Y. Past and... · ject of this review \vas born. In the family - were thirteen children, nine of...

$: Y. Past and... · ject of this review \vas born. In the family - were thirteen children, nine of whom were born in Tennessee. Those deceased are Mar- ... Enoch, ~ho was killed in$
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD

From his boyhood days Professor Har- ry has been identified with the Methodist Episcopal church and is now ssuperinten- dent of the Sunday-school. He was also superintendent of the First hfethodist Epis- copal Sunday-school in Danville for four years, and has been actively and earnestly identified with religious work through a long period, his influence being of marked benefit in that direction. He has been a prominent factor in musical circles in every city where he has resided, being leader of the church choirs at Covington, Indiana: Danville and Hoopeston in addition to his duties as superintendent of the Sxnday- schools. He is also instructor in vocal music in the schools o-f Hoopeston. For four years while living in Danville, he was first tenor in the Arion Male Quartet, being associated with Charles Y. Selson, second tenor; L. H. Griffith, first bass; and Will Pundt, second bass. Tliis quartet sang ih various places throt~ghout Indiana and Illinois.

Socially Professor Harry is icleiltified with the Independent Order of Odd Fel- IOIVS and he belongs to the blue lodge, chapter and conlmandery of hlasonry, serving at the present time as chaplain in the blue lodge. In his political affiliations he was long a I)ernocrat, but for the past eight* years he has given his support to the Pro- hibition party. As the years hare passed he has made judicious in~estments in real estate and to-day owns a good farm in Coles county, one in Iroquois county and two in Fulton connty, Indiana, his possessions thus aggregating six hundred and forty acres. He also has stock in the Cen- tral Tnlst Conlpany, of Chicago, and has joined a syndicate owning twenty-seven thousand acres of land in Cuba, the com-

pany having been incoroprated under the laws of the land and con~prising about fifteen members. At this point it ~vould be almost tautological to enter into any series of statements as showing the Professor to be a man of broad intelligence and genuine public spirit, for tliese have been shadowed forth between the lines of this review. Strong in his individuality, he never lacks the courage of his convictions, but there are dominating elements in his individuality, a lively human sympathy and an abid- ing charity, which, taken in connection with the sterling integrity and honor of his character, have naturally gained for him the respect and confidence of men.

J. L. SMITH.

Prominent among the old settlers or Vermilion county is J. L. Smith, who 11-as born in Georgetown July 27, 1837, and has therefore witnessed and taken part in much of the development and improvement of the community which is the outward indication of its prosperity. His parents were Joseph and Sarah (Bro\vn) Smith, both natives of Washington county, Tennessee, their marriage taking place in Jonesboro, that state. The father followed teaming and farming in that locality, and throughout his active business career was an agriculturist of prominence and influence. Later the family settled in Georgetown township, where the subject of this review \vas born. In the family -

were thirteen children, nine of whom were born in Tennessee. Those deceased are Mar- tha Jane, who died at the age of twenty; George W., who died at the age of forty- five; Jessie, who died at the age of forty- three; Enoch, ~ h o was killed in the battle of

Public Domain Book - Found at COAN.NET / VermilionCounty.INFO

michael

Text Box

1903 Past and Present of Vermilion County IL - H - p.648 -754

THE BIOGR_1PHIC,%L RECORD

Lookout hlountain, at the age of thirty; IVilliain D., 11-110 died at the age of seventy- eight; and Jol~n, who died at the age of seventy-six years. The two latter were buried on the same day. The living members of the family are: ,\bramy a resident of Dan\-ille, now living retired at the age of eighty-six ; Eliza, who is eighty-eight years of age and is the idon- on- of Iiilliam Gautz, residing in Georgetou-n ton-nship ; -Amantla. the \\idow of -indjT Reynolds, also of Georgetown ton-nship, ~ h o is eighty- tii-o years of age; Icatherine, the n-ife of clam Kyger, a resident farmer of Douglas county, Jlissouri ; Eliza- beth, the widow of a Mr. Haines, 11-110 was a farmer living near Paris, Edgar county, where the ~vidow now resides: 41. C.. a. farmer of Brocton, Edgar county, now aged seventy-eight years; and J. L. All the children received con~mon-school educations. A4r. Smith, Sr., was in politics first a IVhig and afterward a Democrat, and died beliel-- ing in the principles of that party. H e and his wife were earnest and consisteilt inem- hers of the Baptist church.

The subject of this review pursued his education in the c o n ~ ~ l ~ o n schools near the home farm. Here he grew to manhood, assisting his father in the work of field and meadon- ~rntil he \\-as twenty-one years of age, n-hen his father allowed him for his time and he began saving money on his 011-11 account. H e continued to operate his father's farm and for twenty years also ran a thresher in connection with his farm ~vork. At the age of twenty-two, in August, 1861, he was married to Mary Ann Cook, a claughter of James and Sarah (Myers) Cook, both of whom were natives of Ohio. There were seven children born of this union : -41- bert, who died at the age of one and one-

half years; Jessie, who passed away a t the age of sixteen years; Xelvin, 11-ho lives in E l ~ o o d township and folio\\-s fanning there, his wife being ,Annie Carrigan, a daughter of Henry Carrigan, of Vem~ilion county; Dora, 1~110 married Thomas Hughes, the latter no\\- renting and operating the farm of J. L. Smith; 0. T., n-ho married Cora, daughter of -Andy Tipton, and I\-ho lives in Georgetolvn township, follo~ving farming there; I\-. C., 11-ho married Grace Alderson, and iollo~vs farming in northern Indiana; Bertie E., who married John Bennett and lives tn-o miles west of Georgetou-n. These cllildren all received a good common-school education and were thus XI-ell fitted to enter upon life's practical duties.

-\bout the time of his marriage Mr. Slnith began 11-orking in the winter for a pork packing establishn~ent. In this place he had the distinction of doing the largest day's work on record. He cut up one tl~ou- sand five hundred and fifty hogs and threw one-half that number on the block. This of itself beat all former records, but in addition. after 11 P. 31. of that day he cut up five hundred frozen one-half hogs. This is a slight indication of the enera- and activity of Blr. Smith, and it is on-ing to such efforts that he is to-day the possessor of his valuable farm, comprising tu-o hundred ancl fifty-eight acres on section IS, in George- town township. Upon the farm he has made all improvements and is now renting the land and living retired, enjoying a well- merited rest from business cares.

Rlr. Smith was called upon to mourn the loss of his first wife February 10, 1877, and was again married, his second union being with Lucy Ann (Ogden) Lewis, the u-idom of Jacob Lewis. She too passed


650 THE BIOGRAPHIC-AL RECORD

away on the 20th of June, 1899. Mr. Smith has had a great deal of sickness in liis family, but by careful management and by reason of his beautiful character 11-hich enables him to patiently bear affliction, he has out- ridden the storms of adversity and has come off victor in the struggle. He has been a faithful and devoted member of the Church of Christ for forty-tn-o years, has been its elder for two years and also one of its trus- tees. Fraternally he is a member of the In- dependent Order of Odd Fello~vs, and also of the Daughters of Rebekah, of George- tom-n. In his political vien-s he is a Demo- crat, practically, but aln-ays votes for the men and measures that he thinks are right. H e has filled the office of school director, and though he does not care for office, yet he ever takes a deep interest in the political issues and questions of the day. A man of sterling qualities and upright life, Mr. Smith is an honored pioneer son of Vermil- ion county.

A L - -

'IVL4TTS FIKLEY.

IVatts Finley, of Hoopestoil, was born near I.a\vrenceburg, in Ripley county, Indi- ana, on the 4th of November, 1833. His father, David FinIey, mas a native of Ken- tucky and wedded Nancy AIiller, who \vas born in Pennsylvania. They lived for some years along the bottoms of the Miami river, and in 1834 came to Vermilion county, locating near the present site of Catlin. They were among the pioneer settlers and bore all of the hardships and trials incident to pioneer life and assisted in laying the foundation for the present prosperity and upbuilding of this section of the state. The fathey died in 1853 at the age of seventy-

three years, and his wife passed away when sixty-six years of age. They died within three days of each other, departing this life in the month of August. In their family n-ere seventeen children, including two pairs of twins. Our subject is the youngest of the fanlily and is the only one no~t- living.

Mr. Finley of this review was only about six months old li lien brought by his parents to Vermilion county, Illinois. The family home was on a tract of land south of Dan\-ille and he remained 11-it11 his father and mother until their death. His education \]-as accluired in a log schoolhouse and in a frame building ~vhich was used both for church and school purposes. For about eight or ten years !le continued his studies through the three winter months and with returning spring he again took up his ~vork in the fields to assist in the culti~atio!~ and de\*elopment of the hoine farm. I11 tile spring of 1855, in company \vitli his brother, 11iller T. Finley, and his sister Sancy, afterward the wife of Captain Fraser, he removed to a farm upon which he lived with his brother for four years. He was then married to i\liss Mar- garet P. Dal-is, the wedding taking place on the ~ 7 t h of April, 1859. She was born April 16, 1834, in Ohio, a daughter of -4maziah Davis, I\-110 came to Vermilion county during the period of its early development. His IJ-ife is still living in Ross- \-ille at the advanced age of ninety-one- years. -\t the time of their marriage Mr. and Mrs. FinIey took up their abode upon a farm in Grant to\\-nship, which he had purchasecl in I S j j, comprising tn-o hundred and forty acres of wild land. Not a furrow had been turned or an improvement made, but with characteristic energy Mr. Finley began the inlprovement of his prop-



erty which he soon transformed into a fine farm. His wife proved a capable and iaith- iul assistant and helpmate to him and they tra1-eled life's journey happily together for a nun~ber of years, but a t length the wife suffered from mental disease and during the last five years of her existence she \\-as in a hospital at Kankalcee, where she died in 1895. Three children were born unto tlien~, of ~vhom tn-o are yet lix-ing, 3Iary and Charles. The forillel- is the wife of A. 41. Honey\\-ell, a resident of Hoopeston, and their cl~i!dre~ are Gilbert, Helen. Xar- garet, and Xarie. Charles R., the son of our subject, marriecl -iddie Reece ancl is engaged in t!le operation of his father's old honlestead. His children are, LIarion, :\Jar- garet and \\-atts.

In 1896 Mr. Finley n-as again marrietl. in Danvillc, the lacly of his choice being Leah Hamilton, who for a number of years prior to his first ~vife's death had acted as his housekeeper. She is a native of Ver- milion county and her mother no\\- resides in Livingston county, altl~ough she spends part of the time ~ i t h 111.. and Alrs. Finley.

Tl~roughout the greater part of his business career the subject of this revien- has carried on agricultural pursuits ancl in con- l~ection svith general farming has engagetl in stock-raising \\-it11 excellent success. I-Ie is to-clay the owner of seven hundred and forty acres of ~aluable land on sections 24 and 25. Grant to\\-nship, the farm being occupied by his son a t this \ d i n g . In 1892 he left the farm and remo\-etl to Fair- bury, Lil-ingston co~ulty. n-here he renlained for four years. In his business affairs he has been \-er\- successful and all that he possesses is the reward of his own enterprise and labor. He certain1~- deserves great creclit for \\-hat he has acco~~~plishecl and his life should serve as a source of in-

spiration and encouragement t o others. In politics he has all\-ays been a Republican, interested in the success of the part\-, but has never been an office seeker. Both of his wives \\-ere members of the Methodist church and he has been a liberal contributor to church work and to other interests which he believes xvill prove of 1-alue to the communitj-. Mr. Finley is one of the oldest residents of this section of Illi- nois. Continuouslq- connected \\-it11 its development and improvement, he has 11-atched its progress fro111 pioneer times and has taken an active ancl helpful interest in much th3t has pertained to the general good and to the substantial upbuilding of J-en- nili ion countp.

C. J. BOG-IRT.

C. J. Bogart, n-110 is now efficiently serving on the police force of Hoopestotl, \\-as born in Covitlgton, Illdiana, on the 23th of lIarc11, 1872, a son oi Selson and Eliza Bogart. His mother died 1\-11en he \\.as only eight pears of age, and his father passed an-a!- at SJarion, Indiana. in 1897. -4fter the death of his mother he came to 1-ermilion county, Illinois. and made his home 11-ith an uncle in D a n d l e township until sixteen years of age, his education being acquired in the district schools of that localit!-. Later he n-orlied as a farm hand near Danville ~rntil 188;. \\-hen he came to Hoopestorl and held a position in a meat market for a time and later drox-e an ice wagon for tu-o years. In 1896 he \\-as appointed to a position on the night police force under Ilaj-or 1IcFer- ren. and has since been connected with that department of the city government, his duties being performed in a most capable and



satisfactory manner. In 1902 he was appointed by Mayor McFerren as marshal of Hoopeston, and is now serving in that ca-- pacity.

On the 2 j th of March, I goo, at Hoopes- ston, Mr. Bogart married Miss Ollie Tim- mons, a daugliter of John Timmons, a machinist employed in the Sprague factory of Hoopeston. Her brothers and sisters are Eva, JVilbur, Pearl, Nellie, Parker and Har- old. Mr. Bogart has two brothers and one sister living, namely: Will, now a resident of Los L4ngeles, California; Morton, of Ox- ford, Nebraska; and Myrtle, wife of Rowan Yerkes, of Covington, Indiana. Unto our subject and his wife has been born a son, Ralph, whose birth occurred June 13, 1901.

Fraternally Mr. Bogart is connected with the Yeomen of America, and politically he is identified with the Republican party. H e is a wide-awake, energetic young man, whose success in life is due entirely to his own efforts for since the age of nlne years he has.practical1y been dependent upon his own resources for a livelihood.

-A. A. TAYLOR.

To Indiana Vern~ilion county is indebted for many of her valued residents. A. A. Taylor is a native son of the Hoosier state, born December 9, 1839. His father was Thomas A. Taylor, a native of Shelby county, Kentucky, born in 1805, and his mother was Iva (Allen )Taylor, a native of Eour- bon co~~nty, Kentucky, born in 1806. They were married near Lafayette, Indiana, Sep- tember 21, 1830, and after their marriage they locatecl on a farm there, where Mr. Taylor also worked at the tanner's trade.

They renloved to Vermilion county, Illi- nois, in April, 1553, and located in Catlin ton-nship. Ilere he purchased a farm and lived on it until his death, which occurred September 20, 1876. The mother, long surviving him, passed away December 3, 1893- Mr. Taylor was a member of the Cumber- land Presbyterian church and in his political views was a Republican. Un- to himself and wife were born eight children, five of whom are now living: Serepta, horn September j, 1837, was married March 29, 1854, to James M. Dougherty, now deceased, 11-hose sketch is given on another page of this volume. A. -A. is the subject of this review. Elizabeth, born February 2, 1845, was married Sep- tember 19, 1865, to John TV. Ken-Iin, of Danville, Illinois. Thomas A., born -April 2 j, 1847, mas married March I I, 1869, to Mary C. Acree, and they live in Catlin. Cyn- thia, born May 13, 1857, was married to Robert Smith, December 25, 1873, and they now reside in Bolivar, Missouri.

In the schools of Tippecanoe county, the subject of this review received his boyhood training until he was thirteen years of age, when he removed with his parents to Catlin to~vnship, Vermilion county, Illi- nois. There he continued his studies and assisted on the farm. At Catlin, July 3, 1861, he responded to his country's call for aid, enlisting in Company I, Thirty-fifth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, under Captain Lewis, Colonel A. G. Smith, and Lieutenant Colonel William P. Chandler. He was mustered in at St. Louis, h4issouri, and was from there ordered with his command to Jefferson City. hlissouri. He then joined General Fremont's forces in pursuit of Price and \vent to Raleigh. IIissouri, where the regiment went into winter quar-


THE BIOGRAPHICAL =CORD

ters. After the battle of Pea Ridge, they returned to Cape Girardeau, Missouri. From there they took a boat and went south, joining Grant's forces. Later they came back to Corinth and Louisville, Kentucky, and were there under the command of Gen- eral BuelI. Mr. Taylor participated in the battle at Peach Tree Creek, then went south to Sashville and n-as in the campaign at SIurfreesboro. He \\-as in the battle of Stone River, then under General Rose- crans. He took part in the battles of Chat- tanooga, Chickamauga and 3Eissionary Ridge and was in all the skirmishes and battles of his comn~and. He was with Sher- man in his Atlanta campaign, and was 11-ounded in the face with a rifle ball at Rock Face Ridge, in Georgia, near Dalton. He had received a wound in the arm at Chicka- mauga, but continued in the fighting line. H e was taken to the hospital on account of his ~vouncl in the face and before he was re- leased by the surgeons his time had es- pired. He was mustered out with his regiment at Springfield, Illinois, September 27. 1864. He then returned to Catlin to\\-nship and engaged in farming.

On the 22d of February, 1866, Mr. Tay- lor was united in marriage to Miss Anna Ke~~ille. who \\-as born in Tippecanoe county. Indiana, January 15, 1845, a daughter of George N. and Mary Susan (Throck- morton) Xeville. Her father was a native of I\loorefielcl, Hardy county, Virginia, born February 2, 1820, and her mother 11-as a native of Romney. Hampshire county, Vir- ginia. born December 16, 1523. The father came to Tippecanoe county, Indiana. in 1535. and the mother came in 1839. They were married in Romney, that county, Sep- tember 24, 1540. They removed to Ver- milion county, Illinois, in 1354. He fol-

lowed farming and also engaged in carpentering. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and in politics \\-as a Re p~blican. Ilis death occurred January 8, 1891, at 12 :I j -1. >I., while his wife died August 24. 1859, at 3 :oo P. 31. They were the parents of the follo~ving children, ten in number: Delia E., born Nay 26. 1841, died April 7, 1843. George \I-., born KO- vember 16. 1842, and a member of Com- pany D. TI\-enty-fifth Regiment of Illinois Voiunteer Infantrj-. He \\-as 11-ounded in the battle of Kenesa~v Slountain. June 23. 1864, ancl died July I ~ t h , of the same year. -4nn Catherine. born January 15, 1845, is no\\. 3Irs. Taylor. Sorborn S. , born Sep- tember 17, 1847. married Elizabeth Price September 13, 1870. He is in the bakery l~usiness ancl resides at Fairmount. Illinois. Mary Elizabeth. born Deceniber 13. 1849, was married -August g, 1870, to Henry Col- lins. Frank, born September 8, 1853, married IIaggie Cannon, January 2. IS 77, and they reside in Fairmount. Sallie Virginia, also of Fairmount, was born September 8. 185 j. Ada, born January 26. 1838. was married June 24. 1879, to Rev. L. 11'. Cal- fee, and they reside in San Jose, California. Sellie. born June 30, ISGI. was married January 27, 1881. to G. 11'. Owen. Their honle is in Fort Smith, --irkansas. Lucy T.. born Septenlber 23, 186;. died June g. I 561.

c ~ ~ t o Mr. and Mrs. Taylor have been born three children, but two ha\-e passed away. George -1.. born Februa? 9. 1869, in Catlin, Illinois. married Orpha D. Sil- vers. They reside near Catlin. and hat-e tn-o sons. Frank and George -4. -After his marriage Mr. Taylor purchased the farm on 1%-hich his so11 George -1. non- resides. in Catlin tou-nship. He remained upon that


THE BIOGRAPIIICAIA RECORD - -

farm until 1881, lvhelz he \vent to Eureka Springs, &Arkansas, spending eighteen months there. He then returned to IlIinois and located in Fairmount, where he has since lived, retired from active life. His former years of industry had brought to him a good competency, and he has been very successful. He owns one hundred and seventy acres of land besides city property in Fairmour.t. I11 that place he has a spa- cious, modern home, and is surrounded u~ith all the comforts of life. Both he and his wife now belong to the Christian Science church and he has ever been interested il its welfare and in the uplifting of his fello~v men. H e is a Republican in his political views, but has refused to accept office, preferring to devote his energies to his business interests. In all of these he has prospered and he is regarded as a substantial citizen of Fainnount. hlr. Taylor has a complete genealogica! history of the Taylor family.

a - -

From pioneer times do~vn to tlie present Thomas Bennett has been a resident of Ver- milion connt~- and here through his business affairs carefuliy and honorably directed he has n-on escellent success. His pala- tial home, 1~1licil was erected at a cost of a b u t fifteen thousancl dollars, stands as a monunlent to his life of enterprise. This is one of the most attractive residences of the cortnty, beautifully furnished n-ith all that wealth can secure and refined taste sug- gest. I t contains fourteen rooms with hard wood finishing throughout and all modern comrenie~ces. I t is lighted with gas and

Mr. Bennett has his on-n water tvorks upon the place with tn-o and a half horse pon-er gasoline engine.

A native of England, Thomas. Bennett, was born June 24, 1830, in Bedfoi-dsl~ire, his parents being Thomas and Rebecca (Stewart) Bennett, both of who111 \yere natives of England and came to America in 1851, settling in Ross township, Vermilion county. Here the father purchased three hundred and t~~-eiity acres of land and became a well kno\vn farmer, cultivating and iiilproviilg his property, which in the course of years becanle quite valuable. I t was a raw tract \\illen it came into his possession, but he had spleildid equipments and continued his farining operations tl~roughout his active business career. He died when about seventy-four years of age, and like his wife was laid to rest in the Mann burping ground.

Thoinas Bennett \\-as the seventh in order of birth in a faillily of nine children, o'f ~~-\-hon~ three are 1101~ living. His brothers, Samuel ancl Sirneon, are both resideilts of Danville. I-le obtained his early education in England, attending the common schools of his native country and after conling to ,imerica he assisted his father in fanning. He had learned the bt~tcher's trade in Eng- land and he also follon-ed that pursuit for fifteen years at Covington, Indiana. H e also began the packing business in a stnall way and gradually developed a large enterprise of profitable proportions. Mr. Ben- nett likewise engaged in butchering at Dan- ville and he \\:as in the employ of Henry Smith, a pioneer b~~tcher of Dan~ille, working for twelve dollars per month. He also clrox-e a team for 11-illiam Lamb, another pioneer settler of the county, who was killed during the Civil 11-ar. For this work he


THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD 659

recii-ed only t\\-ell-e dollars per month ancl had to board himself.

111 October, 1858, I I r . Bennett was united in marriage to Miss Catherine E. I\Iann, a sister of -Abraham llatln, and a daughter of -Abrallam 1Iann. Sr. She died in 1872 and the six children bor11 of that illarriage are also deceased. For his second 11-ife 1Ir. Bennett chose Miss Frances Beal, a native of I<entuck- and a resident of 1-er~nilion count\-. The!- occupy the beautiful l~onle before clescribecl ant1 esterlcI to their 121a11\- frierlds its gracious and \vann-hearted hospitalit\-.

Mr. Bellnett 11011- o~\-ns aljout one tllou- sand acres of \\-ell improl-ed ancl highl- cul- tivated lancl. - i s his financial resources have i~lcreasecl he has niade juclicious in- a-estnlents in real estate and \\-as a t one time the o\vner of sixteen llundred acres, but of recent ?-ears llas solcl s i s hundred acres. H e nlakes a s1)ecialty of the feeclillg of cattle ancl the raising of lligll grade hogs. I-Ie annually shil~s fro111 three to five hundretl head of nuroc Jersey hogs and from seventy-five to one liandretl head of cattle each Fear. His bnsiness interests have lxen \\-ell managetl and 11e is to-day widely kno\vn as a successful and leading stock-dealer of this portion of the state. Great changes have occt~rretl in the count?- since his arrival here for the prinli ti\-e conditions liacl not given way before the ad\-ante of civilization I\-hen the Bennett famil- n-as established in eastern Illinois. Prairie chickens. geese a~lt l duclis f~triiishetl ample opportunity for the hunter to indulge his love of that sport ancl l l r . Beu~iett also engaged in hunting I\-011-es on illany occasions.

H e cast his first presidential vote for John C. Frenlont and long gave his support to the Republican party, but now votes in-

dependentl!-. For many pears he served as school treasurer and has alivays been interested in the cause of education and the practical development of the schools here. Both he ant1 his wiie are menlbers of the Xetho- dist Eljiscolml c h ~ ~ r c h and Thonlas Bennett is 11uml)erecl among the influential citizens and pioneer settlers \\-hose liie record forms an integral part in tlie histor!- of l'errnilion count!-. His achievements in business are all of a notable cllaracter. because 11-ithout capital lie started out in life for hinlself and lle stallcls to-<la\- allloilg rlle ~rosperous Inen oi the count!-. his beutiiul lioi~ie being a munument to his \\-ell spent life.

-\mong- t11c representatil-e.; of agricultural interests in \-er~nilion count\- \vl~rj Ivere also n~rriihered among the bo~-s in blue of the Civil war. is Francis >Tarion Camp- 1)ell. n-110 no\\- resides on section 17. El~vood toll-nship. \\-here he has t ~ v o hunclred and ni~~et!. acres of valuable lalltl. He was born October S, 18.46. in \'errnilion count!-, In- diana. near Clinton. on tlie edge of Heath Prairie. IIis paraits were Jonas and -1nna (Tenbrook) Can1p1)ell. His father n-as a ]lati\-e of souther11 Ohio. awl his ~nother of Pelins!-11-atlia, and it1 chiltll~oo~l they re- moi-ed \\-it11 their respecti\ e parents to 111- tliana. settling near Terse Ilxute. in 1806. Some years after\\-art1 Jonas Calnpbell \vent up the river to P a r k county. \\-here he inrmetl the accluaintance oi l l iss Tenbrook. aritl they \\-ere ~unitetl in marriage. heginning their tlomestic liie in Incliana. T h e - there renlainetl until 1854. when the!- came to Vermilion C O L I I I ~ ~ , Illinois. settling in El- ~vood to\v\-nship. L-pon the farm which the


660 THE BiOGRAPHICAL EECORD

father there secured, they reared their family, numbering eight children, namely: 01- ive, who died at the age of twenty-three years; Mrs. Barbara Long, a widow, residing in Danville; William, who was killed in the battle of Mission Ridge, while serving as a sergeant in the union army, during the Civil war, at the age of twenty-five years; Mrs. Rachel Van Dyne, a resident of Sidell, Illinois; Sancy, who died at the age of eighteen years; Francis M. ; -Mrs. Jsabe! Nicholson, of b-pland, California; and h9r5. Lizzie Bel:, of Oakn-ood, Illinois. The father of this family was called to his finaI rest in 1875 and the mother passed away in I 870.

