History of DeWitt County Illinois: with biographical sketches of prominent representative citizens of the county.  Chicago: Pioneer Publishing Co., 1910

Note: Not all of the biographies are posted, yet. They will be posted in the order requested.  If you see a biography you would like to see posted, please e-mail the Coordinator, Judy Simpson, to request it.

Biography Index

Allan, Andrew Foster, Ernest L. Kirk, James M. Rung, Daniel
Allan, David Fruit, Edmund W. Lafferty, Charles S. Safly, John M.
Allyn, Edward Galaway, John A. Lane, James W. Samuel, Isaiah J.
Arbogast, Daniel H. Gale, Charles A. Lane, Roy H. Schifferd, John E.
Arbogast, Sherman G. Gambrel, William Lane, Tillman Schoby, W. Edward
Argo, Emanuel G. Garrelts, John D. Leggett, James F. Shaver, J. W.
Argo, William Garver, Benjamin F. Leggett, Robert G. Shaw, John B.
Atchison, Isham J. Gillen, P. J. Lewis, Edwin J. Sincraugh, Fred
Bailor, Isaac N. Girard, Frederick S. Lewis, John Q. Smallwood, P. M.
Baker, Henry, Jr. Glenn, Charles Long, Arie Smith, James M.
Baker, James Goble, George G. Long, John H. Smith, John W.
Baker, Samuel Goodrich, James M. Luttrell, Nelson W. Spencer, William
Bates, Bert B. Grady, Vance R. McClimans, David Stivers, Daniel B.
Beatty, Henry G. Graham, J. D. McCullough, Samuel O. Stone, Alfred E.
Beckwith, James W. Gray, William F. McHenry, Alonzo D. Stone, Lawrence E.
Bennett, Tilman M. Green, Levi Wyman McHenry, Robert P. Stoutenborough, Garrett
Bentley, Emory B. Griffin, Charles R. McMillin, Thomas A. Summers, M. K.
Black, Robert Hall, Benjamin F. Marvel, George B. Sumner, Alfred R.
Blue, Edmund W. Hall, Jonathan R. Marvel, Luther M. Swan, James
Bogardus, Charles S. Harrold, Lawrence S. Maxwell, George C. Sweeney, Edward J.
Booth, William Heller, Charles T. May, Cyrus Swigart, Harry T.
Brittin, Harry O. Helmick, George W. Merrifield, Solomon F. Swigart, Otto H.
Brittin, John E. Herrick, Lyle G. Miller, Birch B. Taylor, Walter M.
Browne, Vernelle F. Herrick, Lott R. Miller, Jasper S. Taylor, William H.
Browning, John W. Hoff, Cornelius Milligan, Thomas Teal, Nancy
Cackley, Thomas W. Hoff, Grover C. Mills, John C. Thorp, George H.
Cain, David F. Holloway, Philip M. Mitchell, Edward B. Trego, Nathan J.
Campbell, Lewis Howard, Oscar W. Moberly, James J. Trego, Samuel
Cantrell Elmer E. Howard, William Monahan, T. F. Trowbridge, Jacob
Cardiff, Charles W. Huddleston, Clyde E. Monson, William Tucker, Eli
Carle, William Ray Hughes, George W. Montgomery, Alfred H. Turner, Allen A.
Cayton, Edward J. Hull, Sherman G. Montgomery, Robert H. Turner, John W.
Conn, William H. Humphrey, W. A. Moody, Charles E. Turner, Samuel
Coppenbarger, William F. Hunt, Uriah E. Morris, Christopher C. Vance, John C.
Costley, J. F. Hurley, Marshall Munch, Frank N. Vance, J. Howard
Costley, John L. Hurley, Owen L. Murphey, Levi R. Vance, Joseph M.
Covey, Clark C. Hutchison, Zeanus N. Murphey, William W. Walters, Lawrence
Craft, Valentine A. Ingham, George K. Nixon, Clinton J. Wampler, Thomas C.
Cramer, William P. Jeffrey, Francis M. Nixon, Ira I. Warner, John
Cross, A. J. Jenkins, Marion B. O'Brien, John Warner, Vespasian
Curl, Jeremiah A. Jenkins, Robert F. Olson, James Warren, William T.
Davidson, Frank C. Johnson, Joseph E. Olson, Nels Watson, Joseph
Davis, Daniel R. Johnson, William Olson, Walter J. Weedman, Amos
Davis, John B. Johnston, William W. Parker, Nathan Welch, Mary S.
Dawson, William H. Jones, John B. Peltz, Benjamin F. Wene, Perry
Day, Orville A. Jones, J. M. Perkins, W. C. Wetzel, Jefferson
Doak, Clifford Jones, Parmelia Persinger, Harvey R. Wilcox, John M.
Doak, Robert Jones, Preston Phares, Abner R. Willson, Peter K.
Doak, Thomas Keating, Timothy F. Phares, Ulysses S. G. Wilson, Asa
Edmonson, George S. Keele, Oliver M. Rainey, William D. Wilson, Ira D.
Edmonson, Oscar B. Kemp, James M. Reynolds, James Wisegarver, Smith
Edmunds, Henry H. Kent, Fred R. Richey, Austin J. Wolfe, Philip
Edwards, Thomas J. Killough, John Rolofson, Charles S. Yeakel, Douglas A.
Edwards, William S. Kincaid, Andrew T. Rolofson, John J. Yeakel, Thomas H.
Farmer, Harry S. Kincaid, George M. Rose, Andrew T. Young, Walter S.
Flaherty, James T. Kincaid, Monte B. Roy, Robert J. Zorger, Charles K.
Foote, Alfred V. Kingston, Alva E. Rundle, William B.

ANDREW ALLAN.  (Volume II, Page 151)

Andrew Allan occupies a prominent position among the foremost citizens of Weldon, where he is now practically living retired.  His early life, however, was one of untiring activity and was crowned with a high degree of success, yet he is not less esteemed as a citizen than as a man and his kindly impulses and charming cordiality of manner have rendered him exceedingly popular among all classes.

Mr. Allan was born in Ayrshire, Scotland, December 27, 1830, his parents, Thomas and Grace ( Stirling ) Allan, being natives of the same country.  In 1857 they crossed the Atlantic to the new world and settled in Randolph county, Illinois .  In 1866 they removed to Nixon township, DeWitt county, and here spent the remainder of their lives.  In their family were ten children, nine sons and one daughter, of whom four are still living, Andrew being the eldest.  James is a resident of Randolph county.  David makes his home in Weldon.  William is also living in Randolph county.  The last named entered the Union army during the Civil war and now draws a pension in recognition of his services.  He is unmarried.  Thomas, the second child in the family, divided his time between Scotland and America , crossing the ocean twenty-two times.  While in this country he made his home in Weldon, but died on the old homestead in Scotland about nine years ago.  Alexander, who died three years ago, owned and operated a fine tract of five hundred acres in DeWitt county.  He left nine children.  Grace, the only daughter of the family, became the wife of Alexander Brown, of Randolph county, and died in August, 1907.  She left a fine family of eleven children, of whom our subject is very proud, as they cannot be surpassed physically or mentally.

Reared in the land of his birth, Andrew Allan attended school in Galston parish for seven years and thus acquired a good practical education.  At the age of seventeen he went to England , where he was employed as a clerk in a store at two dollars per week, remaining there four years and seven months.  He then established a store of his own in the same town and continued to engage in the dry-goods business there until 1882, which year witnessed his arrival in the United States .  He had previously visited this country several times but it was not until the year mentioned that he became a resident of this country, since which time he has made his home in DeWitt county.  Here he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land at thirty-five dollars per acre and as time passed he steadily prospered until he has become one of the most extensive landowners in DeWitt county, now having about eleven hundred acres all within four miles of his present home.  He continued to engage in general farming for eight years, but in 1892 bought a nice home in Weldon, where he is now enjoying all of the comforts and many of the luxuries of life, having practically laid aside all business cares, though he still keeps an active supervision over his landed estates.  After coming to Weldon, however, he was engaged in business as a dealer in coal, lumber and building material for a time and erected from four to five houses every summer.

In 1855 Mr. Allan was united in marriage to Mrs. Caroline (Denham) Murphy, a native of Somersetshire, England, who died March 18, 1895, leaving two grandchildren by her first husband, one of whom now lives in New York—James Sterling Stewart, who is principal manager for the Royal Typewriter Company.  The other, Caroline, became the wife of Frank O. Salisbury, of Bangert, Dent county, Missouri .

Mr. Allan was again married, May 12, 1896, his second union being with Miss Charita Flood, who was born in this county, April 10, 1858, a daughter of Robert and Eliza J. (Walker) Flood.  She attended school in Dixon Illinois, and prior to her marriage engaged in school-teaching in DeWitt county for fourteen years.  Her mother died in 1867, but her father, who is a native of Clark county, Ohio , is still living and now makes his home in Weldon.  By his first marriage he had four children: Oscar, who died in Montgomery county, Illinois , February 18, 1910; Sarah, the wife of Amos Berkley, of Weldon; Charita, the wife of our subject; and Mary, the widow of Leonard Hardesty and a resident of Weldon.  For his second wife Mr. Flood married Mrs. Armadilla Jones, by whom he had two children: Charles, who died about 1890; and Mattie, who makes her home with her parents.  During the Civil war Mr. Flood joined the One Hundred and Seventh Illinois Volunteer Infantry and is today an honored member of the Grand Army of the Republic.  He is also prominently identified with the Methodist Protestant church, with which the family has long been connected.  His father, Francis Flood, and uncle, Jonathan Flood, were present in Baltimore Maryland, in 1828, on the organization of the first Methodist Protestant church in this country, the former as a lay delegate and the latter as a minister.  Mr. Flood has filled all of the offices in the church with which he is connected and has been a local preacher.  He threw the first shovel full of dirt in making the excavation for the new church at Weldon and took a very active part in its building.  Although he is now eighty-three years of age he is still doing some business as an auctioneer.

Mrs. Allan is also an active worker and prominent member of the Methodist Protestant church, to which her husband was a generous contributor to the erection of the new house of worship.  She has served as steward of the church and her aid can always be counted upon to promote its advancement along any line.  Since their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Allan have spent their winters in the south, mostly at Ocean SpringsMississippi, but they still continue to reside in Weldon during the summer months.  Mr. Allan is a director of the State Bank at this place and is regarded as one of the best and most reliable business men of DeWitt county.  He is enterprising and progressive, is also exceedingly generous and charitable and, being very witty and an entertaining conversationalist, he is popular in both business and social circles.  He has never regretted his emigration to America , for here he has steadily prospered and today stands among the men of prominence and affluence in his community.

DAVID ALLAN.  (Volume II, Page 158)

David Allan, now living retired in Weldon, was for many years one of the representative farmers of this locality, who in his chosen field of labor met with most excellent success.  He was born in Scotland on the 31st of January, 1840, and is a son of Thomas and Grace ( Stirling ) Allan, of whom extended mention is made in the sketch of Andrew Allan on another page of this volume.  He was reared and educated in his native land and at the age of fourteen years began earning his own livelihood, being employed for two years and a half by a rich man who owned a sorn-castle in Ayrshire.  It was on the 4th of March, 1858, that he landed in New York and came direct to SpringfieldIllinois.  Locating in Randolph county, this state, he worked as a farm hand for about four years and then engaged in farming on his own account upon rented land for five years.  The spring of 1867 witnessed his arrival in DeWitt county and he purchased a tract of eighty acres in Nixon township.  To the improvement and cultivation of that property he then devoted his energies and so successful was he in his labors that he was able to add to it until he now owns three hundred and twenty acres, one-half of which is in Piatt county, while the remainder is in DeWitt county.  He continued to engage in general farming and stock-raising until the spring of 1900, when he left the farm and removed to Weldon, having purchased a pretty place in the west part of the village.  Here he is now living retired, while he rents his farm property.

