children, of whom four are still living, namely : Joel T., who is at the head of the firm of Walker & Snell, and has charge of the ele- vator at Moweaqua ; John ^^^, of this sketch ; Elijah, who is a prominent business anan of Assumption, Illinois, where he runs an ele- vator and also conducts an implement store ; and Edmond B., an extensive farmer residing near Blue Mound in Blue Mound township, this county. The mother of these children was born in 18 12 and came to Macon county with her two youngest sons in 1863, making her home with her children until her death, which occurred in February, 1892. Her father. Rev. Joseph Chance, was a native of Kentucky and a minister of the Baptist church. He married i\Iiss Sarah Linton, who was born in Virginia and died in December, 1864. He was born in 1778 and died in 1840. During his boyhood and )Outh John W. Walker received a good common school edu- cation in St. Clair county and for three months attended a school in Marion county, taught by his cousin, Jacob O. Chance, afterward clerk of the appellate court and still later of the supreme court of the United States. At the age. of twenty-three years our subject entered the Union army, enlisted at Summerfield, Il- linois, on the 1 2th of August, 1862, as a mem- ber of Company C, One Hundred and Seven- teenth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, with which he served for three years, being discharged at Camp Butler on the 6th of August, 1865, at the close of the war. He participated in thirty-three battles and skirmishes, including the engagements at Pleasant Hill, April 9, 1864; Marksville Prairie, Nashville, Fort Derusia, Fort Blakely and Spanish Fort. He was always found at his post of duty, valiantly defending the old flag and the cause it repre- sented, and he never missed a battle or march in which his regiment took part during the entire three years he was at the front. While Air. Walker was in the army his mother and two brothers had come to Macon countv and purchased a half of what is now known as the Brennaman farm in South Ma- con township, consisting of one hundred and sixty acres, and on leaving the service he also located here, buying ninety-two and a half acres of prairie land in the same township, which he broke, tiled and fenced and im- proved by the erection of a good house and barn. Having secured a home of his own, Mr. Walker was married in February, 1868, to Miss Martha \'. Oglesby, a daughter of Wil- liam B. and Edith (Moore) Oglesby, and six cnildren were born of that union, but only three are now living, namely : Edith R., wife 01 Frank Meyer, a farmer of Laurens, Iowa; George W., who is manager for H. I. Baldwin, a grain broker of Decatur; and Mary E., wife of Orin L. Wright, a farmer of South Alacon township. The mother of these chil- dren died at Pleasant Valley farm near Walker Station, June 6, 1883, and Mr. Walker was again married September 9, 1884, his second union being with Miss Mary E. Kautz, a daughter of Frederick and Mary Kautz, who were from Brown count)-, Ohio. Twins were born to our subject and his second wife but (510 PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. the daughter ched in infancy. The son, Tom P., assists his father in business and resides at lionie. IMr. Walker continued to reside upon his first farm from March, iS68, until 1877, when he traded the place for a farm of two hundred and ninety-two and a half acres adjoining Walker Station, to which he gave the name of Pleasant \'alley stock farm. He became quite extensively engaged in the buying and shi])])ing of cattle and hogs and in 18S0 in- duced the Illinois Central Railroad to put in a switch and sidetrack and got up the petition to huilil a station here, to which was given ilu' name of Walker in his lionor. He iIumi began to deal in grain as well as stock and in 1882 built the first elevator here. He shipped his first carload nf cattle in April, 1875, and continued in business alone until 1885. when he formed a partnership with his brother, Klijaii Walker, K. T. .\llison and W. P.. Xeubegin,. under the firm name of Walker r.rothers & Company, and purchased" the south elevator at .Macon, which they ran in connection with the one at Walker. Later our subject retired from the firm and for one year managed the business at Walker. He and his brother then purchased Mr. .Allison's interest in the business, which they carried on under the style of Walker P.rothers until 1888, when our subject became sole proprietor and dis- posed of the .south elevator at Macon. He carried on the business alone at Walker until bis elevator was destroyed by fire in Decem- ber. 1894, but in the meantime he had pur- chased an interest in the north elevator at Macon in partnership with J. I'. X'ongundaw Tn the spring of 1895, in partnership with Frank Snel). .Mr. Walker erected a new ele- vator at Walker, which they sold in 1896 to Ills older son. (ieorge Walker, who is now manager for H. I. lialdwin. 15esides the ele- vator at Walker the firm of Walker & Snell own one at Mowea(|ua and another at Rad- ford, our subject being manager of the one at Walker. He has a nice home at that place. surrounded by beautiful grounds consisting" of two and a half acres. Since casting his first presidential vote for .Vbraham Lincoln in i860, Mr. Walker has affiliated with the Rei)ublican party. His father was a Whig in politics. For several years he served as school director but has always refused to hold other official position, preferring to devote his undivided attention to his extensive business interests. He and his brother are charter members of the blue lodge, Xo. 467, F. & A. M., of Macon, which they joined thirty-eight years ago, and he also be- longs to the Grand .Army Post at that place. Religiously he and his wife hold membership in the Methodist Episcopal church and give liberally to Ixith church and school work. Mr. Walker has made for himself an honorable record in business, and b\' his well directed efforts has acquired a handsome competence. .\s a citizen, friend and neighbor he is true to ever\- duty and justly merits the esteem in which he is held. NIRC.M ARlioTT. In the year 187 1 Xirum .Vbbott became a resident of Decatur. He was a carriage- maker anrl wood-worker by trade and be- cause of his jiroficienc}- in the line of his chosen vocation was a valued addition to the industrial circles of the city. A native of Connecticut, he was born February 14, 1837, and was a son of Xirum and l-'liza- beth .Vbbott, who were also born in the east. The mother died during the early cbildluiod of her son Xirum. The father af-terward removed to the west, making his way to Michigan, where he worked at the blacksmith's trade for a short time. He then became a resident of northern Illinois, where he followed the same pursuit and finall\- iie removed to Minnesota, where he engaged in farming until his death. Xirum .Abbott, whose name introduces this record, acquired a common school edu- JOHN BARRON PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. *) 1 ?. cation and then began preparing for a bus- iness career by learning the trade of wagon and carriage making. He soon mastered the business, becoming an excellent work- man, and later he owned a shop in Chaskey, Minnesota, where he carried on operations for several years. He continued to follow his chosen pursuit in that state until 1871, when he came to Decatur. Here he was em- ployed in the agricultural works for some time, but afterward resumed work at his trade, which he followed continuously up to the time of his demise. Mr. Abbott was married in Rockford, Illi-- nois, the lady of his choice being Miss Louisa M. Cooling, a native of England, and a daughter of John and Ann Cooling. They came to America in an early day and settled in Ogle county, Illinois, where the father engaged in farming and where both he and his wife eventually passed away. Mr. and Mrs. Abbott became the parents of seven children, of whom three are now living, as follows : Hattie, the wife of Will- iam Braucher, of Danville, Illinois; Charles J., who married Lulu Curry and is a painter in Decatur ; and M3'rtle, who is residing at home with her mother. In early life Air. Abbott voted with the Republican party, but later held himself free from all partyties and cast his ballot for the candidates whom he regarded as best qualified for office'. He was a hard working man and became skilled in his chosen pur- suit, so that he was always enabled to com- mand good wages at his trade and thus he left his family in very comfortable circum- stances. His wife owns the property at No. 1048 North Monroe street, where she and her daughter reside. JOHN BARRON. In a history of those who were once ac- tive in the business life of Decatur mention should be made of John Barron, now de- ceased, who was a real estate and loan agent here. His business grew to extensive and important proportions and he was wide- ly and favorably known as a representative of the trade relations of the city. He claimed Vermont as the state of his nativity, his birth having there occurred in the city of Burlington, March 21, i860. His parents were Patrick and Julia Barron, both of whom were natives of Vermont and they always made their home near Burlington, where the father followed the occupation of farming. There both the father and mother passed away. One of their sons, however, is still a resident of Vermont, being now a priest of the Catholic church in Bennington. A sister, Mrs. John Fitzgerald, resides in Troy, New York. John Barron attended the public schools of his native county to some e.xtent, but his educational privileges were limited. At the age of ten years he left home and went to Lancaster, Ohio, where he began work as an apprentice to the blacksmith's trade, be- ing thus employed for three years. From that time until his death he was dependent entirely upon his own efforts and deserved great credit for what he accomplished and at the age of thirteen years he came to Ma- con county, Illinois, and settled in the vil- lage of Warrensburg, where he began work at his trade. Later he engaged in black- smithing on his own account and secured a good patronage because of his e.xcellent workmanship, his honorable business methods and his earnest desire to please his customers. While living in Warrensburg he likewise filled the office of postmaster for three years and was recognized as a leading and influential citizen there. In 1897 he removed to the city of Decatur and be- came identified with its business aflfiirs as a real estate and loan agent, his ofifice be- ing located at No. 123 East Main street in connection with James O'Mara, an attorney. He handled much valuable property and 614 PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. negotiated many important realty transfers ; also placed many loans and as a representa- tive of this line of business had a large clientage. On January i, 1900, Mr. Barron was mar- ried in Decatur to Miss Mollie Holland, a native of this city and a daughter of John M. and Margaret (White) Holland, both of whom were natives of Ireland, whence they came to America at an early day, mak- ing their way at once to Decatur. Thej^ were among the early settlers here and Mr. Holland worked as a common laborer m Decatur until 1901, when he removed to Pueblo, Colorado, and retired from business life. Both he and his wife still reside in this city. Two children were born unto .Mr. and Mrs. Barron: Willie Andrew, born June 22, 1 901 ; and Julia, born January i, 1903. The business career of Mr. Barron was one which gained him deep and sincere ad- miration from all who were familiar with his honorable record. Starting out in life for himself at the tender age of ten years, mastering his trade and then following it for a long period, he made his course such a one as was worthy of the highest respect. In public affairs he was prominent and while in Warrensburg he held the office of constable and collector for several years. He was also postmaster at that place for three 3'ears and was assistant supervisor of Decatur for some time. He exercised his right of franchise in support of the Repub- lican party and always kept well informed on the issues of the day, thus being able to give intelligent support to the principles which he advocated. He was a charter mem- ber of Decatur Council, No. 577, Knights of Columbus, and both he and his wife were members of St. Patrick's Catholic church of this city. In manner he was genial and cor- dial and he gained many friends. He passed away December 28, 1902, and that he was a popular and highly esteemed citizen was shown ])v the fact that his was one of the largest funerals ever held in the city, hun- dreds gathering to pay their last tribute of respect to one whom they had known and honored. Mrs. Barron owns a nice new residence at No. 940 North Edward street, in which she is now living, and she also has other valuable property interests in De- catur. LFA'AXT B. C. LEFFINGVVELL. Levant B. C. Leffingwell is now engaged in dealing in oil in Decatur. There are many points in his business career which show him to be an honorable, upright man and while he has encountered difficulties and hardships he has always maintained a reputation which proves the truth of the old adage that a good name is rather to be chosen than great riches. He is to-day, however, meeting with a fair degree of suc- cess and year by year his prosperity is in- creasing. Mr. Leffingwell was born in \\'heeler township, Steuben county, New York, Jan- uary 16, 1830, a son of Jonathan and Han- nah (.\very) Leffingwell, of New York. The paternal grandfather also bore the name of Jonathan Leffingwell and was a native of Massachusetts. The maternal grandfather was Temperance .\very, and he, too, was born in New England. Jonathan Leffing- well, Jr., died when but fifty years of age, his son Levant being then a youth of eleven }ears. He had always followed farming and iijiun the old homestead reared his family of eight children, of whom four are now living, namely : Artemas, Levant, Kulh Cordelia and Hannah Jane. Those de- ceased are Amanda, Jonathan Axcry, Lem- uel and Leander. Levant B. C. Leffingwell, who was the fifth in order of birth, accompanied his pa- rents on their removal from the Empire state Id Indiana during his early boyhood and there he was reared. I lis advantages PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 615 ior securing an education in early life were limited, however, for he was able to attend school only during three months of the win- ter season. He managed to acquire a knowledge sufficient, however, to enable him to teach school and he entered upon that profession when twenty years of age, following it for five winters in the country district. During three winter seasons he was a teacher in Macon county. He ar- rived here in 1856 and engaged in farming in connection with his educational work. In 1861, however, he returned to Indiana, where he spent four years. In 1865 he came once more to Decatur, where he established a grocery store, conducting this with a fair measure of success until 1873. He then be- came a factor in business circles of Indian- apolis, Indiana, engaging in the wholesale paper trade. The following, year he came once more to Decatur and again opened a grocery store, but about this time he met with financial reverses, and thinking to re- cover his losses he removed to Kansas in December, 1877, and homesteaded a claim. There he began life anew, but drought and failure of crops again brought gloom and disappointment. However, he did not to- tally lose his courage, but with a brave heart started again. Returning to Decatur in July, 1880, he engaged in the restaurant business, putting forth every effort to make the enterprise a profitable one with the firm determination that he would pay off all of his creditors. This honorable course he continued in and in four years he had paid off' dollar for dollar. His business industry has since won him a fair measure of success. In 1884 he removed to Florida, where he spent one year, and then, returning to De- catur, he again engaged in the grocer)^ trade. In 1887 he began dealing in oil, which business he sold in 1893, removing then to California on account of the health ■of his daughter, Maude. She was not ben- efited as they had hoped, but died in Indi- ana in 1895, and Mr. Leffingwell then re- turned to Decatur, where he became an oil dealer, and his attention is still devoted to that pursuit. On the 24th of August, 1854, Mr. Lefifing- well was united in marriage to Esther Ann Sutton, who was killed by a run-away team on the i8th of April, 1888. She left two children: Maude, now deceased; and San- ford, who is living in California. On the i8th of August, 1901, Mr. Leffingwell was again married, his second union being with Amanda Seilegg, of Decatur. Mr.' Leffing- well and his wife have many friends in this city. A man of strong individuality and indubitable probity, he has attained a fair measure of success in the affairs of life, al- though he has encountered hardships and difficulties in his career. He is a man of genial and social nature and one who is honored and respected by all those who know him. FRANCIS STEWART. Francis Stewart was for many years iden- tified with farming interests in central Illi- nois, and his activity in business and his trustworthiness in all trade transactions made him a valued representative of agricul- tural life here. A native of the Emerald Isle, his birth occurred in County Down, March 24, 1837, and he was the youngest of the seven children of James and Dorothea (Brown) Stewart, who were also born in CountyDown,but were of Scotch descent. The father was a miller by trade and owned a mil! in his native country, where he and his wife spent their entire lives, the father pass- ing away in middle life and the mother at an advanced age. In the family are two sis- ters who are yet alive in Ireland — Mrs. Isabella Brown, a widow, in Belfast; and Martha Stewart, who is living in Killaleigh, County Down. Francis Stewart is the onlv member of 616 PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. the family that came to America. He was eighteen years of age when he left home and went to Glasgow, Scotland, where he worked in a foundry for two years, after which he came to America in 1857, at- tracted by the business opportunities of the new world. He settled in Livingston county, New York, fifty miles east of Buf- falo, where he worked as a farm hand for three years, or until i860, when he came to Illinois and purchased forty acres of land in Christian count)^ to which he afterward added two hundred acres, thus making a valuable farm of two hundred and forty acres, which he owned up to the time of his death. In his farm work he was prac- tical, enterprising and resolute, and his labors made his fields very productive and his work profitable. He had had but lim- ited educational privileges in his native land but by experience and obeservation he added greatly to his knowledge and be- came a well informed man. On the 26th of October, 1861, Air. Stew- art was married to Miss Isabella Irvin, at Mount ;\uburn, Christian county. She was a daughter of James and Margaret (Corri- gill) Irvin, natives of Scotland, born on the island of Pomona — "the goddess of flowers." Airs. Stewart was born there and well remembers the beautiful island. Her father was a farmer there. She had an uncle who was pressed into military service to assist the allied armies fighting against Napoleon and as he was never heard from again it is supjjoscd that he was killed at the battle of Waterloo. Mrs. Stewart also remembers when church differences caused many of the Presbyterians to withdraw from their church inulcr the name of Dis- senters. Unto Air. and Airs. Stewart were born six children : James married Agnes Carr, a native of Canada, and they had two chil- dren, but both are now deceased. Dorothea and Alaggie were twins and the latter died in infancy, while the former died July 30, 1895, at the age of twenty years. Belle is the wife of William Black, living north of Blue Alouhd. William married Nellie Armstrong, of Blue Mound, and they have one child, Golda B., born July l, 1897. Charles, who is now superintendent of the schools of Elwood, Illinois, wus a member of Battery D, Sixth United States Artillery, in the Philippines and returned home with health greatly impaired. Mr. Stewart was a volunteer of the One Hundred and Fifty-second Illinois Infantry, and served until the end of the Civil war, proving a valiant defender of the Union cause. In times of peace he was equally loyal to the nation and ever had a deep and sincere love for the stars and stripes. His political support was given the Republican party and he held the office of school di- rector. A Royal Arch Alason, he first held membership in Grove City Lodge, F. & .\. .M., and on his removal to Blue Alound he joined IBlue Alound Lodge, No. 682, of which he was an exemplary representative up to the time of his death. His church relationship was with the Presbyterian de- nomination, while his wife is a consistent member of the Alethodist church. He lived true to the principles in which he believed and at his death, which occurred in Blue Alound, July 14, 1900, his remains being interred in Waltz cemetery, his loss was deeply felt by many friends. He came to this county a young man with very limited capital and in an honorable business career he steadily worked his way upward so that he left to his family a comfortable com- j)etence as well as an untarnished name. ANDREW J. THOAIPSON. P'or many years a resident of Alacon county, Andrew J. Thompson was well known because of his activity in business life and his devotion to manly principles. PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 617 He followed farming during the early years of his residence here, but afterward became connected with industrial and commercial interests of the city of Decatur, and his last years were spent in an honorable and well •earned retirement from labor. Mr. Thompson was a native of the Em- pire state, his birth having occurred near Rochester, New York, on the 4th of June, 1834. His parents were James C. and Me- hitable (Gould) Thompson, also natives of New York, where they remained until their removal to the west at an early epoch in the settlement and development of Illinois. They took up their abode in McHenry county, this state, and upon the farm which the father cultivated and improved there they spent their remaining days. Andrew J. Thompson was but a boy at the time of the removal of the family to the west, and his education, which was begun in the public schools of New York, was continued in the schools of McHenry county and in a college in Chicago, in which he was graduated. Through the periods of va- cation and after completing his college course, he assisted his father in the opera- tion of the home farm, and while there he also learned the carpenter's trade. He re- mained in McHenry county until 1859, when, with his brother, George W. Thomp- son, he came to Macon county. The latter engaged in farming near Warrensburg until his death, which occurred in 1899. Andrew J. Thompson settled upon a farm in Hickory Point township and was there united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth A. Allen, who became a most faithful and valued companion on the journey of life. She was a native of Tennessee and a daugh- ter of James x\llen, who was born in South Carolina but spent the greater part of his life in Tennessee, devoting his energies to farming until his death, which occurred during the early childhood of our subject. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Thompson were born four children, but the first one died un- named. Allen J., the son, married Dora Green, and now resides in St. Louis, where he is engaged in the restaurant business. Mina is now the wife of J. L. Hedrick, who is employed as a finisher in the Pullman car shops in Chicago. Eva, the youngest, died at the age of eleven years. After his marriage Mr. Thompson en- gaged in farming in Hickory Point town- ship, where he remained for siS: years, and on the expiration of that period he sold his land and removed to Decatur, where he turned his attention to the grain bus- iness, which he followed for three years. He then began carpentering, which he fol- lowed for many years, being engaged on the construction of some of the best buildings in the city. He also traveled for the Tait Manufacturing Company, manufacturers of agricultural implements. He traveled for this firm and also other manufacturers of Decatur, working at his trade with them all the time in their factories located at dif- ferent places. He was thus connected with carpentering until a few years prior to his death, when he put aside active business cares and labors and enjoyed a well earned rest at his pleasant home in Decatur until called to his final rest. On the 13th of July, 1903, he had a stroke of paralysis and passed away the following day. l\Ir. Thompson always took an active in- terest in politics and voted with the Re- publican party. He was a member of the Masonic fraternity of Decatur and also the Knights of Pythias lodge, while his wife is a member of the Christian church. She is an estimable lady whose excellent traits of heart and mind have gained her many friends. Mr. Thompson was particularly well known in Decatur and Macon county, where he made his home for forty-four .years. He made it his aim to utilize his time to the best advantage, to so direct his labors as to bring the best results possible. 618 PASt AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. and he accoiiiplishcd much ihrough an ac- tive and rehable business career that won him the confidence and good will of all with whom he was associated. WILLIAM II. BRAMBLE. Indelibly engraved on the pages of his- tory in Illinois is the name of William H. Bramble. Within the last half century- America has demonstrated her right to the leadership of the world in the realm of in- vention. She, at first, by the brilliancy of her achievements won the attention of the old countries, then commanded a respect which rapidly developed into a wondering admiration. Though she cannot cope with the old masters in the fine arts, Europe has acknowledged her pre-eminence in science and useful invention. She has given to the world unexcelled labor-saving and cost- reducing machinery, and Mr. Bramble has contributed to this reputation of the United States through his efforts along the lines of invention. It was said by an eminent Chi- cago divine that "There is nothing extem- poraneous ; everything results from some previous condition or labor." This truth is especially manifested in the life of the in- ventor. Lie may perfect in a few weeks or perhaps days an invention of good worth, but it is the outgrowth of years of thought, study and experiment. Mr. Bramble is now widely known as a pioneer of Macon county, as a prominent architect and contractor, and because of his inventive power is known as the "Western Genius." Lie was born in Piketon, Pike county, Ohio, .September 19, 1821. being the youngest of three children, the others being James, who died in earh- childhood ; and Rebecca, who became the wife of Dr. Ly- man, of (^hicago. The father. Henry Bram- ble, was born and reared in Maryland, and there learned the stone-cutter's trade. When a young man he removed to Pike county, Ohio, where he worked at his trade for a time and then devoted a number of years to the conduct of a hotel in Chillicothe, Ohio. Subsequently he removed to Delphi, Indiana, and for some time he engaged in merchandising. Llis next venture was in farming and in connection with his son-in- law he purchased a large tract of land near Lafayette, Indiana, but after several years he sold his interest in this property and purchased land elsewhere, making his home on the latter tract until after his son was married. He then went to live with his son-in-law. Dr. Lyman, in whose home he passed away, at the age of forty-si.x years. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Sarah Turner, was a native of Ohio, and died in Chillicothe, that state, when her son William was a young lad. William Bramble spent his earl)' life in his father's hotel and store. He attended school until about sixteen years of age and then went upon his father's farm, but he ])osscssed natural inventive genius and his gift in this direction was shown in early boyhood. While working in the fields he would think of some improvement that might be made in farm implements and would immediately set to work to embody his idea in material form, perchance to the detriment of the field he was weeding. When but fifteen years old he invented a corn planter and about the time he attained his majority when lying in bed one night he suddenly conceived the idea of making a grain scale that would receive, weigh and discharge the grain and add up the amount. This idea took complete possession of him, but it required eleven years for him to bring his ideas and the scale to perfection. In order to carry out his experiments he sold his farm and erected a hotel near Lafayette, Indiana, building a little workshop nearby. There he spent many hours every daytrying to perfect the grain scale. His mind was PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 619 completely absorbed in the project and the monej- he received from the sale of his farm was soon spent. People of the neigh- l)orhood almost believed that he had lost his reason, so completely did he devote him- self to his invention, but after eleven years of hard and self-denying labor his work was completed. Going to Washington he received a patent and on his return he be- gan the sale of the automatic grain scale. One of his sales amounted to eighty thou- sand dollars. The success of the invention was astonishing after a brief period. A machine was placed on exhibition at Lafay- ette which received and measured the grain, gave tlie number of bushels and calculated the amount which it might bring at the current price. From the receipts of his sales \lv. Bramble erected a large hotel in Lafayette, Indiana, which still bears his name. There were, however, some difficulties to be overcome and hardships to be endured before he reaped the full reward of his labors. He sold his patent from a model, but when the purchaser came to put it in use it was worthless, so his property was returned and he handed back the money. He then borrowed money to improve this machine and after six months he went to Cincinnati, where he remodeled and per- fected his invention. While there he re- ceived a gold medal upon it, also one in Baltimore and a third at the World's Fair in New York. The scale being completed, Mr. Bramble admitted a partner to the bus- iness and opened an office in Cincinnati, where he began the sale of his machine. He sold it to the extent of about ten thous- sand dollars, but through the rascality of his partner he lost all that he had made, retaining only about twenty-five hundred acres of wild land near Council Bluffs, Iowa. The machine he exhibited in every state of the Union and received premiums at hundreds of places, including the Ohio state fair in 1855 and the New York state fair in the same year. He also won a gold medal at Baltimore and at the New York American Institute. He won a special gold medal, a silver medal and the first diploma at the fourteenth annual, exhibition of the Ohio Alechanics Institute and also gained another special medal, and all of these he now has in his possession. In the spring of 1857 Mr. Bramble took his family and household goods to Iowa, proceeding by boat from St. Louis to his possessions near Council Bluffs. He found the country, however, wild and unsettled, being inhabited much more largely by Indi- ans than white men, and not caring to make that district a place of residence he re- turned to St. Louis with the intention of making his way to Springfield, Ohio. Com- ing, however, to Decatur he decided to locate in this city, feeling that it had a promising future before it. He first pur- chased an acre of land of the late Orlando Powers, and thereon built a brick house, which he afterward sold for eight thousand dollars. He then purchased six and a half acres of land, upon which he has since built twenty dwellings, some of which he has sold at different times. He now owns a dozen or more residences in Decatur, all in two blocks. He has likewise done con- siderable contracting and building in this city following the erection of his first brick house. His inventive genius, however, has largely been the controlling influence of his life. Not content to engage in the usual routine of business affairs his genius at one time found expression in an improved bedstead known as Bramble's Spring Rockaway bed. This proved successful and met with an ex- tensive sale, and many of the beds are still used. One of his most important inven- tions, however, is the Yale Postoffice Lock Box, which is now in hundreds of towns throughout America and Europe. He re- 620 PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. ceives a royalty on every box sold and this affords him a princely income. lie secured a patent on this box in 1865 and showed the invention to the postmaster of Boston and he agreed to adopt the box. Trouble con- cerning the invention followed, for the Yale Manufacturing Company of Stamford, Con- necticut, adopted his ideas and began man- ufacturing the box without regard for Mr. Bramble's patent. A long contest followed, but at length the United States courts de- cided that Mr. Bramble should receive a royalty on every postoffice box manufac- tured, lie has also invented a padlock that brings him a large income and he is the in- ventor of twenty-seven different styles of locks. A manufactory was established in Terre Haute, Indiana, called the Bramble Lock Company, of which he was superin- tendent, and from its manufactures he was to receive a royalty, but this company went out of existence after several months. Mr. Bramble received twelve medals on his in- ventions and his genius places him among the most prominent inventors of the coun- try. In politics Mr. Bramble is a Republican and has been deeply and actively interested in local politics in Decatur. He has served as alderman of his ward for forty-five years and for a long time he was the only man the Republicans re-elected. He has high standing with the laboring classes and he has been an extensive employer of labor. All who have worked under him recognize his fairness, his justice and his regard for those who serve him. He has taken con- tracts for railroad work and graded the line between Decatur and Monticello, fin- ishing the road in ninety days. Besides this he has done much grading of residence lawns and a few years ago he platted an addition to Decatur, covering four acres. Mr. Bramble was united in marriage to Anna Slaback, a daughter of Levi Slaback, of Tip]iecanoe county. Indiana. She died in December, 1900, at the age of seventy- nine years. Three children were born unto them: Estella B., who is the widow of Alexander Jenison ; Edward Gordon ; and Oneis. A friend of all educational, social and moral interests Mr. Bramble has long been recognized as a progressive and pub- lic-spirited citizen of Decatur, and, though not a member of any religious denomina- tion, he was for a number of years a trus- tee of the Baptist church and his support, co-operation and helpfulness have never been withheld from any worthy object. He has none of the eccentricities generally at- tributed to inventors, and when not in his workshop, engaged with his experiments, he has always been found as a man genial and affable, a gentleman whose pleasing manner has won him hosts of friends, while his achievements along the line of inven- tion command the admiration and respect of the world. He has now passed the eighty-second mile-stone on life's journey and is to-day enjoying the fruits of his toil and the honor and fame which he has so justly won. SAMUEL WEAVER. A resident of Macon county for more than half a cenutry, Samuel Weaver is one of the best known stockmen in Illinois, and his efforts in this direction have aided in gaining for the state its reputation as a stock-growing center of America. He owns altogether twenty-two hundred and fifty acres of land in this county, his home farm comprising seven hundred acres, and all is under cultivation. He resides on section 22, Hickory Point township, and while num- bered among the most successful agricul- turists of this part of the state all recognize the fact that he well deserves his prosperity for it has come to him as the direct result of his own labors. Since seventeen years of age he has been dependent upon his own JOHN G. KELLBR PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 623 resources for a living and his advancement has been along legitimate business lines. Mr. Weaver was born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, in October, 1824, a son of Conrad Weaver, a native of the Key- stone state, and of German lineage. Throughout his entire life the father fol- lowed farming and his labors were termin- ated in death in the year 1841. His widow, who bore the maiden name of Rebecca Senseman, survived him until 1862. They were the parents of ten children, of whom our subject was the fourth in order of birth. Samuel Weaver remained at home until after his father's death, when he started out to make his own way in the world, learning the blacksmith's trade in Carlisle, Pennsyl- vania, where he served an apprenticeship of two years, receiving nothing but his board and clothing during that time. He then returned to the farm and operated his mother's homestead farm for six years. In 1850 he started by team for Illinois, lo- cating in Macon county. In 1850, in Penn- sylvania, he had married Miss Sarah Sailer, and their life in the west was begun upon a farm of one hundred and twenty acres, which Mr. Weaver purchased on section 16, Hickory Point township. It was raw prairie and he turned the first furrows there and planted the first seed upon the virgin soil. For fourteen years he continued to develop, cultivate and improve that place and then removed to his present home on section 22, Hickory Point town- ship, where he has seven hundred acres of valuable land. As his financial resources have increased he has added to his property from time to time until now his landed pos- sessions in Macon county aggregate twenty- two hundred and fifty acres. All of his land is under cultivation and in addition to the production of the cereals best adapted to the soil and climate he is extensively en- gaged in the raising and breeding of stock. He has about one hundred head of cattle upon his place and also good grades of horses. His business in this line has been carried on so extensively and successfully that he has won the reputation of being one of the most prominent stock-raisers of Illinois. He is an excellent judge of cattle, horses and hogs, which has enabled him to purchase judiciously and to make advan- tageous sales. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Weaver have been born five children : Alfred, the eldest, re- sides upon the home farm ; Charles, who married Miss Shirley, is a farmer and lives upon the tract of land on which his pa- rents settled more than a half century ago; Nancy is the wife of John Keister, of Ma- roa, Illinois, a well known farmer of this county ; Catherine is the widow of Jacob Lehman, and • resides in Hickory Point township ; and Susan is the wife of Asa Grossman. Mr. Weaver has served as commissioner of highway, but has never sought or desired public office, his time and attention being fully taken up by his business affairs, which are extensive, important and valuable. His life record should serve to inspire and en- courage others who have to start out for themselves empty-handed, for it has been along legitimate business lines that he has won his splendid prosperity, so that he is now ranked with the most substantial citi- zens of Macon county, and is held in the highest honor and esteem. JOHN G. KELLER. John G. Keller was born near Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, in 1853, and at the age of four was brought to central Illinois, where he has since resided. He is the oldest of a family of eight children, all of whom are living. His father, Jacob S. Keller, born near Middletown, Pennsylvania, in 1828, of German descent, was married to Elizabeth B. Garver in 1850. t>u PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. This union was severed by the father's death, wliich occurred October 21, 1903, making fif- ty-three years of married Hfe, during tifty^ years of which death never visited the imme- diate family. Tlie father was one of the early pioneers of central Illinois ; sacrificing his eastern home he devoted himself to the devel- ' opment of the western wilds into wa\ing fields of golden grain. Our subject's boyhood days were .spent on the farm, following the plow in the summer, and attending the neighboring school in the fall and winter. After availing himself of the privileges afforded by the country schools, he attended Westfield College, from which he holds a certificate of graduation. The greater part of his life, thus far, has been devoted to educational work, ranging from country school to city and cuunty super- intendencies. In 1894 he was elected county superintendent of the Macon county schools ; in 1898 he was re-elected to the same position, which he held until the expiration of the term December 1, 1902, making eight successive years of inihlic service. He has taken an active part in politics as well as in education, serving seven years as chairman of his home township, and two years as chairman of the county central committee. In August, 1890, at Argenta, Illinois, I\Ir. Keller was united in marriage to Mollie B. Wikoif, who is a descendant of the Burns fam- ily, of which Robert Burns was a member, and has for the last nine years been a resident of Decatur, Illinois. Mr. Keller is a member of the following lodges : Macon Lodge. No. 8, A. F. & A. M. ; lodge No. Ill of the Order of Eastern Star of Decatur: lodge of Modern Woodmen of Argenta ; and of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, Decatur Lodge, No. 401. JAMES E. BROWN. James E. Brown is one of Macon county's native sons and a representative of an old and honored family of this section of the state. whose identification with the history of this country dates from an early period in its de- velopment. He was born in Jllini township on the 2 1 St of November, 1868, and is a son of Amos and Abbie A. (Brown) Brown, natives of New Hampshire and Massachusetts, re- spectively. The father was born in Kensing- ton, March 9, 1843, his parents being Stephen and Dollie (Batchelder) Brown. The latter's father, David Batchelder, was a deacon in the Congregational church at Hampton l-'alls, New Hampshire, having succeeded his father and grandfather in that office. Our subject's paternal grandfather, Stephen Brown, was a very prominent and influential man in his com- munity and was called upon to represent his town in the state legislature. He was born February 4, 181 7, and died July 7, 1900. In his family were ten children, of whom Amos is the second in order of birth. The latter is the father of six children, four sons and two daughters, namely : James E., whose name in- troduces this sketch ; John A., who married Mabel C. Ingham and is living in lllini town- ship ; Alice M. and May Helen, both at home with their parents ; Arthur, who was born .September 14, 1884. and died in the following November ; and a son, who was born (Jctober 28, 18S5, and died the same day. James E. Brown secured his early educa- tion ill the district schools of lllini township- and later took a general course at the normal scIkwI at Valparaiso, Indiana, in 1889 and 1890. He began earning his own livelihood by working on a farm at eighteen dollars per month and has since devoted his time and energies to agricultural pursuits with good results. He commenced farming for himself in 1891 upon the Taylor farm on section 30, lllini township, where he remained two years^ removing to his present farm on the same sec- tion in the fall of 1893. He is now the owner of one hundred and sixty acres of land which he has placed under a high state of cultivatiori and well imjiroved, making it one of the model PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. Q-J5 farms of the locality. He feeds about two car- loads of cattle for market each year and a half a carload of hogs, and he also owns and operates a threshing machine and corn-sheller. He is a very industrious, energetic man and the success that he has achieved is certainly well merited. On the 1 2th of January, 1892, was cele- brated the marriage of Mr. Brown and Miss Katharine M. Batchelder, a daughter of Sam- uel E. and Sarah M. (Clark) Batchelder. Her paternal grandfather was Nathaniel Batch- elder, a son of Elisha Batchelder and grand- son of David Batchelder, who was born Janu- ary 13, 1736. Her father, Samuel E. Batch- elder, was born in Pittsfield, New Hampshire, February 24, 1828, and died in lUini township, this county, July 3, 1893, his remains being interred in the Illini cemetery. He inherited the old homestead in New Hampshire, which he sold and removed here about i860, becom- ing one of the leading men of the community. He was a deacon in the Illini Congregational church, which was organized in 1868 and is one of the few churches of that denomination in Illinois that has never received any aid in building the house of worship and in suport- ing its ministers. Mrs. Brown is the youngest in a family of four children, the others being Augusta, wife of William T. Eaton ; Abby Whitehouse, who was born June 8, 1858, and died October 22, 1893; ^"^1 John Clark, who married Susan L. Harper. Our subject and his wife have an interesting family of six children, whose names and dates of birth are as follows : Avis Marilla, April 24, 1893 ; Mildred, August 27, 1894; Kathleen Augusta, December 26, 1895; Baxter Batchelder, Janu- ary 18. 1898; Helen Abigail, December 13, 1899; and Theodore, June 28, 1902. Mr. Brown is an ardent Republican in poli- tics and for two years has filled the office of road commissioner. Both he and his wife are active and consistent members of the Congre- gational church of Illini and are people of prominence in the locality where they reside, their circle of friends and acquaintances being extensive. JESSE E. YOHE. Jesse E. Yohe, a well-known jewelry mer- chant of Decatur, lias resided in this city for the past fifteen years. He was born in Mon- ongahela, Pennsylvania, a son of John S. and Amanda S. Yohe. The father was a carriage manufacturer and in the year 1880 he left Pennsylvania and removed with his family to Mount Vernon, Ohio, where he remained for seven years and then came to Illinois, the fam- ily home being established in .Shelbyville, Shelby county. The father again engaged in carriage manufacturing, but later turned his attention to agricultural pursuits, conducting a farm in the southern part of the state. Mr. Yohe of this review accompanied his parents on their removal to Ohio and to Il- linois. He pursued his education in Mount A'ernon, Ohio, and after his father began farming he assisted him in the cultivation of fields and meadows on the home place in southern Illinois. In 1901 the family re- moved to Macon county and here the father again engaged in farming. He is still living in this county. Unto him and his wife were born ten children, four sons and six daughte;rs, all of whom yet survive with one exception. It was in the year 1889 that Jesse E. Yohe arrived in Decatur. He was then quite young and he entered the service of H. Post as an errand boy, but his ability, faithful perform- ance of his duties and close adherence to his work gradually won him advancement and that he enjoyed the unqualified confidence and trust of his employers is shown by the fact that he remained for fourteen years in the services of H. Post & Son, learning the watch- maker's and jeweler's trade during that time and becoming an efiicient workman. In ]\Iarch, 1903, he resigned his position and pur- 626 PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. chased of E. J. TIarpstrite the jewelry store located at No. 146 luist I'rairie avenue. This he is now conducting and it is recognized as one of the best jewelry stores in this part of the state. Mr. Yohe is a member of Macon Lodge No. 8, A. F. & A. M., also belongs to En Ami Lodge No. 593, K. P., and to the Modern Woodmen Camp, No. 1626. Socially he is connected with the Iroquois Club, of this city. He is one of the popular and prominent busi- ness men of Decatur and his establishment is well conducted, he handling a large line of fine jewelry goods, which in its attractive ar- rangements wins the attention of the public and secures a liberal share of the general pa- tronage. Mr. Yohe is genial in manner and his unfailing courtesy and deference for the opinions of others have won him the high re- gard of young and old, rich and poor. CYRUS M. LMBODEN. Cyrus M. Imbodcn, who has longer been connected with the butchering business than any other representative of the trade in De- catur, was born in Pennsylvania in 1845. His father, John Imboden, was a native of Lebanon county, that state, and on the 22d of November, 1855, arrived in Decatur, where on the 23d of December of the same year he opened a meat market. He did his own slaughtering and purchased his own stock. The new enterprise proved profitable and he continued to engage in that business until the 1st of April, 1880, when he retired to private life. He was then succeeded by his sons, Cyrus M. and John G., and the new firm con- tinued in the trade until the ist of October, 1898, when Cyrus M. Imboden became sole proprietor. The market has been continued at one location since its establishment in 1855. The father's first shop was in a small frame building twenty by thirty feet and one story in height. That was afterward replaced by a brick structure of the same size and earlj' in the '60s he built the present block known as the Imboden Block at the corner of South Main and Wood streets. It was built in mod- ern style and thoroughly equipped for the pur- pose intended and in the new building Mr. Imboden gained even greater success than he had previously enjoyed. While in Pennsylvania John Imboden was united in marriage to Sarah Mark, a native of Lebanon county, and when he came to De- catur was accompanied by his wife and their four children. They made the journey west- ward by way of Pittsburg, Cleveland and Chi- cago and eventually reached Macon county. Mr. Imboden never sought or desired office, preferring to devote his time and attention to his business affairs until his retirement from active business hfe. He died December 31, 1899, and his wife passed away March i, 1894, at the age of seventy-five years. In their family were nine children, of whom seven are living, all sons. These are Cyrus M., of this review ; Adam H., who is married and is a traveling salesman of Wichita, Kansas; Hiram, who is married and is living in Wich- ita ; Miller, who is married and conducts a flouring mill in Wichita ; David C, who is en- gaged in the brokerage business in Chicago; and John G., who is a farmer and stock-dealer 01 Macon county, carrying on business on an extensive scale and acts as judge of cattle in Chicago; and Frank W., a Methodist min- ister, located in Kingman, Kansas. The other members of the family died in infancy. The father was president of the board of trus- tees of the First Methodist Episcopal church for many years and took a very active part in church work. Cyrus M. Imboden acquired his education in the schools of Decatur and after putting aside his text-books began clerking in this city, being thus engaged with several large firms. At the age of seventeen years he en- listed in Company F, One Hundred and Fif- teenth Illin.ois Infantry, as a private under ANDREW SHOEMAKKR MRS ANDREW SHOEMAKER PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. «29 Captain F. L. Hayes and Colonel Jesse H. Moore. He served until February 29, 1864, and was then discharged on account of severe wounds sustained in the battle of Chicka- mauga on September 19 and 20, 1863. After his return from the war he engaged in the grocery business and in other pursuits in con- nection with his brother Adam until July 6, 1870, when he became a member of the firm owning a meat market established by his father. The firm name was then changed to Imboden & Son and our subject has since con- tinued in this business, conducting the market along progressive lines and keeping thorough- ly in touch with modern ideas. He deals in a high grade of meats and because of the ex- cellent quality of his goods and his honorable business methods he receives a large and growing patronage. On the 9th of August, 1870, was cele- brated the marriage of Mr. Imboden and Miss Clara Allison, a daughter of Dr. B. A. and Amanda (Patrick) Allison, the former a na- tive of Kentucky and the latter of Indiana. Seven children were born of this union, of whom five arc now living : Daisy J., the wife of Ira Fleming of Storm Lake, Iowa ; Sarah, who is a teacher in the public schools of De- catur ; Charles A., who is a bookkeeper in the Millikin Bank ; Benjamin A., who holds a similar position ; Susanna, a student in the high school of Decatur ; and two that died in infancy*. The family residence is at No. 236 West North street. Fraternally Mr. Imboden is a Mason, be- longing to the blue lodge and chapter and also to Beaumanoir Commandery, K. T. In public affairs he has been prominent and influential and in the '80s he served for two terms as assistant supervisor. He has always taken an active part in politics yet has never sought office for himself, preferring that his friends should have the honor and responsibilities of public office. He is a prominent member of the First Methodist Episcopal church, with which he has been identified for forty years. having joined at the age of fourteen. He has long served as one of its officers and is now a member of its board of stewards. ANDREW SHOEMAKER. Andrew Shoemaker has passed the sev- enty-third mile-stone on life's journey and and is now living a retired life. In former years he was a well known contractor, but now a rest from further labor has been vouchsafed to him as the reward for his activit}' and energy in earlier years. He was born in Herkimer county, New York, No- vember 20, 1828, a son of John S. and Lena (Piper) Shoemaker, both of whom were natives of the Empire state. In their family were eight children and four of the brothers are still living in New York. Mr. Shoemaker of this review was the third in order of birth and he pursued his education in his native county, studying in the old schoolhouse which stood on what was known as Shoemaker Hill. Nearly all of the pupils in that school bore the name of Shoemaker, as the family was a numerous one in the locality. Our subject was reared to farm life, early becoming familiar with the labors of field and meadow and he as- sisted in the cultivation of the old home- stead until he was twenty-two years of age. At that time he went to work on the Hud- son River Railroad under J. B. Moss, as- sisting in making the grade for that road. He acted as foreman for the contractor for a number of years and in this capacity was engaged upon the construction of the Erie canal, being foreman of a crew enlarging that artificial waterway. The business opportunities of the west, of which he heard favorable ' reports, at- tracted him to Illinois and in 1852 he came to this state. Here he worked under J. B. Moss, the contractor, acting as his foreman in the grading of the Alton Railroad. Later 630 PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. he returned to the east, remaining three months, and on the expiration of that period he again came to llhnois in 1854 and took charge of the railroad work on the Illinois Central Railroad extending through Cairo. With railroad building he was long actively identified as a contractor and has taken and executed many contracts for railroad bridges and special work. lie has also carried on contracting as a carpenter and in this ca- pacity has erected a number of good build- ings in Decatur and vicinity. He possesses excellent mechanical ability and thoroughly understands the great scientific principles which underlie such work. He has, more- over, had varied practical experience and in the execution of his contracts has dis- played marked capability, fairness and skill. Many evidences of his handiwork are seen in substantial structures in Decatur and tlu' surrounding country and he continued in business until about 1S97, when he put aside the more arduous cares of life and lias since lived retired. On the 28th of Ocldber, \S^(\ Mr. .^hoe- maker was united in marriage in Decatur to Miss .Sarah jane Meyers, a native of Indiana, and a daughter of James Meyers. She came to Illinois during her girlhood days and for many years she was a faithful companion and helpmate to her liusl)an(l on the journey of life, but in .May, u;i),^ she was called to her final rest, passing away when about sixly-si.x years of age. Four children had been born unto Mr. and Mrs. Shoemaker, but one was deceased ere the mother's death. The others are as follows: Ernest, who resides at home ; Mary L., who is acting as her father's housekeeper: and Cliloe, who is now the wife of Ira Swarts, of Christian county, who is a train dis- patcher on the Illinois Central Raihoad. They had two children but both are now deceased. Grace Shoemaker, a daughter of our subject, was the wife of James lirooks and died leavimr one (laughter. Morenee I. Brooks, who now lives in Chicago. Mrs. Shoemaker was a consistent and active member of the Grace Methodist Episcopal church and a lady whose many excellent traits of character endeared her to all who knew her so that her death proved a great bereavement to her many friends as well as her immediate family. In his political afliliations .Mr. .'-•hoiMnaker has long been an active Democrat and served as alderman of the city fourteen years, being elected to represent the fifth ward. He exercised his official prerogatives in support of every measure which he be- lieved would prove of public good and did much for the substantial progress and im- provement of the city. He also served as a volunteer fireman of Decatur and for thirty- si.x years he has been a valued and honored member of the Odd Fellows Society, ex- eniplif}-ing in his life its beneficent prin- ci])les. For lhirt\-nine years he has occupied his present home at No. 992 East Eldorado street, this having been one of the first houses erected in that part of the city. The land lying to the east of his home was even not under cultivation at that time and there were many sloughs, which seemed to ren- der it unfit for tilling. There was a great deal of wild game in the neighborhood and the work of improvement and progress seemed scarcely begun. Mr. Shoemaker has taken a deep interest in everything per- taining to the progress and development ol this part of the state and has borne his full share in this work. He now owns a sub- stantial residence in Decatur and other city property and is well-to-do as the result of a life of industry, enterprise and careful management. In 1852 he cast his first presidential vote, supporting Pierce, and he regards it the duty as well as the privilege of every .Amer- ican citizen to manifest his preference for the candidate nominated for office that the PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 631 best interests of the country may be thus conserved. His wife was a devoted mem- ber of the Grace Alethodist Episcopal cliurch for many years and took an active part in foreign and home missionary work and in the work of the Sunday-school and young people's society. She did everything in her power to uplift humanity and to extend the cause of Christianity and hers was a noble example. Mr. Shoemaker has now advanced far on life's journey and because he, too, has lived an upright and honorable fife he receives the veneration and respect which should ever be accorded one of his years. JOHN F. KEISTER. Prominent among the successful citizens of Macon county who are devoting special attention to the raising of stock and have met with marked success in that business is John F. Keister, whose home is on sec- tion T,2. jMaroa township, owning one of the valuable and well improved farms of that locality. His possessions have all been acquired through his own efforts and as the result of his good management and ex- cellent business ability he has become one of the most substantial men of his com- munity. 'Sir. Tveister was born in 1843 '" York countv, Pennsylvania, of which state his parents, Peter and Susan Keister, were also native.?. Tn 1850 the father brought his familv to Macon county, Illinois, and was engaged in farming in Hickory Point town- ship until called to his final rest in 1889. The subject of this review was only seven years old when he came to this county, which at that time was but sparsely set- tled and much of the land was still in its primitive condition. As soon as old enough to be of any assistance he began to aid in the work of the farm, being reared to habits of industrv and usefulness. At the age of twenty-two he rented a tract of land from his father and was engaged in its operation for eight or nine 3'ears. At the end of that time he was able to purchase two hundred and eighty acres, for which he paid forty dollars per acre, and he has since bought more land from time to time until he now has three hundred and sixty acres in Maroa township and four hundred acres in Hick- ory Point township, having paid one hun- dred and twenty-five dollars per acre for the last that he purchased. He has made all of the improvements upon his home place, which is one of the best farms in the county. Besides his comfortable residence he has built large barns and other outbuild- ings for the accommodation of grain, stock and agricultural implements. At the present time he gives all of his attention to the rais- ing and feeding of cattle and is one of the best known stock men in the county. He has a fine herd of one hundred and twenty- five head of cattle upon his place. It is his custom to go to Texas and buy calves, which he brings home and fattens for mar- ket. Twice he has fed fifteen head of Here- ford cattle for the International Fat Stock Show, and on the first occasion received three hundred and fifty dollars in premiums and the second time seven hundred dollars. He is now feeding several head for the World's Fair, to be held in St. Louis in 1904. In 1866 ^Ir. Keister married Miss Nancy A. Weaver, a native of Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, and a daughter of Samuel \N'ea\-er. Unto them have been born six children, namely: Charles, who died at the age of twenty-four years ; Samuel, who died at the age of four: Mary, who died at the age of thirty; Frank, who died at the age of twenty-one ; Harriet, now the wife of Fred- erick Moore, who is living in South Da- kota; and Mabel, at home with her parents. ?^Ir. and ]\[rs. Keister are both members of the Christian church and are most esti- 632 PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. mablc people, well liked by all who know them. In his political affiliations our sub- ject is a stanch Republican, and he is an honored member of the Grand Army Post of Maroa, having been one of the defend- ers of the Union cause during the dark days of the Rebellion. When the war broke out he was too young to enter the service, but in 1864 he enlisted in Company E, One Hundred and Forty-fifth Illinois Volunteer Infantry under Colonel Lackey, and on the expiration of his term of enlistment was mustered out at Springfield, Illinois. His life affords an excellent example to the young in that he started out for himself without capital, but having a determinalion, to succeed he industriously applied himself until he has acquired a good property and stands to-day among the most prosperous and substantial citizens of the county. It is his intention to retire from active bus- iness life in the fall of 1903 and remove to Maroa, where he expects to spend his re- maining years in ease and quiet, enjoying the fruits of former toil. HIRAM II. WISE. Hiram H. Wise, who is now engaged in the real estate business in Decatur and whose in- ventive genius has given to the world a mmi- ber of devices of value and importance, was born in Akron, Ohio, on the 31st of Decem- ber,, 1 85 1, his parents being William and Catherine (Kline) Wise, both of whom were natives of Pensylvania and were of German descent. The father was born in Union coun- ty of the Keystone state and the mother's birth occurred in Cumljerland county, but they spent many years of their active lives in Ohio, where the father carried on agricultural pur- suits. He was an enterprising farmer who prospered in his undertakings and who died upon his Ohio farm in the year 1876. Hiram H. Wise is the \oungest in their family of twelve children. Those still living are : Mary, the wife of John Benner; William J.; Lydia, who is the wife of Abraham Wilhelm ; Jacob ; Washington ; Catherine, the wife of William J. Ridgely; Hiram H. Those deceased are: Samuel, Elizabeth, Susan, Rebecca, and Peter, who died in infancy. Hiram H. Wise spent the first nineteen years of his life in the state of his nativity, being reared to manhood upon the old home farm, while the district schools afforded him the educational privileges which he enjoyed in his youth. When a young man of nineteen years he left Ohio for Macon county, estab- lishing his home in Blue Mound in March, 1 87 1. After attaining his majority he mar- ried and in order to provide for the expenses of the newly established household he began business as a barber, conducting the first shop in Blue Mound. It was thus he gained his' start. After two years he turned his atten- tion to the music business, carrying a line of nuisical instruments and musical specialties in connection with sewing machines. In that store he continued until 1881, when he re- moved to Taylorville, Illinois, where he be- came a dealer in agricultural implements. Ill January, 1882, however, he removed to Decatur and formed a partnership with S. M. Lutz as proprietor of a music store, which he conducted for three years. On the expira- tion of that period he sold out to his partner, who still continues the business. Mr. Wise then located on St. Louis avenue near the southwestern border of the city of Decatur and established what is known as the Wise ad- dition to the city. Lie is now dealing in real estate and has an excellent knowledge of realty values and of the properties that are on the market. He puts forth every efifort in his power to secure the improvement of the city along special lines of progress and as a real estate dealer has excellent opportunit\- to aid in the substantial growth of Decatur in this way. As a real estate dealer he now has a large clientage and his business is proving H D. M. HODGE PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 635 profitable. His own attractive home was built on the Wise addition in 1887. While a resi- dent of Blue Mound he also laid out an addi- tion to that place and assisted in dividing the village into town lots in 1892. He also gave to the city a beautiful park, which has been named Wise's Park. Mr. Wise also possesses considerable in- ventive genius and three of the productions of his brain have come to public lotice as being useful and valuable devices. He is the in- ventor of a window frame, w.iich is so con- structed that the window may be opened and cleaned without removing the sash. This is especially valuable for office luildings. He also invented a shaft supporter and anti-rat- tler, a unique invention likely to be brought into general use. Another worV of his fertile brain and busy hands is a dumbwaiter to lower into open wells for the preservation of fruit and table delicacies. Mr. Wise is continually thinking out along original lines and his ef- forts have been of considerable benefit to the world and show marked mechanical ingenuity. In 1873 was celebrated the marriage of Hiram H. Wise and Miss Sarah E. Seiberling, a davighter of James Seiberling, one of the honored pioneers of Blue Moun^, now living at the age of eighty-five years^ Mrs. Wise was born in Akron, Ohio, but since her early girlhood days has lived in Macon county, where she has a wide acquaintance and a large ntimber of warm friends. Socially Mr. Wise is connected with Chevalier Bayard Lodge, K. P. He usually votes with the Democratic party, but is Prohibition in sentiment and has long been a warm friend of the cause of tem- perance, doing everything in his power to sup- press the sale of intoxicants. His interest in his fellow-men is deep and sincere and his co- operation has been given to many measures for the general good. In the business world he has attained an enviable position and a creditable reputation and tlie success which has crowned his efforts shows that abilitv. energy and strong determination are important factors in the active affairs of life and that earnest, per- sistent labor. will ultimately bring its reward. HENRY D. M. HODGE. Henry D. M. Hodge is a representative of one of the oldest families of the south- eastern part of Macon county, his parents having settled in Mount Zion township in 1831. Six years later his birth occurred on the old family homestead there, his natal day being November 12, 1837. His parents were Henry J. and Penelope (Traughber) Hodge, the former a native of North Caro- lina and the latter of Kentucky. The father was a school teacher in early days there and removed from North Carolina to a farm near Nashville, Tennessee, where he resided until 1830, when he came to Illinois. He first settled in Sangamon county, where his step-father was living and there he engaged in general farming for a year. In 1831 he came to Macon county, establishing his home in Mount Zion township, when it was all wild land. There he entered a tract from the government, upon which not a furrow had been turned or an improvement made, and the arduous task of developing a farm was capably performed by him. It was in this county that Mr. Hodge was united in marriage to j\liss Penelope Traughber and the young couple began their domestic life upon the old home place situated six miles east of the village of Mount Zion. Throughout his entire life the father car- ried on agricultural pursuits and annually the rich fields accorded to him good har- vests which found a ready sale on the mar- ket. His death, however, occurred when he was still in the prime of life, he passing away August 30, 1838, and his widow after- ward became the wife of Martin Blaney, of IMorgan county, Illinois, who is now de- ceased. Mrs. Blaney died in the village of 636 PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. Mount Zion on the 8th of September, 1885. The subject of this review was the only child of the first marriage, but there were seven children by the second marriage, as follows : Jane, the widow of John Wana- cott, and a resident of Mount Zion; Mary, the wife of David Dickey, of Mount Zion ; James, of Chicago; and Mrs. Catherine Cooper, Morrison J. Blaney and Mrs. Alice Martin, all deceased; and one who died un- named. Henry D. M. Hodge was only one year old at the time of his father's death. He was reared by his mother and step-father and attended the public schools, lie worked on the home farm in his youth until 1858, when he went to Missouri and there he was married the next year to Miss Elizabeth Adams, a native of Piatt county, that state, born January 6, 1842, a daughter of Henry and Sarah (Reed) Adams. Her father was a farmer in Missouri, but on account of ill health went to Colorado and died near Pikes Peak. His wife passed away in Mis- souri. After his marriage Mr. Hodge took up his abode upon a farm in Johnson county, Missouri, where he lived for two years and then in 1861 returned to Macon county, pur- chasing a tract of land in Mount Zion. To this he added from time to time and now he owns two hundred and forty acres all on section 4. .Mount Zion township. He made all of the iinprovcmcnls upon the i^ropcrly and developed a splendid farm, engaging thereon in the cultivation of tlie fields and in the raising of stock until 1888, when lie removed to the city of Decatur, where he has since lived a retired life. In 1899 he was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife, who died in this city on the 2ist of January of that year. Three chil- dren were born unto them: Nannie C. the eldest, born in Johnson county, Missouri, January 22, 1861, is the widow of George W. Jones and resides with her father. Her husband was born in Mount Zion township, December 14, 1856, and was a son of Cley- bourn and Matilda (Davis) Jones, the latter now deceased, while the former is living in Decatur at the advanced age of ninety- two years. He was one of the pioneer set- tlers of Macon county. George W. Jones car- ried on agricultural pursuits throughout his entire life and died on the i8th of July, 1898, respected by all who knew him. .Anderson J. Hodge, the second member of the family, was born September 8, 1862, and married Bessie Jones, a sister of George W. Jones. She died in June, 1896, leaving one child, Everett Henry, born October 8, 1889. After the death of his first wife Anderson J. Hodge married Emma Bedford, and they also re- side with his father. He is a contractor and builder and also superintends his farm in Mount Zion township. Walter J., born April 10, 1866, married Hattie Meisin- heilder and they reside upon his father's farm in Afount Zion township. They had six children: Gertrude, Beulah, Lucile, George W., Orlan Ray, and E-eo. but the last named died in 1890. • Mr. Hodge is a Prohibitionist, voting for the men and measures of the party. He has held some minor township offices, but has never been very active in political work, desiring rather to give his time and atten- tion to business ailfairs. He is a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian church of Mount Zion, to which his wife also belongs. In his business career he won success and his valuable farm of two hundred and forty acres is one of the best improved in Mount Zion township and is the visible evidence of his life of thrift and industrv. .