Francis 15. Campbell pursued his education in the common schools and was reared under the parental roof in Veril~ilion county, Illinois, having been brought to this locality when a young lacl. He was married on the I ~ t h of January, 1871, to Mary J. Reynolds, a daughter of Moses and Eu- nice (Pearson) Reynolds. I11 early iir'e they were residents of Parke county, Indiana, were there married, and in the year 1854 came to Vermilion county, Illinois, settling in Elwood township. Their children were Mrs. Campbell and Elvira A., n-110 died February 24, 1878, at the age of nilleteel1 years.

Our subject and his wife began their domestic life on a farm in Elwood township, and in the year 1871 he purchased his present home farm on section 17, which is now under high cultix-ation, and returns to him a golden tribute for the care and labor he bestows upon it. Through his entire life his time and energies have been devoted to agricultural pursuits \vith the exception of the period of his service in the Civil war. At the time when the country became in-

volved in hostilities over the slavery question he offered his services to the government, enlisting in the One Hundred and Thirty-fifth Illinois Infantry. In his farining methods he is enterprising and progressive and upon his place are some of the latest .improved farming implenlents and other equipments for facilitating his work. In his business methods he is alike honorable and trustworthy and his success is due none the less to his business integrity than to his indefatigable labor.

The home of Mr. and Mrs. Caillpbell has been blessed with three children, but only one is now living : Cloyd, born Xovember ao, 1873, died at the age of five years. Clay- ton, born October IS, 1880, passed away October I;, 1883, on his third birthday. Paul J., born Noveillber 8, 1884, is still with his parents. He possesses considerable literary ability and is a wide-awake, enterprising and intelligent young man. Mr. Campbell is identified with the Society of Friends and with the Republican party. to which he gives a loyal support, althougll he has never been an aspirant for office He is regarded as one of the best citizens of his con~munity because in all life's relations he is true and honorable, and to-day lle is also classed among the substantial agriculturists of E l ~ ~ o o d toll-nship.

R. T. BARTON.

The prosperity of any community, town or city depends upon its comtnercial activity? its industrial interests and its trade relations, and therefore the real upbuilders of a town are those who stand at the head of its leading enterprises. Mr. Barton is well


THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD 66 I

known in Jamaica in connection with the g a i n and lumber trades, and although a young man has met with sucess that many a one of twice his years might ~vell envy. He is a native of Urbana, Illinois, born June 7, 1872. His father, C. IV. Barton, was born in Walker, Indiana, and after arriving at years of maturity was married in that state to Emazetta Dillon, a native of Afar- ion, Indiana. The father was a stationary engineer and after residing for a time in I\larion, Indiana, he removed to Urbana, where Ile n-orked at his trade. In the year 1882 he came to Fairmount, where both he and his wife are now residing. He became employed as an engineer in the Fairmount coal mines. In his political affiliations he is a Democrat and fraternally he is connected with Fairmount Lodge, No. 590, F. & A. IT., and with the Brotllerhood of Mine Hoisting Enolneers. In the family were six children: Ida, the wife of William Holmes, a resident of San Francisco, Cal- ifornia: TIT. C., who is conducting a barber shop in ChampaiLgn: Royal T.; Zerba, the wife of C. N. Perkins, of Fairmount, Illi- nois; Elmer, I\-ho is weighmaster of the coal mines of Fa i r i l~o~~nt ; and Sadie, who resides with her parents.

R. T. Barton pursued his education in the schools of Urbana, Illinois, and of Fair- mount, putting aside his test-books in Jan- uary. 1593. in order to become a factor in the business 11-orld. He accepted the position of bookkeeper at the coal mines. 11-here he remained for sis months. He was then transferred to the office of the superintendent of the inines in Dan\-ille, acting in the capacity of assistant there for a year and a half. He was next returned to Fairmount. having charge of the company's business at this place for two years. He retained his

position as manager, and was engaged in business on his own account. He then resigned, and in January, 1897, he purchased a half interest in an elevator at Jamaica, Illinois, becoming a member of the firm of Porterfield & Barton, his partner being 31. F. Porterfreld, the banker at that place. They still conduct the business \\-hi& is successfully carried on. and are doing a large trade in grain. making extensive purchases and sales. Mr. Barton is also engaged in the lumber business lvith IT-. I. Baird, under the firm name of Barton & Company, at Jamai- ca, and in this enterprise is meeting with creditable success, the patronage oi the firm having constantly grown until the sales are norv large and profitable. He has made judicious investments in real estate and is the owner of three hundred and twenty acres of land in Harris county, Tesas, near Houston, 11-hich is devoted to the cultivation of rice.

On the 19th of August, 1897, in Fair- mount, Mr. Barton was united in marriage to Jfiss 3'Iamie Browning, who was born in Danrille, Illinois, on the 9th of Decem- ber, 1874. Her father, George Bran-ning, was born -April 30, 18-36, in Sheffield. Eng- land, and in 1836 the parents came to - h e r - ica. establishing their home in Cherry Val- ley, Kelrr 1-ork. Later they removed to Springfield. Ohio. Mr. Browning became identified with the butchering business and engaged in that trade in Springfield until 1548. ~vhen he came to Fairmount. Illinois. Here he also engaged in the butchering business and purchased land. He was a son of Benjanlitl Eoothby Bro~\-ning. also a native of England. -After arriving at years of maturity George Browning was joined in n-d- lock to Mary Riley. a daughter of John and Rachel (Dalby) Riley, 11-ho were also na-


962 THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD

tives of the "nlerrie isle." Mrs. Browning's birth occurred February 23, 1836, in Lin- ton, Greene county, Indiana. Mr. Brown- ing gave his political support to the Prohi- bition party and was a member of the Bap- tist church. His death occurred in July,

1897. LTnto him and his wife were born the follou-ing children : Harriet, the wife of J. S. Baircl, of Homer, Illinois; Fannie, the wife of J. R. Wragg, a resident of Sprinfield, Ohio; Hanson, who married Alice Cluston, and is living in Urbana, Illi- nois ; -Albert, who married Lucy lvilson, anc! makes his home in Gibson City, Illinois; Walter, who died a t the age of twenty- eight years; >Jamie, the wife of our subject; Ruth, who died in October, 1897, at the age of nineteen years; Naomi, who is a twin sister of Ruth and resides in Fair- mount; John O., who is a pluillber and gas fitter of Seattle, Washington; and Ethel. W?IO resides 11-it11 11er mother. By a former marriage there was one child, Jessie, u-iie of J. F. Baird, of Vance ton-nship.

The home of Mr. and Mrs. Barton has been blessed 11-it11 one child, illildred, born June 12, 1898. The family have a very pleasant home in Jamaica, and the parents are merllbers of the Baptist church of Fair- mount. In politics Mr. Barton is a Repub- lican. and has served as ton-n clerk. Fra- ternally he is connected \ \ T i th Jamaica Camp. No. 9222, h1. ItT. :I., of Jamaica. -4 young man, he possesses the enterprising spirit of the west ~vhich has been a dotninant factor in producing the \\-onderful development of this section of the country. T o him there has come the attainment of a leading position in connection with the co~nmercial enterprises of his county. and his efforts have been so discerningly directed along 11-ell de- fined lines of labor that he seems to have

realized the full measure of his possibilities for accomplishment.^ His success is the direct result of his own foresight, business ability and perseverance, and he is justly accounted one of the leading young business men of Jamaica.

Dr. Paul E. Fitliian has become recognized ns a capable phi-sician of his native county. Ilis thorough preparation and earnest sttlcly have made him proficient as a practitioner of medicine and gained for him a liberal patronage. He \]-as born on the old Fithian homestead, July 4, 1866, a son of Elisha C. E. Fithian, ~\-llose sketch is gir-en on another page of this volume. He began his education in tlie district schools and later became a student in the high school at Danr-ille. Subsecluently he obtained a county certificate and began teaching in Oak\\-ood toxnship, follon-ing that profession for tu-o years. Hal-ing then cletermined to 1iial;e the ~lleclical profession his life \\-orli, he began studying and for several years continued to read pril-ate- ly, He then enteretl the Iqeokuk Aledical College, at IGeokuk, Iowa, in 1888, and ~vns graduated ~ ~ i t h tlie class of 1890. Xot content yet to enter the ranks of medica! practitioners he matriculated in Rush Rfed- ical College of Chicago. in u-liich lie n-as gracluatecl \\-it11 the class of 1891.

After his graduation Dr. Fithian went to Springfield. Illinois, \\-here he began practicing as house physician in the Wa- bash Hospital, acting in that capacity for tn-o pears. 011 the espiration of that period he removed to Decatur, Illinois, where he


THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD 665 * .

was in charge of the IVabash Dispensary for three years and there he gained a good practice. IZe next returned to Springfield, Illinois, \\-here he had charge of the IVabash Hospital until his removal to Fithian. H e has built up a good practice in this place and has denlonstrated his ability to cope \\-it11 many of the intricate problems xvhich continuallj- iace the physician.

In Ilarch, 1898, occurred the marriage of Dr. Fithian and 3Irs. Cora Jen-ell. The Doctor n-as made a 31ason in Macon Lodge. S o . 8, :I. F. & X. II., and he also belongs to 11acon Chapter, KO. 21, R. -A. 11. 111 his political vie\\-s he is an earnest Demo- crat, but the honors and ernoluments of office have no attraction for him. In connection 11-it11 his practice he superintends his father's landed interests, coinprisitlg eleven hundred acres. The Doctor is n-ell k n o ~ ~ n in his native county as a man of ma:^:; excellent traits of character and a genial dis- position and is popular with a large circle of friends. -

GEORGE JOSES.

George T. Jones is a representative agriculturist of Vermilion county and the o\\-ner of one of the best farms in Oakn-ood to\\-n- ship. H e was born June st, 1859, and is a son of William R. and Peninnah (Coon) Jones, the former a native of Greene county, Ohio, and the latter also a native of the Buckeye state, where they ere marriecl. In the sketch of Charles E. Jones, which appears on another page of this 11-ork, the genealogy of the Jones family is traced back to Elisha Jones, the great-grandfather, n-hose son, Elisha Jones, IT-as the father of \lTilliam R. Jones, who in turn I\-as the fath-

er of the subject of this review. II;il$un R. Jones was born June 11, 1828, and was married October 4, IS@. Seven children xere born to him and his lviie: James K., born September 20, 1849, married Car- rie Harrison. They hare one child and reside in S o r \ ~ o o d , Kansas. 1Iaq- -4ngelina. no\\- deceased, became the wife of Samuel _\dolphus Copeland. a resident o i Oak\\-ood ton-i~ship. She was born -1ugust 9. 1851 and his birth occurred 1Iay 16, 1850. Charjes E. is the third in order of birth. Lydia -Ann. born llarch 20, 1856, died July I j, 18 37. George T. is the fiith child. Xar- guerita Louisa 11-as born July 5. 1863. Mil- lie, the se1-11th child and youngest of the famil)-, ~ v a s born -1ugust 10. 1865. and died January 30, 1866. 11-illiarn R. Jones was a blacksmith by trade and also follon-ed mining in Duhuque. Ion-a, besides o\sning and operating iarnls in Ohio, 1011-a and Illinois, his last farill being in 1-en~~il ion county. Illi nois, xhere he resided continuously ior thirty-iour years before his death, ~vhic11 occurrecl 3Iarcli 9, 1901. He lost his first wife by death and was married the second time, the lady of his choice being Henrietta Smith, a native of Illinois, and nolv a a-esi- dent of Fithian, Illinois. Mr. Jones was a member of the blethodist Episcopal church and fraternally- was connected \\-it11 the In- dependent Order of Odd Fello~vs. In politics he was a Republican. He was n very active and energetic man and did much toward the upbuildillg and de1-elopment of the communities n-here he resided.

George T. Jones attended school in Fairmount, Illinois. and also in Oakwood ton-nship. he haying come to Vernlilion county TI-hen he was six years of age, with his parents. H e left school a t the age of nineteen and then worked on his father's



farm until his marriage, which important event in his life occurred on the 9th of De- cember, 1882, near Armstrong, Vermilion county, Illinois, when he led to the altar Miss Martha ,A. Seals. She was born in Vermilion county, December g, 1861, and is a daughter of Rev. Charles Brady Seals. a native of Tennessee. Rev. C. B. Seals was of German descent and was a son of Damon Seals, a native of Pennsylvania. Rev. Seals was a minister of the Baptist church and was married to Jeinima Parsley. a native of Indiana. The wedding was sol- emnized in Indianapolis, Indiana. Rev. Seals was ordained at Mount Pleasant church, near Muncie, Illinois. He continued as pastor of that church for over twenty years, also preaching the gospel at the Bap- tist church, at- Momence, Illinois, and several other churches in Illinois. He gave up his pastorate at Walker's Point, Illinois, and went to Chrisman, this state, there remaining for four years, and then his health failing, he removed back to his farm. He has been minister of the church at F ~ s t Lynn and at Luddenville, Illinois, and since then has been preaching in the south, through Tennessee. He is a very accomplished theological scholar, a man of brilliant intellect and strong moral and spiritual character. His mental attributes. are of the highest quality, and his influence for good has been widely felt throughout the communities where he has labored as a minister, and many have been brought to choose the "straight and narrow path" by reason of his eloquence and good example. He and his wife are both people of noble character and have many friends. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity and in politics is a strong Democrat, believing firmly in the principles of the party. Rev. Seals and

wife became the parents of eight children. six girls and two boys. Of these, five grew to years of maturity and are still living, as follows : Molly, the wife of Frank P. Dal- bey, has six children and resides on a farm near Fithian, Illinois. Martha is now hlrs. Jones. Emma, the wife of Brazier Brown, resides in Monon, Indiana, and has four children. John B. married Lucy Lynch and resides in Leverette, Illinois. Retta, the wife of Frank En~pheno~~r, resides in St. Louis, Missouri, and has one child.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Jones have been born six children, three of whom are still living: Nellie A., born July 3, 1885, and Ernest R., born August 13, 1887, members of the Methodist Episcopal church; and George Raymond, born September 30, 1898.

After his marriage Mr. Jones located on a farm near Armstrong, Illinois. There the young couple remained for one year, 1%-hen they removed to the farm of Mr. Jones' father, situated opposite to the farm on which they now reside. They remained on the father's farm for one year and then removed to the farm of C. E. Jones, a brother of the subject of this review. Here they also lived one year, when Mr. Jones pur- . chased a farm one and three-fourths miles west of Oakwood, February 10, 1887. This was a farm of eighty-four acres. Mr. Jones remained on this farm for fourteen years. He then sold it and purchased the old homestead farm of one hundred and sixteen acres situated on section 20, in Oakxvood township. He acquired this farm by purchasing the interest of the other heirs. His father had burnt the brick and lime to b ~ ~ i l d the house and cut the timber on this place, in 1874. The residence is one of the finest in the county, and its appointments are in the very best taste, having an artistic appear-


THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD 567 - .

ante and also being very cornfortable. Mr. Jones raises a high grade of stock for the market upon his farm, and this returns to him a good income for his care. He is accounted a progressive farmer and one ~i-110 is thoi-ougl~ly up-to-date, having all modern equipments and accessories 11-ith \vhicll to concluct - the work and compel the fields to yield crops of the best quality and large amount. In January, 1903, 1Ir. Jones purchased the Fithian telephone exchange. n-hich co-\-ers the surrounding country ~ i t l ~ i t ~ a radius of several miles from Fithian. This is a personal affair and he gil-es his direct super~ision to it. Mr. Jones and his XI-ife are melllliers of the Eaptist church and he has aln-a-s voted the Republican ticket, being a strong adherent to the principles of that part)-. Mr. Jones has added to his in- conle through diligence and perseverence and he \yell deserves the respect and confidence of his friends and associates, \vhicll is cheerfully accorded him.

FRi1ZIER X. CLOUD, &I. D.

Frazier 3. Cloyd, a leading physician of 1Vest~-ille, was born in Georgetown to~\-n- ship, l'ermilion co~znty, h a y 19, 1868, and is a son of Dr. 1. P. and Hannah (Golden) Cloyd, the father a native of Tennessee, and the mother of Illinois. Dr. Cloyd, the elder, has followed the practice of medicine for thirty-fi~e years, and is a well known physician of his part of the county, command- ing a liberal patronage by reason of his effi- cienc): in his chosen calling. Fraternally he is a thirty-third degree Mason, who in his life exemplifies the precepts of the craft. His wife departed this life in February, 189;.

llThen the subject of this review was but elel-en months old he was brought by his parents to the \-illage of Georgetown, where the family has since resided and where Fra- zier S. Cloyd grew to manhood. In his youth he received a good education, attending the high school and being a graduate of the same. I-Ie then taught school a t Maple Grove scl~oolhouse for one year, a t IVest- 1 tn-o pears, Georgetown grammar school for one year, after which he was principal of the Catlin schools for one year. In the fall of 1891 he entered Rush Medical College, of Chicago, there to pursue a course of study preparatory for the practice of medicine. He attended the sessions of 1891-2, and then became a student in the nledical dqartment of the University of Louisville, Iientucky, during 1892-3, in which he 11-as graduated March 13, 1893. He then returned to Georgeton-n and upon arriving home founcl an appointment awaiting him as a meniber of the medical staff of the Eastern Illinois Hospital for the Insane, at Kankakee, Illinois, which position he accepted and capably filled until September 15, of that year, lvl~en on account of the severe illness of both his parents and the need of his presence at home he resigned his position and returned home to care for them. The follo~tring February-I 894-he opened up an office in Georgeto~vn and continued in the practice of medicine there until February 16, 1897, when he moved to Westville, where he aIready had quite a practice built up in recognition of his worth and ability in his chosen profession. He purchased a lot on Xorth State street, front- .

ing east, ~vhere he erected a commodious house and office. He has since continued to practice with increasing success. He has inherited a natural gift for his line of work,



and t o this he has added a11 the advantages prove that upon the foundation of e n e r a that may be acquired through careful study and unfaltering industry nmay k builded and research as 11-ell as practical esperience, prosperity. This is esen~plified in the life and he is 11-idely known in his community record of our subject and to-day Ile is one as a skilled phq-sician whose sympathetic na- of the honored and respected as ~vell as ture and cheery- manner in the sick-room prosperous men of Hoopeston. H e ~ v a s have brought con~fort and health to inany a horn in Yorth Carolina and xvl~en only four household. >-ears of age was taken to the wild forest

On ilIarc11 15, 1896, Dr. Clopd 11-as unit- region of Ohio by his parents, both of ed in marriage to I\Iiss Jessie 31. Summers, \\-horn died there, the inother passing an-ay of Earl Park, Indiana. They have one \\-hen our subject was 01114- four and one- child, Mildred, born July 17, 1897. Dr. half years of age. H e then went to live Cloyd is a member of Ionian Lodge, KO. with his uncle. Sam Ingle. in Darke county, 502, K. P., of Georgeton-11; Dailville Lodge, and with him he remained until nine -\-ears No. 132, E. P. 0. E. ; IVeltonomah Trihe, of age. _At that early period in his career No. 120, I. 0. R. >I., of IliestviIle, Illinois; -a time 11-hen rllost boys are sheltered by and M'estville Camp, S o . 2966, >'I. JV. A. the 101-ing influence of the home and are en- The Doctor is medical esamiller for several joying educational privileges which prepare old line insurance conlpallies as \\-ell as for them for later duties in life-he began earn- some fraternal organizatioIls, and is local ing his own livelihood, u-orking at farm surgeon for the Chicago & Eastern Illillois labor unti! he reached the age of fourteen. Railroad Company. His religious faith is He then ;vent to Detroit, lIichi,oan, where indicated by his nlembershjp ill the bIetho- he spent a few mo~lths, and then ret~~rnetl to dist church of Georgeto~l-ll, to ll-hicll his Marion county, Ohio, here he remained wife also belongs. They are \~;~lued mem- until ~ S j g , when he came to Grant town- hers of the comlllLlnity alld tile has- sllip, Vermilioll COullty, Illinois, ill COnl- pitality of their attractive honle is estende(l PmY n-ith Thmlas Hoopes, 11-110 purcl~asecl to their many friends. al~out fourtee11 hundred acres of land. For

tn-enty-three years S lr. Itlgle remained with A - 3Ir. Hoopes. each year earning more and

more largely the confidence of that gentle-

GEORGE T i . ISGLE. man because of his fidelity to his interests, his energ? ancl capability in business and his

George IV. Inde is one of the large land honesty in all liie's relations. When the olvner- of jFermilion county. There is Chicago & Eastern Illinois Railroad was in

that is of deep interest in the life r-c- process of constr~~ction I I r . Ingie aided in

ord of this gentleman, slloxx-ing that a char- carrying the chain and driving the sticks in

acter of \l-orth and marked industry and the survey for the original plat of Hoope- enterprise can 01-ercome all disaclvantages ton, the town being named in honor of his such as are occasioned by a lack of wealth friend and benefactor. Mr. Hoopes, most of or of adequate education. Again and again it being laid out on land belongii~g to that does the history of American citizenship gentleman.


I


In March, 1872, in Danville, Mr. Ingle \\-as united in marriage to Miss Rachel A. Scott, 11-110 was born and reared in Harri- son county, Ollio, and ~vhose parents are deceased. The home in which Mr. Hoopes lil-ed \\-as built for tu-o families and after the niarriage of our subject he took his young bride to that house, ~1-hic11 they occupied for a :-ear together. At the of that inle Xi-. Hoopes remo\-ed \\-it11 his f an - ill- to :he t o ~ n and Mr. Ingle rented the fal-111. coml~rising six 1i:uicl;-ed acres. There he \\-as estensii-el\- engaged in handling stocii n-hicll he ol~tai~led, fattened and sold t13 local ljuyers. I-Ie. leased the far111 for a b o ~ ~ t six years and then began to purchase inn(!. later moving to his o\vn propert>-, 1vi1e1-e lle remaine:l continuous1~- until he tool< up his abode in IIoopeston, in IS?,. Tn-o years later he returned to his farm, ~\-ilic!l \\-as agai:~ liis home for three years, 211d in the sprjng of 1990 lle retunled to I-I(3opeston. \\-here he Ins since remained. He on-11s one thousancl acres of land in three h i -~ns and has oile hundred and forty acres n-itllin .the ccl-poratioil limits of Xoopesto:~. He also o1vns thi-ee hundred ai~il thirty acres in the school district. \\-hile one of his f a r i ~ ~ s is three nliles south\\-est of Eoopeston and the other is four iililes S C ) I I ~ ~ I of Xossville. Xr . I i~gie n-as 1-emem- berecl 13- 3Ir. Iioopes in his \\-ill: a merited i-ec~z~~ii ioi l of liis fitlelity to his former em- ployer and his earnest labors for his \\-el- fare an~! prosperit-. In business matters trained in the hart1 school of experience, 31s. Ingle has she\\-n inarked discer~~inent and capability and in the control of his own affairs he has met \\-it11 splendid success.

Tlle home of our subject and his 11-iie has been blessed ~1-ith one son, Scott. \ ~ h o is living \\-!-it11 his parents and was born Feb- ruary 34) 1878- He has been a student in

27

Oberlin College of Ohio, Knos College oii. Galesburg, Illinois, and in En-ant & Strat- toil Business College of Chicago. Mrs. *.

Jng-!e is a daughter of Merchant and 3Iar:- (Stringer) Scott ailcl \\-as bonl in Easton, Jefferson countj-, Ohio. Her father \\-as a farmer ancl school teacher and died in tlie year I Szg, ~\-\-llile his 11-iie passed a\\-ay in 1896. At die time of her father's death 311-s. IngIe: 11:ea about se1-enteen >-ears of age, n-ent to live \\-it11 her uncle and \!--as rearecl among relati\-es. She acquired a commoi~-scllool education and completed lier stutlics in t11e L-xiie:l 1-'i-esb~-:erian schoo! a! .';en- -:i:llens. Ol?il_). taliing ad- \-a!lcec! \?-ark in geoinet;->- ai~tl algebra there. In 1870 she cailie \vest :o visit her sisier, Mrs. C:ui~ni:lgllaii?, n-!lo 11-25 reared b\- Mr. Hoopes, and it n-ns a sister o i 11.. Hoopes \\-it11 \\-!ion? l l r s . Ing-le nlacie !lei- lioille in O!lio. For one term ;he n-iie c!t our suh- ject engngetl iil teaching sclic)c~l in Prairie Green to\\-ns!lip ailcl. for ti\-o 1en::s in Grant to~vnsl~il). She is a latly of superior cul- . ture, intelligeilce anrl refine1net;t ancl is held in the higlrest regard bj- a large circle of friends here. -1s before staiecl. 1):- her marriage she became the motl~er of one son. H e too \\-as educatetl in Oberlirl College. \\-liere 1;e stutliecl music. n::l.lii~ig that his one stud!-. H e is all expert perton-~~er on the corriet ancl iron1 the age iii t!lirteen has 11een a mei;;t)er of tile bantl in I-rIoopeston. H e possesses marked musicn! ability.

TI! his political nfiiiiatioi~s >lie. Ingle is a Republican. nlthougi~ his fatller \\-as a Tackson Dei110crat. H e is t.\-er fearless i t1

tlefe~lse of \\.!]at I?e beliel-es tct be rigl~t. \\-hether in political circles or else\\-here. He servecl as path inaster of roads in his ton-nship and for ten years I\-as a Inember of the scllooi board of Hoopeston, a t the end of ~ ~ h i c l l time he resigned on account



of ill health. Dnring liis incumbellcy the \vest side school building was erected and the old building was improved and enlarged. Xrs. Ingle is a t present the president of the board of education here, having been elected in 1902, k i n g the first lady ever chosen as a inember of the Hoopeston school board. Since his arrival in Vermilion county 3Ir. Ingle has resided contin~~ously in Hoopeston. o r I\-it!iin a mile of the city. H e has always taken the deepest interest in the progress and upbuilding of this portion of the state a13d as his time and nleans have permitted he has assisted largely in tlie developmenr. improvement and ad\ance- ineilt of this ljortion of the state. Strong of purpose, I-esourceful and with keen clis- crimination he lias mads the nlost of his opportunities and by reason of his large success, his unhlemishecl cl~aracter. his just and liberal life and the universa! esteem

, wl~ich he here enjoys, Mr. Ingle might without inviclious clistinction be called one of the forenlost citizens of his atlopted ~ 0 ~ 1 1 1 ty.