On the 3d of May, 1871, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Allan and Miss Jane Stewart, a native of Ireland , in which country her parents, Charles and Maggie (McMillan) Stewart, spent their entire lives.  She had one brother, Charles Stewart, who came to America and is now living in New York .  Mrs. Allan passed away August 17, 1891, and was laid to rest in the Weldon cemetery.  The children born of that union were five in number.  Grace, born in DeWitt county, May 2, 1872, is now the wife of Clarence McConkey, of this county, and they had nine children: Vesper G., who was born January 19, 1891, and died November 28, 1899; Lynn, born June 4, 1893; Lyle, born March 27, 1895; Wayne, born November 24, 1896; Beulah, who was born October 18, 1898, and died March 12, 1910; Ivan; June; Glen; and Kenneth.  Charles S., born in this county, September 18, 1875, died in 1896 and was buried in Weldon.  Carrie, born August 27, 1880, married Nellie Glasgow and lives in this county.  They have one child, Miriam.  Ethel May, born May 1, 1883, died at the age of nine years.  David Roy, born February 20, 1885, married Lola Carr and lives in Piatt county

Mr. Allan was again married March 7, 1894, his second union being with Miss Margaret McElroy, a native of Randolph county, Illinois, born July 17, 1866, and a daughter of John and Margaret (McDowell) McElroy, who were born in Ireland and came to the new world about 1860.  Her father, who was born in 1830, died about 1880, and the mother, whose birth occurred in 1838, passed away in 1906.  Their children were: Margaret, now Mrs. Allan; Mary, a resident of Randolph county; Rachel, the wife of William Beatty, of SpartaIllinois; and Elizabeth and Agnes, who are graduate nurses and now live in Randolph county.  By his second marriage Mr. Allan has two children: Edith, born December 3, 1904; and Lee, born July 30, 1907.

The Republican party has always found in Mr. Allan a stanch supporter of its principles, but he has never cared for the honors or emoluments of public office.  Both he and his wife are devoted members of the Methodist Protestant church, of which he is now a steward, and she is treasurer of the woman’s Christian Temperance Union.  They have a host of warm friends throughout this section of the state and are held in the highest regard by all who know them.  Mr. Allan has ever occupied an enviable position in business circles, for he is a man of known reliability and his honesty, integrity and industry have been the means of bringing to him a gratifying success that now enables him to lay aside all business cares and live retired in the enjoyment of the prosperity that has come to him.

EDWARD ALLYN.  (Volume II, Page 234)

Edward Allyn has passed the seventy-second milestone on life’s journey.  He was long identified with educational interests as a teacher but is now living retired.  His interest in intellectual progress, however, has never abated and his influence has ever been on the side of improvement and in support of those projects which work for the betterment of the community.  A native of Ohio , he was born in Hiram, December 17, 1837, his parents being Pelatiah and Angeline (Joslin) Allyn.  His paternal grandfather also bore the name of Pelatiah Allyn and was a native of Connecticut , where he devoted his life to farming.  He was a fifer in the war of 1812, and possessed considerable musical talent and ability.  He married Amelia Taylor and both lived to old age, rearing a family of seven sons and three daughters; Mary, Pelatiah, William, Walter, Amelia, Christina, Ozias, Watson, Orson and Orville.  The maternal grandfather of Edward Allyn was Reuben Joslin, who was likewise of New England birth and was a native of Vermont .  He followed carpentering throughout an active life that at length brought him to an honorable old age.  Unto him and his wife were born ten children: George, Welcome, Angeline, Loraine, Sarah, Eleanor, Benjamin, Harriet, Laura Udell and Nancy Hinckley.

Pelatiah Allyn, Jr., was likewise a native of Connecticut and in his youthful days learned the carpenter’s trade and eventually began contracting on his own account.  He was awarded the contract for building Hiram College in Ohio .  He died at Hiram in 1851, when forty-eight years of age, while his wife had passed away a month previous, at the age of forty-five years.  They were both earnest members of the Christian church and took an active and helpful part in its work.  Mr. Allyn was a man of liberal education and a fine musician and assisted in the composition of a song book.  He served as a trustee of Hiram College and did everything in his power to promote intellectual and moral progress in the community in which he lived.  Unto him and his wife were born eight children, six sons and two daughters, six of whom reached years of maturity: Edward, of this review; Edwin, twin brother of Edward; Emily, the widow of John G. Mason, of Hiram, Ohio; Mary, the widow of Sherman Leach, also of Hiram, Ohio; and Pelatiah and Corwin, deceased.

Edward Allyn spent the period of his youth in his native city, attended the public schools there and afterward pursued a course of study in Hiram College .  He removed to Illinois in 1859, taking up his abode in Clinton, after which he engaged to teach the Excelsior school, three and a half miles east of the city.  He devoted twenty-seven years to teaching in DeWitt county and for four years was a teacher at Bellflower in McLean county.  During all that period he never arrived at school after the hour of its convening.  He was a good disciplinarian and, moreover, had the ability which enables the teacher to hold the interest of his pupils as he imparts to them a knowledge of the branches which constitute the public-school curriculum.  He never felt that the methods which he employed at the outset of his professional career were adequate to the needs of later times but always progressed in keeping with the tendency of the age and thus did excellent work in the schoolroom.  For the past five years, however, he has lived retired, enjoying well earned rest in a pleasant home at No. 321 North Maple street in Clinton.

On the 18th of March, 1867, Mr. Allyn was united in marriage to Miss Adelia F. Hutcherson, a daughter of Thomas S. and Susan (Henry) Hutcherson.  Mrs. Allyn was born in Greene county, Kentucky , May 27, 1844.  Her father was also a native of that state but her mother was a Virginian.  He died in New Mexico , at the age of seventy years while his wife, surviving him for some time, passed away in DecaturIllinois, when in the seventies.  Their children were Adelia, Arminta, deceased, Sarah Elizabeth, Mary, Nancy I., deceased, Sophia, Stephen A., Fannie and Robert, deceased.  The paternal grandfather of Mrs. Allyn was Dr. Huttie B. Hutcherson, a native of Kentucky and a physician by profession.  He married a relative of General Robert E. Lee.  The maternal grandfather was Charles Henry, a native of Virginia and a farmer by occupation.  He was a descendant of Patrick Henry.

Mr. and Mrs. Allyn had but one child, Nellie, who died at the age of three and a half years.  Mrs. Allyn had been formerly married, her first husband being John E. Thomas, and there was one child of that union, John, who died at the age of two and a half years.  Both Mr. and Mrs. Allyn hold membership in the Christian church and he was baptized by President James A. Garfield, who at that time was active in the ministry of the church.  In his political views Mr. Allyn is a prohibitionist but was formerly a Republican.  He is a stanch advocate of the temperance cause and has always been opposed to anything which tends to lower the standards of life or proves detrimental to the individual in any way.  His opposition to slavery in the south and his loyalty to the Union cause led him in August, 1861, to become a member of Company A, Thirty-third Illinois Volunteer Infantry, known as the Normal Regiment.  He served for four years and three months and although he enlisted as a private he became division clerk under General Osterhouse when in camp.  He was in the battles of Vicksburg, Mobile, and a number of other important engagements.  Returning from the war on Friday, the following day he secured a position as teacher and took charge of the school on Monday.  The same spirit of energy has characterized his entire life.  He is a man of strong purpose and his position in regard to any vital question has never been an equivocal one.  Righteousness, truth and justice find in him an exponent and his cooperation has always been given to those lines of activity which he believes will benefit his fellowman, promote temperance, advance religious work and stimulate the cause of charity.

DANIEL H. ARBOGAST.  (Volume II, Page 11)

Daniel Huffman Arbogast, one of DeWitt county’s well known and prominent business men, occupies an attractive residence just outside the corporation limits of Farmer City , where he has a farm of forty-seven acres, which he purchased about 1874.  There he is conducting a brick and tile factory, and his enterprise and diligence, overcoming all difficulties and obstacles in his path, have enabled him to obtain a substantial measure of success.

He was born on a farm near Mechanicsburg, Clark county, Ohio , May 2, 1827, his parents being Henry and Mary (Huffman) Arbogast.  He was a lad of but twelve years when he arrived in DeWitt county in 1839, coming to Illinois with his parents.  His father was a farmer and bought land near Parnell.  It was upon that farm that Daniel H. Arbogast grew to manhood.  He acquired a fair common-school education, however, largely pursuing his studies at home for it was before the day of the public schools.

In his youth he worked out to some extent and such of his earnings as were not needed for his support went to his father until he was about eighteen years of age.  Subsequently he was allowed what he could earn and as there was little money in circulation he took his pay in a horse, cow, hogs or other live stock or farm products.  He thus had some stock of his own by the time he was twenty-one years of age.  He would haul grain to Chicago for his father in his youthful days and sold it at fifty-five or sixty cents per bushel.  It required twelve days for a team of horses to haul the grain to Chicago and return and sixteen days for a team of oxen to make the round trip.  There was not a bridge between DeWitt county and Chicago at that time, all streams having to be forded.  Some times the rivers would be so swollen that it was necessary to camp out by the side of the stream until the water subsided to some extent.  Chicago at that time had but four thousand inhabitants.  The streets were unpaved, business was developed to only a slight extent and there was little indication that the western prairie town would one day become the metropolis of the great Mississippi valley and the second city of the Union .  Mrs. Arbogast was at that time a resident of Kankakee and bore the maiden name of Minerva Payne.  She knew well the one who built the first brick house in Chicago—Guerdon Hubbard—and the contract was let to Thomas Durham, who manufactured the brick in Chicago and then erected the building.  Mr. Arbogast says at that time the largest scale would weigh but ten bushels.  How great is the contrast to the present method of handling grain in a city which is today one of the chief grain centers of the world.  Mr. Arbogast had to carry the sacks and empty them in a boat and other difficult labor was connected with the disposal of the farm products.

About the time he attained his majority Mr. Arbogast began farming on his own account and on the 25th of February, 1849, was united in marriage in Santa Anna township to Miss Minerva Payne, who was born in east Tennessee on the 28th of May, 1829.  Her parents were John Adam Grenade and Catharine (Johnson) Payne.  She was only six months old when her people removed to Vermilion county, Illinois , where her father established a tanyard, which he conducted for a number of years.  He then removed to Will county, now Kankakee county, Illinois , where he became the owner of a farm, which he brought under a high state of cultivation.  His daughter, Minerva, was about twenty years of age when she went on a visit to her paternal grandfather, Henry Payne, then living in DeWitt county, and it was during that visit that she first met Mr. Arbogast.  The friendship they formed ripened into love and they were married the following year.  They began their domestic life on land owned by Dr. Zerah Wakefield and the fall following their marriage John A. G. Payne, the father-in-law, came to this county and in connection with Mr. Arbogast purchased five hundred and thirty-five acres of the estate of Dr. Wakefield at five dollars per acre.  After a few years he sold out and bought a farm of one hundred and sixty acres of prairie land.  The other place had been in the edge of the timber.  He paid seven dollars an acre for the tract, which is about a mile and a half northwest of Farmer City .  The place was then known as Mount Pleasant and contained about one hundred and fifty inhabitants.  It had been laid out in 1836.

Upon his second farm Mr. Arbogast began the manufacture of brick, but after a year, realizing that he was too far from town, sold out and came to the place where he now lives.  Here he made the brick of which the house is built.  His factory has produced most of the brick that has been used in the buildings of Farmer City .  It was after the railroad was built that the name of the town was changed.  This was brought about by McCord and Weedman.  In the late ’70s or in the early ’80s Mr. Arbogast began the manufacture of tile and has been instrumental in furnishing the tile that is used in draining much of the rich farm land in this vicinity.  His life has indeed been a busy and useful one, characterized by unfaltering diligence that has brought to him substantial and well merited success.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Arbogast have been born nine children.  Elizabeth is the wife of A. D. Webb and lives in DecaturIllinois.  They have three children, two of whom are married and have children.  Lydia N., the second member of the family, is the wife of John Swiney, of Iowa FallsIowa, and has three sons, two of whom are married and have children.  John, who married Susan Muir, lost his life through an accident in a brickyard at LambertonMississippi.  He had no children of his own but reared an adopted son, Fred Arbogast, who is now clerking in a clothing store in Farmer City .  George, the next of the family, died at the age of one year.  Amos, who is a contractor of Clinton, wedded Mary Griffith and has five children, of whom one is married.  Edward died when twenty-two years of age.  Sherman married Hattie Gardner and has three children, of whom two are married and one has a son, making ten great-grandchildren in the Arbogast family.  Walter J., who wedded Mary Fry, lives at NormalIllinois, where he is engaged in contracting.  Grenade died at the age of nine years.  In the fall before his death he was in the woods and, picking up an acorn, asked his mother to plant it in her flower bed.  She did so and the next spring it sprouted and today it is the finest shade tree in the yard, being about fifteen or sixteen feet in circumference.  There it stands a stately memorial to the lad who planted it.  At a very early age he had become identified with the Methodist Episcopal church and was a splendid boy, in whom the parents felt the most justifiable pride.  Three of the sons of the Arbogast family became contractors and all did well in the business.  They worked together for several years, during which time they erected the First Methodist Episcopal church at Decatur at a contract price of one hundred and ten thousand dollars.  The son, now living in Normal, has erected many churches, having made a specialty of ecclesiastical architecture.