\ worthy representatixe of one of the honorcil pioneer families of Macon county, he has witnessed the development and growth of this section of the state through two-thirds of a cen- tury. ' Great changes ha\e occurred during this period for Macon county has ke])t apace with uni\ersal progress and improvement PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 637 and Mr. Hodge has ever been deeply inter- ested in what has been done and has borne his part in the work of public development. JAMES MILLIKIN. James Millikin is numbered among the founders of Decatur. He has been the pro- moter of many of its business enterprises, has aided in its extension along many lines of permanent improvement and has assisted in marked degree in making it a center of production and commercial activity that has a wide power in the business world. Co- operation in this work forms the life record of James Millikin. To say of him that he has risen unaided from comparative obscurity to rank among the capitalists of Illinois is a statement that seems trite to those familiar with his life, yet it is but just to say in a his- tory that will descend to future generations that his business record has been one that any man would be proud to possess. Begin- ning at the very bottom of the ladder he has advanced steadily step by step until he is now occupying a position of prominence and trust reached by very few men. Through his en- tire business career he has been looked upon as a model of integrity and honor, never making an engagement that he has not ful- filled and standing to-day an example of what determination and force, combined with the highest degree of business integrity can ac- complish for a man of natural ability and strength of character. He is respected by the community at large and honored by his business associates. Mr. Millikin is a native of Pennsylvania, his birth having occurred in Washington county, on the 2d of August, 1830. The fam- ily is of Scotch lineage and was established in Pennsylvania about the middle of the eighteenth century by representatives of the name who crossed the Atlantic from the land •of the heather. Other branches of the familv settled in Jilaine and in the south, Millikin's Bend on the Mississippi river having obtained its name in this way. Abel Millikin, the father of our subject, was a farmer by occu- pation and prospered in his life work. He wedded Nancy \'an Dyke, who was of Dutch lineage, her ancestors being among the emi- grants from Holland, who settled along the Hudson river, while at a later date repre- sentatives of the family established their homes in New Jersey. Under the parental roof James Millikin spent his boyhood days and while not engaged with the duties of the farm he attended the district schools of the neighborhood, there laying the foundation for a good practical education. He also had the advantage of the more advanced instruction to be received in Washington College of Pennsylvania, where he remained as a student for three years. His family and friends believed that he would be- come a member of the medical fraternity which claimed several representatives of the Millikin relationship, but the tastes and tal- ents of the young man were evidently not in this direction and he determined to come to the west, believing that in this great and growing section of the country he saw oppor- tunities for advancement along lines of busi- ness activity which he thought would be more congenial than the practice of the healing art. The year 1848 witnessed his arrival in the Mississippi valley. He first settled in Dan- ville, \'ermilion county, and for a time was engaged in the live-stock business, there pur- chasing, raising and trading in stock of all kinds. He also rented farms upon which to raise his stock and in control of his business interests showed keen discernment, excellent executive ability and unfaltering enterprise. It has been upon this foundation that he has reared the su])erstructure of success and while he is to-day numbered among the capi- talists of Decatur an analyzation of his life record will show that his prosperity is the legitimate outcome of his own labor. With 638 PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. keen discernnicnl he recognized possibilities whicli were not seen by others. Knowing that the population of Illinois was rapidly in- creasing through the emigration of people from the eastern states to the Mississippi valle}', he resolved that he would make investments in land, believing that it would rise rapidly in value. Accordingly he made extensive purchases of land in Illinois and also in southwestern Iowa, securing much of this land for one dollar and one dollar and a quarter per acre. He was the original owner of the tract upon which the town of Bement, Illinois, is now located and by purchase there came into his possession many acres of broad prairie, upon which no improvements had been made, but which in due course of time com- manded a high market price. The rapid development of the state was manifest in Decatur as well as in other lo- calities and Mr. Millikin resolved to cast in his lot with the residents of this enter- prising and growing town. The year 1856 witnessed his arrival here, but though he changed his place of residence he did not change his occupation, but continued to deal in lands, real estate and live-stock, thus becoming recognized as one of the prosperous and enterprising men of the city. Quick to see business opportunity and to utilize it he recognized the need of a banking establishment in Decatur and in i860 organized the private banking house of J. Millikin & Company. From that time to the present his name has figured con- spicuously in connection with the financial history of the city and he to-day stands at the head of one of the strongest, safest and largest banking institutions of Illinois. He has had diflferent partners, but through- out the entire existence of the bank he has been its president and has exerted a con- trolling influence in its affairs. For thirty- one years the institution continued as a private banking establishment and in Octo- ber, 1897, was inccM-poratcd as the Millikin National Bank, with James Millikin as president; O. B. Gorin, cashier; and J. M. Brownback, assistant cashier. Mr. Milli- kin is still the president, while Mr. Gorin has become vice president and Mr. Brown- back cashier. These officers were elected in 1898 and since that time there has been no change. To-day the home of the Milli- kin National Bank is one of the finest bank buildings- in the state outside of the city of Chicago. It is a seven-story structure, standing at the corner of Water and East Main streets and substantially equipped in every particular. This bank is a United States depository and its present deposits are about three million dollars, while its loans and discounts amount to two million two hundred thousand dollars. Its em- ployes reach the number of sixteen, some of whom have been connected with the in- stitution through two decades. From a small beginning Mr. Millikin has developed this enterprise and its almost marvelous ex- tension is due in very large measure to his thorough understanding of the business, his keen sagacity and his unfaltering pur- pose guided by the soundest business prin- ciples. But while Mr. Millikin is widely known as the president of the banking institution which bears his name he is also recognized as a lead- ing factor in many other enterprises which have contributed to the growth and pros- perity of the city as well as to the success of individual stockholders. He is interested in the Decatur Coal Company and is president of the Union Iron Works Company, which he assisted in organizing about 1870. Large and satisfactory dividends have always been jiaid by this corporation and its capital stock of sixty thousand dollars has been augmented by a surplus of one hundred and twenty-five thousand dollars. In other lines of business enterprises his activity and aid have been felt and his wise counsel has proven most valu- > *'-v^*/ X PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 641 able in the successful control of all the in- terests with which he has become associated. In 1858 Mr. Millikin was united , in mar- riage to Anna B. Aston, a daughter of the Rev. Samuel Aston, a minister of the Presby- terian church. Mr. Millikin has from his boyhood davs been a member of that church and he and liis wife have aided largely in its growth and the extension of its influences in Decatur, contributing freely of their means to its support and co-operating in many de- partments of its activity for the benefit of the race. His political allegiance is given to the Republican party and he has been unfal- tering in his advocacy of its principles, but has never turned aside from his business course to seek the preferments of office. His broad humanitarian spirit is often manifested, but unostentatiously, he has ever been ready to extend a helping hand to those who try to aid themselves and in his business he has ever rewarded faithful service on the part of his employes. It is certainly not asserting too much to say of one who can direct and con- trol business interests of such magnitude as those with which Mr. Millikin is associated that he must possess, aside from commercial foresight and sagacity, the happy faculty of reading and judging men and that he has un- usual powers of organization and executive ability — in a word, that he must be a master mind, and yet if one would seek in j\lr. Mil- likin's career the causes that have led to his prosperity they will be found along the lines of well tried and old time maxims. Honesty and fair dealing, promptness and fidelity, all these have been manifested in his career and in the control of the institutions with which he is associated. Decatur acknowledges her indebtedness to him for what he has accom- plished in her behalf. The city which be- came his home in the period of his early man- hood and almost at the outset of his business career has always been very dear to him and as his means have increased he has given lib- erally and generously for her benefit and im- provement. His charitable spirit, too, is shown in his many benefactions and yet there is perhaps in this city no man who gives with less display than James Millikin. He has never allowed the accumulation of wealth to in any way warp his kindly nature or to in- fluence his treatment toward those less fortu- nate. JAMES WILLIAM RACE. James William Race has been engaged in business in Decatur for forty-six years. He has always been successful and it is his wish that others will meet with like success. G. A. JIMISON. For over sixty-two years this gentleman has been a resident of Macon county and is to-day justly numbered among her honored pioneers and leading citizens. The diiiference between the past and the present can scarcely be real- ized even by those who were active partici- pants in the development of the county. The present generation can have no conception of what was required by the early settlers in transforming the wilderness into a well-settled and highly cultivated locality. Mr. Jimison has seen almost the entire development of this region and well remembers when a person could ride horseback across the prairies be- tween Alaroa and Pulaski without seeing a farmhouse. A native of Macon county, he was born in Friends Creek township, in 1841, and is a son of George and Hannah Jimison. The father was a native of Scotland, born in 1810, and came to America about 1818. After residing in the east for two years he removed to Ohio in 1820 and during the '30s came to Illinois, settling in Friends Creek township, Macon county, where he took up one hundred and sixty acres of government land and later added to his property until at the time of his. 642 PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. death in 1852 he owned two hundred and fif- teen acres. He made farming his Hfe occupa- tion. In liis family were eight children. At the age of twelve years G. A. Jimison began earning his own living, by working as a farm hand at fourteen dollars per month and was thus employed until i860, when he rented forty acres of land, on which he raised a crop of corn. Prompted by a spirit of patriotism he enlisted in 1861 in Company A, Forty-first Illinois Volunteer Infantry, under Colonel Pugh, and was in the battles of Fort Donel- son. Shiloh, Hatchie's Run and several other small engagements. He was very fortunate in that he was never wounded or taken pris- oner, and at the close of the war was mus- tered out in 1865 at Hall's Hill, Virginia. Returning to his home in Friends Creek township, Mr. Jimison began farming on forty acres of land left him by his father and an- other forty-acre tract which his brother had purchased for him. Later he purchased forty acres more and kept adding to his property as he found opportunity until he had four hun- dred and forty acres. For the first tract he paid twent_\-five dollars per acre and for the next eleven dollars per acre. He made all of the improvements upon his land and in his farming operations met with excellent success. In 1867 Mr. Jimison was united in marriage to Miss Millie A. Woodward, who died a year later, leaving one son, Theodore, who is now in the Coast Artillery as sergeant major at New Orleans and has been in the service for eleven years. Mr. Jimison was again mar- ried in 1877, his second union being with Miss Elizabeth Mulinix, by whom he has si.x chil- dren : Minnie, wife of .Albert Gould, of Friends Creek township : Lillie, wife of Bun Parr, also of Friends Creek township; George W. : Mollie ; Ida. and Daisy. Politically Mr. Jimison is identified with the Democratic party and he has filled the office of .school director. In 1899 he removed to Argenta and has since lived a retired life. During the long years he has been a resident of Macon county he has championed every movement designed to promote the general welfare, has supported every enterprise for the public good and has materially aided in the advancement of all social, educational and moral interests. After a useful and honorable- career he can well afford to lay aside all busi- ness cares and live in ease and retirement. WILLIAM R. SCRUGGS. Since 1869 the firm name of Linn & Scruggs has been an honored one in business circles in Decatur, and one which has marked value on commercial paper. He whose name introduces this record has since 1869 been an active partner in the firm, and as such is pro- prietor of one of the most important dry- goods houses in this city. He was born near Lynchburg, Virginia, on the 13th of Febru- ary, 1828. His father, Reaves S. Scruggs, was also a native of the Old Dominion, and was a farmer by occupation. He chose as a companion and helpmate on life's journey Miss Mildred L. Otey, who was likewise bornr in Virginia, her birthplace being in the vicinity of Lynchburg. In a private school William R. Scruggs ob- tained his education, and under the parental roof he remained until he reached fifteen vears, although a period of his youth was spent upon the farm. ITe at that time went to Iluntsville, Alabama, where he remained for a number of years. At the outbreak of the Civil war he joined the Confederate army, being true to his loved south- land. When the terrible struggle was over, he returned to Lynchburg and soon afterw^ard went to Bedford county, Virginia, while later he became a resident of New York- city. In the latter place he found employ- ment in the capacity of a clerk and continued there until 1869, when he came to Decatur. Here he invested his capital in a dry-goods PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 643 business in partnership with W. H. Linn under the firm name of Linn & Scruggs, both being active, enterprising men of keen sagacity. Thev built up a large business, and the part- nership was of a most harmonious and pleas- ant character, being continued until the death of Mr. Linn in June, 1900. There was no change in the firm name, even then, for W. H. Linn, Jr., succeeded to his father's interest in the business, and over the door of the estab- lishment the firm style of Linn & Scruggs is still seen. This firm is one of the best- known not only in Decatur but in central Illinois. The store is situated in the Powers block, a five-story building, and occupies the corner, which is one hundred and thirty by one hun- dred and forty feet. A large force of clerks is employed and a full line of dry goods, car- pets and notions is carried. The stock is very extensive, and the business of the house has assumed extensive proportions. The business methods institued at the organization of the firm have always been continued and have ever commanded uniform confidence and therefore have gained the liberal support of the public. ^Ir. .Scruggs is fair and just in his treatment of his employes and demands of them the same courteous treatment and honor- able dealing that he has ever accorded to those who trade in his establishment. In 1867 was celebrated the marriage of Wil- liam R. Scruggs and Miss Minnie T. Chad- sey, of New York city, where she was reared and educated. They have two children, Sal- lie, at home ; and Reaves, who was a student in the .\lton Military College, and now is a resident of Niagara Falls, New York. Mr. Scruggs is a member of the First Presbyterian church, and his wife a member of the Baptist church, and they do all in their power to pro- mote growth and extend influence of the church. It is but just and merited praise to say of Mr. Scruggs that as a business man he ranks among the foremost ; as a citizen he is honorable, prompt and true to everv engage- ment ; and as a husband and father is a model He is unassuming in worthy of all imitation manner, sincere in his friendship, and steadfast and unswerving in his loyalty to the right. JOSEPH K. HARDY. Joseph K. Hardy, who has now departed this life, and who for many years so conducted his farming interests that he won sviccess, becoming a prosperous citizen of his commu- nity, was born in Butler county, Ohio, on the nth of February, 1836, and was the eldest of the ten children of George D. and Elizabeth ( ^larsh ) Hardy. The father's birth occurred in the east, but the mother was a native of the Buckeye state. In the family are three broth- ers and three sisters who yet survive : John, who lives in Shelby county, Indiana; Moses, a resident of Sheridan county, Missouri ; Oli- ver, of Mount Auburn, Illinois ; Mrs. Johnson, a widow of Blue Mound ; Mrs. Hulda Van Cleve, of Blue Mound ; and Mrs. Phoebe \\'agant, of Missouri. In the district schools of Ohio and Indiana Joseph K. Hardy acquired his education, and at the age of nineteen he left school and began working on a farm, having previously become familiar with the labors of fields and meadow by assisting his father through the periods of vacation. In 1868 he came to Illinois and lo- cated in Christian county, near Mount Au- burn. In September, 1869, he removed to Macon county and purchased forty acres of land, while his wife also bought an equal amount, and he continued to add to this as his financial resources increased, until he had two hundred and forty acres, valued at thirty thou- sand dollars. Mr. Hardy was twice married. He first wedded Sarah Jane Cross, and unto them were born two children : Mrs. Elizabeth Ellen Bowen, whose husband is a farmer of Chariton county. Missouri ; and Joseph William, who married Matilda Whitman, and is a farmer living in Morrisonville, Illinois. Mr. Hardv 644 PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. next wedded Maria Hurst, the widow of George Junken, who was killed at Chicka- mauga during the Civil war. Her parents were Benedict and liarbara (Foster) Hurst, natives of Mar\land, and of English and German de- scent. In their family were ten children, nine daughters and one son, of whom six daughters are still living. Mrs. Hardy was the sixth of the family. She was educated in the common sciiools of Wayne county, Indiana, and on the 2 1st of March, 1869, gave her hand in mar- riage to Mr. Hardy. By his second union he had three children, but only one is living. George E. and Sarah Ivy were twins, but the latter died at the age of seventeen months. The son married Ida McGrew, of Chariton county, Missouri, and they reside on the old home farm in Macon county. They have two sons, Edgar McGrew and George Evart. In his political affiliations Mr. Hardy was always a stanch Republican, and was tax col- lector for two terms and school trustee and school director. He belonged to the Grand Army of the Republic, in which he was en- titled to membership because of his service as a corporal in Company E, Seventy-ninth Indiana Infantry. He was wounded in the head and shoulder at Mission Ridge. His religious faith was that of the Methodist denomination, and his membership with the church at Blue Mound. In his business affairs he was very successful, and in addition to his farm prop- erty he owned four lots and a nice residence in Blue Mound which Mrs. Hardy has occupied for some time. His widow is living retired,' save the management of her investments, the rental from the farm bringing a good income which supplies her with all of the necessities and many of the luxuries of life. Mr. Hardy died May 30, 1903. PETER J. DEMPSEY. Peter J. Dempsey was for many years a member of the police force of Decatur and stood as a stalwart defender of the rights and liberties of the people and the preservation of the dignity of the law. So loyal was he in the discharge of all his duties that he won high commendation from all concerned, and well does he deserve mention in this volume. Illi- nois numbers him among her native sons, for his birth occurred in Clinton on the 29th of May, 1858, his parents being Michael and Mary (Dunn) Dempsey. The father was a native of Queens county, Ireland, and the mother's birth occurred in County Limerick, Coming to America at an early day each lo- cated in Massachusetts, and in that state they were married. Subsequently they resolved to establish a home in the west, and accordingly made their way to Clinton, Illinois, where they resided for eight or ten years. Following this they located in Decatur, where Mr. Dempsey worked at his trade of marble cutting for a few years. He then became mail agent on the Peoria, Decatur & Eastern Railroad, and occu- pied that position for several years, after which he went upon the Wabash Railroad, running out of Decatur in a similar capacity for ten years. In the discharge of his official duties he was prompt, faithful and reliable, and now he is enjoying a well earned retirement from further labor, making his home with his chil- dren in Decatur, his wife having previously passed away. Peter J. Dempsey was largely indebted to the public schools of Decatur for the educa- tional privileges which he enjoyed, and when he had mastered the branches of learning therein taught he began assisting his father in the marble works, being employed there until eighteen years of age. He then obtained a position in the freight depot in this city on the line of the Indiana, Decatur & Western Rail- road, and that he was most loyal to the trust reposed in him is indicated by the fact diat for eleven years he continued to serve in that capacity. His w^ork was ever free from error, and he received little criticism upon his meth- ods of discharging his duties. Upon leaving the freight department of the railway service T. E. DOWNING PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 047 he obtained a position on the Decatur poHce force, and acted in that capacity for seven years or up to the time of his death. Mr. Dempsey was married May 2, 1883, in St. Isadore's church at Bethany, Ilhnois, the lady of his choice being Miss Mary E. Dvvyer, a native of Morgan county, Illinois, born May 5, 1856, and a daughter of Jeremiah and Cath- erine (Cody) Dwyer. Her father was born in County Limerick, Ireland, and at an early day braved the dangers incident to an ocean voyage in order to become a resident of tlie new world that he might enjoy its better busi- ness opportunities. He settled in Morgan county, Ilhnois, where he engaged in farming for a few years and then removed to Moultrie county, this state, where he continued to carry on agricultural pursuits until the infirmities of old age caused him to retire. He then took up his abode in Dalton City, Illinois, where he lived in honorable retirement from further labor until called to the home beyond on the 18th of August, 1900. His widow, who was born in Killarney, Ireland, now owns a nice home in Dalton City, where she is greatly respected because of her many excellencies of character. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Demp- sey was blessed with two children : Zella, who was born October 4, 1886; and Lucile, born January 4, 1895. It was on the 25th of September, 1898, that Mr. Dempsey was called from this life. He had held several minor offices in the city, in addition to his service on the police force, and was ever found loyal to the confidence reposed in him, discharging his duties to the best of his ability. In politics he was a stanch Re- publican, never wavering in his allegiance to the party. Both he and his wife were mem- bers of St. Patrick's Catholic church of De- catur, and his funeral was the second preached by Father Murphy, now the priest in that church. Mr. Dempsey was a leading resident of Decatur and had many friends here because of his genial manner, jovial disposition and unfailing courtesy. Mrs. Dempsey and her children now reside at No. 1139 North Clay- ton street, and she owns the property there located. T. EDWARD DOWNING. T. Edward Downing is connected with the business circles of Decatur as a plumb- ing and heating contractor, and is also a dealer in gas fixtures. His natal day is De- cember 8, 1872, his parents being Wayne and Elizabeth Downing, both of whom are now residents of Decatur. In their family were ten children, two sons and eight daughters. Eight of this number are now living. The father of our subject was born in this country, but the mother is a native of the Emerald Isle and was brought to America when quite young by her father, Patrick Casey, now deceased, who was a well known Irish citizen of Decatur. In the public schools of this city T. Ed- ward Downing acquired his education and when he had mastered the common branches of English learning he put aside his text books and at the age of fourteen years en- tered the employ of H. Mueller, who was then located on East Main street and with whom he learned the plumbing trade. For eleven years he remained with that house, his long connection being an indication of capability, close application and fidelity. In 1897 he resigned his position that he might engage in business for himself and formed a partnership with W. J. Wells. They located at No. 224 West Main street, where they continued in business until the spring of 1901, when the partnership was dissolved. Mr. Wells then embarked in business alone on North Main street, while Mr. Downing remained at the old location. His patronage is extensive and his business profitable. He now has in his employ seven men and although he has been in business but a comparatively brief period large and us PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. important plumbing and heating contracts have been awarded him. He has put in the plumbing and heating systems in some of the best and largest buildings in central Illinois, including the Christian county courthouse at Taylorville, the Logan county courthouse at Lincoln. Illinois, the Elks auditorium at Champaign, the new Car- negie library of Decatur, the National Bank of Stonington, St. Mary's Catholic church, school and parsonage, at Paris. Illinois, the Douglas Hotel at Tuscola. St. Patrick's Catholic church of Decatur, and also in some of the best residences of this city and county. In December, 1893, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Downing and Miss Cath- erine McGrath, of Litchfield, Illinois. Five children have been born unto them, those living are all sons, namely: Edward, Roy. Louis and Harold. A little daughter died in infancy. Mr. Downing is a member of Decatur Council of the Knights of Columbus and the Fraternal Army of America, and he and his wife hold membership in St. Pat- rick's Catholic church of this city. He stands to-day as one of the prominent self- made men of Decatur, who has worked his way up from the bottom round of the lad- der and now he stands on the plane of af- fluence. His business patronage is ex- tensive and the income derived therefrom makes him one of the leading and prosper- ous young business men of the city. CAREY L. HOLMAN. Carey L. Holman, a wide-awake and up-to- date farmer residing on section 9. Whitmore township, is a native of Ohio, his birth having occurred in Ross county, that state, on the 28th of May, 1 861. His parents, Martin and Mary (Ferba) Holman, were also born in Ohio, where they continued to make their home for several years after their marriage, but during the Civil war they came to Macon countv. Illinois, and located on a farm, near Decatur, on the Bloomington road. In their family were nine children, seven sons and two daughters, and seven of the number reached years of maturity, but Mrs. Sabrina Dillahunt and Mrs. Eva Samuels are both now deceased. The sons that are still living are William, a resident of Decatur : Albert, of Iowa ; David, who makes his home south of Oreana ; Carey L , of this sketch, and Norman, of Marshall, Te.xas. Carey L. Holman remained on his father's farm until he attained his majority, and re- ceived his education in the district schools of the neighborhood. On the 19th of December, 1 888. he was married in this county to Miss .Mabel Toney, a daughter of John and Mary ( Nesbitt) Toney, who were natives of Ken- tucky and North Carolina, respectively. Her father was about fifteen years of age when he removed to Indiana. Her maternal grand- father, William Nesbitt, was of Irish descent, while his wife, who bore the maiden name of Jane Dobbins, was of Scotch extraction, and could trace her ancestry back to the seven- teenth century. The family was founded in North Carolina at a very early day in its set- tlement. Mrs. Holman was born in Lawrence county, Irtdiana, on the 6th of .\pril, 1869, and is now makmg preparations to visit her old home there which she has not seen since the age of twelve years. Her education, which was begun in the public schools of her native county, was completed in the high school of Decatur, which she left in her senior year. She is a well read woman, having a special fondness for history, and her eldest daughter seems to have inherited that taste. In her father's family were seven children, of whom two died in infancy, those still living being Claude L., Jesse, Mabel. Emmett and Grace. .\11 are residents of Piatt county, Illinois, with exception of Mrs. Holman, and Emmett is now the only one unmarried. L^nto our sub- ject and his wife were born six children, but PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 649 two died in infancy. Those living are Grace, Fred, Park and Reva. After his marriage Mr. Hohnan was en- gaged in farming upon rented land for a few years, but in 1889 he purchased his present place on section 9, Whitmore township, con- sisting of one hundred and sixty acres of rich and arable land under a high state of cultiva- tion. Since it came into his possession he has planted trees, put up fences, erected a good barn in 1902, and has made many other useful improvements, which add greatly to the value and attractive appearance of the place. In connection with general farming he feeds con- siderable cattle for market, and is meeting with good success in his undertakings. He is a progressive business man, of known reliabil- ity, and he has the confidence and high regard of all who know him. Both he and his wife are members of the Christian church of Ore- ana, and they have a wide circle of friends and acquaintances throughout their adopted county-. WILLIAM O. JONES. On the list of those who have practiced at the bar of Macon county and whose careers have reflected honor and credit upon the pro- fession appears the name of William O. Jones, who became a resident of Decatur in 1859. He had formerly been a law student under Abraham Lincoln at Springfield, and his course was a merit to his honored preceptor. Mr. Jones was a native of Cortland, Alabama, born on the 19th of August, 1828, a son of Charles Lewis and Elizabeth Speak McAfee (Owen) Jones, the former a native of Prince George county, Maryland, the latter of Fairfax county, \'irginia. On leaving his native state the father removed to Alabama, where he remained for a few years, and then went to Morgan county, Illinois, removing afterward to Springfield, this state, where he resided until his death. The mother later made her home with her children and died at the home of her son, William O., in Decatur. In Morgan county, Illinois, William O. Jones attended the public schools and later continued his studies in the city of Spring- field. He entered upon his business career at the age of sixteen as a clerk in a dry-goods store of the capital city and followed that pur- stiit for ten years or until twenty-six years of age. In the meantime, however, he had forme*d a desire to make the practice of law his life work, and to this end he devoted his leisure hours to the study of law, making Abraham Lincoln's office his headquarters dur- ing the period which he was able to devote to the mastery of the principles of jurisprudence. Mr. Lincoln was a near neighbor of otir sub- ject, residing just across the street from the Jones residence. Mr. Jones, of this review, continued as a student for several years, and then became editor of the Springfield Journal, but had charge of that paper for only a short time or until 1859, for in that year he removed to Decatur and opened a law office in this city. He was not long in convincing the public that he was well qualified to handle important liti- gated interests, and he continued in active practice until after the inauguration of the Civil war, when he enlisted in his country's service. He was made a lieutenant colonel and went to the front, but was only in the army for ninety-eight days, being then honor- ably discharged on account of ill health. At the end of that time he returned to his home in Decatur and soon afterward purchased a farm west of the city and near Fairview Park. To the supervision of his property and to light labor in connection with the cultivation and development of the fields he then gave his attention until his death. His health was never very rugged, and on the 5th of Decem- ber, 1873, he passed away. Ere going to the war Mr. Jones was united in marriage on September 10, 1857, to Miss Sarah B. Groves, a native of Kentucky, born January 11, 1835, and a daughter of John R. ♦350 P. .of AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. and Maria Louise (Grooms) Groves, both of whom were natives of Kentucky, whence they removed to Sangamon county, Illinois, in an early day. The father there carried on farm- ing until the death of his wife, after which he abandoned the plow and removed to the village of Mechanicsburg, where he lived re- tired until his own demise. Mr. and Mrs. Jones became the parents of seven children : Charles Lewis, who married Kittie M. Cokley, who resides in Decatur ; Frederick Owen, who married Katie Russell and is living here ; Marie Louise, who is with her mother; James Thomas, who died at the age of one year and three months ; Albert Hale, who married Car- rie Clark and is residing in Decatur; Edna Grooms, who is living at home: and Willie, who died m infancy. In public affairs Mr. Jones was prominent, influential and helpful. He quickly recog- nized opportunities and did everything in his power to advance the public growth along social, intellectual and moral lines. He served as county superintendent of schools in Macon county for a few years, and the cause of edu- cation found in him a warm friend. In politics an earnest and stanch Republican, he was al- ways a hard worker for the party, and was one of the organizers of a Lfnion League at the time of the Civil war. He belonged to the Masonic order in Springfield, and although he never united with the lodge in Decatur he assisted in forming the society here. Both he and his wife were members of the First Pres- byterian church. Since her husband's death Mrs. Jones has removed into the city and is now living at No. 1125 North Church street with her two daughters. Decatur found in Mr. Jones a valued repre- sentative of its best interests. He was a citi- zen loyal and true, a faithful frienjl, a devoted husband and father and a consistent Christian. He made the most of bis opportunities not only in his own behalf, but for the general good and the public welfare, and his life was so straightforward and honorable that all men respected and esteemed him and his name was untarnished bv anv unworthv word or deed. EDWARD HARPSTRITE. Edward Harpstrile has passed the sev- enty-sixth mile-stone on life's journey and now in the evening of his days is living re- tired in Decatur, enjoying a well earned rest. He also receives the veneration and respect which should ever be accorded to one who has attained advanced years. He belongs to that class of worthy representa- tive citizens that Germany has furnished to the new world, his birth having occurred in Baden on the 18th of February, 1827. His parents, John B. and Mary S. (Roamar) Harpstrite, were also natives of Baden, in which country they remained until 1833, when they decided to establish their home in America. Accordingly they left the port of Havre in a sailing vessel bound for New York. That method of ocean travel was very slow in comparison to that of the pres- ent day and it was not until sixty-one days had passed that the Harpstrite family ar- rived at their destination. From New York city they made their way to Trenton, New Jersey, thence to Reading, Pennsylvania, and on to Dayton, Ohio, where they re- mained for a year. Their next place of residence was I-ogansport, Indiana, where Jt)bn B. Harpstrite found employment on the canal and thus provided for his family for a time. Later he was employ'cd by Freeman Hunter on a farm for six years and thus gradually he made a start in busi- ness life in the new world. In 1844 he re- moved to Clinton county, Illinois, where he purchased a tract of new" land. Not a fur- row had been turned or an improvement made upon this place and the family experi- enced all the hardships and trials of pioneer life during their early residence there. ^Mr. Harpstrite performed the difficult task of ME. and MRS- ANDREW J. WILLIAMS PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 6o3 opening up a new farm, but in the course of time his labors were rewarded with good harvests. He also engaged in the raising and feeding of cattle and other stock and was quite successful in his work. It was upon that old home farm that the mother of our subject died and was buried. Accompanying his parents on their vari- ■ous removals, Edward Harpstrite therefore attended school in a number of different places. His last term spent in the school- room was at Delphi, Indiana. He remained upon the home farm until twenty-one years of age and though his educational privileges were somewhat meager, his training at farm labor was not limited. The year 1855 wit- nessed his arrival in Macon county. He afterward settled in South Wheatland town- ship, where he invested his hard earned sav- ings in a tract of one hundred and sixty acres. This he improved and cultivated until i860, when he sold the property and took up his abode in the city, becoming interested in the brewing business in company with his brother, Augustus Harpstrite, under the firm style of Harpstrite Brothers. This business was continued from i860 until 1884, When Edward Harpstrite sold out to his partner and to Henry Shlauderman, Mr. Harpstrite retiring from business on account of failing health. He, however, owns two good farms which return to him an excellent income. One .of these comprises one hun- dred and fourteen acres and the other one hundred and eighty acres and all is under a high state of cultivation. In 1852 was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Harpstrite and Miss Dorothy C. Rueb- samen, who was then a resident of Clinton county, Illinois, but who was born in Baden, Germany,' in 1835. They traveled life's journey together for about twenty-four years and then Mrs. Harpstrite was called to her final rest in 1876. She had become the mother of eight children, of whom seven are now living, namely: Kate H., who is the wife of Peter Ullrich, a resident of Ce- dar Rapids, Iowa ; Mary A., at home ; Charles W., who is living in Sedgwick coun- ty, Kansas; Edward J., at home; Dexter; John H., who is likewise a resident of Sedg- wick county, Kansas; Bertha, at home; and Emma F., who is still witii her father. Since attaining his majority Mr. Harp- strite has given his political support to the Democracy and for four years he served as a member of the city council, representing the fourth ward. During that time he ex- ercised his official prerogatives in support of every measure which he believes would contribute to the general good. He began life a poor boy, but by energy, industry and good management has become the possessor of valuable properties. His life has been characterized by qualities which in every land and clime command respect and his career has been creditable alike to the coun- try of his nativity and to his adopted land. ANDREW J. WILLIAMS. Sixty-seven years have come and gone since Andrew J. "Williams became a resident of Macon county. He was then but a boy, yet here he spent his youth and early man- hood and as he reached mature years be- came a factor in the agricultural life of Macon county. When he passed away the community mourned the loss of a valued citizen and his friends one whom they had known only to honor and esteem. His birth occurred in Yazoo, Mississippi, on the 1st of January, 1831, his parents being Andrew J. and Rebecca Williams. The mother died in Mississippi during the early boyhood of her son and the father was afterward married in Macon county. His birth had occurred in Connecticut and in early life he had gone to the Yazoo valley of Missis- sippi, where he became a planter, remaining in that locality until 1836, which was the 654 PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. year of his arrival in ^lacon county. Pur- chasing a tract of land in Decatur town- ship, he there engaged in farming for a few years, but on account of failing eyesight he retired from business and resided in the city of Decatur until his death. Only two of his children are now living: John, who is living retired in North Monroe street in Decatur; and Virginia, the wife of Isaac W. Ehrman, a laundryman of this city. Andrew J. Williams was only five years of age when his father came to Macon coun- ty. It was in the public schools of this locality therefore that he acquired his edu- cation, but his opportunities for gaining knowledge from te.xt books were limited as in his youth he largely assisted in the oper- ation of his father's farm. It was only through the winter months in his early boy- hood that he was enabled to attend school. His training at farm work, however, was not meager and he soon gained practical experience concerning the best methods of caring for and cultivating the fields. He remained at home until his marriage to Miss Lavina Veach, who died in Macon county in the early '50s. In 1858 Mr. Williams was again married, his second union being with Miss Julia .-X. Gulick, who was born September 27, 1840, at the place where she now resides. Her parents were Levi and Harriet (.McElroy) Gulick, the former a native of Virginia and the latter of Ohio. They, too. became earl}' settlers of Macon county, arriving in the year 1837 and here the father purchased a farm known as the old Packarg cm- ])loyed on several difl'crcnt farms in the vi- cinity of Forsytli until 1877. That year he rented a farm near the same village in Hick- ory Point town.shi]) from the late Charles Ewing, of Decatur, and continued to operate that ]3lacc for thirteen years. At the end of that time Mr. Grimm pur- chased a farm of seventy acres near the vil- lage of Boody, where he lived for three vears, and then removed to a farm near La FREDERICK KRASCHEL MRS. FREDERICK KRASCHEL PAST AND PRESENT OF ^lACON COUNTY. Gfil Place. Illinois, where he lived for two years. He next moved to Elwin. Illinois, where he bought ninety-five acres of land, mak- ing his home there for three years. On dis- posing of that property he went to St. Charles cotmty, Missouri, where he pur- chased a farm of one hundred and sixty-four acres and engaged in its cultivation for two years, but in March, 1903. he returned to Illinois and now makes his home in Deca- tur. Here he has purchased several build- ing lots in the western part of the city and erected houses thereon, which he now rents, deriving therefrom a good income. These are located on West Wood and West Macon streets and his own private residence is at No. 1 129 the former street. On the 14th of December, 1881, Mr. Grimm was united in marriage to Miss Tempie E. McCoUom, who was liorn in Anna, Illinois, on the 31st of July, i860. Her father, John McCollom, who was a cooper by trade, came to this state at an earlv day and is now living retired with our subject and his wife. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Grimm were born six children, as fol- lows: Arthur, deceased; Edward, who is employed in the car shops at St. Charles, Missouri ; Cliiiford, a clerk in a shoe store at St. Louis, Missouri ; William, at home with his parents; Phvllis, deceased: and Doris, at home. In religious faith both Mr. and Mrs. Grimm are Methodists but have never united with the church at Decatur. Mr. Grimm gives his political, support to the men and measures of the Democratic party and takes an active interest in public af- fairs, though he has never cared for office. He stands well in business circles, being a man of known reliability, and by his well directed eflforts he has acquired a com- fortable competence. He started out in life for himself empty-handed and his success is due entirely to his own industry and good management. FREDERICK KRASCHEL. Frederick Kraschel, residing on section 34, South Macon township, is a man whose successful struggle with adverse circum- stances shows what can be done by indus- try and economy, especially if a sensible wife seconds his efforts to secure a home and competence. Starting out in life empty-handed, he was obliged to make his way withottt any of the aids which are usu- ally considered essential to success, but he steadily worked his way upward and is to- day the owner of a fine farm. Mr. Kraschel was born in Germany, Jan- uary 27, 1842, a son of John and Mary (Schroder) Kraschel. The father spent his entire life in that country and died there about 1848. Our subject was reared and educated in his native land, where he made his home until fourteen years of age. In 1856 his mother, accompanied by her three children, Frederick, John and Sophia, crossed the broad Atlantic with the hope of bettering their financial condition in the new world, and settled in Tonawanda, New York, where our subject and his brother obtained work on farms. The mother also worked out until our subject was married, when she went to live with him, making her home there until her death. After going to New York in 1856, Mr. Kraschel worked by the month as a farm hand for seven years at as low wages as two dollars per month and then, in 1865, came to Illinois and purchased forty acres of land in Pope county, partially covered with timber. About this time lie was married, in April, 1865, to Miss Anna Sandman, a daughter of Joseph Sand- man, and renting his own land he removed to a farm belonging to his wife, it being a part of her father's estate wdiich she had inherited. Here the young couple began their domestic life in an old log house with puncheon floor and large fireplace. The cabin was only sixteen feet square, con- 662 PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. tained but one window and the cracks be- tween tlie logs were daubed with mud. After residing there for seven years both farms were sold, and Mr. and Mrs. Kraschel removed to Macon county in 1870 and rented a farm near Boody. A year later our subject was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife, who died June 26, 1871, leaving the following children: Mary, deceased; Joseph, now a resident of California ; Rosa, wife of William Eckhart, a farmer of South Macon township ; Johnnie, who died at the age of five years. Mr. Kraschel was again married January 2, 1874, his second union being with Miss Nancy Jane Poe, a daugh- ter of Frank and Elizabeth Poe. Five chil- dren blessed this union but only three are now living, namely : IMelvin, a farmer of South Macon township ; and Ella and Nel- son, both at home. For three years after coming to Macon county, Mr. Kreschcl operated rented land and then bought eighty acres of raw prairie near Boody, which he tiled, ditched and im- proved by the erection of a house and barn, making that place his home for twenty- two years. He then purchased a farm of one hundred acres in South iMacon town- ship and in 1897 bought sixty acres more, on which he took up his residence the fol- lowing year. He has since devoted his ener- gies to the improvement and cultivation of this place, has set out an orchard, built a barn, bored deep wells and erected wind- pumps. He is quite extensively engaged in the raising of Duroc Jersey hogs and he also feeds some cattle for market. Coming to the new world without a dol- lar, Mr. Kraschel has made all that he pos- sesses, winning success through his own mitiring energy and diligence and the as- sistance of his estimable wife, who has in- deed been a true helpmate to him. She has labored with liim in the fields from early morning until late at night and he gives her credit for much of the success that has crowned their efforts. She never com- plained under the most trying circum- stances and always had a word of encour- agement and cheer for her husband at all times. Before she was married she worked out. She chopped wood and fed stock, besides doing the washing and cooking, and sometimes worked in the field at one dollar per week. By his ballot Mr. Kraschel supports the men and measures of the Dem- ocratic party, and he has filled the offices of road commissioner and school director in a most creditable manner. It was during his term that the ■ first gravel road was made in Wheatland township, and he was one of the grand jurors that tried to indict the mob which hung Bush in Decatur. Fraternally he is a member of Beacon Lodge No. 434, K. P. ISAAC W. KILE. Isaac W. Kile, of Argenta, is practically li\ing a retired life in the enjoyment of a rest which he has truly earned and richly deserves by reason of his industrious ef- forts of former years. Accomplishment and progress ever imply labor, energy and diligence, and it was these qualities that enabled our subject to rise from the ranks of the many and stand among the success- ful few. He is now one of the highly re- spected citizens of Argenta and his long residence in Macon county and the active part he has taken in its development well entitle him to representation in its history. A native of Illinois, Mr. Kile was born near Todds Point in Shelby county, now Moultrie county, December i, 1840, and is a son of Josiah. and Mary Kile. His father was born in Pickaway county, Ohio, in 181 2, and in the fall of 1838 came to Illi- nois, settling in Shelby county, where for some time he was engaged in farming dur- ing the summer and in teaming to St. Louis PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 663 in the winter. Later he removed to Piatt county, this state, and four years later to Macon. He purchased a farm of one hun- dred and sixty acres near Monticello, and to the improvement and cultivation of that place he devoted his energies during his residence there. He died in 1891. Isaac W. Kile acquired his early education in the Friends Creek schoolhouse near Mon- ticello, the little temple of learning being a log structure with slab benches and other primitive furnishings. At the age of twenty years he left the parental roof and worked •on a farm at fifteen dollars per month for three months. About this time the Civil war broke out and in response to the presi- dent's call for troops, Air. Kile enlisted July 25, 1861, in Company A, Forty-first Illinois Volunteer Infantry, under Colonel I. C. Pugh. He participated in the battles •of Fort Donelson, Shiloh, Hatchie's Run, Vicksburg, Jackson, Cold Water and sev- eral other engagements, and being wounded in the shoulder was in the hospital at Mound City for a time. On the expiration of his term of enlistment he was mustered out at Springfield, Illinois, in 1864, and returned borne. Mr. Kile then commenced work for others but at the end of one month, he rented a farm in Friends Creek township, Macon county, and turned his attention to its cul- tivation. In 1868 he purchased eighty acres of land, for which he paid twenty- two hundred dollars, and on selling that he bought ninety-two . acres in ^Miitmore township, on which he lived for fifteen years. He then disposed of that property and bought one hundred and sixty acres of land in Friends Creek township, and is to-day the owner of sixty- five acres near Argenta and two hundred and twenty-three acres elsewhere in the county. A quarter .section of this has been in the Kile family since 1848. For many years our subject was actively and success- fully engaged in agricultural pursuits and fed nearly all the grain that he raised to his hogs, being quite extensively engaged in stock raising. About 1893 he purchased a house in Argenta, where he has since made his home and although he has practically retired from active labor he has charge of several farms besides his own. He is a man of excellent business ability, is ener- getic and reliable, and generally carries for- ward to successful completion whatever he undertakes. In 1867 Mr. Kile was united in marriage to Miss Emma Thomas, of Piatt county, and to them have been born two children: William, who married Rose Miller and is living on the one hundred and sixty-acre farm belonging to his father; and Charles, who married Luella Wilkinson and is en- gaged in the lumber business in Ivesdale. Mrs. Kile is an earnest member of the Cum- berland Presbyterian church and is a most estim.able lady. Fraternally our subject be- longs to the Knights of Pythias, the Inde- pendent Order of Odd Fellows and the Grand Army of the Republic of Argenta, and politically he is identified with the Democratic party. He has taken quite an active and influential part in the public af- fairs of his town, has acceptably filled the office of justice of the peace, was mayor of Argenta two years and postmaster three years. He made a most capable official and has always been found true to every trust reposed in him w;hether public or private and has manifested the same loyalty in days of peace as in days of war. All who know him have for him the highest regard and he has many friends throughout his adopted countv. JOHN C. BATCHELDER. mini township has no more progressive or enterprising citizen living within its bor- ders than the gentleman whose name intro- 604 PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. duces this biography. Throughout his ac- tive business life lie has been identified with the agricultural interests of this locality and is to-day the owner of a valuable farm of three hundred and twenty acres on sec- tions 30 and 31, the neat and thrifty ap- pearance of which well indicates his care- ful supervision. Substantial improvements are surrounded by well tilled fields, and all of the accessories and conveniences of a model farm are there found. Mr Batchcldcr was born in Pittsfield, Illi- nois, January 21, 1861, and was only two years old when brought by his parents, Samuel E. and Sarah Marilla (Clark) Batchelder, to this county, the family lo- cating in mini township. During his boy- hood he pursued his studies in the district schools of his native township, and in 1881 and 1882 was a student in the Normal School at ]jloomfield, Iowa, where he took a course in commercial banking and general business. On completing his education he returned to his father's farm, where he re- mained until 1888, when he remo\-cd to the north half of the southeast quarter of sec- tion 30, mini township, and commenced farming on his own account. To the culti- vation and improvement of that place he devoted his attention until 1893, when he took up his abode u])on his present farm of three hundred and twenty acres. Besides this property he owns an eighty-acre tract in Custer county, Nebraska. He has re- modeled the barn iqion his lu>me farm, mak- ing it fifty-four by sixty feet in dimensions and with accommodations for sixty head of cattle. lie also has stable room for sixteen horses and a large mow above. The cattle business claims much of his time and he usually keeps on hand three carloads. He buys his stock in Kansas City and after fattening them ships them to the Chicago markets. Me also ships the hogs whii-li he raises to that city. In the operation of his land Mr. Batchelder uses the latest im- proved machiner\' and everything about his farm is thoroughly up-to-date and con- venient. He has a fine system of water works, which supplies both his house and his barn with water, and the former also has hot water pipes. The residence is heated by a furnace and an acetylene gas system furnishes the light, there being twenty- seven jets throughout the house. Upon the place there is also the tenant's house, and two sets of farm buildings, besides a scale house, stockpens, etc. A mill, operated by a gasoline engine grinds the feed for both J. A. Brown's and ^Ir. Batchelder's stock. Mr. Brown is a brother-in-law of our sub- ject and lives a quarter of a mile north. The farm is laid out into fields of con\enient size and a grove of hard maple and walnut trees add greatly to the beauty of the place, which is considered one of the best im- proved and most desirable farms in the county. Mr. Batchelder was the first man in mini township to put a telephone into his house, although there is scarcely a resi- dence without one at the present time. ( )n the 22d of February, 1888, was cele- brated his marriage to Miss Susan L. Har- [ler. a daughter of Lucien and Ruth Esther ( Kenney) , Harper, both of whom were na- tives of New Hampshire and the former was of Irish and Scotch descent and the lat- ter of English and Scotch. For many years Mr. Harper was a merchant of Haverhill, Massachusetts, where he died in 1865, his remains being interred in a cemetery at Derry, New Hampshire. His father was a very prominent man in early days and was a meniljer of congress in 181 1. Among her most cherished possessions Mrs. Batchelder has some old letters written by her grand- father at that time, and has a yard stick which her father used in his store. She is a cousin of Marcia Emery, a poetess of some note now living in Boston. Mrs. Batchelder is the only child born to her parents. Her primary education was obtained in district ^ If ME ud MKS HEKBT JOSTES PAST AND l^RESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 667 >i-litH)l,s, Jiiiil laUT i^lu' was a sliiik'nl in tlu' i-ily schools of Georgetown, Colorado, and .Martinez, California, and al the Wcsleyan University at lUoomingtnn, Illinois, where she piirsned a literary course and made a special study of nmsic. JJecoming quite pro- ficient in that art she successfully engaged in teaching nuisic in lllini townshi]) for three or four years and is now organist of the Congregational clinich there, to which she and her husband helnng. the latter being a inend)er of the choir, lie, loo, is a mu- sician of considerable ability and has been leader oi a banil, which he made a credit to his work. They had three children: Ruth Esther, who was born February 2, 1890, and died at ihc age of one month; Ina Lorette, born Jamiarv j8, iSyj; and Milton Harper, March 2~. 1894. I'.oth are now in school, where for the past four years the daughter lias missed only three days and the sou none. The former now devotes considerable at- tention to vocal music. Mr. Batchelder is a supporter of the Re- publican party and its principles and he is an honored member of Summit Lodge, No. 431, F. & A. M., at Harristown, of which he is now worshipful master. As a citizen he is public-spirited ami progressive and lie occupies an enviable position in the es- teem of his fellow men. His plea.sant, genial manner makes him many friends and he stands high both in business and social circles. HENRY JOSTES. One of the leading citizens of Macon who has laid aside all business cares and is now living retired at his beautiful home in that village is Henry Jostes. Although an adopted son of America his loyalty is above question and was manifest by his service in the civil war. He was born in Germany -April 8. 1840. a son of \\'illiam F. and Cath- erine Jostes, who came to this country in 1870 but were not long permitted to enjoy their new home as the mother died soon after her arrival here and the father passed away in 1877 when about seventy-seven years of age. Of the nine children born to them only our subject and his sister, Ame- lia, are now living, the latter being the wife of John Rahler, a farmer of Shelby county, Illinois. Henry Jostes preceded his parents to the new world, landing here in 1857. He commenced work on a farm in Macon county, Illinois, where the town of Boody now stands and continued to be employed by the month as a farm hand until the Civil war broke out. Feeling that his adopted country needed his services, he laid aside all personal interests and enlisted in July, 1861, in Company E, Forty-first Illinois Vol- unteer Infantry, which was assigned first to the Sixteenth Army Corps and later to the Seventeenth and was under the command of Generals McPherson and Sherman. He re- mained at the front for three years and par- ticipated in the battle of Fort Donelson, the sieges of Corinth and Vicksburg, the battle of Hatchie's Run and many other important engagements. When his term of enlistment expired he was honorably dis- charged at Springfield, Illinois, in August, 1864, and returned home with a military record of which he may be justly proud. He was always found at his post of duty, valiantly defending the stars and stripes and the cause they represented. Soon after his return from the army Mr. Jostes was married January 12, 1865, to Miss Julia Shoop, who was born in Penn- sylvania, March 3, 1843, ^"fl was four years old wdien she came to Macon county, Illi- nois, with her parents, Daniel and Lena (Yoder) Shoop. Her father, who was a farmer by occupation, died in 1854, and her mother long survived him, passing away in 1888, at the age of sixty-one years. Mrs. 668 PAST AND PRESENT OF jMACON COUNTY. Jostes has two sisters living: Mrs. ^Matilda Snider, whose husband is a farmer near Sterling, Illinois; and Mrs. Rosa Moss, whose husband followed farming near Blue Mound, this county. Here Mrs. Jostes was reared and received her education in an old log school house in Blue Mound township, it being furnished in a primitive manner, heated by a large fireplace and lighted by greased paper windows. The children born to our subject and his wife are as follows : Emma, now the wife of William Fedderman, who follows farming near Moweaqua; Agnes, who died in infancy ; William, a farmer of Pleasant View township ; Mary, wife of Richard Dorsey, a farmer of Pleasant View town- ship; Frederick, who is engaged in the stock business on a ranch in Grant county, Nebraska; Benjamin, who is with his brother in Nebraska ; Lena, wife of Frank Phillips, a tinner of Blue Mound, Illinois ; and Lillie and Effie, both at home. The sons, William and Frederick, are graduates of Brown's Business College of Decatur, and all of the children have been given good common school advantages. After his marriage Mr. Jostes located in Blue Mound township, where he purchased forty acres of wild prairie land, which he tiled and drained, transforming it into a good farm. Two years later he bought another forty acre tract and kept adding to his property from time to time as his finan- cial resources increased until he now has three hundred and twenty acres of rich and arable land in Blue Mound township. His first home was a log cabin, twelve by four- teen feet in dimensions, to which he made an addition after residing there for three years. Still later this home was replaced by a nice two story frame residence, and he also built a good barn and other outbuild- ings. He continued to actively engage in the operation of his land until 1896, when he removed to Macon and bought a lovely home — one of the finest in the village. It is surrounded by five acres of ground adorned b}^ beautiful shade trees. Mr. Jostes was formerly a member of the Grand Army Post at Blue Mound, but is now connected with the one at Macon, and by his ballot supports the men and meas- ures of the Republican party. For eleven years he filled the office of school director and has ever taken a deep and commend- able interest in those enterprises calcu- lated to advance the welfare of his town and county. His wife and daughters are members of the Methodist Episcopal church and take an active part in its work and give liberally toward its support. As a young man he came to the United States and without capital started out in a strange land to ov-ercome the difficulties and obsta- cles in the path to prosperity. His youthful dreams have been more than realized and he is now the possessor of a comfortable home and competence which enables him tO' live in case and retirement. H. H. BROWN. The middle portion of the nineteenth centurj' may properly be termed the age of utility, especially in the west. The vast region known as the upper Mississippi val- ley was but then opened up to civilization and the honored pioneers, who found homes in this fertile but undeveloped region, were men who had to contend with the trials and difiiculties of frontier life. Immediately following those who claimed the wild land and began the work of civilization here by developing farms, came another class who were soon as active factors in commercial and industrial life. It is to the latter class that Henry H. Brown belonged and central Illinois has largely profited by his labors. It is encouraging and interesting to note that manv of the residents who came to Illi- PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 669 nois empty-handed worked their way up- ward from humble financial position to a position of affluence; that as the years passed and the country improved, pros- perity attended their efforts and wealth rewarded their earnest endeavors. The ca- reer of Mr. Brown proved his capability in business circles and at the same time demonstrated the honor and integrity which were crowning points in his life record. Henry H. Brown was born in Pottsdam, St. Lawrence county, New York, August ID, 1820. His early life was spent in the vicinity of his native home. He was in- clined to be studious in his boyhood days and at an early age he was admitted to the academy in Pottsdam, New Yorl., where he pursued his studies for four years and was then graduated with honors from that institution. While yet a young man he came to the middle west, settling first in St. Louis. There he followed various pur- suits in most of which he prospered. On leaving that city he took up his abode in Springfield, Illinois, where he engaged in general merchandising, forming a partner- ship with Mr. Wright under the firm name of Wright & Brown. Theirs became one of the largest and leading commercial houses of central Illinois. It was in 1862 that Mr. Brown retired from this line of business and removed to Decatur. After remaining here but a short time he became interested with the late Franklin Priest in several enter- prises. His life work was of decided ad- vantage to this locality. He was successful in nearly every undertaking to which his attention was given throughout his active business career. After remaining in De- catur for a few years he became identified with A. Ruth & Company as proprietor of a large dry-goods house, which was con- ducted along legitimate and progressive business lines and was prosperous. After a few years, however. ^Ir. Brown retired from this concern and was elected to the office of tax collector, and was also county collector, acting in that capacity for a period of eight years. At the end of his last term he was appointed a deputy sherifJ under the late .ex-Sheriff Fostmeyer. In 1878 Mr. Brown organized the H. H. Brown Manufacturing Company, which be- gan the manufacture of gasoline stoves and at one time did a very extensive and profit- able business, the trade reaching mammoth proportions. In 1893 the company was in- corporated and ^Ir. Brown was elected its president, holding that position up to the time of his death. Although he retired from the active management of the business about four years prior to his demise he allowed his capital to remain in the enter- prise and did not withdraw the use and in- fluence of his name. He was also the in- ventor of a steel device used to fasten down the corners of burial caskets. It is now extensively utilized throughout the country and is manufactured and marketed by the company in Decatur at the present time. On Christmas day of 1847, occurred the marriage of Mr. Brown and Julia S. Brown, the ceremony taking place at the residence of the bride's parents in Springfield. The widow and one son, Charles H. Brown, now survive the husband and father. His deep- est interests centered in his home, which was to him his castle. He was a man of modest and retiring disposition, but his family and friends found him a most com- panionable and genial gentleman, always considerate of the feelings of others and with generous deference for the opinions of others. As a citizen, too, he was consid- erate of men of sterling worth and his many excellent traits of character gained for him the warm regard of all with whom he was associated. Holding membership in the LTniversalist church, he took an active part in its work, regularly attended its services and contributed liberally to its financial sup- port. Through the whole course of his 670 PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY career the ]jrime moving spirit that proinpl- ed all nf his actions seems to have been improvement and advancement. The idea of leaving whatever he touched better than he found it was always dominant with him. He was a man of true character, whose rec- ord must be studied carefully to be rightly understood because he was never ostenta- tious in anything that he did. In all his views, political, religious and social, he was broad gauged and liberal. He was a man of action rather than of thought and while others might argue and debate he went to work and demonstrated. "He was a man, take him for all in all; I shall not look upon his like again." CHARLES H. BROWN. Well known in the business circles of Decatur Charles H. Brown has been an ac- tive factor in controlling interests which have become of value in promoting the in- dustrial and commercial activity of this city. He is a native of Springticld, Illinois, born on the nth of May, 1852. His parents were Henry H. and Julia S. (Brown) Brown. In the public schools of Decatur and Chicago he ac(|uired his education and early in life he became a railroad employe. He is to-day one of the oldest railroad men living in this city. He was connected w'th the engineering corps that made the orig- inal survey on the Decatur & State Line road, now a part of the Wabash system, this work being executed in 1870. In 1871 he was employed as ticket agent in Decatur for the Illinois Central Railroad Company, serving in that position for two years. Sub- sequently he acted as agent for the Paris & Decatur road, now a part of the Vandalia line, from 1873 until 1876 and in the latter year he entered the service of the W' abash Railroad Company as ticket agent at De- catur, continuouslv serving until i8()i, when he resigned. His connecliorv with railroad interests was of long duration and alv/ays of the most honorable character. He was so loyal to the trust reposed in him that the corporations which he served enter- tained for him the highest regard and re- ])osed in him the most uncjualitied confi- dence. As ticket agent he was always oblig- ing and courteous to the patrons of the road and he won many friends through the pos- session of these estimable cjualities. On resigning he became general manager of the r.rown .Manufacturing Company and is now also its secretary. One of the features of this company is the manufacture of a de- vice for dehorning cattle, the invention be- ing in use extensively in the United States and is largely exported to the wholesale trade in foreign countries, including .Vfrica, New Zealand, Holland, Cuba and South America and throughout the cattle coun- tries of the world. Mr. Brown was also president of the Robinson .Manufacturing Comi)any during its e.xistence in Decatur and was vice president of the Savings & Loan Association for many years. In 1873 occurred the marriage of Charles 11. Brown and Miss Mary A. Ellis, who died in 1883, leaving two sons. The elder is William E. Brown, now the president of the Brown Manufacturing Company. He maintains his residence, however, in Chi- cago and is in the employ of the National Casket Company. He is an expert engraver 'ind designer. Roy H. Brown, the younger son, is an artist and illustrator in oils of enviable reputation. He studied in Deca- tur and later in the Art League of New York and was with Jean Monheim of Paris. He is now a member of the Art League of Xew York and was one of the exhibitors in the Art Institute of Chicago in December, 1899, his oil painting Cranberry Bog receiv- ing special attention and commendation. Since the year 1872 Charles H. Brown has been a meml)er of the ^lasonic frater- F. R. QOODE PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COuNTY. 673 nity and in his life has exemphfied the be- neficent spirit of the craft. He belongs to Ionic Lodge, No. 312, F. & A. M. ; Macon Chapter, No. 21, R. A. M. ; Decatur Coun- cil, No. 16, R. & S. M.; and Beaumanoir Commandery, No. 9, K. T. He is a man of much force of character and strong in- dividuality and his pleasant, social manner has won him a host of warm friends. JOSIAH BROWN, M. D, On the list of charter members of the Macon County Medical Society is the name of Dr. Josiah Brown. Dr. Brown was born at Whitby, Canada, August 24, 1827. He was a son of Abram and Bathsheba Brown, who were Quakers from New England. Dr. Brown attended school in Canada and at Wilson, New York. As a child, he desired to become a physician and always studied with that end in view. His father died when Josiah was but twelve years old, leav- ing a small estate to be divided among a large family. With this little assistance, and by dint of energy and hard work, and by teaching school for a time he was able to enter the Augusta, Georgia, Medical Col- lege, then one of the best schools in the country. At tlie end of the course he was graduated and began the practice of medi- cine at Gaylesville, Alabama. It was at this place that he married Miss Sarah E. Brown. Together they moved to Maroa, Illinois, where they lived about two years. In 1859 they located at Decatur, making this city their jjcrmanent home. Their first two children died in infancy. A daughter, Minnie S., died in February, 1881, at the age of eighteen years. A son. Dr. Warren Brown, is a practicing phy- sician of Tacoma, Washington. Another son. Dr. Everett J. Brown, is a worthy suc- ces.sor of his father at Decatur. Still an- other son, Frederick A. Brown, is prac- ticing law in Chicago. Dr. Josiah Brown died May 6, 1889, ^t his home 665 Prairie avenue, Decatur, Illi- nois, where his wife and daughter, Mrs. Charles R. Murphy, still reside. Dr. Brown was a member of the Masonic Lodge. In politics he was a Republican. In religion he was a Presbyterian and was a member of that church for more than twenty-five years. Bj' those who knew him best he will ever be remembered as a cordial, true friend ; an able and successful physician, sound in his judgment and correct in diagnosis, a keen observer and a good adviser. He was strict- ly temperate and always maintained a high standard of right. FRANK R. GOODE. This is an age of improvement and inven- tion and America is the exponent of the spirit of the age. No country has kept apace with the United States in its inven- tions of a utilitarian character, American citizens having given to the world many products which have been of the greatest value in business life. Frank R. Goode is an inventor whose career has been eventful and who is a self-made man. One of Illi- nois' native sons he was born in Taylorville, Christian county, on the 12th of February, 1873, and is a son of Francis and Margaret (May) Goode, both of whom were natives of this state. The father died in the year 1887, when sixty years of age. He had de- voted his entire life to stock-raising and was also an auctioneer for several years. In politics he was a prominent and influential Detnocrat, who held a number of offices, serving both as sheriff and deputy sheriff in Christian count)^. As a citizen he was enterprising and public spirited, as a busi- ness man, active and energetic, and thus in his life record are many elements worthy of emulation. His widow still survives 674: PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. him and is now living^ at 129 North Church street in Decatur. The Goodes came orig- inally from Pennsylvania and James Goode, an uncle of our subject, is now the oldest living representative of the family. He has reached the advanced age of eighty-nine years and makes his home in Springfield, Illinois. He is the oldest living settler of Sangamon county, and the Old Settlers' Association presented him with a pair of gold glasses in 1900, and a gold headed cane in 1901. He has never been ill a day in his life, and has never used tobacco or into.xi- cants in any form. :\lrs. Goode, the mother of our sub- ject, was a daughter of the late Dr. Fran- cis May, who began his career as a physi- cian in 1847 and continued in active prac- tice until his death, which occurred in De- catur in 1885. Frank R. Goode was the only child born unto his parents. He acciuircd his educa- tion in the public schools and when four- teen years of age he lost his father. He en- tered upon his business career as a clerk and at first received no salary, gaining, however, experience concerning mercantile methods. The first money he received for his services was eight dollars per month, and gradually his wages were increased until he had reached the age of si.xteen years. He then worked upon the road as a travel- ing salesman for the Wichita Produce Com- pany of Wichita, Kansas, being associated with that house until nineteen years of age. He then took charge of the wholesale house at Flennesscy, Oklahoma, owned by the M. T. C.illock Milling Company, the territory extending through Oklahoma and with headquarters at Hennessey. Mr. Goode spent altogether sixteen years in Kansas and Oklahoma, Kemaining in the west from 1880 until 1896. In the latter year he came to Decatur and entered the employ of the F. B. Tait Manufacturing Company for the purpose of selling a windmill patent. In September, 1897, he engaged in the patent business on his own account opening an office in Decatur exclusively for the sale of patents. In 1897 he secured a patent upon an invention of his own — a clothes line grip — which he sold in 1898. In the latter year he took out a patent for a slot rending machine and the same year secured a patent on an invention for laundry packing and wrapping. In 1900 he again became a trav- eling salesman for the F. B. Tait Manu- facturing Company, having charge of the gasoline department for one year. In 1903 he in\cntcd a spring hitch for farm wagons and machinery and he carries this on sale in connection with his patent business. His specialty, however, is patents and during his nine years connection with this line of activ- ity he has placed some forty different patents on the market, many of which have become paying inventions. Two important ones have been the equalizer for gang plows and the surface blade attachment for culti- vators. Mr. Goode has made several trips to Washington, D. C, in the interest of his patents and his office is located at No. no ^\'est Prairie street, Decatur. In 1899 Mr. Goode was united in mar- riage to Miss Gertrude Wisher, a daughter of C. W. Wisher, of Decatur, and they have one child, Ruth Beatrice. He is well known in connection with industrial and manufac- turing interests throughout this portion of the country and has done an important business by placing upon the market many inventions which have proven of value to the business world. J. P. STOUTEN BOROUGH. The subject of this biography is one of the leading citizens of Maroa township, where he has spent his entire life. He is nut only engaged in farming and stock rais- ing but is also interested in a number of dif- PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 675 ferent enterprises which have been of de- cided advantage to his section of the coun- ty, promoting its material welfare in no uncertain manner. As a business man he is notably prompt and reliable and he has attained a leading place among the repre- sentative men of the community in which he lives. Mr. Stoutenborougli was born in Maroa township in 1865, a son of Anthony and Sarah J. Stoutenborough. His father was one of the early settlers of this county and is now living a retired life in Maroa, hon- ored and respected by all who know him. He is a brother of Garrett Stoutenborough, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this work. The primary education of our sub- ject was obtained in the public schools of Maroa and he later attended a business col- lege at Decatur. At the age of twenty years Mr. Stouten- borough commenced operating his father's farm, having previously become thoroughly familiar with every department of farm work. He now owns one hundred and sixty acres of the old homestead but has charge of the entire tract of four hundred acres, which is under a high state of cultivation and well improved with good' and substan- tial buildings. His place is supplied with all modern conveniences, the house is heat- ed by a furnace and there is a good system of water works. Mr. Stoutenborough has always been more or less interested in stock- raising and now has some pedigreed stock of the Hereford and shorthorn breed of cat- tle. He is a director of the Farmers' Mer- cantile Association ; is also interested in the Citizens' Bank of Maroa and was instru- mental in establishing elevators at Rowell and Maroa. He possesses good business and executive ability and the success that has come to him is certainly well deserved. On the 9th of April, 1891, Mr. Stouten- borough was united in marriage to Miss Gertrude Barr, a daughter of Captain Barr, of Maroa. She first attended school in Friends Creek township, this county, and later pursued her studies at Galesburg, Illi- nois. Both Mr. and Mrs. Stoutenborough are members of the Christian church and he is also a member of the blue lodge and chap- ter of the Masonic fraternity and the Order of the Eastern Star at Maroa. He votes with the Republican party but has never consented to hold office, preferring to de- vote his undivided attention to his business interests which have become quite exten- sive. He is a true type of western progress and enterprise and in all his undertakings he has prospered thus far, his success being the logical result of his careful and correct business methods. AUGUSTUS HARPSTRITE. The name of Harpstrite early became well known in connection with agricultural in- terests and the subject of this review is now the owner of splendid tracts of farm land in Macon county. The name is also a well known one in commercial circles, for during thirty years Augustus Harpstrite was en- gaged in the grocery business in Decatur. Now he is living a retired life and all that he possesses has come to him as the legiti- mate reward of his own labors. He was only three years of age when brought to this country, but is of German birth, having first opened his eyes to the light of day in Baden on the 4th of March, 1830. He is the third son in the family of John B. and Mary (Roamar) Harpstrite, who in the year 1833 severed the connections that bound them to the fatherland and came to the new world. They braved the dangers incident to an ocean voyage at that time when weeks were required to make the trip while only days are now demanded for the voyage. Sixty-one days had passed ere they reached the harbor of New York, and after living 070 PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. at a number of places in the east the family home was established at Delphi, Indiana, where Ansjiistus Harjistrite sjjent about six 3'ears, ])ursiiing his education in the jjublic schools during that time. The year 1844 witnessed the removal of the family to Illi- nois and tlie establishment of the family home in Clinton county. .Mr. Harjjstritc of this review ]ar2;el\^ passed his early life upon a farm and for some time made his iiome with his sister. In Clinton county he also continued his education in the ])ublic schools and he was early instructed in tlie value of industry and perseverance in the active affairs of life. The habits which he thus formed have been strong elements in his later success. In October, 1855, Air. Harpstrite came to IMacon county and settled tipon a farm near .