A - - - ~+ -

Long actii-el!- connected nit11 agricultural interests in Vernlilion countj-, owning and operating five I~undrecl sixty acres of valuable land. Thomas 11-atson thereby acquired a Iiandsome competence I\-hich no\lT enables him to live retired iron1 further business cares and at his pleasant home a t No. 417 Gilbert street. in Dan]-ille. he is 11011- enjoying a well merited rest. H e 11-as born in Vermilion county. near the city of Dand le , February 18, 1546. ancl is a son of John R. llTatson, whose birth occurred in Nelson county, Kentuck!.. May 4, ISI I.

The grandfather, LVilliam \Vatson, was also a native of Kelson ccunty, and on leaving the Bluegrass state removed to Indiana and took up his abode in Harrison county. In 1826 he removed to Illinois, settling in Vermilion county amoilg its earliest residents. Here he purchased land and de~-eloped a farm. being one of the pioneer agriculturists of this portion of the state. He \\-as not long pernlitted to enjoy his new home, ho\\-ever. for his death occurred in 1829, His son, John R. \Vatson, n-as but a bc\- \\-lien the fanlily came to Illinois. He servetl in the Black Wan-k 11-ar and became identified with pioneer der-elopment and improvement here, being rearecl amid the 11-iltl scenes of the frontier. H e shared with the family in all the hardships and trials incident to establishing a home in the I\-ilcl n-est- ern district. \\'hen he started out in life on his on-n account he had no capital save strong deternlination and a pair of n-illing hantls. Steadilj-. hon-ever. he re~noved all difficulties and obstacles. gradually working his n-aj- ~up~rard until his 1a11ded possessiorls were estensi\-e, conlprising about one thousand acres. AIuch of his la~ld was highly cultivated anel splenditllj- improl-ed, an(l he becanle one of the most successftll farmers of l'ermilion county. His home was situated about five miles northeast of Danville, and there he ren~ainecl until 1573. \\-hen he left the farm and purchased residence property in the city, spending his re~llaiiiing da5-s in retireinent from agricultural ptzr- suits. He elljoyed a hale and hearty old age and passed an-ay in Daiiville in 1898 at the age of eighty-seven. His wife was called to her final rest in >lay, 1889, and after her death the father of our subject 11-as married again. Tllomas 5,lTatson is the youngest living son of a family of six sons and


TIlE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD 673

one daughter that reached mature years. Four of the number are yet surviving. One brother.. John 11-atson, is now a resident of 11-illiamsport. Indiana, and George \\-at- so11 nlakes his honle at S o . I I I I Gilbert street. Danville. a retired farmer. There is one sister. Miner\-a. \\-I10 is the \i-iclo~\- of Ira 11. Henry. of 1-errnilion count\-. her 1iusl)antl having died Julv 22. 1895.

Thomas 11-atson was reared to lnanh~od on the old family homesteatl and early became ianliliar with the active 11-ork of the farm. assisting in the plo~ving, planting and hari-esting from early spring until the crops \\-ere garnered in the autumn. The country schools afforded hiln his educational pris-i- leges and he remained wit11 his father until after he attained his majority. being an active factor in the cultivation of the old home place. At length he desiretl to engage in l>usiiiess for l~imself ancl he made prepara- tions for hax-ing a home of his o ~ v n by his marriage. u-llich occurred in this c o ~ ~ n t y Septenlber 21. 1865. the lady of his choice being JIiss Sarah E. --%dams, a n a t i ~ e of T'er~nilion coutitj-. and a daughter of Sam- uel -4clams. who was one of the first settlers in this portion of the state. having come here in 1825. from Harrison county. Kentucky. where he was reared. H e aided in erecting the first house in Danville. a log structure. ~vhich \\-as built after the primitive lnanller of the times. Before coming to Illinois he had married Nancy l l a r - tin. a native of Kentucky. In T'er~nilio~z county he secured a tract of land n-l~ich he at once began to cu!ti\-ate and inil)rove anti graclually he extended the bo~mdaries of his farm until it became a large one. The rich prairie land of Illinois also returned to him a good income for his labor. Seldom if ever are crops a perfect failure in this

state. and year by year, by the sale of his products he was enabled to add to his capital. H e died I\Ia?- IT. 1881, and the mother of 1Irs. \\-atson passed away during the early girllloocl of her daughter. after 11-11ich l\fr.. -\dams \\-as again married. Our subject and his wife began their domestic life upon a farin near Danville. the place comprising one hundred sisty acres, the greater part c,i which \\-as not yet ready for cultivation. but he began to clear it and after plolving the fields lie planted his pin and in ccurse of time gathered rich harvests. For seven !-ears he resided upon his first place ant1 then solcl that propert!-, removing to the city. H e 11e purchased a harness store. carrying on business for txvo years, after which he sold the enterprise and bought a farm east of Bismarck, in Seu-ell to\\-nshil). co~iiprising three hundred and t\\-elit!- acre<. On this he took up his abotle ant1 at once began its iurther improl-ement. Later he purcliasetl more la~ld in Ross toil-n- ship. becoming the o\\-ner of fi\-e hundred sixty acres in one bot1~-. He built a large and attracti1.e residence. also barns and nec- essarJ- outhuiltlings, and carried on the worl. of improj-ement in accortlance \\-it11 the ad- \-anced ideas of his time ailtl state. He planted an orchard, set out n grove of maple ancl ornamental trees. tiled his fields, fenced his property and atlcled the latest inlproj-ed machinery for facilitating !lis farin n-ork. I-Ie also bougl~t another place of one hundrecl and sisty acres in Ross t o ~ ~ n s l ~ i p 2nd carried on fanning there until 1888. In that year he removetf to Califor- nia. \\-here he spent several months, but not liking the countq- lie returned to his farm in ITermilion county. Illinois, making it his place of residence until 1893. when he purchasecl a lot in Dam-ille and erected a neat


67 4 THE BIOGFL4PHICAL RECORD

and srtbstantial home here. H e has since purchased land and built other houses, including the block at the corner of Van Bur- en and Jackson streets. This is a valuable two-story brick business block. Since locating in Danville he has practically lived retired, for his activity in agricultural por- suits has brought to him a sufficient capital. to enable him to put aside the more arduous cares of business life.

Unto Rtr. and Airs. \Vatson have heen born five child re^^, all o i \\-horn reachecl mature years: Dora E. is the wife of George E. Joknson, of Terse Haute. Indiana, and they have one son, Clarence Scott: Samuel R., who resides on the old homestead. is married and has four chiltlren. Pearl, Ruth. Haltlon ancl Leon: Eertha _\. is the wife of W. H. Ogden, of Hoopeston, Illinois. and has tn-o children, Grace -Alice ; Ernest M., \\-ho owns and operates a part of the old borne place, is married, and had one son, Lowell IV., I\-110, at the age of seventeen months, died Septelllber I I , I go2 ; JVill- ianl \AT., the yo~~ngest , is marriecl and is n o ~ v living in Hoopeston.

For a number of years Mr. \Vats03 served on the school board. and the cause of education ever found in him a \\-arm friend. He and llis wife hold membership in the First Christian church of Danville, and in politics he is a Democrat and does all in his power to advance the success of the party, but has never sougllt or desired office for himself. IVith the exception of the short period of time n-l~ich he spent in Cali- fornia he has always resided in Vermilion county, and is justly proud of what has been accomplished here in the line of material progress, intellectual advancement and moral culture. He has seen much of the land cleared, the prairies broken, the fences built

and the roads constructed. He has witnessed the del-elopment of fine farms and the gro\\-th of thri\-ing to\vns and cities, ma~ii- festing a deep and active interest in everything pertaining to the general good. Throughout a11 the years he has maintained an upright character a i d he and his estima- b!e vife ha\-e a very large circle of friend.: in this count)..

T. J. Hon-arcl, a farmer and super\-isor of 1-ance ton-nship. n-as born in Spottsyl- 1-ania count\-, TTirginia, December I 7 , I 846, and is tlescended from g-oocl old Re1-ol11- tionarp stock. his great-grantlfather ha1-ing been one of the heroes who fought for the indepeiiclence of the nation. James I\-. Honartl, the father of our subjcct, was a!so a native of the Olcl Dominion, and in Fred- el-icksburg. Virginia, he ~veclcled Sarah --Id- nms, n native of Ke\\- Jersey. They located in Spottsylvania cout~ty, n-here they live(! for twenty years, and the father of our subject engaged in farnling there. H e 13ur- chased land whicll lie cultix-ated for sonle time, b12t subsecluently he disposed of his l,usiness i~lterests in the east and in 1838 1)rought his fainilj- to ITermilion countj-. Illinois. locating in 1-ance to\\-nsl~ip. Here he bougl~t eight)- acres of land south of Fairmou~lt, and nlade his home thereon for tivelve years. Subsecluently he purchased another far111 \\-hich he later sold, and in 1870 he removed to Davis count!-, Ion-a, \\-here he became the o i ~ n e r of t\\-o hundred and h r t y acres of land which he owned and cultil-ated for tn-elve years. I3e was then calIed to his final rest in 1882. The mother of our subject had died in Septern-


THE

PAST A N D PRESENT

VERMILION COUNTY

ILLINOIS

ILLUSTRATED

CHICAGO:

THE S. J. CLARXE PUBLISHING CO. 1 9 0 3


DANIEL GUNDER.


JAMES W. HOWARD.



her, 18jS. The father had aftenvard married Mrs. Hettie (Redman) Davis, \\-ho died in Dal-is county, Ion-a, in 1885. X r . Ho~vard was a Denlocrat in his political vie\\-s ancl was an esemplary member of the Nasonic fraternity. H e also belonged to the Eaptist church in 11-llich he sen-ed as a trustee for a number of years. 111 the fanliij- of this n-01-thy couple \\-ere four children : J. 5. ; Belle, the n-ife of _\lien Eaer, a resident of Cass county, Ion-a; Thoinas A., a proinineat citizen of Fairmount. \\-ho is now sen-ing as ma!-or; and Ellis, \\-ho diet1 at the age of tn-ent!--three years.

J. J. Hovic?rd began his education in the public sc!~ools of Spottsy11-ania co~ulty, 1-irginia, antl aftern-ard contii~ued his studies at Plenant TTa'iley, having come n-it11 his parents to ~-el- i~~il ion comlt>- 11-hen only tive11-e years of age. Later he \\-as a student in Fail-mouiit and t l~en in the Eattle Ground school of Indiana. H e consiclered his school iraining completed at the age of t\\-enty-o~:e years, after ~\-hic!l he assisted his father in the cultivation of his farill until his in;l.rr!'age, \\-hich \\-as celebrated the 4th of Jnl~uary. 1872, iil 1-ance to\\-li- ship. the lac:? of his choice 1)eing ;\lice -4. Guntlel.. She \\-as 1101-11 in 1Iadison county, Incliaua. near =\~lderson. Januar>- 2 I ,

1852. ant1 coi-tles of a fa i~~i l>- of Gennan lineage. Her father. Daniel Gunder, \\-as a native of I,ancaster, Ohio. and ~vedcled Elizal>etll lI~?gel, u h o \\-as born in 3Iadi- son c o ~ m t ~ - , Indiana. n here their nlarriage occnri-erl. There the!- located upon a farin. making it tlleir home until 1868. 11 hen they caille to I!linois, settling in 1-ance to\\-11- ship, 1-er1ni;ion count-. In 1893 the father retired from active business life and remo\-ed to I;airmount. \\-here he spent his remaining days, his death occurring there i n -lupst, 1898. His wife passed an-a>- in

October, of the same year. Mr. Gunder \\-as a Democrat in his political affiliations and his felloi\- to\\-nsmen, recognizing his lvorth and ability, frequently called him to public office. H e served for three te rns as supervisor ancl held all of the to\\-nship offices. including that of road cornmission- er, in n-hich capacity he served for many years. He \\-as a me~nljer of the llasonic fratenlit\-. a deacon in the Baptist church and a 111x11 of exemplary life. honored and respected for his genuine 11-orth and fidelity to principle. In the Gu~lder fanlily n-ere the iollo\~-ing children : Jasper. \\-I10 married Gertrude Xaderius. a resident of In- dianapolis : -\lice. the- wife of our subject; Susie. \\-I10 11ecan;e the wife of Charles Eal(1- 1s-in and resided near Catlin. but both are no\\- deceased: J. H., 11-110 nlarried S o r a Eu-ing, antl is engaged in the grain business in Decntur, Illinois; S. H.. ~ 1 1 0 married Settie ?\-eaver, alid is living in Chi- cago; Jennie. \\ 1x1 died in 1885. at the age of t\\ ent!--three \-ears : Mar\-. \\;ilo married P e ~ e r Beyei-s. whose death occurred in 1896, the \\itlo\\- being no\\- a resident of I.'airnlo~mt : and Julia. the I\-ife of Frank God\\ in. a resitlent of Pecatur.

The hoi-ue of Mr. and Mrs. Ho\v2rd has 1;een ljlessed \\-it11 three children : Eel!e. the \\-ife of Charles Cron-. \\-I10 is engaged in the g:-ain I>usii~ess at 1:airmount : Stella. ? t _

home; and Robert, 11-11o died in infruncy. _After 11is marriage Mr. Ho~vai-d heated 111:on a farm i : ~ 1-ance to~vnshil~. purchasing eight!- acres \\-hich he continuetl to operate for t\:eii-e years. H e then sold that propert!- ailcl bougllt the far111 on which he is non- living. ha~ i r ig t1.1-o hundred and sev- ent - acres on section 5. 1-ance to\\-nship. Lpon his place he has made many escellent impro~-ements and no\\- has one of the best countr- seats of 1-ennilion county. His



handsome home is nicely furnished and el:- erything about the farm is neat in appearance and indicates the labor and direction of the progressive owner. Mr. Howard votes with the Democracy, and in 1902 he was elected supervisor of his township, in which position Ile is now creditably serving. Fraternally he is connected -with the Court of Honor, the Knights of the Globe, and the Knights of Pytl~ias, and his religoius faith is indicated by his membership in the Bap- tist church, in \vhich he is serving as a deacon. Energy and perseverance have been the means of bringing to hi111 success and he is nonr numbered ainong the substantial and leacliilg farnlers of Vance township.

IV. S. REVEAL.

IT. N. Reveal is a leading representative of the business interests of Hoopeston, Illinois, being quite estensively engaged in real estate dealings. H e was born in War- ren, Indiana, January 14. 1854. a son of George P. and Rebecca (Terrell) Reveal, both of whom mere natives of Ohio. Throughout his active business life the father was engaged in farnliilg but is now retired in Glen~vood, 1011-a, enjoying a well earned rest and the fruits of his forll~er toil. H e was in the service of his country for three years during the Civil war but for-. tunately was never ~voui~clecl. From private he was promoted to post forage master ancl later to 11-agonmaster, I~olding the latter rank while wit11 General Sherman on the inarch to the sea, hal-ing charge of teaming. His parents came to this country from Spain. where the family name was spelled R e Veal. They settled in Ohio. where our

subject's grandfather followed farming as a means of !ivelihoocl. Our subject has two sisters living: Fedora. wife of Janles E. Van Pelt of Glenn-ood, Iowa; ancl Hattie, wife of George Tracy. of the same state.

-liter comp!eting his education in the public scl~ools near his boyhood home TI-. K. Reveal taught school for fourteen pears or until he had attained the age of thirty- one, five years of that time being principal of the schools of llackina\v, Tazewell coun- tv, Illinois. From that place he came to Hoopeston in Decembel., 1892, ancl has since heen engaged in the real estate business here. Eesitles his on-11 home on East Main street he owns eight other houses \~-hicl~ he rents and froill these derives a good income. ~v l~ i l e his wife has a goml far111 of one bun- tlretl acres in Tazewell county. On the 8th of December, 1901. his office in the Arc- Ferren block was destroyed by fire, togetl~er wit11 all furniture, fistures, etc.. but he non- has a nice suite of rooins in the new 3Ic- Ferreil builcling. He confines his attention to the sale and transfer of city ant1 to11-11 property and is meeting wit11 goocl success in his business ventures, being a nlan of known integrity and strictly reliable.

In 1880 Mr. Reveal married Miss Em- ina 17iernont, 11-110 diet1 on the ad of --lurgust, 1886. leaving one child, 1-ernon. no\\- a resident of Hoopeston. n-110 was horn in Taze- \yell county. Illinois, and nlarried Pearl Lewis. Our subject mas again married at Lill?. Illinois, in 18p . his secoilcl union being with Miss hfarj- Lindsey, who 11-as born near that place and engagecl in teaching sel~ool for about eight years prior to her marriage. By this marriage there is also one son, Ivan L. L.

Mr. Reveal holds membership in the Christian cl~urch. and is also connected \\-it11


THE ' BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD 68 R

the blue lodge chapter and councii of the Blasonic fraternity and the Camp of Mod- ern Woodmen of America. His political support is given the men and measures of the Republican party and he takes quite an active interest in public affairs. During his residence in Hoopeston, he served two years as tax collector, and is now serving his sisth pear as justice of the peace. H e is thoroughly impartial In meting out justice, his opinions being unbiased by either fear or favor, and his fidelity to the trust reposed in hi111 is above cluestion. H e is regarded as one of the leading ant1 most highl!- respected citizens of Hoopeston.

-\ugust Faulstick. one of the leading grocery merchants on East 31ain street in Danville. has been a resident of this city since 1872 ant1 his contilluous activity in mercantile life has been the llleans of gaining for 11im the creditable position \vhich he now occupies in tracle circles. H e was born in Germany. -\.ipril 2 I , IS 33. and is a son of Peter Faulsticl<. n-110 spent his entire life in Germany and throughout his business career carried on agricultural pursuits. In the familj- were four children \vho calne to America. and settlecl in Dand le . namely: A u g ~ ~ s t : --\nton. ~ v h o is engaged in the shoe business on Sor th street: Frank. \\-11o is a member of the firm of Bott & Faulstick: and Grace. the deceased wife of Joseph Fares. of Dans-ille.

In his native country -\ugust Fanlstick acquired the greater part of his education, but attended school to a lilnited estent after coming to -1inerica. I t \\-as in an early day

that he crossed the broad -Atlantic to the new lvorld and as -soon as he landed he started across the country to Vermilion county, \\-here he began work as a laborer for the JVabash Railroad Company. ,\fter being in that service for a short time he entered the en1plo~- of the Chicago & Eastern Illinois Railroad Company as foreman of the lumberpard and \\-as afterwarcl transferred to the freight departinent as foreman of the repair work there. For nineteen years he continued in that position and his fidelity ancl close application won him the entire confider~ce and reg-arc1 o i those n-hom he sers-etl. Tl~roughout the nineteen years he lost only one week. _ i t length with money he had accjuirecl through his own industry and economy he embarked in business on his own account and established a grccery store at S o . 621 East Main street. There he has a large and \\-ell selected stock of staple and fancy groceries and country produce and enjoys a gootl trade. He has the faculty of retaining the patronage of those ~~I-hose custom he once secures. this being due to his l~onorable business methods ant1 earnest clesire to please his customers.

I11 Danville Mr. Faulsticl~ \\-as united in marriage to 3Iiss 3Iarj- Foher. a natii-e of German!-. and they became the parent< of ten children : fosepi~, no\s tlecensed : Toney ; -Annie, \~-11o aqsists her father in the store; Mary. _\ugust. Jr., Clara. Helen. Celia. Ger- trutle ant1 1-ictoria.

In his political views Mr. Faulstick is independent. 1-oting for the men \\-horn he thinks best adapted and clualified for office regardless of party affiliations. H e belongs to the Catholic Order of Foresters. to the German _Aid Society, to the 3Iechanics' La- bor Society. and he and his wife are com- nlunicants of the German Catholic church of


THE BIOGMFHICAL RECORD

Danville. Such in brief is his life history and those who read betveen the lines \\-ill sin recognition of the n-ork of a self-made man, for when he arrived in Danville he not onl>- possessed no capital, but had incurred an indebtedness of forty-five dollors. This, hoif-ever, was soon paid up, because he -ivorked untiringly, his life having been ollc of earnest labor. As soon as possible he engaged in business for himself ancl to-day he is enjo~-ing a large and n-ell merited trade while in addition to his business he ojvns property here. his store and real estate being the T-isihle e~-idence of his life of i~lclustry anc! thrift.

&++

S. >I. 11-atson has gained a foreinost position as a representative of the photog- rapher's art. his ability being recognized throug-l~ont the state on account of tlle ex- hibits 1vhic11 he has made. H e is located in Dan\-il!e, \\-Ilel-e hc conducts an art stuclio.

l l r . 1Vatson \\-as born In LaSalIe county, I!liuois, October 9, 1853. His father, I ra Watson. \\-as a native of New York and 11-it11 llis parents took up his abode in La- Salle cotinty. . I t the time of the cliscovery of golcl it1 California he went to the Pacific slope in r S ~ g to seek for the precious metal in the n~iries of the far \vest. Subsequently he resided in Otta~va, Illinois. for several years and in 186.3 became a resident of Dan- ville. where he entered into business as a coal merchant. For some time he conducted his efforts along that line and eventually sold to -4. C. Daniels. He then entered into the live stock business, buying and shipping horses, mules and cattle. His death occurred in Cairo, Illinois, in 1872. and his \.-ldo~~-. Mrs. Nancy A. l l~atson, a

native of Parke county, Indiana, is still living and makes ller home wit11 her son, S. -1. 'CJratson.

In the schools of Ottan-a, Illinois, S. A. IVatson began his education in IS jg, and for three yertrs lras a s t d e n t in the old Red Seminary of Dan~:il!e. I-Ie completed his common-sc!lool course in Cairo, Illinois, in 1871 and the iollon-ing year was graduated in El-!-ant & Stratton Btisiness College, Remox-jng iron1 Cairo. he took up his abode in LaSal!e county ~vit11 his n~otlier and two younger brothers in tlie spring of 1873 and n-as there employecl as a stational>- engineer ailcl also at carpenter n-ork for ti\-o years. 011 the espiration of that period he began the stucly of his present proiession, first I\-orlcing at portraiture, crayons, water col- ors ru~d Tntlia illk portraits. This n-as the initial step ton-arc1 his connection \\-it11 11110- tography. He entered into the latter business in 1875, follon-ill= it continuous1~- until 1878, at n-hich time he embarked in an entirely new \.'line, that of sketc11ir:g for county history work and directory publishing. H e fol!o~\-ed the ne~v pursuit, however, for only two years, and tllell turned his attention to farming, buying a tract of land in 1,nSaIle count>-. T o its further tle- velopment ant1 irnpro~ement he devoted his

1" 0~1t energies for three years and then sellil., he a,gain entered the business of 1111otog- raphy, ~11ich has since been his life work. H e has remained in it allmost continuously, having operated in Chicago, St. Louis, K e ~ v $ark. Boston. Philadelphia. Cincinnati, Baltimore ancl many other large cities. He . worked in these various places with a view of perfecting I~imself in his chosen calling and in July, 1889, he settled in Dan\-ille, where he has enjoyed an excellent patronage, building up for himself a reputation that classes him with the leading artists of


S. A. WATSON.


- THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD 685

the co~~rttr-. H e is a student of his profession, al~vaq-s keeping informed concern- ing the advancement \\-hich is co~ltinually being nlacle in the photographic art. H e is not 0111j- a folloiver, but is also a leader. for lle has improved upon methods alreadz inst i t~~ted 2nd has done creditable 1%-ork that has attracted to hill1 the attention of the entire profession in :he countr!-. H e did all of the pl~otographic 11-ork froin n-hicli the portraits 3 f t!:is volume have bee11 made

- . ailcl the i11gh cllnracter of the \i-ork has gi \ ex ~uli\-ersal satisfaction.

(311 the 28th of January. 1878. in Dan- I-ille. Illinois, Xr. \\-atson \\-as united in marriage to Miss Mattie D. Rupert ant1 the\- !lave t ~ o daughters and a son, Eclna --llice! 1;lossj- Maj- and 11-alter J. Mr. '\\-atson is a cl~arter me~nber of the Tribe of Eel1 IHer of Dan~il le and for fifteen years has bee11 a meml)er of the Knights of Pytl-1- ias iraternitj-. H e was one of the organiz- ers al?d is the prese~lt secretary of the Yer- milion Coalltp llutual riid Society and he was at one tiine a meml~er of the Jefler- so~linn C!ub of '\Vas!~ingtoil. D. C. 111 politics 11e is a Denlocrat and bi-metalist. His attention, hen-ever, is chiedy given to his profession and he is the official l)llotog- rapher of t!le Chicago & Exstern Illi~lois I<ailroac! Coil~l>a~ly of the Frisco s!-stem. He is liken-ise a contributor to man\- of the leading photographic jour~lals o i the countr!- anrl is co~xlected with the leading pho- togral>hic societies of the United States. H e has irer!uentl:- been an eshibitor to the na- tio~lal con\-en!ions and has secured diplnnlas for ercellei~ce of \\-ork on s i s different es- l~ibits. H e has artistic taste and talent and 11-11ile perfecting himself in the mechanical side of photography he has advanced far be!-ond this to a recognition of the possi-

bilities of light and shadon- which form the basic element of all beauty and excellence in his art.

A A - L-

STEPI-IES BROTHERS.