In 1848 Mr. Arbogast cast his first presidential ballot for Zachary Taylor and when the Republican party was organized he voted for John C. Fremont and has since been an earnest Republican but has never sought nor desired office.  He was fifteen years of age when he became a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and his wife joined the church when about eighteen years of age.  He has served as steward and both have taken an active interest in the church work, doing all in their power to promote its growth and extend its influence.

In 1895 Mr. Arbogast met with an accident which almost cost him his life.  At that time his hip was dislocated and rendered him a cripple, making it necessary for him to retire from the active management of his business.  He has passed the eighty-third milestone on life’s journey and his record has been one that exemplifies the best traits of honorable manhood and of loyal and progressive citizenship.  For more than the Psalmist’s allotted span of three score years and ten he has lived in this county and is today one of its oldest settlers.  Few men are better informed concerning the history of this part of the state.  He relates many interesting incidents of the early days and of the progress which has brought the county to its present advanced position.  He has a very wide acquaintance in Farmer City and throughout the surrounding districts and no one is ever heard to speak of Mr. Arbogast save in terms of kindly regard and high respect.

SHERMAN G. ARBOGAST.  (Volume II, Page 400)

It is not only because Sherman G. Arbogast is a representative of one of the oldest pioneer families of the county that he deserves mention in this volume but also because of the important and helpful part which he is taking in promoting the business activity and consequent prosperity of this section.  He is now actively engaged in the manufacture of brick, tile and cement work, including cement blocks and cement tile of all sizes up to five feet.  His plant is located at Farmer CityIllinois, and is one of the most important industries there.  In its management he displays keen business discernment, with a recognition of all those qualities which are essential to success.  Along well defined lines of labor he has conducted his business and the substantial success which has attended his efforts indicate his sound judgment, keen discernment and indefatigable energy.

His birthplace was a farm about a mile and a half northwest of Farmer City and his natal day was March 6, 1865.  He is a son of Daniel H. and Minerva (Payne) Arbogast, two of the best known and most honored pioneer citizens of DeWitt county.  His father established one of the first brick and tile manufacturing enterprises in this part of the state and as his assistant Sherman G. Arbogast early became familiar with the trade, which he has since followed.  He received his education in the schools of Farmer City and lacked but one year of graduation when, at the age of sixteen years, he became ill with scarlet fever and had to leave school.  He afterward served an apprenticeship at brick laying and when he was twenty-two years of age began contracting in connection with a younger brother, Walter J., to whom he taught the business.  Later their elder brother, Amos L. Arbogast, learned the trade under them and all three then worked together, Sherman G. Arbogast taking the contracts.  The important work which he has done ranks him with the leading contractors in this part of the state.  He had the contract for the building of the First Presbyterian church at Clinton; the Warner Hospital and the Douglas School , also of Clinton.  He likewise had the contract for the Christian church at Jacksonville, Illinois, which was built at a cost of sixty-five thousand dollars; the Christian and Methodist churches at Stanford, McLean county; the First Methodist Episcopal church at Decatur, which was erected at a cost of one hundred and forty thousand dollars; the high school at Duquoin, Illinois, at a cost of forty-five thousand dollars; the Chillicothe (Ohio) Methodist Episcopal church at eighty-five thousand dollars; the Christian church at Coshocton, Ohio, at sixty-five thousand dollars; the Methodist Episcopal church at Farmer City at nineteen thousand dollars; and the Catholic church at Farmer City at thirteen thousand five hundred dollars.  He has also erected many important business blocks in all parts of the country.  The extent and character of his contract work is indicative of the superior skill and ability which he displays and which has given him high standing among the representative contractors of central Illinois .

On the 22d of November, 1887, Sherman G. Arbogast was married to Miss Hattie Gardner, of DeWitt county, and unto them were born three children: Lydia, now the wife of Roy E. Dockum, living near Cherokee, Oklahoma, by whom she has one son, Sherman Maston; Leta, the wife of L. R. Ross, a farmer residing in DeWitt county; and Edward D., now a high-school student.

In his political views Mr. Arbogast is a stalwart Republican and has served as deputy game warden of DeWitt county for seven years, being appointed to the position under Governor Yates, since which time he has served continuously in the office.  He has also been a delegate to various conventions of the party.  He and his family are all members of the Methodist Episcopal church and are most loyal to its teachings.  Mr. Arbogast belongs to Kenilworth Lodge, No. 60, K. P., in which he has filled all of the chairs.  He likewise belongs to Manitou Lodge, No. 75, I. O. R. M., in which he has filled all of the offices, while several times he has attended the great council and was deputy great sachem for two years.  For about sixteen or seventeen years he has been identified with the Modern Woodmen of America.  At all times he is loyal to the principles of these organizations and his record makes him an exemplary member.  He stands for that which is progressive in citizenship and as the years go by his worth is most clearly demonstrated.  He is honored and respected by all who know him and his warmest friends are those who have known him from his youthful days.

EMANUEL G. ARGO.  (Volume II, Page 120)

Emanuel G. Argo, who has lived retired in Clinton for the past decade, was successfully engaged in agricultural pursuits in DeWitt county throughout his active career and also conducted an ice business in Clinton for a quarter of a century.  His birth occurred in Clermont county, Ohio , on the 17th of August, 1838, his parents being Alexander and Eliza Ann (Wallriven) Argo, who were likewise natives of the Buckeye state.  The paternal grandfather, Moses Argo, spent his entire life in Ohio , passing away in Hamilton county, that state.  His wife was Mrs. Sarah Argo.  The maternal grandparents of our subject lived and died in Clermont county, Ohio , both reaching an advanced age.  They were farming people and reared quite a large family of children.

Alexander Argo, the father of Emanuel G. Argo, was a wagon maker by trade and came to ClintonIllinois, in 1840.  He purchased one hundred and twenty acres of land from Daniel Newcomb and in 1844 took up his permanent abode thereon.  It was on that farm that he reared his family and successfully carried on agricultural pursuits for many years.  He built a large and substantial residence, which has now been standing for sixty years or more and is still in a good state of preservation.  The framework is of oak and the laths were spit by hand, the pine lumber being hauled from Pekin.  After shelling his corn Mr. Argo hauled it to Pekin, where he received twelve and a half cents per bushel for it, while his wheat brought thirty cents a bushel.  His farm was platted and divided among the heirs and has all been transformed into town lots, upon which many houses have been erected.  It was deeded to the family as “all south of the center line of Main street ,” and the present site of the Illinois Central depot was the northwest corner of the quarter section.  At his home in Clinton Mr. Argo often entertained Abraham Lincoln, Judge David Davis, Leonard Swett and other celebrities.  His death, which was occasioned by an accident, occurred on the 8th of August, 1883, when he had attained the age of seventy-five years, eight months and fifteen days.  His wife surviving him for number of years, was called to her final rest on the 17th of April, 1899, when eighty-three years of age.  Both were Methodists in religious faith and their lives were in harmony with their professions as members of that church.  As pioneer residents of this community they aided largely in the work of development and upbuilding and their names figure prominently on the pages of the early history of DeWitt county.  Unto them were born five sons and one daughter, as follows: Philena, the wife of Lewis Campbell, of Clinton, Illinois; Samuel Martin, who passed away on the 2d of July, 1903, when sixty-six years of age; Emanuel G., of this review; Thomas Jefferson, who was born July 12, 1841, and died on the 20th of April, 1907, when sixty-six years of age; William, whose birth occurred March 20, 1844, and who resides in Clinton; and Martin Luther, whose natal day was July 5, 1848, and who passed away January 20, 1849.

Emanuel G. Argo, who was a little lad of six years when his parents established their home in Clinton, was reared on his father’s farm.  He obtained his early education in a building that is still standing on East Main street , the teacher being a Mr. Haskins.  Subsequently he and his brother Samuel spent one year in McKendree College at Lebanon , St. Clair county, Illinois , Peter Acres being at that time president of the institution.  He remained under the parental roof until after his marriage and then took up his abode on a tract of land belonging to his father and situated on section 8, northwest of the town.  Later he purchased the farm from his father and it remained his home for several years.  He next bought a tract of one hundred and forty acres in association with his brother Samuel and divided the property, receiving seventy acres as his share.  The farm is situated a mile east of Clinton and in its cultivation and improvement he was actively engaged until 1900, when he put aside the active work of the fields, leased the place and came to Clinton, where he has since lived in honorable retirement.  He likewise owns three hundred and twenty acres of land in Harp township in association with his brother William, and he also had a tract of eighty acres which he sold for twelve thousand dollars.  While residing on the farm he also conducted an ice business in Clinton, carrying on an enterprise of this character from 1875 until 1900.  He is a director in the State Bank of Clinton and has long been numbered among the prosperous and prominent residents of the county.

On the 15th of November, 1860, Mr. Argo was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Sandusky Parker, who was born on Darby Plains in Ohio , her parents being Abraham and Ann (Gideon) Parker, natives of Virginia and Ohio respectively.  Her maternal grandparents were George and Catharine (Miller) Gideon and the former was a Revolutionary soldier.  The parents of Mrs. Argo were among the early settlers of Clinton and her mother still resides here at the age of ninety years.  The demise of her father occurred in Clinton a number of years ago.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Argo were born eight children, the record of whom is as follows: Florence, who is the wife of Perry Hughes, of Clinton, and has a daughter, Ruth; George G., assistant cashier in the State Bank of Clinton, who wedded Miss Leonora Rose, now deceased; Charles C., who was formerly a farmer and is now a carpenter of Clinton and who married Miss Lillian Dale Miller, by whom he has one son and two daughters—Leslie, Ina and Edna; John Jason, who is a resident of Peoria; Eliza Ann, who lives in Lexington, Cleveland county, Oklahoma, and is the wife of John L. Graham, by whom she has three children—William Argo, Arthur J. and Catharine; Catharine, who now keeps house for her father and is the widow of J. C. Gray, a civil engineer; Minnie Nixon, the wife of Horace J. Flack, who is employed in the stock yards at Chicago by Armour & Company; and one who died in infancy.  The wife and mother passed away on the 17th of July, 1909, at the age of sixty-five years, eleven months and fifteen days.

Mr. Argo is a democrat in his political views but not strictly partisan and always takes into consideration the fitness of a candidate rather than his party affiliation.  At one time he held the office of school trustee.  His fraternal relations are with the Knights of Pythias, of which order he has been a member for more than thirty years.  The period of his residence in this county covers two-thirds of a century and he is therefore largely familiar with its annals from pioneer times down to the present.  His well-spent life, characterized by all that is honorable in business and straightforward in his relations with his fellowmen, has brought him the uniform respect of all with whom he has come in contact.

WILLIAM ARGO.  (Volume II, Page 31)

Among DeWitt county’s pioneer citizens, mention should be made of William Argo, who for two-thirds of a century has lived in this portion of the state.  With agricultural, commercial and financial interests he has been identified, now giving his attention to the management of the State Bank of Clinton, of which he is the president.  He is a man of determination and ability, who carries forward to successful completion what he undertakes and at the same time belongs to that class of man who in promoting individual interests also advance the general welfare.  New RichmondOhio, was the place of Mr. Argo’s birth and his natal day was March 20, 1844.