•\lbion in South Wheatland township. In 1857, however, he went to Chicago, after- ward to St. Louis, Missouri, where he was employed for a time, while later he located in P.elleville, Illinois, and was employed as a farm hand at eight dollars per month. It is from such a humble beginning that he has steadily worked his way upward until his name is now enrolled among the pros- ])erous citizens of Decatur. After five months at farm work near P>elleville he re- moved to Michigan in 1838, but in the same year came to Decatur and located in the first ward. In the meantime Mr. Harpstrite had managed to save a small sum from his earn- ings and began business for himself as a grocer. His stock of goods was limited, but he gradually increased his facilities in order to meet the growing demands of his trade and for long years he had one of the best equipped grocery houses of this city. His courteous treatment of his patrons, his earnest desire to please and his fair and honorable dealings won him many cus- tomers and he conducted a successful en- terprise from 1838 until 1888. wlicn he sold out to Mr. Apple. As his financial resources increased he also invested in realty and is to-day the owner of five valuable farms in .Macon county in addition to considerable city property. His labors have been very hel])ful in the upbuilding of Decatur and its improvement is attributable in consid- erable measure to his efforts, for he has erected twenty-eight dwellings and business houses here. These he rents and the finan- cial returns from his ]jroperty are sufficient to supply him with all of the comforts and many of the luxuries of life. While Air. Harpstrite began business with \ cry small means he soon gained a reputa- tion for honesty and persistency of purpose and it is safe to say that throughout his entire career he never took advantage of the necessities of hjs fellow men in any trade transaction. In all of his dealings he paid one hundred cents on the dollar. There has been no sensational chapter in his busi- ness career, his wealth not coming to him as the result of a single fortunate deal, but as the direct outcome of earnest and long continued effort. HIRAM ARNOLD. Hiram Arnold, who was an honored vet- eran of the Ci\il war and who for many }ears was a representative of agricultural life in Macon county, was born on the 29th of February, 1840, in Marshall county. West A'irginia, where the city of Wheeling now stands. His parents, Joseph and Lucretia (Mannon) .Arnold, were natives of Virginia and the father there followed the occu])a- tion of farming. The paternal grandfather was. engaged in building steamboats which sailed on the Ohio river. During the early boyhood of our subject the parents removed to Misssouri and subsequently to Illinois and in the schools of this state he acquired his education. He had just attained his GEORGE OREN JOHN H. OREN PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 681 niajoriiN- at the tune of the outbreak of the Civil war and becoming deeply interested in the events which aroused the country at that time, he espoused the Union cause, en- listing in Company E, Fifty-seventh Illi- nois Volunteer Infantry, with which he re- mained for nine months. He was in the hospital and because of physical disability was then discharged. Later the govern- ment granted him a pension in recognition of the aid he had rendered the country and because of the ill results \vhich followed his military career. It was on the 28th of January, 1868, that Mr. Arnold was united in marriage to Miss Mary Ellen Ward. For his second wife he chose Elizabeth Hurst, and by that union had one son and five daughters : ]\Iary Lucretia, the wife of I. X. Newberry, a farmer of Osbornville, Illinois, by whom she ha.s three children ; .Sarah AL, the wife of J. W. Ehlers, who follows farming near Mount Auburn, and has two children ; Ellen S., the wife of Philip Wetzel, a carpenter of Blue Mound, by whom she has one living child ; Ithamar, at home ; and Dora May, the wife of Henry Ehlers, a car inspector of Decatur. Mr. Arnold was a member of the United ISrethrcn church and exemplified in his life his Christian faith and belief. He gave his political allegiance to the Republican party and he had fraternal relations with the Grand Army of the Republic. Throughout his business career his attention was given to farming and he was the owner of eighty acres of land in Pleasant View township, which is still in the possession of his widow. He placed his land under a high state of cultivation and the fields returned to him golden harvests, so that the sale of his crops brought to him a comfortable living. He died January 24, 1903, when in his sixty- third year, and his remains were interred in Hall cemetery. The qualities of his man- hood and the strength of his upright char- acter had gained for him the confidence and regard of his fellow men, so that his death was deeply regretted. JOHN H. OREN. John H. Oren, a well known and enter- prising business man of Decatur and now proprietor of the industry conducted under the name of the Decatur Hard Plaster Com- pany, was born in this city June 17, 1859, his parents being George and Mary (Miller) Oren. The father was a native of Potts- ville, Pennsylvania, and came to Decatur in the early '50s in company with Jackson Fisher, making the trip from Pennsylvania in a wagon. He was then a young man and in this county he learned the trade of a plasterer and later entered into partnership with Mr. Fisher under the firm style of Fisher &. Oren. They did a large contract- ing business as plasterers and their services were in constant demand, a liberal patron- age bringing to them a good income. Mr. Oren continued an active factor in the in- dustrial circles of the city until his death, which occurred in August, 1899, when he was sixty-seven years of age. His wife, a' native of A^rginia, died in 1897, at the age of sixty-three years. She was a representa- tive of the old historic Miller family and was a daughter of " Aunt Polly " Miller, one of the pioneer settlers of the state. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Oren were born five children : John H., the subject of this review; Mar- garet, the wife of John Diller ; Frank; Liz- zie, the wife of Charles Jacobs; and Clara, the wife of Harry Misenhelter. John H. Oren received but limited edu- cational privileges yet mastered the com- mon English branches of learning which prepare one for life's practical duties. He began learning the plasterer's trade with his father when seventeen years of age and subsequently became interested in the com- 682 PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. pany, doing contracting on his own account and having charge of the business for twelve years. He became associated with S. F. Perry, who was a practical plasterer with an experience of over twenty-five years in business at the time the partnership was formed. When, in 1897, the Decatur Rock Plaster Company became financially em- barrassed, resulting in the forced sale of the plant,_ the firm of Perry & Oren bought the outfit and established the Decatur Hard Plaster Company. They began experiment- ing for the production of a material which would prove superior to anything known in that line and their experience and skill en- abled them to perfect a wall plaster better than anything placed upon the market to which they gave the name of the Decatur hard wall plaster. All contractors and builders recognize the fact that there has been nothing ])laced upon the market equal to that which is now manufactured by the Decatur Hard Plaster Company. The basis of this is 'g3'psum rock, which is secured from deep mines. It is manufactured by men who have devoted many years to se- curing and making the best that can be made and as the chief element in the hard plaster it makes an article of superior worth. That the Decatur hard plaster has become popular and that its value is recognized by contemporaries throughout the country is seen by enumerating many fine buildings in which it is to-day used. In Decatur it is seen in the Orlando Powers block, the Cum- berland Presbyterian church, in a number of large business buildings, together with some of the best private residences of the city. It is now recommended by every con- tractor in the city and by business and pro- fessional men generally. The plant is lo- cated at No. 341-343 Waliash avenue, where the firm is not only manufacturing and deal- ing in hard plaster, but where they also deal in lime, hair, cement and other materials. Mr. Oren has ever worked conscientiouslv and has gained a splendid reputation among all classes of citizens as a business man of integrity and worth, well meriting a large share of the public patronage. He manu- factures two forms of plaster. The first is known as the Decatur hard plaster, which has all the ingredients ready mixed and to which simply water needs to be added and the second is the Decatur hard plaster com- pound which requires the addition of sand. In placing this product upon the market Mr. Oren has given to the world a material of marked value in building operations and he certainly richly merits the success which is now accorded him. Mr. Oren has been twice married. In 1887 he was joined in wedlock to Miss Mag- gie Tiernan, of Dalton, Illinois. They lived happily together for five years and then in 1892 Mrs. Oren was called to her final rest. In 1894 Mr. Oren was again married, his second union being with Mrs. Mary Millard, a daughter of Captain C. C. Mason, of Mount Pulaski, Illinois. They have two children : Elsie May and George Mason. In his political views Mr. Oren is a Repub- lican where questions of national import- ance are involved, but at local elections he votes independently of party ties. He be- longs to the Fireman's Association, to Coeur de Lion lodge. No. 17, K. P., and to De- catur District Court, No. 39, of the Court of Honor. He finds his chief source of recreation in fishing and hunting, but allows nothing to interfere with his faithful per- formance of business duties and no man en- joys a more enviable reputation because of the fidelity which he manifests in meeting business obligations. CAPT.\IN J.\MES H. GLORE. W hen tlie tocsin of war soundetl and brave men from all parts of the country rtocked to the standard of the nation Macon PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 683 county sent its full quota of gallant soldiers to the field and among this number was Captain James H. Glore, who won his title through the valiant aid which he rendered to the nation. Because of this and because of his loyalty in citizenship in times of peace he is well worthy of representation in the history of Macon county. He was, more- over, one of the pioneer settlers here, estab- lishing his home in this county in 1850. A native of Kentucky, his birth occurred in Brownsboro, Olden county, on the 27th of November, 1834. His parents, iMilburn and Sarah (Clark) Glore, were also natives of Olden county, and in the year 1850 the father removed with his family from Iven- tucky to Decatur, where he became asso- ciated with business affairs as a manufac- turer of brick. He owned and operated a brickyard for many years and the product of his factory was utilized in the construc- tion of many important buildings here at an early day. Later he turned his atten- tion to the grocery business, which he car- ried on for a few years and subsequently he lived a retired life, spending his last days in rest from further labor and in the enjoy- rrijent of the comforts which his own en- ergy and industry provided. He passed away in 1887 and his wife has also departed this life. They were the parents of ten children: Wash, who now resides in Chi- cago ; Lon, a resident of St. Louis ; Scott and Norman, both deceased ; James H. ; Relda, the wife of Captain Bingham, of De- catur; Amy, the wife of Andrew Hill, of this city ; Alice G., who is now librarian of the Decatur Free Public Library; Valissa, the widow of Edward Moore, of Decatur; and Ella, also in this city. All were well edu- cated in the best schools of Macon county. Like the others Captain Glore attended the public schools and subsequently he assisted his father in the conduct of the brickyard here. At the same time he learned the trade of a brickmason and assisted in the erection of many of the best brick buildings of this city. Until the war broke out he followed that pursuit, but after the inauguration of hostilities he could not content himself to remain at home while his country was in danger and therefore he enlisted as a private of Company K, One Hundred and Sixteenth Regiment of Illinois Volunteers. This regi- ment was organized in 1862 and with the exception of two companies its members were all sons of Macon county. Mr. Glore was afterward promoted to the captaincy of his company and served in many import- ant engagements of the Civil war. With liis command he remaified at Camp Macoit during the months of August, September and October and on the 30th of September, 1862, was mustered into the United States service. On the 8th of November, the regi- ment was ordered to Memphis, where it was attached to the First Brigade, Second Division, Fifteenth Army Corps of the Army of the Tennessee. Its active service be- gan in Grant's campaign in central Missis- sippi and included Sherman's Yazoo expedi- tion, meeting the enemy in battle at Chris- tian Bayou and afterward at Chickasaw Bluflfs. Later came the Arkansas expedi- tion, including the investment and capture of Arkansas Post. In General Grant's ef- forts to gain a foothold in the rear of Vicks- burg the One Hundred and Sixteenth Illi- nois joined the expedition up Steele's Bayou and after other encounters with the enemy rejoined the corps and fought at Jackson, Mississippi, Champion Hills, Bridgeport and in the assaults on Vicksburg. After the fall of this city the regiment advanced on Jackson and in September, 1863, moved to Memphis, Tennessee, thence marching to Chattanooga. They participated in the battles of Tunnel Hill, Missionary Ridge and afterward marched to the relief of Knoxville. On the 4th of May, 1864, be- gan the Atlanta campaign and with Sher- man's great army the One Hundred and 684 PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. Sixteenth Illinois moved toward the soutli- east. During this time Captain Glore and his men were in the engagements at Snake Creek Gap, Kesaca and New Hope Church and at the last named Cajitain Glore, who was then lieutenant, was wt)unded. Then followed other encounters with the enemy in the Atlanta campaign, concluding in the great battle of Atlanta, July 22. 1864. and later the siege of the city resulting in its sur- render. For three months the ( )ne Hun- dred and Sixteenth Regiment had heen un- der fire continually night and day. On the 15th of November they started on the march to the sea and then came the Carolina cam- paign, ending in the battle of lientonville, the last engagement of the war, followed by the Grand Review in Washington, where with the other representatives of the vic- torious army Ca])tain Glore and his men received the plaudits of the nation. ( )n iIk- -th of June, 1865, with his command. Cap- tain Colore was mustered out. After the war he returned to Decatur and established a wood^-ard, which he conducted for a few years or up to the time of his marriage in 1870. The lady of his choice was Miss Frances E. Gunther, a daughter of George and Susan Gunther. the former a native of Germany and the latter of Ten- nessee. Her father came to America in 1832 and settled in Ohio but after a short time removed to Macon county, Illinois, be- ing one of its early residents. Here he first operated a saw mill and later jnux-hased a tract of land in South Wheatland town- ship, whereon he engaged in general farm- ing up to the time of his death in 1849. His widow, long surviving him. passed away in Decatur in 1901. Captain and Mrs. Glore became the parents of two children : Sarah .Mice and (k>orge G.. both with their mother. The latter was born March 28, 1882, and is now a machinist by trade. After his marriage Captain (ilore pur- chased a farm in South Wheatland town- ship, three miles southeast of Decatur, where he spent his remaining days, carry- ing on general agricultural pursuits and also worked at the mason's trade during the busy season. His life was one of activity and usefulness. He died I'ebruary 27, 1886, respected by all wdio knew him because in all life's relations he had been loyal to duty, honorable in business, generous in friend- ship and loving and considerate of his fam- ily. For fifteen years he served as a school director in S(5uth Wheatland township and the cause of education i)rofited by his earn- est efiforts in its behalf. In politics he was independent, supporting the men rather than the party. However, he kept well in- formed on the issues of the day and took great delight in all political arguments. In all his business undertakings he was very successful. Socially he was connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at Decatur and he maintained pleasant rela- tions with his old army comrades through his mend)ership in the Grand Army Post of this city. He held membership in the Christian church, to which his wife yet be- longs and there was in his career naught that could be censured by his fellow men, because he had been ever actuated by hon- orable niotives. After his death Mrs. Glore resided upan the home farm imtil 1890, when she returned to Decatur antl purchased her present residence at No. 412 South Main street, where she and her two chil- dren now reside. J. S. P.CFFMFYER. For many years J. .'^. lUifTmeyer was ac- tively identified with the farming interests of Macon county but is now living a retired life on section 2, Whitmore township, hav- ing acquired a competence which enables him to lay aside all business cares and en- joy a well earned rest. He was born on \J^iriy^^ PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 687 the 14th of November, 1834, in Pennsyl- vania, of which state his parents, Joseph and Anna (Shaffer) Buffmeyer, were also na- tives. He was their only child. In 1856 the family removed to Illinois and first lo- cated west of Chicago. Subsequently our subject became a resident of McLean coun- ty, this state, and from there removed to Moultrie county. It was in 1879 that he came to Macon county and purchased forty acres of land on section 2, \Yhitmore town- ship, which had already been placed under cultivation. Later he added to his farm another tract of forty acres on section 11, just across the road from his former pur- chase, and he was actively engaged in the operation of his land for some years. In connection with general farming he engaged in stock raising to some extent and met with good success in the raising of hogs. Since 1896 he has practically lived retired, leaving the management of the farm to his son Joseph, .who now devotes considerable attention to the raising of fruit. The farm is very productive and yields a handsome return for the care and labor bestowed upon it. In 1854 Mr. BufTmeyer w^as united in marriage to Aliss Mary Hartman, of Lan- caster, Pennsylvania, and to them have been born ten children, those still living being John, who is married and lives in Oregon; Joseph, who is single and resides upon the home farm ; Benjamin, who is married and also follows farming in Whitmore town- ship ; Lou, wife of Frederick Myers ; and Annie, at home. Mr. Bufifmeyer has served as school di- rector one term and as ditch commissioner five years, being the present incumbent in the latter office. He and his family are members of the German Baptist church and stand high in the community where they reside. Hospitality reigns supreme in their pleasant home, which is a modern frame residence, surrounded by spacious lawns. beautiful shade trees and an abundance of flowers. In his political affiliations Mr. Bufifmeyer is an ardent Republican and he takes quite an active and influential part in local affairs, his opinions carrying weight with his neighbors and many friends. ENOCH A. GASTMAN. Enoch A. Gastman has a record hardly paralleled in the history of the country for through forty-one years he has remained at the head of the Decatur schools. Several times has he handed in his resignation, but each time the school board and his fellow townsmen have urged him to remain in the position, which he has so honorably and creditably filled. No city in this great com- monwealth has a better school system than Decatur and this is attributable in large measure to the earnest efforts, marked abil- ity and untiring devotion of Enoch A. Gast- man. He has been so closely and promi- nently connected with the educational and moral interests here that no history of the community would be complete without the record of his career. It is a widely acknowl- edged fact that the most important work to which a man can direct his energies is that of teaching, whether it be from the pulpit, from the lecture platform or from the schoolroom. Its primary object is ever the same, the development of. one's latent pow- ers that the duties of life may be bravely met and well performed. It would be im- possible to estimate the influence of the life of Mr. Gastman upon those with whom he has come in contact, but there are hun- dreds of people who have been under his instruction and who acknowledge their in- debtedness to him for so shaping their course in early years that in later life they have become valued factors in the affairs of the various communities in which they have lived. 688 PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. Enoch A. Gastman is a native of New York city, but almost his entire life has been passed in Illinois and he has the deep- est love for the state which has so honored him. His natal day was June 15, 1834, but in April, 1838, he was brought to McLean county, the family home being established near Hudson. His early life was quietly passed in a manner not unlike that of most boys of the period. Books were always a source of pleasure to him and his interest in the work of the schoolroom prompted him to enter upon the teacher's profession as he neared manhood. He was twenty years of age when on the loth of October, 1854, he first took his place in the school- room as an instructor, being employed in Saybrook, Illinois. In the year 1855 he was a student in the Illinois Wesleyan Univer- sity and in the following year he accepted a position as teacher in Kappa, Illinois, where he remained for nine months, or throughout the scholastic year. In 1857 he entered Eureka College and on the 5th of October of that year he matriculated in the Illinois Normal University. It was on that date tliat the institution opened and he was graduated with the first class on the 29th of June, i860. On the lotli of the following September Mr. Gastman became connected with the schools of Decatur, being assigned to a ])osition as teacher in the third grade. In the spring of 1861 he taught a three months' term of school in Hudson, Illinois, and on the 12th of July, 1862, he was ap- pointed the first superintendent of the city schools of Decatur and the first principal of the high school. Here he has remained con- tinuously since. To give an entire history of his life would be to present a faithful ])iclure of the work done along educational lines in Decatur. During the forty-one years of his active superintendenc)' marked progress has been made, Decatur keeping abreast with the universal improvement along educational lines. At first Mr. Gast- man received a salary of onl)' two hundred and seventy dollars for si.x months' term of school, but gradually he was advanced un- til he has received on an average of seven- teen hundred and twenty-eight dollars and fifty cents per year for each year of the four decades in which he has l)ccn sujjerin- lendent. Only twice during this entire period has he ever spoken of salary to the school board. At the beginning of the sec- ond year he was re-appointed to his posi- tion with no advance, while another man doing the same work received an increase of five dollars per month. Mr. Gastman spoke of this matter to the school board and was given the increase. Later, when he was receiving a salary of nine hundred dol- lars per year he was ofTered a school in a neighboring city with the salary of tw-elve hundred and fifty dollars per year. Wishing to accept the more remunerative position, .Mr. (iastman asked to be released from his contract with Decatur and the board replied to this request by advancing his salary to twelve hundred. Many important positions have been offered him, for his reputation has spread far and wide and his name has Ijeen inscribed high on the roll of prominent educators in Illinois. .Again and again he has received flattering offers, and at one time he decided to accept one. Accordingly he presented his resignation to the school board, but it was at once proposed that his salary should be advanced to twenty-five hundred dollars per year and that he should be elected for a term of five years. Certain- ly no higher testimonial of the public re- gard or of his great usefulness could be given. As long as Mr. Gastman wishes to remain in the position it is undoubtedly his. He has, indeed, become a part of the school system of Decatur. He has instituted many measures of the greatest and most perma- nent benefit to the schools; his own zeal and interest in the work have inspired and en- couraged his teachers ; and his co-operation PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON -COUNTY. 689 with the pupils has led to splendid results along character development as well as in- tellectual progress. As far as possible he has become personally acquainted with all of the students and has watched with keen interest their course in Hfe after leaving school. During his superintendency more than a thousand diplomas have been as- signed to the graduates of the high school ■of Decatur and thus leaving his guidance young men and women have gone out in the world, many of them to attain to promi- nence and honor in the active, useful and important walks of life. Mr. Gastman has always been a close and earnest student of social and economic questions and of all things pertaining to the progress of the world. His interest of course has centered along the line of his chosen field of labor and he has been quick to adopt all new measures which he believed would contrib- vite to intellectual progress and improve- ment. Public spirited in an eminent de- gree his labors have been of the greatest benefit to Decatur and his name figures con- spicuously in connection with the educa- tional history of the state. For a half cen- tury he has been a teacher of Illinois and for thirty-two years of that time has been a member of the state board of education, during which time he has been accjuainted with all of the state superintendents, being a personal friend of all but two of the num- ber. In July, 1862, Mr. Gastman was united in marriage to Miss Frances A. Peterson, of Sublette, Lee count}', Illinois, who died seven months later, and in August, 1864. he was again married, his second union be- ing with Miss Caroline S. Sargent, of Clare- mont, Nev/ Hampshire. At the time of their marriage she was a teacher in the Decatur schools. Unto them five children were born, those still living being Elizabeth G., wife of John H. Powell, of Seattle, Wash- ington ; and Louise, at home with her pa- rents. Frances died at the age of three years. Winthrop E., who was a graduate of Michigan University and an electrical engineer by profession, died at the age of twenty-five years. Floyd A. died at the age of nineteen while a freshman at Ann Arbor. The two sons died in 1893 within ten days of each other. Mr. and Mrs. Gastman have a pleasant home on West North street, where they have resided for thirty-eight years. NEWTON F. PICKLE. Twenty-two years have come and gone since Newton F. Pickle became a resident of Macon county, where for some years he followed farming, but is now living a retired life in De- catur, his home being at No. 2075 North Church street. He is a native of Bedford county, Tennessee, born June 29, 1834, a son of John and Delilah (Lefler) Pickle, who were also born in Bedford county, where the mother died when her son Newton was a lad of four- teen years. The father was again mar- ried, his second union being with Miss Sarah Cheeves. He remained upon a farm in his native county until 1863, when he took up his abode in Johnson county, Illinois, while later he established his home in Pope county, 111- nois, where he continued to engage in general farming until his death. There were two children of the family who came to Macon county, the brother of our subject being Jo- seph Pickle, who arrived here about 1880, set- tling in the village of Macon, where he con- ducted a meat market for a short time. He then engaged in the hardware business for a few years, after which he took up his abode upon a farm in South Wlieatland township and engaged in the cultivation of the fields there for a few years. He next removed to Piatt county, but after a short time returned to Macon county and lived retired in the city of Decatur until his death, which occurred May 2, 1900. 690 PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNT ^^. The educational privileges which Newton Pickle received were meager, as his studies were pursued in a log school-house in his na- tive county. Farm work early became famil- iar to him through the assistance which he rendered to his father in the cultivation of the fields on the old homestead. After reaching adult age he desired to start out in life for him- self, and sought a companion and helpmate for the journey. In Bedford county he wedded Miss Margaret E. Musgrave, a native of the same county, born December 29, 1840, a daughter of Thomas and Harriet (Forbes) Musgrave. Both parents passed away in Ten- nessee. The father, who devoted his life to farming, died on the I4t1i of July, 1855. The young couple began their domestic life upon the old home farm and remained in Tennessee until 1859, when they removed to St. Francis county, Arkansas, where Mr. Pickle engaged in farming for two years. He then returned to his native state, but in October, 1863, re- moved to Johnson county, Illinois, where he followed agricultural pursuits until 1881, when he came to Macon county, Illinois. His first home here was a farm two miles east of De- catur, but after a short time spent on that place he took up his abode in Friends Creek town- ship where he remained for four years. He next removed to Maroa township, where he carried on agricultural pursuits for five years. He then purchased a farm of eighty acres in Whitmore township and continued its cultiva- tion for four years, after which he sold the property on the ist of March, 1896, and re- moved to Decatur, where he purchased a lot and built his present home. He owns a large lot and nice residence on the north side of the city and this property is the visible evidence of his life of industry, for he has nothing that he has not gained through his own labors, being entirely a self-made man. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Pickle were born five children : Thomas N., who married Harriet E. Barber and resides in Decatur ; Mary Delilah, who died at the age of three years ; James M., who wedded Emma Phillips and is a grocery- clerk of Decatur ; Martha E., the wife of Charles A. Dickey, of Moweaqua, Illinois ; and William F., who married Maud Withgott and is engaged in the real estate and loan business in Decatur. Mr. Pickle votes with the Republican party> and while living in Johnson county held some local offices, but has always preferred to de- vote his energies to his agricultural interests, and from the tilling of the soil he has gleaned a comfortable competence which now enables him to rest from further labor. MICHAEL DEMPSEY. Michael Dempsey, a retired mail agent living in Decatur, was born in the city of Dublin. Ireland, on the 29th of September, 1830. His father, John Dempsey, followed the sea and was in the Spanish service at the time of our subject's birth, being cap- tain of a Spanish man-of-war. The mother died when her son was but two or three months old and he was left an orphan at the early age of six years, being then reared by strangers. He obtained a common- school education in Ireland and his first independent step in life was taken at the age of nineteen years when he emigrated to America, crossing the Atlantic in a sail- ing vessel. Mount Washington, which (Irojiped anchor in the harbor of Boston, on the 2ud of July, 1849. He then went into the country and spent four years in Pel- ham, New Hampshire, working as a farm hand. Later he went to the city of Lowell, • Massachusetts, where he learned and fol- lowed the stone-cutter's trade and thus he gained a start in the new world. W'hile re- siding in Lowell, ^Massachusetts, he ^vas married in 1854 and in the spring of the following year he came to Illinois, arriving in Clinton at midnight, accompanied by his wife and his brother-in-law, William Dunn, PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 691 and his wife. Clinton was then a small town with little business prospects. Mr. Dempsey worked as a marble-cutter there until about 1859. In 1861 in response to the call of his adopted country for aid to crush out the rebellion which threatened the destruction of the Union, Mr. Dempsey enlisted in Company E, Sixty-eighth Illinois Volun- teer Infantry as a private. He was after- ward transferred to Company B, Seventieth Illinois Infantry as first sergeant and was in active service for five months, being dis- charged in October, 1861, at Alton, Illi- nois. He then came to the city of Decatur and in the spring of 1863 removed his busi- ness here, locating at the corner of Pine and West Williams street, where he has since made his home. He began working at the marble cutter's trade and followed that pursuit for a number of years. About 1876 he entered the railway mail service and remained in that capacity for twelve years on the Wabash Railroad. Six months be- fore the expiration of Grover Cleveland's administration he was given his discharge for political reasons, although he had long been a faithful representative of the mail service. Since 1888 he has lived retired. On the 26th of February, 1854, Mr. Demp- sey was united iti marriage to Miss Mary Dunn, a native of Queens county, Ireland, who emigrated with her brother to the new world in 1850. She was educated on the Emerald Isle and was a daughter of Peter and Mary (McCabe) Dunn, who spent their entire lives in Ireland. For forty-one years Mr. and Mrs. Dempsey traveled life's jour- ney together and the wife was then called - to her final rest May 5, 1895. By that mar- riage there were eight children, two of whom died in infancy: John S., a marble worker of Springfield, wedded Miss Mary McGorey, of Decatur, and they have one child, Flora. Peter J., who is represented elsewhere in this volume, is the second in the family. Mary is the widow of T. A. Russell and lives with her father. She has two children, William E. and Margaret Louise, but the latter is known as Jessie. Catherine is the principal of the Wood street school of De- catur and is a graduate of the col'ege at Oregon, Illinois. Thomas F. is a piinting contractor, who married Mamie Garber and they have one son, Peter O. Lucy I., the youngest of the family, is acting as her father's housekeeper. Mr. Dempsey and his children are members of St. Patrick's church, to which his wife also belonged. Mr. Dempsey owns a good house and lot in Decatur, his home being one of the best on the street and the plans for this were drawn bv one of his daughters. JACOB W. KOHR. When after years of long and honorable labor in some field of business, a man puts aside all cares to spend his remaining years in the enjoyment of the fruits of his former toil, it is certainly a well deserved reward of his industry. "How blest is he who crowns in shades like these A youth of labor with an age of ease," wrote the poet, and the world everywhere recognizes the justice of a season of rest following an active period of business life. Mr. Kohr is now living retired at his pleas- ant home on section 5, Whitmore township, and his history is one that shows the ac- complishment of well directed labor. A native of Pennsylvania, he was born in York county, January 18, 1846, and is the ninth in order of birth in a family of ten children, all of whom lived to be grown. His parents, Louis and Rebecca Kohr, are now deceased. He passed the days of his boyhood and youth in the Keystone state and is indebted to its public school;; for the 692 PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. educational advantages he enjoyed. When the Civil war broke out he enlisted in Com- pany B, One Hundred and Thirtieth Penn- sylvania Volunteer Infantry, and after nine months in the service was discharged. On account of failing health he subsequently went to Minnesota and was engaged in steamboating on the Mississippi river for a time. In the fall of iSOS Mr. Kohr came to Ma- con county and took up his residence on section 5, Whitmore township, where he at first purchased seventy acres and later added to it a tract of forty acres and still later eighty more acres, but he has since sold eighty acres to his son Samuel after the latter's marriage. In his farming opera- tions our subject met with marked success and as he found that the raising of hogs proved quite profitable he devoted consid- erable attention to that industry. The house he erected upon his place in 1868 is still standing in a good state of preserva- tion, and in 1892 he built a good barn, has set out trees of various kinds, and he has a number of soft maples which he has raised from the seed. Although his land was full of ponds and sloughs when it came into his possession he has tiled and drained it, and to-day has a very desirable and attractive farm under excellent cultivation. Since 1896 he has practically lived a retired life, leaving the labors of the farm to younger hands. On the 14th of October, 1868, in Whit- more township, was celebrated the mar- riage of Mr. Kohr and ?*Iiss Helen Brown, a daughter of Rev. Ephraim and Jane Brown, who are pioneers of this county and live east of our subject in Whitmore town- ship. Three children bless this union : Ida, Samuel and Nellie. The son. who resides on section 5, Whitmore township, married Ida Birchfield and has two children: ^^'cl- nia and an infant son. Mr. Kohr is one of the standard bearers of the Republican party in his community and docs all in his power to insure its suc- cess. He is now serving as highway com- missioner and his official duties have always been most faithfully and conscientiously discharged. In the work of public improve- ment he has ever borne his part and has never withheld his support from any enter- prise which he believed would prove of pub- lic benefit. When he came to Macon coun- tv the villages of Oreana and Argenta had not yet sprung into existence, and much of this region was still wild and unimproved. ST. PATRICK'S CHURCH. The first Catholic service ever held in Decatur was conducted by Rev. Father Pendergast in July, 1853, at the residence of Mrs. Marvin on West Main street. At the close of that service Mary Phalin was baptized, she being the first child to receive that ordinance in the Catholic church in Decatur. Father Pendergast continued his labors as rector of the Catholic organiza- tion in Decatur for one year. In 1854 Rev. I'^ather Cussack. a traveling priest, succeed- ed to the rectorship and continued in the same until 1859. In the early days of the church, services were conducted at private residences, one of the favorite places for holding the meetings being the log cabin of Michael Phalin, which was located on the site of his present residence on West Macon street. .\t this time the Great Western (now the ^\'abash) Railroad was in process of construction. Among the contractors and construction men were a number who were members of the denominational church in the east and the attendance at mass in the early days was considerably augmented by delegations from this laboring class. The attendance at mass finally became so great that it was necessary to find a more com- modious place for worship, and during the PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 693 early days of the pastorate of Rev. Father Cussack, mass was celebrated in the old brick court house, which was located in the southeast corner of Lincoln square. In 1857 Rev. Father Cussack raised money enough to erect a frame church building on a lot in the 700 block on ^Vest Prairie street. The lot was donated to the cause by a .Mr. Shepherd. Tn 1859 Rev. P'ather \'ogt was sent to be rector of the church and remained until 1870. The corner stone of St. Patrick's Catholic church, lo- cated on East North street, was laid on March 17 (St. Patrick's day), 1863, and was occupied for worship during the following winter. Rev. Father Walsh succeeded Rev. Father Vogt in 1870 and remained rector until 1873 when Rev. Father Hickey, now vicar general of the diocese, became rector and continueil until 1876. Very Rev. Father Joseph Macken succeeded Rev. Father Hickey in 1876. During the pastorate of this pious and assiduous priest the church attained its greatest growth. During his administration, which lasted for a period of over twenty-five years, every branch of the church was thoroughly organized and equipped for assiduous work, and before the death of the priest, which occurred in the month of March, 1898, the membership of the church included over three thousand souls. The new parochial school building adjoining St. Theresa's academy was built during his rectorship, and the convent, which had formerly been the property of the church, was transferred to the order of the Ursuline Sisters. The magnificent parish residence on the lot at the rear of the church was bought from Moses Stafiford for twenty-five thousand dollars a short time before Rev. Father Macken's death. After watching the heart-broken parish- ioners follow the remains of their loved priest to the last resting place in Calvary, Bishop Ryan began looking around for some one to take his place. At Mattoon there was a priest who had attained an age barely above that of middle age, but yet who had made signal and distinguished ad- vances in the work of the priesthood of the church. This priest was Very Rev. Father Murphy, the present rector, who was called to the pastorate of St. Patrick's in the early part of July, 1898, and who said his first mass in the church on Sunday, July 17. Very Rev. Father Jereiniah Murphy is a native of ilill street. County Cork, Ireland, where he was born on Christmas day of 1856. Near to the hallowed haunts of his childhood, at the national school at Cullen, he studied until his sixteenth year, and then for a short time became a preceptor. Obedient to the Divine call he entered St. Brendan's Seminary in Killarney where, with class honors, he completed the classics However, in 1876, at the age of twenty years, he bade farewell to the green shores of Erin and the dear folks at home and set sail for America. Arriving in this country he commenced at once upon a course of philosophy and theology at the Seminarv of St. Francis in Milwaukee. He was ordained a priest by Right Rev. P. J. Baltes, of the Diocese of Alton, June 29, 1881. His first mass was celebrated July 2, in the Church of Our Savior, Jackson- ville, Illinois. The occasion was not char- acterized by the pomp and display which usually attend such celebrations. It was low mass at which a few devout wor- shipers assisted, while the only attendant at the altar was Rev. Father Hickey. For a short time he acted as assistant priest at Decatur and was then assigned to Virden as a pastor. Later he received charge of St. Patrick's church at Cairo, Illinois, which mission he resigned to pursue a course of study under the Jesuits. Soon after he re- turned he received an appointment as pastor at Winchester, where he built a beautiful church and parochial residence. From 694 PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. thence he went to Alatloon where he re- mained for six years. In that city St. Jo- seph's school and numerous other buildings and improvements stand as a monument to his zeal. Those who know Dean Murphy best know that his work has been tireless and he has accomplished much since his resi- dence in Decatur. On his arrival he found a debt of twenty-one thousand dollars hang- ing over the church and his constant en- deavor has been to sweep that debt out of existence. Those who have watched his in- cessant labor know that it will not take him a great while longer to accomplish his object. When the debt is finally discharged the fact will no doubt be commemorated by a fitting celebration. Besides laboring to remove the debt on the church property Dean Murphy has made some notable improvements in St. Patrick's church. The remodeling of the interior of the church at great cost and the installing of a new heating apparatus are among the improvements he has effected. • CHARLES J. HARTLEY. Charles J. Hartley is the senior member of the C. J. Hartley Company of Decatur, contractors and builders of special machin- ery, also doing all kinds of general repair work. The business of which our subject is the head has grown to extensive propor- tions under his capable management, and the industry to-day is a profitable one, con- stantly growing in volume and importance. Mr. Hartley was born in Quincy, Illinois, September 4, 1848, and is a son of James and Sarah (Moffitt) Hartley. The paternal grandfather, Thomas Hartley, was a native of Virginia, who removed from the vicinity of Wheeling, West Virginia, to Kentucky about the close of the Revolutionary war, taking up his abode in Greenup county in the latter state. He had loyally served in the cause for independence with the Vir- ginia troops, taking part in the long war from its beginning to its close and thus valiantly aiding in winning independence for the nation. He resided in Kentucky for a number of years and at length was drowned in the Licking river about 1820. Thomas .Moffitt, the maternal grandfather of our subject, was born in Ireland and, crossing the Atlantic to the new world about 1803, located in Rochester, New York. While living there he saw General LaFayette, who was paying a visit to America. In 1810 Mr. Moffitt removed to the west and be- came a resident of Nauvoo, Hancock coun- ty, Illinois, where he carried on the occu- ])ation of farming. He reached the very ad- vanced age of ninety-six years ere he was called to the home beyond. James Hartley, the father of our subject, was born in Kentucky, but during his youth went to St. Louis, Missouri, where for some time he engaged in the manufacture of car- riages. Later he became a millwright, spending the latter part of his life in Quin- cy, Illinois, where he died in 1852, at the age of fifty years. In taking up the personal history of Charles J.' Hartley we present to our read- ers the life record of one who has become widely and favorably known in industrial circles in Decatur. He attended the public schools until about twelve years of age and was then thrown upon his own resources so that the mental training which he obtained afterward was received by study at night. He followed various occupations in order to earn an honest living, and at the age of fifteen became employed in a machine shop. This gave him opportunity to continue his education by attending night school and he devoted his time to the study of me- chanics and natural philosophy, being thus engaged from 1863 until 1868. He was first with the firm of Gardner & Robertson in DR. M. DeWITT POLLOCK PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 697 their jobbing shops and from 1868 vmtil 1873 was employed in the engine works of M. T. Greenleaf in Quincy, IlHnois. Through the succeeding six years he worked in various shops in Hannibal, Missouri, and again went to Ouincy, whence he came to Decatur in 1879. For a few months he worked as a machinist in the Union Iron Works and then returned to Quincy and later went to Fort Madison, Iowa, but made a permanent location in this city in March, 1882. Here for two years he was employed in the W. L. Oakes Novelty Works and then engaged as foreman and superinten- dent with the Warren & Durfee Wooden Tray Works, filling that position for two years. The firm then incorporated under the name of the Warren & Durfee Manu- facturing Company, Mr. Hartley continu- ing as its superintendent. The manufac- tured output, however, did not prove suc- cessful and the company took up the manu- facture of a grain weigher, the invention of William Dunkel, which they continued for two years, but th§ machine did not prove a success. In the meantime Mr. Hartley had himself patented a grain weigher and in 1897 assumed control of the plant. He began manufacture under the firm name of C. J. Hartley & Company and also estab- lished a general machine shop. He asso- ciated with him in this business his son, Arthur J. Hartley, when on the 17th of March, 1902, the business was incorporated, under the name of the C. J. Hartley Com- pany. The success of this enterprise has been almost phenomenal. The output of 1902 more than doubled that of 1901. They are contractors and builders of special ma- chinery and manufacture grain weighers and lifting jacks. They also do a general machine and repairing business and the vol- ume of their trade has grown to extensive proportions. In 1871 occurred the marriage of Mr. Hartley and Miss Eunice Spencer, of Quin- cy, Illinois, and unto them were born five children, Arthur ]., Joseph F. and Elva Inez, who are living ; Florence, who died in 1882 ; and one that died in infancy. Mr. Hartley belongs to Ionic Lodge, No. 312, F. & A. M. ; and Park Lodge, No. 56, A. O.. U. W., of Ouincy, Illinois. The record of Mr. Hart- ley is that of a man who by his own un- aided efiforts.has worked his way upward to a position of affluence. His life has been one of industry and perseverance, and the systematic and honorable business methods which he has followed have won him the support and confidence of many. W^ithout the aid of influence or wealth, he has risen to a position among the most prominent men of the state, and his native genius and acquired ability are stepping-stones on which he mounted. iNIILTON DE WITT POLLOCK, M. D. In this enlightened age when men of in- dustry and energy are constantly pushing their way to the front, those who, by their own individual efl:'orts, have won favor and fortune may properly claim recognition. Dr. Pollock has won a creditable position in the ranks of the medical fraternity and although a comparatively young man he has at the present time a liberal patronage which many an old practitioner might well envy. He is one of the citizens of Decatur that Pennsylvania has furnished to Macon county. His birth occurred in the Key- stone state, April 20, 1863, his parents being James H. and Lydia M. (Phillips) Pollock, the former a native of Lawrence county, Pennsylvania, born October 24, 1822, and the latter of Vermont. It was in the fall of 1863 that the family came to Illinois, set- tling in McLean county near Bloomington, where the father engaged in general farm- ing. He made his home there until 1871, when he removed to Champaign county. 698 PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. Illinois, and settled ii])on a farm. Throut;]!- oiit his entire life he carried on agricultural pursuits and was still living on the old homestead in Champaign county until a short time before his death, which occurred in Foosland, Illinois, June i6, 1899. His wife died on the 4th of April, 1903. She was born at Xcrsliiri'. \'crmonl. June 25, 1831, and b_v her marriage became the mother of eight children: Dr. Milton I)., of Decatur; Dr. Robert M.. a physician, Dr. Samuel H., a dentist, and Joseph P., a retired merchant, all of Rockyford, Colo- rado; David \\'., a merchant of l'"oosland, Illinois; U. S. Grant, who lives on the old homestead; and Emma, wife of W. S. Ilin- ton, of Cham]>aign county, illiudis. At the usual age Dr. I'ollock began his education in the district schools of Cham- paign county and advanced to a grade that would entitle liim tn receive a teacher's certificate. In the fall of 18S5 he became a member of the firm of J. H. Pollock & .Sons, general merchants and grain dealers, of Foosland, Illinois, who were recognized at that time as anmng the heaviest local grain shippers in central Illinois. Dispos- ing of his business interests in January, 1891, the Doctor went west, locating at Rockyford. Colorado, and determining to make the practice of medicine his life work he became a student under the direction of Dr. C. S. Marks, of that place, and on the completion of a course in Rush Medical College, of Chicago, he was graduated in the class of 1895. After his graduation Dr. Pollock was united in marriage to Miss Emma M. Miles, of Foosland, Illinois, a daughter of 'lliomas S. and Harriet (Crow) Miles. The young couple began their domestic life in Decatur, where the Doctor opened an office and began the practice of his profession. He has steadil)' advanced in public favor and if patronage is any criterion of skill ! )r. Pollock mav well be accounted one of the most capal)le physicians of his adopted cit}-. He is a student who reads broadly, thinks deeply and with ready adaptability uses the knowledge that he has gained for the bene- fit of his fellow men. He holds member- ship in the Decatur Medical Society, also in the State Medical Society and in the American Medical Association and thus he keeps informed concerning the ad\anced ideas of the profession and the new methods of work that have been instituted and adopted by leading physicians throughout the country. He is a member of the hirst I'resljyterian church of Decatur. He now has convenient and well appointed offices at 513. 514 and 515 Powers building. EDWIN J. ROBERTS. For over a third of a century this gentle- man has been identified with the farming in- terests of ^lacon county, and in the prosecu- tion of his chosen work he has met with excel- lent success, being industrious, careful and painstaking in carrying on the labors of the farm. His early horne was in Xew England, for he was born on the 5th of July, 1842, in llarnstead, Belknap county, New Hampshire, and his parents were George S. and Eliza A. ( Bunker) Roberts, also natives of that state, and the former of Welsh and the latter of English descent. Throughout life the father engaged in agricultural pursuits. Leaving his old home in the east he came to Illinois in 1865, and after spending about three years in Woodford county, he removed to Macon county in the spring of 1868 and settled on the northwest (|uarter of section 16, Illini town- shi]), ]iaying thirty-five dollars per acre for one hundred and twenty acres and sixteen and Iwii-ihird dollars for the remaining forty acres on which our subject now resides. Here he died in i8q", and his wife passed away in 1S85. Their child'-i-n were Sarah Elizabeth, who died at the age of four vears ; Edwin T., PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 699 of this review ; George F., a physician of Min- neapoHs, Minnesota, who married Ella Thayer, of Lacon, Marshall county, Illinois ; and Everett L., a miller of Gothenburg, Ne- braska, who married Anna B. Clarke, a daugh- ter of Bradbury Clarke, of Illini township, this county. Edwin J. Roberts grew to manhood in his native state and received a good practical edu- cation in the common schools and at the Pitts- field Academy. He attended the latter insti- tution only during the summer, while through the fall and winter terms he engaged in teach- ing school, receiving at first thirteen dollars per month and his board and afterwards twent}- dollars per month, the highest wages paid at that time. For three winters he taught in the same township in New Hampshire, and after coming to Macon county, Illinois, he had charge of a school in Illini township for three years, his wages at that time being fifty dollars per month. In the early '70s Mr. Roberts made his first purchase of land, consisting of a forty acre tract for which he paid thirty dol- lars per acre, and later bought forty acres of his brother for fifty dollars per acre. He came into control of the remainder of the old home- stead on the death of his father, and to the cul- tivation and improvement of his farm he de- voted his energies for many years, but is now practically living a retired life while he rents his farm. He is secretary of the Illini Mutual Fire Insurance Company, which was formed in March, 1875, with risks which amounted to fift}- thousand dollars, but now amount to four hundred and fifty thousand dollars all placed. As there have only been five assessments it is a very safe and economical investment for one. The territory of the company extends over six townships : Niantic, Maroa, Illini, Harristown, Austin and Hickory Points, and it is called the Illini Mutual because the office is located in that township. The present officers of the company are John A. Connely, president; Charles S. Bullard. treasurer, and Edwin J. Roberts, secretary, our subject having filled that position for twenty-one years with credit to himself and to the entire satisfaction of all concerned. In 1864 Mr. Roberts married Miss Sarah Elizabeth Daniels, the only daughter of Na- thaniel and Mary Ann (Langley) Daniels. She was born in Lee, Strafford county. New Hampshire, July 16, 1840, and like her hus- Ijand she was educated in the common schools and Pittsfield Academy, where she took the English course. Harry E. Roberts, the only living son of our subject and his wife, was born June 3, 1866. He attended the Wesleyan University for a time and later was graduated at Grand Prairie Seminary in Onarga, Illinois. He married Miss Abbie M. Eaton, by whom he has one child, Laurence B., born July 31, 1897, and they live on the southeast quarter of the northeast quarter of section 17, Illini township. Ernest E., another son, was born November 6, 1870, and died July 2, 1871. Since the age of three years ]\Iargaret May Cheeseman has made her home with Mr. and Mrs. Roberts and has been given the same ad- vantages as a daughter. She was born July 28, 1883, and was educated in the common schools. As a Democrat Mr. Roberts takes an active interest in political affairs. For eight years he efficiently served as supervisor of his town- ship and was chairman of the board two years of that time. He was also chairman of the committee on plans and specifications for the new court house. For thirty years he has been an active and earnest member of the Con- gregational church of Illini township, to which his wife and children also belong, and has been deacon of the same for a number of years. They receive and merit the high regard of the entire community in which they live. Mr. Roberts' public and private life are above re- proach, for his career has ever been one char- acterized by the utmost fidelity to duty. roo PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. H. C. JOHNS, M. D. 'I'lie contemporary and friend of Abraham Lincoln, a leader in political circles of the state, an extensive farmer and stock-breeder, and one of the most active promoters of agri- cultural interests in Illinois, a man of strong purpose and unfaltering fidelity to duty, Dr. Johns was an eminent and influential factor in the public life and business circles of Illinois for many years. He was known and honored throughout Decatur and the state and through- out the entire country his name was a familiar one in connection with the advancement and interests of agriculture. Dr. Harvey C. Johnes was a native of Del- aware county, Ohio, born on the 20th of June, 18 1 9, and was in the eighty-second year of his age when his life record was ended. The family name was originally spelled Johnes, but owing to the misdirection of business letters aiid other communications which came to him it was concluded to drop the "e," and so the present spelling of the name was adopted. It was in 1840 that the Doctor made this change. His early literary education was pursued in Granville, Ohio, and determining to become a member of the medical profession he afterward entered the Jefiferson Aledical College of Phila- delphia, Pennsylvania, in which institution he was graduated with the class of 1842. Open- ing an office in Circleville, Ohio, he began practice in that city, but later removed to Piatt county, Illinois. At this time he largely aban- doned professional life in order to devote his time and energies to agricultural pursuits be- cause of the splendid opportunities which this state offers in that direction. Occasionally, however, he was called to visit a patient and rendered valuable aid in this direction in many a pioneer household. His fime and energies, however, were largely given to general farm- ing and stock raising. He made a specialty of the breeding of cattle and hogs, and through- out his remaining days was identified with agricultural interests. It was because of failing health that Dr. Johns removed from Ohio to Piatt county, set- tling there in the year 1849. Five years later he came to Decatur, and in 1857 '^"''^ the fam- ily home, which stands on a splentlid building site, commanding a fine view of the surround- ing country. The furniture of the Doctor and his wife was brought to Macon county by wagon. They owned the only piano between Danville and Springfield, and it was the first one in Decatur. On the arrival of the piano the question arose concerning a plan for trans- ferring it from the wagon to the hotel in which the Doctor and his wife were boarding. The landlord was questioned as to whether there were any men around who could assist in un- loading the musical instrument. He replied that there were none, but that court was in session and that when it adjourned several men would come to the hotel for supper and probably assistance could then be gained. The wagon was still standing in front of the door when about supper time three men came walking down the street and volunteered their services in unloading the piano. These men were Abraham Lincoln, David Davis and Leonard Sweet, who begged that in return for their services Mrs. Johns would play for them and gladly she complied. It was on the 29th of October, 1845, in Cir- cleville, Ohio, that Dr. Johns had been united in marriage to Miss Jane Martin, and after a brief residence of less than four years in the state of their nativity they came to Illinois. In his business affairs here the Doctor was very successful. He was also a type of the repre- sentative American citizen who while promot- ing his individual interests likewise advances the general welfare. There is no man in all the state of Illinois who deserves greater grat- itude for labor performed in behalf of agricul- ture and stock-raising interests. He was made a member of the first state board of agricul- ture of Illinois, but even previous to this time had begun to import thoroughbred stock and was the first to introduce fine blooded stock into this part of the countrv. He it was who PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 701 introduced Durham cattle into Illinois, and from that time until his labors were ended he was greatly interested in the improvement of stock, and thus added largely to the welfare of the state for prices were proportionately ad- vanced as the grade of cattle, horses and hogs were improved. His farming lands situated in Piatt and Macon county and this portion of Illinois were extremely valuable. The rich productive soil yielded splendid crops, while every equipment conducive to the best inter- ests of his stock was added to his farm. It was in 1852 that the agricultural board of Illinois was organized and Dr. Johns rode a mule all the way from Monticello to Spring- field to participate in the work of its first meeting. He was chosen one of the vice pres- idents of the board and was elected its second president. For a period of ten years he con- tinued his association with the board in this official capacity and formed many close and lasting friendships with men prominent in stock-breeding and farming interests through- out Illinois and neighboring states. In con- junction with Mr. Jacoby and James M. Brown, of Springfield, he was sent to Europe by the Illinois State Breeders' Association, to purchase thoroughbred horses and cattle. They performed their mission successfully, bringing some of the finest thoroughbred stock ever introduced into the state. The state leg- islature had appropriated fifty thousand dol- lars for this purpose and the stock sold at such excellent prices that money was returned from the sale into the state treasury. This, together with the introduction of stock made by Dr. Johns individually, formed the foundation of the stock-breeding interests of Illinois. The Doctor continued an active member of the Illi- nois State Agricultural Association until about 1864, and up to that time he and his col- leagues, Mr. Jacoby and Mr. Brown, were the mainstays of the organization. Dr. Johns was also vice president of the National Agricul- tural Association and was one of its managers at the big exposition which was given by the organization in Chicago and which has become a historical event of the state. In business affairs the Doctor was far-sighted, capable and enterprising, and his indefatigable energy and sound judgment proved salient features in winning him most gratifying prosperity. The Doctor was both prominent in political and business life, and left the impress of his individuality upon the history of the state in that way. His early political allegiance was given to the Whig party, and in 1852 he was elected a member of the state legislature from Piatt county. He became an active participant in the memorable contest which occurred in the assembly growing out of the election of Ly- man Trumbull to the position of United States senator. In that session Dr. Johns first gave his support to Abraham Lincoln, of whom he was a warm admirer and personal friend, but when he saw that many votes were being given to Madison he and other supporters of Lincoln, at Mr. Lincoln's personal solicitation cast their ballots for Mr. Trumbull, who ul- timately secured his election. At other times, however, Dr. Johns" service was of more de- cided benefit to Lincoln. The latter was a frequent visitor at the Johns' residence in De- catur and ckjse ties of friendship and of com- radeship were formed between the two gentle- men. As a delegate to the first national con- vention of the Republican party held in Phila- delphia, Dr. Johns supported John C. Fremont for the presidency and in that convention placed Abraham Lincoln in nomination for the vice presidency. During the war of the rebellion, following the battle of Fort Donelson, the Doctor ten- dered his services as a volunteer surgeon to Governor Yates and was sent to the front to minister to the sick and wounded. He had charge of a boat load of wounded soldiers, and did much efifective service during the latter part of the war, his medical skill being of the utmost importance in relieving the pain and suffering of those who were wounded in de- fense of the old flag. He was commissioned 702 PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. regimental surgeon of the One Hundred and Twenty-ninth IIHnois Regiment and acted in that capacity until February, 1864, when his own failing health caused him to resign. Earlier in the period of the war he went to Washington to use his best efforts to induce President Lincoln to accept the services of the One Hundred and Fourteenth and One Hun- dred and Sixteenth Regiments which were then in camp in Decatur and were eager to be called to the front. At that time President Lincoln offered Dr. Johns a position as sur- geon in either regiment, but he did not ac- cept. It was largely, however, through his influence that the two regiments were sent south to engage in the successful struggle for the maintenance of the Union. Just before the national election of 1864 Governor Yates sent Dr. Johns to Tennessee to bring back the ill and wounded soldeirs who came home on furloughs and to vote. He continued a most active advocate of the Republican party until 1872, when he voted for Horace Greeley and later became allied with the Democracv. In his last years, however, he took little active in- terest in political affairs, although he alwavs kept informed concerning questions of local, state and national interest. I'nto the Doctor and his wife were liorn five children : Hon. W. C. Johns ; Sheridan \V. Johns ; Mrs. Fannie W. Sedg^vick : Mrs. C. B. Mortre, her husband being commander in the L'nitcd States Navy ; and Mrs. George C. Dan- forth. In i8()5 the golden wedding of the Doctor and his honored wife was brilliantly celebrated. All of the members of their fam- ily were present with nian\' invited guests, and little Frances Moore, their granddaughter, acted as one of the receiving parties and was a most interesting figure on that occasion, wearing a gown that was the wedding dress of the bride fifty years before. Dr. Johns died April 22, 1899, and is interred in Greenwood. Airs. Johns still occupies the old homestead in which she lived for so many years with her luisband. Her mind bears the impress of many of the historical annals of the county and state and she relates in most interesting manner tales of the early days. Dr. Johns was a charter member of the De- catur Club and an active figure in its circles during the early years of its existence. He also held membership in the Odd Fellows So- ciety. He was a man of great strength, a man of commanding personalities, was cordial and genial and the circle of his friends was co- extensive with the circle of his acquaintances. Ills liroad reading made him a well educated man. and his unusually strong intellect and ready comprehension and appreciation of every situation made him a most entertaining companion. He never faltered in his allegi- ance to any purpose or plan which he believed to be right and in liusiness circles he sustained an unassailable reputation. His navne became a synonym for integrity and while he won success it could not be grudged by the most envious because it was gained by such worthy methods and so honorably used. His ability, great mentality and physical activity enabled him to accomplish much in life and the state of Illinois has been greatly benefited by his residence within its borders. W. L. FOULKE. Farming and stock-raising claims the time and attention of ^^^ L. Foulke, who has spent the greater part of his life upon the farm on section 26, Maroa township, where he now re- sides. He was born in Macon county on the 2fl of December, 1873, and is a son of Edward and Adelaide (Callady) Foulke, in whose fam- ily were five children, our subject being the fourth in order of liirtli. The father died Oc- tober 30, 1 90 1. W. L. Foulke acquired his early education in the district schools near his boyhood home and later attended the Westfield high school. .At the age of eighteen years he left the home farm and has since been dependent upon his PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. r03 own resources for a livelihood. For six years he was employed in the Vandalia freight office at Decatur, but with that exception his life has been devoted to agricultural pursuits, and he now operates his fatlier's old home farm in Maroa township, in which he has an undi- vided interest. At present he is largely de- voting his time to the stock business and is re- garded as a good judge of farm animals. He is a wide-awake, energetic young business man, and is meeting with good success in his work. On the 30th of October, 1901, was cele- brated the marriage of Air. Foulke and Miss Lelah Craig, a daughter of \\'illiam H. Craig, and they now have a little daughter, Lydia .Adelaide, who was born November 4, 1902. Air. Foulke is a member of Macon Lodge, No. 8. F. & A. M., and he also belongs to the chap- ter and commandery of that fraternity, all in Decatur. By his ballot he supports the men and measures of the Republican party, and he takes a commendable interest in public affairs. Well and favorably known, he has many friends throughout his native county, and he enjoys the confidence and high regard of all with whom he is brought in contact either in Ijusiness or social life. SIMON P. HOY. Simon P. Hoy is now district agent for the Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Com- pany, with headquarters at Decatur. Many years of his life were devoted to the active ■work of the ministry and his influence therein was of no restricted order. His career has been such a one as makes the world better for his having lived and his influence is ever given on the side of right, the true and the beautiful. Decatur numbers him among its valued and representative citizens, and his many friends in Macon county will receive gladly this rec- ord of his career. Simon P. Hov is a native of Fairfield county, Ohio, his birth having there occurred on the 1 6th of June, 1837. He comes of New England ancestry. His father, Peter Hoy, was born in Pickaway county, Ohio, and there spent a portion of his early life. He was a farmer b}' occupation and was an active mem- ber of the Methodist Episcopal church. He possessed considerable musical talent — a char- acteristic of the Hoy family — and had a splen- did voice. He died early in life, however, passing away on the 13th of August, 1837, his death being the result of a fall in crossing a stream on his return from church. He was a most devoted Christian gentleman, zealous in behalf of the church and its upbuilding, and his life was ever in harmony with his profes- sions. Although small in stature he possessed great strength. He had married Miss Mary Stump, a daughter of Joel Stump, who re- moved to Ohio from Pennsylvania when a \-oung man, first settling in Pickaway county. He spent the remainder of his life in the Buck- e\e state. He was a man of great moral worth, of unquestioned honor and integrity and of high ideals as to family life. He was of German lineage and was a member of the Lutheran church which was also the faith of his ancestors. His daughter. Alary Stump, after losing her first husband was again mar- ried in 1839 to David A. Hoy, a brother of her first husband. By him she had ten children who reached years of maturity, namely : John B., who served in the Civil war as a member of Company H, Forty-first Volunteer Infantry; Joel W., who was also a defender of the Union during the Civil war for three months ; .