Stei>he:l Brothers. \\-hose 11oine is located on section I , Oaku-ood ton-nship, \\-as born in Carroll count\-. Ohio. September a,;, 18-39. His fatfier. Lel-i Brothers. \\-as born in the east. and after arri\-ing at years of maturity harried Lydi3 Clark. a lady of Scotch descent. They beca~ne the parents of elel-en chiltlren. of \vhorn our subject is the sixth in order of birth. Of the five now living Stephen is the eldest. The others are : Lydia Carson. of Ohio: -lustin, Rich- ard and Fanil!-. all of 11-llom are living il-

Carroll county, where our subject \\-as born and reared. Having spent the days of his boyhoocl and youth in his inti1 e state Steph- en Erothers cnine to 1-ennilion count!-. Illi- nois, in a covered \\-;go11 in tlic '50s. arriving- here in the spring of the :-ear. having tra~eleil throug-11 the l~lacl; sv amps of In- diana. His \\-agon n-a< tlrai\-n by a team of horses. ancl it required about four \\-eeks to nlake the trip. H e \\-as accompanied by his brother Joseph. 11 110 is no\\- deceased. and hc settled up011 a tract of lailtl \\hich his father had entered. liis first home being a log cabin. - i t once he began the culti~ation of the land. making it a rich and procluctil-e tract. Tllere were no fences for 11liles ant1 the homes of the early settlers \\-ere I\ i(.lely scattered. much of the land being still in its primitive condition. Tllere \\-ere man)- prairie \1-ol1-es a11d (leer were t o be seen in large numbers. BJ- trade Mr. Erothers is a blacksmith and in his earl!- residence in this county he iol- 1011-ed that pursuit to sonle extent.

t



In May, 1858, occurred the marriage of our subject and Miss Mary Hall, who was born in Putnam county, Indiana, April 21, 1840, a daughter of Marvin C. and Sa- phronia (Spear) Hall, \\rho were natives of Vermont and became early settlers of In- diana. Mr. and 31rs. Brothers were married in Edgar cot~nty, Illinois, ancl after living there for a year removed to the old homestead in Vernlilion county, two miles west of their present farm. Xfter several years were there passed they took up their abode a t the edge of the timber \\-here Mr. Brothers concl~lcted a blacksmith shop for a number of years. Later he spent four years in Nebraska, but it was durillg the grass- hopper rage. and, thinking it not a goo( place to earn a living he returned to Ver- milion county and took up his abocle on section I , Oakwood to~vnship, where he has since lived. I l is business career was inter- rupted by his illilitary service when in 1862 he respondetl to his country's call for aid, enlisting in Company I, One Hundred and Twenty-fifth Illinois Jnfantry, entering the service as a second lieutellant under the commancl of Captian Levin Vinson. A-lclju- tant William Mann. Lieutenant Colonel Stanley ancl Colol~el Harmon. H e participated in the battle of Perryville, IZentucky, and in April, 1863, he resigned. Through- out the greater part of his life he has cnr- ried on both blacksmithing and farming and his labors have been attended with a well merited degree of success. H e now o~vns one hundred and forty-six acres of ~-aluable land and from his farm derives a good income.

Mrs. Brothers was one of a family of nine children, four of \\-horn are now living : William Hall, a retired fiirrner of Kebraska ; Mrs. Harriet Demmick, of Terre Haute,

Indiana; Joan, wife of John Edgington, of Edgar county, Illinois; and iLSrs. Brothers. The last named by her marriage has become the mother of two children. Levi. ~ h o married Emeline Smith, was born in Ed- gar county, Illinois. and resides upon the home farm in Verinilion county. Edn-it1 n~arried Martha Olihy. and they have three children : Gertie, Dean and Alabel. 11r. Brothers votes with the Republican party. and he l x l o ~ ~ g s to IIorrison Post. G. -1. R., of Glenbcrn, n-hile both he ancl his wife hold membership in the Pleasant Grove 3Iethodist Episcopal church.

EES JAI1\IIS E;. STITES.

The name of Benjanlill F. Stites is en- rolled among those who have been active in business affairs in Vannilion county and who. through alergy ant1 int1ustr~-, have contributecl to public progress and iml>ro~e- ment. Calletl to his final rest in TSSQ. his Inemorv is still enshrined in the hear-ts of those ~ v h o knew him. He \\-as born ill Cin- cinnati, Ohio, July 20, 1533. a son of Een- janlin and Susan ( Ste~vart) Stites, 11 110 in the spring of 1837 came to Verinilion coun- tv. Illinois, settling in Blount ton-aship, a t Rickarrl Corners. The nest year they removed to a place t ~ v o miles south of 1Iyei-s- ville. there living until 1857. II-hen they went to Paston, Forcl county, on the 6th of December. 1860. In the winter of 183.3-4 Ee~ljalni~l F. Stites had left home. going to Paston. 1v11ere for one pear he engaged in farming. and in the second year, 1855, he established a store on the prairie. selling goods there for eighteen months. In the fall of 1856 he disposed of his stock and re-



mol-ed to Benton county, -\rkansas, where he follon-ed carpentering. milling and also farn~ing, investing in s i s hundred acres o l land. Iminediately after the presidential election of 1860 he was forced to flee with his family to the north, escaping from the toils of the fire-eaters by strategy. H e \\-as forced, however, to abandon his property and lost all that lie hat1 invested 1~11ile in the south. In 1861 he embarked in the fumi ture business in Paston on a very small scale. -After his return from Arkansas he n-ent to Chicago and purchased the necessary ecpipments for again keeping house and founcl that he had about fifty dollars remaining. This he invested in a snlall line of furniture. - i t that time there 11-as no furniture store. nearer than Kar~kaliee, and he began business in Paston. his trade steatlily increasing and niaking it necessary for him to add more ant1 more to his stock. Ceing a cabinet-niaker he also manufactured coffins for the neigli1~orl1ood and he brought the first ready-made casket into Forcl coun- t . In tlie fall of 1871 lle removed from Paston to Hoopeston. \\-here he follon-ed carpentering for tu-o years and then established a furniture and undertaking store. \~-hich he casried on continuouslj- up to the tinle of liis death.

On Tune I j. 1859. X r . Stites was united in marriage to 11iss 1Iartlia -4. Dunn, v-110 \\-as born in Clifton Springs, Yen- York, a dzt~ghter of George ancl --lngeline (Foster) Dunn. Her father \\-as born in Ireland and I\-\-he11 hut a cliilcl came to -\i-nerica. Here lie nlarriecl Miss Foster, a native of Roch- ester. Sen- York. H e n-as a cooper by trade and folio\\-ecl that pursuit at Clifton Springs and Scottsville. S e w 1-ork. In the \\-inter of 1836-7 he came to the west looking for a location. 11-hile residing in Rock

Island, Illinois, he enlisted for service in the Civil war. beconling a member of the Fifty. first Illinois Infantry. H e \\-as taken prig- oner a t the battle of Corinth and Ivas ill a t the time. H e 11-as then sent to Jefferson Barracks in St. Louis. where lie died in September. 1862. His wife died in Chicago. 11-hile \-kiting a daughter there and attending the \\-orld's Fair. Mrs. Stites had four brothers \1-11o \\-ere also in the Civil war, and one of these. 11-110 n-as a member of Compan~- F. Ti\-enty-fifth Illiiiois Infantry, :\-as also killed in battle. Mrs. t i t e s \\-as eleven years of age u-llen she removetl from Clifton Springs to Scotts~ille. Seu- 1-ork. She ~ursuetl her education in tlie LeRoy Seminar!- arltl the Collegiate Institute, a Eaptist school. of Rochester. Sen- l-ork. She engaged in teaching in llonroe county, that state. for several terms and in 1857 canie to the west. taking up her abode in St. Louis. lIissouri, \\-liere she reniained throughout the n-inter \\-it11 relatives. She then vent to --lrkansas in March. 1858. ancl ~vliile there became acquainted with and married 3Ir. Stites. She \\-as one of a fan;- of tu-elve chiltlrei~. of whom ten are still li\,ing. namely : Charles. of 11-inona. IIin- '

ilesotn: llargaret. n h o is living in Detroit. l\Iichigan: Eenr!.. of Tuscola. 3Iicliigan: I:I-mik. of Eldoratlo. I<ansas: l\liner\-a. of El Paso. Texas: ltinnie. of St. Louis: Maria. 11-hose home is in Santa Crw. Cali- - fornin: Delos. \\-110 is a resident of Escon- tliclo. California : Jlary. of Chicago : and Xrs. Stites.

Fourteen chiltlren were born to our subject and his 11-ife, and of these ten are yet lil-ing: Frances E.. the wife of John Simp- son. of Rake. Io~va : Charles. 11-ho is living in Hoopeston: Benjamin, who \\-edded May Missen. o i Omaha, Sebraska: IVilliarn,



who is a machinist now lix-ing in Sicara- gua, Central Anlerica ; Carrie Louise, the wife of Jiilliam McKeex-er, of -Amhia, In- diana; Samuel, who married Maude Men- agh, of Hoopeston; Susan, the wife of John LVagner, of Hoopeston; Kate, 11-ho has sen-ed as city librarian of Hoopeston for four years ; hlartha -I., the \\-ife of Fra111i VIyallace, a machinist of Hoopeston; and Clara 11aria. 11-11o is teaching school. Mrs. Stites also has eleven grandchildren.

In his political affiliations Mr. Stites xvas a Democrat and Greenbacker. For t11ir:~- years he held membership in the Indepen- dent Order of Odd Fellou-s,- Jvas one of its exemplary representatives. H e also belonged to the Eniversalist church and was a man of upright life, loyal to every trust reposed in him. He continued his furniture business in Hoopeston until his death. which occurred October 21, I Q S ~ . ;It that time 31rs. Stites assumed the management of the business, ~vhich she concluctecl for thirteen years. She paid off the seven hundred dollars indebtedness upoil the store and su~~ess iu l ly carried on the enterprise. enlarging her stocli to meet the gron-ing demands of the trade until 1901, ~vhen she sold out to the fir111 of Parker 8r Scott. She took a course in embalming and co~lducted a n undertalting business. carrying a stock worth about tn-enty-five hunclred dollars. She also purchased a hearse and her undertaking establishment received a liberal and \+-ell merited patronage. Mrs. Stites engaged in teaching a select school in Hoope- ston before a pttblic school was organized here. She is a member of the Order of Re- bekahs, the Order of the Eastern Star, and of the Mronlens' Relief Corps. She nowr owns several tenement hot~ses which she rents, and her bum beautiful home on North

Market street, which was built in 1902. -1 lady of culture and refinement she also possesses marked esecutix-e force and business abilitv and deserl-es great credit for \\-hat he has accomplished, since her huband's de- mise. In social circles she occupies'an enviable position and has a 11-ide accluailltance in Hoopeston ancI throughout Vermilion county.

- - - -

Janles G. Payton, \\-llo is filling the ofice of justice of the peace in Danr-ille and is a conscietltious and careful officer, I\-as born in Clinton ~ o ~ u l t y , Ohio, Sel~tember 30. 1332, his pasents being Vale~ltine and Mary ( l lorgan) Papton. Both the Payton and JIorgan families calne originally frot11 Vir- ginia, l~a:-ing lived in the locality knoivn as Apple Pie Ridge. In the maternal line the family was related to General John IIot-- gan, the noted Rebel leader. Mrs. Rlartha 3Iorga11, the grandmother of Mrs. Payton, the mother of our subject, is the only one of the family that Juclge Payton has l;no\~-n, and she died in IVilmington. Ohio, at an advancecl age. The father of our subject. on conling to Illinois, settled first near Nun- cie, in 1840. H e \\-as a shoemaker by trade and in connection ?\-it11 that pursuit he gave consideral~le tiille to farming. nlaking a specialtl- of the rasing of corn. TVhen the farm n-01-1~ I n s over for the season he and his sons \vould spend their time in the manufacture of boots and shoes in the little shop which they conducted. For several years duri~lg the earl!; develop~nent of the state, when there was little market for farm products, they sold their corn at eight and ten cents per bushel. TVhen a boy Mr. Payton


MRS. JAMES G. PAYTON.


JAMES G. PAYTON.


I

- THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD 093

had been bound out as an apprentice to learn the shoemaker's trade and n-hatever success he achiel-ecl in life was due entirely to his ol.\-n efforts. In his political r-ie~\-s he 112s a 11-hig. His n-ife died in 1830 ancl he pnssed away in 1873. In their famil>- were ten children, of \vhom those 1i1-ing ;re: ]oh11 31.. Zephaniah C., Jaines G. and .isa H. Those \vho haye-passed an-ay nre: I\Iartha, r\-11o rr-as the rr-ife of -illen Cass: Deborah. the I\-ife of Isaac I-. Shepherd; Robert : 117illiam I . ; Joseph I . ; and Isaac 31.

In taking up the personal Ilistol-~- of Tames G. Payton 11-e recorcl the life WOS!~

o i one n-110 is actively and favorably kno\vi~ in Danr-ille and the - surrounding districts. H e gained his education in the scl~ools near his boyhood home, ioi- he had conle to I!!!- nois \\-it11 his parents \\-\-hen about seven !-ears of age. Later he conti~lued his studies in the schools of Dam-ille and throug!~ the periotl of his youth he rvorked in his father's shoeshop ancl also in the cornfields. t u r ~ l i ~ l g the furl-011-s in man>- a field in the early spring-time. l\Tl~en twenty-five years of age l ~ e started out in life for himself, l e a ~ - i ~ ~ g the parental roof at that time. For three !-ears he \\-orliecl in teaching school and then began farming on his o\\-n ac- cotun t.

1 . Payton conlpleted his arrange- ~llents for a home of his orvn by his marriage about this time. On the q t l 1 of KO- \-ember, I 8 5.j. he ~veddecl Catherine Dea- kin. a daughter of 11-illiam a11d Xanc- Dea- liin, of liuncie. Illinois. Her father rvas a farmer JI-~IO had colne to this state from Ohio. Her brothers and sisters are: 1Vjll- iam. 11-ho died in SashviIIe. Tennessee; Elizabeth and Emeline. also deceased. The latter \\-as the n-ife of Zephaniah C. Pa-ton and died in the Indian Territory, in 1901.

Unto the marriage of our subject and his n-ife, have been born four children: Theo- dore T. is the only one 11-ho survives. Those 11-110 have departed this life are Emma. who was the wife of P. L. Zarbo; John; an& l i l l a Tlleoclore T. married Kitty Hall> 2nd tl~er- have four children : James Ray- mond. Royce -kcher, Robert B. and Ruth S.

-ifter his marriage 3lr. Payton carried on iarnling until the 3d of September. 1862. I\-hen. influenced b\- a patriotic spirit h e offered his sen-ices to the Unioi; and enlisted as a ~nernber of Company C. One Hundre(1 arxl TI\-ent--fifth Regiment o i Illinois Infantr!-. sex-\-ing as a private for three years or uiltil after the close o i the \\-as in 1865. H e participated in numerous engagenlents, among the nlost important l~eing at E'erryville. l\turfreesboro. Loolio~tt l I o ~ ~ i ~ t n i i ~ . _\tlanta and Jonesboro. --It Een- tonville. Sort11 Carolil?a. he n-as ~voun(1ed 11v a t1:onl \\-hicll \\-as thrust into llis leg and for sis weeks he lay in the 11osl)ital. He retul-necl to Illinois, and cotning to Fair- mount lle n-as appointed deputy sheriff 113-

tlel- his brother, Josel)h 11. Payton. serving in thnt ofiice for t\\-o years. H e nest 11-ect to Spring!ie!tl. 3Iissouri, 11-here he engaged in \\-orl;ing in a lumber yard ior eight years ancl s:lbsecl~-.elltly spent n short time in Iian- sas. On tlle espiratioll o i that period he I-etun~etl to Dan\-il!e, where he contlucted a farm for t\vo years. His nest place of residence \\-as at Hamilton. Ohio. but 11-ithin a short period he removed froill there to Fort 11-ay1le. Indiana. and tile11 aLgain came to Dan\-ille. \\-here he entered the employ of the firm of I'ayton. Palmer & Company. \\-holesale grocers. In 189 j. 11oi-c-ever. he was called fro111 business life to poliiical office, being elected constable, and in 1897 11-as elected justice of the peace, his present



term continuing until 3lIay-, 1905. He is the president of the One Hundred and Twenty-fifth Reunion and is commander of Kenesaw Post, G. A. R., being thus honored by his fellobl- comrades of the Civil a The fulfillment of his duty to his country in times of peril and to his community in times of peace and prosperity has been the chief and high aim permeating the life of James G. Payton, and to this class of honored citizens is due the substantial development and growth of this great coun- trq-, inakiilg it to-day forenlost among na- tions.

+++

T11e prosperity of Vermilion county has been assured and coiltin~lous froill the tinle of its early settlenlent by the brave and sturdy pioneers \vlio have here made their homes, do\\-n to the present, I\-hen its well tilled fields and fine grades of stock may be seen on every side. Fro111 the early developinellt of this co~znty Daniel Ere~ver has taken an in?- portant part, as did also his father, Richard Brewer, who canle here from Ohio, locating in yermilion county when all was wild and unimproved, awaiting the work of the white mall to develop its rich and productive soil. Daniel Brewer was born on the 5th of De- cember, 1832, four miles northeast of Dan- ville, in Vermilion county. He is a son of Richard and Christina (Roderick) Brewer. both of 11-horn were natives of Pennsylvania, but were reared and married in Ohio, having been taken by their parents to the Buckeye state when they mere children. Richard Brewer was a son of John Brewer, who came from Holland to Fennsylvania and later to Ohio. The Roderick family came

from Germany and settled in Pennsylvania and later, as has been stated, in Ohio. Richard Breu-er xa s a man sis feet tall and weighed two hundred and five pounds. His brothers n-ere all large men, \\-eigl~ing over two hulldrecl pounds. During his active business career he engaged in farming ancl also workecl at the shoemaker's trade. --If- ter his marriage he removed to Lafaj-ette. Indiana, and later to Danville, Illi~lois, locating on a farm nllere he and his goocl 11-ife spent their relnaillillg days. He was a member of the 1 Iethodist Episcopal ch~~i-ch. taking an active interest in its welfare anti holding several ofices therein. H e servetl as class leader for lllally years ancl was a good, consistent Christian man. In politics he was an old line 11-hig. _Ilthougl~ a man of influence in his com~nunity he. refused office. He diet1 J?el>ruar!- 21, 1849, at the age of fifty-eight years and s is months. ant1 14s wife passetl away in 1871, at the age of seventy-nine years. They were the parents of nine children. six boj-s ancl three girls. all of whom gl-en- to years of 111aturit~-. Millie became the wife of Siilleon Lamb and they resitlecl near Dan\-ille, but both are now (leceased. 3Iashec, no^\^ deceased, resided in RIarion count~., Illinois. Charles was a resident of Douglas county, but is no\\- tleceased. Be11 j anlin, also tleceased. resicletl on the old homestead fann. Jol~n resiclecl in Onarga, Illinois, but has no\v passetl away. Sarah became the wife of T l ~ o i ~ ~ a s Elder and resided near Danville. Illinois. but both are now deceased. Rev. David resided a t TYoodland. Illinois. and has also passetl away. Mary is the wife of Henry Martin ancl resides in Saline county. Kansas. Dan- iel is the youngest of the family. H e spent his boyhood days on the farm attencling school near D a n d l e in what was known as


THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD 69 5

the Lamb district school, a hewed log schoolhouse, with slab seats and table, and an old fashioned fireplace. H e had but limited opportunities of acquiring an education. yet he imanag-ed to become well informed and taught school at an early age. H e then ~vorkecl on the home farnl, assisting his mother. She died in 1871.

Oil 3Iay 4. I 83 I , Mr. Ereiver was united in marl-iage to Niss 3Iariah Cunningham, n-110 ~ v a s boi-11 in Cli~lton county, Indiana, October 2 2 . 183". and is a daughter of K'icllolas aiicl Matilda (Lacke~-) Cunning- ham. 1~0th of 1v11om \\-ere born in Ohio ancl xvere there married. Later the?- renzovecl to 1-errnilion count)-, Illinois. wllere the?- re- mainetl until his death. ~i-hich occur~-ed in 1848. Xrs. Cunningham then became the ~vi ie of Sainuel Roderick, a natis-e of Penn- svlvania. u-110 canle to Ohio when he was a1,c;ut nine yenrs of age. He had been pi-e- 1-iouslv ~narriecl and hat1 sis cllilclreil ky his f i t 11 i e . He \\-as a illenlher of the 3lethotl- ist Episcopal church and in politics was an old line IIT11ig. IIis death occurretl in I 872 l l r s . Bren-el- \\-as the oltlest of a f a x - ilv of eight chiltlren 11y the first marriage of her mother. Fi\-e of these children still survive. The others living are: James. a resitlent of Panville: Eliza. a resitlent of Kebrasl.;a ailtl the \\-idol\- of Rev. Joshaa 11'oole\-: Ann, a resident of 1-ermilion count?- ancl the \ \- ido~~- of h1artin 11-atson : and Xicholas. ~1-1-ho resides in Danl-ille. By the second marriage of 1 Bi-en-eras mother there 11-ere born tu-o cl~ilclren. but on]:- one. George. of J-errnilion county. survives.

Tlle marriage of bIr. ancl Mrs. Brewer \\-as blessed 11-it11 eight children, but only three are now living. Jennie is the wife of James Villiars and resides tu-enty-five nliles

east of Lafaq-ette, Indiana. Martha, the the n-idon- of George 17illiars, has five chif- dren and resides with her father. Cyrus Rinaldo resides tu-entq--five miles east of Laiayette, Indiana, and has one child.

Mr. Bre~i-er sold the farm he had pre- \-iouslj- owned and purchased the fan11 upon \vhich he now lii-es, consisting of one hundred acres on section 30, in Jamaica ton-n- ship. H e also bought an additional ninety- seven acres n-hic11 he gave to his son Cq-nrs R. He has all\-al-s been an actil-e and energetic man. and lias cal-riecl on general iarming with good success. He raises high grades of stock and se!ling them in the market receives a good ainlual income therefrom. His short-llorn and Jerse\- cattle are \\-ell knoivn in the county and bring a hig!~ price. His horses are \-erj- fine in breed and he 1-aises quite a number oi these. He is a devutetl nlember of the lIethoc!ist Episco- pal churcl~ ant1 taught in the Suntlay-school for t\i-ent~- )-ears. For twenty Tears also he has acted as school director. although he (lit1 not desire the ofice. -1 Republican in his political vie~vs he has positively refused to accept office. although he strongly endorses the principles of the party and gives it his support. H e is a genial. kindly old gentleman. \i-llom it is a privilege as well as a pleasure to meet and converse with. During his residence in this cotintv he has 11-itnessed a great transfor~uation. He a t one time cradled \\-heat upon the land n-here Danr-ille no.\\- stands ant1 the settlers li\-ed in rou~ld poled cabins whose logs were daubed n-ith mud. His sister 3Iary was born in a house of this description in Dan- \-ille ton-nship. There \\-ere no railroads and the land on the site of the present city of D a n d l e 11-as worth fifteen dollars per acre. Tlie town n-as at that time about the



size of Fairnlount, Illinois. Their trading stock and thus all are indirectly aided by was done partly at Coving-ton, Indiana, but his efforts. mainly a t Chicago, Illinois. His father Mr. Lyon is numbered among the ila- bought leather in Chicago and hauled it in tive sons of this township, for here he \\-as wagons. Calico was a precious article, born ~ e ~ t e n l b e r z5! 1832 H e comes of an worth tu-enty-five cents per yard. The old New England family. His father \\-omen wore dresses to church made of this Jotha111 Lyon, n-as born either in 3Iassa- fabric and n-ere delighted to get them. They cllusetts or Connecticut and ill early life also had hand looms ~vith jvhich they spun I\-ent to 0l:io. where he ;\-as real-ed. In that flay and ~l-ove flannels and fancy dress state he \\-as uilited in marriage to lll'ss goods. \I-heat was \\-orth fifty cents per bushel and corn \\-as ~vorth from ten to ti\-enty cents per bushel. iT<hen the canal n-as built a t Corington the price of corn \vent up to t11-enty-five cents per bushel. 1Ir. Eren-er has bought and sold good coivs iol- tell dollars each. The courthouse of Danr-ille \\as

built over seventy years ago, ahout the time 3lr. Breiver was bom. Mr. P,re~\-er 112s been an interested spectator in the gl-eat changes \vhich have taken place iu the county during the past half centur!-. H e has seen the to~vns and villages spring :-up and develop into thi-il-ing ancl progressive cities, and in all the inlpi-01-ement l ~ e has bonie his full share. To such nlen as 31s. Brewer Vermilion county is to-clay inclel~tetl for her present prosperity.

Mary Harring-ton. \\-hose birth occurrerl in Ha~nilton cor~l~ty, Ol~io. They left that state. emigrating n-estu-ard ancl cast in their lot \\-it11 the early settlers of \'el-iniliol~ count:-. Iiiiuois. From the go\-ei-i~~nent 111.. T4-on e~ltereti a tract of land in Go?-ge- to\\-11 to~'r.~~s!lip ileal- n-here the sul>ject of this re\-ie~v is no~v living and \\-as the first settler in that focaiity. Frot l~ that time for- ~vard he to(,li an active ant1 helpful part in the rvorl; of get~eral prog-1-ess ant1 improve- me~lt ant1 at tlie sanle time carefully coil- ductctl his 11ri~-zte business interests. I-Ie \\-as made liighu-ay commissioner soon after !xis ari-ival a i d assisted in la!-ing o11t the various roads i : ~ the to~x-nshil>. In other ~\-a!-s. too. he carried for\\-art1 the n-ork of in:l)ro\-eiliel~t in pioileer clays. helping I;:!- the foundation for the pi-esellt prosperit!- of

A A - - - this section of Illinois. H e carried on fanning upon the home place until his cleath,

JOTHA-111 L\-OX. ~vI:icl~ occurrecl in 1841, hen he \\-as J-et in the prime of life. His \\-idon-; ho~~-e\-el-.