His paternal grandfather, Moses Argo, reared his family in Hamilton county, Ohio .  He had three sons and several daughters, the former being Alexander, Ebenezer and William.  The first named was a wagon maker in early manhood and about 1840 came to ClintonIllinois.  Soon afterward he purchased a farm of one hundred and twenty acres and in 1844 removed his family to DeWitt county.  He then began the cultivation and improvement of his land and also worked at the wagon maker’s trade for a number of years.  Finally, however, he concentrated his energies entirely upon his farm which, under his careful cultivation, became a valuable and attractive property.  In 1859 he erected a large and substantial residence which he occupied until his death, which occurred in 1883, when he was seventy-six years of age.  His wife died in 1899 when eighty-three years of age and both were consistent Christian people, holding membership in the Methodist church.  Mrs. Argo bore the maiden name of Eliza Ann Walriven and like her husband was a native of Ohio .  Her parents were also natives of that state where her father followed the occupation of farming and lived to an advanced age.  Unto Mr. and Mrs. Argo were born six children: Philena P., the wife of Lewis Campbell, of Clinton; Samuel M., deceased; Emanuel G., of this city; Thomas J., deceased; William, of this review; and Martin Luther, who passed away in infancy.

William Argo spent his youthful days on his father’s farm which has since been divided among the heirs and platted into city lots, constituting now a populous portion of the city of Clinton.  In his boyhood days he attended the old time select schools and later the public schools of Clinton.  He carried on farming until after the outbreak of the Civil war and in 1864, at the age of twenty years, enlisted at the call for men to serve for one hundred days.  His brother, Thomas J. Argo, was a member of the One Hundred and Seventh Illinois Volunteer Infantry, serving from 1862 until 1865, and with his regiment participated in many important battles of the war.  He was in the Atlanta and North Carolina campaigns and participated in the grand review at Washington .  Following his military experience William Argo returned to farming and was identified with that occupation until 1871, after which he engaged in railroad contracting and building for two years.  He then joined his brother Emanuel G. Argo in a partnership and for twenty-five years they were engaged in the ice business under the firm name of Argo Brothers.  During that period they won for themselves a prominent position in business circles in Clinton.  Not only did they enjoy an extensive trade in ice but also became owners of about two hundred and seventy-five acres of valuable farm land in this county.  In addition William Argo owns one hundred acres besides some town property including his own residence which, though standing for sixty years, is still in a good state of preservation.  For the past twelve years he has been president of the State Bank of Clinton, and thus is active in the management of one of the leading financial institutions of the county.

In his political views Mr. Argo has long been a republican, giving to the party his stanch support because he believes that its principles will best conserve good government.  He belongs to Frank Lowry Post, No. 157, G. A.R., and is widely and favorably known in this portion of the state.  The Argo family is one of the oldest in DeWitt county, the father, Alexander Argo, coming here more than seventy years ago at which time he purchased his farm.  William Argo has been a resident for sixty-six years and has therefore witnessed much of its growth and development.  At the same time he has participated in the promotion of various public projects for the betterment and advancement of the community and has carefully managed his business interests until his persistent and well-defined efforts have been crowned with a most gratifying measure of success.

ISHAM J. ATCHISON.  (Volume II, Page 389)

The farm of two hundred and fifty-seven acres, located in Waynesville township, and now owned by Isham J. Atchison, has been in possession of the family throughout a long period, for the Atchison family is one of the earliest of DeWitt county.  Mr. Atchison was born on a farm near Waynesville on the 2d of July, 1865, a son of Charles W. Atchison, whose birth occurred in the same house on the 17th of April, 1842, his parents being Isham and Mary (Crawford) Atchison, natives of Virginia and Kentucky , respectively, who became early settlers of Illinois .  The father was reared to the occupation of farming, which he followed throughout his active business career.  He inherited three hundred acres of land from his father’s estate, and to this he added one hundred and forty-five acres by purchase.  He not only farmed but raised stock on quite an extensive scale, making a specialty of raising Percheron horses.  He has always supported the republican party and is now making his home with his son Isham.  He was three times married.  His first union was with Miss Maria Hull, who ws born October 21, 1840, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Johnson Hull, their marriage being celebrated on the 1st of September, 1864.  Mrs. Atchison died on the 11th of July, 1865, when her son Isham was but nine days old.  By the second marriage of Mr. Atchison there was a daughter, Bertha, who was born on the 29th of December, 1870, and died when but two years old.  There were no children of the third marriage.

Isahm J. Atchison was reared on the home farm and acquired his education in the schools of Waynesville, graduating from the high school June 4, 1886.  Subsequently he assisted his father in the work on the homestead, which has been his home to the present time.  He has inherited from his father two hundred and fifty-seven acres, located in Waynesville township, and is here engaged in general farming and stock-raising, keeping Percheron horses, Poland China hogs, Jersey cattle and Shropshire sheep.  Both branches of his business are bringing him good returns and he is today numbered among the most substantial farmers of DeWitt county.

On the 1st of September, 1887, occurred the marriage of Mr. Atchison and Miss Lavina Gambrel, a daughter of William and Mary (Marvel) Gambrel, who were natives of Indiana , and who became early settlers of Illinois , locating in Barnett township, where the daughter’s birth occurred April 9, 1869.  She is the ninth in order of birth in a family of six sons and ten daughters.  By her marriage she has become the mother of one daughter, who was married October 29, 1907, to John T. Hammitt, by whom she has a son.  They make their home with Mr. and Mrs. Atchison.

Mr. Atchison has followed in the political steps of his father by giving his support to the men and measures of the republican party and for one term served as township collector.  In 1880 he united with the Methodist church at Waynesville and from that time to the present has been an active worker in the church and Sunday school.  He is now a steward in the church, while for many years he has served either as teacher or superintendent of the Sunday school, at the present time acting in the latter capacity.  He is a Mason, belonging to Wayne Lodge, No. 172, of which he has served as master and has filled other chairs in that organization.  The work instituted by the grandfather and carried on by the father is still continued by Isham J. Atchison, who is a man of exemplary habits and whose daily life reflects his true Christian character.

ISAAC N. BAILOR.  (Volume II, Page 132)

One of the progressive business enterprises of Clinton is the hardware and agricultural implement store of Isaac N. Bailor, located on the west side of the public square.  The owner has always conformed his business activity to the rules which govern unfaltering enterprise and strict and unswerving integrity.  A native of Ohio , he was born in Fairfield county, April 26, 1850, and is a son of Louis R. and Charlotte (Martin) Bailor, both of whom were natives of Ohio , living for many years in Fairfield county.  The paternal grandfather, Jacob Bailor, was a native of Pennsylvania and of German descent.  He served as a soldier in the war of 1812 and afterward removed westward to Fairfield county, Ohio , where he cast in his lot with the early settlers and followed the occupation of farming.  Unto him and his wife, Mrs. Susan Bailor, there were born several children, Louis R., Samuel, Julia, Eliza and Mary.

Of this family Louis R. Bailor became the father of Isaac N. Bailor.  He was reared to the occupation of farming and throughout his entire life carried on general agricultural pursuits.  His death occurred in Fairfield county, Ohio , in 1864, when he was forty-seven years of age, while his wife survived until 1876 and was more then sixty years of age at the time of her demise.  They were formerly old school Baptists but afterward united with the German Reformed church, and their lives exemplified their Christian faith in their just and kindly treatment of their neighbors and friends.  Mr. Bailor held the office of county commissioner and was somewhat prominent locally.  Unto him and his wife were born eight children: Catherine, the wife of Samuel J. Thomas, of Farmer City, Illinois; Rebecca, the deceased wife of Reuben Barnett; Louisa, also deceased, who married William Moore; Isaac N., of this review; Ella, the wife of Joseph Lycinger, of Rippey, Iowa; Anna, the widow of Albert Abbott, of Mintone, Indiana; Jennie, the deceased wife of William C. Pearce; and John, who has also passed away.

Isaac N. Bailor entered the public schools at the usual age and therein mastered the branches of learning which are regarded as an indispensable element to success in later life.  His youth was passed on the old homestead farm and in fact he there remained until twenty-five years of age.  His father died when the son was a lad of fourteen years and he afterward conducted the farm for his mother.  In the spring of 1875, however, he came to Illinois and for one year was engaged in the grocery business at ShelbyvilleIllinois.  In 1876 he arrived in DeWitt county and took up the occupation of farming in Harp township.  There he rented land for several years or until 1883, when he came to Clinton and entered into partnership with A. D. McHenry, buying the interest of Phillip Wolf in the hardware business which had formerly been conducted by McHenry & Wolf.  The new firm maintained an existence until 1892, when Mr. McHenry sold out to W. W. Newman and the firm of Bailor & Newman was thus formed.  For eight years they conducted business and in 1900 Mr. Newman sold his interest to J. E. Bryant, who was Mr. Bailor’s partner for a year.  At the end of that time Mr. Bailor became sole proprietor by the purchase of Mr. Bryant’s interest and has since conducted the business alone.  He has a well equipped establishment, handling a large line of hardware, agricultural implements, buggies, seeds, etc.  His trade is extensive for he has made every effort to please his patrons and is found thoroughly reliable in his dealings.

On the 24th of October, 1877, Mr. Bailor was united in marriage to Miss Orilla Lemen, a native of DeWitt county, born near the town of DeWitt.  She is a daughter of Colonel George B. and Mary J. (Wood) Lemen, the former a native of Ohio and the latter of Indiana .  Removing westward they settled in DeWitt county, Illinois , at a period when the work of progress and development seemed scarcely begun here.  For many years they continued residents of this part of the state, the death of Mr. Lemen occurring January 27, 1886, when he was seventy-seven years of age, while his wife passed away August 3, 1900, when almost eighty years of age, her birth having occurred December 20, 1820.  Unto Mr. and Mrs. Bailor was born an only daughter, Lena , who is now the wife of Dr. O. B. Edmonson, of Clinton.  The family residence is at No. 513 North Center street , Mr. Bailor having erected a fine modern home there in 1890.  He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church and he is serving as one of the church trustees.  He belongs to Plantagenet Lodge, No. 25, K. P., and to Metzger’s Company, No. 21, of the Uniformed Rank.  His political endorsement is unfalteringly given to the Republican party which he has always supported since age conferred upon him the right of franchise.

HENRY BAKER, JR.  (Volume II, Page 276)

Henry Baker, Jr., an enterprising farmer and stock-raiser living on section 36, DeWitt township, owns and operates a well improved and valuable farm of one hundred and twenty acres.  He was born on the 3d of May, 1871, in Yorkshire

, England

, of which country his parents, Samuel and Sarah (Hardesty) Baker, are also natives.  He was, however, only ten months old on the emigration of the family to the new world.  They made their way at once to Illinois and settled in DeWitt county, where the father, who was then in limited circumstances, rented land of Jacob Swigart and engaged in its operation for a few years.  Living economically and saving his earnings, he was at length able to purchase forty acres of land, which he soon afterward sold, and subsequently bought eighty acres in DeWitt township.  As time passed and he prospered in his farming operations he added to his possessions until he is now the owner of over five hundred acres of very rich and valuable land.  At the present time, however, he and his wife reside in Weldon.

Henry Baker, Jr., is indebted to the public schools of this county for his early educational advantages and under the able direction of his father he gained an excellent knowledge of agricultural pursuits during his boyhood and youth.  At the age of twenty-two he commenced renting his father’s farm and operated it quite successfully for five years.  In 1899 he purchased one hundred and twenty acres of land, where he now resides, paying for the same seventy-five dollars per acre.  He erected thereon a nice residence in 1906 and has given to that place the name of Cottonwood Grove Farm.  It is well improved and under a high state of cultivation, being supplied with all the conveniences and accessories found upon a model farm of the twentieth century.