\dam AL, who belonged to Company H, Forty-first Regiment of Illinois Volunteers; Katherine E. ; David W. : Jacob M.; Joshtia; .\lbert : Alary E. ; and Julia, the wife of John W. Jinks. All of this family are living. Simon P. Hoy at the usual age entered the public schools and therein pursued his studies until he had mastered the common branches of learning. He afterward spent five months as a student in the seminarv at Shelbvville, 704 PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. Illinois, under Professor Jerome, and later he engaged in teaching in the district schools of Shelby county for three years. When twenty- one years of age, while in Hancock county, Ohio, he was converted and became a member of the United Brethren church, joining the conference in the fall of i860 at Le.xington, Illinois, that he might devote his life to the work of the ministry. The church organiza- tion was known as the Illinois Annual Confer- ence of the United Brethren church. His fir.st pastorate was the Broadwcll mission, over which he had charge for a year. He was next appointed to the church in Decatur, Illinois, where he served for one year, largely advanc- ing the cause of Christianity through his zeal- ous and earnest efiforts here. He then located in Shelby county, where he again engaged in teaching school for one year. On the expira- tion of that period he re-entered the ministry and filled the pastorate of the church at Wash- ington, Illinois, for two years. At the annual conference in the fall of 1866 he was elected presiding elcU-r of his district, his territory covering ten fields of labor. He was the youngest man in the ministry of this district, but ho proved most capable in his labors as presiding elder, and under his guidance the churches did effective work. On the expira- tion of his term of service in that office he con- tinued in the active work of the ministry, preaching at the new Pana mission and after- ward at the Macon mission. During the period of his ministry his labors were greatly blessed with accessions in membership. Two churches w^re also built during his labors in the ministry, one at Wheatland at a cost of three thousand dollars, and the other at Blue Mound, which was also erected at a similar cost. Later Mr. Hoy served the Locust Grove circuit of .Shelby county for one year and was then elected presiding elder. At the next annual conference the central Illinois conference was formed and he was given charge of the church at Lexington, Illinois, this being in 1871. Later he was once more chosen presiding elder and continued to serve in that capacity for two years, following- which time he was stationed at Streator, Illi- nois, for one year, and while pastor there the new church building was completed. In 1874 he located permanently in Decatur and entered the employ of D. Appleton as salesman for the American Encyclopedia. He continued in this line of business until 1882, when he entered the service of the Northwest- ern Mutual Life Insurance Company of Mil- waukee, Wisconsin. His identification with this corporation covers twenty-one years, and at the present time he is district agent with an office in room 312 of the Millikin Building in Decatur. He has a very thorough under- standing of the insurance business, its methods and its scope and keeps in touch with the great volume of detail work incident to carrying on this business throughout the district. In i860 Mr. Hoy was united in marriage to Miss Amanda F. Morris, a daughter of Na- thaniel and Eliza ( Fisher) Morris. She died in her sixtieth year on the 11th of February, 1901. Seven children had been born of this union : Edward M., who is a druggist of Springfield, Illinois ; Mollie, who is the wife of Frank J. Hodgins ; Charles D., who is bookkeeper for the firm of Linn & Scruggs, of Decatur ; Josie E., who is the wife of Harry Lathrop ; Ira B. ;"and two who are now de- ceased. These are Alice M., the first born, and Crala L., the third of the family. In reviewing the life history of Mr. Hoy it seems that special ])ro^-idence has watched over him and guided him. When he was but an infant of six months his mother was carry- ing him in her arms on horseback, when the animal stumbled and fell and the mother and babe were thrown to the ground with i;reat force, but Mrs. Hoy shielded her child by striking upon her own elbows, and though her arms were lacerated in a fearful manner the babe was iminjured. During his pastorate at the Broadwell mission rather than miss an appointment for religious service that he had THOMAS B. J0NI5S MRS. THOMAS B. JONES PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 7u7 made, Mr. Hoy forded the Sangamon river on horseback at great peril of his own life. It was in 1861, at the time of high water. The fording of the river was a very dangerous operation, but he made it in safety, and his compensation for that service was but a dol- lar and a quarter. On another occasion Mr. Hoy was crossing a stream in a buggy with his wife and cnild when the bridge cut loose from its fastenings and started to float down the stream. Quick as a flash he urged his horse on and plunging into the stream it quickly brought them forth in safety to the shore. Otlier proofs of the care which the Creator has for his children and which Mr. Hoy has specially received might be given. In his own work in behalf of the church he has greatly promoted moral development. He was a strong forceful speaker, energetic and zealous and willing to make an effort or sac- rifice to keep his appointments. No task was too arduous for him, and his labors were at- tended with splendid results, many additions being made to the church during his various pastorates. THOMAS B. JONES. Thomas B. Jones, a retired farmer resid- ing at No. 1259 West \\'ood street in De- catur, is a representative of one of the old families of Macon county, whose residence here dates from 1851. Our subject was born in ]\larion county, Illinois, August 6, 1845, his parents being Joseph E. and Sarah (Neel) Jones, the former a native of Ten- nessee and the latter of \'irginia. They were married very early in life and when Mr. Jones was eighteen years of age they came to Decatur, where he secured employ- ment in the lumber mills as a foreman and later he was engineer in what was known as the Eastman Mill. Subsequently he was made superintendent of the Macon county poor farm, of which he had charge for eleven years. He then purchased that farm and devoted his energies to general agri- cultural pursuits until his death, which occurred on the 26th of March, 1866. His widow afterward sold the farm and re- moved to Mount Zion township, where she purchased another tract of land, upon which she made her home until called to her final rest on the 17th of July, 1894. This worth}- couple were the parents of five children: Yong P.; Thomas; Amanda, the wife of Alartin Cooper, of Decatur; Ozro, who married Luella Albright and is a farmer of Traverse City, Illinois ; and Will- iam Columbus, who wedded Sarah Grover and now resides on the old home farm in Mount Zion township. At the usual age Thomas Jones entered the public schools and pursued his educa- tion here until he had mastered the common branches of learning and became well fitted to meet the practical duties of life. In his youth he was also trained to the work of the farm and he assisted his father in its operation until his marriage which im- portant event in his life occurred December 8, 1867, the lady of his choice being Miss Martha Boardman, a native of Bartholomew county, Indiana, born June 17, 1841. Her parents were Captain Isaac C. and Margaret (Cheddy) Boardman. Her father served as a captain in the Mexican war for one year and one month and became an early settler of Macon county, where his extensive oper- ations as a stock-dealer made him known as one of the leading stockmen of the state. He also engaged in the raising of grain on a large scale and his business interests brought to him a splendid financial return. Elected clerk of Macon count}', he held that position for a number of years and was also a member of the board of supervisors for many years. Both he and his wife spent their last days in Decatur and were recog- nized as leading and highly respected citi- zens of that place. In their family were ele\cn children, namelv : Thomas, who 708 PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. died on the old homestead in November, 1902, at the age of fifty-six years ; Eliza, wife of Jacob Sine, of Decatur; Rebecca, who is the widow of Joseph Sine and lives on a farm in South Wheatland township; Malissa, wife of Yong 1'. Jones, of Decatur; \\ illiam, who married Elizabeth McDanicl and resides in South Wheatland township ; Mary, widow of James Walton and a resident of South Wheatland township ; Charles, who wedded Alary Uallenger and lives in South Wheatland township; Ed- ward, who married Alary Blassengame, now deceasetl, and makes his home in South Wheatland township: Martha, the wife of our subject; James, who died at the age of nine years ; and JJuena \'ista, who died at the age of fourteen. The marriage of Air. and Airs. Jones has been blessed with five children : Margaret, who died at the age of eleven months ; Alary, the wife of John Lambert, who re- sides upon a farm near Ehvin, this county ; Thomas Smith, who died at the age of fif- teen years ; Charles, who married Abbie May and resides on his father's farm in South Wheatland township; and Jessie May, the wife of Frank Sprague, a resident of Oden, Indiana. After his marriage Mr. Jones removed to Decatur and was variously employed there for about a year. He then purchased a tract of land in South Wheatland township, a mile and a quarter southeast of the vil- lage of Elwin, and to the improvement and cultivation of his farm devoted his time and energies until' the spring of 1903. He had placed his fields under a high state of culti- vation and annually harvested good crops. He also raised high grades of stock and his annual sales of cattle and hogs brought him very gratifying success. Removing to the city of Decatur in the spring of 1903 he erected his present home at No. 1259 W'est W^ood street and is now living a retired life, here enjoying a rest which he has truly earned and richly deserves. He still owns the farm of eighty acres in South Wheatland township and also a building lot near his home in Decatur. His political allegiance has been given to the Democracy and his wife is a member of the Alethodist Episcopal church of Elwin. Air. Jones has been very successful in his business affairs and is a representative of a well known and leading family of Alacon county. His in- terests were capably managed and sound and keen sagacity characterized all of his business dealings. JOXES AIALONE. For seventy-one years Jones Malone has been a resident of Illinois, and he has there- fore witnessed almost its entire development. He has seen its wild lands transformed into beautiful homes and farms, its hamlets grow into villages and flourishing cities, and all of the interests and evidences of an advanced civilization introduced. Since 1865 he has made his home in Alacon county and has been particularly active in promoting its interests. Air. Alalone was born in Rutherford county, Tennessee, November 10, 182 1, a son of W^il- liam and Elizabeth (Hodaway) Malone, who were natives of Virginia, but were married in Rutherford county, Tennessee, where they continued to reside until 1832, when they brought their family t(i Illinois and settled in I'erry county. There both died when about tifty-four years of age. After spending the first eleven years of his life in his native state Jones Alalone accom- panied his parents on their removal to Illinois. This state was at that time an almost un- broken wilderness, wolves and deer were fre- quently seen and all kinds of wild game was plentiful. Our subject was the oldest in his father's family and received but a limited edu- cation in the subscrijition schools, .\fter liv- ing for some years in Perry county, he re- PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 709 moved to Washington county, where he was engaged in farming for seven years, and about the close of the Civil war he came to Macon county, locating upon his present farm of sec- tion 8, Whitmore township. The unbroken prairie stretched for miles around him and nuich of the land was under water, it having to be thoroughly tiled and drained before fit for cultivation. He paid thirty dollars per acre for his property, which is to-day worth one hundred and twenty-five dollars per acre owing to the rise in land values and the many improvements he has placed thereon. In Perry county, 'Sir. Malone was married in 1845 to Miss Nancy Huggins, who was born in St. Clair county, Illinois, December 6, 1828. Her parents were Patrick and Eliza- beth (Mitchell) Huggins, who were natives of Pennsylvania and died of cholera on the same day in August, 1833, leaving eight chil- dren. After their deaths Mrs. Malone was reared by an aunt, Mrs. Mary Walker, who was her mother's sister and with whom she remained until her sixteenth year. She then lived with her second oldest sister, Mrs. Re- becca Lard, until her marriage. Her father was a prominent and prosperous farmer and left to each of his children forty acres of land. Seven children, six daughters and one son. were born to Mr. and Mrs. Malone, namely : Mrs. Addie Cronce, a resident of Washington ; Mrs. Jennie Myrl, now de- ceased ; Mrs. Margaret F. Bishop, of Maroa ; Mrs. Mary Wilson, of Olney. Illinois; Ephraim, who is married and living in Hick- ory Point township, this county; Emma, at home : and Mrs. Eva Belle Harris, who was married in September, 1903, and resides in Perry county, Illinois. Our subject and his wife have eleven grandchildren. In religious faith Mr. Malone is a Baptist, and in politics he is a stalwart Democrat. He is thoroughly familiar with pioneer conditions and in common with the other members of his father's family he endured all the hardships and privations of frontier life. He has used the scythe and cradle in the harvest fields long before reapers were invented and he has plowed with an old wooden mold board. While living in Perry county he made the first gang plow invented in the state but the patent was stolen from him. It was con- structed for the purpose of both plowing and harrowing. Mr. Malone has broken many an acre of prairie with an ox-team and has ma- terially aided in the development and improve- ment of this state. He has assisted in molding tallow candles and also some made out of beeswax. The early settlers found many a bee tree in the woods and honey was so plentiful that it often sold for twenty-five cents a gallon. Fires were then lighted by means of flint and tow, as the friction matches had not come into use. On coming to Illinois Mr. Malone made the journey on horseback across the prairies, passing few settlements, and he was several weeks on the road. He can re- late many interesting incidents of those early days and he well deserves prominent mention on the roll of Illinois' honored pioneers and representative citizens. JOHN E. NICHOLS. There has been a wonderful development in life insurance business in recent years and its value as an institution is now universally recognized and there has certainly been no one line of business that has proven of more general benefit dian this. John E. Nichols is to-day occupying a prominent position in in- surance circles as manager for the Manhattan Company, his territory covering the entire state of Illinois outside of Chicago. Mr. Nichols has been one of Decatur's na- tive sons and his popularity is well known among friends with whom he has beei: ac- cjuainted from boyhood. He was born in this city, August 23, 1863, and is a son of Charles and Alzina (Braden) Nichols. The father was a native of Rochester, New York, and in 71u PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. the year 1858, leaving the east, became a resi- dent of Decatur. He was employed by the government to purchase horses and he also engaged in general farming in Decatur town- ship. In 1885 he went to Nebraska, locating in Box, Butte county, and was there a prominent and influential citizen. He served as county judge during his residence there and was also postmaster under President Cleveland's first administration. He belonged to Macon Lodge No. 8, A. F. & A. M., while in Decatur, be- coming one of the charter members of that organization and in his life exemplified its beneficent spirit. His death occurred on the 30th of January, 1898, and his wife passed away in 1863. She was a daughter of J. Y. and Laura (Hunting) Braden. The mother was a native of Vermont and of New England ancestry, while the father was born in Ten- nessee. Mr. Braden became one of the pioneer settlers of Macon county, Illinois, and ably as- sisted in the early work of development and improvement here. John E. Nichols, the only child born mito his parents, acquired his early education in the public and subscription schools of Rock- port, Illinois, and later attended the commer- cial college in St. Joseph, Missouri. Subse- quently he engaged in teaching school for a period of ten years, following the profession in Macon and Piatt counties from 1880 until 1890. As an educator he met with success, for he was zealous and interested in his work and had the ability to impart with readiness and clearness to others the knowledge that he had acquired. In 1890, however, he abandoned the schoolroom in order to become solicitor for the Manhattan Life Insurance Company and for nine years following continued to de- vote his energies to that branch of the busi- ness. His success from the start won him dis- tinction and gained him the confidence of the company. With the exception of four years spent in Chicago his efforts have always been confined to Decatur and vicinity. In recogni- tion of his capability and the excellent work which he had done for the company, he was promoted on the 8th of May, 1899, to the posi- tion of manager and established his head- quarters in his native city, having charge of the entire business of the Manhattan Com- pany for the state of Illinois outside of Chi- cago. He thoroughly understands the multi- plicity of duties connected with such an un- dertaking and keeps in touch with every de- tail of the business as well as its major points. Mr. Nichols was married November 28, 1889, to Bertie E. Sutton, a daughter of T. L. and Elizabeth Sutton, of Pike county, Illinois. They have four daughters : Ollie Fay, Mae, Hazel E. and Vivian. Mr. Nichols is a mem- ber of Cisco Lodge No. 599, I. O. O. F. He was reared in the faith of the Democracy and continued to give his support to the party until the nomination of \V. J. Bryan upon a free silver platform. As his views were not in harmony with the principles of the party or- ganization at that time he became an advocate of the Republican party and has since voted its ticket. In his political views he is inde- pendent, voting for the measures which he be- lieves to be for the best interest of the city, state, and nation. He is a man well liked wherever known and most liked where best known and the fact that his stanchest friends arc numbered among those with whom he has been acquainted from boyhood is an indica- tion that his career has ever been an honorable one. ARTHUR D. BREWER. Arthur D. Brewer, a photographer of De- catur, was born in the neighboring state of Wisconsin, the place of his nativity being the city of Appleton, and the date July 9, 1876. He is a son of John and Jemima (In- man) Brewer. He obtained his education in the public schools, continuing his studies until ho had completed the high school cour.se. He spent his boy'hood days in Baraboo, W^isconsin, and at the age of fif- PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 711 teen years he became interested in photog- raphy, securing a situation in the gallery of Simon Mould, where he remained for seven years, mastering the business both in principle and detail, and becoming quite expert in the art of taking pictures. At the end of that time he went to Chicago, where he filled positions in some of the leading photographic studios of that city during a period of five years. In May, 1900, he ar- rived in Decatur and opened his present gallery, in which he is now doing a high grade of work, being recognized as one of the capable and successful photographic artists here. On August 30, 1902, Mr. Brewer was married to Miss Laura E. Wright, of De- catur, and they have a large circle of friends and acquaintances in this city, where their own home is noted for its gracious hospi- tality. JOSEPH SPANGLER. No man was better known in Macon county in the period of its early development than was Joseph Spangler, who settled here in 1834. The conditions which prevailed at that time are within the memory of few men of the present. The Indians were numerous in the county at that time, the lands were unclaimed and uncultivated and the work of civilization and progress seemed scarcely begun. It re- mained to such intrepid pioneers as Joseph Spangler to reclaim this district for the uses of the white race and to plant here the seeds of advancement and development that have ripened with time and have made Macon coun- ty one of the most important in this great commonwealth. After residing here for a short time he removed to Springfield, Illinois, in order that he might afford his sons better business opportunities, but after six months he returned and settled near the village of Oreana in Whitmore township, where he entered land from the government at the usual price of a dollar and a quarter per acre. From time to time he added to his property until he was the owner of an extensive farm. ■Mr. Spangler was a native of Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, born January 14, 1788. His parents were natives of Germany, and at an early day came to America, first settling in York county, Pennsylvania, whence they after- ward went to Cumberland county, where the father carried on agricultural pursuits up to the time of his death. His wife also passed away there. The educational privileges of Joseph Spang- ler were extremely limited. He was but thir- teen years of age at the time of his father's death and soon afterward he began to learn the miller's trade, which he followed in his native county for several years. He then re- moved to York county, Pennsylvania, where he entered into partnership with a Mr. Ernst in the establishment and conduct of a mill. They engaged in grinding flour and meal for several years and also carried on a distillery there. While living in York county Mr. Spangler was first married and a number of years after- ward he sold his mill and distillery and started for the west with the idea of establishing his home in Ohio. He was not pleased with that state, however, on account of the heavy growth of timber there and accordingly returned to York county, Pennyslvania, where he con- tinued to reside for a year longer. During that year he sent his oldest son back to the west to look for a location and the son re- ported favorably upon Macon county and its prospects, writing for the father to join him here. Accordingly in the year 1834 Joseph Spangler arrived. He entered land from the government in different townships and finally entered three hundred and twenty acres on the Sangamon river in Whitmore township, where he built what is still known as the old Spang- ler mill. There he engaged in the milling busi- ness and also in farming. There was no market here for grain at that time and he had 712 PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. to haul his wheat to Chicago. Throughout his remaining clays he engaged in general farming and milHiig and was one of the early and prominent representatives of trade rela- tions in Macon county. .Vs before stated Joseph Spanglcr was mar- ried in York county, Pennsylvania, the lady of his choice being Miss Barbara Bentsley, who was born in the Keystone state, but died in Macon county. They were the parents of nine children : Betsey Elizabeth, Polly Mary, Jacob. John, Susan, Joseph, Felix, and Daniel, all now deceased ; and Eliza, the widow of D. Daniels, who now resides on a farm five miles east of Decatur. Mr. Spangler's second mar- riage was celebrated in Macon county, at which time Miss Elizabeth Zerger became his wife. She w-as a native of York county, Penn- sylvania, born August 27, 1828, and a daugh- ter of John and Polly (Ferringer) Zerger, both of whom were natives of York county, where her father engaged in the distilling business and also in the conduct of a farm. In 1839 lis made his way westward by the river route and settled in Macon county near the village of Oreana, where he continued to engage in the tilling of the soil until his life's labors were ended in death. His wife also passed away there. They had seven children, five of whom are living: Elizabeth, Andrew, Ann, Mary, and John. Caroline and Mary Ann are both deceased. Four children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Spangler : Lydia, the wife of William Strong, w'ho is engaged in the poultry business in Missouri; Hattie, who died at the age of seven years ; Caroline, the deceased wife of Thomas Daniels; and Frank, who is residing with his mother and superin- tends the farm. Mr. Spanglcr died on the 17th of February, 1862, and thus passed away one of the valued pioneer settlers, whose efforts were very help- ful in the early work of the county as it emerged from pioneer conditions. On several occasions his friends desired him to become a candidate for office, but he always refused. His vote was usually given to the Democratic party, but lie took no active part in political affairs. He and his wife were at one time members of the Universalist church of De- catur, but Mrs. Spangler now attends the Christian church. ^Ir. Spangler was a very successful business man and became well-to- do. I^rior to his death he told his wife to select her future home and she decided upon her present location in Decatur, which he pur- chased for her. She resides at the east edge of the city where she has a good residence on \\'oo(l street, standing on a high hill and com- manding an excellent view of the surrounding country. She tlicre owns fifty acres of valua- ble land and she and her son Frank are carry- ing on farming. Mr. Spangler was a man of strong character and marked individuality and firm purpose and such qualities arc valuable in ilie pioneer who braves the hardships and dangers of life on the frontier in order to es- tablish a home in a new country. FRANK P. LKHM.\N. Frank P. Lehman, who for many years was an active re])resentative of business interests in Decatur, but is now living retired, was born in Clark county, Ohio, on the 31st of Decem- ber, 1853, the third in order of l)irth in the family of Peter F. and Mary Jane (Alvin) Lehman. The father was born .\ugust 19, 1826, and was of German descent, while his wife was born September 14, 1828, and came of an old American family. His death oc- curred .-\pril 19, 1883, when ho was but fifty- seven years of age. In the family were eight children, all of whom reached mature years, while seven are yet living. The eldest, George \V., is married and now lives in Decatur; J. H. is married and resides in Hickory Point townsliip. Alacon county ; Mary Elizabeth has passed away ; Ida L. is the wife of James B. Good, now general manager for the Decatur Lumlier Company; Emma is the wife of PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 713 Samuel Cussins ; Katie is at home ; and ]\Iin- nie is the wife of Charles Andrews. The other member of the Lehman family is Frank P. Lehman of this review, who in the district schools acquired his preliminary edu- cation, which was supplemented by study in Eastman's Business College at Poughkeepsie, New York, in which he was a graduate in the class of 1878. After his return home he be- came connected with his father in general farming pursuits in Hickory Point township, the family having removed to Macon county in the spring of 1865. Mr. Lehman, Sr., con- tinued to engage in farming until about 1881, when on account of ill health he removed to the city of Decatur and there passed away two years later. Frank P. Lehman had come to this city on the 3d of December. 1878, and he accepted a position as bookkeeper and general clerk with Read Spencer, agent, with whom he remained for about two years in those ca- pacities. The co-operative company then sold out to the Deere & Mansur Company of Mo- line, with whom Mr. Lehman remained two years. At the end of that time he was ad- mitted to a partnership in an implement and farm machinery business under the firm style of Spencer, Lehman & Company, and later the business was incorporated under the name of the Spencer & Lehman Company. After- ward Mr. Spencer and Mr. Lehman purchased the interest of the other stockholders and the firm style of Spencer & Lehman was then as- sumed and was continued until June, 1901, when our subject sold his interest and retired from business. When he left the farm he ex- pected to remain with Mr. Spencer for only a brief period, merely to assist him with his accounts, but the connection was continued for twenty-three consecutive years, the relation being mutually pleasant and profitable. They worked together in most harmonious connec- tion, the labors and eflforts of the one supple- menting the energy and activity of the other so that the firm was a strong combination, taking an active and important place in busi- ness circles. For years they enjoyed an ex- tensive patronage wdiich continually added to their income and with a handsome competence Air. Lehman retired to private life. He had invested his earnings in lands and he now en- joys the financial return from eleven hundred and sixty-five acres of choice farming and rice land, a part of which is yet uncultivated. His farming lands are distributed in Pocahontas county, Iowa, near the village of Rolfe, and in Hamilton county, Iowa, near Webster City, while his rice lands are located in Louisiana. He has lived a life of industry, thrift and en- terprise and well deserves the rest which is now vouchsafed to him. He resides on the old family home which was deeded to his mother as long as she lives and which is a comfortable residence at No. 557 West Wood street. His business record is commendable and in the city where he has so long resided and where his history is familiar to his fellow- townsmen he is held in the highest regard and esteem, a fact which indicates that his has been an upright and honorable career. JOSHUA GREEN. For almost forty years this gentleman has been a resident of Macon county, his home being on section 31, Whitmore township, and he has therefore witnessed much of the growth and improvement of this section of the state, seeing the wild lands transformed into fine farms, villages and cities spring up, and all of the conveniences of the twentieth century in- troduced. Mr. Green was born in Yorkshire, England, on the 3d of October, 1826, a son of Thomas and Sally (Wilson) Green, prominent farm- ing people who lived and died in England. In their family were eight children, four of whom are now deceased, namely : Mary, Wil- liam, Charles and George. Those still living are Mrs. Sarah Hughes, now eighty-five years of age, whose home is between Chester and 714 PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. Liverpool, England; Joshua, of this review; Ann, wife of John C. Dodson, of Christian county, Illinois; and Mrs. Emma Bailey, who lives in the state of Washington. On the 8th of May, 1903. Mr. and Mrs. John C. Dodson celebrated their golden wedding and among those present our subject and his wife were the only ones who had attended their wed- ding. Mr. Dodson is a brother of our sub- ject's wife. Joshua Green was reared upon a farm and was educated in the parish of Roystone. He continued to make his home in his native land until about twenty-four years of age, when he decided to try his fortune in America. Ac- cordingly on the 5th of May, 1850, he took passage on the Isaac Wright, a sailing vessel in command of Captain Peabody, and landed in New York on the ist of July after about two months spent upon the water. From that city he went to Philadelphia and shortly after- ward came west to Illinois, locating first in Greene county, where he worked for two years at ten dollars per month. In the meantime he had purchased about three hundred acres of land, and to the improvement and cultivation of that place he devoted his time and energies until 1854. He then removed to Christian county and bought three hundred acres of land at the government price of one dollar and a quarter per acre. This was all wild prairie and he broke the land with five yoke of oxen and made many improvements there- on. He rented a house in the edge of the timber and continued a resident of Christian county for ten years, Springfield being his trading point. Selling his farm in 1864, at twenty-six dol- lars per acre, Mr. Green came to Macon coun- ty and purchased two hundred acres of land on section 31, Whitmore township, at thirty dollars per acre. He has since tiled and drained the tract and placed it under a high state of cultivation. Upon the place is a good brick residence, substantial barns and out- Ijuildings, and its neat and thrifty appearance indicates the owner to be a man of progressive ideas and good business ability, as well as a good practical farmer. His front yard is shaded by beautiful soft maple trees, which were raised from seed which he brought in his pocket from Christian county. He now rents his land and is living retired upon his farm, enjoying a well earned rest. On the loth of October, 1854, Mr. Green was united in marriage to Miss Hannah Dod- son, who was born near CarroUton in Greene county, Illinois, June 19, 1837, and is a daugh- ter of Thomas and Prudence (Robins) Dod- son, natives of England and North Carolina, respectively. Her paternal grandparents were John and Elizabeth Dodson, the former of whom lived to be eighty-five years of age and the latter ninety-two. They had six sons : Thomas, John, Qiarlcs, Peter, Christopher, and William, all of whom emigrated from England and settled in Greene county, Illinois, before the admission of the state to the Union. Mrs. Cireen's father died in 1846 and her mother, who survived him for some years, passed away at the home of our subject in 1864. She was a great weaver and her skill in that direction is shown in a number of coverlets now in the possession of her daugh- ter. Of the six children constituting the Dod- son family only two are now living, these being John C, previously mentioned, and Mrs. Green. Our subject and his wife have two sons : Edward, who married Mrs. Mary CEckert) Hiser; and Charles W., who mar- rictl Carrie Renshaw and has one son, Wal- ter J. Both are residents of Whitmore town- ship. Mr. and Mrs. Green are familiar with many pioneer experiences and can relate many in- teresting incidents of frontier life. During her girlhood Mrs. Green often assisted in molding the tallow candle used in lighting the house and performed other duties which are entirely unfamiliar to the girls of the present MARTIN p. MURPHEY PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. m usines.s as a produce commission merchant and whole- sale cotton dealer. Young William worked in his father's office luitil after his mother's death, which occurred when he was thirteen years of age. He then, in 1836, entered Augusta College, of that state, from which he was graduated in 1841, at the age of seventeen, the youngest member in a class of thirteen. After his graduation he as- sisted his father in the commission business in Cincinnati, Ohio, but in the meantime studied medicine with Dr. Nick Marshall, of that city. Subsequently he entered the Ohio Medical College, at Cincinnati, and remained there one term, after which he engaged in the practice of medicine at Hills- boro, Kentucky, where he remained for three years. In 1853 he was graduated from the Kentucky University, of Louis- \ille, and soon after went to Texas, where he commenced to build up a good practice, but he remained there for only a few months. He was in favor of colonization, and on expressing his opinions freely his neighbors disagreeing with him made known their desire thai he should lca\e that comnuuiity, and so he returned to the north. At the urgent request of William Martin, one of Decatur's well-known pioneers, he came to this place and opened an office. In Fleming county, Kentucky, Dr. Chen- oweth married Miss America Leforgce, a granddaughter of the celebrated Mike Cas- sidy, of Kentucky, who was a companion of Daniel Boone. Two children have been born unto our subject and his wife, Cassid)'^ and Eliza R. The latter is the widow of Richard Piper, and with her daughter, Alice S., makes her home in Decatur with her father. Cassidy is a graduate of Rush Med- ical College of Chicago, and is the junior partner of the firm of Drs. W. J. & C. Chen- oweth. He has a high reputation as a ])hysician and enjoys a very large city practice. During the war Dr. Chenoweth served as a soldier of the Thirty-fifth Illinois Infantry for fifteen months, and is now a member of the Crand .\rmy Post. He is also a mem- J. Ci TMBODEN PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 739 ber of the Illinois Army and Xavy Aledical Association and is treasurer of that organ- ization. He and his wife hold membership with the First Alethodist Episcopal church of this city. The Doctor is well and favor- ably known in Decatur and for a radius of twenty miles around the city. He has ever been a close student of his profession and his application and natural ability have gained for him the enviable position which he occupies in professional circles. JOHN G. IMBODEN. Success in any undertaking comes through a thorough mastery of the business and by following the most approved btisi- ness methods. It is in this wa\' that John G. Imboden has attained a prominent place among the substantial citizens of South Wheatland township, where he now makes his home. He is entitled to distinction as one of the most progressive and enterpris- ing men of the county. He was born in Decatur on the 25th of March, 1856, and is the seventh in order of birth in a family of nine children, all bovs, whose parents were John and Sarah (Mark) Imboden. His father was a native of Penn- sylvania, born in 1818, and spent his early life in the east. In 1855 he came to Deca- tur, Illinois, and embarked in the meat busi- ness, opening a market at the corner of Main and Wood streets, which is now con- ducted by his son, C. M. Imboden. He was also quite extensively engaged in the packing and slaughtering business until 1880, when he sold out to his two sons, C. M. and J. G. Imboden. After a useful and well spent life the father died on the 31st of December. 1899. John G. Imboden was also identified with the packing business in connection with his father during his minority and after he reached man's estate, but in 1900 he dis- posed of his interests in Decatur and re- moved to his farm south of the city in South Wheatland township. Here he has established a model home, known as Way- side Place, where he can enjoy not onh^ all the beauties of country life but also has all the modern conveniences of a city residence. Mr. Imboden now devotes the greater part of his time and attention to the raising of stock. . He deals in all of the choice grades and fattens considerable stock for market each year. Being an expert in his line, he has for several years been called upon to act as judge of live stock at various fairs and expositions throughout the United States, serving in that capacity in the north- west, the states of Iowa, Illinois and New York, in fact all the leading shows within the last quarter of a century, including the World's Fair at Chicago in 1893. He has often been a judge at the Fat Stock Shows in that city and there he exhibited in 1888 the Angus steer Dot, the first Angus steer that ever won grand championship at the American Fat Stock Show. At pres- ent he is engaged specially in buying, feed- ing and shipping choice stock to various markets. While associated with his father and brother in the butchering business at Decatur he met with success and in all his undertakings he has steadily prospered. He did all the buying for the firm for twenty years. Mr. Imboden is operating an ex- tensive feed plant built on an economical plan and was the first in Macon county to construct a concrete tank for the use of his stock, now having one in his barn and two in his feed lot. In addition to his other stock he now has twenty-five head of Texas calves, which he is fattening for market. Mr. Imboden was married in 1882 to Miss Zelma U. Shaw, a daughter of Dr. Shaw, of Macon, Illinois, and to them have been born three children, namely: Nina B., now Mrs. J. A. .\nderson, of Ravenswood, Chicago ; Edward P. and Zada Z. The parents and 740 PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. children are members of the First Metho- dist I'.piscopal church of Decatur and are held in the highest regard by all who know them. In his political views Wr. Imboden is a Republican, but at local elections he usually votes for whom he considers the best man regardless of party ties. He has contributed many articles to agricultural and stock papers, especially the Breeders' Gazette, and has done much to promote the interests of the farmer in this section of the state. He is justly regarded as one of the leading and representative citizens of his community and has the confidence and respect of all with whom he comes in contact either in business or social life. WILLIAM R. SCIIROEDER. William R. Schroeder is a well known business man of Warrensburg, dealing in harness, saddlery and sewing machines, and is a worthy representative of an honored family of this place, his parents being Max R. and iMarie E. (Hagely) Schroeder, whose sketch apjjears on another page of this volume. His father was the first post- master of Warrensburg and was long and honorably identified with the business inter- ests and pu1)lic affairs of the village. The subject of this sketch was born in Monroe, ^^'isconsin, February 28, 1871, but was reared and educated in Warrensburg, Illinois, whither the family removed when he was quite young. Under the able direc- tion of his father he learned the harness- maker's trade and commenced work at four dollars per week, being employed as a jour- neyman in northern Illinois for three years. At the father's death he was succeeded in business by his son Rudolph, in 1885, and the latter afterward formed a partnership with our subject under the firm name of Schroeder Brothers, this connection contin- uing imtil the Sth of December, 1892, since which lime \\'illiani R. has been alone in business. The stock which lie carries is mostly home-made and he is able to furnish anything needed in his line. He makes a specialty of manufacturing harness to order and devotes considerable attention to pony harness. He keeps in stock whips and all kinds of horse goods and he built up an extensive trade, which extends for many miles throughout the surrounding country. Mr. Schroeder also acts as local agent for the Wheeler & Wilson and New Home sewing machines, and has prospered in this branch of his business. He is an expert mechanic as well as a good and reliable business man, and the success that has come to him is certainl}^ well deserved. He now owns liis place of business and also a nice home in the southwestern part of the vil- lage. Mr. Schroeder was married Februar)- 28, 1893, on the anniversary of his birth, to Miss Eva Raymond, a native of Henry, Marshall county, Illinois, and a daughter of F. A. and Frances (Tabor) Raymond. Her paternal grandmother is still living at the age of eighty-six years and makes her home with her daughter, Mrs. Ed. White, in Warrensburg. Mrs. Schroeder is the only surviving child of her father's family, and she was educated in the public schools of her native place. She is now receiving part ])ayments of French spoilations claims, her great-grandfather. Captain Benjamin Tabor, having been part owner of the ship Fox, which was confiscated by the French in 1798. Mr. and Mrs. Schroeder have two children, namely : Lucy Ellen, born De- cember 17. 1894; and William Raymond, born December 2, 1898. The wife and mother is a member of the Methodist Epis- copal church and is a most estimable lady. Mr. Schroeder is a member of the same church and is a prominent Odd Fellow, serving as deputy grand master in his lodge PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 74-1 at Warrensburg. He also belongs to the encampment and canton at Decatur, and to the Modern Woodmen of America, in which he has served as clerk for seven years. By his ballot he supports the men and measures of the Republican party, is now serving his second term as clerk of Illini township, and has also been a member of the board of village trustees. He has witnessed almost the entire development of Warrensburg and has done all in his power to advance its interests, supporting every measure which he believed calculated to promote the moral, educational or social welfare of the com- munitv. PHILIP P. HAMMAN. Philip P. Hamman, a member of the firm of Hamman Brothers, has gained for him- self a creditable position in business circles in Decatur and associated with his brother is conducting an enterprise which is prov- ing profitable. He was born in Pike coun- ty, Ohio, in the year 1869, and came to Ma- con county with his parents, William and Mary Hamman, who are also natives of the Buckeye state, whence they removed to Illinois in 1879. The father became identi- fied with farming interests west of War- rensburg and there remained until his death, which occurred in July, 1899, when he was sixty years of age. The subject of this review was a youth of ten summers when he arrived in Macon county and upon the home farm he was reared and in public schools of the neigh- borhood he acquired his education. To his father he gave the benefit of his services in the work of field and meadow until he was twenty-three years of age. He left home with a twenty dollar gold piece in his pocket and from that time on has made his way unaided, being one of the success- ful business men of Decatur. Forming: a partnership with his brother, John W., they established a transfer line and storage ware- house and have since conducted business under the firm style of Hamman Brothers. Philip Hamman has given his undivided attention to the business and his constant care has been an important element in its success. Pie regards no details as too unim- portant to claim his attention and his unre- mitting diligence and well directed labors have won for him creditable and desirable success. In August, 1895, Mr. Hamman was united in marriage to Miss Cora B. McGorray, a daughter of Benedict McGorray, of De- catur. They now have two children : Arden and Phillis. Mr. Hamman is a member of Coeur de Lion Lodge, No. 17, K. P.; also of Easterly Camp, No. 1626, M. W. A. In politics he votes for the man rather than party and has never taken an active part in political work, preferring to devote all of his energies to his business affairs. The firm of Hamman Brothers occupies a high place in public regard by reason of the straightforward methods the}' have ever fol- lowed. CASPER C. ELWOOD. For many years Casper C. Elwood was con- nected with business interests in Decatur as a clothing merchant and manufacturer and his enterprise, added to the commercial and in- dustrial activity of the city, make him a valued factor in trade circles. His business career was at all times characterized by straightfor- ward dealing and by unfaltering allegiance to the ethics of commercial life and thus he gained the respect and confidence of his fellow- men. He became a resident of Decatur on the loth of March, 1857, and was therefore among the first representatives of its business affairs. A native of Herkimer county. New York, Mr. Elwood was born May 26, 1827, his par- 142 TAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. cuts being Jonas and Margaret (Lipe) El- wood, bodi of whom were natives of the Em- pire state and there they remained until called to their final rest. The father was a farmer by occupation and both he and his wife died in Herkimer county, New \'ork. It was in that county that Casper C. Elwood was educated, attending the public schools. He spent his boyhood days upon his father's farm and the work of plowing, planting and harvesting became familiar to him. He con- tinued to reside with his parents up to the time of his marriage, which occurred in Her- kimer county in 1854, the lady of his choice being Miss Charlotte Suits, who was born in that county a daughter of David and Emma (Hazen) Suits, also of Herkimer county. Mr. Suits was a tailor by trade and always fol- lowed that occupation in order to provide for the needs of himself and family. Mr. Elwood was the only representative of his father's family who came to the west. In the fall of 1855 he bade adieu to the Empire state and with his family came to Illinois, set- tling first in Sycamore, where he engaged in business for fifteen months. On the loth of March, 1857, he arrived in Decatur and here began working for Janies \V'illiam Race in the clothing business. After a short time he was admitted to a partnership by his em- ployer uiuliT the firm style of the Race Cloth- ing Manufacturing Company, doing business at No. 135 North Water street. This is now one of the largest clothing manufacturing plants in this part of the state. They manu- facture all kinds of men's clothing and neck- wear. In connection with this they own and conduct a retail store. Air. Elwood continued in the business until his death and the success of the concern was largely attributable to his labors, his keen business sagacity, his enter- prise and sound judgment. He applied him- self diligently to the work of building up a lirofitable business and his labors were re- warded as the years passed by with a hand- some competence. He made for himself a business record that any might envy. He never incurred an obligation that he did not meet or made an engagement that he did not fill and his word became a synonym for in- tegrity in all trade transactions. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Elwood were born four children: Cora M. and Lula R., who reside with their mother; Clifford, at home; and I'Vank. who is now secretary of the Race Clothing Manufacturing Company of De- catur. He, too, is living with his mother so tliat the family are all still together. It was in 1892 that they were called upon to mourn the loss of the husband and father, who on the 21st of January of that year passed away. In his political views he was a Repub- lican, always exercising his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of that party, yet never seeking nor desiring office. He held membership in the Masoil'c fraternity and both he and his wife were members of the Universalist church. Long he was recognized as one of the leading business men of the city and his name was honored in commercial and in social circles. His life record is indeed commendable and he left to his family an un- tarnished name as well as a handsome com- petence. Mrs. Elwood owns a beautiful brick residence at No. 270 West Nortli street, where she and her children reside and she also has an interest in the Race Clothing Manufactur- ing Company. The family is very prominent in Decatur society and no history of the city ■would be complete without mention of Mr. Elwood, so long an active factor here in manu- facturing and mercantile circles. SAMUEL R. GEPFORD. .Samuel R. Gepford, who is now successfully engaged in farming and stock-raising on sec- tion 36, lUini township, was horn in that town- ship on the loth of November. 1870, a son of George and Letitia (Shepard) Gepford, the former of whom was born in Pennsylvania in MRS. FANNIE KEPLER PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 745 1825 and the latter in Illinois in 1834. The father, who was a farmer by occupation, came to Macon county at an early day and pur- chased land in Decatur township now owned by Mrs. Baker, of Decatur. He afterward disposed of that property and in the early '60s bought the farm where our subject now lives and where he died in 1885. He had one brother who died in California during the gold excitement in that state. The mother is now living with our subject on tlie old homestead in mini township. Sanuiel R. Gepford passed his boyhood and youth in much the usual manner of farmer lads, aiding in the labors of field and meadow during the summer months and attending Childs district school in Illini township through the winter until fifteen years of age. He then worked on a farm until he attained his majority, when he went to Phelps county, Nebraska, where he spent three months during the winter. On his return to Macon county he worked for one year in the Wabash Rail- road car shops at Decatur and for six months in Doake's livery stable. He was then mar- ried and engaged in the draying business for one year. The following year was spent upon his present farm and for two years he was em- ployed on a farm in Piatt county, Illinois. He then resumed draying in Decatur, and at the end of a year again accepted a position in the Wabash Railroad shops, where he was em- ployed two years. Since that he has resided on the old home farm, being one of the heirs to the place as well as to some land in Decatur township. He is now successfully operating eighty acres and is also interested in stock- raising. On the 6th of September, 1892, Mr. Gep- ford was united in marriage to Miss Arietta Crow, a daughter of A. J. and Margaret (Dobbs) Crow, who were born in Wheeling, West Virginia, and are now living in Decatur, where the father works at the carpenter's trade. Mrs. Gepford obtained her education in the schools of Elmwood. Peoria countv, Il- linois. Unto our subject and his wife have been born five children but two died at birth. The others were Ethel May, who was born August 6, 1893, and died July 16, 1894, being buried in Boiling Springs cemetery; Sylvan Ray, born April 30, 1895 ; and Maude Agnes, born July 20, 1897. In his political views Mr. Gepford is a Republican and he takes consid-' erable interest in public affairs. :\1RS. FANNIE KEPLER. Mrs. Fannie Kepler, a well known and highly esteemed resident of Maroa, is a na- tive of Franklin county, Ohio, and a daugh- ter of Hamilton and Carolina Williams: By occupation her father was a school teacher. She received a good practical edu- cation m the schools of her native county and remained under the parental roof until twcnty.-four years of age, when she gave her liand in marriage to Gideon Brintlinger, who made farming his life work. \Mien the Civil war broke out he enlisted for three years in an Ohio regiment and was stationed at Camp Chase, Columbus, Ohio, for some time. While he was in the army his wife was left with the care of five small chil- dren and most capably did she perform her duties to her family. By that union seven children were born, namely: Daniel Brint- linger, the only^ son, is a resident of De- catur. 1 le had four children, Elmer, Mahlon, Austa and Abner, who died at twenty-one years of age. Mrs. Mina Diller lives in Jacksonville, Texas, and has two children : Mrs. Fannie Ross and Charles Braden, both of Decatur. Mrs. Mary Bra- den lives in Crowley, Louisiana, and has five children: Mrs. Stella Wyckoff, Dessie, Irene. Bernice and Eddie. Mrs. Anna Ben- nett makes her home in Maroa, this county, and has three children : Florence, Arthur and Roy. Mrs. Lizzie Trowbridge, also a resident of Maroa, had six children: Chase, 746 PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. Seward, Vera, Fay, Russell and one who died in infancy. Mrs. Bessie Kepler lives in Decatur and lias four children : Earl, Homer, Ralph and Florence. Mrs. Belle Jones, a widow living in Decatur, had one son, Preston, who died at the age of seven years. One daughter married a son of our subject's second husband and another mar- ried a son of her third husband. After the death of her first husband Mrs. Brintlinger married Peter Bennett, who was born in .Mansfield, Ohio, and came to Illinois with his family in early life, being one of the early settlers of Austin township, Macon coimty, where he owned and oper- ated one thousand acres of land. About twenty-eight years ago he removed to the village of Maroa, which then contained but two houses, and was engaged in the drug business there for fifteen years. The fol- lowing three years were spent in Kenney, where he did a baidy the first union there were seven children, but all arc now deceased. The three children born of the second marriage are : Robert D., now deceased ; Sarah .A,, the widow of John H. Davidson and a resi- dent of Mount Zion; and James A., of this review. Our subject was born on the old family homestead in Mount Zion township, Septem- ber 5, 1835, and like the other children of the household he was educated in the public schools of the locality, while later he entered a college at Sullivan, Illinois. On account of his eyesight, however, he had to return home and again he attended the common schools near the farm. In his early youth he began herding stock for his father and also per- formed all kinds of work incident to the culti- vation and improvement of land, -\fter his education was completed he returned to the old homestead and there continued to engage in general farming and stock-raising until after the outljreak of the Civil war, when on the 5th of .\ugust, 1861, he enlisted, becom- ing a member of Company E, Forty-first II- PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 767 linois Regiment under Captain J. L. Arm- strong and Colonel I. C. Pugh. He partici- pated in a number of important engagements, including the battles of Fort Donelson, Pitts- burg Landing, Jackson, V'icksburg and Cor- inth and was in numerous skirmishes in con- nection with the Red river expedition under General Banks. In the battle of Tupelo he was in command of his regiment for two days, these being the last days of his service, and on the 20th of August, 1864, he was honor- ably discharged at Springfield. He was first lieutenant at that time, being promoted imme- diately- after the battle of Pittsblirg Landing, being commissioned by Governor Yates. Returning to his farm he resumed agricul- tural pusuits and October 29, 1867, he won a companion and helpmate for the journey of life, being united in marriage to Miss Sarah E. Jones, also a native of this county, born in 1849, ^"d a daughter of Claybourn and Ma- tilda (Davis) Jones. Her mother, born Sep- tember I, 1820, is now deceased. The father, born August 10, 181 1, was one of the early settlers of Macon county. He settled in Oak- ley township and later removed to Mount Zion township, where he engaged in farm- ing and stock-raising until, well advanced in years, he retired from business life and is now living with Mr. and Mrs. Wilson, at the ripe old age of ninety-two years. Six children were born unto Mr. and Mrs. Wilson : Charles C, who went to Colgate University, Hamil- ton, New York, to attend school, was there taken ill and returned home, dying here Feb- ruary 26, 1894, at the age of twenty-six years ; Mabel E. is now a teacher in the Wood street school and resides with her parents ; Sadie is the wife of Clarence C. Mills, a veterinary surgeon of Decatur; Robert Roy, who mar- ried Fannie Davenport, is employed by the Morehouse & Wells Hardware Company of Decatur; Bessie B. and James Victor are at home. Mr. AVilson continued to engage in agri- cultural pursuits until 1887, when he removed to Decatur. He first bought property at No. 721 W'est Wood street and resided there until December, 1901, when he purchased his pres- ent residence at No. 1067 West Main street, near the Millikin University. This is in one of the best residence portions of the city and the ^Vilson household is a most hospitable one. He yet owns eighty acres of fine farm- ing land in Mount Zion township. In his politics he gives a stalwart support to the Re- publican party. He belongs to Dunham Post, (i. A. R,, of Decatur, and for four years he was the treasurer of the Old Settlers' Associa- tion of Macon county. His wife is a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian church of De- catur. In all his dealings Mr. Wilson has been successful and well deserves the rest which he is now enjoying among all the com- forts of an attractive home. AVILLIAM J. MAGEE. Among the residents of Decatur who at one time were identified with agricultural pursuits and therein won a competence suf- ficient to enable them to live retired surrounded by all the comforts of life is William J. Magee, who now occupies a beautiful residence at No. 1595 North Water street. He has made his home in Macon county since five years of age and is a native son of Illinois, his birth having occurred in Sangamon county, May 31, 1844. His parents were John and Elizabeth (Norris) Magee, the former born in Delaware, September 18, 1808. and the latter in Ohio on the 12th of December, 1 816. The paternal grandparents of our subject were James T. and Sarah (Adams) Magee, both of whom were born in the east and there spent their entire lives, the former dying January 20, 1845, and the latter on the 17th of September, 185 1. \\'hen eighteen years of age John Magee left his home in Delaware and made his way to Ohio, settling in Pickaway county. 768 PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. where lie became acquainted with the lady whose hand he sought in marriage. He there engaged in buying and shipping cattle and also followed farming until about 1841, when he again started westward, this time taking up his abode in Moultrie county, Illinois, wlicre he carried on farming for a y'ear. In 1842 he removed to Sangamon county, settling nine miles northeast of Springfield, where he engaged in general agricultural pursuits for about seven years. In 1849 he came to Macon county and first rented a farm in Decatur township, but after living thereon for two years he pur- chased a tract of land on section 29, Whit- more township. To its development and cultivation he devoted his energies through- out his remaining days. He served as constable and deputy sheriff in Macon county for about thirty-six years and at his death he was the oldest constable in the county. He passed away September 11, 1890, and his wife died October 31, 1895, and they were held in high regard because of their allegiance to upright principles and as a public official Mr. Magee made a most creditable record. The family included six children: Sarah Jane, the wife of Samuel H. Carver, now of Jennings, Louisiana; Samuel, who died in 1861 ; Samantha, the wife of George M. Barnett, of Long Creek township; William J.; Angeline, the de- ceased wife of Benjamin Musselman ; and Marietta, who died at the age of seventeen years. Like the other members of the family, William J. Magee received but a common- school education and then had the oppor- tunity of attending for only about two months in the year, as his services were needed on his father's farm in the cultiva- tion and development of the fields. He con- tinued to follow the plow until twenty years of age, when he enlisted in the army, being enrolled on the 4th of February, 1865, as a member of Company K, One Hundred and Fift^'-second Illinois \^olunteer In- fantry, under Captain Mattocks and Colonel Stephenson. From Springfield the regiment went to Tennessee and after the close of the war Mr. Magee was discharged at Memphis on the i8th of September, 1865. Returning to his home he again lived with his parents and assisted in the operation of the home farm for a year, on the expiration of which period he was married. It was in 1866 that Mr. Magee was joined in wedlock to Miss Fannie IMusselman, a native of Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, and a daughter of Jacob and Annie Mus- selman, who removed with his family to .Macon coimty, Illinois, at an early day, and it was here that Mrs. .Magee was reared. The young couple began their domestic life upon a farm whicli Mr. Magee pur- chased on section 29, Whitmore township, and there he engaged in the work of plow- ing, planting and harvesting until 1879, when he took charge of the Macon county poor farm, of which he was made superin- tendent for fourteen years. On retiring from that office in 1893 he removed to Decatur and has since been engaged in no active business pursuits. He is still, however, the owner of two hundred and thirty acres of fine farming land in W'hitmore town- ship, seventy acres in Pleasant View town- ship and one hundred and sixty acres in Moul- trie county, Illinois, and from this enter- prise he derives an excellent income, for the land is valuable and brings a good rental. Unto ^Ir. and Mrs. Magee have been born five children: John J., who married Ella Waterman, and is a graduated pharmacist, was formerly engaged in the drug business in Chicago, but is now retired; A. Mary, a graduate of the high school of Decatur and the Normal University at Normal. Illinois, has taught school in this cit}' for three years ; Samuel is a resident of Iowa Falls, Iowa, in the drug business; Marcus D. died at the age of three months ; Ada Estelle is PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. reo' a dressmaker and travels most of the time, but makes her home with her parents. In the fall of 1899 Mr. Magee built, his present fine residence at No. 1595 North Water street, where he and his family are now liv- ing. He has been honored with a number of public positions, having served as deputy sheriff for two years, as assistant supervisor for six years and as tax collector for one year. He has always taken an active interest in politics as every true American citizen should do and he votes with the Republican party as its platform embodies his ideas con- cerning the best forms of government. His social relations connect him with the Grand Army Post of Decatur and the Masonic fra- ternity in which he has attained the Knight Templar degree. Both he and his wife are members of the United Brethren church of Whitmore township. While recognized as one of the well-to-do and leading citizens of Decatur he is also a self-made man for with- out special pecuniary or family advantages in his youth he started out in early manhood to make his own way in the world and over- coming all obstacles and difficulties by per- sistence of purpose and indomitable industry he has steadily worked his way upward to success. JAMES H. ALEXANDER. One of Whitmore township's most promi- nent and honored citizens is James H. Alex- ander, who for almost half a century has been identified with the agricultural interests of Macon county and has borne his part in the upbuilding and development of this section of the state. He was born on the 2gth of October, 1831, near Franklin, Johnson county, Indiana, a son of James R. and Rebecca (Gay) Alexander. The father was a native of North Carolina, born in 1797, and was of Irish de- scent, while the mother's birth occurred in Virginia in 1794. ^Vhen quite young the father removed witli his parents to Tennessee and from there to Indiana in 1828, making- the journey by team. He secured a tract of government land and engaged in farming there until 1842, when he removed to St. Clair county, Illinois, with his family and household goods in a prairie schooner. He died near Belleville, that county, in May, 1847, honored and respected by all who knew him. He was a Presbyterian in religious faith and a Democrat in politics. A quite promi- nent and influential man of his community, he was called upon to serve as county judge during his early residence in Indiana. His estimable wife, who was also a member of the Presbyterian church, died in Decatur in 1868. In their family were ten children, of whom nine reached years of maturity. Our subject is the seventh in order of birth in this family and the only one now living. He was educated in an old log school house but was only able to attend school for about three months during the year until fifteen. The school was conducted on the subscription plan and only the common branches were taught. During his minority he remained at home with his mother, giving her the benefit of his labors, and in April, 1854, accompan- ied her on her removal to Macon county, Illi- nois. He and his brother took charge of the farm which she purchased on section 31, Whitmore township, and operated it together until 1856, when our subject purchased his brother's interest. Here he continued to re- side and is now the owner of one hundred and seventy-two acres, which he cultivated for many years but now leaves the operation of the land to younger hands, while he practi- cally lives retired in the enjoyment of a well earned rest. On the 17th of October, i860, Mr. Alex- ander married Miss Sarah A. Griffen, who was born in St. Clair county, Illinois, March 17, 1836, and was a daughter of Joseph and Mary (Foulkes Shepherd) Griffen, natives of New York and pioneers of St. Clair countv, Illinois. Three children blessed this no PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. union, namel)- : Joseph, a musician, who is now with the Andrews Opera Company; Ed- gar, a resident of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma ; and Ottie, wife of William Hays, who now operates her father's farm. They have three children. Mrs. Alexander, who was a most estiniahle la4y, beloved by all who knew her, departed this life on the 15th of January, 1893, and was laid to rest in the Decatur cemetery. The Republican party linds in Mr. Alex- ander a stanch supporter of its principles but he has never cared for the honors or emolu- ments of public office, though he has served as commissioner of highways. He is a mem- ber of the C)ld Settlers -Association and has many interesting reminiscences of pioneer days. The first winter after coming to Illinois the Alexander family, consisting of parents and ten children, lived in a one room log cabin with .