TIle xgricu]:ural illterests Verlllilion 1011g s:lr\-ived hilll. 1)as~illg a1V-a)- ill 1888.

county are u-elI rellresellted by Jotham Of their i2mil~- of seven children 0111~- our

Lyons Irllo fo]lon-s farnling in Geol-geto~~ll SIlb-iect is no\!- l i ~ i ~ g . Of the first lll~trriage

tol\-nship, llis llollle being on $&ion 25. l\lasse. \ Y ~ O is the u-ido~v o i Ste1)hen Loon;-

He is also \\-ell ktlo\~-n as a raiser of fine er. resides \\-it11 her chiltlren ill 1\Iinnesota.

sl~orthorr? cattle. ant1 in this regard he has Like the other members of the famil? done much for the community, for 11e who Jotham Lyon was educated in the coinmot1 - introduces fine stock into a locality is in- schools, such as were found upon the prai- strumental in bringing up the prices for ries of Illinois in pioneer times. His tr3.h-


I-

JOTHAM LYON.


MRS. JOTHAM LYON.


THE BIOGRAPHICAL ' RECORD 301

ing at fan11 labor was not meager for as reputation as a horticulturist and very fine soon as old enough to handle the plow he fruit is found upon his place. Whatever began work in the fields and assisted in the he undertakes he cames fom-ard to suc- operation of the home place until his mar- cessful completion and in the various riage. That important event in his life oc- branches of his business he has met with curred in 1858, when Miss Sarah Worth, success, being progressive in his methods a native of Iiisconsin, became his wife. and indefatigable in his work. Mr. Lyon She was the third white child born in the has been called upon to serve in several lo- vicinity of llil~vaukee, Jiisconsin. Her cal official positions and in his political father, IYilliam IVorth, had settled in that views he has ah-ays been a Republican. He state at a very early day, taking a claim represents one of the old and prominent near bilil~vaukee, where he developed a good families of the county and has many relics farm. He is no\\; deceased. Mr. and Mrs. of pioneer days, anlong lvhich is a deed Lyon became the parents of six children: given to his father when he secured gov- Mary, the wife of John Boggess, a promi- ernment land in this township, the paper nent farmer of Georgetown township; Will- bearing the date of July 27, 1824, and iam, 1~110 is living with his father and as- signed by President James Monroe. In his sists in carrying 011 the home farm; Datus, later years Mr. Lyon has been largely re- xvho is also residing in Georgetolvn town- lieved of the more arduous work of the farm ship; Elnma. who lvas a twin of Datus, by his two sons and he well deserves rest and died at the age of two years; Noah, an from labor. For sel-enty years he has lived agriculturist of the saune to\vnship ; Elmer, in Verinilio~l county ~vith the exception of who married Xda IVard and resides upon a brief interval spent in \Visconsin and the old homestead. therefore the history of pioneer develop-

_After his marriage Mr. LJ-on removed 111ent and of later-day progress is a story to iYisconsin, where he remained for one well kno\vn to the subject of this review. year and then returned to Vermilion c o ~ ~ n - A A - +-

ty, settling on his present farm on section 2 j , Georgetown tau-i-nship, where he now MILTON M. McNEILL. o\vns one hundred and fifty-two acres of valuable land, splendidly adapted to the Pron~inent amo~lg the successful busi- cultivation of grain. -111 of the inlprove- ness men of Danville is numbered the sub- ments upon his place stand as monuments ject of this sketch, 1~110 is a dealer in hard to his thrift and industry. H e and his sons 11-ood lumber. He is a native of Indiana, cut the timber. hauled it to the salx-mill, born in Perrysville. Decanber 24, 1845. and xvhere it was converted into lumber and is a son of George H. and Rebecca K. then erected the barn. Mr. Lyon here also (Beers) McSeill. ~vho were natives of owns another farm of seventy acres in the Maryland and Ohio, respectively. In early same township, and in connection with his life the father followed surveying for many two sons he is successfully carrying on gen- years, and later opened a drug store in Per- era1 agricultural pursuits and stock-raising, rysville. Indiana, which he carried on until making a scpeciaity of the raising of short- his death, which occurred September g, horn cattle. He has also gained a \vide 1892. He was a \\-ell read man and very

28



popular, his advice being often sought. Since his death the business which he established has been carried on by his son, W. K. McNeill, it being now sixty years since the store was opened.

During his boyhood Milton M. McNeill attended the graded schools of his native place and subsequently was a student at Asbtlry University, Greencastle, Indiana, for two years. With the intention of becoming a druggist, he made a special study of pharmacy and chemistry, and after leav- Mg school entered upon his business career along that line in his father's store at Per- rysville, but on his removal to Danville, Illinois, in 1880, he embarked in the lumber business, making a specialty of house furnishing and cabinet lumber, such as walnut, ash, etc., handling hard xvoods exclusively. He enjoys a good trade and is accounted one of the leading business men of his adopted city, with whose interests he has now been identified twenty-three years.

Mr. McNeill married Miss Ruhamah R. Bell, a daughter of William M. Bell, of Per- rysville, Indiana, who was one of the leading merchants of the Wabash valley. By this union the following children hare been born : George W., who is now a member of the Danville Wholesale Grocery Com- pany; Mary L., the wife of James R. Mar- tin, of Attica, Indiana; Rebecca R., the wife of Frank Hannum, of Danville Ruhamah R., wife of Frank D. Bushnell, of Sidell, Illinois; and Helen M. and Nadyne Vera, at home. The family residence is one of the most attractive homes on North Walnut street, being tastefully furnished and surrounded by a beautiful lawn, but Mr. and Mrs. McNeill now spend a great portion of their time in Texas on account of the latter's health.

Mr. McNeill is a prominent Odd Fellow and has passed through all the chairs in that lodge. Of excellent business ability and broad resources he has attained to an enviable position among the substantial men of Danville and is recognized as a leader in commercial circles. He has won success by his well directed, energetic efforts, and the prosperity that has come to him is certainly well deserved.

THOMAS OLAK\VOOD.

Thomas Oakwood is a prominent farmer and a native son of Vermilion county, having been born April 25, 18 58, on the farm he no\\: occupies. He is a son of Henry J. Oakwood, for whom the township of Oakwood was named. His mother was Priscilla (Sailor) Oak~vood, a native of Logan cotmty. They were married in Ver- milion county, Illinois. Henry J. Oakwood was born in Brown county, Ohio, March 7, 1819, and came overland to this county in 1833 and was a very prominent man in the township which was named for him. His father, too, had settled in Vermilion county at an early date, and thus the Oakwood family has become associated with the history of the co~tnty. Henry J. Oakwood was supervisor of the county for several years and during his time the courthouse at Danville was built. His name is engraved on the corner-stone of that building and when he first came to the to\\-nship five hundred Indians were encamped here. He died January 5 , I ~ I . His widow is living on the old home place with her son Charles in Oakivood township. Mr. Oakwood was a member of the Independent Order of Odd


THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD 7%

Fellows. To Henry J. Oakwood and his wife were born eight children, of whom the following are living: William, a farmer of Oakwood township ; Thomas ; Harvey and Charles, who follow farming in Oakwood township.

Thomas Oakwood received - his education in the district schools and was early trained to farm work by his father. During the seasons of vacation he helped to till the fields and they in turn brought forth abund- ant harvests. He has seen the prairies all around converted into productive farms which are now the possessions of a happy and contented people. When his father settled in Oakwood township it gave little promise of the brilliant future which was before it, but he, with other public-spirited men, united in their efforts to develop and improve the township and that their efforts were highly successful is indicated by the prosperity which is seen on every hand. At the age of nineteen Thomas Oakwood left school. After this he continued to work on the home farm which was the place of his birth. He now owns one hundred and thirty acres of land on section 19, Oakwood township. Here he raises a high grade of stock in connection with his other farming interests. He has acquired a comfortable competence through his energy and thrift and to-day is one of the substantial business men of his community.

Mr. Oakwood was united in marriage on the 9th of September, 1882, to Miss Mariet- ta Longstreet, who was born in Vermilion county, May I I, 1861. She is a daughter of Benjamin Longstreet, whose first wife was Jane (Leej Longstreet, a native of Champaign county, Illinois. They \\-ere married in Champaign county. where she afterward died. Benjamin Longstreet was a

native of Warren county, Ohio, and was a son of George F. Longstreet, a native of Ohio, and of English origin. After the death of his wife Mr. Benjamin Longstreet removed to Vermilion county, Illinois, and here entered one-half a section of land. About this time he was married to Elizabeth (Board) Foland, of Fountain county, In- diana. By a previous marriage she had one child, Mrs. Rena Fulton, who now resides in Danville. After residing in another portion of Vermilion county for nine years Mr. Longstreet removed to Oakwood township, where he resided for ten years. About the year 1847 he removed to the village of Oak- ~vood and there lived retired until his death, which occurred April j, 1889. His second wife died June 30, 1883. He had held all of the township offices, including that of justice of the peace, in lvhich capacity he seryed for a number of years. In his political views he was a Republican. By his first union one child was born, but is now deceased. By the second marriage were born nine children, seven of whom are now living: Anna is the wife of William Oak- \vood. a brother of Thomas. and resides north of Oak\vood, Illinois. They have six children. Marietta is the wife of our subject. Relle is the wife of Richard Seymour. She has two children and resides near Oaku-ood. Newton. the fourth member of the family, married 31aggie Sampson. He has tn-o children and resides near Oak\[-md. Dora is the wife of Frank Clark. They have two children and reside in IVest Lebanon. Indiana. Katie is the wife of Otis P. Hayworth, has three children and resides in Fairmount, Illinois. S. B. resides in Oakwood, Illinois. and is a professor in the public schools of Indiana.

Unto Mr. and 3lrs. Oakn-ood have been


THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD .

born six children: Oscar L., born March 27, 1883 ; Edgar V., born July 16, 1887; Henry V., born October 4, 1889; Nina Belle, born March 20, 1892; Ruby Edith, born February 18, 1897 ; and Hubert, born August 12, 1894, and who died March 14, 1895. Rlr. Oakwood is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church in which he is trustee and steward. H e takes a deep interest in church work. He is also a member of the Modem ??Tomimen of America, and in politics is a stanch Republican, but has never sought office. He is a man of sterling character ivho enjoys the confidence and respect of his friends and acquaintances by reason of his genuine worth.

GEORGE ?ITHEELER JONES.

George Wheeler Jones was born at Bath, Steuben county, New York, Febru- ary 4, 1839, the oldest son of Dr. John Sproson Jones and Charlotte Wheeler, his wife. The family removed to Covington, Indiana, in 1846. His early life was spent in laying the foundation of a goocl education, as he was a most ambitious student. He was a devoted son and the tie between him and his mother was unusually close. He attended Wabash College and later made a choice of the medical profession, studying for a while under his father. La- ter he studied in Chicago under Dr. Will- iam H. Byford, graduating from what was then the medical department of Lind Uni- vers'ity, now the Chicago Medical College of the Northwestern University.

He commenced the practice of medicine in Terre Haute, Indiana, but soon enlisted- as a' volunteer surgeon for three months, later re-enlisting for three years, serving as

assistant surgeon of the Sixty-third Indi- ana Volunteers. In 1865 he was married to Miss Emeiyn K. Enos of Indianapolis and located at Danville, IIIinois. Here he commenced again the practice of medicine also, being associated with his brother, James Sanger Jones, in a drug store at the northeast comer of Main and Hazel streets, under the name of Jones Borthers. The brother, James, a gay-hearted, fun-loving young f~ l lo~v , endeared to every one who fell under the influence of his merry ways and kind heart, died suddenly October 26, 1572, and after three years the drug store was sold, leaving Dr. Jones to devote his entire time to the practice of his beloved profession. For twenty-nine years his busy life continued in Danville and his labor was unremitting in the cause of healing. One of his friends bore testimony to his faith- fulness when he said :

"His parents gave him pure blood, and nature gave him a Grant-like frame, four square and solid as a tower, an iron con- stitution, a large, clear, active brain, a warm, loving, hopeful heart. He was my family physician and very intimate friend for over twenty years. I knew hinl from the heart out. Often has he carried my gick children on his bosom about the rooms, say- ing, 'I can do more for a child \\-hen it knows me and is not afraid.' I-Te has done the same with your children. How ten- derly he watched and nursed our sick. How he toiled to know what was best for them. For almost twenty years I passed his office late at night from my own work. Yet, however late, his lamp was burning: his patients were in his heart; no day of toil was so hard as to keep him from studying; for their healing he must know the best and latest wisdom of the medical world. It seems that he never slept, that he \i7as d-


MRS. CHARLOTTE JONES


THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD 7Og

ways at work with his patients, his medi- cines and books." In the autumn of 1891 prostration from overwork compelled him to take the first vacation he had ever known. In company with a friend he went to the Bermudas in December, intending to return in the spring and resume the practice of medicine in Danville. The trip \\-as a de- lightful one and for three weeks he enjoyed the change with every appearance of returning health, but on Sunday, January 6 . 1895, he died sucldenlj- at the Princess Hotel, Hamilton, Bermuda, of collapse of the heart. His body was brought to Dan- ville two weeks later and buried in Spring Hill cemetery, follo\ved by a long line of weeping mourners, for he had many loving friends.

In his profession he was held in high esteem, receiving many honors at the hands of his professional brethren. He was a prolific writer, contributing many articles to the current medical magazines. and to the various medical socities. He was a the various medical societies. He was a member and regular attendant of the American Medical Association, the Tri-State Medical Society and was at one time president of the Illinois State Medical Society. He was also honored by an invitation to contribute a paper to the Ninth International Medical Congress, which convened in Washington, D. C., in 1887. Politically he was a stanch Republican. He led a life of purity and strict integrity. with brain and hands busy with incessant cares, loyal to friends, grate- ful for friendship, true to the principles of his religion. He was a man of literary taste and knowledge, taking time in his busy life, to investigate the best the world brought him. He was a man of great courage, unyielding convictions, and tireless energy. in his beloved profession of medi-

cine. To the cry of the affficted his ear was ever open, his skillful eye and hand ever ready to relieve; and the poor and needy found in him a helper. No labor was too arduous, no detail too trivial, no sacrifice too great for him when life and death hung in the balance, and his reward was sufficient in the consciousness of duty done.

MRS. CHARLOTTE JOSES.

Mrs. Charlotte Jones was born March 29. in the year 1814, in the town of Bath, Steuben county, in the state of Sen- 1-ork. In the year 180 j, her grandfather, Jeremiah IVheeler, left Yew Hampshire with his wife, his four sons, his daughters and his neighbors, and journeyed west\\-ard in the old patriarchal fashion, the women and children riding, the men driving flocks and herds, looking fo; a good well-watered country, which they found on the banks of the beautiful Cohocton river. There he entered land ceded a few years before by the Sen- eca Indians and settled his children about him. The story- of that journey, the dread of passing through "the Sarro~vs." the safe accomplishment. the choice of location and the final settlement has been told and retold to the children for a hundred years; and to some of them it is as vivid tocla:\- as on its first recital.

In this group of pioneers. George IYheeler, the oldest son. was a strong fig- ure. He had married Gratia Stearns back in Vermont, and with her and their two children had accompanied his father, and in that nen- country the sturdy. indtlstrious, God-fearing man and his wife set up their altar, and went to work to make a home and rear a famil>:. HOW well they succeeded is


2x0 THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD

established b?; the testimony of this dear daughter, Charlotte, who, all through the Zong years of her Iife, kept bright to her children the happy childhood and maiden- hood spent under that roof, in the compan- ionship of a large family and in the neigh- borhood of uncles, aunts and cousins, dwell- ing in the comm~~nity of interests and the interdependence that stamp the pioneer life . Here the little maid learned the thrift, the industry, the carefulness, the love of order, the self-reliance, that molded her character. In the little schoolhouse across the road from home was laid, by the painstaking, conscientious teacher of those early days, the foundation of the education that broadened and widened with her life; from the Old English Reader her mind was stored with never- forgotten, high, noble thoughts and there she learned the clean, pure English that always distinguished her conversation from the careless talk of the day. With this training came the eager thirst for knowledge that never left her and that inspired her to the constant reading of the best books and the keen interest in the world's move- ments in exploration and advancement. In this little school, she was the best speller, the most ambitious scholar and the leader in the games and excitements of childhood. With brothers and cousins she hunted for goosequills for pens, gathered eggs, picked

#berries, helped with the "sugaring off" and played in the never failing clear waters of -the little creek that ran at the foot of the slope behind the house. The father's house was always the home and haven of the min- isters riding their wide, lonely circuits; and, in ministering to their wants and listening to the conversation, taking part in the hymns and devotions, the child's soul was early led in ways of peace and thanks&-

ing. Here she learned to "look well to the ways of the household," helping in all kinds of womanly work-cooking, spinning, weaving, dyeing, picking geese, making butter and cheese-taking wholesome pride in work well done, in being the best worker, doing the day's "stent" in the shortest time, producing the best results, loving the work for the work's sake. Xnd the singing schools, the sleigh rides, the active, gay young company, the enduring friendships, the father's tender love, the quiet mother's example-what a rich furnishing they made for her after Iife, her chiIdren know.

when she was twenty-three years old she married John Sproson Jones, a young physician and be,- with him the life of self-denial and hardship that falls t o the lot of a country doctor struggling for a foot- hold. -4fter a number of changes, with varying fortunes, in 1846, she moved with him and her three little boys to Covington, Indiana, then a new country, differing in climate, people and ways of living from New York and her belol7ed home. She began the new life in homesickness and \\-eari- ness of spirit, under circumstances that called out all the strength of her character, tried her soul and purified her nature. Her sweetness of heart, her courage, her lofty endeavor won her faithful friends. Suc- cess came, and a new home ti-as established where she trained her children in the ways she knew and loved. She was the mother of eight children, and raised five to be men and women. She sent her two sons to the Civil war and received them again unhurt. The sons settled in Danville. Illinois. and in 1871 the family left Covington and followed them. Before they had lived in Dan- ville a year the father, Dr. J. S. Jones, died and in less than a year later the younger unmarried son, James S. Jones, died sud-


THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD 71-1

denly. With bowed spirit, but brave courage, she took her place as head of the family, and during the thirty-one years that she held that place, moving in and out before the people, not once did she fail in her duty to her family, her friends and the community-always the same sweet patience. always the same high courage, always the "saving grace of humor" carrying her over the many hard places. Her nobility of character won all hearts. her loyalty and interest kept them. Everybody loved her and when, after she was eighty pears old, she received the unexpected tid- ings of the death of her oldest child and only son in a foreign land, she was borne up by the deep, loving sympathy of the entire community, and while she "wept like a child. she had the faith of a saint." She showed the strength of her nature by her continued interest in the welfare of others, the work of the world and the every day concerns of life. In her later life she was cherished and guarded and petted, and her sweet presence was a blessing and a com- fort to all who had a sight of her. Her wisdom. her purity. her nobleness, n-ere so evident that strangers knew and wondered, and every nature grew finer and sweeter by eve11 a passing intercourse. Her strength of mind and heart remained stead- fast and when. on tile 11th of Xovenlber, 1902; after a three weeks' illness fro111 bronchial pneumonia. she slipped a ~ v a ~ - from the precious body, ending a long life of nearly eight!--nine years, her "eye was not dim nor her natural force abated." In ever? house there \\-as sorrow and mounl- ing for the loss of the life that in passing left a benediction of love. She gave to her children the priceless heritage of an honored name. made so by a long life filled with kind and noble deeds.

"A sweeter woman -ne'er drew breath." As daughter, child, wife, mother, companion, friend, neighbor, there is no flaw. Her loving heart, that made a pet of every lit-- ing thing; her bright intellect, that appre- ciated the best in every department of -the world's w-ork; her quick and kindly sympathy. that made friends of the lowly and those of high estate alike; her courage, that faced eve?- obstacle and danger; her faith, that saw the good in all things; her love of this beautiful 11-orld, that made every morn- ing a delight and the \\-orks of the Almighty a constant marrel ; her en jodvrnent of the h e and good things of l i f e her keen wit, her serene self-poise. her brightness of speech, her contented spirit made her the charming companion. the sweet friend. while her in- spirational insight and generous hand made her the dear comforter in any grief or trouble. Hers was "the humility that sets a seal upon her lips and forgets what she has done. the patience that enduretl~ all things. the p~ilelessness that thinketh no evil, sincerity that rejoiceth not in iniquity, the kindness that makes hands and feet active, the chastity of temper that purifies . every inlpulse and the spirit of forgiveness that makes the soul Godlike."

IVilliam Stratman. Jr.. who for ten years has engaged in business in Danville as a horseshoer at KO. 16 South Hazel street. was born near Madison, Indiana. on the 7th of >la\-. 1874. and is a son of \lTill- iam and Katy (Ricken) Stratman, both of whom were natives of Germany and about 1871 came to ,America, settling in Danville, Illinois, where they remained for a short



time prior to their removal to Indiana. In the latter state, however, their residence was but brief and they returned to Danville, where the father established a blacksmith shop. Here he still works at his trade at No. 4.22 South Bownlan avenue. In the family are five children: Annie, the wife of August Lindebaurn, a blacksmith in the coal mines of Danville; Josephine, the wife of Andrew Hagen, who is employed as a boiler maker by the Chicago & Eastern Illi- nois ~ailroacl Company, at Danville, Illi- nois ; William ; Joseph, who married Tilda Burrows and is also a blacksmith of Dan- ville; and John, who follo~\-s blacksmithing in the coal mines. The children were educated in the public schools of Indiana and of this city.

Upon leaving school William Stratman, Jr., began to learn the blacksmith's trade, which he follocved in the employ of others for five years and then started in business on his own account. He purchasecl property at 805 Main street and there ~vorked at his trade for nine years, when he sold his shop to the city of Danville for a fire engine house and purchased his present property a t No. 16, South Hazel street. He now owrls a fine brick shop and has discontinued general blacksmithing work. devoting his attention to horseshoeing. He employs two men during the winter season and five men in the summer. He is the leading horseshoer of Danville, doing a very large business in this line. He has become an espert mork- man and his practical understanding of the business enables him to capably direct the labors of his men.

In 1896 Mr. Stratman was united in marriage to Miss Nettie Culbert, a native of St. Louis, and a daughter of James and Nettie (Johnson) Culbert, both of whom

are residents of Rossville, Vermilion county, the father being the owner of a green- house in that city and successfully conduct: ing a florist's business. Two children were born unto our subject and his wife but the first child died in infancy. The other, Gretia, is at home.

hfr. Stratman gives his political support to the Republican party, but has never been an aspirant for office. Socially he is identified with the Modern IVoodmen, of Dan- ville, with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and the Catholic Order of Foresters, while both he and his \rife are communicants of the St. Patrick's Catholic church of this city. They have a pleasant home at No. 83r East Main street and 3Ir. Stratman. is regarded as a successful business man in the comn~unity. The greater part of his life has been here passed and his acquaintance is a wide one. Yet a young man, he has achieved a prosperity which many an older person might 11-ell envy, and arguing from the past one nlay well prophesy for him a still lnore prosperous future.

A 7

i - ~ ~ ~ ~ o ~ ~ g the progressive agriculturists and rel~resentati\-e citizens of Blorrnt township is classed Mr. Fairchild, whose landed possessions aggregate five hundred and fife acres 011 sections 3, 4, 10, and 33, Blount township. He was born here, April 20, 1848, within one hundred rods of wl~ere he 1101~7 liyes. His father, Daniel Fairchild, \\-as con~n~only known as- Preacher Fair- child and was one of the earliest settlers of the county. He married Lucy Henlingway, 13-ho like her husband \\-as a native of New


MRS. DANIEL FAIRCHILD.


FRANCIS M. FAIRCHILD.



York. Our subject was the eighth son in their family. His education \\-as acquired in the district schools and in this county he was reared to manhood. H e assisted in the work of the home farm and during the winter months he pursued his education in the district schools, being thus engaged until he reached his majority, 11-lien he started out in life on his own account.

On the 3d of hlarch, ~ S j o . in his twenty-secontl year. Ile married Ina B. Fitzger- ald, a tlaugliter of Benjalllitl and Eliza Fitz- geraltl. She n-as born in 1853. only a mile and a half from her husband's birth place and she died Decemher j. 1894. at the age of forty-! wo Fears and tn-enty-five <la?-s, her ( l a th occurring in Colorado, where she had gone for the benefit of her healtl~. B)- this union there had been fourteen children, sis of \\-horn are living: Daisy. no~v the wife of G. E. -1lbert. of I)anville. 11y ~ v h o ~ l ~ she has one daughter. Ina H. : Galen G.. 1~110 married Carrie Starr, a daughter of J. R: Starr, ant1 they have one son : ;i. R.. who was formerly a student in the Uni\-ersity of Illinois at Bloomington and was then appointed to the c~~iversit\- at Champaig~, Illi- nois: JIaucle E.. 11-110 in her eighteenth year is attentling scllool : R. B. and Daniel Hazel. \vho are at home. The deceased of the family are : -Arthur. n-110 died January j. IS 75, at the age of eleven months and t\\-enty- one days: Clara ant1 Clarence. t\\-ins. the former dying -Aug~~st 2;. 1892. and the latter - \ug~~s t IS, of the same year: Loto R.. who died at the age of one year. six months and ninetee11 days: Charles I\-.. who \\-as born December 4. ISTO. and died January 2s. 1896, at Falcohi. Colorado: Lola 31.. who lwcame the wife of John Snyder and died at the age of nineteen years: Oliver ILincoln, 1\-11o n-as born June 53. ~Sjj. atld died January 28. 1897: and one that died

in infancy. On the 1st of December, I@T, Mr. Fairchild was a,&n married, his second union being with Miss Annie Yhite, a daughter of Iliilliam and Elizabeth Iihite, Three children, two sons and one daughter, li-ere born of this marriage but all dial in infancy.