Mr. Baker was married on the 22d of February, 1900, in Nixon township, to Miss Emma Howard, who was also born in Lincolnshire

, England

, and was about twenty years old when she came to America alone.  They now have one child, Lester, born August 15, 1908.  Their religious faith is manifest by their membership in the Methodist Protestant church at Weldon and in politics Mr. Baker is an ardent Republican but has never cared for the honors nor emoluments of public office.  He is one of the leading farmers of his community and is a man highly respected and esteemed by all who know him.

JAMES BAKER.  (Volume II, Page 124)

Among the prosperous and influential citizens of Creek township whose lives have mainly been devoted to agricultural pursuits is numbered James Baker, now residing on section 15.  His early home was on the other side of the Atlantic , for he was born in North Petherwin , Devonshire

, England

, on the 17th of February, 1850, his parents being John and Grace (Bone) Baker, also natives of England , the former born in 1809 and the latter in 1811.  Our subject was only six weeks old, however, when the family emigrated to America and settled in Walworth county, Wisconsin , where the father continued to reside until his death in 1898.  The mother passed away in 1897 and both were laid to rest in the village of Little Prairie , Wisconsin .  The family of this worthy couple consisted of nine children, all of whom are still living, namely: William and John, both residents of Wisconsin; Mary Jane, the wife of John Gilbert of that state; Julius and Francis, who are also living in Wisconsin; James, of this review; Richard, Edwin and Alfred, all of whom continue to reside in Wisconsin.  Seven of the brothers and one sister own about six miles of land following a little creek where the father once had seventeen hundred acres.  He was a man of excellent business ability and in his new home met with substantial success.  The three youngest sons were born in America and all of the children were given excellent educational advantages, the most of them being graduates of colleges and excellent schools.  Nearly all of the sons have at some time engaged in teaching school and several of our subject’s nephews have been principals of schools.  Not one of Mr. Baker’s brothers uses tobacco in any form or intoxicating liquors and all are devout members of their respective churches.  In fact, the family is an exemplary one and wherever known are held in the highest esteem.  The eldest son was a soldier of the Civil war and was wounded just as he was going to the front.

James Baker acquired his elementary education in the common schools of Troy Wisconsin, and later in Milton College in Rock county, at which college he was a student for five terms.  He next attended the Wesleyan University at Bloomington Illinois, and after leaving that institution engaged in teaching school for several terms in Creek township and for four terms in the village of Lane .  He held a first grade certificate and made a very popular and successful teacher.  In 1869, however, he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land on section 15, Creek township, and has since given the greater part of his time and attention to agricultural pursuits.  He subsequently bought fifty-two acres on section 8, thirty-three acres on section 5 and eighty acres on section 15, making a total of three hundred and thirty acres in Creek township.  Here he is now engaged in general farming and stock-raising, feeding a large number of cattle and hogs each season.  In 1898 he erected upon his farm an elegant barn, sixty-eight by one hundred feet, with a twenty-four foot basement, which is today the largest barn in the county.  The other buildings upon this place are modern and up-to-date in all their appointments, many of these being supplied with concrete floors.  He has also erected a fine nine-room residence with a cellar under the entire house.  It is finished in the most approved style, is built of excellent material and is lighted by acetylene gas and heated by a furnace.  Besides his own fine residence there are three other good houses upon his place, which are occupied by tenants, a fine orchard furnishes its fruit in season and the fields are under a high state of cultivation.

Mr. Baker was married October 20, 1887, to Miss Ella Edwards, a daughter of Samuel and Catherine (Baric) Edwards, of whom mention is made in the sketch of T. J. Edwards on another page of this volume.  Mrs. Baker was born in Creek township, April 22, 1867, and by her marriage has become the mother of three children, all natives of the same township: Julia Mary Jane is the wife of W. F. Gray of Clinton and has one son, James; Edwin Ernest is at home with his father; Katie, born October 30, 1893, died in 1895 and was buried in Rose Cemetery, Lane, Illinois.  Mrs. Gray is a graduate in music at Wesleyan University , and also pursued a course in other departments of that institution, while the son has attended both Wesleyan and Champaign Universities and will continue his studies in the latter in the fall of 1910.

Although Mr. Baker usually votes the democratic ticket, he is a stanch believer in prohibition and has ever been an active worker for the temperance cause.  He is a member of the Good Templars, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Knights of Pythias and the Modern Woodmen of America, and both he and his wife are earnest members and active workers in Central Chapel, United Brethren church, where he has served as class leader for several years and also as trustee.  Upright and honorable in all relations of life, he commands the respect and confidence of those with whom he is brought in contact, either in business or social relations, and he well merits the esteem in which he is universally held.

SAMUEL BAKER.  (Volume II, Page 176)

Through the long years of an active business career Samuel Baker was extensively engaged in farming and stock-raising and became well known as a representative of that business, but is now living retired in Weldon.  His birth occurred in Lincolnshire

, England

, December 26, 1842, and his parents were Jarvis and Elizabeth Baker, who spent their entire lives in that country.  The father died about ten years ago but the mother has been dead for almost thirty years.  In their family were eleven children, five of whom are still living, namely: Henry, John and Samuel, all residents of WeldonIllinois; James, who also makes his home in DeWitt county; and Keziah, the wife of James Brewer, of Lincolnshire

, England

.  Two sons were soldiers of the Civil war, Jarvis and William, who enlisted in the One Hundred and Seventh Illinois Volunteer Infantry from Clinton.

Samuel Baker practically had no opportunity to attend school and the education he has acquired has been secured in later years through reading and observation.  At the early age of nine years he began earning his own livelihood and has since been dependent upon his own resources.  In November, 1870, he was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Hardesty, a native of Yorkshire

, England

, and soon after his marriage he quit farming and turned his attention to the brick-mason’s trade.  In the spring of 1872 he brought his wife and their only child to America and took up his residence in DeWitt county, Illinois , where he followed farming until 1894.  Although he came to this country with no capital he steadily prospered and is today the owner of five hundred and fifty-six and one half acres, two hundred and eighty and a half acres being in DeWitt county and two hundred and seventy six acres in Christian county, Illinois.  He remained upon the home farm with his sons until 1901, when he removed to Weldon, having retired from active labor, and erected there a pretty cottage in the north part of town, where he is now living retired.

Mrs. Baker is one of a family of eleven children, of whom only three came to the United States , the others being: Jessie, now a resident of Taylorville; and William, deceased.  To our subject and his wife have been born five children, the oldest being Henry, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this volume.  Kate, born in DeWitt county in 1874, is the wife of William Dawson of DeWitt county, and has five children, Elsie, Grace, Ethel, Ralph and Ray.  Jarvis, born in 1876, married Nellie O’Brien and lives in Montgomery Illinois.  Belle, born in 1877, is the wife of Fred Dressler, of DeWitt county, and has two children.  Garfield, born in 1880, married Miss Lola Christman and lives in this county.

In 1895 Mr. Baker returned to his native land, where he spent five months in visiting old friends and the scenes of his boyhood, and in 1898 made another trip to the old world, being gone this time two months.  His father, who was living at that time, passed away June 6, 1900.  Since becoming a naturalized citizen Mr. Baker has affiliated with the Republican party and has been called upon to serve as road commissioner for six years and as a member of the school board for the same length of time.  His wife is a devoted member of the Methodist Protestant church and both are held in highest esteem by all who know them.

BERT B. BATES.  (Volume II, Page 321)

Bert Blakemore Bates, a member of the firm of Williams & Bates, publishers of the Farmer City Journal, is well entitled to prominent mention in this volume not only from the fact that he is a leading representative of journalistic interests in DeWitt county but because he belongs to one of the pioneer families of this section of Illinois.  He was born in Clinton, DeWitt county, March 28, 1871, a son of George W. and Anna M. (Woodward) Bates, the former a native of Ohio , and the latter of Logan county, Illinois .  His paternal grandfather, Asa Bates, was a farmer and stock-raiser.  In early life, prior to the era of railroad building in this state, he made journeys to Chicago with stock, and on the last of these trips he disappeared and his fate was never definitely known.  His family included: Angeline, Temperance, Zenus, Elizabeth, Sarah, Isabel, Franklin and George W. Bates, who became the father of our subject.

The last named was a plasterer and paper hanger by trade and also engaged in farming, settling in Clinton prior to the Civil war.  In that city he worked at his trade but at the outbreak of hostilities enlisted for service with the One Hundred and Seventh Illinois Volunteer Infantry, with which he served for a little more than a year being discharged on account of disability.  He wedded Miss Anna M. Woodward, whose parents, Dr. James W. and Mary (Blakemore) Woodward, were pioneer settlers of Illinois .  The father who was born in Lee county, Virginia, July 28, 1813, was a physician and also a local preacher in the Methodist church.  Their family included Mrs. Olive Bullock, Mrs. Anna M. Bates, Mrs. Elizabeth McDonald, Mrs. Ellen Holloway and William Blakemore Woodward.  The father of this family died at the home of a daughter in Bloomington Illinois, when he had reached the advanced age of eighty-six years.  Unto Mr. and Mrs. George W. Bates were born four sons and two daughters, as follows: James A., a resident of Clinton; Mary, the wife of O. S. Harrison, of Rosedale, Indiana; Charles W., living in Farmer City; Maude, the wife of Henry L. Williams, also of this city; Harry R., who makes his home is Seattle, Washington; and Bert B., whose name introduces this review.  The father died in Farmer City , August 12, 1892, while his wife surviving until October 1, 1905, passed away in the faith of the Methodist church, of which she was a consistent member.

Bert B. Bates, the youngest in his father’s family, began his education in the public schools of his home city, leaving the high school in the spring of 1887.  Soon thereafter he entered the Journal office as an apprentice to the printers’ trade, the paper at that time being published by W. C. Devore.  After various changes the Journal became the property of C. L. Wood, who leased a half-interest in the plant to Mr. Bates in 1894, he having in the intervening years been retained in the employ of the various owners of the paper.  Mr. Wood sold the paper in April, 1895, to F. S. Nutt and Mr. Bates, and in the fall of 1896 Mr. Nutt died.  In March 1897, Mr. Bates formed a partnership with E. A. Williams and from that time to the present they have edited and published the paper, which is a bright, newsy sheet, devoted to general news and as an advertising medium it has gained favor in DeWitt county, for on its list of subscribers may be found the names of residents in various sections of the county as well as those of Farmer City.  Mr. Bates’ long connection with newspaper interests has given him a thorough knowledge of the business in all its phases and he is now numbered among the enterprising citizens of DeWitt county.

On the 23d of June, 1896, occurred the marriage of Mr. Bates and Miss Jennie Wynn Brooks, who after graduating at the age of sixteen, engaged in teaching until the time of her marriage.  She is a daughter of Gilbert E. and Henrietta (Allen) Brooks, who resided in Pike county, Illinois , but soon after their marriage became residents of Clinton, where the daughter’s birth occurred.  Their family numbered five children: Maude, who became the wife of D. Kaufman, of Chicago, but is now deceased; E. May, who became the wife of L. W. Taylor, and is also deceased; Gilbert E., a resident of Pasadena California; Earl E., of Clinton; and Jennie, now Mrs. Bates.  Both the parents have departed this life, the mother dying in 1904, while the father was called to his final rest in 1907.  Gilbert E. Brooks was born at Tattersall , England , and came to America at thirteen years of age, the family first locating in Chicago, from which place Mr. Brooks went to Pike county, Illinois .

In politics Mr. Bates is a Republican, while in fraternal circles he is prominent, belonging to the Knights of Pythias, the Modern Woodmen of America and to the Sons of Veterans in Farmer City .  Both he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church.  Having spent his entire life in Farmer City, coming here from Clinton at six months of age, Mr. Bates is one of its well known citizens and his courteous, genial manner has won him many friends, and his estimable wife shares with him in the esteem and respect which is universally extended to him, having performed with signal success the exacting duties of a teacher in the public schools during the majority of the years since her marriage and location in Farmer City.