-1 loft above, and they under- went all of the hardships and trials incident to life on the frontier. In the work of public improvement our subject has taken an active part and has contributed liberally of his means- to the building of churches and school houses in his locality. .Success has attended his ef- forts toward securing a competence and be- sides his home farm of one hundred and seventy-two acres in \Vhitmore township, he has a half section just across the way in Hick- ory Point township. In the improvement of these places he has materially aided in tlie ad- vancement of the county, and is accounted one of the most useful and valuctl citizens of his community, as well as a man honored and resi)ecteil by all who know him. REX". XATIIAX M. IIAKER. Rev. Nathan M. i'.aker. a retired minister ot Decattu- and one whose influence lias been of no restricted order in his efforts to Ijenefit mankind, w-as born in Macon county on the 22d of October, 1837. His jiarents were William D. and Marilla Baker, both natives of North Carolina, and the paternal grand- ])arents of our subject were also natives of that state. The maternal grandfather was a soldier of the Revolutionary war and uncles of our sulijcct were defenders of their country in the war of 1812. Rev. Baker comes of Scotch and Irish ancestry and back of him is a family record creditable and honorable. It was in the year 1828 that his parents came to Macon county, Illinois, first settling in what is now South Wheatland township, while later they took up their abode in Long Creek town- ship, where in 1829 the father and an uncle built the first two houses within its borders. The former was a member of the first grand jury organized in Macon county and was closely associated with other early events of importance that left their impress upon the development and improvement of this section of the state. In the family of William D. Baker were six children, four sons and two daughters, but two of the number have now passed away. One brother of our subject re- sides at Hillsboro, Illinois, and the sisters are Mrs. Dennis and Mrs. Smith, of Decatur. The former is the widow of Andrew Dennis and resides at 820 North L'nion street, while the latter is the widow of William C. Smith and is living at No. 810 North Union street. Rev. Nathan M. Baker first attended school near Nortli T'ork church and later was a student in the academy at Mount Zion. In his boyhood days he assisted his father on the home farm, early becoming familiar with the work of the fields and when yet a young man he entered the ministry of the Cumberland Presbyterian church, becoming one of the cir- cuit riders in this county. He traveled over a radius of two hundred miles in two weeks and thus covered about five thousand miles a year. Wben the Civil war broke out he was engaged in teaching and preaching and when the second call came for volunteers he was one of the first to enlist, becoming a mem- ber of ComiKuiy C of the One Hundred and PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 771 Sixteenth Illinois Infantry. He went into camp with his company and regiment on the 15th of August, 1862, and while still in camp he was promoted to the position of chaplain. After a short time the command proceeded to Memphis, Tennessee, and thence to Vicks- burg. Rev. Baker served through the Vicks- burg campaign and was with General Sher- . man in the Arm)' of the Tennessee. He heard the booming of cannons and the rattle of musketry at the battle of Lookout Mount- ain and was present at the battle of Mission- ary Ridge. On account of illness he resigned his position as chaplain and received his final discharge in 1864, having served for two years. Rev. Baker then came to Macon county and after a number of years he, in 1894, removed to Lincoln, Illinois, where he served as in- structor in astronomy and physics in the Lin- coln L'niversity for three years. He then, in 1899, returned to Decatur, where he has since lived, now occupying a beautiful home at No. 1019 North L^nion street. He has retired from active church work as a minister, but is yet a devout member of the Cumberland Presbyterian church, to which his family also belong. It was in the fall of 1864 that Rev. Baker was united in the holy bonds of matrimony to Miss Sarah E. Price, of South Wheat- land township and of the six children born unto them four are now living, namely : Flor- ence F., the wife of W. T. Burrill. a contract- ing engineer for the Minneapolis Steel Com- pany at Seattle, Washington : Mary Ellen, who is living at Marshall, Missouri, and is a teacher and librarian in the Missouri \'allev College at that place ; Emma L. and Clara M., at home. Rev. Baker is a member of the Veteran's Association and also of Tom White Post, G. A. R., at Mount Zion. He has ever been a firm believer in Republican principles, but has never been active in political work. He is one of Macon county's native sons and can remem- ber many interesting incidents concerning the early clays here. His memory goes back to the time when there were two stores in De- catur and many of the now thriving towns and villages of the county had not then sprung into existence. In those pioneer days he lis- tened to Abraham Lincoln as he argued sev- eral law cases in the old brick courthouse that stood in what is now the business district of the city. Judge Treat and Judge Davis being then the circuit judges. He also remembers hearing Stephen A. Douglas speak in an ol*^ warehouse on the Illinois Central Railroad, the building being filled with sacks of wheat on which sat the audience. Wolves were numerous in the coimty and Rev. Baker's father had some exciting adventures with those animals. Deer were also plentiful and often went across the prairies in droves. Pioneer conditions existed on every hand and the work of improvement and progress has resulted from the efforts of such worthy pio- neer families as that of which our subject is a representative. In control of his business affairs and investments Rev. Baker has ac- cumulated considerable property and now has an elegant home and other real estate in this city and also a hne farm in Long Creek town- ship. ISAAC F. PHARO. Isaac ¥. Pharo, who is general foreman of the Wabash telegraph construction depart- ment, was born in the city of Philadelphia, March 27, 1846, and is a son of Joel H. and Eunice (Bishop) Pharo, both of whom were natives of New Jersey. In his parent's fam- ilv were four children, of whom he is the eldest. The others are Joseph A., of Oak- land, California ; Mrs. Annie E. Hyde, of San Francisco, California; and James E., who is also a resident of San Francisco. The mother died on the nth of June, 1902. The educational privileges which Isaac F. Pharo received were verv limited for he left 772 PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COLNTY. the schools at the age of seven years and went to sea, entering the merchants' service. He continued as a sailor until 1861, when the war having begun he enlisted as a musician in Company F, Ninety-seventh Pennsylvania In- fantry, with which he served for three years, participating in numerous engagements. On the expiration of liis first term he re-enlisted, becoming a member of Company C, Third Regiment of the United States Veteran Volun- teers for one year and about 1866 he was honorably discharged at Camp Butler, Illinois. Mr. Pharo then again went to sea and later turned his attention to mining in California. Subse(|ucntly he engaged in telegraph con- struction work and in this capacity he has been employed by various corporations and in many parts of the Union. He has practically worked from coast to coast, having stretched wires almost across the continent. He is an expert mechanic in this line, thoroughly un- derstanding the work in every department and his service is valuable because so faith- fully executed. During his travels he has met with many experiences which if written in detail wouhl forni a must interesting vol- ume. Possessing an observing e_\e and reten- tive memor)' he has stored his mind with many interesting incidents as he has visited various parts of the country and he has also gathered many interesting relics, including beautiful shells and a line collection of miner- als, and he also possesses relics from the South Sea Islands and various parts of the globe, which he has x'isited on his ditYerent voyages. He has now one of the best private collections of minerals from the copper, silver and gold regions to Ix; seen, many of the uni- versities lieing unable to show such a display. He also has a magnificent collection of Indian arrows, some of which are of rare design. He also has an Indian totem, wliich was plowed up on West Main street in Decatur just east of bis home, and is a charm or a signet of authority to those carrying messages. He also possesses a number of relics of the Span- ish-American war and likewise from other wars of this countrv. ^Ir. Pharo is a natur- alist and although his school privileges were limited he has by reading, study and inves- tigation constantly broadened his knowledge initil he is to-day a man of scientific attain- ments. A great lover of beauty, this element is very noticeable in his finest collections and in the arrangement and care of his curios. In 1 881 he ceased traveling in various parts of the country, confining his attention to the line of the Wabash Railroad. In that year he ac- cepted the position of general foreman of the telegraph construction for this road and in 1885 he took up his abode permanently in Macon county. Mr. Pharo nas been twice married. He first wedded Annie Cisco Schrivers, of Phila- delphia, the wedding taking place in that city in 1865. By this union there were born three children : Annie, Florence and Joseph, but all are now deceased. In Decatur on the i8th of February, 1895, Mr. Pharo was again mar- ried, his second union being with Mrs. Han- naretta Perry, the widow of Robert L. Perry, late general roadniaster of the \\'abash Kailroad. Her maiden name was Dunham and she is a daughler of Dayton Dunham, whose birth occiu'rod in Essex county. New jersey, November u, 1814. He was a son of Henry Dunham, a tailor, and removed to the Empire state and afterwarears, and is still survived by his widow. They were the parents of seven children, five of whom are living. Maywood Maxon, the second in order of birth, obtained a common school education and was afterward employed at various pur- suits until 1875, when he entered the service of the Standard Oil Company, with which he has since been connected. He became office boy at their headquarters in Cincinnati, ( )hio, and gradually worked his wa)' upward until he was made a traveling salesman. In 1880 the company transferred him to Peoria, Illi- nois, and he operated from that city as a traveling salesman for about three years. In 1883 he was promoted to the position of man- ager of the office in Davenport, Iowa, and in PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 783 December, 1887, was put in charge of the office and business at Decatur as manager here and has since served in this city without interruption, covering a cjuarter of a century. He has been most loyal and capable and has bad the supervision of. as high as seventy offices from this point. He has been a most indefatigable worker in the service of the company throughout all these years never taking exact measure of the hours which he has devoted to the business, but doing all within his power to promote the success of the business done from this office and giving his attention to the work whether it required the hours of night or of daytime. He never asked or demanded vacations and in recogni- tion of his faithful service in 1903 the com- pany granted him an indefinite vacation from active duties with full pay. This was cer- tainly a merited tribute to his worth and fidel- ity and one which he much prizes and of which he might be justly proud as it is an indication of his honorable service and the trust reposed in him by the corporation. In 1895 I\Ir. Maxon was united in marriage to Miss Emma Custer, of Effingham, Illinois. They now have an interesting little daughter, Helen Ruth. ]\Ir. Maxon was made a Mason in Davenport, Iowa, and is still a member of the Blue Lodge and Commandery of that city. He holds membership relations with the Ben- evolent Protective Order of Elks in Spring- field, Illinois, and with the Knights of Pythias fraternity in Cincinnati. The same fidelity which has characterized his business career has been manifested in his fraternal and in other relations of life. FIELDING NATHANIEL EWING. Fielding Nathaniel Ewing was born in Statesville, Iredell county, North Carolina, on the 29th of September, 181 1. He was a son of Adlai Osborn Ewing and Sophia (Wallis) Ewing, the grandson of Nathaniel Ewing and Rebecca (Osborn) Ewing and of John Wallis and Isabella (Sharpe) Wallis, of Scotch-Irish parentage and of Presbyterian faith. His famil\- removed to Kentucky when he was four years old and his father soon died. Mr. Ewing received his preparatory educa- tion at the academy at Elkton, Todd county, Kentucky, and was graduated from the Uni- versity of Nashville, Tennessee, in 1838 and from the Theological Seminary at Princeton in 1843. His first ministerial charge was at Morganfield, Kentucky. On the 28th of Oc- tober, 1845, he married Sarah Ann Powers at her brother's home in Decatur. In 1849 he accepted a call to the church in Blooming- ton, Illinois," but was obliged by throat trouble to give up preaching in 1859 and moved to Lake View, a suburb of Chicago. While liv- ing there he performed one of the most im- portant services of his life in connection with the Theological Seminary. In the winter of 1862-63 the seminary was without any per- manent building and by reason of the distress and financial panic caused by the war, it was in danger of losing its landed propertv. This land had been given on condition that a build- ing should be erected upon it within three years and the requirement had not been com- plied with. The board of directors commis- sioned Mr. Ewing, and sent him to New York to raise sixteen thousand dollars and to per- suade the donors of the land to renew their ofifer in case the building should be erected within one year. His success was complete. He gave liberally himself, secured the renewal of the ofYer, obtained the necessary money, and the main building was erected, paid for and ready for use at the end of the next season. Dr. L. J. Halsey in his history of the Mc- Cormick Theological Seminary says. " All honor is due to the memory of Mr. Ewing for the zeal, the energy and the admirable skill and the complete success with which, under the most unpropitious and difficult circum- stances, he carried through the work of raising rs4 PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. llic large sum of money required to erect this first building in time to fulfill the conditions stipulated by the donors of this land. It may be questioned whether any other man then known to the board of directors could have accomplished the work then assigned Mr. Ewing, or have done it with a success so com- plete. This was at the time of a crisis in the life of the nation, and there was a crisis too in the life of the seminary on wliich its whole future depended. This first building is named Ewing Hall by the action cf tlie Ixjard who said, ' It seems fitting that his valuable ser- vices should be commemorated and perpetu- ated by tlic edifice whose existence is due to his labors.' " It is marked by a tablet suitably inscribed. In iS(')4 Mr. Ewing removed to Decatur, where he spent the remaining years of his life, his health never permitting him to resume the ministry, anil he died at his home November 18, 1880. He had six children, three sons who died in infancy ; Charles Adlai Ewing, who died November 6, 1896; Edgar Karris Pawing, who died August 26, 1884. when twenty-eight years of age ; and one daughter. Myra Relle Ewing. It was said of him by one who had been his teacher in college, his colleague in the minis- try and his friend and associate through the closing years of his life: " In his jniblic char- acter as a minister of God, as a member of the court of the church, tlie presbytery and synod, and especially as a director of the seminary, Mr. Ewing was regarded by all who knew him, as a man of wise council, sound judg- ment, evangelical spirit, genial manner, in- tlexible jirincii^le and that consistency and up- rightness of character which invariably in- spired respect and confidence. His very presence was hailed by his brethren as an assurance of sound views and fraternal feel- ing. He was always one of the leading and working members of the presbytery, synod and board of directors. His sound and prac- tical judgment, bis good sense, his knowledge of men and things, together with his modera- tion and conciliatory spirit, often enabled him to harmonize conflicting views and to sug- gest a plan of action which all would readily accei)t as the best thing to be done. He en- tered no assembly of men to which his pres- ence did not lend the added charm of Christian courtesy, ministerial dignity and manly candor. Along with these solid qualities he carried a rich fund of anecdote and a glow of genial wit and humor, chastened by reverence and good ta.ste, which made him the attraction of the social circle, and which in the earnest and often heated debates of the public as- sembly was like pouring oil on the troubled waters. Yet with all this conciliatory good humor tliere was no firmer and truer man — none truer to his principles, truer to his friends, truer to (iod and truth." -MRS. SARAH .\NN ICWING. Mrs. Sarah A. Ewing was the daughter of William and Abigail (Hendri.x) Powers, the granddaughter of .Andrew Powers and Sally ( Carter) Powers and of David Hcndrix and Anne (Westcott) Hcndrix. ;md was born October 31, 1820. at Qiarlton, Saratoga county. New York, the youngest of eight children. Her father died when she was four years olil and at eighteen she and her mother removed to .Mobile. .Alabama, to join the old- est son, William L. Powers, a banker there. They made the trip in a sailing vessel from New "Wirk. In 1840 with her mother, her brother. George Powers, and his wife, she drove from Mobile to Decatur. Illinois, the trip taking six weeks, and they resided here on what is known as the Old Farm of the -Sanniel Power's estate. ( )n the 28tb of October, 1845, she married Rev. I'ielding .\. Ewing and they drove to tluir home in Alorganfield, Kentucky. Four >ears later they removed to Ploomington, Illi- nois, and in 1859 to Lake View, a suburb of Chicago. The lake air did not agree with her PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTlt. 785 and in 1864 they removed to Decatur, where two of her brothers were Hving, and here made their permanent home. Her husband died November 18, 1880, and of her six children three sons died in infancy ; Charles Adlai Ewing died November 6, 1896; Edgar Farris Ewing died August 26. 1884: and her only daughter. Alyra Belle Ewing, survives her'. .Mrs. Ewing's health for the last thirty years of her life prevented her taking an active part in any social and religious matters, but she was from girlhood a devoted member of the Presbyterian church. She died on the 29th of January, 1902, in her eighty-second year. It has been ver}' justly said of her: " Her life was marked by the deepest devotion to her husband and her children. In them she found her greatest comfort and joy. and the strength and beauty of her gentle, kindly nature left its imprint upon them and was exemplified in the honorable positions they attained in the esteem and confidence of their fellow men. Her life has been filled with sadness by afflictions that have fallen upon her, but her faith and reliance in the wisdom of an all seeing God have borne her up in trib- ulations intensified by the loss of husband and children to whom she was attached by ties of love that grew with the growth of the family she reared. The beauty of her home life, her gracious manner, her sympathy with all and her interest in the welfare of her family and friends have enshrined in the hearts of all who were privileged to know her the highest regard and in their memory a monu- ment of respect and love never to be eiifaced. The influence of her gentle life reaches out and beyond the family circle and makes the world better for her havinsj lived." OWEN SCOTT. One of the prominent representatives of the journalistic profession in Illinois is the gentleman whose name heads this brief notice, the well known manager of the Decatur Her- ald. America owes much of her progress and advancement to a position foremost among the nations of the world to her news- papers, and in. no line has the incidental broadening out of the sphere of usefulness been more marked than in this same line of journalism. Illinois has enlisted in its news- paper field some of the strongest intellects of the nation — men of broad mental grasp, cosmopolitan ideas and notable business sagacity. Prominent among these is Owen Scott, the subject of this review. .\ native of Illinois, he was born in Effing- ham county on the 6th of July, 1848, and is a son of John O. and Martha B. Scott, who were among the pioneers of that county, the father having located there in 1825 ami the mother four years later. John O. Scott died in 1892, at the age of eighty-six years, but his wife is still living and has reached the advanced age of ninety-seven. Owen Scott acquired his early education in the common schools of his native county and later attended the Illinois State Normal Uni- versity at Bloomington. No event of special importance marked his boyhood and youth and he remained upon the home farm until al)out twenty years of age. On starting out in life for himself he engaged in teaching in the public schools for some time and for eight years was county superintendent of schools in Effingham county. Having decided to enter the legal profession, he studied law and was admitted to the bar in i87_|, after which he engaged in practice for ten years. In the meantime he entered upon his journalistic career, publishing the Effingham Democrat for three years, from 1881 to 1884. In the latter year he left his native county and re- moved to Bloomington, where he puljlished the Bloomington Daily Bulletin until 1891. For several years he has taken a very active and influential part in political affairs and in 1890 was elected to congress, being the only 780 PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. Democrat ever elected from that district. He served throughout the fifty-second congress and then retired to private life, his term ex- piring on the 4th of .March, 1893. In 1896 and 1897 he was grand master of the Masons of Illinois. During all this time he continued to make his home in Bloominglon but in 1899 came to Decatur and has since had charge of the Decatur Herald, which is one of the lead- ing papers of this section of the state. At Effingham, on the 6th of November, 1873, Mr. Scott was united in marriage to Miss Nora Miser, who died August 2, 1900, leavirig two daughters: Mrs. Henrietta McNulta and Miss Florence Scott. In early life Mr. Scott always affiliated with the Democratic party but was unable to endorse the party platform during the liryan campaign of 1896 and in 1900 he declared for McKinley and now votes the Republican ticket. He has always taken quite a prominent part in public af- fairs and besides the offices previously re- ferred to he served as mayor of Effingham from 1883 until October, 1884, when he re- signed in order to remove to Bloomington. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and other societies besides the Masonic fraternity, in which he stands high. He has not only served as grand master of the state but has filled other posi- tions in the order of minor importance. Re- ligiously he is a member of the Baptist church and was president of the State Asso- ciation for four years. He has been and is distinctively a man of afifairs and one who has wielded a wide influence. A strong men- tality, an invincible courage, a most deter- mined individuality have so entered into his make-up as to render him a natural leader of men and a director of opinion. JOHN G. SHANKLIN. Among the old and honored residents of Macon county none stand higher in puljlic esteem than the gentleman whose name in- troduces this sketch. F"or many years he was actively identified with the farming and stock-raising interests of the county but is now living retired on his farm on section I, South Macon township. He was born near Lexington, Kentucky, December 31, 1822, and is a son of John and Jenett (Green) Shanklin, the latter a relative of General Green, of Revolutionary fame and a first cousin of General Thomas, of the Civil war. She was born at Crab Orchard, Kentuck}-, and w^as of Scotch-Irish descent. The father of our subject was a native of Washington county, Virginia, and from that state removed to Kentucky, where he con- tinued to make his home until 1828, when with his family he came to Illinois, making the journey on horseback with his house- hold goods in an old fashioned steamboat wagon drawn by five horses. He arrived in Greene count}- on the 14th of October, 1828, and purchased eighty acres of prairie land near \\'hitehall, which he at once be- gan to improve and cultivate, but he was not long permitted to enjoy his new home as death claimed him in 1832. His wife died in February, 1856. Of their eight children only three are now living, these being Hen- rietta, widow of James Doyle and a resident of .\uburn, Illinois; William, a retired farmer of LaPlace, Illinois ; and John G., of this review. • The subject of this sketch was only six years old when he accompanied his father on his removal to Illinois, and he was reared and educated in Greene county, this state, pursuing his studies in an old log school- house, which had a puncheon floor, greased paper windows and a large fireplace at one end. On starting out in life for himself he worked as a farm hand until twenty-two years of age, and then purchased one hun- dred and si.xty acres of land where the town of Roodhouse now stands, paying eleven dollars per acre for it, though he had to PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 7i57 borrow a part of the money. Subsequently he purchased another one hundred and sixty acre tract adjoining, a part of which was timber and the remainder prairie kuul. This he placed under cultivation and continued to operate it for four years. Selling out at the end of that time he returned to Greene county, where he bought a farm, making it his home for about four years, and then removed to Macoupin county, where he purchased one hundred and twenty acres, selling his Greene county farm soon afterward. Three years later he went to Scott county, where he owned and oper- ated a farm of one hundred and twenty acres for five years, and then removed to Sangamon county, wdiere the following year was spent upon a rented farm. At the end of that time he came to !Macon county and bought one hundred and sixty acres of land north of the village of Macon, lo- cating thereon in time to vote for General Grant the following year. That farm was all wild and unimproved when it came into his possession, but he tiled, ditched and broke the land and erected a good house thereon, and in connection with the oper- ation of the farm he also cultivated another one hundred and sixty acres which he rent- ed for several years, at the same time feed- ing a large number of cattle and hogs for market. In 1881 he bought eighty acres on section i, South Macon township, where he now lives, remodeled the house and made other good improvements, besides adding to his land until he now owns one hundred and ninety-six acres. A few years ago he sold his first farm of one hundred and sixty acres in the same township. Dur- ing the long years of his residence in Illi- nois, he has bought and sold much prop- erty in various parts of the state, and has materialy aided in its development and up- building. On the 14th of October, 1847, near White- hall in Greene countv, Mr. Shanklin was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Hol- liday, a daughter of John and Matilda (Clark) Holliday, and to them were born six children, three of whom are still liv- ing, namely: ^Matilda, the wife of V. W. Judd, a farmer living near Nevada, Iowa ; Jenett, wife of D. T. Hughes, who is now operating our subject's farm; and Jonas, wife of William Oberlin, who lives in Ma- con and is engaged in farming and thresh- ing. Mrs. Shanklin was called to her final rest on the 30th of October, 1888. She was a life-long member of the Methodist Epis- copal church, took an active part in its work and was a true and earnest Christian woman, loved and respected by all who knew her. Her death came as an almost unbearable loss to her husband and time seems rather to heighten his loneliness than obliterate it. The relations between them were most congenial, each deeply enjoying the companionship of the other and ]\Irs. Shanklin was a most estimable lady, kindly and sympathetic, so that she won not only the earnest and enduring love of her hus- band but also of many friends. Air. Shanklin cast his first presidential vote for AVilliam Henry Harrison and now supports the Republican party. During the Civil war he was a member of the Union League and has always been a patriotic and loyal citizen, taking a commendable interest in public afifairs. He has filled the offices of school director and road commissioner, l)ut has never cared for political prefer- ment. In all the relations of life he has been found upright and honorable and he holds a high place in the esteem of his fel- low citizens. D. T. Hughes, who now has charge of our subject's farm, was born in Defiance, Ohio, July 31, 1850, and is a son of Andre and Clarissa (Blair) Hughes, who were also na- tives of the Buckeye state, whence they re- moved to Michigan, where both died. The father was a lawyer of considerable promi- i88 PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. ncnce and served as magistrate many years. D. T. Hnghes acquired his education in the schools of his native state, and on coming to llhni)is in 1876, located in Macon coun- ty, where lie has engaged in agricukural pursuits ever since. He now has charge of ^[r. ShankHn's estate, but owns an ad- joining farm of one hundred and sixty acres which he rents. On the - delegation to the state convention of the boards of supervisors in Peoria, Illinois. lie has labored effectively for the welfare and up- building of his party, is known to its most prominent members and is recognized as one of its leaders in the state. For several terms he has served as a member of the ^lacon county board of supervisors and his interest in local affairs has been especially helpful along lines tending to promote the upbuilding and substantial improvements of Decatur. He has a very wide acquaintance in this city and enjoys the warm friendship of the great ma- jority of those with whom he has been brought in contact. MRS. LAJMIRA WILKINSON. Lamira Powers was the daughter of Will- iam and Abigail (Hendrix) Powers, the granddaughter of Andrew and Sally (Car- ter) Powers and of David and Anne (W^est- cott) Hendrix. She was born April 29. 1807, in Charlton, Saratoga county, New York, and was married Feruary 14, 1829, to Chauncey \Mlkinson, of the same village. After living a few years at Ballston Springs, they re- moved to Alabama, where some of her broth- ers were then in business. They lived suc- cessively in Prairie Bluff, Tuskaloosa and Mo- bile. Mr. Wilkinson died in 1844 and his widow with her three children came to Decatur, Illi- nois, to be with her mother, who was then liv- ing on the Powers farm northeast of town. A few years later her mother went to Bloom- ington to live with her daughter, Mrs. F.w- iiig, whose husband was a minister there, and Mrs. Wilkinson and her older brother, Will- iam L. Powers, a retired banker, also re- moved there and made it their home until Mr. Powers died. In 1859 she went with her one remaining child to Chicago, where this daugh- ter soon died. In 1864 she came with }klr. and Mrs. Ewing to Decatur, where she kept house during the remainder of her life. For the last few years she and her sister, also a widow, made their home together. She died March 6, 1894, in her eighty-seventh year, having been a widow for fifty years and hav- ing survived the last of her six children more than thirty years. A woman of unusually bright intellect, of extensive reading and having led a varied life in the east, south and west, Mrs. Wilkinson was an interesting conversationalist and to the last of her long life a Avelcome addition to any circle of old, middle-aged or young. Her lonely home was made attractive to her many friends and relatives by her cordial welcome, her gracious hospitalitx- and her beautiful cour- tesy which made her seem to all who knew her a perfect type of the true Christian gentle- woman. Her quiet tastes made her shrink from any public deeds, but her ample means were spent in many acts of kindness. To the "\'oung Men's Christian Association she was a fre- quent and generous giver ; to the library in its earlier struggling days she was most kind and to the Presbyterian church, of which she was a life-long and consistent member, she gave a parsonage called by the trustees the Wilkin- son Manse. Of Mrs. Wilkinson it might truly have been said : " Life halh its regal natures yet. True, tender, brave and sweet." JEFFERSON G. WIT-LARD. Among the prominent and influential citi- zens of Harristown township is numbered Jeft'crson G. ^^'illa^(l. who was for a number PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 797 of years connected with the agricultural inter- ests of Macon county but is now practically living a retired life in his beautiful home near the village of Harristown. For five years he was a resident of Decatur, owning the house at No. 752 West Macon street, now occupied by his son, but in 1897 he returned to the farm. Mr. Willard w'as born in Overton county, Tennessee, February 21, 1827, and is a son of William and Martha (Goodpasture) Willard, natives of Tennessee and Virginia, respective- ly. On the paternal side he is of English and Scotch descent, and his grandfather, William Willard, a native of Virginia, served as a sol- dier in the Revolutionary war and was after- ward granted a pension by the government. He reached the advanced age of one hundred and five years and retained his mental and physical vigor to the last, riding fifty miles on horseback in the spring of 1830 when a centenarian. William Willard, Jr., the father of our sub- ject, removed from Tennessee to Morgan county, Illinois, in 1829 and entered from the government three hundred and twenty acres of land nine miles west of Jacksonville, where he made his home until called to his final rest in 1847, ^^ the age of forty-seven years. His death resulted from an attack of congestive fever. His wife, who long sur- vived him, died in Macon county, on the 8th of November, 1861. They were consistent and faithful members of the Methodist Epis- copal church and Mr. Willard served as one of the officers of the local congregation. In the family of this worthy couple were six sons and four daughters but only two are now liv- ing namely : Jefferson G., of this sketch ; and Abram Jasper, who is living near Shelbyville in Shelby county, Illinois. The early life of Jefferson G. Willard was mainly passed in Morgan county, Illinois, and when he had attained a sufficient age he be- gan his education in an old log schoolhouse fitting on a rude slab bench. At the end of the building w^as a huge fireplace and the light was admitted through greased paper win- dows. There he laid the foundation of a good practical education which has been ac- quired through experience and observation. On the 28th of March, 1849, Mr. Willard was united in marriage to Miss Aliff C. Aver- itt, a daughter of Nathan G. and Mary (Cooper) Averitt, the former a native of Kentucky and the latter of Tennessee. They became pioneer settlers of Morgan county, Illinois, where they located in 1830. Two children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Willard but one died in infancy, the other being James Monroe, who is now living in Decatur. He married Miss Florence Dyke, a native of Tennessee, who died on the 24th of April, 1892, leaving a daughter, Clara, who now makes her home with her father, and is at- tending the James Millikin University at De- catur. For his second wife, James M. Wil- lard married Miss Mary Kellington, of JNIor- gan county, and to them have been born two children, Ruth and .Miff'. For some time he was connected with the Municipal Electric Light Company as general manager, but is now living retired. Mr. W'illard, of this review, continued to reside in Morgan county after his marriage until 1855, when he sold his property there and came to Macon county, where he has since made his home. He purchased a farm of three hundred acres on section 9, Harristown town- ship, and as his financial resources were in- creased he kept adding to his land from time to time until he now has seven hundred and forty acres of as fine farming land as is to be found anywhere in the country. His place adjoins the village of Harristown and being well improved and highly cultivated is one of the most desirable farms in this section of the state. Its beauty is enhanced by a little lake one-half mile in circumference, which is stocked with all kinds of fish. In connection with general farming Mr. Willard has en- gaged in stock raising quite extensively and 79S PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. has found this branch of his business quite profitable. Although nearly seventy-seven years of age he still enjoys robust health and is able to do a good day's work on the farm. Both Mr. and Mrs. Willard are active mem- bers of the Christian church at Harristown and for a quarter of a century he served as one of its elders. In early life he supported the Democratic party but in 1888 voted for Fiske and Brooks and has since been an ar- dent Prohibitionist. He served as road com- missioner for twelve years, but has never cared for political honors. He was one of the incorporators of the ]\lacon County Agricul- tural Society and was president of the same for three years. A friend of temperance and moralitv, he does all in his power to advance the best interests of his township and county and as a citizen ever stands ready to dis- charge any duty that devolves upon him. He is a man of recognized ability and stands high in the community where he has so long made his home. Those who know him best are numbered among his warmest friends and no citizen in JMacon county is more highly re- spected than Tefiferson G. ^^'illard. JOS 1 AH A. MOORE. Josiah A. Moore, deceased, was for over thirty years a resident of Decatur and at the time of his death was engaged in contracting and building. He was born on the 9th of February, 1855, in Orange county, North Carolina, of which state his parents. Samuel and .Susan Moore, were also natives. Prior to the Civil war the father was a slaveholder and was a man of prominence in his commun- ity, serving as sheriff and deputy of Orange county for over thirty years before coming to Illinois in 1870. Deciding to locate in Ma- con county, he took up his residence near the village of Macon, where he lived a retired life until his death, which occurred January ('), T8g3. His wife died at the same place on the 6th of April, 1902. He was a prominent Mason and was very active in the order in his native state. Josiah A. Moore was indebted to the com- mon .scIkxiIs of his native county for the edu- cational privileges he enjoyed during his boy- hood. He was about twelve years of age when he accompanied his parents on their removal to this state and he made Macon county his home throughout the remainder of his life. On starting out for himself, he obtained a po- sition as brakeman on the Wabash Railroad and was afterward fireman for the same com- pany, miming out of Decatur on all the divi- sions of their road for several years. In the meantime Mr. Moore was married November 18, 1892, to Miss Mary Downey, who was born in Clark county, Illinois, on the 29th of March, 1871, a daughter of Cyrus and Catherine Downey. In 1857 her parents removed from Ohio to \\'estfield, Clark coun- ty, this state, and afterward located in Tus- cola, Illinois, where they made their home mi- til 1883, which year witnessed their arrival in Decatur. Here Mr. Downey, who was a car- penter, worked at his trade for several years but was living a retired life at the time of his death, wliich occurred February 14, 1893. His widow now makes her home with Mrs. Moore in Decatur. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Moore were born four children, namely : Clarinda Ruth, Myrtle Grace, Cyrus P. and Samuel A. Resigning his position on the road in 1890 Mr. Moore began learning the carpenter's trade and after he had thoroughly mastered that s & Company, in Durhamdcnvn, .\fter coming to this countr) he was also with a nursery lirm at \\'ashington, D. C. for a time. Reading the pamjjblets sent out li\ tln' Illi- nois Central Railroad Company concerning the almost fabulous productions of this state and hearing of other opportunities afforded young men in .America, he determined to test the truth of these reports b\- trying his fortune in the United States, and in 1854 sailed from Liverpool to New Orleans. .After a voyage of six weeks he reached the Crescent City and proceeded up the Mississippi river to St. Louis. He stopped first at Greenville, Bond county, Illinois, where he spent two years, and then went to Michigan, where the following two years were passed. In 1857 he arrived in Decatur, Illinois, and has since made his ho\ue in Macon comity as a representative of her agricultural interest. In i86j he pur- chased si.\ty-five acres of land in Decatur to'wnship and has since given the greater part of his attention to the nursery business, de- voting ten acres of his land to choice fruits. In 1900 he erected a nice residence and other buiklings on the section adjoining the one on which be first located and here he now makes bis home. in 1851J -Mr. Wade was united in marriage PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 811 to Miss Susanna Dement, a native of De Witt county, Illinois, who died on the 3d of Febru- ary, 1869, leaving three children: Martha F., now deceased; Eva Laura, wife of Frank Hamlin, of De Witt county ; and Francis Ells- worth, a resident of Aurora, Illinois. For his second wife Mr. Wade chose Miss Anna M. Granger, who had formerly been a teacher in the public schools of Decatur. She died at the birth of her only son. Mr. Wade was again married in Union county, Ohio, in 1875, this third marriage being with Miss Louisa Gill, a native of that county and a daughter of Mason and Harriet Gill. Her father died in 1864 and her mother passed away in 1865, at the age of seventy-three years. The only other member of her family now living is Hon. John S. Gill, of Columbus, Ohio. Unto Mr. Wade and his present wife have been born four children, as follows: Jessie M., now the wife of Charles Peck, of Decatur : Albert Ed- ward, a farmer of Michigan, who is devoting his attention principally to bee culture ; Harry Gill, who is in the employ of the Decatur Coffin Company ; and John Ralph, at home. In religious faith both Mr. and Mrs. Wade are Methodists and they take a very promi- nent and active part in church work. The pos- sibilities that America ofifers to her citizens he has utilized and though he came to this coun- try in limited circumstances he has steadily and perseveringly worked his way upward and is to-day quite well-to-do. By untiring indus- tr}' and sound business judgment he has won merited success and is worthy the high regard in which he is held bv his fellow citizens. WILLIAM J. HOOPER. One of the most progressive and up-to-date farmers and stock raisers of South Wheatland township is the gentleman whose name intro- duces this sketch. In carrying on his farm work he uses the latest improved machinery and appliances and follows only the most ap- 38 proved methods, and he has thoroughly dem- onstrated the fact that high class farming can be made profitable as well as pleasant. Mr. Hooper was born on the 14th of Janu- ary, 1862, in this county, his parents being William and Mary E. (Goodman) Hooper, who now make their home in Decatur. His father is a native of Washington county, Ken- tucky, which was also the birthplace of his paternal grandfather. Fountain Hooper, and his maternal grandfather, John Goodman, was born in the same state. Fountain Hooper was a prominent clergyman in the Methodist Epis- copal church and spent his entire life in Ken- tucky. There our subject's father grew to manhood and married, and at an early day he and his wife came to Macon county, Il- linois, where they still reside. They are the parents of eleven children, of whom William J. is the third in order of birth, and those living at the present writing in 1903, are Mat- tie, wife of John Gouchman ; Sarah E., wife of James Saudaros ; William J. ; Fountain L. ; and Hasker H. William J. Hooper was reared on the home farm, where he remained until twenty years of age, and was educated in the public schools of the neighborhood. On leaving the parental roof, he took charge of the farm of A. G. Rob- erts in Mount Zion township, where he re- mained for two years, and then removed to the farm of A. C. Traughber, where the fol- lowing eight years were passed. In 1892, while residing upon the latter farm, he pur- chased his present place near the northeast corner of South Wheatland township, to which he removed two years later on the expiration of his lease to the Traughber farm. As he prospered in his farming operations he has added to his property from time to time until he now owns two hundred and seventy-five acres of land under a high state of cultivation and well improved. On starting in life for himself his first earnings came from fattening stock for market and in the raising of colts and calves. In this wav he was soon able to 812 PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. purchase sixty acres of land, stock and im- prove it, and in connection with its cultiva- tion he operated a one hundred and sixty acre tract which he rented. In i8y2 he bought one hundred and twenty acres additional, as previously stated. Upon his place he has laid seven thousand feet of tiling, has set out an orchard covering five acres, and has added drill wells and wind pumps, besides erecting a good modern residence in 1891 and a barn and other outbuildings since that time. He is a breeder of pure Aberdeen Angus cattle, has made some sales and still has twenty head of registered stock upon his place. As an agri- culturist he has thoroughly demonstrated the fact that he understands fully the vocation he follows and believes that a man should put into use his business qualifications in all that he undertakes. In the year 1889 he produced fourteen thousand bushels of corn on a quarter section of land. Mr. Hooper's success as an up-to-date farmer has been frequently men- tioned in the leading agricultural journals, of which he has been a most valued correspon- dent. On the 14th of September, 1892. Mr. Hooper was united in marriage to Miss Alice B. Scott, who was born April 8, 1861, and is a daughter of Charles W. and Martha (Trent) Scott, both natives of Kentucky. Her father died on the 30th of April, 1900, and her mother is now living in Davis City, Iowa. Mrs. Hooper is the fifth in order of birth in their family of ten children, two of whom are now deceased. The others still living are D. P., a resident of Topeka, Kansas ; J. W., of De- catur, Iowa; Mary, wife of Merritt Gritten, of Macon county, Illinois ; C. D.. of Portland, Oregon ; Nannie, wife of Charles Tillier, of Christian county, Illinois; and P. M. and Sophronia, who arc with their mother. Mr. and Mrs. Hooper have two children : Clyde Chester, born July 17, 1891 ; and Fay, born February 10, 1896. By his ballot Mr. Hooper supports the men and measures of the Democratic party. So- cially he is a member of Mount Zion Lodge, Xo. 300, I. O. O. F., and religiously is a member of the Christian church, to which his wife also belongs. His influence and labors have done much toward promoting the inter- ests of his community along various lines of progress and he is recognized as one of the leading and valued citizens of South Wheat- land township. HENNING JACOBSEN. Success is determined by one's ability to recognize opportunity and to pursue this with a resolute and unflagging energy. It results from continued labor and the man who thus accomplishes his purpose usually becomes a prominent factor in the business circles of the community with which he is connected. Through such means Mr. Jacobsen has at- tained a leading place among the represen- tative men of Macon county and his well spent and honorable life commands the respect of all who know him. The Jacobsen family is of German origin and our subject is a native of Schleswig, bom January 6, 1846. His parents, Henning and .•\ugusta Jacobsen, were born in the same country and there made their home for many years but finally came to America. The father emigrated two years later than our subject and landed in New York in 1863 and came direct to Niantic, Illinois. Here he purchased two hundred and forty acres of land in Nian- tic township and throughout the remainder of his life engaged in farming here. Both he and his wife are now deceased. In the family of this worthy couple were four children, three sons and one daughter, namely : Anna is the wife of Herman Nottel- mann. who is our subject's partner in business, and they have six children ; .Vugusta, wife of Frank Beall, of Niantic ; Juergen, of Macon county : Anna, wife of Charles Pritch- ett, of Latham.. Illinois : Henning, also of Latham ; Dora at home : and John in Chicago. PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 813 Henry, who is now living retired in Tuscola, Illinois, was formerly engaged in the manu- facture of brick. He married Jennie Paris, of Niantic. a sister of J. P. Paris, and they have four children, May, Ollie, Lula and John. George, who conducts an elevator at Niantic, married Hattie Ford, a daughter of Elias Ford, and they have three children, Augusta, Bessie and George. Henning Jacobsen, of this review, completes the family. He began his education in the schools of his native land and after coming to this country he began his business career as clerk in a store in the village of Niantic and later was employed in a similar capacity at Jacksonville, Illinois, for two years. At the end of that time he went to Springfield, where he clerked in a dry goods store for three years, and next found emplo\ment in Chicago, where he remained until 1870. He subsequently spent a short time in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and from there returned to Niantic with his present partner, Herman Nottelmann. Here they opened a general store, which they still carry on, having built up a good trade. In 1889 Mr. Jacobsen became interested in the banking business as a member of the firm of F. Well, Jacobsen & Company, but sold his interest to Waller Pritchett in 1893 so that he could give more attention to his store. He and' Mr. Nottelmann were at one time en- gaged in the milling business and to some ex- tent he is interested in farming. Besides his business property he owns a beautiful home in Niantic and has farming land in this coun- ty. In business affairs he is prompt, energetic and notably reliable, and he usually carries forward to successful completion whatever he undertakes. Mr. Jacobsen has been twice married. In 1874 he wedded Miss Lucy Hall, of Niantic, who died a year later and the only child born ■of that union died in infancy. He was again married in 1880, his second union being with IMiss Laura Boone, of Paris, Kentuckv. who is a lineal descendant of Daniel Boone, the great pioneer of that state. Her parents were natives of Kentucky and are now deceased. By occupation her father was a farmer. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Jacobsen have been born six children, five sons and one daughter, namely : Ferdinand, who died in infancy ; Noah, who is now takin.g a course in civil engineering at the State I'niversity in Champaign : Eda, at home ; Robert, who is attending Brown's Bus- iness College at Decatur : Henry and Herman at home. Mr. Jacobsen and his family hold member- ship in the Christian church at Niantic and he takes a very active and prominent part in its work, serving as one of the elders at the pres- ent time. He is one of the best known men in Macon county and has the respect and con- fidence of all with whom he has been brought in contact either in business or social life. By untiring industry and sound judgment he has won a merited success in all of his un- dertakings and is well worthy the high regard in which he is held bv his fellow men. COLONEL FRANK P. WELLS. The unostentatious routine of private life, although of vast importance to the welfare of the community, has not figured to any great extent on the pages of history. But the names of men who have distinguished themselves by the possession of these qualities of character which mainly contribute to the success of private life and to the public stability and who have enjoyed the respect and confidence of those around them should not be permitted to perish. Their example is more valuable to the majority of readers than that of heroes, statesmen and writers as they furnish means of subsistence for the multitude whom they, in their useful careers, have employed. Col- onel Frank P. \\'ells is to-day accounted one of the representative business men of Decatur and his efforts have been an important factor in gaining for the city its prominence as a 814 PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. commercial and industrial center. He is now the vice president of the Morehouse & Wells Company, wholesale and retail dealers in hardware, stoves, furnaces, mantels, guns and sporting goods. Colonel Wells is one of the native sons of Decatur, his birth having occurred here in 1863. His father, William T. Wells, now de- ceased, was the founder of the business with which the son is connected and 'which has grown to be a most extensive enterprise. He was identified therewith until his death, which occurred on the ist of March, 1898. He had married Helen Parsons and of the children born of this union Colonel Wells is one. Reared in the city of his nativity Frank P. Wells spent his life in the manner of most lads of the period. He enjoyed the pleasures of the play-ground and performed the duties of the schoolroom, and after putting aside his text books he became interested in his father's business and following the father's demise took charge of the estate. He had pre- viously, however, became thoroughly ac- quainted with the business in all of its de- partments and therefore entered upon the work of supervision well qualified to perform the important duties devolving upon him. The father with George Morehouse founded the house in 1859. In 1896 the pres- ent business block was erected and is now one of the large and substantial buildings in the trade center of the city. It is built in an attractive style of architecture, a brick struct- ure forty by one hundred and fifty feet and seven stories in height with the basement. It would be a credit to a city much larger than Decatur and stands as a monument to the enterprise and business capacity of the owners. In addition they have a warehouse fifty by one hundred and fifty feet, used for storing the surplus stock. In 1894 the company was incorporated with a capital stock of one hun- dred and twenty thousand dollars. Its pres- ent officers are George W. Morehouse, presi- dent ; Frank P. Wells, vice president ; Charles M. Hurst, secretary ; and E. P. Bishop, treas- urer. All of these gentlemen occupy credit- able positions in the business world and are continually enlarging the enterprine with which they are connected. On October 5, 1903, the stock was increased to two hundred thousand dollars. Several traveling salesmen represent the house upon the road, covering the state of Illinois and a part of Indiana. The business methods of the company have always been such as would bear the closest investigation, being shaped in accordance with the strictest commercial ethics. In connection with his other interests Colonel Wells is a director and treasurer of the United States Wire Mat Company. In 1893 was celebrated the marriage of Frank P. Wells and Miss Mary F. Hanson, of Michigan, and they occupy a pleasant home in Decatur where their circle of friends is very extensive. Mr. Wells belongs to the Knights of Pythias fraternity and is at pres- ent lieutenant-colonel of the Fifth Illinois In- fantry. For a time he was a soldier in the Spanish-.\merican war, being commissioned lieutenant colonel under J- S. Culver of Springfield, Illinois. He is a true type of the Anglo-Saxon race and of those men who build cities and lay the foundation of com- monwealths. He is a young man, yet he has attained prominence in the business world. His integrity is above question and this, com- bined with his clear, sound judgment makes the people rely upon him and follow his lead- ership. The social qualities of the man are indicated by his large circle of friends. Fie is always pleasant and genial, characteristics that arise from his kindly nature, and his friend- ship is most prized by those who know him best. Already he has attained a very enviable position in commercial circles in Decatur and Que need not have the gift of prophecy to understand that his will be a successful future. PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 815 HARRISON S. BAKER. In the history of the Past and Present of Decatur it is meet that we make reference to Harrison S. Baker for he was closely associ- ated with business affairs in this city for a number of years and his efforts proved of material benefit to Decatur. He was recog- nized as one of the leading contractors here and built many of the best business blocks. He also represented one of the early families of the city, having come here with his parents in 1855 when the now flourishing metropol- itan center was a small town of but limited business capacity yet giving promise of future growth because of the enterprise and activity of its citizens. Mr. Baker was born in South Bend, Indi- ana, on the 28th of September, 1844, his par- ents being Joshua and Rebecca (Sumtion) Baker, both of whom were also natives of Indiana and resided in South Bend until 1855, when they came with their family to Decatur. The father purchased land now included in what is known as the Millikin estate in this city. Upon that tract he engaged in farming, gardening and horticultural pursuits for many years and the products of his land brought to him good return for his labor, so that having acquired a handsome competence, he was at length enabled to retire from business life and enjoy the comforts and conveniences that his former labor had brought to him. Both he and his wife died in the home which is now occupied by the widow of Harrison S. Baker. The subject of this review was a lad of about eleven years when he accompanied his parents on their removal to this city. He con- tinued his education in the public schools here and after putting aside his text books he learned the carpenter's trade and then worked as a journeyman for a number of years. Becoming proficient in his chosen field of labor and feeling that he was competent to take charge of important building operations he then began contracting on his own account. The public recognized his capability and ac- corded him a liberal patronage and as the years passed his business grew in volume and importance. He erected many of the best business blocks of the city, including the De- catur Herald block, the Mueller block, the Alorehouse & Wells block and many of the other large business structures and store buildings of this city. He also took and exe- cuted the contracts for five of the leading churches of Decatur and many of the fine resi- dences of the city stand as monuments to his skill and handiwork. He was always thor- ough and painstaking in his work and his careful supervision of the labors . of those whom he employed insured accuracy and good workmanship. Faithfully living up to the terms of a contract he won the unqualified confidence of the public and his business career was therefore attended with a gratifying measure of success. It was in Decatur that Mr. Baker was united in marriage to Miss Sarah J. Dan forth, a native of St. Clair county, Illinois, and a daughter of William F. and Elizabeth Dan- forth, who removed from St. Clair county to Fayette county, this state, where they spent their remaining days. Mr. Danforth followed farming throughout his entire life. By the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Baker were born four children : Louis S., the eldest, who re- sides with his mother, is a contractor and builder carrying on business in partnership with his brother, George W. The latter mar- ried Miss Dora Thiels and they have a pleas- ant home in Decatur. Irene May, the third member of the family, is the wife of Bruce B. Manning, a resident of this city. Qiarles, the youngest, died at the age of twenty-two months. Mr. Baker met his death in an electric street railway accident, being killed on the 15th of October, 1902. This was a great blow not only to his family, but to many friends and the community thereby lost a valued citizen. In politics he was a Republican, giving an intelligent support to the party and in all 816 PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. matters of citizenship lie was public-spirited and progressive, co-operating in many meas- ures for the general good. He was very suc- cessful in all his building undertakings and was an intelligent, honest, upright man, widely known and held in the highest regard in the city in which he lived from boyhood times until his death. Wrs. Baker and her son, Louis, reside at her beautiful home at No. 709 West Main street. The family is one of the oldest on this street and its representatives arc prominent and influential people of Decatur. Mrs. Baker is a valued member of the First Methodist Episcopal church of this city. Her sons are now leading contractors, being worthy successors of their father in business life, and already they have an extensive patronage which is constantly growing. ROSS A. NICHOLLS. Ross A. Nicholls, who owns and operates a nice farm in Decatur township, was born in Medina county, Ohio, on the 19th of April, 1858. and is a son of Washington S. and Mary (House) Nicholls. also natives of the Buckeye stale. The father was one of a family of five children, the others being Charlotte, wife of Mitchell Elson ; R. Frazier : Albert ; and one who died in early life. The mother of our subject had three brothers and two sisters, namely : Mrs. Elizabeth Nicholls, now de- ceased : Joseph; Eli; Eleazer; and Kate, wife of Charles Crocker of Ohio. In 1867 Washington S. Nicholls brought his family to Illinois and settled in Macon county east of where the village of Blue Mound is now located. Here he died on the 23d of April, 1877, honored and respected by all who knew him. His widow is still living and now makes her home near Blue Mound. In the family of this worthy couple were nine chil- dren : Albert, who is now living in Nebraska ; Eleazer. who resides near the old homestead in this countv ; Sarah, who married D. I. Baughman and died leaving one son and three daughters ; George, who makes his home near Moweaqua, Illinois ; Ross A., of this review ; Elton, who lives one mile west of Blue Mound; Naomi, wife of J. Damery ; Alpha, wife of Thomas Wright, who resides near Macon ; and Oren, who is married and lives on the old homestead. On the 17th of March, 1881, Ross A. Nicholls was united in marri.age to Miss Sarah Ribelin, who was born April 13, 1861, a daughter of G. W. and Elizabeth Ribelin. She is one of a family of three children, the others" being Ella, the widow of Harry Bohannon, of Decatur ; and Mary, wife of A. Sackett, who resides near Blue Mound. Mr. and Mrs. Nicholls have become the parents of five chil- dren, as follows: Arza Washington, born March 29, 1882; Verna, who was born Octo- ber 8, 1883, and died October 16, 1884; Stella, born February 2, 1885; Earl, born October 3, 1892 ; and Ray, born November 22, 1894. All are at home. In 1902 Mr. Nicholls purchased his present fine farm of one hundred and fifty acres in I3ecatur tovv'uship and in its operation he is now meeting with good success, being a prac- tical and painstaking agriculturist who thor- oughly understands the vocation he follows. His political support is given the Democratic party, and he is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America and the Methodist Episcopal church. His wife, however, be- longs to the Christian church and is also con- nected with the Royal Neighbors. Thev are people of prominence in the community where they reside and are held in high regard by all who know them. CHARLES K. GUTHRIDGE. Charles K. Guthridge, now deceased, was a native of Martin county, Indiana, born on the nth of February, 1861. When he was five years of age his parents removed from In- PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 817 diana to Fayette count)-, Illinois, and he was reared upon a farm there, early becoming fa- miliar with the duties and labors that falLto the lot of the agriculturist as he assisted in the cultivation of the fields. His educational privileges were those afforded by the district schools and he continued in Fayette county until 1881, when he removed to Piatt county, Illinois, where he was engaged in farming. Mr. Guthridgc first married Lasella Woot- ers by whom he had four children, three still living, namely : Cloyd, Arthur and Geneva, who are living with an aunt near Bement, Piatt county. It was during his residence in that county that Mr. (juthridge was again married, August 10, 1892, his second union being with Miss Cora Trabue Monroe, a native of Be- ment, born on the 20th of January, 1871. The lady is a daughter of Newton A. Trabue, who is now living a retired life in Decatur. She was. however, adopted by Mr. Monroe, of Bement, Piatt county, who is a retired farmer living in that town. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Guthridge were born two children : Ruth, who was born J"ly 23, 1893, and is living with Mr. and Mrs. Monroe in Bement ; and Ruby, who was born August 30, 1895, and is living with her mother in Decatur. At the time of his marriage Mr. Guthridge took his bride to his farm in Piatt county, Illinois, and there successfully engaged in gen- eral agricultural pursuits until his health be- came impaired. On account of this he re- moved with his family to Riverside, California, on the 13th of December, 1895, and they were residents of that beautiful city until the death of the husband and father on the 9th of June, 1896. After his death Mrs. Guthridge and her children remained in California for only a brief period and then returned to Bement, Il- linois, where she made her home until 1899, when she came to Decatur. In this city on the 6th of August, 1901, Mrs. Guthridge gave her hand in marriage to her present husband, C. S. Christian. He is a native of Marion, Linn countv, Iowa, borr. September 24, 1855, and is a son of James T. and Malinda J. (Moore) Christian, the former a native of Kentucky and the latter of Amherst, Virginia. After the Mexican war Mr. Christian, the father, removed to Iowa, where he resided continually until 1861. He then put aside all business and personal con- siderations in order that he might aid his country in the preservation of the Union, en- listing in the Union army as a captain of the Eighteenth Iowa Infantry under Colonel Bis- sell. After the war he returned to Mount Vernon, Iowa, and subsequently he traveled all over the country. He was for some time engaged in the hotel business and finally he settled in Pinkneyville, Illinois, where he owned and operated a mill, remaining at that place for several 3'ears. His wife died there in 1876 and he afterward married Malissa Stoker. Later he removed to Lithia Springs, Missouri, where he died and where his widow yet resides. C. S. Christian acquired a good college edu- cation in Oberlin, Ohio, and in 1877 he went to Tilden, Illinois, where he accepted a posi- tion as station agent and telegraph operator for the Big Four Railroad Company, acting in that capacity for four years. He was then transferred to LaSalle, Illinois, as agent and telegraph operator for the Illinois Central Railroad Company, with which he was con- nected for thirteen years. On the expiration of that period he came to Decatur and occu- pied a position in the office of county treasurer for two years, after which he engaged in the life insurance business in this city for a' short time. He next became connected with the music trade and is now engaged in dealing extensively in pianos, graphophones, music and musical specialties, keeping a stock at his residence and selling throughout the surround- ing country. He handles all standard makes of pianos, including the Story, Clark, the Steinway, Farraud and others. Mr. Christian was first married to Irene O. Melroy of Du Quoin, Illinois, a daughter 818 PAST AND PRESENT 01- MACON COUNTY. of J. G. and xMary O. Melroy. Her father was a tailor of Du Quoin, and both he and his wife are now deceased. Mrs. Irene Christian died leaving ten children, namely : Edith Belle; Egbert J., an engineer on the Illinois Central Railroad; Frances; Calvin S., who is a soldier in the regular army at Vancouver, Washington ; John Melroy ; Hazel ; Beulah ; and Edith. The two who are now deceased are Eugene and Harry C. Mr. Christian has held no political posi- tions in Decatur, his attention being fully oc- cupied by his business afTairs. He votes, how- ever, with the Democracy and is a stanch ad- vocate of its principles. Fraternally he is connected with the Masonic Lodge, the An- cient Order of United Workmen and the Court of Honor, all of Decatur. Mrs. Christian is a member of the First Methodist Episcopal church of Decatur. She now owns the resi- dence which she occupies at No. 1043 West Decatur street and she also has two good farms, one of eighty acres near Rinard and another of eighty acres near Pierson, Piatt county. Her daughter, Ruby, resides with her and Ruth, a child of Mr. Christian's first mar- riage, is also a member of the household. G. F. ALBERT. One of the representative and prominent farmers of Illini township is G. F. Albert, whose home is on section 14. He was b^^rn in Clark county, Ohio, August 28, 1844, ^'^i is a son of Henry and Louisa (Lehman) Al- bert, both of whom were of German descent. The father was born in Maryland in 1814 and in 1828 removed to Ohio, where he learned the blacksmith's trade in the shop of his stej)- father. He continued to make his home in that state until 1881, when he came to Macon county, Illinois, and purchased a farm of three hundred and twenty acres three miles north of Warrensburg, where he lived for several years. At present he is a resident of Decatur and although eighty-nine years of age he en- joys good health. The mother of our subject, who was a native of Pennsylvania, died in Ohio before the removal of the father to Il- linois. The primary education of G. F. Albert was obtained in the Good Intent district school in Clark county, Ohio, and later he attended the Southwestern Normal, then known as the Hol- brook .school, at Lebanon, Ohio, where he completed his studies in 1867. During the following summer he worked at the carpenter's trade in that state and then started on horse- back for Illinois, arriving in JNIacon county on Thursday. He took the teacher's exam- ination under Edward Park immediately after- ward, and passing, he began teaching the fol- lowing Monday at the Mount Pleasant school in Hickory Point township. He taught for seven winters and during the summer worked on a farm. At the end of that period he set- tled down to farming on section 2, Illini town- ship and in 1874 purchased his present farm on section 14, consisting of one hundred and thirty-seven acres adjoining the corporation of Warrensburg. He also owns an eighty acre tract which lies to the east of his house. He is a wide-awake, progressive farmer and his efforts have been attended with well mer- ited success. On the 24th of September, 1872, Mr. Albert was united in marriage to Miss Mattie S. Ritchie, who was educated at the State Nor- mal School at Normal, Illinois, and was mar- ried soon after leaving that institution. Her parents were Samuel and Susan (Hinzie) Ritchie, who were born in Pennsylvania, the former of Scotch-Irish and the latter of Ger- man lineage. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Albert were born five children but the second is deceased. The living are as follows : Leslie is engaged in farming on the eighty acres belonging to his father and also on a rented tract. Bertha has taught four terms at Warrensburg and is now living at home with her father. Edna attended the State Normal School until her PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 819 mother's death, which occurred August i, 1899, and has since remained at home to keep house for her father. Chester, who completes the family, was for two terms a student at Brown's Business College in Decatur and for the same length of time at the Gem City Busi- ness College in Quincy. He is now living in Colorado. The daughters have both given considerable attention to the study of music and have become quite proficient on the piano. Since casting his first presidential vote for Seymour, Mr. Albert has affiliated with the Democratic party, and for several terms he served as assessor of his township. Pleasant and genial in manner, he makes many friends and is held in the highest regard by all who know him. His home is noted for its hos- pitality and good cheer. JOSEPH B. EHRHART. Joseph B. Ehrhart, who for many years has been engaged in business in Decatur as a painter and decorator and who is regarded as one of the leading representatives of this line of industrial activity, was born in York county, Pennsylvania, on the i6th of June, 1838, a son of John Ehrhart. Both his father and mother spent their entire lives in Pennsylvania and the former carried on black- smithing there. He was three times married. our subject being one of the six chidren of the last union. Two of the number are now living, the brother being Samuel Ehrhart. The four who have passed away all reached years of maturity. Mr. Ehrhart of this review received but limited educational privileges. He attended school to some extent in Newbury township, York county, Pennsylvania, and in 1855 when but seventeen years of age he came to Illinois. He settled in Macon county and began work- ing as a farm hand near what is now East Eldorado street, a corn field at that time cover- ing the district, and he plowed corn at what is now the leading thoroughfare of the city. He also broke prairie within the present cor- poration limits of Decatur and was thus identi- fied with the early development of the county. Later he was employed as a brakesman on the construction train when the railroad track was laid to Bement, Illinois. Subsequently he was apprenticed to the painting and decorating trade under S. S. Dellahunt, with whom he served for a year. On the expiration of that period, although but a young man, he began contracting on his own account. His first shop was located where the office of the Shell- abarger Mill now stands. There was then a two story building there, the lower floor being occupied by Solomon Epler & Gamen, car- riage and wagon makers, and Mr. Ehrhart utilized the second floor for his paint shop. In connection with the painting of wagons and carriages he also did house painting and in those days he had to carry all of his supplies to his place of work as he had no conveyance for transporting them. In the winter of 1864 he superintended a crew of eleven men and in this way executed a contract for painting eleven hundred cultivators for the firm of Barnes & Lintner. He has been continuously engaged at his trade since entering upon his apprenticeship with the exception of a period of three years when ill health caused by blood poisoning forced him to rest from his labors. He has built up a very large trade and is now the oldest painter and decorator of the city. His business has grown as the years have passed by and the patronage now accorded him brings to him a very gratifying financial return. In the fall of 1864 he joined the band known as Elijah Howes Band of Boston and was identified therewith for thirty years. Later it was under the instruction and supervision of Professor Goodman and is now known as Goodman's Band. It is one of the most famous bands of the state. ■ Mr. Ehrhart has been twice married and by his first union had three children : John and George, who are married and live in Decatur; 820 PAST AXD PRESENT OF MACOX COUXTY. and Ellsworth, who died in 1883. On the 22d of April, 1883, Mr. Ehrhart was joined in wedlock to Annette Songer and they had two children : Alma and Abigail, bnt the former died in infancy. Mr. Ehrhart has given his children good educational privileges, thus pre- paring them for the practical and respon- sible duties of life. ITe and his wife are de- voted members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Their hospitable home is located at No. 1275 North Union street and in addition to this valuable property ^Ir, Ehrhart owns other realty in Decatur, all of which has been acquired entirely through his own energy and capable management. He is one of the worthy pioneer settlers of this city and has aided in developing Decatur from the hazel brush to a citv of metropolitan ]5roportions, having within its borders all of the ec|uipments and improvements of the older east. He remem- bers to have seen Lincoln Sf|uare when it was covered with straw and used as a feeding place for the teams of the farmers who drove into town. The open prairie was the feeding ground of many deer and citlur wild game and the surface of the country was dotted here and there with ponds or crossed with sloughs. During his boyhood days ^Ir. Ehrhart was dressed in home-made clothing. In his father's family they would shear the sheep and have the wool sent to the factory where it was spun into clothing. Pioneer life as it was a half century ago was well known to him and he retains vivid recollections of De- catur when it was a very primitive town, giving little promise of its ]iresent develop- ment and progress. HENRY L. HIGHLY. Henry L. Highly is one of Macon's repre- sentative citizens, whose useful and well spent life has not only gained him the confidence of his fellow men but has also secured for him a comfortable competence which enables him to lay aside all business cares and spend his declining days in ease and retirement. A native of Ohio. .Mr. 1 lighly was born near Zanesville on the 12th of June. 1835, and is a son of Thomas and Susan (Gist) Highly, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania and of German descent. Leaving the Key- stone state they removed to Ohio at an early day and settled ten miles east of Zanesville, becoming pioneers of that section. There the father secured forty acres of timberland, which he cleared, improved and cultivated, and in addition to the operation of his farm he con- ducted a saw and grist mill for many years, being a miller by trade. Selling out in 1850, he removed to Hocking county, Ohio, and purchased eighty acres of land four miles from Logan, where he made his home until his death. In his family were eleven children, but only four are now living, namely : Thomas, a retired farmer living in Oregon : Henrv L.. of this review; Samuel and Eliza- beth, twins, the former of whom is now jan- itor of the courthouse at Logan. Ohio, while the latter is the wife of John Coon, a retired farmer living near Lancaster, Ohio. Henry L. Highly was educated in an old log school house which had a puncheon floor, slab benches and other rude furniture, but he was only able to attend school for about three months during the winter season as his services were needed on the home farm dur- ing the remainder of the year. At the age of fifteen he started out to make his own way in the world and was told by his father, if he would pay of? the mortgage on a forty acre farm he could have the place, only one pay- ment having previously been made. To earn the money for this purpose Mr. Highly worked by the month for five years. He then cleared his land, which was a timber tract, and split the rails to fence it with. In the spring of 1861 he came to Macon county, Illinois, and commenced work on the Allison farm. .Xbout a year later he returned to his old home in Ohio, and was there mar- PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 821 ried on the 6th of March. 