In less than a month after the death of his first wife Mr. Fairchild lost his home, which \\-as destroyed by fire, but he has since rebuilt a g-ood residence upon his fa r~n . He can \\-ell remember the period of his boyhood days \\-hen everything \\-as new and uncle\-e!opecl in this section of the state. He has engaged in feeding cattle. making a s~ecialt>- of shorthorns and he alu-ays keeps good grades. His land is rich and \\-ell impro1-ed. I t \\-as largely cultivated originall\- by our subject and his brother, Harrison. 1~110 were among the first to tile their land. Mr. Fairchild has done considerable tiling and the fields are nou- ]\-ell drained. 1Yhe11 he began farming his trading \\-as clone at Danville and on one oc- casio~l he made a trip to Joliet, Illitlois. with apples. H e has plo~vecl \\-it11 a single shovel plow and cut grain \\-it11 a cradle. H e re- members clearly the ~ v a y his mother used to spin ant1 weave. all the clothing of the iamily being home-made. So t an improvement had heen placed upon his land \\-hen he took possession. but n-it11 characteristic e n e r s he beLgan its development and owing to his escelle~lt managenlent and enterprise he in course of time transformed his land into a verJ- productive and valuable tract. In this 11-ork he was assisted by his wife, who proved to him a faithful compa~lion and helpmate on life's journey. She \\-as an excellent manager and \\-as revered and lox-ed b\- all I\-110 laen- her. not only in her imnlediate ho~~sel~old but also b ~ - her many friends. She was also an active church


THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD 7x8

worker and when she passed away she deft a husband and nine ehildren t o mourn her loss, bttt t h m oi the children soon afterward follou7ed her.

Mr. Fairchild held the office of town clerk for two terms and \\-as collector of taxes for a n ~ ~ m k r Qf years and supervisor for two years. For a quarter of a century or more he has been a member of the school board, is still in that position, and has assisted largely in building schools and churches. For thirty-four years he has been a member of the Method- ist Episcopal church, in which he has served as a class-leader, steward for a number of years and as a Sunday-school teacher. He has frequently been a delegate from this place to conventio~ls. In his political affairs he is an earnest Republican. Although he has had many hardships and difficulties to overcome he has progressed in his work and to-day he stands among the pronlinent and influential agriculturists of his community, occupying a very enviable position because of his splelldid success as well as by reason of his upright life.

Benjamin F. Leach is engaged in merchandising in Humrick, and is also se rv in~ as postn~aster there. He was born in Pick- awav county, Ohio, September 23, 1846, and is of Irish lineage, his paternal grancl- father having been a native of the Emerald isle and the founder of the family in the new world. \Villiam &I. Leach, the father of our subject, was born in Frederick county, Virginia, in 1796, and was the youngest of a large family who devoted their energies

to agricultural pursuits. In 1832 he removed to Pickaway county, Ohio, where he resided for twenty years, coming to Ver- milion county, Illinois, in 1852. He was not long permitted to enjoy his new home, however, for he died the following year on a farm about three miles north of Indianola. H i s lvife, who bore the maiden name of Mary Monroe, was born in Culpeper county, Virginia. in 1800, and also belonged to a large family of farming people. She came of an aristocratic family of the south and a number of her ancestors were valiant soldiers in the Revolutionary war. The RJon- roe family was of Scotch lineage and thus the subject of this review comes of Scotch- Irish ancestry. When seventeen years of age Mary Monroe gave her hand in marriage to Mr. Leach, the wedding ceremony being performed in Virginia, and subsequently they lived for twenty years upon -

a farm in Ohio. They became the parents of the following children : Edgar B., now deceased; William M., a resident of Kan- sas; John and George, who have also passed away: Henry C., of ,Arkansas; Benjamin F. : Mrs. Sarah Parker, also deceased; and Mrs. Mary Carney, of ,Arkansas. Four of the sons were soldiers of the Civil w-ar, valiantly aiding in the preservation of the Union.

Benjamin F. Leach spent the first six years of his life in the county of his na- tivity. and then accompanied his parents to Vern~ilion county, Illinois, where he was educated in the common schools and reared in the usual manner of farmer lads of the period. On the 30th of March, 1875, he was united in marriage to Miss Alma J. Baldwin, who was born in this county, in 1856. a daughter of Darius and Mary Bald- win, in whose family were sis children:


THE BIOGRAPHICAL. RECORD 719

James and IVilliam A, both deceased; B. F., who is living in Pueblo, Colorado; L. P., a resident of Vermilion county; and Mrs. Mary Rutherford, of Wichita, Kan- sas, besides the wife of our subject. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Leach was blessed with the follo~ving children : Albert W., no\v twenty-six years of age, is employed at the Eastern Illinois Hospital for the Insane at Kankakee, Illinois. Richard B., a young man of twenty-four years, is in the government employ at IVashington, D. C. Mary E.. Sellie C., and Daisy G. are yet under the parental roof. The wife and mother died in IS~T, her loss being deeply mourned not only by her immediate family but also by many friends throughout the community. Richard. the son of our subject, was a soldier in the Spanish-:Itnerican war, serving- with the Third Illinois Volunteer Infantry.

hf r. Leach continued his connectiot~ \vitli agricultural pursuits in the county until 1885, when he took up his abode in Hum- rick. He first worked on a farm and then was employed by a p a i n company until 1901, when he established his general store in this town. He has since conducted the enterprise with good success and is to-day enjoying a constantly growing trade. He is also the postmaster of the town, having served in that capacity for three terms during the administrations of President Harri- son and McKinley. In politics he is a stal- wart Republican. earnest and unfaltering in his support of the party. He served as collector of El\vood township for three terms and was road commissioner for one term, and was the first supervisor of Love township. He has also been justice of the peace for two terms and that he is strictly fair and impartial in his rulings is sho~vn by the fact that he has never had a case ap-

pealed from his court. Mr. Leach never had a lawsuit of his o\%-n in his life, but has always lived peaceably with his fellow men. His religious faith is indicated by his .membership with the Baptist church and fraternally he is connected with the Tribe of Ben Hur. He has a pleasant, comfortable home in Humrick and is a public-spirited, progressive citizen who enjoys the confidence of his 'neighbors and the esteem of many warm friends.

J. F. BAIRD.

The nanle of Baird has through long years been closely associated with agricultural interests in l'ermilion county and he of whom we \\-rite is a representative farmer and si~ccessful business man, possessing escellent executive ability, keen discrimina- tion and marked enterprise. He was born in Bron-11 county. Ohio. on the 7th of Sep- tember, 18s. and is a son of Josq>h and Elizabeth (Bald\\-in) Baird, the fonl~er a native of Ohio and the latter of Kentucky. They \\-ere married in the Buckeye state and are represented elsewhere in this work. The father had learned the blacksn~ith's trade in early life and folloi~ed that pursuit in Ohio until 1865. when with his family he catme to Illinois, settling in JTermilion '

county. Here abandoning his trade he turned his attention to agricultural pursuits and is no\v living upon a farm in Catlit1 ton-nship. He has been three times married and with him resides his third wife. In- dependent in politics he has never sought or desired the honors and emoluments of office for himself. but has ever been earnest in support of political measures which he


720 * THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD

deemed wo~11d advance local welfare or- na- tional progress.

In the schools of his native county J. Frank Baird of this review obtained his education, pursuing his studies there through the winter months until he was ten years of age, while in the summer seasons he assisted his father in the work upon the farm. Af- ter putting aside his text books he gave his entire attention to farm \\-ork, first in the employ of others and then in operation of rented land. With the family he came to Vermilion county and on Christmas day of 1877, in Fairmount, ~vas celebrated the marriage of J. Frank Baird and Miss Jessie Freemont Rro~vning, who was born in Danville on the 4th of May, 1857, and is a daughter of George Browning, ~vl-hose birth occurred in Derbyshire, England. After arriving at years of maturity and in the meantime becoming a resident of -4merica, he was married in Georgetown, Vermilion cottnty, Illinois, to Miss Emily D. Booker, a native of Virginia, and a daughter of James and Ann (Throckmorton) Booker. the former a native of the Old Dominion. A brother of Mrs. Eaird's ' great-granclfa- ther served as a soldier of the Revolutionary war. At the time of their marriage Mr.

, and Mrs. Browning became residents of Danville, where the former engaged in merchandising for two years. They then removed to Fairmount. which was their home until January, 18 jg. Mrs. Bran-ning then went to Ohio for her health, but in that month died and was buried at Plattsburg near Sprin@eld, Ohio. In 1860 Mr. Browning was acgain married, his second union being with Miss Mary Reiley, of New Albany, Indiana, a native of Posey county, that state, born February 23, 1838. Her parents, Benjamin and Mary (Dalby)

Reiley, were both natil-es of England, were married in that countq- and afterward came to the new lvorld, locating first in Illinois. Subsequently they removed to Ohio and some years later returned to Vermilion county, where 2dr. Reiley died July 9, 1897. His T I - ~ ~ O I ~ still survives him and is living in Vance to~vnsl~ip. Ry his first marriage Mr. George Browning had three children: Evangeline, Eva and Jessie F.. the last named the 11-ife of our subject. By the second marriage there were ten children: Harriett -Angeline, the wife of Smiley Baird, a resident of Homer, Illinois, and they have five children: Fannie B., the wife of Joshua iJTragg. of Springflelcl. Ohio: George Harrison, \vho wedded Alice Clu K-

ton, who wit11 their one child reside in Ur- bana, Illinois; ~4lbert B., of Gibson City. Illinois, ~vho wedded Lucy Wilson. by whom he has one child: IValter, born in 1872 and died June 9, 1899 ; Mary B.. the wife of J. R. T. Barton, of Jamaica. Illi- nois, by whom she has one child; Nevina, who is at home; Ruth. who died in 1897, a twin sister of Nevina: J. Oscar, a resident of the state of Washington; and Ethel B., still with her parents.

After his marriage J. F. Baird of this review rented a tract of land lvhich he continued to cultivate for six years. He then purchased the farm upon which he now resides, becoming the owner of one hundred and eighty-five acres, a valuable tract on sections 6 and 7, Vance township. Here he has a splendid residence, good barns, and all the equipments and accessories of a model farm of the twentieth century. He has placed his land under a high state of cultivation and everything about his place is neat and thrifty in appearance, indicating the careful supervision of the owner. The


THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD 72 r.

improvements upon his farm stand as monuments to his enterprise and are substantial evidences of his life of \\-ell directed labor.

The home of Mr. and Mrs. Baird has been blessed with three children: Earl Ray, \vho \\-as born October 28, 1878, and assists his father on the farm; Emily Ethel, 11-ho lvas born -August 31, 1882, and died August 20, 1883, ancl Pearl B., who was born Koven~ber 14, 1885, and is now an accon~plishecl music teacher. The family attend the services of the Baptist cl~urch, of 11-hich h4r. Baird is a meinber and fraternally he is conilected n-ith the Court of Honor and the Knights of the Globe, 11-hile in his political \-ie\\-s he is a Republican, unfaltering in support of the principles of the party. The greater part of his life has been passed in Vermilion county, where he has gained a \vide acquaintance among the best classes of citizens. In his business inter-- ests he has prospered and although he started out in life for himself empty handed he has steadily worked his way upward, brooking no obstacles that could be overcome by honest and earnest purpose. Thus he has gained the place of affluence. being to-day classed anlong the substantial agriculturists of 11is COIIIMLIII~~J-.

JOHX L. CHESLEU.

John L. Chesley is one of the owners of the Chesley Brothers Boiler IVorks of Dan- d l e , a business 11-hich has become of considerable importance in industrial circles of the city. The men who stand at its head owe their success to their o\vn labors and capable control of their trade, and undoubt-

edly the future holds in store for them further prosperity. John L. Chesley \\-as born in this city May 25, 1560, his parents being Robert V. and Helen Chesley. H e attended the p~tblic schools, but after his father's death. wllich occurred in 1872, he began learning the trade of boiler-making in the employ of i17illiarn F. Button, serving an apprenticeship which covered three or four years. H e afterward entered the e~nploj- of I\-illiam Stephens, 11-i th 11-honl he ren~ainecl for a pear and then \vent to Paris. Illinois. and aftenyard to Decatur. In the latter city he entered the shops of the il'abash Railroad Company. remaining for a )-ear and then returned to Danrille, where he embarked in business for himself on lI'est Main street. He had been established in trade there for three years \\-hen his brother Charles E. abandoned railroading and entered into partnership with him. Later they purchased the Stephens plant at the junction and established their present business. ~vhich is conducted under the firm name of the Chesley Brothers Boiler IVorks. They manufacture all kinds of boilers, in fact. <lo evervthing in the line of iron work, including the construction of wagons and cars for mines. tanks and stacks. The plant is composed of three buildings covering an area of one hundred by one hundred and fifty feet, and it is supplied with all modern equipments, including the latest improved n~achinery for facilitating the \\-ork and making their products durable.

On the 26th of March, 1883. in Dan- \-ille. Mr. C!~esle?; wedded Miss Eliza Ham- nett, who was born in Trenton. Sew Jer- sev. X u p s t 2 1 . 1863, a daughter of Henry and Mary (Vaughan) Harnnett. the former a native of Lincolnshire, England. and the latter of County Fermanagh, Ireland.



They were married, however, in Trenton, New Jersey. Two sisters of the father survive him and live in England, while the mother's relatives are residents of the Emerald isle. Mr. Hamnett followed the trade of spinning in England and worked in the woolen mills for a time after his arrival in America. Later, however, he turned his attention to fanning, which he followed for a few years prior to his marriage and subsequently he became a stationary engineer. In the year 1866 he came with his family to the west, locating in Danville, where he was employed as an engineer by the Dan- ville Foundry & Machine Company until his cleath, which occurred on the 16th of August, IW. The mother died the same day, five hours after her husband passed away. He was a Republican in his political views and while he believed firmly in the principles of the party he always refused to hold office. He held membership with the Independent Order of Foresters and he belonged to the Episcopal church. At the time of the Civil war he served for fifteen months as a defender of the Union. He enlisted for three years' service in a New Jersey regiment bttt the war closed before that time expired. In his early manhood he had been a soldier in the English army and as such had traveled over the greater part of Europe, taking part in several Eng- lish wars. In the family of Mr. and Mrs. Harnnett were five children, of whom two are living: Mrs. Chesley, and Jennie E., the wife of W. J. Withner, a resident of Vermilion If eights.

Mr. Chesley of this review is an earnest Republican anc! while he is able to support his position by intelligent argument because of his thorough understanding of the questions and issues of the day, he, too, has

always declined to become a candidate for office. He belongs to the Modern Wood- men Camp of Danville, but his attention is chiefly given to his business interests, which make heavy demands upon his time. The Chesley Brothers have gained a creditable standing in business circles in their city and deserve nluch credit for what they have accomplished, because at an early day they started out in life for themselves, working their way upward through fidelity to duty, earnest purpose and indefatigable ener,gy.

G. M. RlcCray is one of the practical and progressive young farmers of Pilot township, his birth having occurred in 1876, upon the farm which is yet his home. Here he was reared to manhood and in the district schools he pursued his education. His parents are still living in Fithian and the father is a stock dealer and shipper, which business he has follou-ed for many years. In tfle family are three living children: William, a resident of Oaku-ood toil-nship; G. M.; and Verla, u-110 is still wit11 her parents.

After acquiring his preliminary education in the schools near his boyhood home G. M. McCray entered a business college in Dixon, Illinois, wherein he was graduated and was thus well fitted for the practical duties of a business career. Upon the removal of his parents to Fithian in the year 1896 he asst~med the management of the old farm which he is now operating. It belongs to his mother and comprises four hundred acres of rich and arable land which, under his control, is highly cultivated, while



everything about the place is neat and thrifty, indicating his careful supervision. He is a wide-awake young business man and is meeting with creditable success in his work.

In the year 1896 Mr. McCray \\-as united in marriage to Miss Julia Ludwig, a daughter of J. V. Ludwig and unto them have been born two children, of whom one is now living, Marian, an interesting little daughter. In his fraternal relations Mr. McCray is a Mason, belonging to the lodge at Hope, of ~~-h ich he is no\\. serring as secretary. In his political views he is a Republican and keeps well informed on the question and issues of the day but has never been an aspirant for office, preferring to devote his energies to his business interests.

GEORGE WILSON TILTOX

George Wilson Tilton, whose connection with mercantile interests in Vermilion county covers a period longer than that of any other merchant within its borders. is carrying on business in Catlin. He was born in Beaver county. Pennsylvania. Jan- uary 8, 1836, and comes of a family of English ancestry that \\-as established in America during the colonial epoch of our nation's history. Most of those. if not all. in the United States bearing the name of Tilton are descended from the three hroth- ers who left their English home to become colonial settlers of (this country. Enoch Tilton, the father of our subject, was born in Fayette county, Pennsylvania. July 22,

I ~ I I , and was united in marriage to 14iss Elizabeth Wilson, whose birth occurred on the 12th of January, 1811, and who was of

Irish lineage. A blacksmith by trade the father carried on business along that line in early life, but during the last forty years of his life devoted his time and energies to the work of the mini st^ as a preacher of the Baptist church in Ripley county, Indi- ana. He located in that county in 1844, \\-hen everything was new. the land unbroken. the forest uncut, and the timber full of various kinds of wild game as \\-ell as. of \I-olves and other wild animals. The family endured many of the hardships incident to frontier life. The father. served as minister of four congregations in that county and died in 1885, while his wife, who survived him for some years; passed away in Potomac, Vermilion county, Illi- nois. in 1887, leaving a family of nine sons, of whom the subject of this review \\-as the second in order of birth.

George IVilson Tilton acquired his education in the early schools of Ripley county, Indiana. and in 91oorshill College of that state. H e aftenyard engaged in teaching. a profession n-hich he followed for thirteen years. nine of 11-hich were spent in Ripley county, one in Missouri and four years in Catlin. He arrived in I'ermilion county in 1862 11-hen tn-enty-six years of age. taking charge of the Catlin school. of n-hich he was a capable and successi111 teacher until 1866. He then entered the employ of Rich- ard Jones in the capacity of bookkeeper and salesman and afterward entered into partnership with Jacob Sandusky under the firm name of Sanduslq S- Tilton. a relation that was maintained with mtitual pleasure and profit for seven years. On the espiration of that period hlr. Sandusb sold his interest -to L. C. Kiger. and the business \\-as then continued under the firm style of Tilton ST Kiger, for five years. Our sub-


. 724 THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD

ject then purchased his partner's interest and has since remained alone in the business. He has carried on his mercantile enterprises at his present location since the 1st of January, 1868, covering a period of more than thirty-four consecutive years. Here he deals in general merchandise and the fact that many of his patrons have con tinuecl with him throughout this entire period is unmistakable proof of his honorable business methods and reliable dealing. He alsb owns considerable real estate and does not a little business in handling property. He has town property in Catlin and also in Danville and owns a half interest in the business-of the firm of Tilton & Son, general mercharlts of Fairn~ount. His farm land is all leased to g d tenants and the rental therefrom supplies a gratifying income.

Mr. Tilton was united in marriage in Riplep county, Indiana, to Miss Elizabeth Allbright, a native of Ohio, born in 1837. They have three children : Charles Virgil, of Fairmount, is the junior member of thc firm of Tilton St Son, general merchants there. He married Nettie Reese of that place, and they have four children: Claude, Nina, IValter, ancl Julia. Elsie Venus is the wife of -4. R. McGregor, a clerk in .her father's store. Bertie Victor is the wife of George Catlett, a farmer of Faimlot~tlt and they have two children, Shirley and Kent.

In 1563 Xlr. Tilton became a member of the Vermilion County Agricultural and Me- chanical -Association, in which he took a very active part for several years, serving as secretary, as vice president, and for three years as its president. He has been active ana influential in public affairs, and for one term served on the county board of super- visors, representing Catlin township. He

has filled all of the township offices and for two terms served under President Cleveland as postmaster. This fact indicates his affiliation with the Democratic party, of tvhich he has long been an earnest advocate. He served on the building com- mittee of the Methodist Episcopal church at the time of the erection af its house of u-orship in Catlin and well may he be classed anlong the substantial residents of Cat- lin and of k-ermilion county for he has been closely identified with its grou-th along material, social, i~ltellectual and nloral lines. He and his family are illembers of the Methodist Episcopal church and he belongs to Catlin Lodge, No. 285, F. & A. M., of which he was the honored lnaster for nine years. He also belongs to the chapter at Danville and the Independent Order of Odd Fello\~s, in which he has fillet1 all of the chairs, and both he and his wife are connected with the Rebekah degree. Mr. Tilton possesses considerable literary ability and for thirty years has been a corres- pondent for the Danville News. His con- tributions are furnished to the paper undei- the nom de plume of "Hannah Mariah," and he treats of Inany subjects, often in a humorous way. He is the author of a nuni- ber of comic productions and is considered a fluent ancl able writer as well as a successful business man and a loyal citizen.

,ALONZO A. LOUTZENHISER.

Through almost a half century Alonzo A. L.outzenhiser has resided in Danville and although n01v nearly eighty years of age, he is yet concerned with business interests to some estent, following his trade of shoe-


THE BIOGRPIPHICAL RECORD 727

making. H e \\-as born in Mercer county, Penns;~lvania, February 29, 1524, and is a son of John and Elizabeth (Trindle) Loutzenhiser, both of \vhorn were natives of Cumberland county, Pennsylvania. The father \\-as a miller by trade and removed to 3Zercer county. Pennsylvania, where he follo\ved that pursuit until he reached old age, alter \vhich he ancl his wife lil-ed among their c!lil~!ren tlntil ca!led to their final rest. The father died in 1Iissouri. In their family \\-ere nine children : Dayid. Mary and Catherine, all deceased: Jacob, XI-110 is a I~lacksmitl~ by trade but is now Ill-ing retired in AIercer county, 11Iissouri; -Ilonzo -A. ; Catherine and Daniel. both deceased ; John, xvho ~ v a s assistant quartermaster in the Civil war antl was killed in the service; ,and Helen, \\-I10 has passed away.

-\lonzo Loutzenhiser acquired a good etlucation in the schools of Mercer co~unty, Pennsylvania. --It the age of nine years he beg-an to learn the tailor's trade, which he folio\\-etl in his native county until he came \vest in IS 53. Since that time he has resicletl cor~tinuously in Danville and - here he follo\\-etl his trade until 1860, when he \\-as elected to :he positioil of constable, filling that office mlti! after the Civil war began. 111 July. 1861. he entered another deyart- ment of his country's ser\-ice-the military. He joinecl Compan~- F. of the Fourth Illi- nois Cavalry under Captain Search antl Colonel Dickey. H e was made a first lieutenant after ha\-ing served for a time as second lieutennnt. He participated in nlany important etlgagemeilts. including the battles of Forts Henry and Donelson. Pitts- bnrg Lancling, Tricksburg and Holly Springs. I\'hile a t Corinth. lilississippi, our subject resigned and was there clis- charged after thirteen mo;lths' service.

For a short time after his return from as

the war hIr. Loutzenhiser remained in Danville and then went to Champaign, Illi- nois, where he renlained for a brief period. He next went to Lansing, Iowa, where he began \\-orking in the forests, cutting cord ~ v o d for steamboats. H e mas thus engaged until 1165, when he again came to Dan\-ille and in 1570 he was elected constable He also served as bailiff under J. Probst one year, and under Colonel Search, John \I-. Myers and Ed Gregory for four years each. On his retirement from office he began shoemaking in Danville, xvhich lle fol1011-ed for three years, when he mas appointecl to a position on the police force and acted in that capacity for four years. In October, 1886. he built his present shoe shop and has since engaged in shoemaking.

Mr. Loutzenhiser has been three times marrietl. He first ~veddecl Miss Mary Lohr, of Kentucky, \vho tliecl in 1549. of cholera. He afteru-arc1 xi-edded Miss Sophia Day, of Ohio. who died in Homer, Illinois, in 1833. For his third wife he chose Miss Eliza W. l17eir, of lIassac11~1setts. She is of Scotch descent and no\\- resides with our subject in Dan\-iIIe. By the first marriage there were t\vo chilclrei~ : Sarah, now the wife of C. C. Bates. a resident of Decorah, Iowa; ant1 Settie. no~v the wife of a 11r. Clanents. of San Frailcisco. California. There \\-as one chilcl by the second marriage: Retta, \vho \\-as the wife of Benjamin I<irtl>-. and died in 1901. The children born o i the thircl marriage are: Charles. a paper hanger no\\- living in Chicago : and Lott -4., a co~~ductor 011 the Illinois Central Rail- roacl. living in Sew Orleans.

Mr. Loutzenhiser voted with the Den]- ocratic party uiltil IF. but is no\\- a stanch Re~>ublical~. Besides holding the offices ~l~entionetl above, he sen-ed as police magis- trate it1 Sen- West[-ille, Ohio. for four years,


.THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD

- and was also township clerk for four years, while for a similar period he served as a member of the school board of Danville. H e owns a nice residence at No. 306 Chand- ler street and his slioe shop is on the same lot. He is also the owner of other property in this city, having made judicious investments in real estate. He is largely living retired from active business, but indolence & utterly foreign to his nature and he keeps his shop in order "to have something to do." He is now nearly eighty years of age, a hale and hearty old man, having never been con- fined to his bed by sickness throughout his entire life. Nature is kind to those I\-110 oppose not her laws and Mr. Loutzenhiser has always lived in harmony with the principles of health and of right living. While in Ohio he served as superintendent of a Methodist Sunday-school and addressed many meetings.

A A -- 7

-\

-, ISAAC A. LOVE.

Undaunted by 01)stacles that \vould have discouraged many a Inan of less resolute spirit, from a humble position Isaac A. Love has arisen to prominence. IVhen opportunities have presented then~selves lie has quickly utilized them, when there has see111eci to be no opportunity he has made one. H e realized fully that there is no royal road to wealth or learning, but with stout heart he started upon the upward path and though the road has offtimes been a rugged one, lie has now reached the plane of affluence and is accorded recoglition as one of the most capable members of the Danville bar, where he has practiced for eight years.