HENRY G. BEATTY.  (Volume II, Page 368)

Henry G. Beatty, who as chief executive of the firm of H. G. Beatty & Company, manufacturers of harness and dealers in buggies and general hardware, at the head of one of the important and successful enterprises of Clinton, has long been identified with the business interests of this city, to which he came as a lad of eight years.  A native of Ohio , his birth occurred in Findlay, on the 14th of April, 1845, his parents being Isaac B. and Eliza Ann (Crowl) Beatty, likewise natives of the Buckeye state.  The paternal grandfather, William Beatty, was born and reared in Pennsylvania and was a Scotch descent.  His entire life was spent in that state, where he followed farming and where he and his wife lived to old age and reared their family.  The maternal grandfather of Mr. Beatty lived to a ripe old age, while his wife, who bore the maiden name of Mary Jane Crowl, passed away a few years prior to his demise.  They had several children.

Isaac B. Beatty, the father of our subject, was born in FindlayOhio, on the 10th of December, 1817, and was there reared and married.  His wife, who was born on the 15th of July, 1819, passed away August 13, 1849, and immediately after her death Mr. Beatty came west, locating in Clinton.  He was a manufacturer of harness and saddlery and upon his arrival in this city became engaged in that business, so continuing until his death in 1887.  He and his wife were consistent and loyal members of the Methodist church, and both were held in high esteem throughout the communities in which the resided.  In their family were six children, namely: John William, who was born August 28, 1840, and passed away December 10, 1867; Charles Wesley, who was born February 8, 1843, and died January 8, 1866; Henry G. and James C., twins, the former the subject of this review and the latter, who was born April 14, 1845, a resident of Decatur, Illinois; Isaac B., Jr., who was born on the 17th of January, 1847, and has also passed away, his death occurring April 3, 1886; and Julia Ann, whose birth occurred on the 7th of July 1849, and who became the wife of Calvin Adams, of Wauseka, Illinois.

Henry G. Beatty spent the first eight years of his life in the city of his nativity and then in 1852, accompanied his father on his removal to Clinton and here grew to manhood.  In the select schools of this city he acquired a good education, and in 1863, when but eighteen years of age, enlisted for service in the Civil war as a private in the Second Illinois Light Artillery.  With that command he served until the close of the war, participating in many of the important battles including the siege of Atlanta.  Later he was detailed to boat service on the Cumberland river , being located at Clarkville Tennessee.  When his country no longer needed his service he returned to Clinton and learned the saddlery business, becoming a partner of his father, with whom he continued in business until 1873.  In that year he went to Kenney and there followed his trade until 1889, when he met with a heavy loss through fire, after which he returned to Clinton.  He then purchased the business of William Metzger and has since organized the firm of H. G. Beatty & Company, associating two of his sons with him in partnership.  The firm manufactures harness, deals in buggies and general hardware, and enjoys a large and increasing trade.  Mr. Beatty has developed the business along systematic and progressive lines, and his wise and careful management and keen business sagacity have been potent forces in its substantial and healthy growth.  His store is located at No. 405 southwest corner of the Public Square , and he is accorded a large and gratifying patronage.

On the 27th of March, 1867, occurred the marriage of Mr. Beatty and Miss Solemly S. Stocking, a native of Trempealeau Wisconsin, and a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Turner Stocking.  Both parents were born in Michigan , where the mother passed away, whiled the father’s death occurred in Texas .  In their family were four children, two of whom are yet living: Elizabeth, the wife of George L. Huntington, of Eau Claire, Wisconsin ; and Hobart, a resident of St. Paul Minnesota.  The home of Mr. and Mrs. Beatty was blessed with a family of five children, as follows: Nellie L. is the widow of Charley Armstrong, by whom she had one daughter, Sylvia Macy; Ernest H., who married Mary Stewart, by whom he has one daughter, Mary Ernestine, and in 1899 became a partner with his father in business; William T. married Cora Arnold and has one son, Henry A.; James Royal passed away at the age of twenty-three years; Hobert R., who married Leota Slick, in 1906 also was admitted to a partnership with his father in business.  On the 3d of November, 1889, the wife and mother was called to her rest, passing away at the age of forty-eight years.  She was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, as is also her husband, and was a lady of most estimable character, who at her death left a wide circle of warm friends.

Mr. Beatty holds membership relations with Olive Lodge, No. 98, I. O. O. F., and also belongs to Frank Lowry Post, No. 157, G. A. R.  His political allegiance is given to the Republican party at the polls, and he served as president of the village board ere Clinton became a city.  His tendencies, however, are strongly temperance, and he does all in his power to further the cause in the community, realizing that the liquor traffic is one of the greatest evils against which the nation has to contend.  He makes his home at 516 West Adams street, where he has just completed a beautiful new home, equipped throughout with all modern conveniences and is elegantly appointed.  This structure is an outward expression of the success which Mr. Beatty has attained, while his honorable and manly character is indicated by the respect, confidence and good will in which he is held by all who know aught of him.

JAMES W. BECKWITH.  (Volume II, Page 296)

James W. Beckwith, who is now living retired in a beautiful home in Farmer City , derives a good financial income from his farming interests in DeWitt county and in Buena Vista county, Iowa .  Born in Franklin county, Pennsylvania, March 31, 1848, he is a son of David and Emma (Ray) Beckwith, who were likewise natives of the Keystone state, in whose family were four sons and three daughters: Kate, who became the wife of Daniel Peck but is now deceased; Emma, the wife of George Rice; James W., of this review; David, who has departed this life; Joseph and John, twins, the former a resident of Arlington, Iowa, and the latter deceased; and Mrs. Louise Shippy, a resident of Peoria county, Illinois.  The father was a laborer and spent his entire life in Franklin county.  He served in the Civil war for three years and died in Franklin county when almost sixty years of age.  His wife, who had formerly married a Mr. Ray, had one daughter by that marriage, Margaret, the wife of Isaac Harper.  Mrs. Beckwith belonged to the Dunkard church and died in 1866 at the age of forty-five.

James W. Beckwith, the eldest son and third in order of birth in his father’s family, was reared in the county of his nativity and there pursued his education in the district schools.  In 1864, when a youth of sixteen years, he enlisted for service in the Civil war, becoming a member of Company I, Seventy-ninth Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry.  He enlisted as a private and although he was in no hard fought battles, he took part in many skirmishes and served until the close of hostilities.

Following his discharge, Mr. Beckwith returned to Franklin county and there engaged in farming.  On the 25th of August, 1867, he established a home of his own by his marriage to Miss Laura Levy, a daughter of Mrs. Mary Levy.  In the spring following their marriage, 1868, Mr. and Mrs. Beckwith came to Illinois , locating in Fulton county, where they spent three years.  At the end of that time they made a removal to Piatt county, this state, and for twenty-eight years Mr. Beckwith was there engaged in farming, owning a tract of one hundred and sixty acres, which he sold upon his removal to DeWitt county in 1900.  While living in Fulton and Piatt counties three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Beckwith: John Lawrence, who is single and lives with his father; Emma, the wife of Charles Dewey, of Piatt county, by whom she has two children, Clyde and Ethel; and Katie, the wife of Frank Keefer, of Fisher, Minnesota, by whom she has two children, Adrian and Avis.  After a happy married life covering almost a quarter of a century, Mr. and Mrs. Beckwith were separated by the death of the wife in 1891, when she was but forty years old.

On the 7th of January, 1894, Mr. Beckwith was married again, his second union being with Miss Emma Etta Shreve, a daughter of John and Angeline (McKibben) Shreve.  Mrs. Beckwith was born in Tazewell county, near Minier.  Her parents were both natives of Ohio and became early settlers of Tazewell county, Illinois , while later they took up their abode in Piatt county.  They had a family of two daughters and one son: Emma E., now Mrs. Beckwith; Belle, the wife of Joseph Caruthers, living near UrbanaIllinois; and Lewis, a resident of Piatt county.  Mr. Shreve had formerly been married to Elizabeth Koons and by that union there were two children, Mrs. Letitia Glotfelter and Mrs. Sarah Justice.  Mrs. Shreve had likewise been married before her union with John Shreve, her first husband being William Cooper, by whom she had six children, William, Evangeline, John

, Frances

, deceased, Joseph and Roberta.  Mr. Cooper was a teamster in the Civil war and died in a hospital while at the front.  The paternal grandfather of Mrs. Emma E. Beckwith was Isaiah Shreve, a native of Pennsylvania and a farmer by occupation.  Her maternal grandparents were Joseph and Thurza (Brown) McKibben, the former a native of Ohio and of Scotch descent.  He was a shoemaker by trade and passed away prior to the Civil war.  Mrs. McKibben was a native of Kentucky .  Both the parents of Mrs. Beckwith are now deceased, the father passing away in Urbana in 1897 at the extreme old age of eighty-six years, while the mother died in Piatt county in 1908 when seventy-five years of age.

Following his second marriage Mr. Beckwith continued his residence in Piatt county for a few years but in 1900 he came to DeWitt county, purchasing one hundred ninety-six and a half acres of land at seventy-two and a half dollars per acre.  This farm has greatly increased in value, Mr. Beckwith having refused an offer of two hundred dollars per acre.  In addition to this property he likewise owns a half section of land in Buena Vista county, Iowa , and his invested interests bring him a gratifying annual return.  He is now living retired in a nice modern home in Farmer City , which he occupies together with his wife and their daughter, Ruth.

Mr. Beckwith gives his political support to the Republican party, while his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Methodist Episcopal church, to which his wife also belongs.  He is a member of Mount Pleasant Lodge, No. 126, I. O. O. F., and he and his wife belong to the Rebekahs.  Mr. Beckwith likewise belongs to the Lemon Post, No. 211, G. A. R., and his wife is a member of the Woman’s Relief Corps.  His loyalty to his country when he enlisted in the Civil war at the age of sixteen years is a prominent chapter in his history.  There is no blot or stain of dishonor upon his name and he can now look back over a life well spent, feeling that he has made the best possible use of his opportunities.  He has met with marked success in his undertakings and deserves prominent mention among the retired citizenship of Farmer City .

TILMAN M. BENNETT.  (Volume II, Page 211)

With the agricultural interests of DeWitt county Tilman Morgan Bennett has long been identified and is today regarded as one of the representative farmers of Creek township, his home being on section 30.  His birth occurred in this county on the 5th of January, 1856, his parents being Henry and Elizabeth (Cross) Bennett.  His father was born in Ohio, September 23, 1834, and died in this county on the 2d of February 1902, but his mother, whose birth occurred in Virginia in 1836, is still living and continues to make her home in Creek township.  They were the parents of thirteen children and nine of the number are still living, namely: John, a resident of Creek township; Ella, the wife of Albert Hughes, now living in Colorado; Tilman Morgan, whose name introduces this sketch; Lavina, the widow of Jackson Perry Brake, a resident of Argenta, Illinois; Martha, the wife of Bently Conn, of North Dakota; Bertie, the wife of Herbert McCommon, of Creek township; Lydia, the wife of Lewis Grady, of Tazewell county, Illinois; Henry, of Missouri; and George, of Creek township.

During his boyhood and youth Tilman M. Bennett pursued his education in the Miller school and remained with his parents, assisting in the work of the home farm, until he reached the age of twenty-two years.  After his marriage he rented one hundred and forty acres of land of his mother on section 30, Creek township, and to its further cultivation and improvement he has since devoted his energies and has met with most excellent success in his labors.

On the 7th of July, 1887, Mr. Bennett was united in marriage to Miss Rebecca J. Spainhour, who was born in Creek township, September 4, 1867, her parents being Allen and Emeline (Miller) Spainhour, also natives of DeWitt county.  The father was born October 15, 1846, and the mother January 11, 1856 [1850], and they now make their home in the village of Lane .  Mr. Spainhour and his brother Carl entered the Union army during the Civil war as members of an Illinois regiment and Mr. Bennett also had two uncles, Solomon and George Cross, who were in the service.  Mrs. Bennett is the oldest of the five surviving children in a family of seven, the others being: Mary, the wife of Isaac Hossinger, of Creek township; Thomas, a resident of the same township; Laura, the wife of Abel Gray, of Creek township; and Nellie, the wife of David Henry Turner, a farmer of Clintonia township.