1862, to Miss Jane Gibson, a daughter of Patrick and Margaret (Flanigan) Gibson. The wedding journey of the young couple was from Ohio to Illinois and was made in an old fashioned covered wagon. After making a short visit at Col- umbus, Ohio, they proceeded on their way, pa.ssing through Springfield, Ohio ; Indianap- olis and Terre Haute, Indiana ; and Areola and Mount Zion, Illinois, finally reaching Macon after fourteen days upon the road. For two years Mr. Highly was engaged in farming upon the Allison place, and then purchased eighty acres of railroad land east of Macon, for which he paid twelve dollars and a half per acre. Upon the place was an old log house, fourteen feet square and a kitchen made of slabs, twelve by fourteen feet. Here Mr. Highly and his wife lived for ten years and then erected a fine home at a cost of twenty-five hundred dollars, while a new barn was built at a cost of twelve hundred. The farm was all wild prairie land when they took up their residence thereon, but Mr. Highly soon placed it imder cultivation and at the end of ten years was able to purchase an adjoining eighty acres. As time passed he kept adding to his property at intervals until he had three hundred and sixty acres, con- stituting one of the finest farms in Macon township. The last one hundred and sixty acres purchased by Mr. Highly cost sixty dollars per acre. The farm is now under a high state of cultivation with valuable im- provements, the buildings alone having cost ten thousand dollars, while the ditching, deep wells, wind pumps, etc., have cost fifteen thousand dollars. Mr. Highly continued farming operations with marked success until 1899, when he retired from active labpr and removed to Macon, where he now owns and occupies a nice modern residence. He has two children, Olna S., who is the older, now has charge of one of his father's farms. He married Gladys Combs and has three children, Lena, Llovd and Pauline. James H.. the younger son, married Minnie Wise and is living upon the old homestead farm. Mr. Highly is a charter member of the Presbyterian church at Macon, has ever taken an active part in its work, and has served as elder for over twenty years. His wife is also a member of that church. Socially he belongs to the l)lue lodge of Masons, No. 467, at Macon, having been made a Mason about 1856 in Columbia Lodge, at Cumberland, Ohio, and politically he is identified with the Prohi- bition party as he is a strong temperance man and believes that question to be the most important now before the American people. For over twenty years he acceptably served as school director in his district and for one term was road commissioner but always re- fused to accept other official positions, pre- ferring to give his undivided attention to his business interests. On his removal to this state he had but forty dollars in money and the horses and wagon in which he and his wife traveled, but he has always made the most of his advantages and by industry, per- severance and good management he worked his way steadily upward until he is to-day one of the well-to-do and substantial men of his communnity, as well as one of its most highly esteemed citizens. CHARLES M. HURST. Cha'rles M. Hurst is connected with mer- cantile interests in Decatur as the secretary of the Morehouse & Wells Company, whole- sale and retail dealers in hardware. He was born in this city in February, 1859. and is a son of E. W. and Sarah E. (Miller) Hurst, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania, having been born in York county, that state. In the schools of his native state Charles M. Hurst pursued his early education and after- ward became a student in a college of Penn- sylvania. When he had completed his school life he entered upon his business career in «22 PAST AXU PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. connection with mercantile interests. His first employment was with the hardware estab- lishment of Morehouse & Wells with whom he continued as an employe until 1894, at which time the company was incorporated under the style of the Morehouse & Wells Company, with Mr. Hurst as its secretary. He has since acted in this capacity and has teen very active in the control of what is now a most important mercantile concern, doing a large business both along wholesale and retail lines. He is well versed in every department and his cnergv and sound business judgment have been salient features in its success. He is also connected with the I'nited States Wire Mat Company, of which be is a director and the secretarv, and he is now president of the Central Malleable Iron Company of Decatur. His activity touching many lines of business enterprise, causes him to be classed among the leading men of the city. Mr. Hurst was united in marriage to Miss Rella Shockley, a daughter of DeWitt C. Shocklev, a prominent and much respected citizen of Decatur. In matters pertaining to the general progress Mr. Hurst is public spir- ited and progressive and keeps in touch with public thought and effort. In the business world he has won the trust and confidence of those with whom he has been associated. His social qualities, too, render him popular with a large circle of friends and he is a genial gen- tleman without ostentation or display, who holds friendship sacred and is as true to the duties and obligations of citizenship and of private life as to those to which he is pledged through business connections. DAVID SKILLMAN ALLEN. Only those lives are worthy of record that have been potential factors in the public prog- ress in promoting the general welfare or ad- vancing the educational or moral interests of the communitv. Mr. Allen was ever faithful to all the duties of life and by the successful conduct of his business affairs not only pro- moted his individual success but also advanced the general prosperity. In his life span of almost sixty years he accomplished much and left behind an honorable record well worthy of perpetuation. Mr. Allen was born in Scott county, Ken- tucky, on the 8th of February, 1822, and was a son of Joseph and Katherine (Skillman) -Mien. The Allen family originated in Scot- land and from that country ancestors of our subject removed to Ireland, where the old Allen homestead is now in possession of Pat- rick Allen. In early life our subject's father removed from Loudoun county, Virginia, to Kentucky, and in Bourbon county, of that lat- ter state, he married Katherine Skillman. they located in Scott county, Kentucky, where they reared their family, and where the father died in March, 1846. His wife, long surviving him, passed away a few years ago. During his boyhood David S. Allen pursued his studies in a log school house in his native county, the school being conducted on the subscription plan as this was before the day of free schools, and after putting aside his text books he worked on his father's farm until twenty-five years of age, when he es- tablished a home of his own. On the i6th of September, 1845, '""^ was united in mar- riage to Miss Amanda D. Risk, who was also born in Scott county, Kentucky, December 29, 1829, a daughter of John and Ann (Daughcrty) Risk. Her mother was a native of the same county and there she gave her hand in marriage to John Risk, the name being originally spelled Risque. They contin- ued to make their home there throughout the remainder of their lives. In religious faith they were Presbyterians and in politics Mr. Risk was a Whig. Of their ten children, Mrs. Allen is the ninth in order of birth and the only one now living. After his marriage Mr. Allen located on a PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 823 farm four miles from Georgetown, Kentucky, and from there removed to Macon county, Illinois, in January, 1855, settling one mile north of Harristown, where he purchased a section of land at sixteen dollars per acre but the property is now valued at one hundred and twenty-five dollars per acre. When the family located on this farm Decatur was the nearest town and there were no railroads through the county, much of this region being still wild and unimproved. With the develop- ment and upbuilding of his adopted county Mr. Allen bore an important part and through- out life carried on agricultural pursuits with good success. He died upon his farm on the 2 1st of August, 1880, honored and respected by all who knew him, and he was laid to rest in the Harristown cemetery. His political support was always given the Republican party but he never cared for the honors or emoluments of public office. He took an active part in church work, being a member of the Methodist Episcopal denomination and served as steward from the age of twenty-five up to the time of his death. He was also a strong advocate of temperance and his life was ever in harmony with his professions. Since her husband's death Mrs. Allen has made her home with her children but is now- living with her brother-in-law, William J. Ouinlan, at 222 West William street, Decatur. She is a lady of culture and refinement, who has traveled extensively both in this countrjr and in Europe and she possesses literarv talent of a high order. She has contributed several interesting articles on the pioneer settlers of Illinois to different periodicals and also wrote an article which was read at the last meeting of the Old Settlers of Macon county, who each year hold a reunion at Fairview Park in Decatur. She is a lady of many excellent traits of character which have endeared her to all with whom she has been brought in con- tact. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Allen were born six children, five sons and one daughter, as fol- lows : Rhodes C. married Miss Emma Levett and resided near Harristown for some time,, but finally removed to Hot Springs, Arkan- sas, where he died. Of his three children only one is now living, Roy S., a resident of Los Angeles, California. Louisa C. married Dr. John M. Gregory, who was for thirteen years president of the State University at Champaign and also president of the University of Michi- gan at Ann Arbor. Mrs. Gregory introduced domestic science into the former institution and was made professor of the same. The Doctor served as civil service commissioner imder President Arthur and was one of the first to advocate free mail delivery and also the first to introduce work reading in the public schools. He died in Washington, D. C, Oc- tober 19, 1898, and was buried in the Cham- paign University grounds. His widow and daughter Allene are still residents of the cap- ital city. Henry C, Mrs. Allen's second son, is engaged in farming in Scott county, Ken- tucky. He married Miss Fannie Moore, of Georgetown, Kentucky, and has two children : Harvey M. and Evelyn. Charles Wesley, the third son, died July 6, 1880. He studied law at the State University and was graduated in 1877, being admitted to the bar two years later. Joseph Bascom, the next of the family, married Miss Sena Talbott and lives near Ottawa, Kan- sas, where he is engaged in farming. They have two sons, Louis and Arthur. E. Wright Allen, the youngest child, was born October 20, 1861, on the old homestead in Harristown township, where he now resides. He began his education in the public ■ schools of this county and later attended the State L'niversity at Champaign for three years. Throughout his active business life he has followed farming and has met with good success, being the owner of con- siderable farming land near Harristown. He is interested in the breeding of polled An- gus cattle and is quite extensively engaged in that business, which he finds quite profitable. On the 1st of September, 1887, he was united 824 PAST AXD I'kliSEXT OF MACOX COUNTY. in marriage to Miss Minnie H. Moffctt, who was born on the old Moffett homestead near Boody, December 28, 1868. Her father, Will- iam T. MofFett, was a native of Beardstown, Illinois, and was a very prominent man of his community, serving as state senator for a time. Unto Mr. and Mrs. E. W. Allen were born four children, but Skillman died November 29, 1896, at the age of seven years. Those still living are Leonora, Marie A. and Mofifett B. E. W. Allen gives his political support to the men and measures of the Republican party and takes a deep interest in public affairs. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and Summit Lodge No. 431, A. F. & A. M., and stands high in l)ot]i Inisim-ss and social cir- cles. Success has attended his well directed eflforts and he has become one of the most prosperous agriculturists of his community. Besides his valuable property in Harristown township he owns a half section of land in Texas. CLARENCE J. VAN DE\FNTER. . Clarence J. Van Deventer is widely known throughout Illinois and to a considerable ex- tent throughout the country in ])hotographic circles. He is the president of the Photog- raphers" Association of the state and. although one of the more recent acquisitions to the busi- ness life of Decatur, lie has already gained a large patronage, being connected with a jiro- fession where merit is easily discernible and in which success caunol l)e won witliout this quality. Mr. Van Deventer was born in Alouiit Pul- aski, Logan county. Illinois, on the 15th of April, 1865, and is a son of James C. and Car- oline (Nicholson) Van Deventer. The father. a resident of Lee county, Virginia, in his early life, removed from the Old Dominion to Illinois in the '50s, and in this state engaged in stock-raising and dealing. He is a son of Abrahaiu Van Deventer. When Clarence J. Van Deventer was but two months old the father died, but the mother is yet living and still makes her home in Logan county. To the public school system of this state Mr. \'an Deventer is indebted for the edu- cational privileges he received in' his youth. In early life he began earntng his own live- lihood and when a youth of si.xtcen he secured a elerkshij) in a hardware store, where he remained for two years, proving a capable and trustworthy employe who won the un- qualified confidence of those whom he served. In 1883 he removed to Bloomington. Illinois, where he was employed by T. P. Garrett, a phoiographcr. Thus he was initiated into the business which has become his life work. He continued to serve Mr. Garrett until 1866, gradually aci|uiring a comprehensive knowl- edge of the art and the methods pursued in the conduct of a photographic gallery. In the year mentioned he went to Springfield, Illi- nois, where he was employed in the Anderson .Vrt Gallery until 1888. He next located in Alpena, Michigan, where he purchased an art gallery in connection with A. R. Nicholson, the studio being conducted under the firm style of Nicholson & \'an Deventer until 1891. Our subject has also been employed by lead- ing artists of Chicago. In 1892 he opened two galleries, one in Carlinsville and the other in Litchfield. Illinois. These he conducted until 1898. when he sold both and came to Decatur, establishing his present studio in the Powers block. Here he soon became recognized as a leading artist of this city, his ability placing liini in the ranks of the most prominent and capable representatives of his calling. His suite of rooms are decorated with some of the most beautiful specimens of photographic work. He is a member of the National Pho- tographers' Association and his exhibits at its meetings have won medals because of their merit. He also belongs to the State Photog- raphers' Association and has won its prizes. He likewise holds membership in the New England Photographers Association and at- tended its last meeting held in Boston. For PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 825 five years he has been the treasurer of the state association and in the year 1903 is serv- ing as its president. He has taken a deep and zealous interest in his work, doing everything in his power for advancement along artistic lines . and his studio is equipped with every facility for producing work of the highest grades. He has advanced steadily to a front rank among photographic artists in Illinois through persistent effort and because of his special adaptability to his chosen calling. He has real artistic skill for executing the labor of the mechanic, who by means of certain devices can transfer a likeness to paper. His appreciation for the effects of light and shade is great and in his posing he shows true ar- tistic skill. In 1893 Mr. Van Deventer was joined in wedlock to IMiss Martha F. Macknet, a daugh- ter of D. S. and Rhoda (Clark) Macknet. Their children are Florence A., Clarence J. and Macknet F. Mr. Van Deventer belongs to Macon Lodge, No. 8, F. & A. M., Macon Chapter, No. 21, R. A. M. and Beaumanoir Commandery, No. 9, K. T. ; to the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks ; to Easterly Camp, No. 1626. M. W. A.; and to Decatur District Court, No. 39, Court of Honor. He is a genial, courteous gentleman, a pleasant, enter- taining companion and has many splendid and admiring friends among all classes of people. As a man of genuine worth of character and a gentleman of attractive s(X-ial qualities he stands high in the estimation of the entire conimunitv. YONG P. JONES. Yong P. Jones, a retired farmer residing at No. 1084 East Wood "street in Decatur, has been a resident of Macon county for more than half a century, dating his arrival in 1851. One of Illinois' native sons, his "birth occurred in Marion county on the 2d of June, 1842, so that he was onlv aljout nine years of age when brought by his parents to Decatur. He is a son of Joseph E. and Sarah (Neel) Jones, the former a native of Ten- nessee and the latter of Kentucky. They were married very young. Mr. Jones being but eighteen years of age when with his bride he came to Illinois, settling in Decatur, here act- ing as fireman and also as engineer in some of the lumber mills of this city. Subsequent- ly he was given charge of the county poor farm and acted as its superintendent for eleven \ears, discharging his duties in a most capable manner so that he won the confidence and approval of the entire public. He then purchased the old county farm and there car- ried on general agricultural pursuits until his life's labors were ended in death on the 26th of March, 1866. His widow afterward sold the farm and removed to Mount Zion town- ship, where she purchased a tract of land and resided there until her death, which oc- curred on the 17th of July, 1894. This wor- thy couple were the parents of five children, the youngest being Yong P. of this review. The others are Thomas, a retired farmer now living on West Wood street in Decatur ; Ozro, a resident farmer of Traverse City, Illinois ; William Columbus, who is residing on the old farm in Mount Zion township ; and Amanda, the wife of Martin Cooper, who is living in Decatur. All were educated in the common schools of Macon county. Like the other members of the family Yong P. Jones pursued a public school course and in his youth he aided in the labors of the fields upon the home farm. His practical training well ^]ualified him for carrying on farm work on his own account after he had attained his majority. In 1 86 1 in Decatur, Mr. Jones married Miss Emma May, a native of Tennessee, who died six years after their marriage, leaving two children : Joseph T., who wedded Anna Briner and lives on a farm in South Wheat- land township ; and Ida, the wife of A. J. Anderson, telegraph operator for the Illinois 826 PAST AND PRESENT OF .MACON COUNTY. Central Railroad at Decatur. Mr. Jones was again married in Decatur, on the 9th of De- cember, 1869, his second union being with Miss Sarah Malissa Bordnian, who was born in Columbus, Indiana, September 19, 1840, and is a daughter of Captain Isaac Bordman, one of the early settlers and a very prominent citizen of Decatur. For several years he served as county clerk of Macon county and was influential in public affairs. His death occurred in this city and the community there- by lost one of its valued representatives. After his marriage Mr. Jones purchased a farm on section 35, South Wheatland town- ship, comprising one hundred and twenty- five acri.s, and to the improvement of this proijerly he gave his attention, making it a valuable and productive place. He still owns it and llierton he engaged in general farming and stock-rasing until 1892. when he removed to the city and, putting aside business cares, lias since enjoyed a well earned rest. I lis home is at No. 1084 East Wood street, where he and his wife are now living. She is a member of the First Methodist Episcopal church of Decatur. In his political views Mr. Jones has always been a Democrat. His life has been one of activity and usefulness and it seems almost impossible for him to put aside business cares altogether. Indolence and idleness have ever been utterly foreign to his nature and now he makes dail>' trijis to his farm to super- vise its cultivation, hut the active work of field and meadow he leaves to others. He owes his success not to any fortunate combi- nation of circumstances, but to his persistency and diligence and Iiis ]irnsperily is therefore well deserved. HILLORY BEALL. After years of active labor, mainly along agricultural lines, the subject of this review is now living a retired life enjoying the com- petence which he acquired through former toil. He is a native of Virginia, born Jan- uary 29, 1838, and is a son of Hillory and Jane (Newland) Beall, who were born, reared and married in Pennsylvania, and from that state removed to the Old Dominion in 1830. By occupation the father was a farmer. Both he and his wife are now deceased. Our sub- ject's great-grandfather was a soldier of the Revolutionary war. Our subject is one of a family of nine chil- dren, five sons and four daughters, the others being Nancy, who is the wife of Uriah Bar- rett and lives in Oklahoma; Sarah Jane, de- ceased ; John, who is proprietor of the Beall Improvement Company of Decatur and is one of the old settlers of Macon county; Parker, who makes his home in Warrensburg, and is engaged in farming; Mary, the wife of David Schroll, of Warrensburg; William, also a res- ident of that i)lace ; Elizabeth, wife of Andrew J. Widick ; and Frank, deceased. During his boyhood Ilillory Dcall, Jr.. went to Ohio, where he was reared and educated, pursuing his early studies in an old log school- house, but his educational advantages were rather limited. After leaving school he learned the millwright's trade, which he followed for ten years, being thus employed in Springfield, Bloomington, Decatur and Clinton, Illinois. In 1856 he came to Macon county and for .some time engaged in farming in Illini town- ship, where he made his first purchase of land. About twenty-seven years ago he removed to Niantic township and bought one hundred and si.xty acres, the nucleus of his present farm. As time passed and his financial re- sources increased he kept adding to his prop- erty until he now has several hundred acres besides a beautiful home in Niantic. where he is now living retired. At Springfield, Illinois, in 1867, Mr. Beall was united in marriage to Miss Honora Hingcy, of Riverton, this state. Her parents were natives of Canada and are both now de- ceased. Three sons were born to Mr. and I\lrs. Pjeall, namely : John Franklin, a resi- PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 827 dent of Niantic ; Egbert Lawrence, who makes his home in Lovington ; and Edward Parker, who is living on his father's farm in Niantic township. Mrs. Beall is a member of the CathoHc church of Niantic and is a most estimable lady. Being a strong temperance man our subject votes with the Prohibition party. A man of natural ability, his success in business is but the just reward of honor- able dealing, good management and unremit- ting industry, and the prosperity that has come to him is certainly well merited. His course in life has ever been such as to com- mand respect and he stands high in the es- teem of his fellow citizens. WILLIAM GUSHARD. The life record of a representative of American citizenship frequently contains much that is of value to the student of biography who wishes to judge of the elements and qualities that enter into a successful career. The life record of William Gushard has been an open scroll inviting closest scrutiny. His achievements represent the result of honest endeavor along lines where mature judgment has led the way. He possesses a weight of character, a native sagacity and discriminat- mg judgment and a fidelity to purpose that command the respect of all. He has led an honorable career and is recognized as one of the leading merchants of Decatur, being the senior member of the firm of Gushard & Com- pany, dealers in dry-goods and millinery. A native of Ohio, William Gushard was born in Stark county, that state, on the 5th of March, 1862. For many years his father, George Gushard, carried on merchandising there and his death occurred in Stark county, in 1892. For his second wife he married Mrs. Hannah Rorabaugh. who died on the 25th of May, 1865. She was the mother of our sub- ject. William Gushard spent the first eight vears' of his boyhood in Stark county, Ohio, and at the usual age entered the public schools. He afterward accompanied his father on his re- moval to Wabash county, Indiana, where he continued to pursue his studies until his fif- teenth year. He then returned to Ohio, estab- lishing his home in Akron, where he resided for nine years and during that period he en- tered upon his business career as a salesman in a dry-gods establishment. His endeavors to master the business both in principle and detail gained him a broad knowledge of the methods employed in mercantile circles. When thus well equipped for further advance- ment along that line he became a trusted em- ploye in the dry-goods house of G. Y. Smith & Company upon his removal to Kansas City, Missouri. For two and a half years he con- tinued with that firm and then with the money he had acquired through his own industry and economy he began merchandising on his own account in Excelsior Springs, Missouri. He was afterward numbered among the mer- chants of Topeka, Kansas, and was there very successful in his business operations. In 1895 he arrived in Decatur, Illinois, where he established a dry-goods and mil- linery store as the senior member of the firm of Gushard & Company, his partner in this enterprise being Walter Buck. Their store is located at No. 207-211 North Water street and is fifty feet in breadth by one hundred and twenty feet in depth, the building is three stories in height and all three floors are utilized for the accommodation of their large stock of millinery and dry-gods. Between forty and fifty clerks are employed which in- dicates to some extent the volume of business transacted. Every department is complete and is now in a thriving condition. The firm also has a branch store at Burlington, Iowa, which is a general establishment managed by John J. Summersby. In 1895 Mr. Gushard was united in mar- riage to Miss Delia Perkins, of Topeka, Kan- sas, and their union has been blessed with 828 PAST AND PRESEXT OF MACOX COUNTY. three children : Geraldine, Hannah Louise and Ruth Elizabeth. The family residence is situated on North Dunham street and the attractive home is surrounded by a large lawn, ornamented with beautiful trees many of which being pine, the place is called Pine Hurst. This home is celebrated for its gracious hospitality which is greatly enjoved by the many friends of the family. Mr. (iu.sh- ard has a business career which any man might be proud to possess. Starting out in life empty-handed and brooking no obstacles that could be overcome by determination and honorable effort he has steadily worked his way upward. The difficulties he has encoun- tered have seemed to serve as an impetus for renewed effort and he has kept apace with tlie imiversal progress along business lines, adapt- ing himself to meet conditions and making the most of every opportunity until he now occu- pies a creditable and honorable position in trade circles. He stands to-day strong in his credit and his good name .and his example is one well worthy nf (.•inulation. JAMES FREE!\IAN. In commercial circles in Decatur James Freeman was long an active and prominent factor, having established and conducted one of the large mercantile enterprises of the city. Indolence was utterly foreign to his nature and his activity, keen discernment in business af- fairs and indefatigable energy enabled him lo develop an enterprise of importance to the city and which at the same time proved an ex- cellent source of revenue for himself and fam- ily. Mr. F"'reeman was a native of Boston, his birth there occurring on the 6th of April, 1836. He was a representative of one of the old families of New England, his ancestors hav- ing emigrated to America in 1632, only twelve years after the Pilgrims landed on the shores of Massachusetts from the Mavflower. Ben- jamin Freeman, the father of our subject, was born in New England and during the boyhood of his son James brought his family to Illinois, settling in Hillsboro, where he en- tered land, but as he died a few years later the family returned to Boston, w-here our sub- ject resided for a number of years. It was on the i6th of November, 1865, that .Mr. Freeman was joined in wedlock to Miss May L. Wilson, of Jacksonville, Illinois, the second daughter of Andrew F. and Louisa (Wheadon) Wilson. ]\Irs. Freeman was born in the city of Jacksonville, her parents having settled there in 1838. Subsequently they re- moved to Mowcaqua, Illinois, where the father died in 1901, in the ninety-first year of his age. His political allegiance was given lo the Republican party and he never failed to cast his ballot for its men and measures. For many years he was a member of the Baptist church and his life was in consistent harmony with his professions. Mrs. Freeman, like her husband, comes of good old Revolutionary stock, the grandfathers on both sides having been patriots in the Continental Army in the war for American independence. Mr. and Mrs. Freeman began their domes- tic life upon a farm near ]\Ioweaqua and there he carried on agricultural pursuits until 1879, when he retired from that field of labor and removed to Decatur, making his home in this city until his death. Here he opened a large boot and shoe store, the first extensive one here, and was thus connected with the mer- cantile interests cff the city until his life's labors were ended. For a long period he was associated in business with his brother, John Freeman, but for the last few years was sole proprietor of what was one of the leading conmiercial institutions of the city. He car- ried a large and well selected line of boots and shoes and received an extensive patronage, which he well merited because of his progress- ive business methods, his straightforward dealing and his earnest efforts to please his customers. PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 829 In early life Mr. Freeman took an active part in politics and served for a number of terms as supervisor in a manner which re- flected credit upon the county and his con- stituents. He was also deputy United States marshal under his uncle, Watson Freeman, and was ever conscientious and prompt in the performance of any public duty or the exe- cution of any public trust. Of the Decatur Club he was a valued and popular member and he was past grand director and a member of the supreme lodge of the Knights of Honor. Pleasant and genial in manner, he was ad- mired and respected by all. He appreciated friendship and therefore won it, and he was quick to recognize the good in others and render them his regard because of this. It is a well known truth that we see about us that which we have in ourselves and this trait ■of character in Mr. Freeman showed that he was the possessor of all the sterling qualities which he respected in his fellowmen. LAWRENCE R. PROVOST. This well known citizen of Decatur town- ship is devoting his attention principally to the raising of small fruits and has become an expert in his line. He was born in New Brunswick, New Jersey, on the i6th of No- vember. 1835, and comes of a family of French Huguenot origin, which was founded in Amer- ica by three brothers, one of whom settled in New York, another on Staten Island, while the third, James H. Provost, located in New Jersey. It is to the last branch that our sub- ject belongs. His paternal grandfather took part in the war of 1812 as a fifer. James Provost, the father of our subject, was born in New Brunswick, New Jersey, March 27, 1808, and was reared and educated at that place. In early life he learned the blacksmith's trade and became an expert car- riage maker. He was married at Newark, New Jersey, in 1836, to Miss Lavisa A. Baker, and for some years they made their home at New Brunswick and Rahway, New Jersey, but in 1862 removed to Port Royal, North Carolina, where they remained until the latter part of 1864. While there Mr. Provost was the master mechanic for the United States quartermaster in charge of the government shops. After the war he returned to New Jersey, and in 1871 came to Decatur, where he continued to make bis home until called to his final rest on the 24th of April, 1891, at the age of eighty-four years. His wife died May 10, 1887. They were faithful members of the First Presbyterian church and had the respect of all who knew them. Unto them were born eight children, namely ; P. B. ; Lawrence R. ; Abraham P. ; Isaac S. ; Isabella, wife of Fred Boyer; Phoebe, deceased wife of \Mlliam Z. Brown ; Mary B., deceased wife of Jefferson Main ; and James, who died in infancy. The educational advantages afforded Law- rence R. Provost during his boyhood were limited as he was only able to attend school for three months during the winter season. At an early age he served an apprenticeship to the blacksmith's trade at Rahway, New Jersey, and received thirty dollars per year in compensation for his services. He next went south and was engaged in the carriage business at Suft'olk, A'irginia, for three years, being at that place when Abraham Lincoln was elected president. When tlie war broke out he came to Illinois and for ten years was engaged in farming in Green Valley, Taze- well countv. He then removed to Lawrence, Kansas, where he followed the same pursuit, and thus became identified with the early de- velopment of that state but becoming discour- aged with the outlook there he returned to Illinois in 1867 and has since made his home m Decatur township, Macon county, where he raises small friuts of different kinds, though his specialty is strawberries. He has seven- teen acres devoted to the culture of small fruits and has become a leader in his line, taking pride in producing the best found on the market: 830 PAST AND PRESENT OF .AIACON COUNTY. In 1855 Mr. Provost was united in marriage to Miss Caroline M. High, of Rahvvay, New Jersey, who died in Kansas at the age of thirty-one years. The children born of this union are James H., now a resident of Okla- homa ; Emma, wife of George Bush, of New- ton, Kansas ; Jasper L., of Osage county, Kansas; George L., of Burlingame, Kansas; William, also a resident of Burlingame ; Mel- vin, a resident of Oklahoma; and Mary, wife of L. O. Green, of Peabody, Kansas. On the 3d of December, 1872, Mr. Provost was again married, his second union being with Miss Nancy Scroggs, of Goshen, Ind- iana, by whom he has two children : Sadie ; and Daisy, wife of Harmon Tuttle, of De- catur. Mrs. Provost was born in Beaver county, Pennsylvania, September 30, 1836, and is a daughter of Alexander and Jane (Moore) Scroggs, who were also natives of Beaver county and were of Scotch and Welsh de- scent. The mother died at the early age of thirty-two, when Mrs. Provost was only four years old. Leaving Pennsylvania, the father removed to Goshen, Indiana, where his death occurred on the 25th of April, 1877. By trade he was a tanner and carriage trimmer and in politics was a Republican. For several gen- erations the family has been connected with the United Presbyterian church and several of its members have been ministers of that denomination. In religious faith Mr. Provost is a Presby- terian and in politics is an ardent Republican. He has efficiently served as school director and does all in his power to promote the moral, educational and social interests of his com- munity. He is a wide-awake and progressive business man and endeavors to accomplish whatever he undertakes. TRAVIS BROWN. Travis Brown is the junior member of tiie firm of Brown & Son. who are engaged in the monument business in Decatur. He was born near Boody in Blue Mound township, Macom county, on the 8th of February, 1871, and is a son of Nelson F. and Mildred (Pasley) Brown. The father, a native of Ohio, was born in 1843 ^"d for many years engaged in agricultural pursuits in Blue Mound town- ship. On the 1st of September, 1896, how- ever, having retired from farm work, he joined his son, Travis, in the establishment of the present firm of Brown & Son. His wife was born in Kentucky and the subject of this re- view is their only child. He attended the com- mon schools in his early life and supplemented his preliminary knowledge by study in the Baker University of Baldwin, Kansas. He also pursued a course of study in Brown's Business College and in 1892 he returned to the home farm, whereon he resided, assisting in its cultivation and further improvement un- til 1895, when he became a resident of De- catur. Joining his father in the establishment of the firm of Brown & Son they purchased a part interest in the Decatur Monument Com- ]5any, with which they were associated imtil 1S98. wlien they became sole proprietors, buy- ing out their partners in that business. They make a specialty of Barre granite and Mis- souri red stone in their monument work. The business methods which they emplov, the skilled labor and the product of the workmen makes the output of this house of a most pleasing character and the patronage is there- by constantly increasing. Already the busi- ness is large and important, having become one of the strong industrial interests of the city. There has been nothing sensational in the career of either father and son, their lives having lieen devoted to business cares, and untiring industry, perseverance and good business judgment have formed the founda- tion upon which they have builded their suc- cess. On the nth of October, 1894, Travis Brown v/as united in marriage to Miss Ida M. Wicgand, a daughter of J. H. and Min- nie Wiegand, of Boody, Illinois. They are PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 831 well known young people of this city and the hospitality of many of the best homes here is extended to them. Mr. Brown is a member of Easterly Camp, No. 1626, M. W. A., and for two years he has served as a member of the board of managers of this camp. He has also been recorder of Decatur Circle, No. 49, American Home Circle. His success has been the result of persistent effort in the line of honorable and earnest toil ; his aims have always been to attain the best and his life has marked a steadv growth. DAVID B. BATCHELDER. David B. Batchelder, who is a retired far- mer of Decatur, was born in Pittsfield, New Hampshire, September 5, 1834, a son of Col- onel Nathaniel and Abigail (Jenness) Batch- elder. The ancestry can be traced back to Rev. Stephen Bachilir, who was a leading non- conformist and founded the town of New Hampton, New Hampshire. As will be seen there has occurred a change in the spelling of the surname since his day. The grand- father of our subject was Elijah David Batch- elder, who married a Miss Lane, of English lineage. The father of our subject was born in Pittsfield, New Hampshire, November 25, 1791, and became a colonel of militia in the old training days. He was married May 10, 1820, to Abigail Jenness, a daughter of John Jenness, and, devoting his life to agricultural pursuits, he became a prominent and prosper- ous farmer. His death occurred December 3, 1858. and his wife, who was born in 1792, passed away February 5, 1851. The subject of this review has a sister, who is the widow of J. C. Clough and now resides in Chicago. David B. Batchelder acquired his education in his native county, attending the schools of Pittsfield, New Hampshire. In 1853, when about nineteen years of age, he went to Ala- bama, where he remained until 1857 ^"^ '™ connection with his brother, J. J. Batchelder, he engaged in building bridges for the Mem- phis & Charleston Railroad Company. The \ear 1857 witnessed their arrival in Macon county, Illinois, and here the brother re- mained, but our subject afterward went to California, where he engaged in mining until 1868. He then returned to Macon county and purchased a half section of prairie land in mini township, which he broke and improved, transforming it from a wild state into fertile fields. Subsequently he sold this property and bought another half section of improved land which he still owns. Thereon he en- gaged in general farming and was also an ex- tensive stock-raiser, making a specialty of polled Angus cattle. He bought and sold con- siderable stock and this branch of his business returns to him a good income. In 1875 he erected a substantial modern barn on his place and in 1 88 1 erected a nice house. The farm has about eight miles of tiling on it and is splendidly improved. The walnut grove is noted as one of the finest in the county and is very valuable. It is frequently visited by people from the east and the farm is regarded as one of the best in Illini township. Mr. Batchelder has been twice married. He first wedded Abbie M. Bailey, a daughter of John Bailey of Lawrence, Massachusetts. She was born March 27, 1849, ^nd the wedding occurred February 7, 1870. She died Febru- ary 23; 1898. Five children were born of this union: George Grant, born January 19, 1871, died of diphtheria, November 25, 1878; Ad- die Marilla, born November 2, 1872, died August 27, 1873 ; Lizzie Bailey, born July 18, 1874, died of- diphtheria November 29, 1878; Laura Esther, born October 18, 1877, is the wife of Oliver Batchelder ; and Wilber Rich- ard, born June 6, 1880, is secretary and a member of the Field & Shorb Company, of Decatur. On the loth of April, 1900, Mr. Batchelder was again married, his second union being with Gertrude Wardwell, a cousin of his first wife. She was born in Andover, Massachusetts, December 18, 1855, 832 PAST AND TRESENT OF .MACON COUNTY. a daughter of Benjamin Franklin and Han- nah E. (Wells) Wardwell, who were natives of ?klassachusetts and were of English line- age. Mr. Batchclder continued to engage in farming until 1899, when he retired to De- catur and is now living at No. 1533 North Church- street. He always did his share for the u]jhuilding of the county and assisted in organizing the public schools and also the Congregational church of Illini township. He holds membership in a church of that denomination in Decatur and is now one of its trustees. His wife is a lady of true refine- ment and culture, coming of a prominent east- ern family and both Mr. and Mrs. Batchelder have the warm regard of many friends. THOMAS W. TOMLINSON. Thomas W. Tomlinson, who is now carry- ing on farming on section 5, South Alacon township, was born in St. Clair county, Illi- nois, November 20, 1847, his parents being John B. and Elizabeth (Cotton) Tomlinson, who were married in St. Louis, Missouri. The father was a native of England and was a butcher by trade. Emigrating to America in 1833, he first located in St. Louis, where he worked at his trade r.ntil 1845 'i"^! ^'''^" ■^'^' moved to St. Clair county, Illinois, where he purchased a farm the following year and turned his attention to agricultural pursuits. Later he sold his property there and came to Macon county, accompanied by his family. He bought a farm east of Macon, which was then all wild prairie covered with ponds and slough, and to its improvement and cultiva- tion he devoted his energies until called to his final rest on the 31st of December, 1881. In early life he was a Whig and later a Repub- lican but during Grant's administration he became a Democrat, although he was a great friend of the General. Of his twelve children only six are now living: Mrs. Elizabeth Car- roll, Miss Agnes Tomlinson, Thomas \\'., Mrs. Rachel Bradley, IMiss Mary Tomlinson and Frank, all residents of Macon county with the exception of Mrs. Bradley, who makes her home in Alabama. Thomas ^^^ Tomlinson received his educa- tion in a log school house which stood on the boundary line between St. Clair and Monroe counties, the boys, who sat on one side of the room being in Monroe county and the girls on the other side in St. Clair county. He re- mained under the parental roof until twenty- three years of age and in 1874 went to Cali- tornia, where he engaged in farming for two years. He then returned east to visit the Cen- tennial Exposition in Philadelphia and did not go back to the Pacific coast for some time but came to Macon county, Illinois, where he was married May 12, 1878, to Miss Ellen Brad- ley, a daughter of William and Mary Bradley. After his marriage Mr. Tomlinson went to Washington Territory, where he remained three years, and at the end of that time re- turned to Macon county on account of the ill- ness of his father and staid with him until his death. A year later our subject removed to Nebraska, where he spent three years, and from there went to Kansas, but during the drouth of 1893 and 1894, he moved back to Illinois and then went to Texas, living for two years in Houston. He still owns his farm of four hundred and eighty acres in Kansas. In the fall of 1896 we again find him in Macon county, where he bought his present farm of ninety acres on section 5. South Macon town- ship, and has since engaged in its operation. The place is supplied with modern machinery and the fences and buildings are in good re- pair, in fact everything about the farm pre- sents a neat and thrifty appearance. In con- nection with general farming Mr. Tomlin- son is engaged in dairying to some extent. Politically he is identified with the Democratic party, and religiously he and his family are communicants of the Catholic church. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Tomlinson were born PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 833 the following children : jNIary, who was born in Walla Walla, \\'ashington, and is now the wife of William Riley, a farmer of South Macon township ; Rachel, who was born in Illinois and is now living with her aunt, Mrs. John Bradley, in Huntsville, Alabama ; John B., who was born in Illinois and is now nine- teen years of age ; Agnes, who was born in Nebraska, and is now seventeen ; Ella, who was born in Kansas and is fourteen years old ; Frank, who was born in Kansas and is eleven years of age : and Thomas, who was born in Illinois and is seven years old. ^\'ith excep- tion of the two oldest all are at home with their parents and the family is one of promi- nence in the community where thev reside. OTTO C. ADAMS. Among the younger representatives of the legal profession in Macon county none stands higher than the gentleman whose name intro- duces this review. His prominence is by no means measured by his years for he has al- ready attained a success that many an older practitioner might well envy. Mr. Adams was born in Neosho county, Kansas, in 1872, and being reared upon his father's farm he assisted in the labors of field and meadow during his boyhood and youth. In 1881 the family went to Piatt coun- ty, Illinois, where the father engaged in farm- ing for several years and then removed to Cerro Gordo, this state, where he and his wife now reside. Otto C. Adams attended the Central Nor- mal School at Danville, Indiana, and later en- tered the State University at Champaign, Ill- inois, where he took up the study of law and was graduated in the class of 1900. He then came to Decatur and entered the law office of C. C. Le Forgee and by assisting that gentle- man in several important cases he gained a good practical knowledge of the profession which he has chosen as a life work. On his admission to the bar he began practice, open- ing an office of his own in the Millikin block, where he is stili located, and he is already doing a good business. . Mr. Adams has always taken a very active part in politics. He is also a great supporter of labor unions, being a member of the Sta- tionary Engineers' Union, and he does all within his power to promote the interests of the laboring classes. He is also a member of the Islasonic fraternity and is one of the promi- nent young men of Decatur. EZRA W. CROW. One of the leading business men of Blue ]vIound is Ezra W'. Crow, a well known grain dealer. He has won sticcess by his well di- rected, energetic efforts and the prosperity that has come to him is certainly well merited. He stands high in public esteem and is thor- oughly interested in whatever tends to promote the moral, intellectual and material welfare of the community. Mr. Crow claims Ohio as his native state, jiis birth having occurred in New London, Huron county, on the 19th of November, 1850. His parents were John T. and Elizabeth Crow, farming people. The family came to Illinois in 1857 ^"d in the common schools of Macon county our subject acquired a good practical education. He early became familiar with the duties which fall to the lot of the agri- culturist and continued to follow farming until 1881, when he removed to Blue Mound, where he has since made his home. During his resi- dence here he has been engaged in the grain btisiness and has met with success in this un- dertaking. On the i8th of February, 1874, Mr. Crow was united in marriage to Miss Nancy J. De Atley, and to them have been born nine chil- dren, of whom two sons are now deceased, those living being Myrtle M., Grace, Eva E., Charles F., Oliver L., Earl and Roy. Two of 834 PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. the sons are now married, Charles having wedded Bell Howard, and Oliver L. married Ida Kester. Religiously Mr. Crow is a member of the Christian church, and politically is identified with the Republican party. He takes an ac- tive interest in public affairs and for eight years efficiently filled the office of tax collector. In all the relations of life he has been found true to any trust reposed in him and he well merits the respect so freely accorded him by his fellow citizens. JOSEPH T. TUCKER. Joseph T. Tucker, who resides on section 17, mini township, is successfully engaged in general farming and stock-raising. He was born on the farm where he now makes his home, January 25, 1872, a son of J. C. and Emma (Ferree) Tucker, of whom extended mention is made in the sketch of Cyrus J. Tucker on another page of this volume. Our subject attended school in Warrens- burg and completed the course at the age of eighteen years. He began his business career as a clerk in the store of G. W. Thompson, at that place, where he was employed for fif- teen months, and at the end of that time com- menced farming on his father's old homestead on section 17, Illini township, where he was born. He operates three hundred and twenty acres, employing one man all the year round and others as they are needed. Wheat has been his specialty, devoting from forty to eighty acres each year to that crop. In con- nection with general farming he is engaged in the fattening of cattle for market, mostly the white faced breed, and he also handles about a carload of hogs annually. He has previously bought the stock which he has fat- tened for market but is now contemplating raising his own cattle. On the 1 2th of October, 1898, Mr. Tucker was united in marriage to Miss Bessie I. Batchelder who was born August 16, 1874, and is a daughter of J. J. and Mary (Thorn- dike) Batchelder. She completed the scien- tific course at Knox College and was graduated in 1895. •^l'"- ^"^ Mrs. Tucker have a little daughter, Ruth E., born February 17, 1901. They are active and prominent members of the Congregational church of Illini township. • Socially he is a member of Dove Lodge, No. 600, I. O. O. F., in which he is past grand, and politically he is identified with the Demo- cratic party. Fie has been a delegate to the county conventions of his party, has served as town clerk two years, and is now serving his second term as road commissioner. He is a wide-awake, energetic and progressive young man and takes a commendable interest in public affairs, as every true American citi- zen should. GEORGE W. BETZER. George W. Betzer, whose valuable landed interests have come to him as the reward of a life of earnest labor and unfaltering perse- verance, is now practically living a retired life in Decatur, but for many years was a leading agriculturist of Macon county. His home is now at No. 956 W. Pugh street. He repre- sents one of the pioneer families of the coun- ty, established here when land was wild, the prairies uncultivated and the work of improve- ment scarcely begun. That was in 1841 when Mr. Betzer was an infant of less than a year. The Indians still lived in the neighborhood and wild game of many kinds was plentiful. Mr. Betzer was born in Ross county, Ohio, January 22. 1841, a son of Benjamin and Rebecca (Long) Betzer, both of whom were natives of the Buckeye state. The paternal grandfather, Anthony Betzer, was of Irish descent, his father having been born on the Emerald Isle. The former followed farming and spent his entire life in Pickaway county, Ohio. Benjamin Betzer, the father of our subject, was born in Pickaway county and PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 835 .after attaining adult age determined to make the cultivation of the soil his life work. He resided upon a farm in the county of his nativ- ity until 1841, when he removed westward, Jiis destination being Macon county, Illinois, — then a frontier district. Securing a tract of land in Whitmore township, he there engaged in general farming until his death, which oc- curred about 1882, while his wife passed away in the same township in 1884. They were the parents of nine children, of whom five are yet living, as follows : Mary Jane, the wife of John Likens, a resident farmer of Oakley township, IMacon county ; Anthony, who re- sides upon a part of the old homestead in Whitmore township ; Henry H., who is liv- ing in Missouri ; George W., the subject of this sketch ; and William V., whose home is in Britten, South Dakota. Those deceased are Elizabeth, Maria, Sarah and Peter. George W. Betzer had but limited school privileges, pursuing studies in Whitmore town- ship, in one of the primitive school houses — a log structure with a dirt floor, paper windows and split log benches. His training at farm labor, however, was not meager as he early took his place behind the plow and continued to assist his father upon the old homestead up to the time of his marriage. He first wedded Miss Catherine Coleman, also a native of Pickaway county, Ohio, and a daughter of John Coleman, who from early pioneer days in this county until his death, was a farmer here. Mr. Betzer lost his first wife July 12, 1898. They were tl'te parents of four chil- dren : Louis E., who married Lena Griffin and resides on the old home farm in Whitmore township ; Francis Carl, who wedded Lilly Crothers and also resides on the home place; Alfred J., who is a conductor on a street car m St. Louis, Missouri ; and Chester A-, on the home farm. For his second wife Mr. Bet- zer chose Miss Daisy Kinney, a daughter of William and Jennie (Holt) Kinney. Her father was a native of North Carolina and there spent his early manhood upon a farm. but afterward removed to Kansas, where he remained until 1895, when he came to Macon county, Illinois, settling in Friends Creek township. For several years he was there en- gaged in farming but now resides in Indiana. After his first marriage Mr. Betzer resided upon the home farm until the Civil war be- gan, when his patriotic spirit was aroused and he enlisted in Company A, Forty-first Regi- ment of Illinois Volunteers under Captain John H. Nail and Colonel Isaac C. Pugh, of Decatur. His company took part in the en- gagements at Fort Henry, Fort Donelson and Shiloh, and while in the last named, on the 6th of April, 1862, Mr. Betzer was wounded by a bullet in his right leg and was badly in- jured. He lay in bed in Savannah for twenty- nine days and was then taken to Cincinnati for treatment. Some time later he was sent to Camp Denison, Ohio, where he was under the doctor's care until he received an honorable discharge on the 28th of September, 1862, and was then sent home. Mr. Betzer then took charge of the old home farm which his father had secured and which he now owns. There he engaged in general farming for over sixty years. For the past fifteen years he has traveled quite extensively, visiting many points of scenic and of historic interest in this country and he intends to visit Europe in the near future. In 1901 he decided to retire from farm work and removed to Decatur, but indolence and idleness are utterly foreign to his nature and he could not be con- tent to remain entirely without business in- terests so he purchased two acres of land near his present residence and engages to some ex- tent in gardening. His landed possessions are extensive and valuable. He still owns the old Betzer homestead, of three hundred and sev- enty-nine acres on sections 12 and 13, Whit- more township ; one hundred and sixty acres in Pocahontas county, Iowa, which he rents and his nice home in Decatur. For twenty years Mr. Betzer was a member of the school board in Whitmore township 83G PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. and was also commissioner there for several years. He takes a very active interest in politics and lias always voted the Republican ticket, while his social relations connect him with the Grand Army of the Republic. If his personal recollection of people and events in Macon county were recorded it would be a picture of the county from pioneer times to the pres- ent and a history of its development to its splendid state of progress from a frontier dis- trict, often visited by the Indians. Through six decades his was an active and honorable business career and his success was most worthilv won. WALDHMAR F. HIL\'ETY. Starting out in life in Illinois as a farm hand when but seventeen years of age, Mr. Hilvcty has steadily progressed until he is now accounted one of the men of affluence of the city of Decatur, where at the present time he is living retired, the fruits of his former earn- est and persistent toil supplying him with all the necessities and many of the luxuries of life. His home is at No. 1801 N. Edward street, and he first came to Macon county in 1873, although his residence here has not been continuous. Mr. Hilvety was born in Breslau. Prussia, September 7, 1840. and is a son of Felix Gabriel Hilvety, who, though of French de- scent, was born in Troppan, Austria, on the 24th of November, 1814. In early life the father went to Germany and was married in Niebusch, Prussia, November 28, 1837, to Sophia Caroline Ernestine .\delheid Beyrich, whose birth occurred in Wrietzen. Prussia, May 16, 181 7. About 1847 ^^^^ family came to America and located in New Jersey, where the father, who was a draftsman by occupa- tion, spent the greater part of his life, al- though he traveled quite extensively in dif- ferent cities of the east, working at his pro- fession. He is now deceased. A brother of our subject, \'ictor F. Hilvety. is now a re- tired farmer and a near neighbor of W'alde- mar Hilvety. He came to Macon county in 1872 and was married to Miss Frances M. McKinnie, a cousin of his brother's wife. At the time of the Civil war Victor Hilvety loy- allv served the country as a Union soldier. Throughout his residence in Macon county he has followed farming until the last few years when, removing to Decatur, he put aside business cares and responsibilities and is now living retired. In the schools of his native state Waldemar Hilvety pursued his studies but his educational privileges were somewhat limited as it was necessary that he begin to earn his own living at an early age. He was only seventeen years of age when he came to Illinois, arriving in November, 1857. Making his way to Spring- field he secured a position as a farm laborer near that city, and in the summer months worked in the fields while in the winter sea- sons he attended the public schools, desirous of gaining more advanced knowledge. He there remained for two years and then began farming on his own account, renting a tract of land in Springfield township, Sangamon county, on which he continued to live during his stay in that county. Mr. Hilvety was married there February 27,. 1865 to Miss Mary McKinnie, a native of that county, born November 27, 1841, and a daughter of Thomas and Sarah (Jones) Mc- Kinnie, who were native of Kentucky and Vir- ginia, respectively. Her father was an early settler of Sangamon county and engaged in farming in Springfield township until his death. Mr. and Mrs. Hilvety began their domestic life upon the rented farm and there continued to reside until 1873, when they re- moved to Macon county, settling on a farm on section 2, Whitmore township, where Mr. Hilvety carried on agricultural pursuits for nineteen years. He placed his field under a high state of cultivation and annually har- vested good crops as the result of his labors. PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 837 Removing to Piatt county, he purchased a tract of land in Cerro Gordo township and was there engaged in general farming for ten years. On the expiration of that period he came to Decatur and purchased his present residence, which he and his wife have since occupied, enjoying a well earned rest. Mr. Hilvety has always taken a deep and commendable interest in politics — as every true American citizen should do — and has kept well informed on the questions of the day. He is a stanch Republican and in early life knew Abraham Lincoln and was a Sun- day school classmate of Robert Lincoln, in the Second Presbyterian church of Spring- field. Both Mr. and Mrs. Hilvety hold mem- bership in the First Presbyterian church of Decatur and are deeply interested in the prog- ress and upbuilding of the organization. In his business undertakings Mr. Hilvety has pros- pered. When a young man he realized that there is no royal road to wealth and that the acquisition of a competence is always the result of some one's labor. In his case the labor has been his own, and his energy, determination and honorable dealing have been salient fea- tures in his prosperity. CHARLES H. DEETZ. Charles H. Deetz is a well known con- tractor of Decatur and evidences of his handi- work are seen in some of the fine buildings of this city. He was born in Cumberland, Maryland, on the 26th of July, 1849, and comes of one of the old families of Pennsyl- vania, his paternal grandfather, Thomas Deetz. having been a native of Chambersburg, that state. He had six children : Margaret, who is the wife of Robert Laney ; Samuel ; Catherine, who is the wife of James McCol- loch ; Mary, the wife of John W. Morris ; John, who was a soldier in the Mexican war and died from the effects of his wounds in 1862; and Belle, the wife of William Peck. All are now deceased. Samuel Deetz, the father of our subject, was born in Maryland and there spent his entire life engaged in busi- ness as a contractor and builder. He erected many of the best buildings in the city of Cumberland and continued in active connection with that work there until the time of his death, which occurred when he was fifty-six years of age. In early manhood he had wedded Rachel Beltz, also a native of Mary- land and a daughter of Adam Beltz, who spent his early life in Bedford county, Penn- sylvania, in a locality known as Harmon's Bottoms. He afterward removed to North Carolina, where he lived the life of a planter and later he became a resident of Maryland. It was in the last named state that his daugh- ter Rachel was reared and married. In a private school Charles H. Deetz began his education and advanced to academic worky pursuing his studies in an academy until he attained the age of sixteen years, when he started out upon his business career. He be- gan to learn the mason's trade with his father and with him continued until 1880, during which time he mastered the business, becoming an expert workman. He assisted in the erec- tion of some of the largest and best buildings in his native town. The father died in 1880 and in that year Charles H. Deetz received an appointment as a clerk in the postoffice in Cumberland, where he remained until May, 1883, when he severed the business connections that bound him to his native city and sought a home in Decatur, believing that he might have better opportunities in the west. He worked at his trade in this city for two years, being employed first as a brick-layer and then he began contracting and building on his own account in 1885. Since that time many im- portant contracts have been awarded him and he has erected many fine and substantial build- ings in Decatur, including the Pugh street school building, the north addition to the high school building, the F. B. Tait building, the Deck building and many of the best residences 838 PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. here. lie has a thorough and comprehensive understanding of the builder's art and the mechanical principles which underlie construc- tion and his practical knowledge enables him to direct in a capable manner the efforts of those whom he employs. His business has now reached such extensive proportions that it is very profitable and Mr. Deetz is recog- nized as one of the leaders in this line of activity in the city. In February, 1870, was celebrated the mar- riage of Charles H. Deetz and Miss Maggie Yanlz, of Cumberland, Maryland. Their happy married life was of short duration for she died in 1874, leaving two children, Chaun- cey H. and Edward E. For his second wife Mr. Deetz chose Miss Mary E. Turner, a daughter of .Thomas and Margaret (Faro) Turner, of Cumberland, Maryland. Their children are Samuel F., Ruth, Irene M., Ber- tha I. and Guy W. Mr. Deetz votes with the Republican party, with which he has long been identified, having firm faith in its principles and in their ulti- mate adoption for the good of the country. He is a member of Decatur Post, of the Fra- ternal Army and is a man of generous im- pulses, whose kindly spirit, beneficences and genial disposition have gained for him the respect, confidence, good will and warm friend- ship of many. He has been in the fullest sense the architect of his own fortunes and that he stands to-day among the prosperous citizens of Decatur is another proof of the saying that success is not a matter of genius, but the out- come of clear judgment and experience. CHARLES C. LeFORGEE. One of the prominent attorneys of Decatur is Charles C. LeForgee, whose history is in contradistinction to the old adage that a proi)het is never without honor save in his own country, for in the city of his birth Mr. LeForgee has so directed his energies as to gain recognition as a capable representative of his chosen calling. He was born in De- catur in 1867, his parents being Jesse and Julia A. E. LeForgee. The father, who is a prominent real estate dealer of this city, was born in Fleming county, Kentucky, on the ist of January, 1833, and is a son of Ayers and Dorinda (Cassidy) LeForgee, who were like- wise natives of the Blue Grass state. The grandfather was a cabinet-maker by trade and died m the eighty-fourth year of his age. The great-grandfather of our subject was Abner LeForgee. Jesse LeForgee accompanied his parents on their removal from Fleming county to Illinois. Prior to this time he had acquired his education in a private school in Kentucky. Since 1856 he has resided continuously in this city and has been prominently and actively identified with its improvement and upbuild- ing, watching its growth from pioneer times down to the present. It is one of the best sections of the state and is noted for its varied and important industrial interests. In 1857 he was united in marriage to Miss Julia Small- wood, who was born, reared and educated in tliis city, a daughter of James M. and Ida Smallwood. Mr. and Mrs. LeForgee became the parents of two children. The daughter, Dorinda, is now the wife of John E. Patterson, a real-estate dealer of Decatur. The only son is Charles C. LeForgee, who, having obtained his education in the public schools of Decatur, entered his father's office at the age of sixteen years and was thus initi- ated into the real estate business. He con- tinued with liis father until almost twenty-one years of age, at which time he took up the study of law in the office and under the direc- tion of Judge William E. Nelson. Later he entered the Northwestern University at Evan.s- ton, Illinois, and was graduated on the com- pletion of the law course in 1889. Returning to his native city, he then opened an office here and lias since continued in practice in Decatur. Professional advancement is proverbially slow and yet in a comparatively short time Mr. ■ PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 83!^ LeForgee obtained a practice which was notable both by reason of its extent and its character. He has been retained either as counsel for the defense or for the prosecution in a number of important cases, both civil and criminal, and is to-day recognized as one of the best trial lawyers in central Illinois. He masters his points in every particular and marshals the facts with military precision, being strong in argument, logical in his deduc- tions and clear in the presentation of his cases before judge or jury. It was in 1890 that he was admitted to the Decatur bar and in No- vember, 1895, was admitted to practice before the supreme court at Springfield. Mr. LeForgee was united in marriage to Miss Isabel Vennigerholz, a daughter of Julius H. and Isabel Vennigerholz. They now have two interesting children : Isabel Vallette and Charles G. In the city where his entire life has been passed Mr. LeForgee is well known and has gained for himself an enviable place at the bar. He possesses laudable ambition and strong determination to win success and he realizes that it must be gained through capa- bility and merit, for in no profession does advancement depend so largely upon the indi- vidual as in the law. A. S. NESBITT, D. V. S. Dr. A. S. Nesbitt has won success and prominence as a veterinary surgeon and is now practicing his profession in the city of Decatur. He was bom in Texas township, Macon county, Illinois, on the 24th of June, 1867, and is a son of W. W. and Malissa (Moore) Nesbitt. The father is a native of Ohio and in early life came to Macon county. The fam- ily is of German lineage. In the first part of his business career the father carried on car- pentering. At the time of the Civil war he responded to the country's call for aid, enlist- ing in the Union army as a member of the One Hundred and Seventh Illinois Volunteer Regiment. He is now living in Maroa, this county. Dr. Nesbitt pursued his literary education in the public schools and afterward entered upon the practice of veterinary surgery, having ac- quired considerable knowledge of the business, although he had not at that time been a student in any veterinary college. When two years had passed, desiring to still further perfect himself in this work by promoting his effi- ciency through a collegiate course, he entered the Chicago Veterinary College in the fall of 1892 and was graduated with the class of 1894. He has always been an admirer of horses, having great love for the noble steed and it seems that nature intended that he should en- gage in this line of work, in which he has been very successful. Having completed all of the work that constitutes the curriculum as prescribed by the board of trustees of that school he passed an examination, graduating with honors. He then entered upon a coun- trv practice in Maroa and his work there proved very lucrative and successful. After three years he accepted a position as assistant to the chair of theory and practice in Chicago Veterinary College in 1898, his excellent quali- fications enabling him to take this position. At the end of twelve months, however, he re- signed and resumed his country practice, which steadily grew in volume and importance, show- ing that his ability was recognized by the gen- eral public. He has still further perfected himself in the work by pursuing two courses in the science and art of orchotomy of crypt- orchids, pursuing one course in Minneapolis in 1893, after which he was given a diploma there. The first course was pursued at Saylor Springs, Illinois, in the practical demonstration of rigling castration and spaying, under the direction of Dr. F. M. Smith. In 1902 Dr. Nesbitt came to Decatur, locating in this city in the month of October and he now has a large professional business. He is a man of excellent judgment and very skillful in his practice. In 1887 the Doctor was united in 840 PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. marriage to Miss Henrietta Butler, of Bonnie- ville. Kentucky. Three children have been born of this union : Pansy E., Rose A. and Daisy I. The Doctor is a member of ]\Iaroa Lodge, No. 314, I. O. O. F., and in the line of his profession he is connected with the Chi- cago Veterinary College and Association and was formerly a member of the Chicago \'eteri- narv Medical Association. DR. CHARLES JONES. Dr. Charles Jones, a well known veterinary surgeon and breeder of fine horses, making his home in Macon, Illinois, was born on the I2tli of July, 1852, in Mu.scatine county, Iowa, between Atalissa and West Liberty. His parents were Peter and Martha (Allen) Jones, natives of North Carolina and Ohio, respec- tively. He received a good common school education in this state and passed the state board examination on the 30th of December, 1892, (|ualifying him to practice veterinary sur- gery, to which profession be now devotes the greater part of his time and attention. Dr. Jones began his business career as a farmer upon his father's land and continued to engage in agricultural ]nirsuits from 1876 until 18S9, when he established himself in the practice of his profession at Macon, being the oldest veterinary in continuous service in that village. His practice now extends from Nian- tic through the surrounding counties, north, east, south and west. The Doctor is also in- terested in breeding horses, the first stallion that be owned being Henry Pickrell, No. 41(15, which lie purchased in T882. He is now a member of the well known firm of Jones & Payne, breeders of roadster and draft horses, owning several fine .stallions, including Bashaw Chief so, Joe Scot, Belford Chief, Lepento, and King Jones. The firm also raises thor- oughbred Partridge Cochin chickens and have both chickens and eggs for sale. At Tavlorville, Christian countv, Illinois. Dr. Jones was united in marriage to Miss Arella Hall, a daughter of John A. Hall, who was one of the early settlers of that county. Four children blessed this union, but two died in infancy. Those still living are Delia, now the wife of W. A. Owen, of Decatur, by whom she has two children ; and Mrs. Otis Daniels, of Macon. .She also has two children. In his political affiliations Dr. Jones is a stalwart Democrat, and socially he is a mem- ber of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He also belongs to the State Veterinary Asso- ciation and is a progressive member of the pn^fession to which he belongs. As a business man he is reliable, energetic and successful and lie stands high in the esteem of his fellow citizens. WILLIAM A. WALLACE. William A. Wallace, of Decatur township, is to-day one of the most successful dealers in fine horses in this section of the state. Suc- cess is determined by one's ability to recognize opportunity and to pursue this with a resolute and unflagging energy. It results from con- tinued labor, and the man who thus accom- ])li.shes his purpose usually becomes an im- portant factor in the business circles of the community with which he is connected. Through such means Mr. Wallace has at- tained a prominent place among the representa- tive men of Macon county. He was born in Mount Zion township, this county, on the 2d of October. 1868, and is a son of A. J. and Mary E. (Gulick) Wallace. The family came to this state from Missouri and the father is now engaged in the station- ery business in Decatur. The mother of our subject died when he was only four years and a half old, leaving two children, the other being ^Mctoria, now the wife of Dr. Hemala. of Onarga. Illinois. During his boyhood and youth William A. Wallace attended the public schools of this PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 841 county and early became interested in choice stock, which he handled on his father's farm east of the city of Decatur. At the age of twenty years he had developed a special pref- erence for fine horses and in 1888 began rais- ing the same. In 1891 he removed to his pres- ent location north of the city. He is now en- gaged in buying trotting horses of the coach type and training and educating them for the high class trade. These he has furnished to such people as Mrs. Potter Palmer, of Chi- cago ; Harold and Stanley McCormick ; Wat- son Blair ; P. A. \'alentine ; Ogden Armour ; Edwin D. Butler; Russell Harding, of the Iron Mountain Railway ; Messrs. Brown, of the Brown Shoe Company ; and many leading horse fanciers of St. Louis. Mr. Wallace has trained and sold more high grade horses than any similar dealer in central Illinois beyond doubt. He attends personally to all buying and gives the business the careful supervision that it requires. He has been an expert judge at the State Fair on light horses. On tl-.e 22d of October, 1889, Mr. Wallace was united in marriage to Miss Lilly Klett, a daughter of John Klett, of Decatur, and to them has been born one child, William J. As a business man Mr. Wallace stands deservedly high and is very popular among his associates and many friends throughout his native countv. DAVID HENSHIE. Although not an old resident of Macon county. David Henshie was well known in Decatur, where he made his home for ten years prior to his death. He was, however, an early settler of Christian county, having located there in 1855. His early home was in Ohio, for he was born in Medina county, that state, on the nth of September, 1826, his parents being Henry and Mary (Brouse) Henshie. In early life the father engaged in teaching school and later turned his atten- tion to farming, which occupation he con- tinued to follow in Ohio throughout the re- mainder of his life. After his death his widow came west and settled in Blue Mound town- ship, Macon county, where some of her chil- dren arc still living. Here slie made her home until called to her final rest. Reared in his native state, David Henshie received a good common-school education, at- tending at first and when quite young the schools taught by his father in Stark county, and subsequently the public schools, and after laying aside his textbooks he opened a wagon shop of his own, which he conducted for ten years. In 1875 'i^ was married to Mrs. Martha (Brodess) Thompson. Coming west in 1855, Mr. Henshie located near Grove City in Mount Auburn township. Christian county, Illinois, where he purchased a farm and to its cultivation and improvement he devoted his energies for thirty-seven years. He erected thereon a good house and made many other improvements, but finally sold the place in 1892 and purchased a farm of two hundred and fifteen acres near Morrisonville, that same county. He never lived on the lat- ter place, however, but on selling his first farm in 1892 removed to Decatur, where he pur- chased a lot and built the nice residence now occupied by his widow at No. 1104 North Col- lege street. Throughout the remainder of his life he lived retired. On coming to this state he was in limited circumstances, but his tire- less energy, industry and perseverance brought to him a well merited success and he was able to leave his wife in comfortable circumstances. Besides the city home the estate comprises the farm of two hundred and fifteen acres near Morrisonville and another farm of eighty acres near Stonington in Christian county. Politically Mr. Henshie was unswerving in his allegiance to the Democratic party and its principles, but he was never a politician in the sense of office seeking, although he held sev- eral township offices in Christian county and his public duties were always faithfully and satisfactorily performed. Fraternally he was 842 PAST AND. PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. a member of the Odd Fellows' Lodge at Mount Auburn, and .at one time was also connected with the Masonic order. Both he and his wife held membership in the First Methodist Epis- copal church of Decatur. He always took great interest in church work, as does also his wife, and at his death, which occurred October 12, 1902, the community realized that it had tost a valued and useful citizen. He left many friends to mourn his loss and he was held in the highest regard by all who knew him. WILLlAiM JOHNSTON. William Johnston, who is now living a re- tired life in Macon, Illinois, has the distinc- tion of having won the proud American title of a self-made man and his successful struggle with adverse circumstances in early life shows what can be accomplished b\- industrv, econ- omy and good management. He was born in Ireland on the 28th of January, 1841, but the same year was brought to America bv his parents, John and Mary (Dukey) Johnston, who settled in Cosliocton county, Ohio. For five years the father was engaged in operating a rented farm and then bought twenty acres of land, which he began to clear and improve, but shortly alter locating thereon he burst a blood vessel in lifting and died from the effects of the same in 1847. His wife survived him for many years, dying in 1863. Unto this worthy couple were born six children, but only three of the number are now living, namely : John, a retired farmer living in Assumption, Illinois ; William, of this review ; and Mar- garet, wife of George Oxley, a farmer of Coshocton county, Ohio. His father having died during his boyhood, William Johnston was early called upon to as- sist his mother in the support of the family and for fifteen years he worked as a farm hand. He then commenced farming on his, own ac- count and continued to follow that pursuit throughout the greater part of his active busi- ness life. Before leaving Ohio, he was mar- ried in Licking county, that state, October 28,. 