Mr. Lose was born in the north of Ire- land, May 16, 1855 and is of Scotch-Iris11

parentage. His father, IVashington Love. was a farmer and fisherman \\rho came to America when our subject was but five years of age, locating in Brooklyn, New a

York. where he remained for three years. He then removed to Columbiana county, Ohio, where he engaged in fanning. He and his wife are still living in that state, the for~ner at the age of eighty years. the latter at the age of seventy-sis. In their family were nine children, Isaac being the fifth in order of birth.

Isaac -A. Love first attended school it1 Brooklyn and later resunled his studies in Columbiana county, Ohio, but when only ten years of age he began working in the coal mines. His father having suffered financial reverses in Brooklyn. the sons all secured etnployment in the mines after the re~noval to Ohio and though our subject \\-as but a youth of ten years he began bail- ing water with a bucket that was higher than his head. Later he became a mule driver and finally engaged in mining the coal. A-\ltliougl~ tlius prevented fro111 attending scl~ool he was anxious to improve his education and as he found opportunity he studieil and recited to a lady at night. _\ lautlalde alnbition to attain sometl~ing l~etter has ever been one of his strong characteristics and setting his mark high he has eagerly embraced every opportunit\- for raising llirnself to its level. IVhen he was thirteen years of age he chanced to see one of Dr. Cllnse's recipe books in 1\-11icl1 was a cut of ;inrl Arbor Unit-ersity. showing the la\\- department. -4t that moment he de- terriiitleti to become a la~syer and ne\-er for a moment did he waver in his purpose.

I\-hen he was seventeen years of age and a resident of Washingtonville, Ohio, J. C. Ryan of that place invited Mr. Love



to study- law with him. In order to accept this offer he attended the public school in the mornings, worked in the mines in the afternoon, doing a full day's work, and after supper 11e studied until nine o'clock. At the end of a year Mr. Ryan concluded that Mr. Love was taxing his strength too se- verely and persuaded his father to let Isaac live with him, which consent was granted and Rfr. Love then lived with his preceptor for two years. When he was twenty years of age he was admitted to the bar. Dur- ing the two years just passed he had also attended the public schools and had completed the high school course. After his admission to the bar, realizing that he was deficient in literary knowledge, he engaged in teaching school for two years and tlll money thus earned was used to defray his expenses as a student in Mount Union Col- lege, near Alliance, Ohio. He was afterward elected principal of the Lafayette school, of South Bend, Indiana, although but twenty-two years of age. He remained there for a year and then opened a law office in La Porte, Indiana, where he practiced for six years with success, being a part of that time a member of the la~v firm of 1,ove & Thomas. Shortly after his admission to the bar he and his brother had formed a partnership, but soon agreed that they n-ere too ?-oung to begin business together. iliihile in La Porte Mr. Love was twice the candidate of the Republican party for the position of states attorney, but the Democ- racy had an overwhelming majority in that district. During his second candidac?~ he made speeches for the congressional candidate, who had no oratorical abilit~. deliver- ing altogether fifty-seven addresses. many times speaking twice a day.

About that time many people \\-ere re-

moving to Kansas and Mr. Love decided t o seek a honie in the west, locating in An- thony, I-Iarper county, Kansas, where he became the senior member of the firm of Love & Snelling. There he remained for ten years and during the' first six years he never lost a jury trial. In 1890 he \?;as nominated by the Republicans for district judge, but the Populistic wave swept over the state and not a Republican candidate was elected in Kansas. In 1894 he came to Danville and shortly afterward entered into partnership with \V. R. Jewell, Jr., a re- lationship that has since been continued. In 1891 he was admitted to practice before the United States supreme court. He is well versed in the principles of jurispru- dence and reading is continually broaden- ing his knowledge. His preparation of cases is thorough and exhaustive, and he has an ambition which nothing short of success will satisfy if it can be nTon through open, honorable methods. He has, however, great respect for the dignity of his calling, and will never win a case if i t must be done by debasing himself, lo~vering the standard of public morality or degrading the dignity of the profession.

Mr. Love \{-as married in 1591 to l l iss Hattie Boggs. a daughter of B. F. Boggs. of Urbana, a lady of superior culture and innate refinement, ~vllo has won the degree of Master of Arts from the Lni\-ersity of Illinois. In their family there are six children. a son and five daughters. Fraternallv Mr. Love is connected with the Xasonic order. belonging to the blue lodge and chapter. Tn politics he has alwaq-s been a stal- wart Republican and in 1588 \\-as a delegate to the national convention which nominated Benjamin Harrison for the presidency. For a long time he has been an interestei



worker and zealous member in the Metho- dist Episcopal church. For a number of years he has been tile superintendent of the Sunday-schoool of the First Methodist Episcopal church, of Danville, and in 1900 was sent by the Illinois conference to the general conference of the church in Chica- go. Love township, this county, was named in 14s honor. I t will thus be seen that his de\-elopment has not been along one line, producing abllormal growth, but has been that of natural advancement, that the phy- sical, intellectual and moral have been given due attention and that his strong manhootl is the outconle of a sound mind in a sountl body and action added by high moral purpose.

JOSEPH B-AILEY.

The ancestral history of Joseph Bailey is one which traces back to a very early epoch in the annals of this country. Among the first families to establish homes in Esses county. h.Iassacl~usetts, were the Raileys, and for many years representatives of the name have there resicled, being connected with agricultural pursuits. Lieutenant Thonlas Bailey. the great-great-grandfather of our subject, received a coillmission from King George the Second, of England, in ,1732, and this commission, no\v framed, hangs on a wall in the home of our subject. Many other cherishecl heirlooms handed do\m through generations are also possessed by Mr. Bailey. a number of these being more than two hundred years olcl. Jerenliall Bailey. the great-grandfather of our .subject, was a native of Massachusetts, and his son. Benjamin Bailey, was born in Esses county. that state and became the grandfather of our sttbject. Captain John

Bailey, the father of our subject, was born in Esses county and throughout his entire life carried on farming- there. The old family homestead upon which he lived came into possession of his son Joseph but has since been sold. The father \\-as a captain in the militia and espected to go to the war in 1813 but \\;as never called out to active service. He died upon the old ho~llestead after which his widow came to Georgetown, Illinois, lvitli our subject and there spent her last days. She bore the illaiden name of Abigail Cross and was also a native of Es- ses county. In the family were nine children: I>aniel, john, Mehitabel. \\7illiam, Joseph, -1higail. Charles Wesley, Lois -in11 and Emily. The three no~v living are Jo- seph, of this review; Abigail, ~vl lo resides in Salem, S e w Hai~~psllire; and Emily, the :vido\v of John B. Alesander, ~ v h o was a p r o n ~ i i ~ e ~ ~ t resident of Danville. She now resides in Salem, Oregon. The children all en joyed etlucational privileges in the schools of filassachusetts.

Joseph Railey, \vhose ilalne introtluces this sketch, \\-as born in Esses county, Au- gust 16, I 820, and throughout the ~ e r i o d of his youth renlainetl upon the llome farm assisting in the labor of field and meado\\-. \\-hen he left the east about 1845 he made his \yay tl irect to Vem~ilion county, Illinois, settling in C;eorgeton-11, \\-here his brother \\-as serving as postmaster, and here began his business career as a clerk in a small store. receiving sis clollars per month in coil~l)ensation for his services. H e follou-etl clerking for three years or until his marriage. \vhich occurrecl May 3. 1Sj2. the lady of his choice being Miss Sarah ,In11 Brac- hall. ~vho was born in Georgetown. Decem- ber 4. 1833. a claughter of Martin and Eliza- beth (Smith) Brachall. Her father was a native of Pennsylvania, became one of the


JOSEPH BAILEY.


MRS. JOSEPH BAILEY.


TIiE BlOGRAPHICAL RECORD 735

first settlers of Vermilion county and at the time of the Rlack Haivk war joined the troops that were engaged in suppressing the Indian uprising. By trade he was a tailor and follo~ved that pursuit in Georgeto~vn from the time of his arrival in the west until his life's labors were ended jn death. He cliecl at Danville.

After his marriage hIr. Bailey entered into partnership with a brother and embarked in general merchandising in George- ton-11 under the firm name of \V. B. and J. Bailey. He continued in that enterprise for several years and then \vent to Indianola, this county. entering into partnership with Mr. Sconce, ullder the firm name of Bailey & Sconce. clealers in merchandise. For three years the business was there carriec! on, a f ~ e r ~vl~ich Mr. Bailey purchased a farm near Georgetown, where he carried on agricultural pursuits and stock-raising for five years. but there he suffered heavy losses by fire \\-hich destroyed his home and other buildings around the place. He the11 returned to Georgeto\~n. wishing to give his cl~ildren the bellefit of the eclucatioi~al privileges afiordecl 1>y the scllools there. and for several years remained a resident of that place. During that period he on-ned an interest \\-ith Jolm Hall in the lumber business at Tuscola. Illinois. and Kansas City, llissouri. \\-here Mr. Hall removed. He 1x-a~ also a partner with 1Ir. Brachall, the merchant tailor of Danville. for years. At the same time he engaged in dealing in land, oi~-nin,a realty in Kansas. ,Arkansas, Mis- souri. 1011-a, Iilcliana and Illinois. Mr. Bai- ley has displa~-ed marked foresight in making his ini-estments and upon lnany of his farms he has realized handsomely. In 1870 he became one of a company that \\-as organized to build the Paris & Danville railroad. Hiram Sanford. of Paris. Illinois.

becoming the president, while hlr. Bailey was one of the directors. But the company failed and t'hrough this disaster 31r. Bailey met 11-ith great loss. ' The road is now owned bv the Big Four Cornpan>-. Until 1585 our subject lived retired in George- to~vn and then removed to Kansas City, Missouri, but remained for only four months in that place. returning to 1-ermilion county on account of his I\-ife's healtE. He then settled in Dam-ille. where he has since lived retired.

On the 10th of Ma>-. ISSS. 11r. Bailey \\-as ca!!ed upon to mourn the loss of his wife n-110 on that date departed this life leaving four children. Edn-ard Everett, the eldest. is now serving as United States colzssul at Ensenada, llesico. Sarah Eliza- beth. born June 2 , 1555. is the wife of Jesse C. Moore. lvho for several years was connected \\-it11 Rand, 3lcSallp & Company of Chicago, and is no\\- Jndian agent of Parker, ,Arizona, but continues to make his home in Danville and \vith them Mr. Bailey is living. Martin B.. a prominent citizen, born January 22, 1857. married Lucie Payne and is a leading attorney and the present mayor cf Danville. as well as state senator fro111 his district. Josephine, born -August 31. 187j. no\\- resides in Boston. Mrs. Eailey. the wife of our subject. was a lvornan of inore than ordinary ability, and at the age of four years could read n-ith accuracy. She graduated in the Georgetolvn Seminan- and attended a Quaker institution a t Bloomingdale. Indiana, and there completed her education. Slle was an earnest Christian woman, attending the Methodist church after marriage, although reared a Quaker. Mr. Bailey served as ton-nship supervisor of Georgetown toil-nship for three years. but has never been an active politi- cian in the sense of ofiice seeking. His



political support has been given to the Re- publican party since its organization and he has long been a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. He was one of the leading singers in the church of Georgetown at an early day. Throughout Vermilion county he has a wide acquaintance and he is numbered among the early settlers, for through fifty-eight years he has resided here. In his business affairs, owing to his keen sagacity and his enterprise he has prospered. Some reverses have come to him, but with determined energy he has largely overcome the obstacles and difficulties in his path and to-day he is the possessor of a handsome competence.

ALONZO B. BENJAMIN.

Alonzo B. Belljamin has been connectec! with the music trade of Dailville since 1576 and 5s now the president of the Benjamin Temple of Itusic, the largest store of its kind in the state outside of Chicago. He has been the builder and promoter of this enterprise and is classed among the leading representatives of commercial interests in eastern Illinois, earnest labor, persistency of purpose and sound jud,grnent being the sure foundation upon which he has buildec' his success.

Mr. Benjamin was born in Peoria county, Illinois, July 3, 1549, a son of John and Lerira (Hitchcock) Ben jamin, both born in New york. John Benjamin was a farmer and followed that occupation throughout his entire life. In 1832 he came to Illi- nois, casting in his lot with the pioneers of the state. He settled in Peoria county, where he began the development of a new

- -- -- - - -

farm, which he transformed into a valuable property, being very successful in hi% chosen work. He kept buying and improv- ing land until he owned a fine property of sixteen hundred acres. He was also an in- ventor of considerable merit, inventing the first cultivator plowing a row of corn. It was then called the Shanghai plo~v. He also invented a corn planter which dropped a do~~b!e row. This was a decided improvement over the machinery of that time, but unfort~mately he never patented it. He .=;as a very enterprising and progressive mail and he clid much for the improl-enlent of his section of the state. He built the first brick house in his locality and for many years it was considered a land-mark by travelers. He and his wife were members of the Baptist church and were prominent pioneer people, Mr. Benjamin leaving the impress of his individuality upon many lines of public progress and improvement. He died in 1863, at about the age of sisty-two years, and his widow, surviving him until 1583, passed away at the age of seventy- four pears. Unto them were born seven children: R. J., an old resiclent and retired merchant, who is now an attorney and justice of the peace of Princeville; Truman and Eclwin, who died in infancy; J. H., a retired farmer of Winfield, Kansas; M. IV., who is engaged in the music business in Boone, Iowa; Harriet L., the u~ido~v of J. S. Barnum, and a resident of Chicago ; and Alonzo Eushnell Benjamin.

In the schools of the city and county of Peoria Mr. Benjamin of this review pursued his early education and afterward pre- pared for commercial life in a business college, continuing his studies until twenty- one years of age. On putting aside his text-books he became a music dealer of


THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD 739 - Princeville, whence he removed to Danville in 1876. H e then opened his present establishment as a branch house for Lyon Br Healy, of Chicago, who111 he thus represented for seventeen years, under the name of the Benjamin Temple of Music. He began business on West Main street, in the old Hubb block, ancl in 1882 removed to the Palmer block, where he remained until 1901, when he secured the fine building at Nos. 30 and 32 North Vermilion street. I t is a three-story structure, tn-enty-seven by one hundred and fifty feet. and each floor is occupied by the Benjamin Temple of hfusic, being \\-ell equipped and splendid- 1 ~ - stocked with n~usical instruments of all descriptions. Mr. Benjamin makes a specialty of the Everett piano but carries altogether fourteen different makes and five different makes of organs. together nit11 piano players-the anplus and appollo- and nltlsical merchandise of el-ery description. The store is no\\- the largest of the kind in the state outside of Cl~icago. 111.. Benjamin, in partnership 11-ith C. E. Swift. became the owner of the store in 1893. ancl this relation \\-as maintained until October. 1902, ~vhen IIr . Swift sold his interest to F. J. Lo\-el!. the son-in-Ian- of Mr. Ben- jamin, and former1:- of the Lyon & Healy house of Chicago, xvith ~vhich he had been identified for tn-enty years. The other partner in the enterprise is F. A. Benjamin, a nephew. 011 the ad o i KO\-ember. 1902. the business was incorporated under the name of the Be~ljamiil Tenlple of llusic and capitalized for twenty thousand dollars The officers are -4. B. Benjamin. president: F. -1. Benjamin. \-ice president; and F. J. Lovell. secretary and treasurer.

On the rot11 of June. 1872, -ilonzo R. Benjamin was niarried to Miss -4ngie Cook.

a daughter of T. G. Cook, a prominent farmer and early settler of Knox county, Illinois, no\\- living retired in Galesburg. He wedded Miss Susan E. Wilder, who belonged to one of the leading families of that locality. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin have been born four children: Susan L.. the wife of F. J. LoveII, and the mother of one son. Ralph B. Lovell: Roy A.. who wedded Miss Bessie, daughter of \V. 1,I. Jeremy. a grocer of Danville; Ruby Ade- ona, a student in the Danville schools: and Horace 1-ictor.

In Peoria county. when twenty-one years of age, Mr. Benjamin joined the In- dependent Order of Odd Fellon-s and has filled all the chairs in the locaI organization ancl encampment. He has been patri- arch militant. and adjutant and is no\\- holding the rank of captain. He is also connected ~vith the Knights of Pythias, the Benevole~lt ancl Protective Order of Elks, _\ncient Order of United Workmen, the Court of Hotlor, the National Union and Red Men. For tn-o years he has served as alderman of DanviIle and anything calcu- lated to benefit the city elicits his attention and co-operation. In business circles he ranks high and is notable for his prompt- ness in meeting obligations and for his re liabilih- in all trade transactions.

G. 11r. BXIRD.

G. 11'. Eaird is a sutbstantial farmer and stock-raiser of Vance ton~nship, owning therein three Imnclred and fifty-nine acres of land. Ixsides ~raluable property in Fair- mount. Vermilion county, Illinois. He was born in Rro\\?n county, Ohio, October 18,


THE ,BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD /-

7w

r8g1, and is a son of Joseph and Elizabeth (Baldwin) Baird, the form.er a native of Ohio and the latter born in Kentucky. They were married in Kentucky and located in Ohio, where Joseph Baircl follo\ved black smithing, in Brown county. They came to Vermilion county, Tllinois, in 1889 ancl located on a farm in Vance township. In

- 1897 they removed to Catlin township. The mother died in 1857 ancl two years later Mr. Raird married again, his second union being with Miss IVyckoff. Slle died in 1860 and in 1863 Illr. Eaird was united in marriage to Nary Neal, who is no\\- living with her husband in Catlin township. H e is a Democrat in his political views. G. IV. Baird of this review has two brothers and one half brother living. Frank resides on a farm in Vance to~vnshjp. John S. resides on a farm in Homer to~vuship, Cham- - paign county, Illinois. Mr. Baird's half- brother, Samuel. resides with his father in Catlin tonrnship.

Mr. Baircl of this review attended the district schools of Brown county, Ohio, but his educational privileges were cluite limited. However, by reading, experience and observation he has since broadened his knowledge ancl is now- a well informed man. H e came to Vance tolvnship, Ver- milion county, Illinois, in 1869, after\irard purchased land for himself and Ins since been engaged in farming ancl stock-raising, in which occupation he has been very snc- cessf~~l. This is because he never neglects a duty and is energetic ancl progressive. Besides his large farm of three hundred and twenty acres he on7ns city property and a splendid home in Fairmount. In that city,

' on the 1st of January, 1871 , he was united in marriage to Miss Lydia E. Davis, \\rho was born in Vermilion county, Illinois,

May 23, 1852. She is a daughter of [Vill- iam and Elizabeth (Hays) Davis. IVill- iam Davis was born in Guenlsey county. Ohio, January 25, ISII. His father \\-as born in Pennsylvania, September ao, I 7.81, and died in 18j . j~ ~vhile his wife was born June 3, 17Sj, and died in NovenGer. ISAS. They were anlong the early settlers of I'ermilion county, Illinois, ha]-ing come fro111 Ohio in 1834. The father of \Villiam Davis took part in the war of 1812 and his grand- fatller was a soldier in the Revolutionary war. T,Vi!lianl Davis canle from Guernsey county, Ohio, to \'errnilion county. Illinois, in 1834 and located on a farm. He n-as t~vice married, his first union being \\-it11 Elizabeth Hays, the mother of Mrs. Eaird. This marriage took place on the 17th of September, 1834. She was a native of \Vashington county, Pennsylvania, was born in 181 T and departed this life in 1861. For his secontl wife Mr. Davis chose Xary Catlett, the ~narriage ceremony being per- fori~~ec! in 1863. She n-as a native of 1-irginia, born --lugust 23. rSa I. She died in 1890 and Mr. Davis passed away on his eighty-fourth birtl~day, January 23, 1895. He was a member of the Baptist church and in politics n-as a Democrat. He \\-as the father of seven cl~ilclren : Rachel is the \\-id- otv of D. liouclyl~ush, and resides in Port land, Oregon: Edith, now deceased, became the wife of C. Bra\\-ning. and resided in Los -4ngeles. California ; David C. resides in Fancher, Sl~elby county, Illinois; Henry resides in Fairmount, Illinois; Jemima is the wife of S. Cox, and resides in Bement, Illinois; \lTilliam F. is deceased; and Lydia is the wife of our subject.

Mr. and Mrs. Baird have three living children : Harry I)., born August 3. 1573 ; Jennie G., born September 2, 1881; and



Opal S., born I lay 28. 1888, all with their parents. They have two children deceased. one who died in infancy and Keliie 31. Mr. Baird is a member of the Baptist church. and fraternally is connected 11-it11 the Knights of the Globe and the Court of Honor. In his political affiliations he is a Deiiiocrat. He and his wife are valued citizens of Fairmount. where they are honorec! ant1 respected 'u!- all who know thenl.

Captain G. \Ir. Hollo\vay is zn honorecl veteran of the Civil war, whose title \\-as won b - illeritorious conduct 011 the field of battle in tlefense of the Union. He has been a resident of I'ermilio~~ count\- since So- \-emher 7, 1833. His birth occurred ic Berl;eley county, Il7est 1-irginia. Felx-uary 22. 1823. his parents being Jesse and Susan (Roach) Hollo~vay. The father \\-as born in Stafforcl county, Virginia. and in Balti- more n-edcled Miss Roach. He then estab- lishetl his home in Berkeley county. 11-est Virginia. here he engagecl in iarming until 183 j. when he removed lvith his family tn Vermilion county. Illinois. He entered lartc! in the AIcKindree neighborliood. securing one hundred and sisty acres on section ar . Georgeto\vn township, where he carried 011

agricultural pursuits throughout his remaining days. This quarter \\-as the last government land in this vicinity. Mr. Hol- loway was a Whig in politics and in religious faith his wife \\-as a 3lethodist. His death occurred July 2 . 1853. Of their sis children one died in infancy and Isabella died in 1845. The others are G. ITT. : John, who died October 23. 184.4: and Eliza, who

resides \\-it11 her brother, Jesse. who is married and lives in Oklahon~a.

Captain Hollo~vay was a lad of twelve years when he accompanied his parents to this count?- and here he was reared upon the honle farm. In the spring of 1853 he entered into partnership in a general mercantile business with Elam Henderson and after about one year his brother, Jesse, also becan~e a member of the firm. which \\-as known as Henderson & Ho1lo11-a!-. This partnership \\-as maintained for twenty years. \\-hen they sold our and soon after- 11-art1 Mr. I lenderson tlietl. From r 874 until 1889 Captain Hollon-ay carried on general merchandising alone and since that time has lived retired. He was known as one of the reliable. enterprising merchants of his localit?- and in the conduct of his l~usiness affairs he met ~vith honorable and gratifying success.

On tlie 17th of January. 1835. tlie Cap- tain ~narriecl Miss Sophia 14.. a daughter of Jesse and Sophia (1IcC~1llough) Lyons. hot11 of nhorn were natives of llassachu- setts. Her iather was married three times, and died in the Bar state. after which the tnother of Mrs. Hollo~va\- came to Clinton, Indiana. ant1 soon removed to Urbana. Illi- nois. Mrs. Hollotvay is the youngest of t1vent~- children. and by her marriage she lxcanie tlie mother of six children. The fourtll child died in 1864 at the age of seventeen montl~s. Jesse L. died -Aug~~st 2 I .

1901. He had been a railroad conductor for several years and was stricken u-itl~ apo- plesy while on cIut~-. Belle, the eldest. is the 11-ife of David Webb, a real-estate dealer at Danl-ille. George was for fifteen years a railway mail clerk and was then promoted to the position of postoffice inspector. ir7

which capacity he has served for several



years, with headquarters in Chicago. Rose is the wife of John R. Thompson, a promi. nent business man in Chicago. Abby is now a t home.

At the time of the Civil war Captain Holloway was aroused by patriotic in~pulses to enter the government service, enlisting Augr~st 6, 1862, in the o n e Hunclred ancl Twenty-fifth Illinuis Infantry mltler Col- onel Harmon. He \\.as ~nusteretl into service on the ;cl of September and became captain of Conlpany D. On the 13th of Septe~nber the company proceecled by rail to Cincinnati, thence to Louisville by boat and fro111 that point started after Bragg, meeting the enemy in battle at Perryville. Later the reginlent went to Nashville, where it renlai~lecl through the winter, doing post duty. Later it was sent to Chartanooga ancl \\.it11 his command Captain Holloway participated in the battles of Chickan~auga, hlissionary Ridge, Kenesaw Mountain, Peach Tree Creek and ,Jonesboro. The following \vinter was spent at Chattanooga. ant1 in the spring of 1864 he started on the

a Sherinan camp;iign. H e marched into -\t- lanta on the 4th of Septen~ber, there re- mainillg until Sovemlxr. IVith Sherman's conimand lie then started for Savannah, the troops arri\.ing 011 the I 1t11 of December, 1864. I11 the follo\ving January the!* went to Gnltlsboro. Sort11 Carolina, --\\-erashro ancl Bentonville, where there was a battle' in which the Union forces lost tlvelve hundred men. They then proceedecl to Raleigh. North Carolina, and on the way leariled of I-ee's surrender. They were then encamped a t Raleigh until Johnston's surrender. after which they n~archecl to Richmond ancl on to IVashington. participating in the grand re- ~ i e w a t that city on the 25th of May. 1865. With his regiment Captain Hollo\\.ay \\.as

mustered out and sent to Chicago to be paid off, having received no pay since the 15th of the previous November.

O n the 3d of July, 1865, Captain Hol- Ioway returned home. During his absence his brother Jesse and Mr. Henderson had conducted the mercantile business and after his return the firm purchased the flourlnill in Georgetown, which our subject conlluct- ecl for s i s years. He is a Rep~~Llican, haying supportecl the party from its organization and in 184.4 he voted for Henry Clay. He takes much interest in securing good government and is a friend of all public nleasures tending to promote the general good. Several times he has served as township collector. H e is a n~ember of the Methodist Episcopal church. His wife, \vho also belonged and as active in all lines of church work, clietl July 7. 1901. The Captain belongs to Iceyger Post. S o . 304, C;. -2. R., of Georgetown. The reg+- nieilt to \\.hich he belongecl held a re-unio~i 011 the 3tl of September, 1902, the anniver- sary of its muster into service. 111 his l311si- ness :iffairs captain F-lollo\\.ay has been quite successful, ant1 to-day he owns a pleasnnt honle ant1 ~ a l u a l ~ l e farming lancl \vhich he rents.