There were five children born to our subject and his wife, all natives of DeWitt county, but only three of the number are now living.  Charles C., born August 13, 1889, lives at home with his father.  He married Miss Minnie Thoma and has one child, Velma Verneta.  Ida May, born July 10, 1892, is the wife of Clayton Roberts, of Creek township.  Jennie Emeline, born January 22, 1895, is attending the Miller school and is still at home with her parents.  Mr. and Mrs. Bennett hold membership in Center Chapel, United Brethren church, and he affiliates with the democratic party.  He keeps well posted on the questions and issues of the day and is a well informed man, who has efficiently served as school director in his district.

EMORY B. BENTLEY.  (Volume II, Page 196)

Emory B. Bentley, editor of the Clinton Daily and Weekly Public, one of the leading papers of Clinton, in which he embodies the ideas of progressive journalism, was born in West Middlesex , Pennsylvania , June 27, 1864.  His parents, W. Hutson and Margaret M. (Bailey) Bentley, were both natives of Ohio .  The former was a son of Joseph Bentley, who was born in Pennsylvania and made farming his life work.  He married Sarah Veach and died when about eighty-one years of age, while his widow reached the very advanced age of ninety-eight years.  Their family numbered six children, namely: W. Hutson; Mrs. Anna Randall; Emory, deceased; Mrs. Lucy Pothour; Martin; and Mrs. Viola Jacobs.  The maternal grandfather of Emory B. Bentley was David Bailey, a native of Connecticut .  He, too, engaged in general agricultural pursuits throughout his entire life.  His last days were spent in Ohio , where he died November 6, 1860.  His wife, who bore the maiden name of Elizabeth Early and was a native of Ireland , died in Pennsylvania , August 27, 1872, at the age of seventy-one years.  They had nine children, Jane, Eppy, Thomas, Margaret, Ermina, Caleb, Lizzie, Lucian and James.

The marriage of W. Hutson Bentley and Margaret M. Bailey was blessed with a family of two sons and four daughters: Sarah, the wife of John A. Anderson, of Hubbard, Ohio; Mary, who wedded Rev. L. M. Lewis, of Arch Springs, Pennsylvania; Ella, the wife of Frank Shook, of Hubbard, Ohio; Emory B., of this review; Innez, who became the wife of Samuel Cover, of New Bedford, Pennsylvania; and Joseph T., of West Middlesex, Pennsylvania.  The father is a farmer of West Middlesex , Pennsylvania , having one hundred and thirty-nine acres of land in the home farm in addition to other property.  He is now seventy-seven years of age and his wife has reached the age of eighty-two years.  Their children are all living and all have children of their own, and there is no death recorded in the immediate family—a most remarkable record.

Emory B. Bentley spent his youth on his father’s farm at Middlesex Pennsylvania, and early became familiar with all the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist.  He attended the district schools and later was a pupil in the high school at HubbardOhio, and afterward in Mount Union College at AllianceOhio, where he was graduated with the class of 1891.  He taught for a time at Makanda and afterward at Murphysboro, Dongola, Anna and Clinton.  He came to Clinton in 1898 and was superintendent of the city schools for six years, the cause of public instruction being greatly promoted through his effective, practical and earnest efforts.  He had become recognized as an able educator of Illinois , his work being attended by excellent results.  On retiring from the superintendency of the Clinton schools he became editor of the Daily and Weekly Public and is thus closely associated with journalism, instituting a progressive policy in connection with the publication of the paper and making it an attractive sheet to local readers as well as to many who have previously resided in this portion of the state.

On the 10th of June, 1894, Mr. Bentley was married to Miss Della L. Chase, and unto them have been born two children, Beulah and Howard.  The family residence is at No. 520 West Adams street and was erected by Mr. Bentley in 1900.  He and his wife are members of the Presbyterian church and are well known in the social circles of this city.  Mr. Bentley gives his political endorsement to the Republican party, and, while the honors and emoluments of office have no attraction for him, he has always kept well informed on the questions and issues of the day, and believes it to be the duty as well as the privilege of every American citizen to exercise his right of franchise and thus support the principles which he deems most conducive to good government.

ROBERT BLACK.  (Volume II, Page 252)

Although now living retired, making his home at No. 717 West Clay street , Clinton , Robert Black was for many years closely, actively, honorably and successfully connected with agricultural interests in DeWitt county.  A native of Ohio , he was born about six miles west of Bellefontaine in Logan county, March 20, 1835, and in the paternal line comes of Irish ancestry, his grandfather, Alexander Black, having been a native of the Emerald isle.  Crossing the Atlantic to America , he died in Allegheny Pennsylvania, at the remarkable old age of one hundred and four years.  In his family were Robert, Morton, Thomas, James, Samuel and Margaret Black.  It was not until after the birth of James Black, the father of our subject, that the family emigrated to the United States .  He was, however, an infant when his parents crossed the Atlantic , establishing their home in Allegheny City Pennsylvania, where he grew to manhood.  When a young man he drove a five-horse team at that place.  He was married in Pennsylvania to Miss Nancy Powers, a native of that state and of German descent.  Her father was John Powers, who for many years lived at Allegheny Pennsylvania, where he died at the age of ninety-one years.  His three children were John, William and Nancy Powers.  Following their marriage Mr. and Mrs. James Black rode from Pennsylvania to Ohio on horseback and in that state established their home in the midst of the forest, Mr. Black purchasing a tract of timber land, from which he cleared the trees and then brought the fields under cultivation.  He continued to carry on the work of the farm there until his life’s labors were ended in death when he was about sixty years of age.  His wife survived him, reaching the age of seventy years ere called to her demise.  Both were members of the Associate Reformed or United Presbyterian church and their many good qualities were manifest in the careful training of their children.  They had nine sons and two daughters, namely: Johnson; John; William; Oliver S.; Henry; Robert; Lettie; Elizabeth, the widow of Reuben Short; Nancy E., the widow of Terry Huber; Joseph A., deceased; and one—the first born—who died in infancy.

The old home farm in Logan county, Ohio , was the playground of Robert Black in his boyhood days and also his training school for business life.  He mastered the common branches of English learning as a pupil in the district schools, but through the periods of vacation worked in the fields, early becoming familiar with the task of plowing, planting and harvesting.  Remaining on the farm until he had attained his majority, he then started out in life for himself by working as a farm hand by the month.  In 1856 he came to Illinois and was employed by C. L. Lanham on a farm at a salary of nineteen dollars per month.  He then married and settled upon a tract of land of one hundred and sixty acres owned by his wife.  this he improved and to it added three eighty-acre tracts and a sixty-acre tract situated in Barnett and Tunbridge townships.  There he lived until 1902, carefully, systematically and successfully carrying on the work of the West Clay street, which he still occupies.  His prosperity when on the farm made it possible for him to put aside all the cares of business life and since taking up his abode in the city he has sold two hundred and forty acres of the home farm and other lands, but still has one hundred and sixty acres, which returns to him a substantial annual income.  While living on the farm he also engaged in buying stock for about ten years and likewise met success in that undertaking.

On the 10th of June, 1858, Mr. Black was united in marriage to Mrs. Margaret Humphrey, a daughter of Samuel and Rachel (Pearson) McClimans.  Mrs. Black was born in Madison county, Ohio , and her father was also a native of that state, but her mother was born in Pennsylvania .  Their children were: Nancy, now the wife of John Bartley; Mary, the wife of William Gardner; Sarah, the wife of Joshua Humphrey; David; and Margaret, the wife of Mr. Black.  The last named have five children: Curtis L., the eldest, is now a farmer of Texas township.  He married Dora Piatt and they have three children, Edna May, Floyd and Dennis N.  Mary M. is the wife of William C. Wallace, a resident of Midland CityIllinois.  Joseph, who married Edna Howser, is engaged in farming in Tunbridge township.  Rachel died when a year and eleven months old.  David, who wedded Cora Marvel, is a farmer of Tunbridge township.

Mr. and Mrs. Black hold membership in the First Christian church of Clinton , of which he is now a trustee, and for some years he was an elder in the church in Tunbridge township.  Politically he is a democrat, giving inflexible support to the principles of the party.  He served as road commissioner for several terms and was school director for over twenty years, the cause of education finding in him a stalwart champion.  He has ever been deeply interested in the welfare of the community, in which he has lived for more than a half century, witnessing much of its growth and development and taking active part in all that pertains to its progress.  Starting out in life for himself as a farm hand, his diligence and energy have enabled him to attain prosperity, and with a handsome competence he put aside business cares and is now living retired.

EDMUND W. BLUE.  (Volume II, Page 30)

Although one of the younger representatives of farming and stock-raising interests in DeWitt county, Edmund W. Blue is carrying on business on quite an extensive scale, managing a farm of six hundred acres in Texas township and owning fifty-seven acres.  He was born in DeWitt county, October 28, 1878, a son of Uriah and Jennie (Eckert) Blue.  The father was born August 2, 1850, in Virginia , and was but two years of age when brought by his parents, Uriah and Jemima Blue, likewise natives of Virginia , to DeWitt county.  The father was reared in this county, remaining with his parents until the time of his marriage, when he began farming for himself.  He became a very prosperous man, owning at the time of his death over four hundred acres of land.  He also raised stock, keeping large numbers of sheep.  He was a democrat in his political views and held a number of township offices.  His wife, who bore the maiden name of Jennie Eckert, was born April 7, 1852, a daughter of Henry and Sarah Eckert, who were natives of Ohio, whence they removed to DeWitt county in pioneer days.  Unto Mr. and Mrs. Blue were born seven children but the three eldest, Frank, Charles and Lillie, died in infancy.  The other children are: Edmund W., of this review; Carl, who wedded Mabel Randell, by whom he has two children, their home being in Texas township; William O., who resides on the home place; and Alice, who is with her mother.  The father died December 23, 1891, when but forty-one years of age, but the mother still survives and now makes her home in Clinton.

Edmund W. Blue was educated in the district schools near his father’s home and during the periods of vacation assisted in the work of the farm.  He gave his father the benefit of his services until twenty-four years of age, when he began working out by the month.  He is now the owner of fifty-seven acres of land but in addition to cultivating this land operates a farm of six hundred acres on the shares.  He does some farming but the greater part of his time is devoted to raising stock, making large shipments each year to the city markets.

Mr. Blue was married September 20, 1903, to Miss Verna Kirby, a daughter of William and Mary Kirby, natives of Ohio and Illinois respectively.  Unto Mr. and Mrs. Kirby have been born five children: Irvin, who wedded Pearl Byerley, of Dewitt county, by whom he has five children: Emma, the wife of Walter Andrews, of this county, and the mother of five children; Arva; Eva, the wife of Joseph Todd, also of this county, by whom she has one child; and Verna, now Mrs. Blue.  Unto Mr. and Mrs. Blue has been born a little daughter, Mary Jennie, whose birth occurred March 26, 1908.

A democrat in principle and practice, Mr. Blue is a public-spirited citizen and has been called by his fellow townsmen to fill some local offices, having served one term as assessor, while in 1909 he was elected supervisor of Texas township.  A lifelong resident of DeWitt county, he has at all times been an interested witness of its progress and is today accorded a place among the substantial farmers and stock-raisers of this section of the state.

CHARLES S. BOGARDUS.  (Volume II, Page 60)

Holding to high ideals in professional service and discharging all of his duties with a sense of conscientious obligations, Dr. Charles S. Bogardus, although one of the young members, has come to be regarded as one of the prominent representatives of the medical profession in Clinton.  He was born in SpringfieldIllinois, February 25, 1872.  The Bogardus family is of Holland Dutch origin, descendants of Everardus Bogardus, the first Dutch preacher in America , who came to the new world in 1633, and owned a farm where Trinity church, New York , now stands.  The paternal grandfather, Israel Bogardus, was a native of New York and in early life lived near Syracuse, but came to Illinois in 1847 when this state was largely an unimproved and unsettled district.  He took up his abode near Belvidere, in Boone county, where he engaged in farming.  He made his home there for many years, or until called to his final rest at an advanced age.  Unto him and his wife were born four sons and two daughters, Henry, Stephen, Seabury, Seymour, Marian and Sarah.