1868, to Miss Carrie A. Connard, a daughter of C. M. Connard, of Utica, Ohio, and to them were born three children : Mary E., the wife of Ira S. Keogy, a retired farmer living in Decatur ; Phoebe L., wife of E. O. Willoughby^ a farmer of South Macon township ; and Allie, wife of O. N. Walker, a grain dealer of Assumption, Illinois. Coming to Illinois in 1872 Mr. Johnston located near Macon in Macon county, where he operated rented farms for ten years and then bought eighty acres a half mile northwest of Macon.' There was not a tree or a bush upon the place, it being prairie land, and the only improvement was a small house, which he remodeled. He planted trees, which are now very large and furnish a fine shade around his country home. He also set out an orchard, did a large amovmt of tiling and placed his land under a high state of cultivation. For fourteen years he continued to engage in the cultivation of his land and then removed to Macon, where he carried on business as an implement dealer for six years, selling out on the 1st of January, 1903, to W. H. Brooks & Son. He now lives a retired life, enjoying a well earned rest and the competence which he has secured through his own well directed efforts. Four years ago he purchased a small house in Macon, but has recently erected a modern and commodious residence, which is surrounded by a fine large lawn and shade trees. Politically Mr. Johnston is a strong Republi- can and he has been called upon to serve his fellow citizens as commissioner of highways in Macon for nine years ; school director in the country for eighteen years : and pathmaster twelve years. Fraternally he is a meinber of Macon Lodge, No. 467, F. & A. M. He is an exceedingly strong and healthy man for one of his age and up to within two years ago he was never ill for a day in his life. He is a self-educated as well as a self-made man, hav- PAST' AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. biS ing paid his way while attending the common schools of Coshocton county, Ohio, by grinding tanbark. Throughout life he has labored early and late to make for himself and family a home and he deserves great credit for the success he has achieved. FRED SPITTLER. Fred Spittler, who is a successful gardener, conducting a large and constantly growing business in Decatur, was born in Baden, Ger- many, in 1873, and is a son of Frederick and Catherine Spittler, both of whom were natives of the fatherland. In the year 1888 they left that country and with their children came to the new world, arriving in Decatur on the 2d of May of that }ear. The father was a farmer by occupation and followed that calling throughout his business career. He died in 1891 at the age of fifty-four years and his widow still survives him. They were the parents of five children, of whom two are liv- ing, the sister of our subject being Carrie, the wife of John Madden, who is living in Mis- souri. The subject of this review was a lad of fifteen years at the time of the emigration and in order to provide for his own support he entered the employ of Theodore Steiner, a gardener, with whom he remained for five years, gaining an excellent knowledge of the business both in principle and detail. His practical work enabled him to conduct his own business successfully when in 1894 he started out on his own account at his present location at No. 538 South Peake street. Here he has fine gardens with adjoining hot houses, there being fourteen thousand square feet under glass. He has recently enlarged his plant in order to meet the growing demands of his trade and has introduced a hot water system. He raises from four to five crops in his hot houses between October and May and in the summer seasons produces excellent products in his gardens, their quality, size and flavor en- abling him to find a ready sale on the market. He is indeed the leader in his line and has attained recognition as such throughout this part of the state. He makes a study of the soil and its adaptation to the needs of various plants and he is always enriching and pre- paring the soil by the judicious use of elements necessary for the production of various veg- etables and plants. He buys supplies in New York and Chicago and by reason of this he is able to raise the largest amount, possible from a given amount of soil. He is thoroughly qualified for his work, continually broadening his knowledge concerning his chosen pursuits and his opinions are regarded as authority in this section of the state concerning everything connected with gardening. Recently he has purchased a fine farm in Decatur township, comprising eighty-two acres, and has placed this under a very high state of cultivation for the production of choice fruits. Mr. Spittler is very enterprising and with quick recognition of the business possibilities of the new world he has steadily worked his waj' upward until he is now one of the leading German-American citizens of Macon county, who in his undertakings has prospered and who by his diligence, enterprise and honorable efforts, has won for himself a creditable posi- tion in the business world. He is a member of the German Aid Society and also of the Turin Society. WILLIAIM B. NEWELL. William B. Newell, who is now living a re- tired life in Decatur, was born in Fulton county, Ohio, near the city of Cincinnati, on the 14th of August, 1843. His paternal grand- father was Richard Newell, a soldier of the Mexican war. His parents were Richard A. and Jane (Wilson) Newell, the former a na- tive of Ohio, born in 1800, while the latter's birth occurred in the Buckeye state in 1805. 844 PAST AND PRESENT OF MACOX COUNTY. For some years after their marriage they con- tinued to reside in Ohio and in 1856 they started westward, estabhshing their home in Decatur, llhnois. Here the father resided until his death, which occurred in 1897. For several years he had filled the office of super- visor and was also the superintendent of the poor farm. His official duties were discharged with conscientious fidelity and promptness and he made for himself a creditable record as a man worthy of trust and confidence. Both he and his wife were devoted members of the Presbyterian church and lived in harmony with their professions as followers of that de- nomination. Of their family of nine children five reached years of maturity, namely : Wil- liam B. ; Catherine, who is the wife of William Hatch, of Dallas, Te.xas ; John L. ; James, who is now a resident of Mount Vernon, Illinois; and Richard .'\., who is living in Clinton, this state. William B. Newell was a youth of thirtec-n years wlu-n he left the state of his nativity and came with his parents to Illinois. He continued his studies in the .schools of De- catur, completed his course in the high school and when he put aside his textbooks to learn the more difficult lessons in the school of ex- perience he received his first instruction as a salesman in a grocery store. He was thus em- ployed for several years, after which he learned telegraphy and was then in the service of the Wabash & Great Western Railroad for a period of seventeen years, occupying various positions at Decatur and at Danvilk', Illinois. Mr. Newell next entered the employ of Or- lando Powers, a boot and shoe merchant of Decatur, with whom he remained for two vears. when he became manager of the office of the Western Union Telegraph Company in this city. He acted in that capacity for thirteen years, giving entire satisfaction to the large corporation which he represented, but on the expiration of that period he determined to once more engage in trade on his own account and embarked in the grocery business under the firm style of Newell Brothers. He was thus in partnership for four years, after which he sold out and has since lived retired. In 1867 Mr. Newell was united in marriage to Aliss ]\Iary McDaniel, a resident of Decatur and a daughter of Elizabeth McDaniel, who IS residing in Macon, Missouri. Their home has been blessed with five children : Clarence, who is now living in St. Louis, ^ilissouri ; 1 loward, at Decatur ; Arthur, who is engaged in the grocery business in this city; Paul, of Lancaster, Ohio ; and Florence, who is a stu- dent in the Decatur high school. The family home is on West Wood street. Mr. Newell is a member of the First Baptist church and his mterest has been in entire sympath}- with church work and with the development of the cit\ along lines proving of good to the general j)ublic. His business career is without a stain and at all times he has been faithful to the trust reposed in him, while he has also gained the competence that now enables him to live retired. JAMES T. WARD. This genial and affable gentleman is well known throughout Illinois and has a particu- larly large acquaintance in Chicago and in St. Louis, gained through the conduct of his busi- ness interests. He is an auctioneer of live slock and is certainly one of the best known men in this line of business in the central Mississippi valley. Mr. Ward was born in Christian county, Illinois, March 31, 1858, his parents being Robert and Nancy (Abernathy) Ward, both of whom were natives of Ohio, the father's birth having occurred in Ross county, while the mother's birth occurred in Champaign couiUy. In the year 1847 they left the Buckeye state and removed to Christian county. Illi- nois, where the father had a tract of land and engaged in general farming and stock-raising. He was identified with agricultural interests PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 845 there until 1876, when he came to Macon county, where he has since continued to make his home. The boyhood days of James Ward were spent upon the home farm and in his early youth he attended the district schools, while later he studied at Blue Mound. He began earning his own living by serving as a clerk in a store at Blue Mound, being there employed for five years. He has always, however, been fond of live stock and at the end of that time he began buying and selling horses, continu- ing his dealing in this way for five years. In 1888 he entered upon his work as an auctioneer and his capability in this direction soon led to demands for his services in all parts of the state. He has confined his attention exclu- sively to stock sales and more especially to the sale of horses. He spends a part of his time in St, Louis, Missouri, where he is employed by the firm of Campbell & Reed, extensive dealers in horses, carrying on a business that perhaps exceeds any other firm in the central states. In that city Mr. Ward has made a wonderful record, having sold as high as seven hundred and thirty-eight horses in a single day — an amount of business exceeding that of any other auctioneer. He has also con- ducted many of the large sales in Chicago and in the line of his business has been called as far east as Buffalo, New York. Constant de- niatids are made upon his time so that he has very little leisure, indeed. As an auctioneer he sustains a wide reputation and in this line of activity has gained a very comfortable com- petence. On the 15th of October, 1885, Mr. Ward was united in marriage to Miss Nellie Riggs, of Mason City, Illinois, a daughter of James H. Riggs. They now have one son, Robert Lyie Ward. The family home is a neat and substantial residence at No. 747 West Prairie avenue. Decatur. Mr. \Vard is a member of the Woodmen of America, is a gentleman of fine i)h}'sique and sjilendid personal appear- Tince, and verv cordial and afifable in manner. CHARLES LUDWTG. Although Charles Ludwig resided in De- catur or Macon county but one year he became well knov.n to the business men of the city and was held in the highest esteem by all. He was a native of Illinois, born near Spring- field, Sangamon county, on the 6th of Febru- ary, 1862, and was a son of John and Eliza- beth Ludwig. Throughout life his father has engaged in agricultural pursuits and is now operating a farm near Roodhouse, this state. There our subject was reared and educated in much the usual manner of farmer boys, at- tending the country schools near Roodhouse. On the completion of his education he as- sisted his father on the home farm until he was married, Decem.ber 27, 1893, ^o Miss Fan- nie E. Matthews, who was also born in Sanga- mon county, a daughter of William Oliver and Mary E. (Lamb) Matthews. Her father followed farming in Sangamon county until 1897, when he removed to Decatur and has since lived retired, although he still owns his farm in Sangamon county. His present home is near his daughter on West Green street. Unto our subject and his wife were born three children, namely: Opal M., who died at the age of three months ; Leland Earl and Lela Mearl, twins, residing with their mother. After his marriage Mr. Ludwig located on a farm near Roodhouse, Illinois, where he was engaged in general farming for four years, and on selling his place in November, 1898, re- moved to Decatur, where he engaged in team- ing for one year. In August, 1899, he re- moved to Sangamon county, locating on a farm eleven miles southeast of Springfield, and to the cultivation of that place he devoted his time and energies until called to his final rest on the 2d of November, 1901. He was a very industrious, energetic and enterprising farmer and met with good success in his under- takings. As he was upright and honorable in all his dealings with his fellow men he had their entire confidence and respect and was held in high regard bv all who knew him. 846 PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. Fraternally Mr. Liidwig was a member of the Modern Woodmen in Sangamon county, and religiously was connected with the Baptist church of Roodhousc, to which his estimable wife also belonged. After her husband's death she returned to Decatur and purchased her present comfortable home at 1171 West Green street. She also owns another residence at No. 1034 West Green street and has other property. During her short residence here she has made many warm friends and is well liked by all who have the pleasure of her acquaintance. WILLIAM T. DOWNING. Among the important industries of Macon county stock-raising occupies a prominent place and it is to this occupation that William T. Downing now devotes his energies, being the proprietor of the Evergreen Stock Farm. Flis beautiful suburban home is located just outside the northern limits of Decatur and has all the improvements and conveniences of the average city residence. Mr. Downing was born in Circleville, Ohio, August 17, 1854, a son of Thomas and Mar- garet A. (Dawson) Downing. The father, who was a contractor, spent his early life in Ohio, but about thirty-five years ago came to Macon count>', Illinois, where he passed his remaining years, dying here in 1891, at the age of seventy-six. His wife did not long sur- vive him. The Downings were originally from Delaware. Our subject received a good practical edu- cation in the public schools and early mani- fested an interest in stock-raising. He began the business on his own account at the age of twenty-six years, though he had previously carried on operations along that line in con- nection with his father. He now makes a specialty of the most popular standard bred horses and has been very successful with his racers, these being his pride for the past twenty-five years. He buys and sells consid- erable stock and prosperity has attended his efforts thus far in life, making him quite well- to-do. In business affairs he is prompt, ener- getic and notably reliable and he has the confi- dence and respect of all who know him. As a mere boy he entered the service of the Wabash Railroad Company and held the posi- tions of baggageman and conductor before he was twenty years of age, but since that time his attention has been wholly devoted to his farming and stock-raising interests. His home and all its surroundings are modern and up-to- date in appointments and his is one of the finest locations in Decatur township. Socially Mr. Downing is an honored member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. On September 20, 1874, he was united in marriage at La Clede Hotel, in St. Louis, to Miss Ida Davis, a daughter of Benjamin and Susan C. B. Davis, of Philadelphia, and to them were born three children, who are still living: Anna Maude, now the wife of John L. Patton. of New Orleans; Clifford O. and William Poinlellc. The}- lost one child, Ellis, who died at the age of five years. Mrs. Down- ing, who was a most estimable lady, died I'ebruary 13. 1899, at the age of forty years, and her death was deeply mourned by many friends as well as her immediate family. She was a loving wife and tender mother and was held in high regard by all who knew her. Her mother, Mrs. Susan C. B. Davis, was one of the early pioneers of Macon county and a representative of an old and honored family. She was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1823, and died in Decatur on the 4th of January, 1899. II^i" father, Parmelas Small- wood, was born April 27, 1782, near Charles- town, Jefferson county, West Virginia, and served as a soldier of the war of 1812. Before leaving his native state he was married June 23, 1807, to Miss Deborah Brown, who was also born near Charlestown, May 12, 1792. Later they removed to Lancaster county, Ohio^ where Mr. Smallvvood opened up a new farm, and as early as 1825 he came to Macon county. PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. S47 Illinois, accompanied by his wife and ten chil- dren, the journey being made by teams from Ohio. The winter after their arrival was spent at Sugar Grove, and from there they removed to a farm on section 3, Decatur township, which was the home of Mrs. Davis for many years. It has been in possession of the family since 1826. When they located here their nearest neighbor was forty miles away. Mr. Smallwood built a hewed long cabin and in true pioneer style began life in the west. He did his trading in Chicago, St. Louis and Springfield, where he bought salt at one dollar and a quarter per barrel and sold his wheat for thirty and forty cents per bushel. When the land came into market he purchased it from the government and upon the old home- stead he spent the remainder of his life. His death occurred in 1848 and his wife was called to her final rest on the 7th of November, 1873. Politically he was an active supporter of the Whig party. He was one of the few public spirited men who helped to build up Decatur, donating ten acres to the city which lies in the heart of the town. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Smallwood were born the following children : Mrs. Rachel Murphy, deceased ; George, who was a soldier of the Black Hawk war and died near Clinton, Illi- nois ; John, Samuel and James, all deceased ; Daniel ; Amanda, wife of William Bennett ; Mrs. Elizabeth Roben, of Clinton, Illinois ; Douglas and Asberry, both deceased ; Mrs. Davis; Joseph, who is living in Decatur; and Gideon, who has also passed away. Mrs. Davis was only two years old when the family located in Decatur township. In her girlhood she learned to spin, weave and perform such other duties as fell to the lot of the girls of the family in those early days, and one year she wove and dyed over two hun- dred yards of cloth. Her education was ac- quired in the old-time log school house and with the family she experienced all the hard- ships and difficulties of pioneer life. Having attained womanhood she became the wife of licnjamin Davis, who was born and reared in I'hiladelphia. His father was engaged in the brick and real estate business in that city and there he remained until 1841, when he came west. He died on the 2d of January, 1861, when not yet forty years of age. Mr. and Mrs. Davis had four children: Eliza died in infancy. Ida A., now deceased, was the wife of William T. Downing, whose name introduces this article. Benjamin A., the eldest who was educated in the Illinois Nor- mal School and Mount Zion Academy, was married at St. Louis, Missouri, in 1879, ^"d at his death left two children, Edna S. and Louisa. Anna E., the youngest of the family, acquired her education at St. Mary's Hall of Burlington, Iowa, and Cottage Seminary at Pottstown, Pennsylvania. Mrs. Davis was a lady of many excellencies of character, which won for her a wide circle of friends and gained for her the respect of all with whom she was acquainted. JAMES HADWIN. During his early years James Hadwin was engaged in agricultural pursuits and in his undertakings met with excellent success, so that he is now enabled to live a retired life at his home in Decatur, surrounded by all the comforts and many of the luxuries of life. He was born in Shelby county, Illinois, June 14, i860, and belongs to a family that has been actively identified with the development of this state. His father, Thomas Hadwin, was born in the south of England in 1812, and in 1843 wedded Miss Mary Atkinson, also a native of England, born in Bland, Yorkshire, near the boundary of Westmoreland, November 12, 1819. The year of their marriage they came to America with the Atkinson family and on landing in New York proceeded at once to Ohio. As there were no railroads at that time a steamboat carried them to Albany, whence 848 PAST AND PRESEx\T OF MACON COUNTY. they made their way by the Erie canal to Buf- falo, by lake to Cleveland and by canal to Massillon, Stark county, Ohio, where they made their home for about three years. In 1846 they came to Illinois, this journey being made by wagon, and they brought a flock of sheep with them. They first located at Hails Point, Macon county, but afterward removed to Toddspoint, Shelby county, where Thomas Hadwin died in January, 1887. He was en- gaged in buying and selling sheep, cattle and other live stock for a few years, and then turned his attention to farming, which he con- tinued to follow throughout the remainder of his life. His wife still survives him and is now residing in the city of Shelbyville, Illinois. In their family were the following children: John, deceased; Mrs. Mary Alice Wilson, a resident of Chicago; Mrs. Sarah Boone, of South Haven, Kansas ; Thomas, who is living in Missouri ; Ellen and Lou, both at home with their mother in Shelbyville; William, who is living in the state of Washington; David, a resident of Assumption, Illinois; and James, the only member of the family residing in Macon county. James Hadwin had the advantages of only a common-school education and when not in school he aided his father in the operation of the home farm until his marriage. It was on the 15th of November, 1887, that he led to the marriage altar Miss Mary E. Jackson, also a native of Shelby county and a daughter of William Henry and Mary Ann (Burk) Jack- son, early settlers of that county, where the father engaged in farming until his death. He was born in Steubenville, Ohio,,on the 15th of February, 1823. and came with his father's family to Illinois in 1840 making his home under the parental roof until the age of twenty- one. In September, 1849. ''c married Mar- garet Jane Waters, who died on the 8th of March, 1852, and he was again married Au- gust 25, 1853, '■''S second union being with Miss Mary Ann Burk. They made their home in Ridge township, Shelby county, where he was regarded as one of the most progressive and substantial agriculturists of the com- numilv, being the owner of eleven hundred and si.xty acres of valuable farming land in Ridge and Pickaway townships. He had eleven children, two by the first wife and nine b\- the second, namely : Thomas, who died March 24, 1864; William li., who is living in Texas ; Robert, who is now in Alaska ; Samuel, who is engaged in farming in Ridge township, Shelby county ; Margaret Jane, a resident of Kansas ; Lou, who lives in Christian county, Illinois; Hester Isabella, who makes her home in Shelby county ; Elizabeth, a resident of Shelbyville, Illinois ; Andrew K.. a resident of Henton, Shelby county ; Charles, who makes his home in Shelbyville; and Mary E., the wife of our subject. In 1892 Mr. Jackson re- tired from farm work and removed to Shelby- ville, where he lived retired until his death, which occurred in February, lyot. His sec- ond wife had died in .\pril, 1898. After his marriage Mr. Hadwin located on a farm in his native county and continued its cultivation for five years, after which he re- moved to Sumner county, Kansas, and there conducted a meat market for about six months. .\s the Cherokee strip was open to the public about this time, he went to Oklahoma and was there engaged in farming for three years. At the end of that time he returned to Shelby county, Illinois, and purchased a farm, which he successfully operated for some time, but owing to ill health he finally decided to give up farming and on the loth of September, 1902, removed to Decatur, where he has since lived retired, though he still owns his fine farm of two hundred and forty acres in Shelby county, which he now rents. Besides this property he owns the nice residence at No. 1089 West Macon street. Decatur, where he and his wife intend to make their ftiture home. In business affairs, Mr. Hadwin is prompt, energetic and reliable and to these qualities may be attributed his success in life. His po- litical support is given the men and measures PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 849 of the Republican party, and in his social rela- tions he is identified with the ^lasonic Lodge at Findlay, Illinois, and the Knights of Pythias Lodge at Shelbyville. Wherever he is known he is held in high regard and though his resi- dence in Decatur has been of short duration he has already made many warm friends throughout the citv. CHARLES S. HANKINS. Charles S. Hankins is connected with an enterprise which has direct and important bear- ing upon the majority of business interests of Decatur, lieing the president of the !Macon County Telephone Company. The rapidity with which work can be executed and business plans formed is an important factor in suc- cess. It is no longer necessary to wait the transmission of a message by mail, for mat- ters of discussion relative to business can to- day be carried on over the telephone lines of the country and thus much valuable time is saved. There is perhaps no one branch of business that has had so great an effect upon existing conditions as has the introduction of the telephone, and Mr. Hankins is now putting forth every effort in his power to provide the citizens of Decatur and the surrounding coun- try with the best service possible in this regard. A native of Ohio, Charles S. Hankins was born in the vicinity of Reeseville, Clinton county, December 24, 1856. His parents were Enoch and Susan (McFadden) Hankins. The father was a native of Ohio and the mother of West Virginia. In the fall of 1862 the parents removed from Ohio to Macon county and settled in Friends Creek township upon a farm, which Mr. Hankins improved and became a representative citizen of that community. He died about the close of the Civil war, in 1865. His wife, who still sur- vives him, is yet living in Decatur and has now reached the age of eighty-three years. In the family of this worthy couple were nine children, four sons and five daughters, of whom Charles S. is the seventh in order of birth. The family record is as follows : Mary E., the wife of D. M. Adams ; Jennie, the wife of Dr. W^ H. Deal, a resident of Dresden, Missouri ; Florence E., the wife of A. Smick, of Decatur ; Orlandus M., who makes his home in ]\Ionon, Indiana, where he follows farming; Frank L., deceased ; Hortense M., who is the wife of W. E. Collins and resides in St. Louis, Missouri ; Charles S., of this review ; Rose M., who is now living in Carthage, Missouri ; and Walter, who has passed away. In retrospect one can see Charles S. Hankins as a farmer boy, assisting in the labors of field and meadow through the summer months, while in the winter season he pursued his edu- cation in the district school. After leaving school he entered upon his business career. Subsequently he entered into a partnership in the real estate business as a member of the firm of Lewis & Hankins and they conducted man}- important realty transfers, continuing in business together until 1891, when Mr. Hankins severed this relation and became con- nected with the telephone business as its super- intendent. Soon he became a purchaser of the stock and in 1901 he was made president of the company. He now owns the greater part of the stock of the Macon County Telephone Company, which is one of the best local sys- tems in this part of the state. It is certainly a necessary and important factor in the busi- ness operations of this city. The exchange has had a remarkably successful growth and now has in operation a complete telephone system throughout Decatur and Macon county and also telephone connection with two hundred and fifty towns in central Illinois. They have placed about one thousand phones in this city and vicinity and already have a number of farmer lines in operation. This exchange is equipped with a new twelve hundred phone capacity Sterling electric switchboard. The company is constantly making improvements in their equipments and during the year 1902 850 PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. spent twenty thousand dollars in underground conduit system. This company manufactures all of its own telephones and transmitters and has equipped a number of outside exchanges, and the office, which is located in the Arcade building, is open night and day throughout the entire year. Mr. Hankins is the active head of the company and upon him devolves the business management. h\ 1888 was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Hankins and Miss Mary B. Gerber, of Ar- genta, Macon county, Illinois, a daughter of Samuel Gerber, of Argenta. They now have one son, Orville G. Mr. Hankins was a mem- ber of the city council for two years and in matters pertaining to general progress and im- provement he has always been public spirited and progressive, co-operating in every meas- ure for the general good. He is also a mem- ber of the Knight of Pythias fraternity and the Woodmen of America. His prominence in business circles comes as a result of capability and his worth is uniformly acknowledged'. His social, genial manner has gained for him many friends and he has the regard of young and old, rich and poor. JOSEPH K. CLIPSTON. Joseph K. Clipston, a well-to-do agricultur- ist residing on section 14, South Macon town- ship, is a typical self-made man and in the following record of his career there is much to arouse respect and esteem. He has placed his reliance upon industry and perseverance, and by making the most of circumstances, however discouraging, he has attained success in his chosen calling and has acquired a com- fortable home and competence. Mr. Clipston was born in England in 1828, of which country his parents were life-long residents, his only relative in this country being his brother, James Clipston, a farmer living near Warrensburg, Illinois. On his emigration to America in 1851 our subject lirst settled near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where he worked in the mines for about three years, and then went to California, where he was similarly employed for two years. His wife now has a ring made from gold which he mined there. Returning to Pennsylvania, Mr. Clipston was married in Morristown, that state, Febru- ary 5, 1857, ^o Miss Merthine Francis, a daughter of John U. and Lydia ( Smith j Fran- cis, who were of Scotch and English descent. Her ancestors for several generations back were residents of the Keystone state and lived near Valley Forge, where they followed farm- ing. Her grandfather Francis was a great friend of George \\'ashington. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Clipston have been born five children,' as follows : Charles F., at home ; Katie, wife of John E. Winchell, a blacksmith of Moweaqua, Jennie, wife of Charles Slaughter, who is en- gaged in farming near our subject, though across the line in Shelby county ; Grant who married Belle Tolston and follows farming in Sliclb}- county ; and Elmer, at home. In the same year of his marriage Mr. Clip- ston came to Illinois and settled near Mowe- aqua, in Shelby county, where he bought a farm of two hundred acres, but after residing thereon for five years, he sold that place and engaged in operating a rented farm for three years. At the end of that time he purchased eighty acres of his present farm on section 14, South Macon township, and has since added to his property until his landed estate now amounts to two hundred acres, a part of which is in Shelby county. He has transformed the wild land into well cultivated fields and has replaced the old log cabin, which was stand- ing at the time of his purchase, by a good frame residence. He has also erected barns and other outbuildings, until he now has a well improved and valuable farm under a high state of cultivation. He raises full-blooded polled Angus cattle and Poland-China hogs and feeds considerable stock for market, and he is also interested in the raising and breeding PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 851 of fine roadsters, being the owner of a valuable horse from the Henry Pickrell stock. As a farmer and stock-raiser he has met with marked success and is to-day one of the sub- stantial men of his community, though he came to the new world empty-handed and has had to make his own way unaided. He is known among his fellow citizens for his relia- bility in all trade transactions and justly merits their conhdence and regard. He was christened in the Church of England, to which his pa- rents belonged, but his wife is a member of the Dunkard church. JOSEPH C. WILLIAMS. A quarter of a century covers the period of Mr. Williams' residence in Decatur. He was born in Washington, Indiana, November 29, 1839, one of the seventeen children of Basil and Nancy Williams. All of this large family are now deceased with the exception of the subject of this review. The father died in 1841, when his son Joseph was only two years of age, and his mother passed away in 1865. They were natives of Kentucky, reared and married there, and were representatives of early pioneer families of the state. Both the paternal and the maternal grandfathers were killed by the Indians in the early days of Ken- tucky's development ere many white settlers had penetrated into the interior of the state. Basil Williams was a soldier of the war of 1812, serving under Captain Belt and Colonel Poag, both well known officers at that time. In 1846 the Williams family became resi- dents of Pike county, Illinois, and it was in the publio schools there that Joseph C. Wil- liams obtained his education. During the periods of vacation he assisted his mother on the home farm and aided in the arduous task of developing a new tract of land. The coun- try was very wild and Mr. Williams remem- bers to have killed many a wolf and deer shooting these from his own doorvard. He continued to assist his mother in the operation of the home farm, until after the inauguration of the Civil war, when he became one of the Illinois volunteers, enlisting in the Ninety- ninth Regiment. He served under Second Lieutenant John Bossman, First Lieutenant B. Cloudy and Captain John F. Richards. He left home on the 20th of August, 1862, and returned on the 12th of August, 1865, having served for almost three years, during which time he participated in the battles of Harts- ville, Missouri, Magnolia Hill, the \"icksburg campaign and the battles of Champion Hill and Black River Bridge. He was several times wounded and yet carries in his body a number of rebel balls. He was severely wounded in a steamboat explosion at Vicksburg, Missis- sippi, on the 19th of August, 1863, and on several occasions narrowly escaped being captured. He thus became familiar with all the phases of army life, with its hardships and dangers, but never faltered in the performance of his duty of wavered in his loyalty to the Union cause. After the war Mr. Williams returned to Pike county, where he remained until 1867, working on the home farm. He then removed to Tay- lorville, Illinois, where he carried on agricul- tural pursuits until October, 1869, and then went to Clarksburg, Moniteau county, Mis- souri, where he remained from October until the following June. He was very successfully engaged in the grocery business, but on ac- count of ill health was forced to leave that place and take up his abode in Quincy, Illi- nois. He assisted his brother in getting a start in the grocery business there, after which he located elsewhere in Adams county, Illi- nois, and was engaged in farming from 1870 until 1875. On the expiration of that period he came to Macon coimty, where he has since lived. For a short time he engaged in farming for Mr. Woodcock, of Macon county, and then came to the city of Decatur, where he entered the employ of Mr. Whitmer, who was then en- gaged in the manufacture of brick. After 852 PAST AND PRESENT OF .MACON COUNTY, serving in that wa\- for several seasons he ac- cepted a position in the coffin factory, where he continued for about a year, while later he worked in the furniture factory until it was destroyed by fire. He next accepted a position in the grocery store of Frank Skelly, with whom he worked for four years, when he be- gan in the grocery business on his own ac- count on East Williams street. At intervals for several years he followed that ])ursuit and, having learned the carpenter's trade in his youth, he also followed that pursuit for a num- ber of years, in which connection he has been engaged in the construction of some of the best buildings in Decatur. He is now foreman in the carpentering department of the plant of the Sattley Malleable Iron Company of De- catur, havmg been associatetl with this com- pany for four years. On the 2ist of July, 1861, Mr. Williams wedded Miss Emily Hall, of Pike county. Illi- nois, a sister of J. H. Hall, the well known clothing merchant doing business on East Main street in Decatur. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Williams have been born seven children who arc now living, and they also lost one son, ■ Albert E. Those who still survive are Ida v., the wife of James A. Sine, a packing and shipping clerk in the employ of the Decatur Coffin Comjiany : Walter S., who is a pas- senger conductor on the Illinois Central Rail- road and resides at Clinton, this state ; Stella, the wife of A. G. Hays, a farmer living near Decatur: Maude, the wife of David Hosietler: jnlm A., an iron moldcr with the Sattley Malleable Iron Comi^any : and Lcona \'., who is at home. Mr. \\'i!liams became one of the first mem- bers of the Grand Army of the Republic and takes great delight in meeting his old army comrades and in recalling the experiences which they underwent on the fields of battle in the south. Mr. Williams and his family are all members of the Methodist Episcopal church of this city. He has been very suc- cessful through the many years of toil and labor in which he has been an active factor in the business world and he now owns and occu- pies a beautiful home at No. 1140 East Cleve- land avenue in Riverside, the beautiful suburb of Decatur. HARRY RUTHRAUFF. Harry Ruthrauff is well known in business circles in Decatur, where for eight years he has filled the position of inspector of the water works of the city. He was born in Franklin county, Pennsylvania, on the 2d of July, 1866, and traces his ancestry back through several generations. His paternal great-grand])arents were Jonnes and Margurctt (Fnsminger) Rullirauff. The grandfather. William Ruth- rautif, was horn .August 23. 1822. and married ?iliss Elizabeth Pensinger. He was a farmer by occupation and in 1873 came to Illinois, settling on a farm two miles north of Tlliopolis, in Sangamon county, where he remained until 1877. He then removed to what was known as the Silas Packard farm, located five miles northeast of Decatur, in Macon county. Upon this place he remained imtil almost all of his children were married and in 188 1 he retired, for he had attained an advanced age and was physically unable to attend to the many duties incident to the cultivation of a farm of that size. Selling the property he and his wife went to the home of their dau,ghter. Mrs. ^^'illiam Hicks, who at that time lived at a place called Torrence Mill, on the South Fork river, in Sangamon county. Mr. RuthraufF remained with his daughter until the death of his wife, which occurred at Breckenridge, Illinois, December 5. 1879. her remains being interred at South Fork church, south of Roch- ester. Shortly afterward Mr. Ruthrauflf went to the home of his son, Martin V., who at that time lived in DeWitt county, Illinois, and who was an extensive and prosperous farmer. There the father had a good home and enjoyed many pleasant days in his declining years. He was never happier than when assisting in PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. S5» the duties of the farm, for he thoroughly en- joyed outdoor Hfe. In 1893 he decided to go to the home of his son Andrew, who was then hving at Corbin, Sunnier county, Kansas. There he was also made welcome and remained there until the final summons came on the 5lh of April, 1894. He was laid to rest in Prairie Lawn cemetery near Corbin. Unto the grand- parents of our subject, William and Elizabeth Ruthrauli', were born twelve children. Henry Ruthrauflf, the eldest of this family, was born in Washington county, Maryland, near Leitersburg, January 23, 1843 and on the 2d of January, i860, at Waynesburg, Franklin county, Pennsylvania, he was married to Miss Barbara Snyder. When the Civil war broke out he volunteered for service in the Union armv, responding to President Lincoln's sec- ond call for soldiers to serve for nine months. He enlisted in Company B, One Hundred and Twenty-sixth Regiment of Pennsylvania In- fantry and the first engagement in which he took part was the second battle of Bull Run, under General Pope, the regiment being at- tached to the Fifth Army Corps. The second battle in which he was engaged was at An- tietam and there he was with the Fifth Corps under General Fitzporter. He was wounded at Maria Hill, December 13, 1862, in the left ankle, and was then taken to Point Lookout, on the i6th of December. There were sixteen thousand wounded soldiers at that place. There was a contagious disease among the patients and as the doctors carelessly used the same sponges on dififcrent patients the disease was spread and Mr. Ruthraufif contracted it and almost lost his life thereby. There was a remonstrance made to Governor Curtin, of Pennsylvania, and he investigated and found that the treatment of the soldiers was any- thing but what it should be. He immediately ordered that all soldiers from Pennsylvania who were unfit for duty in thirty days be sent to Turner's Lane hospital in Philadelphia. Mr. Ruthrauflf was among the number thus transferred and he remained in the latter hos- pital until the expiration of his nine months' service, which was in April, 1863. At that time he returned home and worked for his father at cutting wood, receiving thirty-three and a third cents per cord. He felt then that he had done his share to aid in the preserva- tion of the Union, but when the battle of Gettysburg occurred and Lee made his raid through Pennsylvania, visiting the home of William Ruthrauflf and there robbing him or destroying everything he had, tienry Ruth- rauflf decided to again enter the army. He en- listed at Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, in Com- pany K, Twenty-first Regiment of Cavalry, and went into camp at Chambersburg for three months. The regiment was then ordered to the front and won honor by its valorous service. It was also notable on account of its mounts, four companies being mounted on bay horses, two on grays, two on sorrels, two on blacks and two on iron -roans. The battalion to which Mr. Ruthraufif belonged was drilled by Major Gillis, a West Point graduate, who was believed to be the best drillmaster in the country. Mr. Ruthraufl: was in the First Bat- talion of the Twenty-first Pennsylvania Cav- alry, commanded by Colonel Boyd. On ar- riving at Arlington Heights the members of the regiment were ordered to give up their horses and were then given muskets, after which they proceeded on foot. They then re- ported to Grant and it was about this time when the battle of the Wilderness occurred, after which the command to which Mr. Ruth- raulT belonged proceeded to Richmond and he took part in all of the engagements with his regiment up to the time of the surrender at Appomattox. In November. 1864, the regi- ment was remounted and sent to General Gregg's command — the second division of cavalry. He was wounded in the hand in front of Petersburg and was also wounded in the hip at Poplar Grove church. Shortly after- ward they went into winter quarters in front of Petersburg, but in January they were or- dered to destroy the Weldon Railroad. This 854: PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. was done by the Fifth Corps of Gregg's Sec- ond Division of Cavalry, who demoHshed the road for one hundred and fifty miles. This is known in history as General Warren's famous raid, the soldiers being almost continuously in their saddles for eleven days and nights and by Mr. Rnthrauff this was considered the most severe experience which he had through- out his military career. The battalion to which he belonged also acted as General Sheridan's escort at Five I-'orks. The war having ended and the Hag of the nation having been vic- toriously planted in the capital of the southern confederacy, he was mustered out of service on the 8th of July, 1865. Returning to the north Mr. RuthraufT en- gaged in farming on a small scale at his old home in Franklin county, Pennsylvania, but not being very successful there he decided to come to the west and in 1870 made his way to Illinois, locating on a farm in Sangamon county, near Illiopolis. Subsequently he re- moved to Macon county, Illinois, settling on a farm about five miles northeast of Decatur, and he continued to engage in agricultural pursuits in various places in Macon county for several \ears, when he sold out and embarked in the milling business at Rochester, Sanga- mon county. He also conducted a similar en- terprise at Athens, Menard county, but did not find that a profitable source of income and, tlisposing of his mill, he has since followed different occupations. Harry Ruthraufif, whose name introduces this record, is one of a family of ten children and was only about three years of age when his parents removed to Illinois. He was for one year a student in the schools of Sangamon county and later continued his studies in the McGee school in Macon county and in Brush College, thus being well equipped to meet the practical and responsible duties of a business career. After putting aside his textbooks he was connected with agricultural pursuits for a time and between the ages of seventeen and twenty years he was engaged in coal mining in iVthens, lUiiKjis. lie also spent one \ear at Wellington, Kansas, where he was employed in a lumberyard and on the expiration of that period he came to Decatur, securing work at the new shaft of the Decatur Coal Company, lie had the misfortune, however, to break his leg and was then given the position of night watchman by the firm of Conklin, Tait & Com- pany, whom he represented in that capacity for a year. Subsequently he engaged in general work in the coal mines at Athens, Illinois, and in 1888 he again came to Decatur, where he accepted his present position, being inspector of the city water works, having supervision of the mains and plumbing. For eight years he has served in this capacity in a most ac- ceptable manner. He has a thorough under- standing of the requirements of the position and is well qtialified to act in this capacity. All the pif)e work for the new filteration plant came under his personal supervision, also the new mains on North Main street. Green, East Orchard and Wabash streets. Other divisions to the water system have been made under his supervision, including the extension of the lines on Eldorado and Broadway to Stone street in 1902. In 1884 Mr. Ruthraufif was united in mar- riage to Miss Helen Skelley, of Decatur, and unto them have been born six children : Dolly M., Qififord B., Bonnie B., Teresa, Mabel and Helen. Mr. Ruthrauff belongs to En Ami Lodge, No. 593, K. P., to Easterly Camp, No. 1626, M. W. A., and to Lincoln Tent, No. 1039, Knights of the Maccabees. GEORGE W. KAYLOR. Among the most pleasant rural homes of Macon county is that of George W. Kaylor in Decatur township, the culture and artistic taste of its occupants being reflected in it? appointments, while a gracious hospitality adds a charm to its material comforts. The owner was born in Decatur township on the PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 855 i/th of March, 1858, and is a son of Jacob and Rachel (Street) Kaylor, who made their home here for many jears and were num- bered among the highly respected citizens of the community. The father was a native of Maryland, born April 16, 1818, and in early life went to Ohio, where he married Miss Rachel Street, who was born in that state, February 22, 1817. On coming to Illinois they first located in Mechanicsburg, and from there removed to Decatur township, Macon county. In 185 1 the father purchased the farm now owned by our subject in the north- western part of that township. He belonged to a long-lived race and reached the age of eighty-two years, dying on the 4th of March, 1900, honored and respected by all who knew him. His estimable wife survived him only a short time and passed away April 14, 1900. George W. Kaylor was educated at Sunny- side school and his early life was spent upon the home farm, where he acquired a good practical knowledge of the occupation to Vvfhich he has devoted his attention since reach- ing manhood. His is one of the model farms of Decatur township, containing one hun- dred and six acres and supplied with all mod- ern conveniences and accessories. For the first ten years of his business career he rented the farm from his father and in the meantime bought property in Decatur, which he dis- posed of in 1892 and took permanent charge of the farm. He has not only erected good and substantial buildings upon the place but has tiled the land, removed boulders and otherwise improved it. The recent improve- ments have been frequent and up-to-date, in- cluding a drive-well ; forty-foot Star wind- mill, and a combined horse and cow barn, twenty by forty feet, with an addition, four- teen by forty feet. The residence, which was built in 1893, is undoubtedly the most up-to- date in the township, containing all the con- veniences of a city home, such as hot water equipment, compressed air tank, etc. The granary, twenty-six by forty feet, with an elevator attached, the power, gasoline engine with oil-cooling device and without batteries, was built in 1903, and has many modern im- provements that are the result of the invent- ive genius of Mr. Kaylor. In this many of his original ideas have been carried out and perfected in a manner which will bring satis- factory results not only to himself but to others who may have occasion to use any ap- pliance of this kind. Mr. Kaylor is a man who believes in up-to-date methods and has made progress along lines which are yet to yield results and bring his inventions in touch with the business world for its advancement and progress. On the 22d of December, 1881, he was united in marriage to Miss Nancy E. Fisher, who was born in Sangamon county, Illinois, September 5, 1857, and is a daughter of Charles and Isabella A. (Bowen) Fisher, both deceased, the former a native of Ken- tucky and the latter of Sangamon county, Illi- nois. Mrs. Kaylor is the second in order of birth in their family of five children, the others being Mary E., wife of D. Morris', of Waverly, Illinois ; Catherine E., who died at the age of twenty-four years; W. Z., a resi- dent of Sangamon county ; and John N., who is living in El Reno, Oklahoma. Mr. and Mrs. Kaylor have one child, Sadie B., born in 1886. In national politics Mr. Kaylor votes the Democratic ticket, but at local elections, where no issue is involved, he supports the men whom he believes best qualified for office re- gardless of party lines. For many years he has been school director of his district and also clerk of the board. He was superin- tendent of the Sunday-school for five years and has held all the offices that are in the Methodist Episcopal church, to which he be- longs. Socially he is a member of Chevalier Bayard Lodge, K. P., and the Modern Woodmen of America, and was camp lecturer for re-adjustment in 1903. He is a worthy representative of that class of citizens who 8 5 (5 PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. lead quiet, industrious, honest and useful lives and constitute the best portion of a com- munity. Wherever he is known he is held in high regard and is certainly deserving of honorable mention in llie history of his native count\-. ANTHONY HECKLER. Since 1856 Anthony Heckler has been a res- ident of Decatur and for many years was actively identified with its industrial and bus- iness interests, but is now living a retired life in his pleasant home at No. 455 South Broad- way. -Vs an energetic, industrious man be acquired a competence during the years of his active business career that now enables him to live in ease, free from the cares and respon.sibililies of business affairs. ;\Ir. Heckler was born in W'urtemburg. Germany, on the nth of January. 1S28. a son of Anthony and Elizabeth (.\ngele) Heckler, who spent their entire lives in that country. The father made farming his life occupation and both he and his wife died in their native land. They liad two children to come to America, these being Anthony and his sister ^lary, now the widow of Qiarles Walser and a resident of Decatur. ( )ur subject acc|uirecl bis education in the public schools of his native land and worked on a farm before his emigration to America. Tt was in 1854 that be cro.ssed the broad -\t- lantic and landed in New York city. Eor about two years he was engaged in farming in the ICminre stale, and then came west, lo- cating near Monticcllo. in Piatt county. Illi- nois, where was similarly em]jloyed for a short time. He then canie tn Decatur and first worked as a laborer for old Dr. Johns, but shortly afterward obtained em])loyment in a furniture factory and continued to en- gage in that business for twenty years. At the end of that time he erected a store buildini;- near his residence and was engaged in the grocery business for six years. Selling out ill 1896, he has since lived retired in the enjoyment of a well earned rest. After coming to Decatur IMr. Heckler was married in i860 to Miss Grenesne Haider, also a native of Germany, of which country her parents were life-long residents and are both now deceased. Unto our subject and his wife were born six children, as follows: Elizabeth, now the wife of D. Armbruster, living with her parents ; Edward, a resident of Chicago ; Teressa, wife oi Thomas Vest, who makes his home in Ouincy, Illinois ; Carrie, wife of Charles Conway, of Decatur ; Josie, wife of Louis Meyers, of Decatur ; and Anna, wife of Homer ^laxwell, of Little Rock, Arkansas. The mother of these children is now an in- valid. lloth Mr. and Mrs. Heckler are members of the German Catholic church of Decatur and are held in liigli regard by all who know them. Tn politics he is a Democrat but at local elections votes for the man whom he be- lieves best qualified for office regardless of party affiliations. He has never cared for of- ficial honors, having preferred to give his en- tire time and attention to his business affairs, in which he has met with success. Besides his residence pro])erty he still owns the store building which be erected near his home. In all the relations of life he has been found true to every duty that has devolved upon liini and be well merits the confidence and respect so freely accorded him by his fellow citizens. D.WID L. EBERLY. David L. Eberly, a well known carriage trinnner of Decatur, is a native of Illinois, born in Princeton, .\ugnst 11, 1856, and is a son of Isaac Eberly, who served for three years in the Civil war and laid down his life on the altar of his country, dying in the serv- ice. By trade he was a carpenter. The sub- PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 857 ject of this sketch was educated at Quincy, Illinois, and after leaving school at the age of seventeen years learned the trade of car- riage trimming in that city, serving an ap- prenticeship in the carriage shop of E. M. Miller, for whom he worked for four years and a half. About 1878 Mr. Eberly came to Decatur and entered the employ of \Va}-ne Brothers, remaining with that company and its successor, the Wayne Sulkyette and Road Cart Com- pany, for twenty-one years. In 1897 '^^ ^™' barked in business on his own account, trim- ming for that and other firms, and doing all kinds of repair work, such as retrimming bug- gies and surreys, putting in new cushions and side curtains, and re-covering old buggies and grocery wagons. He has built up a splen- did trade and is considered one of the best as well as the oldest carriage trimmer in the city. Mr. Eberly was married in Decatur in 1878 to Miss Agnes ^^'right, a daughter of John and Eliza (Runkie) W'right. Her father is deceased, and her mother now makes her home with our subject, at the age of sixty- seven years. Mr. and Airs. Eberly have three children living, namely : William, who is a draftsman for the Mueller Manufacturing Company; Mabel and Emmett. All are graduates of the Decatur high school. The oldest son, Clarence, was killed in a railroad accident while going on a hunting expeditiori at the age of sixteen years, just si.x months before he would have graduated from the high school. His death was a sad blow to his parents and many friends. In his social relations Mr. Eberly is a mem- ber of the Modern Woodmen of America, and both he and his wife hold membership in the First Christian church of Decatur and take an active part in its work, Mr. Eberly having teen a member of the church board for three or four years. They are held in high regard liy all who know them and have many friends in the citv where thev make their home. JOHN F. KEMMERLY. John F. Kemmerly is one of the leading farmers of South Macon township, his home being on section 14. The possibilities that America offers to her citizens he has utilized, and though he came to this country in lim- ited circumstances he has steadily and perse- veringly worked his way upward, leaving the ranks of the many to stand among the suc- cessful few. iNIr. Kemmerly "s early home was on the other side of the Atlantic for he was born in Germany, January 8, 1829, his parents being George and Kate (Shoemaker) Kemmerly, also natives of that country, the former born in 1800, the latter in 1804. They were farm- ing people antl continued to reside in the fatherland throughout life. Our subject has two sisters living in the United States : Caro- lina, now the widow of Chris Rissler and a resident of Indianapolis, Indiana ; and Han- nah, widow of Frederick Shempf and a resi-, dent of Pana, Illinois. In the common schools of his native land John F. Kemmerly acquired a good practical education, and there he grew to manhood. In 1850 he entered the German army, with which he served for six years, and was then honorably discharged. The following year — 1857 — he came to America and was first em- ployed on a farm near Paris, Ohio, where he worked four months. At the end of that time he went to Shelby county, Illinois, where he continued to work as a farm hand for three years, and then engaged in farming on his own account upon rented land in that county for twenty-two years. He was at length enabled to purchase his present farm of one hundred and ten acres on section 14, South Macon township, this county, for which he gave forty dollars per acre, and he has since devoted his energies to its development and cultivation, it being mostly wild and un- miproved when it came into his possession. .\fter living for seventeen years in a little log house he built his present substantial 858 PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. frame residence, also erected barns and out- buildings, lias set out fruit and .sliade trees, and b\' hard work lias converted his place into one of the most desirable farms of its size in the locality. In early life he used the sin- gle-shovel plow antl niher primitive farm im- plements, but now has the most modern and best improved machinery for facilitating farm work. He feeds some cattle and hogs for market and also raises a good grade of horses. On the loth of August, 1857, in Richmond, Indiana, Mr. Kemmerly was united in mar- riage to Miss Magdaline Colby, a daughter of Frederick and Kate (Kagle) Colby, and nine children blessed their union, six of whom are still living, namely : John F., who is engaged in farming near Moweaqua ; Lizzie, wife of Frank Cox, who follows farming near Shel- byville. Illinois; Emma, widow of Ernest Hcise and a resident of Pana, Illinois ; Henry, who is engaged in farming on the home place : Tillie, also at home : and Charlie, who is now operalint;' a rice plantation near Colby, Louisi- ana. The parents are both members of the I.iUheran church and Mr. Kemmerly is a sup- jjorter of the Republican party and its prin- ciples. They arc widely known and their many friends and ac(|uaintances hold them in the highest regard. HENRY LUNN. Every civilized country on the face of the globe has sent representatives to Illinois, yet to no people does she owe more than to the .\nglo-Saxon race, whose business activity and adaptability and marked enterprise have made them valued citizens wherever they have carried the civilization of Great Britain. Mr. Liuin is a representative of this class, his birth having occurred in Newark, Notting- hamshire, England, on the 9th of April. 1841. His parents, William and Sarah (Baker) Limn, were also natives of England, and the father became a contractor and builder, fol- lowing that pursuit throughout his active bus- iness career. Both he and his wife died when about seventy-six years of age. In their fam- ily were seven children : Alfred, who is now a contractor and builder of New'ark, Eng- land ; i\.nn, the wife of John Porter, who took up his abode in Ohio in the '50s and removed to Kansas before its admission into the Union ; Elizabeth, the wife of the Rev. Frank Hoyes, who came to this country in 1869 and after- ward located in Kansas, becoming a mem- ber of the Methodist Episcopal conference there and now residing in Topeka, that state ; Eliza, the deceased wife of John Lane, an English revenue officer for the British govern- ment ; George, a farmer and bricklayer, of Kansas ; and Henry. The other children of the family died in infancy. In the public schools of his native land Henry Lunn accjuired his education and he mastered his trade as an apprentice, serving for eight years under his father, who was then the superintendent of construction for the electrical commission of England. Hear- ing favorable reports concerning the new world and its opjwrtunitics he resolved to try his fortune in .America where competition was less and advantages more quickly se- cured. Crossing the Atlantic in 1872 he es- tablished his home in Decatur and the same year took out naturalization papers intend- ing to make the I^'nited States his home country. In order to provide for a liveli- hood he began contracting and building in partnership with Henry Bishop, a relation that was maintained until 1875, when the connection was dissolved and Mr. Lunn be- gan business for himself. During the greater part of the time since that period he has been one of the successful contractors of this city and many of Decatur's fine residences are the visible evidence of his life of thrift and en- terprise and of his excellent handiwork. He erected the Hill, Cato and Shellabarger resi- dences, the Tait factory and power house, with its high smoke stack, the building of PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 859 the Ilaworth Alanufacturing Company and nianv business houses of the city. In 1889, however, he went to. Spokane, Washington, where he remained until 1894 and then again came to Decatur. At that time he entered into partnership with his two sons, Ernest H. and Thomas, as builders and contractors and this relation was continued until 1903, when the partnership was dissolved. Mr. Lunn, however, is yet actively identified with build- ing interests of the city and many important contracts are annually awarded him, show- ing his high standing as a representative of the vocation and also indicating the confi- dence and trust reposed in him by the gen- eral public. In 1866 was celebrated the marriage of Henry Limn and Miss Emma Dodson, a daughter of Thomas Dodson, and unto them have been born five children : Ernest H. : Thomas : Lula, the wife of Frederick Cod- ington, of Lincoln, Illinois : Minnie G. ; and Percy, who died in Spokane, Washington. In the year 1875 Mr. Lunn was converted to the Christian faith and has since been a member and local minister of the Methodist Episcopal church, being ordained in the Co- lumbia river conference at Moscow, Idaho. While in the northwest he held charges, thus preaching the gospel in connection with his daily work of building. He is an earnest, energetic laborer in the Master's vineyard and through more than a quarter of a cen- tury has put forth effective effort in behalf of the church and the extension of its influ- ence. He has always read broadly, thinks deeply and believes in keeping abreast with the times. In early life he gave his political support to the Republican party, but since the death of President Garfield he has voted with the Prohibition party, believing the tem- perance question to be one of the paramount issues before the people. Fie stands as a representative of the high type of .Vmcrican manhood, fearless in defense of his honest 41 convictions and laboring for ideal conditions concerning the welfare of the race. Mr. Lunn's actions have during his life been such as to distinctively entitle him to a place in this publication, and although his career has not been filled with thrilling inci- dents, probably no biography published in this book can serve as a better illustration to young men of the power of honesty and in- tegrity in insuring success. HENRY HAGAN. No foreign element has become a more im- portant part of our American citizenship than that furnished by Germany. The emigrants from that land have brought with them to the new world the stability, enterprise and perseverance characteristic of their people and have fused these qualities with the progress- iveness and indomitable spirit of the west. Air. Hagan is a worthy representative of this class. He came to America empty handed, hoping to benefit his financial condition, and his dreams of the future have been more than realized. A native of Germany, Mr. Hagan was born in Hanover, on the 4th of April, 1830, and is a son of Louis and Fredericka (Milhousen) Hagan, natives of the same province. The father, who was a farmer by occupation, died in Germany of black smallpox when our sub- ject was only ten years old. At the age of fourteen Henry began working at odd jobs in order to help his mother in the support of the family. She, too, died in Germany. There were only two children, our subject and a sister, who came to this country and died in Missouri. Henry Hagan continued to work in his na- tive land until 1852, when he came to the United States and on landing made his way direct to Decatur, Illinois, where he arrived on the 26th of March, that year. At that time much of the city was under water and 860 PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. land could be purchased for two dollars and a half per acre. During the half century that has since passed all this has been changed and Decatur now ranks among the leading cities of the state, while the country round about is valued at over one hundred dollar- per acre. Mr. Hagan first secured a position in thi- brickyard and afterwards as night watchman in the furniture factory and held the same for seven years. Later he was employed in the slaughter house for some time and next worked for the city as a laborer on the street for several years but on account of his wife's health he finally gave up work and is now practically living retired, though he does some gardening upon vacant lots which he owns. He has a nice home at No. 606 East Decatur street, where he and his wife now reside and owns two other good residences on South Broadway besides much vacant property, all of which has been acquired through his own industry and good management. In i860 Mr. Hagan was married in Decatur to Mrs. Helena (Gillis) Kongs, who was born in Prussia, (Germany, July 27, 1832, and is a daughter of Michael Gillis, a farmer who died in that country. For her first husband she married John Kongs. whose death oc- curred in Salem, Illinois. Unto our subject and his wife were born seven children, two of whom died in infancy unnamed, .\ugusta also died in infancy and Josephine died at the age of seven years. Those still living are Helena, who is now in the employ of A. VV. Conklin, of Decatur ; Henry C, who mar- ried Katie Higgins and is a machinist of De- catur: and Johnnie Louis, who is employed in a planing mill in Denver, Colorado. Politically Mr. Hagan is a stanch supporter of the Republican party and its principles. He is a member of the German .\id Society of Decatur and the German Lutheran church, while his wife belongs to the German Catholic church of this city. Since the age of four- teen years he has made his own way in the world unaided and he deserves great credit lor the success that he has achieved. He has many friends among the early settlers of De- catur and is held in high regard by all who kniiw liim. IIEXKY KRFIDLJ'IR. Hcnrv Kreidler, now deceased, became a resident of Macon county when but nine years of age. Fie was a native of Kreidlersville, Northampton county, Pennsylvania, born on the I9tli of December, 1855. His parents, Conrad and Elemina (Flower) Kreidler, were also natives of the Keystone state and in 1864 they left Pennsylvania and removed with their family to Macon county, Illinois, set- tling in lilue Mound township, where Mr. Kreidler purchased a farm. He then gave his attention to general agricultural pursuits and stock-raising and as the years passed I)laced many e.xcellent improvements upon his liroperix , which became a valuable and desir- able farm. He and his wife spent their re- maining days on the old homestead and were highlv respected people of the community. Three of their children are now living, name- ly : Mary, who resides in the village of Blue Mound : Percy, who is a resident of Chi- cago : and Thomas, who is living in Evans- ville, Indiana. Floury Kreidler obtained his early educa- tion in the common schools of Macon county and when he had mastered the elementary branches of learning he attended college in W'adsworth, Ohio, and received an excellent business training, well qualifying him for the responsible duties of life. He then returned to Blue Mound, Macon county, and was mar- ried on the 21st of October, 1880, to Miss ]\Iary J. Stare, who was born in Decatur and is a daughter of George and Barbara (Har- nett) Stare, pioneer settlers of this city, a sketch of whom is given elsewhere in this volume. .\fler his marriage .Mr. Kreidler engaged PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 861 in the liardware business in the village of Blue Mound for six years and then removed to Decatur, where he was first employed in the Wabash Railroad shops. Later he held a position in Bachman Brothers' furniture store for seven years and then en- gaged in the undertaking business with Frank L. Hill for about a year, but at the end of that time he sold his interest to his partner and accepted a position in the furniture store of Sanford & Wilson. At the time of his death he was connected with the Bachman Brothers & Alartin Com- pany, but was making arrangements to re- move to California. Mr. Kreidler was a prominent member of Chevalier Bayard Lodge, No. 189, K. P., and as prelate he opened and closed the meeting with prayer the night of his death, Septem- ber 7, 1897. He seemed in his usual health when he started for lodge, although for some time he had suffered from heart disease. At the close of the meeting about ten o'clock, he left the hall and it is supposed that on his ar- rival home he started for the stable to water his horse, which was his custom. His wife, who sat up waiting for him, became alarmed and at half past two telephoned to police headquarters. Several officers started out in search for him and two hours later his body was found in the yard back of the house. His sudden death was a sad blow to his fam- ily and many friends for he was widely known and held in high regard. At a regu- lar convention of Chevalier Bayard Lodge held Tuesday evening, September 14. 