A - - -

I,E ROY JONl%, I f . D.

In March. 189;. Dr. LeRoy Jones, located in Hoopeston, where he has since engaged in the practice of his profession with excellent success. having already gained a reputation which many an older physician might well envy. He was born in liilford. Iroquois county. Illinois. in 1863, a son of Henry and Sarah E. (Jones) Jones. His parents removed to Pettis county. Rlissouri,



when the subject of this review was but four years of age, and the father has since carried on farming there. Both he and his wife are still living in Missouri and they reared a family of seven children, six of whom are yet living.

Dr. Jones of this review spent the days of his boyhood and youth upon the old family homestead in Pettis county, and pursued his literary education in the public schools and in Westminster College at FuI- ton, 3lissouri, where he pursued a collegiate course. Determining to make the practice of medicine his life work he began preparation for this calling as a student in the medical college at St. Louis, Missouri. in which he was gra(1uated with the class of 1888. He entered upon practice in Greenbridge, Missouri, where he remained for t\vo years and then reilloved to Indiana, settling at Pine Village, ~vhere he practiced for four years. On the expiration of that period he caine to Hoopeston in March, 1895, and has reinairled here continuously since.

In JII~J., 1902, in At111 -4rbor, Michi- gan, Dr. Jones was united in marriage to Miss Margaret Van Kess Phelps, a native of Michigan. ancl they have a pleasant home in EIoopeston, ~vhile the hospitality of many of the hest residents here is extended to them. The? hold illembership in the First Presbyterian church, taking an active interest in this work and the Doctor is serving as chorister and as a teacher and assistan superintendent in the Sunday-school. In politics he is a Deinocrat and is no\\- serv ing as a member of the board of health of Hoopeston. In the line of his profession he is connected with the Tri-County Medi- cal Society and the Illinois State Medical Society and his reading in the line of his

chosen work has been broad and compre- hensive, making him well informed. His office located in the McFerren's Block was destroyed by fire when that building was swept away and now he has new and modem furnishings of the latest approved pat- terns in his office. He has \\-on the public confidence through the display of his skill and ability in hanclling many important cases. and now has a liberal and well merited patronage.

Mrs. Frances Rusling. ~vho resides at No. 405 Cherry street, in Dan\-ille, is a native of Ohio, and a daughter of Benton and Frances Smith, both of whom are natives of Ohio, although they resided during the greater part of their lives in Spencer county. Indiana. 11-here both passey away. Their daughter, Frances Smith, gave her hand in inarriage to John Oliver, an agriculturist, \vho carrier1 on farming near Danville and died in this county. Later s l~e gave her hand in marriage to Henry Payne, who was widely and favorably kno~vn in this city. He was born in Vermont and came to Dan- \-ille about 1875. having in the meantime, ho\vever. resicletl in Lafayette, Indiana. There he was first married. his wife being Miss Gillen, who died in Danville. zifter removing to this city hlr. Payne was employed as a brakeman on the IVabash Rail- road and subsequently he followed garden- ing until his marriage to l l rs . Rusling. He then lirecl retired until his death, which occurred on the 6th of March, IFI. In July, 1902. 3trs. Rusling married her present husband, George R. Rusling. who is a na-


THE BIOGRAPHICAI, RECORD

tive of England, and was a sailor on the AtIantic ocean for several years. In 1860 he took up his abode in America and when the Civil war broke out he enlisted for service in Company I, Twentieth Indiana In- fantry, in 1861. He participated in the following engagements : Hatteras Island. battle of the Wilderness, Yorkton-11, Vir- g i n i a Petersburg, 'liirginia. and all througll the eastern campaign. He was 11-oundecl in the iiilderness, losiilg t ~ v o fingers. and after the war he turned his attention to farming, ivllich he followed in the south for a few years. He then carne to Danville, where he has since lived retired. He owns, however. a large farm in Alabama and \\--as very successful in his agricultural pursuits. acquiring a richly nlerited co~npetence through his successful control of his farming interests. hfrs. Rusling is a memlxr of the First C11urch of Christ of Da~lcillc She owns a nice little home at KO. 405 Cherry street and is n-ell kno~sn in this city. \\-here she has'residetl for many years, her man\* \vomanIy qualities ailcl kintlliness of heart gaining for her the frientlsl~il~ of a large numher of tl~ose 1~it11 \\.horn she Ins come in contact.

From the days of his infancy do\\-n to the present Lewis RI. Tllo~npson 11as k n a resident of V*ermilion county. This covers the period of a boyhoot1 spent amid frontier conditions, the period of inature manhootl del-oted to agricultural pursuits when the county had become possessed of modem improvements and the co~nforts of civilizatioi~. and the period of the later-day progress in wliich he is now living retired

from further labor-a man of seventy-four years, respected ancl honored because of a life of industry, integrity and uprightness.

Mr. Thonlpson \\-as born in Dearhorn county, Intliana, in 1829, a son of John and Esther (Payne) Tl~owpson. The father was born in Erie county, Penns,vl\-ania, in 1797, anrl n-as of Irish descent. In his early life lle engaged in teaching school and \\-as a well i~lformed man. but during the greater part of his busi~less career he made f a r m i ~ ~ g Ilis principal occul3ation. althougll to some extent he clealt in real estate. --\bout 1823, in Dearl~orn couuty. In- tliana. he married Esther Payne. ant1 il l

1830 they canle to this cout~ty. settling near Dnnvil le, \\-here 111.. Tl~oml~son l>ecame the o\\-ner of three hundred acres of land, a part of n-llich he secured fro111 the go\-em- ment. This was all unbroken, not a fn~-ro\\- ha\-ing been turnetl upon the tract. ant1 his labors bi-ougl~t the pl:ice under a high state of cultivation. transiorming it into a valuable fa r~n . The first house on the place \\-as a log cabin. n-l~icll \\-as occupietl I>>- the fan]- ily ~rntil 1844. \\-hen a t\vo storv frame s t r~~cture was erected. It stoocl until 1902. \\:heu 3 llandsome resitlence \\-as built 1)v a son of our su1)ject. This lard has l~een it1

possessioi~ o f the ian~il!- continuousl!- since I 830. Jolln T~IOIII~)SOI~ \\-as a man of more than ordinar-J- capabilit\- and he took an active part in the earl? settlement and development of the county. He also acquired considerable propert\-, his labors being re- 1vartle:l \\-it11 success. In politics he \\-as a \\*big and at one time served. as county colnmissioner. I l e was also one of the charter members of the Dan\-ille Lodge of hIasons and filled man!- ofices therein. Both he and his wife attended the lletllod- ist church. He died in 1561. at the age of


L. M. THOMPSON.


I


sixty-five years, ancl her death occurred in Danville, ixl ~ S g g , at the advanced age of ninety-three years. Both \\-ere laid to rest in the Danville cemetery. They were the parents of twelve chilclren, of \\-horn. four died in infancy, 11-hile eight reached years of maturity. namely : llelissa, I\Iartha, Lewis, S. D.. Pl~ilander. SIary, Harriet and John, ancl of these four are now living.

In the district schools of J'ermilion count\- Len-is 31. Tl~ompson \\-as educated and anlid the scenes of pioneer life he was reared. He assisted his father in the work of the home far111 up to the time of his marriage, which occurred , i u g ~ ~ s t I 7, I 848, Miss Judith _Ann Br~rroughs becoming his I\-i-ife. She was a native of Ripley county, Indiana, ancl by her nlarriage became the mother of eight cl~ildren. Viola, the eldest, is the wife of I\-. H . Chan~berlain, who is a professor in the scl~ools of Chicago; Mary A. is the wife of Hon. Cllarles -4. Allen. J. G. Thompson. 1vho was graduated in the law del~artment of the State University of Ilichigan, in the class of 1851, became identified in practice with IV. R. Lawrence. He lvas apl>ointetl and served for one tern1 as prosecuting attorney and on the expiration of t!mt service \\-as elected county judge, when only tn-enty-seven years of age. Later Ile n-as appointed assistant United States attorney general by President I lc- Iiinley and has since remained in that position, which his legal learning and marked ability well qualifiy him to fill. Esther is the wife of -A. I-'. Green, a leading business man of -4ttica. Lena is the \vife of -A. E. Ray, a prominent slloe dealer of Attics. Harriet is the wife of J. I\'. Itlorro~\-, a prominent druggist of Dan\-ille. The other tn-o chilclren have passed away, and the mother is also deceased. In 1891 Mr. Thompson \\-as again married. his second

~tnion being \\-it11 Mrs. Belle Bales, a daughter of John Ken-lin, a pioneer of this county, who resided near Georgetoic-n. He was a saddler and followed his trade for many years. He also served as postmaster and justice a of the peace through a long period and \\-as an influential citizen of l ~ i s locality. -4 native of Sorth Carolina, Born in 1813, he came to Danville in 1530 and \\-as therefore one of the early settlers. For his first wife he married -4senath Henderson and his second n-ife n-as Verona Sen-lin, who became the mother of Mrs. Thompson. He was also married a third time. The parents of Mrs. Tl~ornpson were earnest Christian people and the father belonged to the So- ciety of Friends or Quakers and the inother to the llethodist church. His death occurred in Danville, in 1879. lvhen he \\-as seventj--five years of age. The daughter, Belle. n-as first married to C. P. Bales, ancl they had tn-o children : LeRoy. I\-110 is head nurse in the Insane Hospital at Kan- kakee. Illinois: and El\\-ood, an operator on the Chicago Sr Eastern Illinois Railroad.

3lr. Thon~pson made his first purchase of land in ISAS. becoming olvner of a tract of one 111mr!red ancl sixty acres near Ross- ville This n-as all ran- and unimproved, 1)ut he placed it under a high state of culti- ati ion. erected excellent buildings and reared his children upon the farill \vhicl~ he there del-eloped. -At one time he o\\-ned seven hunclrecl acres. constituti~lg a very valuable property. but tluring the financial l>anic of 1873. because of his endorsement of paper for others, he suffered a loss of ten thousancl clollars. He now has about one hundred acres in Vermilion county and a half section in Fulton county. Indiana, and he likewise owns property in Rossviile. where he is now living retired. RIr. Thomp- son is a charter member of Rossville Lodge,



I. 0. 0. F., which was organized in 1858. In his poIitical views he is a Republican and in religious faith his wife is a Method- i s t He has served as assessor, collector and in other township offices, and has ever been observant of his duties of citizenship, fully meeting every obligation which thus devolves upon him and putting forth effect- ive effort for the welfare and progress of the county which has been his home through more than three score years and ten. He is to-day one of the oldest settlers of this locality and his mind carries the impress of the early annals of this section of the state as well as the history of its later-day progress and irrqrovement.

D. C. BRANDON.

D. C. Brandon is a prosperous farmer and one well and favorably known in Ver- milion county. In the years of an active business career his course has ever been honorable and upright and his energy and indefatigable industry have brought to him creditable and gratifying success. He was born in Jefferson, Indiana, February 16, 1854, and is a son of Robert Brandon, a native of Pennsylvania. The grandfather, John Brandon, was born in Virginia and came of a family of Scotch-Irish descent. By his marriage hhc had two sons and four daughters. and three of the daughters are now living, namely : Henrietta, the wife of Nicholas RIanuille, of Indianapolis ; Eliz- abeth, the wife of Cahill Monroe, of Oak- wood township ; and Susan, the wife of Ed- ward Bair of Madison, Indiana. After arriving at years of maturity Robert Brandon wedded Mary Gordon, a relative of the fa-

mous General Gordon, and a native of the Hoosier state. Her father was James Gor- don, a representative of a family promi- nently and honorably identified with important affairs throughout the history of America. * Mr. and Mrs. Brandon were marriei in Indiana and there the father of our subject engaged in farming. He purchased and operated a tract of land in Jef- ferson county and is now living a retired life in Madison, Indiana, having in the years of his former toil acquired a competence which enables him to rest from further labor. In his political asliatians he is a Democrat, and has held a number of county and township offices. He belongs to the Methodist Episcopal church and his life has ever been in consistent harmony with its principles. In 1899 he was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife. One of their sons, George Brandon, enlisted in the Thir- ty-sixth Indiana Infantry during the Civil war and served for three years and three months. He then entered the regular army, serving for three years, and later he was killed in a raiiroad accident. John Bran- don, another brother of our subject, went to the Civil war as a substitute for his father and served until the close of hostilities. In the family were nine children: John, who wedded Mary Taylor, by whom he has two children, resides in Madison, Indiana. George died at the age of twenty-eight years. Eb, who wedded Emma Smith and has one child, is living in Side11 township. Lee died at the age of t11-enty-six years. Nancy is the wife of William Driggs, of Madison, Indiana, and has six children. D. C. is the next younger. Maria is the wife of Arch Fagg, of Madison, Indiana, and has one son and five daughters. Louvania is the wife of William KestIer of Maclison,



Indiana, and they have two children. Ida the wife of James McCance, of Madison, Indiana, has one child.

D. C. Brandon pursued his education in the schools of Jefferson county, Indiana, u-orking upon the home farm through the summer months while in the winter season he was a student. He left school, however, at the age of seventeen years and after that gave his entire attention to the task of cultivating his father's land. In 1872 he came to Illinois, locating in Westville, Vermilion county, where he first worked by the month as a farm hand. He then rented the Tur- ner Momen farm in Vance township ancl about this time he was married and estall- lished a home of his own. I t was on the 20th of September, 1876, in Danville, that Mr. Brandon wedded Mary Jane Forein, who was born in Vermilion county, July 20, 18j4, a daughter of Dennis Forein, whose birth occurred in county Cork, Ire- land. His father also bore the name of Dennis Forein, and was a native of the Emerald Isle. The father of Mrs. Brandon was united in marriage to Margaret Clif- ton. a native of Ohio, and a daughter of Thomas Clifton, 1\-11o was likewise born in the Buckeye state and whose family numbered seven children. Mr. Forein \\-as a farmer by occupation and in the year 1862 came to Vermilion county, where for three years he rented land. He then purchased a farm in Catlin tolvnship, making it his home until his death, which occurred Aug- ust 2, 1895. He was a communicant of the Catholic church, and was buried in the Catholic cemetery at Dan\-ille. His \\-idow is now living on the old homestead in Cat- lin township. In the family were five children : Mrs. Brandon ; Elizabeth, the wife of William Mann of Blue Mound, Catlin

to\vnship, by whom she has five children; Katie, the wife of Edward Boyle, of Catlin township, by \t-hom she has nine children: Dennis, who married Miss 11. Soet-ers, by ~vhom she has three sons, and also lives in Catlin township; and Hannah, the 11-iie of Elijah Sowers, of the same township, by whom she has one child.

-\fter his marriage ZIr. Brandon located on the Turner hlomen farm, where he lived for a year and then removed to the Pratt farm of forty acres, on 11-hich he lived for tu-o years. His nest home \\-as on the Will- iam Davis farm, where he resided for ten years. In 1887 he purchased the Douglas farm of one hundred and sixty acres, on section 17 in Vance to\\-nship, and three years later he bought forty acres on section 19. This property he has improved anti to-day it is a very valuable farm. In 1901 he built a splendid residence, in Queen - h n e style, at a cost of thirty-five hundred dollars, and he no\\- has one of the best equipped farms in Vernlilion county.

The home of 3lr. and Mrs. Brandon has been blessed with nine children, all of ~vhom are still under the parental roof, namely : Robert E., n-110 was born June I . 1877; Albert, born September 21. 1881 ; Edward, born Octo1,er 2, . 1882; Stella, born January 6, 1886 : Herman. born Jan- uary I 7, 1888 ; Ralph. born February I,

1890 ; llary, born February 5. I 893 : Dav- id, born June 30, 1897: and Mildred. 11-ho .\\-as horn April 8, 1901.

In his political 1-ieu-s Slr. Brandon is a Democrat and keeps \\-ell informed on the questions and issues of the day. He has served as road comn~issioner and school director, and fraternally he is connected with the Court of Honor and the 'Xodern lSrooC- men of America. He also belongs to the



Methodist Episcopal church, in \vllich he abandon the plow in order to enter profes- is now serving as steward. Having long sional life, believing that the practice of resided in this county Rlr. Brandon has be- nledicine \\-ould prove a congenial occuya- come widely known and the qualities of a11 tion and at the same time yield him a good upright manhood have gained for him the living. He took up the study of medicine unqualified confidence o i those with \\.horn tinder the direction of Dr. Courtney, \vho he has been associated. His life has bee11 directed llis reacling for some time. H e af- one of unremitting diligence and his busi- terivartl eritered the Medical School at Cin- ness capability ancl executive force have cinnati. Ohio. and uras there gracluated on brought to hinl creditable and gratifying the 26th of February, 1848, receiving a success. I-Iis farm \\-it11 its splendid im- certificate to practice, which is now in the proyanents is the' visible evidellce o i possession of his \viclo~\-. life of enterprise and his attractive home L)r. I-Iumphrey then returned to Dan- stands as a ~nonnment to his earnest toil. ville ant1 not o n l ~ - began the \\-ork o i

allel-iating liunian suffering, but also estnb- A A _- lishetl a drug store oa 1Iain street and con-

tilluetl in the compountling of nleclicirles S-\lIUEL -A. HUJIPHIIEY, 11. D. ant1 tlie sale of tlrugs iin courlectio~~ \\ it11

the practice of his chosen profession. He Dr. Sallluel ;i. Humpllrel\., &ceased, also establisheil a tlry gajtls store ill the

Xvas oIle of the prolllillent p]lysicalls 2nd city, devoting his time and energies to the druggists of Dallville \vllo becallle a resi- successful conduct of his three fold bt~siness

of this city in 18-44, \v]len it \\-;IS but throughout his remai~ling clays. The prac- a sllla!l to\\~n gi\li1lg- little prolllise of its tice of nletlicjne, ~oI\-ever, \\-as his chief future tleve!opn~ent ant1 progress. The pursuit ancl he alivays kept thoroughly in- Doctor \\-as a native of selson coutlty. Ken- iorinetl concenling the advanced thought tuck\*, born hIay 3, 1&3, his parents being made by the profession and utilized 1% in- Sallluel alltl ,Ilargaret Humphrey, u-ho al- creased kuo\\-ledge for the benefit of his t'el- \\-ays lived ill Nelsoll county, \\here the fa- lo\\- inen. He became the truster1 and loved ther carrietl on farnling. Both lie ant1 his l>h?sician in many a householtl and his \\-ark wife passetl away there. \vas attentletl vi th excellent results.

7 .

Dr. Flmnyhrey spent the \-ears oi his 1 he Doctor was married in \-errnilion minority in the Blue Grass state and ac- cotu~ty to l l iss 1 1 a ~ 31ilton. also a native quired his etlucatioll in its public schools. c)f Selsou COIIII~!?, Kentuck!; born JLI~!~ 29, \\:hen t~vmty-one rears of age, hu\\-ever, 1824. a (laughter of \Yillixn and Ellen Mil- he left his old home and came to Illinois. ton. I-ler father (lied in Kentucky and her ha\-ing all ullfle lil-ing in Verlllili~ll county. mother ai ter \~ards became the \vife of James This caused him to n l a h his lvay to Dan- Partlo\\-. \vho removed to Vermilion county ville ancl at once he purchased a far111 011 a t a I-cry early day, settling on a farm a t

\\-hat is kuo1j-n as Blue Grass prairie. There Blue Grass. where he and his wife lived he cieyotecl his energies to agricultural yur- througl~out the ren~ainder of their lives. suits for a :-ear, after lvhich he took up his Mr. Partlo\v devoting his energjes to the abode in Dan~rille, for he had determined t o production of g a i n with escellent success.


THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD --

The marriage of Dr. Humphrey and his wife was blessed with one daughter, Mar- garet Ellen, who became the wife of John Banta, a resident of Danville, but Mrs. Banta died JuIy 12, 186 j.

111 his political views Dr. H~zmphrey was an earnest Republican and neither fear nor favor coulcl swerve him from a cause which he believed to be right. He died Au- gust Ia, 1864, in the faith of the Methodist Episcopal church, of \vIlich he had long been a consistent and zealous member. His life was ever upright, his strong characteristics bei:lg those which conlmended him to the confidence and respect of his fellowmen. In the practice of his profession he had opportunity to do much good and he did it n7he11- ever the opportunity came, for he was a ma11 of broad humanitarian principles. Mrs. Humphrey, wllo still survives her husband, resides wit11 her step-sister, Mrs. Partlow at No. 713 North Hazel street. She, too, has long been a devoted member of the RIetho(1ist Episcopal cl~urch, and her nlany excellent traits of heart and mind have cgai~led for her the \varm friendship of those wit11 \v!~om she has been brought in contact.

A T

I\-illiam C. I-Iawkins is a well kno\vn fanner of Vermilion county, residing on section 30. in Jamaica to\\-nship. He was born in Edgar county, Illinois, March 21.

1565. and is a son oi Edmond L. and Ma- linda (James) IIa~vkins. both natives of Etlgar county. \\-here they were reared and married. Edmond L. Hawkins was the ?on of \\7illiam. a native of Kentucky, and Charlotte (Drake) Han-kins, a native of Ohio. Iliilliam Hawkins, the father of

30

Edmund L., was a son of Crosby ~awl&ns, who came to -4merica from Ireland. After the death of his first wife William Hawkins married Xancy Philips, a native of Indiana. He was the father of six children, four of whom are yet living: Henry, of Nebraska; Sarah, the wife of John IlIcCrowe, of Dan- ville, Illinois; Edmund L., the father of our subject ; and -\braham, of Metcalf, Edgar county, Illinois. Edmond L. Haw- kins folloi\-ed carpentering and \\-orked at his trade near Bloomfield, Illinois. He built many residences of that place, which still stand as monuments to his handin-ork and skill. He removed to Danville in 1866 and engaged in contracting and carpentering. On the expiration of two years he removed to a farm north of Fithian, Illinois. There he lived for four years and then removed to Fairmount, Illinois. The mother died in June, 1 9 1 , and the father is now making his home \\;it11 his son Tiilliam C- He is a member of the Christian church and is a stanch Democrat. His life has been actively and usefully spent and he has done much toward the material improvement and development of the communities in which he has lived, besides taking a deep interest in the moral and intellectual gro\vth thereof. I-Ie and his wife \\-ere the parents of sis children, four girls and two boys. Minnie is the wife of Edward Boggers and resides in Des Iloines. Iowa. They have five children. The subject of this review is the sec~nd in order of birth. Edmond S., born December 35. 1866. was a clerk and resided in Fainnount, Illinois. He was married to -Arab Jake\\-ay. of Sidney, Illinois, and died on the 2rst of April. 1898. He commenced clerking for C. V. Tilton. of Fairmorrnt, and remained with him for eight years. He then worked for J. XI. Mc- Cabe, for one year and nest went to Cham-


- 7 j 4 THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD

paign. Illinois, entering the employ of Jos- eph Kuhn 8t Son. Here he remained for four years, when on account of failing health he was obliged to resign his position. H e went to Colorado in April, 1897, and returned to Sidney, Illinois, in Octo- ber. There his death occurred. H e became a member of the Christian church in Feb- ruary, 18%. H e was a member of Cham- paign Lodge, Modern Woodmen of Amer- ica. The funeral services were held in the Methodist Episcopal church, Friday, April 22, 1898, the services being conducted bv the Rev. S. S. Jones. His remains were in- terred in Greenview cemetery a t Fair- mount. Etta If. married Edward Pope. They have three children and reside near Guthrie, Oklahoma. Lilly married H. A. Stearns. has two children and resides in Guthrie, Oklahoma. Gertrude, born July 6, 1873, was married at Fairmount, Illinois. to 14~illian1 Baughman. The ceremony took pIace June 2, 1895, and n7as performed by Rev. S. S. Jones, of Danville. They resided at 216 East Madison street, in Dan- ville, Illinois, at the time of her death, which occurred at 5 :so Monday evening. March 8. 1897. Mrs. Baughn~an was a most efficient worlter in the Christian church. 1%-as president of the Encleavor So- cief).. was Sunday-school teacher and leader of the choir. Her ft~neral ser~ices were held from the Baptist church, Rev. S. S. Jones officiating. Hler remains were 'in- terred in Greenview cemetery. When she died the community lost an exemplary Christian woman, whose death was deeply mourned by many friends as 117ell as her immediate family.

In the common schools of Fairmount. IIlinois. William C. Hawkins received his education, continuing therein until he was

seventeen years of age. He then began farming. renting forty acres of land and thus getting a start in life. He was married September ,-, 1886. in l-ance township, to Miss Mabel IVitherspoon. 11-110 was born izl 1-ance to\\-nship, May 19. 1866. She 11-as the daughter of I\-illiam P. Iiither- spoon. whose family history is given else- 11-here on the pages of this n-ork. L-nto Mr. and Mrs. Hawkins have been born t\vo children. Kina Pearl, born Januar\- 10.

1892. and Emma W., born March 23. I 894. ,After his marriage Mr. Hawkins locat-

ed in Edgar county, where he remained for six months. He then removed to Fair- mount. remaining there for two months. after which time he removed to the farm he now occupies. He is the owner of one hundred and twenty acres of very x-aluable farming land. the fields of n-hiclz are well cultivated, it being one of the best farms in Jamaica ton-nship. He raises a high grade of stock, ~vhich he sells on the market at a good price. ITe is a very industrious nlan and has lxen active in public affairs. He served as assessor of the ton-nship for t ~ o years and is non- acting as supet-visor. His religious faith is indicated 13~- his nteml>er- ship in the llethodist Episcopal churcli. 11-here lle is acting as trustee. Fraternally he is coniiectecl with the Court of Honor and in politics is a Democrat. -A pt~b!ic- spirited man he is \\-ell kno~\-n and highly respected tllrougl~out this part of 1-ern~ilion county.

A ,*,

ROBERT TERRELL.

Robert Terrell is a pioneer settler of Verniilion county, of 1838, and is a witness of .the changes which have occurred here.


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