1897, the following resolutions were adopted : "Whereas, It has pleased the Supreme Ruler of the Universe to remove from our presence our Prelate and Brother Knight, Henry Kreidler, and " Whereas, we feel that by his death the lodge has lost a worthy officer and true Knight and that the loss to the lodge is an individual loss to every member, for we knew him as a true friend, v,ho was alwavs honor- able and courteous, ever striving by his daily life to practice the highest principles of our order and it is gratifying to remember that one of his last acts in life upon the evening of his death, was to close the lodge with a fervent prayer that on the last great day we may all meet, a happy and vmited brother- hood, to share the blessings of life eternal ! ■' Resolved, That in the death of our brother we will ever be reminded of the uncertainty of life and the certainty of death ; and while the sun of life will set and cover the faults of man, the morning sun will rise in grander splendor to light the path of righteousness. " Resolved, That these resolutions be spread upon our records and a copy presented to the family of our deceased brother." Edward Wilson, A. H. Cope, John E. King, Committee Besides his connection with the Knights of Pythias, Mr. Ivreidler was also a member of Decatur Camp, No. 144, M. W. A. In early life he gave his allegiance to the Democracy and later because of his strong temperance principles he voted with the Prohibition party and in other ways did everything in his power to advance the cause of temperance and sup- press the evils incident to the continuance of the liquor traffic. He was never an office seeker nor did lie hold positions of political preferment. His business career was always commendable because of his fidelity to the trust reposed in him, his indefatigable energy and his earnest desire to please his patrons and those whom he represented. Mr. Kreid- ler took a deep and helpful interest in church work, both he and his wife holding member- ship in Grace Methodist Episcopal church, of which he was serving as treasurer at the time of his death. He was also a teacher in the Sunday-school and he gave freely and generouslv of his time and means for the ad- vancement of the cause of the church and the extension of its influence. Mrs. Kreidler takes 862 PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. on active interest in charitable and philan- thropic work and is now serving as secretary of the Anna B. Millikin Home for old ladies and children, and as state superintendent of the railroad department of the Woman's Qiristian Temperance Union. She is now living with her mother, Mrs. Stare, in De- catur, and both are well known ladies, having many warm friends because of their many excellent traits of heart and mind. BYRD L: DAVIS. Byrd L. Davis, who is engaged in the livery business in Decatur, was born in Macon county, on the 28th of June, 1869. His pa- ternal grandfather, Joseph Davis, was a native of Kentucky and his family were originally from Virginia. lie was one of the pioneers of this state and one of the founders of Ma- con county, becoming identified with business here at a very early day and aiding in the work of reclaiming the district for the pur- pose of civilization. He became well known as a leading trader and he drove mules from Macon county to Chicago, trading them for wagons which he brought back and sold. His son, H. W. Davis, the father of our subject, was born in Macon county, here spent his youth and afterward became a farmer, stock- raiser and nurseryman, carrying on these pur- suits until his removal to Decatur in 1879. In this city he established a livery business, which he conducted with success until his death, which occurred in 1896, when sixty- two years of age. His widow yet makes her home in Decatur. H. W. Davis belonged to a famih- of nine children, but only one of the number is now living, Mrs. Lydia Kizer, the wife of John Kizer, of Decatur. One of the brothers, John Davis, removed to Kansas in 1875 and was elected to congress there, becoming one of the leading and eminent citi- zens of that state, lie died there in the year 1900. H. W. Davis was united in marriage to Miss Sairiantha Stickle, a daughter of John Stickle, who was a native of Pennsylvania, and became one of the early settlers of Illi- nois. In political affiliation H. W. Davis was a Republican and took an active part in sup- port of the organization and served as super- visor of his township. ]:'\rd L. Davis pursued his education in the public schools of Macon county during his early boyhood and when a young boy of ten years came with his parents to Decatur. He was a student in the high school here and he entered upon his life work as a farmer in Champaign county. He afterward returned to Decatur where he has since been engaged in the livery business, being first located at No. 564 North Water street. He afterward sold his stable there and opened another at No. 140 East Cerro Gordo street and in 1896 he took charge of his father's livery barn at 564 North Water street. In April, 1899. he removed to his present location at No. 140 South Main street and here he is conducting tlic leading livery of Decatur. Besides this barn Mr. Davis has two other barns in De- catur and has in his employ an average of thirty-five men. In July, 1903, he purchased the undertaking establishment of Peter Perl & Son, which is now being conducted under style of Hawkins, Davis & Company. Mr. Davis has rice lands in Texas and mining properties in Gilpin county, Colorado. He has a splendidly equipped establishment, all of his carriages being rubber tire and he also has a number of automobiles. He not only rents these and the carriages in the establish- ment, but also does a transfer business. In 1895 Mr. Davis was united in marriage to Miss Bertha Smart, a daughter of James Smart, of Shelbyvillc, Illinois. The children of this marriage are Ethel Ann. Fleta May, Josephine and Ilene. Mrs. Davis is a member of the Baptist church. Fraternally our sub- ject is connected with the Modern Woodmen of America. In politics he is inde])en(U'nt. voting for the man whom he believes best qualified for office regardless of party lines. PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 86J DAVID S. SHELLABARGER. The viewpoint of the world concerning husi- Tiess has materially changed in the past century. At one time the man of promi- nence would have nothing to do with trade relations and derived his income from his landed estates. Today the most distinguished men of all nations are they who have con- trolled the veins and arteries of traffic and each community points with pride to its in- dustrial and commercial leaders, realizing that to them is largely due the prosperity and de- velopment of every locality. For forty-five years Decatur has numbered David S. Shella- barger among its prominent and progressive citizens. He may well be termed one of the founders of the city, for he has been the pro- moter of one of its leading enterprises. His connection with any undertaking insures a prosperous outcome of the same, for it is in his nature to carry forward to successful com- pletion whatever he is associated with. He has earned for himself a reputation as a care- ful man of Inisiness and in his dealings is known for his prompt and honorable methods. A native of Cumberland county, Pennsyl- vania, Mr. Shellabarger was born July n, 1837, in a locality which had been the home of his ancestors through several generations, and in his own life record he has followed the industrial trend of the family. ' His parents, David and Catherine (Byerly) Shellabarger, were also natives of Cumberland county and in their family of ten children, David S. was the fifth in order of birth. The family home was on the bank of the Canadaquinette creek, about eight miles above Carlisle, the principal town of the Cumberland valley, a region noted for its beauty and fertility. There on the home farm David S. Shellabarger spent the days of his boyhood and youth, assisting in the labor of field and meadow, while in the district schools he mastered the branches of English learning usually taught in such in- stitution. Reading, experience and observa- tion, however, have largelv broadened his knowledge since he left the schoolroom and he is today a man of broad and practical gen- eral information. He worked upon the home farm until his nineteenth year, when he re- solved to seek business opportunities in the west, and in the spring of 1856 he located in Decatur, where he soon became connected with the lumber trade. After two years, how- ever, he abandoned the lumber business in order to devote his energies to milling, pur- chasing a third interest in a small mill, which stood on the present site of the Decatur Mill- ing Company's mill and which was afterward destroyed by fire. Although he had no prac- tical experience in his new work he came of a family of millers and he possessed consider- able mechanical ingenuity. His grandfather owned a mill adjoining the farm upon which David Shellabarger was reared and other members of the family had followed the same pursuit. For five 3'ears after becoming con- nected with milling, business was carried on under the name 'of Henkle, Shellabarger & Company and in 1863 our subject disposed of his interest in that enterprise and became half owner of a mill, of which he afterward became sole proprietor, his partners being I. Shellabarger and B. Dillehunt, the firm style of I. Shellabarger & Company being assumed. In 1869 the firm of D. S. Shellabarger & Company was formed and under the enter- prising and liberal management instituted by our subject and his business associates, their enterprise grew to large proportions. Sev- eral times the original " plant was enlarged, and in 1879 3 new mill was built, while the old mill was also retained as a feature of the business. The milling interests of our sub- ject became one of the leading enterprises of Decatur and the business was the largest of the kind in central Illinois. Mr. Shella- barger also owned an interest in a mill in Topeka, Kansas, and another in Wichita, which were among the best mills in the Sun- flower state. With all the practical details of the business he made himself thoroughlv 864 PAST AND i'KESENT OF MACOX COUNTY. familiar and was thus qualified to supervise the operative department of the enterprise as well as the business features of the office. In Ma}-. 1903, he disposed of his milling in- terests to the American Hominy Company, of which he was formerly a director. In 1885 a company was incorporated as the Shellabarger Mill & Elevator Company, with a cajiital stock of one hundred and fifty thou- sand dollars, with D. S. Shellabarger as presi- dent ; W. L. Shellabarger, secretary ; F. D. Shellabarger, treasurer; and L. C. Shella- barger, superintendent. Our subject, how- ever, lias not confined his attention or limited his energies alone to one line. He was a co- operant factor in the establishment of the street car system of Decatur, which super- seded the old horse-car system, but sold his interest in the .same in July, 1903. He is the vice president of the National Bank of De- catur; in the spring of 1903 organized the Decatur Elevator Company, capitalized at fifty thousand dollars, of which he is presi- dent and which owns elevators along the lines of the Wabash and Illinois Central Rail- roads. He is also president of the Manu- facturers' & Consumers' Coal Comjiany, with mines in Decatur, capitalized at one hundred thousand dollars. He has aided materiall\- in advancing many interests of the city which have resulted to its benefit and upbuilding, outside of his individual business affairs. In January, 1862, occurred the marriage of Mr. Shellabarger and Miss Anna E. Krone, a native of this city, and they have eight chil- dren, four sons and four daughters : a son who died in infancy; Adelc, the wife of E. I!. Ilillman. a resident of Peoria, Illinois; William L., secretary of the Shellabarger Mill &: Elevator Company; David S. ; Charles Thatcher: Lucian C, who is superintendent of the mills ; Fred D., who is the treasurer of the company: Maria, the wife of Andrew S. Crawder, a real-estate dealer in Spokane, Wa.shington ; Grace, the wife of J. F. Allen, of Colorado Springs, Colorado; and Corinne, at home, the latter a graduate of the Mount N'ernon Seminary. I'rom the organization of the Republican l)ariy down to the present Mr. Shellabarger has been an advocate of its principles and ■ when age gave to him the right of franchise he cast his first ballot for Abraham Lincoln in i860. He believes it the duty of a true citizen to keep well informed on the issues of the day and to fill capably such positions to which his fellow townsmen shall call him, and in 1869, 1870 and 1871 and again in 1880 he served as a member of the city council of Decatur. In 1872 he was elected mayor and his administration was practical, progressive and resultant. For two terms he represented Decatur township on the board of super- visors, and for twelve years was a member and president of the school board. For many years he has been a member of the Methodist Episco[)al church, and for more than a decade was superintendent of the Sunday-school con- nected with Stapps chapel, now tjrace church, of which he was one of the founders in 1867. His life has been one of continuous activity in which has been accorded due recognition (if labor; and today he is numbered among the substantial citizens of his county. His interests are thoroughly identified with those of Decatur, and at all times he is ready to lend his aid and co-operation to any move- ment calculated to benefit this section of the coutitry or advance its develojjment. J.VSl'ER J. PEDICORD. Jasper J. Pedicord was not only a witness of the entire business development of Deca- tur but was also an active participant in its commercial growth and expansion. He came to Decatur in 1838 when the city was but a village, having no railroad communication with other parts of the country. Indeed, it was a frontier settlement, but Mr. Pedicord recognized its possibilities and, improving the PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 865 advantages here offered, made his way stead- ily upward until he occupied a prominent posi- tion on the plane of affluence. His labors, too, were of the greatest benefit in the develop- ment and progress of the town for he was identified with many measures for the gen- eral good and his efiforts were always result- ant factors in improvement. Mr. Pedicord was born in Rockville, Mont- gomery county, Maryland, on the 8th of No- vember. 1815, and was in his eighty-fourth year when called from this life. He repre- sented one of the old families of his native state. His parents, Allen B. and Catherine (Willett) Pedicord, were both natives of Maryland and were of Scotch lineage. The father was a farmer by occupation, thus pro- viding for the support of his family. He sur- vived his wife for many years, passing away in 1868 at the advanced age of sevent\-eight years. Three children survived him at that time : Rebecca. Marian and Jasper, but all have now passed away. Jasper Pedicord spent the first fifteen years of his life in the county of his nativity and his early education was obtained in a country school such as was common at that time, while later he continued his studies in the Rockville Academy. When a youth of fifteen he entered upon his business career and from that time forward made his own way in the world, earning all that he afterward possessed and enjoyed. His first employment was as a clerk in a store in Washington, D. C, and he remained in that city for five years, going thence to Vicksburg, Mississippi, where he again found employment in rnercantile lines. He had occupied the latter position for two years when in 1838 he sought a home in Illi- nois, locating in the city of Decatur, where he remained continuously up to the time of his death, more ■ than sixty-one years later. Not afraid to cope with the difificulties of the task incident to the establishment of business enterprises upon the frontier he put forth his best efforts to win sticcess for himself and also to promote public progress and pros- perity. His first step after reaching Decatur was to become a landholder for he entered one hundred and sixty acres northwest of the city. Not long after this he became a factor in commercial life by the establish- ment .of a general mercantile store in part- nership with Henry Prather. The business conditions of this part of the country at that time may be imagined b_\- the fact that New Orleans was the market for the produce raised in this locality and Mr. Pedicord made fre- quent trips down the river in flat boats, carry- ing pork, flour and corn to the Crescent City to exchange for cash or other commodities. It recjuired nearly three months to make the round trip. A little mercantile store of the firm of Pedicord & Prather was opened in a log cabin which stood on the northwest corner of the old square, but Mr. Pedicord kept apace with the growth of the city and development of its interests and its progress, his place of business ever being in accord with its sur- roundings. In 1849 when his partner wished to go to California Mr. Pedicord purchased his interest in the business and afterward en- tered into partnership relations with Hosea J. Armstrong. He, too, after two years went to California and Mr. Pedicord was once more alone in business. In 1853 he joined Lowber Burrows in business and this relation was maintained up to the death of our subject. They established a bank under the firm style of Pedicord, Burrows & Company and the in- stitution at once took rank with the leading financial concerns of this part of the county. They earned on a general banking and ex- change business and their patronage grew continuously because of the excellent business policy which they inaugurated and the straightforward methods they had ever fol- lowed in dealing with the general public. The co-operation of Mr. Pedicord was also given to many other business enterprises. He be- came largely interested in the Decatur Furni- ture Company and was elected its president. 866 PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. He was also a director in the Decatur Gas Light & Coke Company and in the Decatur Agricultural Works. His business judgment was sound and reliable and his energy and keen foresight proved important factors in the successful control of many interests here. On the 30th of July, 1842, Mr. Pedicord was united in marriage to Mrs. Adamson, the widow of John A. Adamson and a daughter of Jacob and Isabella (Watson) Oglesby. Her mother was a sister of Governor Oglesby. Five children were born unto Mr. and Mrs. Pedicord : Woodford W., Isabelle, Emaline W., Richard O. and \alctte O., and the fam- ily circle remained unbroken until the death of the husband and father. In his social relations Mr. Pedicord was a Mason, belonging to Macon Lodge, No. 8, A. F. & A. M. He became one of the char- ter members of Macon Chapter, No. 21, R. A. M., and his life was in consistent harmony with the teachings and tenets of the craft. During the early years of his residence in Decatur he became a charter member of Stapps Chapel, an organization of the Meth- odist denomination, and later he was for many years a member of the Grace Methodist Episcopal church, in which he long served as a trustee. This church was organized in one of the big rooms of the bank conducted by the firm of Pedicord, Burrows & Company. To church work he contributed generouslv and his personal efforts were always felt for good in the development of the church and its work. In his early manhood he was an advocate of the Democratic principles put forth by An- drew Jackson and he continued to vote with the party until the inauguration of the Civil war. Being a stanch adherent of the Union cause and an opponent of slavery he joined the ranks of the party formed to prevent the' further extension of slavery into the north and was allied therewith up to the time of his demise. Political honors and emoluments were never sought bv him. but his fellow citizens recognized his fitness for office and his fidelity in public affairs and elected him to a number of positions of public trust and responsibility. Twice he served as mayor of the city and his administration of municipal affairs was most creditable and satisfactory to the public, winning him high encomiums. He never ceased to take an active interest in political affairs and his commodious home at Xo. 226 North Franklin street was long the headquarters for visiting statesmen from Illinois and other sections of the country. In manner he was most genial and cordial and he had a keen sense of- humor, appre- ciating a joke on himself as well as upon some one else. Truly he may be called one of the builders of Decatur for he came to this city when it was but a cluster of log cabins and no business man here contributed more liberally toward enterprises tending to im- prove and develop the city than did Jasper Pedicord. He died on the 27th of July, 1899, and yet the force of his character is still felt in commercial circles and will be a factor here as long as the institutions which he established are representatives of the business life of this city. Every interest for the social, intellectual and moral welfare of Decatur also elicited his attention and hearty co-operation. He was a man of broad mind, generous heart, kindl\- and sympathetic and his friends were lesrion. WILLIAM H. STARR. In 1856, Joseph G. Starr removed with his family from Pennsylvania to Decatur, Illinois, and started a harn(;ss shop on the southwest corner of the Old Square, now known as Lincoln Square. In 1869 he admitted his son, William H. Starr, to partnership. After hav- ing spent a life of industry and usefulness, he died, leaving a widow and three sons, William H., Joseph S. and Harry C. Upon the death of the father, the manage- ment of the business passed to William H. PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 867 Starr, who extended its field. In order to more properly care for increasing business and to retain the prestige of the name of J. G. Starr & Son, the firm was incorporated in 1891 under the name of J. G. Starr & Son Harness Company, since which time its busi- ness has grown with vigor and expanded until its field is now virtually limited only by the confines of the United States. J. G. Starr was a man who practiced the principles of integrity and truth. William H. Starr has followed his precepts and has great- ly increased the business heritage from his father. He has consistently manufactured harness on the principle of honesty and has truthfully represented them to be just what they are. On these principles he has created and developed a mail order harness business, whose patrons are dealers in every state, from New England to the Rocky Mountains. The retail business is still conducted by Mr. Starr in the same location where it was established by his father forty-seven years ago. In addi- tion to his large trade interests, Mr. Starr is at present vice president of the Citizens Na- tional Bank. William H. Starr is a man of public spirit and has been identified w-ith various industries which have done much to promote the ma- terial interests of Decatur and Macon county. He has also taken an active interest in the moral and social welfare of the community and has done much which contributed to bet- ter civil government in city and county af- fairs. While he is a man of positive char- acter, he is withal afifable and accessible. He is true to his friends and bears in his daily life an exemplification of the truly good citi- zen. DOUGLAS D. HILL. Douglas D. Hill is prominently known in both legal and political circles. It is a no- table fact in the world's history that the law- yer has been more prominent in public affairs than the representatives of any other class of business. The reason for this is evident and needs no explanation for the qualities which fit him for the practice of law also prepare him for duties which lie outside the strict path of his profession. The readiness of resource and keen analytical powers which are essen- tial elements of the successful legal practiT tioner also go far toward accomplishing a given purpose in other walks of life. Douglas D. Hill, now successfully practic- ing in Decatur, is a son of John W. and Frances J. (Barlow) Hill, both of whom were natives of Crawford county, Illinois. The Hill family was established in this state in early pioneer days. In fact, this was a great unbroken territory when John Hill pen- etrated into the state, arriving in the year 1799. He was the great-grandfather of the subject of this review. William Hill, the grandfather, became a resident of Crawford county, Illinois, in 1801. He married Miss Eve Biggs and amid the scenes of frontier life they reared their family, while in the work of public progress and improvement they took an active and helpful part. John W. Hill was reared to manhood in the old homestead and assisted in the arduous task of .developing new land. After arriving at years of maturity he wedded Miss Frances J. Barlow, a daughter of Jesse Barlow, who was also a native of Crawford county, his birth having there occurred on the ist of February, 1792. He became a physician as well as pio- neer farmer and lived a life of great useful- ness in that early community, his efforts prov- ing of much benefit to his fellow men in the alleviation of human suffering. He married Miss Jane Marshall, a daughter of Henry and Jane Marshall. The former was a relative of Chief Justice John Marshall, who was so long at the head of the entire judiciary of the United States and whose ancestors were among the first settlers of Virginia. The father of our subject is still living, but the mother passed away in 1897. 868 PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. Douglas D. Hill was reared in the usual manner of farmer boys. He worked in the fields from the time of early spring planting until after crops were harvested in the late autumn. He then found opportunity to at- tend the district school through the cold months of the winter season when his aid was not needed upon the home farm. In his nine- teenth year he began teaching and followed that profession for two years. He then went to Valparaiso, Indiana, where he attended the Indiana Normal school for a year and later he resumed teaching which he followed, how- ever, merely as an initiative step to other pro- fessional labor. He devoted his leisure hours to the reading of law at Robinson, Illinois, and subsequently he continued his legal stud- ies under the direction of H. E. Callaher and afterward with the Hon. .A. H. Jones, who is now serving as slate food commissioner under Governor Yates. When he had largely mas- tered the principles of jurisprudence and be- came familiar w'ith everything pertaining thereto he was admitted to the bar in 1886 in Springfield, Illinois, successfully passing an examination before the supreme court. He then formed a partnership with John C. Max- well, of Robinson, Illinois, which connection was continued for six years, when Mr. Hill was elected city attorney and served for two vcars. In 1892 he came to Decatur and has since practiced in all of the courts here. He has gained a large and distinctively represent- ative clientage and his capabilities are widely acknowledged by the profession as well as by the public. He prepares his cases with great thoroughness and skill and in the presenta- tion of a case leaves no doubt as to the cor- rectness of the position. He has won many verdicts favorable to his clients and well merits the large amount of business which is annually given him. On Christmas day in 1889 Mr. Hill was happily married to Miss Delia Kurtz, of Rob- inson. Illinois, a daughter of A. E. and Mar- garet (Sponsler) Kurtz. Mrs. Hill was born in Crawford county and by her marriage has become the mother of two children : June Marie and Lyle Kurtz. In his political views Mr. Hill is a Democrat and in 1898 he w-as a candidate on that ticket for the position of county judge against William C. Hammer. He takes great interest in local, county and state politics and exercises considerable influence in political circles. He makes a close study of the questions and issues of the day and his labors in behalf of Democracy have not been without beneficial result. In matters of citizen.ship he is public spirited and progres- sive, co-operating along many lines pertaining to the general progress and improvement. WILLT.K^t C. ARMSTRONG. In viewing the mass of mankind in the varied occupations of life, the conclusion is forced upon the observer that in the vast ma- jority of cases men have sought employment not in the line of their peculiar fitness but in those fields where caprice or circumstances have placed them, and thus have come the large number of failures among those who enter commercial and professional circles. Nature certainly intended that Mr. Armstrong should enter a field of commercial activity for he has displayed marked aptitude in his work in this direction, being able to plan and to perform and determined in the execution of ideas concerning his own business interests. He is now the general manager of the Decatur Coal Company and the success of this enter- prise may be attributable in large measure to his labors. Mr. Armstrong came to Illinois from Ten- nessee. He was born near Knoxville, on the 17th of July, 1845, his parents being Wil- liam and Hettie (King) Armstrong, the for- mer a native of Virginia, and the latter of Tennessee. .After their marriage they settled near what w-as then the village of Knox- ville and the lather became connected with PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 869 merchandising and also with farming. In the city of his birth the son spent his boyhood days and acquired his early education. When quite young he came to Greene county, lUi- nois, and for a time continued his studies in the schools of Carrollton. He marominent Mason, having become a member of the order in 185O and at the time of his death he held membership in Macon Lodge, No. 8, A. F. & .\. M. and also in Macon Chapter and Beaumanoir Com- mandery. He likewise belonged to the Odd Fellows" lodge in this city. He was member of the first school board of Decatur and was ever active in educational work, putting forth every effort in his power to advance the standard of the schools and render the course of instruction more effective as a preparation for life's practical and responsible duties. Af- ter his retirement from office he enjoyed a well earned rest up to the time of his death, which occurred May 20, 1903. His remains were interred with the ceremonies of the Ma- sonic fraternity and deep and sincere sorrow was manifested throughout the city, for Judge Hanuner was held in the highest regard by all who knew him. His official service was characteriziHl 1)\ unfalttring fidelity and thus he received the commendation of the opposi- tion party as well as tlie supporters of the Republican part\. llis honorable life record gained him high encomiums and he left the im])ress of his individuality for good upon Decatur and Macon countv. CHARLES C. .RANDOLPH. Charles C. Randolph is one of the large landowners of Macon county and is the senior nieml)er of the firm of C. C. & N. W. Ran- dolph, dealers in city and farm property in Decatur. They also loan money and handle large amounts of land in Missouri, Arkansas, Oklahoma and Texas. Throughout his entire life Charles C. Ivan- dolph has been a resident of Illinois and has always been imbued witli the progressive spirit which has been the dominant factor in the up- buikling and development of this state. His birth occurred in Logan county near Lincoln, the family home being on a farm in that lo- cality. His father, John Randolph, was a na- tive of \'irginia and came to Illinois in pio- neer times, settling in this state in 1829. Here be became an extensive landowner, entering PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 873 thousands of acres from the government, a part of which he improved. He was an intel- hgent and progressive agriculturist, following advanced methods of farming and as a worthy pioneer he well deserves mention in the an- nals of the state because of the helpful part which he took in reclaiming the district for the purposes of civilization. He had a wide acquaintance and was a man universally re- spected for his man_\- excellent traits of char- acter. His business integrity stood as one of the strongest elements in his career and made him well worthy of the trust imposed in him. His death occurred in Logan county about 1900, but his widow is living on the home- stead there. She bore the maiden name of Margaret Wallace and was a native of Ken- tucky. By her marriage she had several chil- dren, including DeWitt, Charles C. and Mar- tin W. As a farm boy Charles C. Randolph was reared. He obtained a good common-school education and assisted in the cultivation of the fields on the old home place until he at- tained his majority, when he began farming and stock-dealing on his own account. He made a specialty of the raising of hogs and cattle and annually his sales brought to him a very desirable financial return. As his cap- ital increased he made judicious investments from time to time and is now the possessor of a very extensive and valuable farm, ag- gregating twelve himdred acres of rich land under a high state of cultivation. Most of this is also underlaid with a good vein of coal and part of the land is situated in Logan county and the remainder in Macon county. Mr. Randolph continued to reside upon his farm until 1896, when he took up his abode in Decatur, where he opened an ofifiice and began dealing in real estate and also in loan- ing money. He handles not only city and farm property in this locality, but also deals in southern and western lands. He has thor- oughly informed himself concerning realty values here and is thus enabled to make judicious investments and profitable sales. In 1902 he associated himself with his brother N. W. under the firm name of C. C. & N. W. Randolph. He rents his farm lands in Logan and Macon counties so that he has opportunity to devote much time to his real estate opera- tions both here and in the south. In August, 1897, Mr. Randolph was joined in wedlock to Miss Sophia Hutchinson, of this county, a daughter of Jesse Hutchinson. Mr. Randolph is a man to whom the most en- vious cannot grudge his success, so well has he earned it. He is kind in manner and ap- proachable and every comer has a claim upon his courteous attention. There has been noth- ing sensational in his career, every step has been thoughtfully and deliberately made and every advance has been at the cost of earnest labor. He stands to-day in his mature years a strong man — strong in the consciousness of a well spent life, strong to plan and perform, strong in his honor and his good name and a worthy example for young men to pattern after. A. J. STONER, M. D. In the death of the honored subject of this memoir not only Decatur but the Prairie state as well lost one of her best and most valued citizens — a man sincere, upright, just and conscientious in word and deed. His life was a busy and useful one and extensive pro- fessional pursuits claimed his attention, yet his career was not that of one intent on money-making or of self-aggrandizement, but was ever dominated by the noble desire to aid and uplift his fellow men and to pro- mote the welfare of city, state and nation. A complete record of what he accomplished for the city, of the good deeds he performed and of the kindly sympathy which he invari- ably extended to others could not be compiled, for he was modest and unostentatious in all his acts, guided not by the hope of recogni- 874 PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. tioii aiul praise, but by an honorable purpose and noble duty. Dr. Stoncr was born on the 2d of August, 1824, in Cincinnati, Ohio, and when but a boy came to Illinois. Here he lived in the family of Dr. Sutphan, of Perry, who was one of the pioneer physicians of the state and it was while surrounded with the influences of that home that Dr. Stoner became deeply interested in the science of medicine. Form- ing a determination to make its practice his life work while yet a youth he studied in the office and midcr the direction of his friend and benefactor. Dr. Sutphan. Subsequently he entered the Jeflferson Medical College of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in which he was graduated and then became a student in the College of Medicine in St. Louis, Missouri, in which he also completed the course. Dr. Stoner entered upon his professional career in Chambersburg, Illinois, where he opened an office and soon gained some patrons. Afterward, however, he removed to Mount Sterling, Illinois, where he remained until the close of the Civil war, when he severed his business relations there and re- moved to Decatur, his remaining days being passed in this city. In 1866 he established a drug store at the corner of South Park and State streets. It was long one of the old land marks in the business district of Deca- tur and a liberal jjatronage was continually accorded to its [jriqiriotor who was widely and prominently known in business circles. His methods commended him to the public confidence and he won favor by reason of his genial nature and obliging disposition. For a number of years the management of the drug business was intrusted to the late Cap- tain W. J. Brown. For many years Dr. Stoner continued in the active practice of his chosen calling and kept in touch with the advancement made in the science of medicine. He studied long and carried his researches far and wide into the fields of medical knowl- edge so that his efforts were most effective and helpful in the alleviation of human suf- fering. In many a household he was known as the loved family physician and after he re- tired from the more active practice of his calling he was accorded a large office and consultation practice. At one time his patron- age extended through central Illinois and it is jirobable that no physician in Decatur was ever more widely known. The weather was never too inclement for him to respond to the call of the sick and suffering and he often- times took long rides to visit patients when lie knew that no pecuniary reward could be expected. He continued as owner of the drug store until about five years prior to his death, when he retired and was succeeded by his son, Dr. Fred Stoner. The Doctor was a man of strong, forceful spirit, of great benevolence and of kindliness. He contributed to various enterprises of a charitable character and yet he never sought the praise of his fellow men or their recogni- tion. He gave freely and without display. In both his professional and business career he was very successful and the poor and tieedy shared generously with him of his means. Fle was a man of imtiring energy and zeal and his long life which ended No- vember 13, 1901, was without a blemish, for his character was always honorable and up- right, and thus his memory is cherished by all who k'lKw him. Dr. Fred Stoner, a son of Dr. A. J. Stoner, was educated in the public schools of De- catur. He afterward became manager of the drug store, which was conducted under the firm style of .\. J. Stoner & Son from 1887 until 1890. His professional knowledge was gained as a student in Rush Medical College of Chicago and in the University of Nash- ville, Tennessee, spending the years between 1890 and 1896 as a student in these institu- tions. He then practiced medicine in Deca- tur and also managed the drug store until PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 875 selling his interest to the present firm of A. J. Stoner & Son in 1899. He is now practic- ing mcdicme in this city and vicinity. FRANK A. CRABB. The business career is one which illustrates the power of industry and perseverance in the active affairs of life. Every step that he has made has been premeditated and then sanc- tioned by mature judgment : it has contrib- uted its share to the sum of prosperity which has attended his efforts as a coal dealer. Mr. Crabb was born in Springfield. Illi- nois, on the 22d of January, 1869, and comes of Scotch-Irish ancestry. His ancestors were among the earliest settlers of the city of Springfield. His great-grandfather, Elijah Isle, was one of the pioneers of the capital city, living there when it was but a mere ham- let and taking an active part in its develop- ment and progress. He gave the land upon which the Wabash Railroad shops were built and also gave the right of way to the Chi- cago & Alton Railroad. He was thus closely connected with the industrial development of the city. Janius D. Crabb, the father of our subject, was a native of Ohio and came thence to Illinois, establishing his home in Litch- field when seventeen years of age. About the time of the close of the Civil war he began operating coal mines and for many years was connected with the Litchfield Mining Com- pany, doing an important work in the devel- opment of the coal resources of the state. He was united in marriage to Miss Sallie Loose, also a native of Ohio and a daughter of Jacob Loose, one of the oldest residents of Spring- field, who in an early day was the owner of the land upon which the governor's mansion now stands. Frank A. Crabb, whose name introduces this record, obtained his early education in the ward schools of St. Louis and afterward attended the high school in which he was graduated with the class of 1890. Later he pursued a three years' course in Smith's Academy and then entered upon his business career in the employ of the Staunton Coal Company at Staunton, IlHnois, being assigned to duty in the boiler-room, where he remained for three years dating from 1897. He ec|uipped the electric elevator plant for use and afterward passed an examination where- by he won a certificate as a hoisting engineer. He then had charge of the Stone Coal Com- pany at St. Louis as its superintendent, acting in that capacity until the plant was sold. His father then removed to Litchfield, Illinois, while the son came to Decatur, arriving in this city on the 13th of February, 1901. He then purchased the business of the Nives & Koons Coal Company, which he has since con- ducted on his own account. He does a large retail business in the sale of anthracite and cannel coal, Indiana block coke and also bi- tuminous coal. He is agent for the Spring- field Coal Company and also the Litchfield Power Com.pany and through his business connections has become an important factor in the development of the coal resources of the state, his work being of an important character that contributes not alone to his prosperity, but also to the advancement of business activity in this section of t'he state. Mr. Crabb is also the owner of the Glen Echo Stock farm, which is situated one mile north of Decatur and is devoted to the breed- ing and raising of fine horses. In 1900 Mr. Crabb was united in marriage to Miss Blanche Davis, a daughter of David and Blanche (Keating) Davis. They now have one daughter, Sallie Margaret. Mr. Crabb is quite prominent socially and belongs to the Benevolent. Protective Order of Elks, to W. C. Roe Camp. No. 7201, M. W. A., and to the Decatur and Country Clubs. In his political views he is a Republican. A young man of unusual business ability, of progressive ideas and unfaltering energy, he has gained for himself a prominent place in the business S76 PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. world and has also through his genial man- ner and unfailing courtesy become a popular citizen of Decatur and one who has gained nianv friends. HENRY L. ARCHER. Since 1862 Henry L.' Archer has been a resident of Decatur and for over a third of a century he was identified witli the business interests of the city, but is now living a re- tired life in his pleasant home at" 1021 East Cantrell street. He was bom in Oldham county, Kentucky, on the 20th of February, 1845, ^ son of Thomas L. and Amelia Archer, both of whom were natives of the Blue Grass state, where they continued to reside until their removal to Decatur in 1862. Owing to ill health the father Uved retired during his stay here and after going to Moultrie county, Illinois, in 1870. He died in that county while his wife passed away in Chicago. They were the parents of four children who are still liv- ing, namely: Henn,- L. ; Isaac, who is em- ployed in the Union Iron Works of Decatur; Samuel, a farmer of Edgar county, Illinois; and Mrs. C. F. Re>-nolds. who is living in Chicago. Henrv L. Archer pursued ins education in the public schools of his native state. In 1856, at the age of eleven years, he first came to Illinois, and settled in ^Moultrie count>-. where he worked at odd jobs for two years. At the end of that time he returned to Kentucky and made his home with his parents until the removal of the family to Decatur in 1862. Here his father and brother-in-law purchased a saloon, which our subject assisted in carry- ing on until about the close of the Civil war, when he enlisted on the 17th of February. 1865. as orderly sergeant in Company I. One Hundred and Fiftieth Illinois \olunteer In- fantr>-, under Captain Walter Barnes and Colonel Keener. The company was in no engagements as the fighting was all ahead of them. Thev went first to Louisville, Ken- tucky, then on to Nashville, Tennessee, Sa- vannah and Atlanta, Georgia. At the last named place Mr. .\rcher was discharged on the 16th of January, i866. Returning to Decatur he purchased a dray line and en- gaged in the dray and transfer business for several years «r until 1896. During that year he purchased the Brunswick Hotel saloon, which he conducted for eighteen months and then sold out in 1898 on account of ill health and has since lived retired, having in the meantime accumulated sufficient capital to enable him to lay aside all business cares and spend the remainder of his life in ease and quiet. On the 30th of January, 1S70. Mr. Archer married Miss Aurella Chilcote, of this county. Her father, Robert Chilcote, was an early settler of Macon county, and is now living retired in Decatur. Air. and Mrs. Ardier have one child, Bonnie Hazel. The wife and mother is a member of the Qirisiian church of Decatur and is a most estimable lady. Fraternally Mr. Archer is connected with the Grand Army Post of Decatur, and politically is identified with the Republican party. He has never cared for official honors but has always taken a deep interest in public af- fairs and is as true to his duties of citizenship in days of peace as in time of war. He is widely and favorably known and in the city where he has made his home for over forty years he has a host of warm friends who es- teem him highly. ECKH.\RDT C. STEIN. Eckhardt C. Stein, the president and man- ager of the Decatur Model Laundr>- Com- pany, was bom in \\"aterloo, Waterloo coun- ty, Ontario, October 4, 1858. and is a son of Henn." and Christine (Wegfahrt) Stein, who were natives of Germany. The father was a bricklayer by trade and he and his wife are now residing in Berlin, Ontario. PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 877 Henry Stein left the fatherland when a young man, although his parents remained in Ger- man^■. Crossing the Atlantic to the new world he took up his abode in Canada, where he has since remained. Unto him and his wife have been born five children, of whom Eckhardt C. is the eldest. The others are Christian, William, Martha, and Annie, de- ceased. In taking up the personal history of Eck- hardt C. Stein we present to our readers the life record of one who is well known in De- catur, because of his activity and honorable business interests here. Having acquired his education in the public schools of his native country he started out in life on his own ac- count when twenty-one years of age, first being employed as a painter by the firm of Hoffman & Company, furniture dealers and manufacturers of Berlin, Ontario. He con- tinued with that house for three and a half years and then entered the employ of the firm of Reiner & Stein, millers of Wellesly, Ontario, with whom he was associated for six years. The junior partner in this enter- prise was Eckhardt Stein, an uncle of our subject. On severing his connection with that house Mr. Stein of this review was em- ployed by the Commercial Milling Company of Detroit, Michigan, for a year, after which he returned to tlie employ of Reiner & Stein, with whom he continued for a number of years longer. Desiring to try his fortune in the northwest, however, he removed to Spo- kane Falls, \^^ashington, and spent one year in the Echo Jilills of that place. In 1889 he came to Illimiis, locating in Decatur, where he has since made his home. Here he was first employed in the Decatur Furniture Fac- tory, for one }ear, and then became asso- ciated with W. Lewis in the feed business under the firm name of Lewis & Stein. This relationship was maintained for one year, when together with P. M. Brookshier he purchased the Decatur Steam Laundry. That partnership was maintained for a few months. after which ]\Ir. Brookshier sold his interest to Harry E. Ehrman, who was Mr. Stein's partner for a time, but the latter sold out to Mr. Ehrman. He afterward continued as manager of the plant for a while. He then bought a laundry with John H. Rainey as an associate partner and conducted this busi^ ness for three and a half years. F. H. Whit- mer, who about this time purchased the De- catur Steam Laundry, entered into business relations with Mr. Stein and Rainey and the two plants were consolidated under the name of the Decatur Model Laundry Company in 1898. The company was composed of. Mr. Stein, F. H. Whitmer and John H. Rainey, the subject of this review being the president and manager, which positions he has ever most acceptably filled since 1899. His present partners in the enterprise are Lulu Whitmer, who IS the vice president of the company, while Frank H. \M:itmer is the secretary and treasurer. In 1887 Mr. Stein was united in marriage to I\Iiss Magdelena Fretus, who resided near Argenta in this county. They have four children : Martin, Emelie, Bertha and Lauda. Canada has furnished to the United States many bright, enterprising young men who have left that country to enter the busi- ness circles of the Republic with its more progressive methods, livelier competition and advancement more quickly secured. Among this number is Mr. Stein. He sought wider fields in which to give full scope to his am- bition and his activity — his dominant qual- ities. He found the opportunities he sought in the freedom and appreciation of the grow- ing middle portion of the United States. Though born across the border he is thor- oughly American in thought and feeling and is patriotic and sincere in his love for the stars and stripes. TAMES E. OSBORNE. There is no rule for achieving success. The man who can rise from the ranks to a 878 PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. l)osition of eminence is he who can see and utilize the opportunitie* that surround his ]);ith. The essential conditions of human life are ever the same, the surroundings of in- dividuals differ but slightly ; and, when one man passes another on the highwa}' to reach the goal of prosperity before others who per- haps started out before him, it is because he has the power to use advantages which proba- bly encompass the whole human race. To-da}- among the prominent men of the entire west stands James E. Osborne, and his name at once brings to mind one of the important industries of the country — the de- velopment of the oil resources. Mr. Osborne was born at Greens Fork, Wayne county, In- diana, on the 7th of September, i860, and is a son of Cyrus and Hannah A. (Mui"phy) Osborne. The paternal grandfather was Al- mire Osborne, a native of New York, while the maternal grandfather of our subject was born in (Jhio. whence he removed to Indi- ana, s])ending his last days in West Lebanon, that state. Cyrus Osborne was born in New York and became a stockdealer of Indiana, where he carried on business for a time, later removing to Decatur to make his home with his son, James E. He died January 28, 1903, at the age of seventy-three years and his widow, now surviving, is a member of the family of (uir subject. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Cyrus Osborne were born eight children, of whom James E. Osborne was the sixth in order of birth. Those now living are M. L., a resident of Indianapolis ; Mary, the wife of W. P. Kanode ; and Zora, the wife of E. I". I'annLll. The fourth surviving member of the fam- ily is Mr. Osborne, whose name introduces this record. He was reared upon the home farm and attended the public schools. In his early youth he learned telegraphy, but not finding that a congenial occupation he came to Decatur in October, 1890, and here ac- cepted a position as a clerk in the sheriff's office. He was afterward employed in a cler- ical capacity in the office of the recorder and in 1891 he entered the employ of the Pacific Express Company. He has since been agent for the company in Decatur and has assumed other responsibilities at various points for the company. ?klr. Osborne, however, has made his wealth through speculation. He began dealing in real estate and, finding that it pro\ed profitable, he laid out an addition to Decatur in which he realized five thousand dollars, this forming the nucleus of his pres- ent extensive capital. Believing that he might profit by operations in Chicago real estate he also began purchasing property there and now enjoys a good income from two or three flat buildings in that city, together with dozens of properties in Decatur. When Texas oil began attracting the attention of the public Mr. Osborne was informed by a friend that if he would come to the Lone Star state he might have the opportunity of a lifetime there. Proceeding southward he investigated the condition of the oil fields and at length purchased more than two thousand acres of land just across the Louisiana line from the iJeaumont field, on what is known as the Jennings property. He purchased a portion of this at a very low figure, but for about seven acres he paid two thousand dollars per acre. Mr. Osborne and his friends then or- ganized a company, our subject being the l)rimc mover in the establishment of what is now the Southern Oil Company, of Jennings, Louisiana. This was formed in 190 1. E. F. Rawson is president of the company with Mr. Osborne as president of the board of directors antl the business manager of the enterprise. Contracts for four wells were let, but the first proved "dry" and the second was not a success, Inil the third known as the Jennings Gusher has won fame for the South- ern Company and brought wealth to its mem- bers. Ninety thousantl barrels of oil have flowed from the Jennings well No. 3, in a test run of one day and the first output oi the company was seventy-five thousand bar- PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 879 rels per day. There are now five wells in operation, and the quality of oil produced is better than that secured from the Beaumont field. Mr. Osborne, who retains some of his original land holdings, was offered forty thou- sand dollars an acre for four acres within a short distance of the gusher. He refused to sell, however, although by proper manipula- tion he might have realized one hundred thousand dollars from a few acres of ground. He is also the originator of the Northern Oil Company in the same field. This was or- ganized in 1902 and has an output from four wells of twenty-four hundred barrels of oil per day. He also organized the Columbia Oil Company and is now one of the best known oil men, operating in Texas and Lou- isiana fields. He has, however, not confined his attention entirely to this one line, but has made judicious investments in other prop- erties. He is the president of the Star Gold Mining Company at Cripple Creek, Colorado, which was organized in 1903. Recently he has made a purchase of forty-three acres of land at Yellville, Arkansas, and has laid it out into lots, which is known as the Osborne addition to that city. He has unusual powers as a business manager of tact and discrimina- tion. The successful speculator is not he who places his money carelessly in any investment which on the face seems to promise good re- turns, but he who studies closely the situa- tions, keeps in touch with the progress and thoroughly understands the investments which he makes. Such a man is Mr. Osborne and his success therefore is richly merited and has been capably won. SAMUEL T. WEBB. Samuel T. Webb became a resident of Macon county in 1873 and continued to re- side within its borders until his life's labors were ended in death. The salient features in his career and his strong traits of char- acter were such as made him a leading and highly respected citizen of his community and it was therefore with the deepest re- gret that his many friends learned of his demise. He was a native of Fairfield coun- ty, Ohio, born on the 27th of July, 1834, his parents being Garrett and Verlinda (Bright) Webb, both of whom were natives of Ohio. His father engaged in farming in Fairfield county during the greater part of his life and both he and his wife passed away there. Samuel T. Webb was the only one of the family that ever came to Macon county. He pursued his education in the common sctiools of his native county and was reared on the old family homestead, early gaining accurate knowledge of farming methods and of agricultural life in all of its departments. He was married in Fairfield county, Ohio, to Miss Harriet Wilson, whose birth oc- curred in Fairfield county on the i6th of March, 1837, and who was a daughter of David and Elizabeth (Bobst) Wilson, the former a native of Virginia and the latter of Philadelphia. Removing to Fairfield county, C)hio, her father was there engaged in farmmg until the outbreak of the Civil war, when he removed to Morgan county, Missouri, there making his home for a few years. He afterward lived with his chil- dren until he was called to his final rest. Throughout his active business career his attention was devoted to agricultural pur- suits. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Webb was blessed with a family of ten children, of whom six are now living. Clinton and Creighton were twins and the former now resides in the village of Macon, Illinois, where he is engaged in general merchan- dise and in the drug business, being a prom- inent and enterprising man of that town. Creighton is a salesman in the store of James W. Race, of Decatur. Francis is a traveling salesman, also residing in Decatur. Charles vet makes his home in this citv. 880 PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. Burton is employed by the firm of Linn & Scruggs of Decatur. Clara May is at home with her mother. Those who have passed away are Robert, James, Mary, Lillian and one that died in infancy. At the time of his marriage Samuel T. Webb took up his abode upon a farm in Fairfield county, Ohio, where he resided un- til 1873, when he removed to the middle west, establishing his home in ;\iacon county, Illinois. Here he leased a farm situated about two and a half miles east of the village of Macon in Macon township and at once began its improvement and cultivation. He was engaged in general farming there for several years, but when his health became impaired he removed to the village of Macon, where he resided until his death. He passed away May 30, 1889, at the age of fifty-five years, respected by all who knew him. His widow later re- moved to Decatur and purchased her pres- ent home at No. 274 West Wood street, where she and her daughter now reside. .\lr. ^\'ebb was a very successful farmer careful in all his business undertakings, sys- tematic in his work and energetic and en- terprising. iVs the years passed by he har- vested good crops and found a ready sale upon the market for his products, thus an- nually adding to his income. Both he and his wife were .Methodists in religious faith and she now holds membership in the First .\lethodist Episcopal church in Decatur. In his political views he was an earnest Re- publican, but never sought or held office, preferring to give his time and attention to his business aft'airs. In everything re- lating to the general welfare he was pro- gressive and took a deep interest in move- ments for the public good. His life was quietly passed and yet his history contains many lessons that are worthy of emula- tion for he was ever upright and honorable and lived at peace with his fellow men. ANDREW J. DUNSTON. Andrew J. Dunston was born April 9, 1852, in Cincinnati, Ohio, the third in a family of twelve children, nine of whom are now living. His father, George Dunston, was of English lineage, and was born on the 2d of Alarch, 1818, in Lincolnshire, England. He was a youth of twelve years when, in 1830, he crossed the Atlantic to the new world, land- ing in Canada. He afterward made his home in Michigan, subsequently lived in Ohio and in 1856 became a resident of Illinois. By oc- cupation he was a farmer, following that voca- tion throughout his business career. He was quite successful as an agriculturist. In 1869 he removed to Carleton, Missouri, where he sjjent his remaining days, his death there oc- curring June 7, 1889, while his wife died on the 30th of July, 1874. He wedded Mary Jane (irinies, who was of Irish extraction, and they liecame the parents of the following named: Jacob and Harriet, now deceased; Andrew J.; Emily; Frank; Horace Greelej'; Fannie ; tjcorge ; Harvey ; Laura ; Olive ; and Sarah, who has lik-ewise passed awa}-. Andrew J. Dunston of this review obtained his early education in one of the primitive log schoolhouseS of Illinois known as the old Green school, in Adams county, this state. He put aside his text books at the age of fifteen years and began earning his own living by working as a farm hand, in which capacity he was emplovLd for two \ears. At the age of nineteen he was apprenticed to the trade of horse-shoeing under Edward Cassiday, of Quincy, Illinois, servmg for a term of three years. In 1872 he came to Macon county, settling in Decatur, where he worked for others for two \ears and then in 1874 opened a slioj) of his own on North Jackson street. In 1882 he bought a lot and built a shop at No. 336 E^st I'rairie street, where he con- tinued in business until 1892, when he re- moved to 136 South Franklin street, building there his present shop. Here he has remained continuously since and he is. the only shoer Pr.^f AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 881 of, race horses in Decatur. He has followed this branch of the business since 1874 and has received a liberal patronage, doing this im- portant work in a most capable manner. On the 26th of July, 1876, in St. Louis, Mis- souri, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Dunston and Miss Martha Crowfoot, a native of South Bend, Indiana. They have two chil- dren : George W. and Frank G. The former married Helen Schroeder, a native of Decatur, and they have a daughter, Sarah Jane Dun- ston. George Dunston holds a responsible business position in connection with the Standard Oil Company. He possesses su- perior musical talent and ability, having studied, under Francis Fisher Powers and George Ellis-Holmes and was graduated with Signer Marescalchi. He is a graduate of the high school of Decatur and other institutions and is a gentleman of scholarly attainments. He is also regarded as one of the finest vo- calists in Decatur, and his musical talent ren- ders him a favorite in social circles, where he contributes much to the general enjoyment. The younger son is a partner of his father, carrying on business under the firm style of A. J. Dunston & Son. He married Miss Myrtle Hogue, August 27, 1903, of Mattoon, Illinois. Mr. Dunston of this review owns a pleasant residence at No. 304 East Wood street. In politics he is independent and has never sought or desired ofifice. His entire attention has been given to his business aiifairs and his capability in the line of his pursuit has re- sulted in bringing to him a very desirable competence. JOHN W. FLETCHER. ' , John W. Fletcher, who is engaged in the dairy business, was born in Christian county, Illinois, near the town of Mount Auburn, De- cember 2, 1847, his parents being Griffin T. and Martha (Churchill) Fletcher. His pa- ternal grandfather was lames Fletcher, a native of Kentucky, and his last days were spent in Decatur. Griffin T. Fletcher was born in Mount Sterling, Kentucky, and at an early period in the development and improve- ment of Illinois came to this state. He en- tered one hundred and sixty acres of land from the government in Qiristian county in 1831 and there improved a farm, upon which he made his home until 1855. In that year he re- moved to Sangamon county, Illinois, where he became the owner of four hundred acres of land, which he cultivated successfully until 1872. lliat year witnessed his arrival in De- catur township, Macon county, Illinois, where he spent his remaining days. While at Mount Auburn, in company with A. D. Northcutt, he purchased and sold stock, both cattle and hogs, driving them in large numbers to the St. Louis market. This was at an early day before the advent of the railroads and Abraham Lincoln assisted these gentlemen in driving their stock on three different trips. In his farming and stock-dealing operations Mr. Fletcher became very prosperous, securing a good profit as the result of his investments and labors. In his political aiifairs he was an earnest Democrat and he belonged to the Masonic fraternity. He was also a member of the Christian church in which he took a very active part. He served for some years as one of its elders and his fine voice made him a valued addition to the mu- sical circles of the church. He was united in marriage on the i6th of June, 1833, to Miss Martha Churchill, a daughter of John Churchill, who was born in Maysville, Ken- tucky, and at an early day came to Illinois, settling in Sangamon county, whence he re- moved to Macon county in 1872. Mr. Fletcher, who was born in 1810, passed away September 6, 1883, and his wife died on the 2d of January, 1896. They were the parents of the following named children : Thomas, Mary, Jane, Rhoda E., David C, James L., John W., Willis, Abel P. and Martha Joseph- ine. Thomas, Willis and Jane are now de- ceased. 882 PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. Upon the lionie farm under the parental roof John \V. Fletcher spent the days of his boy- hood. His educational privileges were some- what limited because of the primitive conditit)n of the schools of that time and because his services were needed upon the home farm. He was married in Knox county, Illinois, and then engaged in farming from 1872 until 1882. On the expiration of that period he removed to Decatur, where he turned his attention to the dairy business, and is now the oldest repre- sentative of this line of activity in the city. He started upon his business career without ca])ital, but now has a comfortable home in the midst of attractive surroundings and be takes a just pride in keeijing uj) his place in every particular. His lias been a strenuous life and his diligence and enterprise have formed the foundation of his very desirable success. On the nth of May, 1870, Mr. Fletcher was united in marriage to Miss Emma Clevenger, a daughter of David and Eliza (Taylor) Clev- enger. Her father was born in Ohio near Circleville and was a miller by trade. In 1853 he removed with his family to Bureau county, Illinois, at which time Mrs. Fletcher was about six months old. In that county he resided for eight years and then went to Knox county, this state, establishing his home in Abingdon. He died June 7, 1866, at the age of forty-nine years. His religious faith was that of the Christian church and his political belief was in accord with the principles of the Republican party. He bad good knowledge of general business and was a broad reader, gaining ex- tended information of many subjects. He mar- ried Miss Eliza Ann Taylor on the 15th of March, 1842. She was lx>rn in Pennsylvania and in her earlv girlhood days went with her parents. William and Betsey Taylor, to Ohio and afterward removed to Knox county.' Illi- nois. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Metcher were born five children: Daisy, who is the wife of E. S. Gray : Thcron W. : Estella, who died at the age of twenty-three years; drififin Taylor: and .Minnie E., the widow of Dr. J. E. Ludea, of Crowley, Louisiana. Mr. Fletcher holds membership relations with the Moilern Woodmen of .\merica and with the Masonic fraternity. He was made a Mason in 1894 and is a member of Macon Lodge, No. 8, of Decatur, while bis wife and daughter Estella belong to Chapter No. iii, Order of the Eastern Star. He belongs to the Christian church and has led a life that has reflected credit upon the church and secret societies which he represents. His business relations have been all that is honorable be- tween bis fellow men and himself and the suc- cess he has achieved is attributable entirely to his own efiforts, for without financial aid at the beginning of his career he has worked his wav upward to the plane of aBhience. W.\SHI.\(iTOX S. S.MITH. Washington S. Smith, a well known grain dealer of Mount Zion, Illinois, was born in lialh county, Kentucky, September 27, 1850, and is a son of lienjamin and Frances (Stoner) Smith, who were natives of \'irginia and Kentucky, respectively. It was in 1857 that the family came to Illinois and located in Decatur. The parents removed to Mount Zion in 1890, and there, the father died in De- cember, lyot, at the ripe old age of eighty- three years, and the mother passed away in June, 1902, at the age of seventy-nine. They had eight children, all of whom are still living, namely: Wheeden C, a resident of Decatur; Mary E.. wife of Robert X. Henderson; Mi- nerva M., wife of E. O. Humphrey, of Chi- cago; Washington S., of this sketch; Maria R., of Decatur; Nannie S., wife of O. M. Scott, of South Wheatland township, Macon cmnit}- : .\nna R., wife of H. N. Greene, of La Place. Illinois: and J. Davis, of Decatur. Washington S. Smith had but limited educa- tional advantages during bis boyhood, attend- ing the subscription schools for only a short PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COIT.J^TY. 883 time, but his training at farm work was not so meager. He remained under the parental roof until 1881, when he commenced operating a farm and was engaged in farming and stock- raising exclusively until July, 1900, when he purchased the grain business of J. A. Roney, of Hervey City, Illinois. A year later he pur- chased of George B. Spitler of Mount Zion a grain elevator and coal business and at the end of another year acquired through pur- chase the elevator and grain business of George E. Davidson at Prairie Hall, Illinois, so that he is new the owner of three good elevators in Macon county and is one of its largest grain dealers. Mr. Smith handles both corn and oats and ships his grain to Chicago, Detroit, Indianapolis, Terre Haute and many southern points. In 1881 j\Ir. Smith was united in marriage to Miss Gertrude Ulery, a daughter of Eli and Mary Ulery, and to them have been born four children, as follows : Gladys, Sidney M., Guy U. and Paul S. Socially Mr. Smith is a mem- ber of Mount Zion Lodge, No. 300, I. O. O. F., with which he has been connected since 1880, and he afifiliates with the Democratic party. In former years he took quite an active and prominent part in political afifairs ; was a member of the board of supervisors from 1885 until 1890 and chairman of that important body in 1889 and 1890. In the fall of the latter year he was elected to the general as- sembly and re-elected in 1892. On the expira- tion of his term of office he concluded to retire from active politics and give his entire time to his business interests, which he finds much more congenial to his tastes than poHtics. JAMES D. VAN GUNDY. James D. Van Gundy is a retired farmer re- siding at No. 995 West Marietta street in De- catur. He was born in Scott county, Illinois, on the 26th of September, 1855, a son of John and Sarah (Scobey) Van Gundy, who Were also natives of Scott county, where the father carried on farming until 1873, ^^ which time he removed to Macon county, purchasing a farm in Milam township. There he carried on agricultural pursuits until 1896, when he removed to Decatur and has since lived a re- tired life save that he has some financial in- . terests and is now the vice president of the Macon County Telephone Company. He is a prominent and well known citizen of Decatur and with his family resides at No. 1357 North Water street. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Van Gundy were born nine children, of whom seven are now living. At the usual age James D. Van Gundy be- gan his education as a student in the public schools of his native county and when he had mastered the branches of learning tlierein taught he put aside his text books and turned his attention to agricultural pursuits in Scott county. As a companion and helpmate for the journey of life he chose Miss Frances E. Cowle, their marriage being celebrated in Shel- by county, Illinois. The lady is a native of Madison county, this state, born on the 12th of September, 1853, ^"d is a daughter of Daniel and Rosa Anna (Fanning) Cowle, the former born on the Isle of Man, while the latter was a native of New Jersey. For a number of years they resided in Madison coun- ty, Illinois, where the father engaged in farm- ing and in 1865 they removed to Shelby coun- ty, this state, where Mr. Cowle carried on agricultural pursuits until his death. His wife also died in the same county. iXfter his marriage Mr. Van Gundy engaged in farming in Shelby county for a year and then removed to Moweaqua, Illinois, where he was engaged in the manufacture of tile for a year. He next took up his abode in Kansas^ where he carried on agricultural pursuits for one year. On the expiration of one year he returned to his native state and settled in Milam township, Macon county, purchasing a tract of land in section 13. With character- istic energy he began its cultivation and de- 884 PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. velopment and continued there to engage in general farming until 1903, when he removed to the city of Decatur in order that he might live a retired life here. He still owns, how- ever, a farm of two hundred acres of valuable land in Milam township and the rental there- from brings him a good income. He is also the owner of a nice residence at No. 995 West Marietta street, where he and his family are living. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Van Gundy have been born two children : Charles E., who is employed by the Weare Manufacturing Com- pany of Decatur; and Florence Lillian, at home. The Van Gundy family is a prominent and well known one in Macon county and the subject of this review has a wide acquaintance and the esteem of all with whom he has been brought in contact. In politics he has always been a Democrat, but has never sought or de- sired office, preferring to devote his time and energies to his business affairs, in which he has met with creditable success. RUDOLPH H. SCHROEDER. Rudolph H. Schroeder. now engaged in farming and stock-raising on section 15, lUini township, was born on the 3d of May, 1856, in Milford, Massachusetts, about twenty miles from Boston, and is a son of Rudolph Max and Mary (Hagely) Schroeder. During his boyhood he accompanied his parents on their removal to Monroe, Wisconsin, where the father conducted the first shoe shop in the place. There our subject attended school until twelve years of age, working in a pop factory at fifty cents per day during his vacations, and while in school taking care of a drayman's horses, wagon and barn, for which service he received two dollars and a half per week. After leaving school he served a three years' apprenticeship to the tinner's trade with Ja- cob Schuler and was given three dollars per week. Leaving Monroe in 1870 Mr. Schroeder came with the family to Macon county, Illinois, and his father erected the first house in the present town of Warrensburg and to him was delivered the first goods over what is now the Peoria, Decatur & Evansville Railroad, which had just been built. Ovir subject en- tered the employ of A. T. Little, who was then conducting a hardware and tin shop at the southeast corner of the park in Decatur, and was given ten dollars at the end of the first week although there was no stipulated salary. Later he worked by the piece and made as high as eighteen dollars per week. While in that employ he manufactured twenty-two thou- sand patented fire kindlers. During the panic of 1 87 1 he lost his position and returned to his father's home in Warrensburg, where he worked at anything he could find to do, re- ceiving from one dollar and a half to two dol- lars per day. For a time he assisted his father in his harness shop, and in 1873 took charge of his father's farm one mile north of War- rensburg but continued to live in town and work in the shop at night. In the spring of 1 88 1 he was made overseer of a three hundred and twenty-acre farm and boarded with Charles H. Faith, one and a quarter miles from Warrensburg, for two years. During the dull season on the farm he worked at the carpen- ter's trade for J. M. Keefer, of Warrensburg, and continued to follow that occupation until 1886. About this time he purchased five lots in the village, but during his wife's illness came very near losing his property but man- aged to save it and built thereon a nice resi- dence, now occupied by C. J. Tucker. Mr. Schroeder conducted a restaurant in Warrens- burg for a time and after his father's death had charge of the harness shop until his brother Will took possession. He then embarked in the tin manufacturing business and afterward added hardware to his stock, building the north end of the shop now occu- pied by his brother Will. He was a member of the firm of Ed White & Company, and when the firm failed he assumed a part of the debts PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY. 885 ■and carried on the business alone, lie covered with corrugated iron the elevator of William Ritchie and also the one that was burned be- longing to Victor Dewein, on the site of the present elevator of Faith & Dewein. He also put a tin roof on the last named, soldering it all at night and doing the entire job alone. Subsequently he was a member of the firm of Schroeder Brothers and since selling out busi- ness has been conducted under the name of Fred E. Schroeder. For the past five seasons our subject has lived in Illini township on the farm belonging to Francis Winslow, of Decatur, and has en- gaged in general farming, operating two hun- dred and forty-seven acres of land with the assistance of his sons. He keeps a good grade of stock, including fifteen horses and colts, a number of cows, hogs and sheep. He began the sheep industry with twenty-three ewes but now has thirty and has raised fifty- seven lambs. He sells the latter when they are about three months old. During his five years' experience he has lost only five sheep and he derives a good income from his wool. On the 26th of July, 1882, Mr. Schroeder married Miss Alpha Retta Akers, a daughter of O'Neill and Eliza Jane Akers. She was born, reared and educated in Woodsfield, Mon- roe county, Ohio, and in 1881 came to War- rensburg to live with her aunt, Mrs. Dr. Dempsey. Our subject and his wife have seven children: Manzy, born April 3, 1883; Earl, February, 1885 ; Emmett, March i, 1887; Charley, September 26, 1889; Carrie, December 26, 1893; Max, July 26, 1896; and Catherine, December 31, 1900. She was born in one century and dressed for the first time in the next. Mr. Schroeder is prominently identified with several civic societies. In 1880 he became a charter member of the Odd Fellows Lodge, No. 600, of Forsythe, and now belongs to De- catur Encampment, No. 37, I. O. O. F., De- catur Canton, No. 19, Patriarchs Militant. He is also a member of the Modern Woodmen of America, the Royal Neighbors, the Ridgley Protective Association and the Rebekahs, hav- ing been a member of the Sovereign grand lodge of the last named order for fiffteen years. Flis wife is also a member of the Royal Neighbors and Rebekahs and takes quite an active and prominent part in the work of the latter organization. She has taken the Chevalier and Uniform degrees of the Patri- arch Militant, and is now serving her eleventh year as noble grand and captain. She is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church of Warrensburg and like her husband is highly respected and esteen\ed by all who know her. Mr. Schroeder was reared a Democrat and affiliated with that party for some time, but for the past ten years has voted the Repub- lican ticket. For thirteen years he has ef- ficiently filled the office of constable and has served as bailifif under three different sheriffs.