Of this family Stephen Bogardus, who was born in Cortland county, New York , became a school teacher.  He was a graduate of the Illinois State Normal and taught for a number of years in Springfield, in which city he conducted a business college for a quarter of a century.  He was also principal of one of the schools there for several years, but in June 1903, came to Clinton, where he passed away in September, 1904, at the age of sixty years.  He had in 1868 wedded Mary J. Smith, who still survives him.  Her father, William B. Smith, was a native of Kentucky , born in 1819.  He and his wife became early settlers of MechanicsburgIllinois, and afterward came to Clinton, DeWitt county, in 1853, where they lived for twelve years.  Subsequently they became residents of NormalIllinois and afterward went to WichitaKansas, where Mr. Smith is still living at the age of ninety-one years.  His wife was well advanced in years when she was called from this life.  The family numbered four daughters, Mary, Martha, Emma Rebecca and Eva, but the last named died in 1870 at NormalIllinois.  As stated, their eldest daughter became the wife of Professor Bogardus and is well known in Clinton.  By her marriage she had five sons: William I., who is now manager for the Southern Rock Island Plow Company, of DallasTexas; Charles S., of ClintonIllinois; Frank S., living in Terre Haute, where he is professor in the Indiana State Normal; Fred B., a physician of Eureka Montana ; and George W., of PittsburgPennsylvania.

Charles S. Bogardus was reared in the capital city and was graduated from the high school of Springfield with the class of 1889.  He then did office work for a few years and in 1894 began studying medicine, his course being completed by graduation from the Chicago Homeopathic Medical College in 1897.  In July of that year he located for practice in Clinton, where he has since remained.  He has shown himself competent to cope with many of the intricate problems of the medical science and that his ability is recognized by members of the profession is indicated in the fact that he has been honored with the presidency of the Central Illinois Homeopathic Medical Association.  He is also a member of the American Institute of Homeopathy and through his connection with those societies, as well as by private research and study, he keeps in touch with the advancement that is being made by the medical fraternity.

On the 16th of November, 1899, Dr. Bogardus was married to Miss Nellie Taylor, a daughter of William H. and Jennie (Rennick) Taylor.  In January, 1901, Dr. Bogardus was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife, who died on the 16th of January of that year.  In August, 1904, he was again married, his second union being with Miss Kate Weld, a daughter of Edwin and Emily (Hill) Weld.  There is one daughter by that marriage, Katherine.  Mrs. Bogardus was born in DeWitt county, where her parents settled in 1837, her father coming from Boston, her mother from Kentucky .  Mr. Weld died in the spring of 1908, but his widow still survives.  They had a family of five daughters and one son: Carrie, the wife of Clark Ellie; Minnie, the wife of Ed Hartsock; Frances; Edwin; Mrs. Bogardus; and Nettie.

Dr. Bogardus is a member of the Methodist church, while his wife belongs to the Presbyterian church.  He is also affiliated with the odd Fellows lodge, the Knights of Pythias and the Modern Woodmen camp.  His political allegiance is given to the Republican party and its principles receive his strong and ready endorsement.  He built his present residence in the fall of 1907 and is pleasantly situated, his professional activity indicating his success in tangible terms of profit.  His investigations into the realms of science have kept him in touch with the progress made in his chosen field of labor and the results which follow his practice justify the confidence that is reposed in his professional ability.

WILLIAM BOOTH.  (Volume II, Page 314)

William Booth, prominently connected with the profession which has always been regarded as the conservator of human rights and liberties by maintaining justice and righteous administration of the law, is now accorded a liberal clientage which connects him with much of the important litigation tried in the courts of the district.  He has remained a representative of the Clinton bar since 1879.  He was born in CedarvilleOhio, April 24, 1849, and comes of English ancestry, although the family was founded in America in colonial days.  His grandfather, Caleb Booth, was a native of Virginia and served as an American soldier in the war of 1812.  He devoted his life to the occupation of farming and removed from Berkeley county, now West Virginia , to Greene county, Ohio , establishing his home in the midst of a forest.  There he cut down the trees, cleared away the stumps and in time developed a farm.  He died at an old age.  In his family were for sons and two daughters, including John Booth, who was born in Virginia .  After arriving at years maturity he wedded Rosa Piles, a native of Ohio and a daughter of William Piles, who for many years resided in the Buckeye state, where he followed farming.  He lived to be about eighty years of age.  Following his marriage John Booth established his home upon a farm in the Buckeye state, where he remained until 1881, when he came to Illinois , settling near Waynesville.  After a time, in order to educate his children, he took up his abode in the town, where he died in 1890 when about sixty-five years of age.  His wife long survived him, being called to her final rest in 1907 at the age of eighty-four years.  She was a member of the Society of Friends or Quakers.  In their family were six children, three of whom are now living: William, of this review; Nancy, the wife of C. W. Williamson, of Clinton; and Melda Booth, residing in Waynesville Illinois

From the age of two years William Booth has made his home in DeWitt county, Illinois , being brought here by his parents in 1851.  His youthful days were spent upon the old home farm near Waynesville and in that town, where the public schools afforded him his educational privileges, and later he engaged in teaching in order to defray the expenses of a college course.  Ambitious to enjoy the advantages of an advanced education, he entered the Illinois Wesleyan University at Bloomington, from which he was graduated in 1874.  He then returned to Waynesville, where he engaged in teaching for three years, and afterward spent one year as a teacher at Kenney.  He regarded this, however, merely as an initial step to other professional labor, and taking up the study of law was admitted to the bar in 1879.  In the winter of that year he opened an office in Clinton, where he has since remained.  The fact that he has never changed his place of residence is an indication of the success which he is here enjoying.  In 1880 he was elected state’s attorney and filled that office for twelve years, his reelection being proof of his ability.  As a lawyer he is resourceful, never being surprised by the unexpected attack of an adversary for his preparation of cases is thorough and exhaustive and qualifies him to meet any possible turn of a case that may arise.  He is familiar with precedent as well as with principle and in argument his deductions follow in logical sequence.

Mr. Booth is entitled to wear the Grand Army button from the fact that he was a drummer boy in the Civil war, enlisting in Company I, One Hundred and Forty-fifth Illinois Volunteer Infantry in 1864 when but fifteen years of age.  He served in that capacity for five months and now holds membership in Frank Lowry Post, No. 157, G. A. R.  His political views are in harmony with the principles of the Republican party and he is now serving as master in chancery.  He was married on the 18th of June, 1890, to Miss Theresa Crang, a daughter of Richard R. and Theresa (Moon) Crang, but in 1905 was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife.  He is widely known in Clinton and DeWitt county, where he has lived for so many years, and the success which he has achieved is the reward of individual merit and intelligent direction of his abilities.

HARRY O. BRITTIN.  (Volume II, Page 300)

Harry Otis Brittin, one of Clinton’s younger citizens, who has spent the entire period of his business career in the employ of the Illinois Central Railroad Company, has, in connection therewith, remained continuously in the office of the master mechanic, working his way up from the position of messenger boy to that of chief clerk.  One of Illinois ’ native sons, his birth occurred at Lane on the 27th of April, 1884, his parents being Joseph M. and Louisa (Willmore) Brittin, natives of Ohio and Virginia respectively.  Both grandparents of Mr. Brittin were farmers by occupation.  The paternal grandfather passed away at MechanicsburgOhio, when well advanced in years.  In his family were seven sons, James, John, William, Nathan, Joseph, Isaac and Harry.  The maternal grandfather was the owner of a number of slaves in RichmondVirginia, but disposed of them a short time before the outbreak of the Civil war and about 1855 came to DeWitt county, Illinois , settling in Harp township.  Here, in connection with his brother Benjamin he engaged in farming, and at the time of his death, which occurred when he had passed the eightieth milestone on life’s journey, was laid to rest in the Willmore cemetery.  His family consisted of three daughters and one son, Martha, Louisa, Charles and Clementine.

Reared upon a farm in Ohio , Joseph M. Brittin, the father of our subject, came to Illinois in 1857, taking up his abode in DeWitt county.  He became the owner of a farm of eighty acres in Harp township, about six miles east of Clinton, and thereon continued to make his home for a number of years.  Later he entered the grain business, conducting an elevator at Lane until it was destroyed by fire about twenty-eight years ago.  He then for a number of years bought grain for L. N. Tyler & Company, of Chicago, but in recent years has lived retired from active business life.  He has for the past six or eight years filled the office of town clerk and is deeply interested in all community affairs.  He and his wife are members of the Christian church and are highly respected by all who know them for their many excellent traits of heart and mind.  As the years passed they became the parents of five children, four daughters and one son, who are as follows: Hattie May, the deceased wife of James Thompson; Caddie, who married Riley H. Thompson, of Lane, Illinois; Lizzie, the wife of R. E. Gray, also of that city; Edna F., who wedded Hallie Thorpe and resides near Lane; and Harry O., of this review.

In the city of Lane Harry Otis Brittin spent the period of his boyhood and youth, passing through consecutive grades of the public schools in the acquirement of an education.  Upon the afternoon of his last day of school, January 18, 1903, he accepted the position of messenger boy in the office of the master mechanic of the Illinois Central Railroad Company at Clinton and has since remained in that office, working his way up through various promotions to his present position of chief clerk.  He has performed all duties devolving upon him with a promptness and fidelity that has won the attention and approval of his employer and has resulted in promotion from time to time.  Although numbered among the younger business men of Clinton, he yet manifests those qualities which augur well for a successful future.

On the 20th of February, 1907, occurred the marriage of Mr. Brittin and Miss Eva Burns, a native of Blue Mound, Illinois , and a daughter of Francis and Florence (Mercer) Burns, early settlers of Macon county, this state.  In their family were three children who grew to maturity, Elmer, Eva and Anna.  Unto Mr. and Mrs. Brittin has been born one daughter, Nodene Mae, the light and life of the household.  The family resides in a comfortable and attractive residence at No. 200 South Wilson street , which is the property of Mr. Brittin, and the hospitality of their home is enjoyed by a large number of friends.

Mr. Brittin holds membership with the Masonic body, while in politics he gives stanch allegiance to the democratic party.  On the 20th of April, 1909, he was elected alderman from the fourth ward, which position he now occupies, and was the only member of the local option ticket elected.  Public-spirited in his citizenship, in his official capacity he is working for the best interests of the community and lends his influence to all measures which have for their object the development and upbuilding of Clinton.  Recognizing that labor is the basis of success, he is diligently applying himself to the work in hand, and his energy, industry and spirit of progressiveness rank him among the coming business men of Clinton.

JOHN E. BRITTIN.  (Volume II, Page 33)

John E. Brittin has for fifty-eight years been a resident of Clintonia township and throughout that period has been identified with agricultural interests.  He was born in Ohio , March 8, 1828, a son of John and Letitia (Houseman) Brittin, the former born in Harpers FerryVirginia, August 20, 1796, and the latter in Ohio , in 1806.  The family was founded in America by three brothers, who came from Wales in 1609, one settling in JamestownVirginia, while another located in Harpers Ferry .  They brought with them across the Atlantic an oaken chest which, having been handed down from one generation to another, has been in possession of the family three hundred years.  John Brittin was a youth of sixteen years when he left his native state of Virginia and located in Ohio .  During the war of 1812 he was a guard at the old blockhouse in that state.  He was married about 1822 to Hiss Houseman, a representative of an old Pennsylvania family that located in the Buckeye state in early times.  She became the mother of seven sons and one daughter but only three are now living, the two brothers of our subject being Nathan T., of Nebraska , and Joseph M., a resident of DeWitt county.  All have served as justice of the peace.  After her death the father continued his residence in that state until 1858, when he came to Illinois, making his home with his son until the time of his death, which occurred when he was eighty-seven years of age.

John E. Brittin spent his youthful days under the parental roof and acquired his education in the district schools but owing to their primitive condition, his advantages in this regard were rather limited.  As soon as he was old enough to earn his own livelihood, he began working as a farm hand, being thus employed for five years.  It was at about that time in his life that he was married and he continued to farm in Ohio for two years, after which he came to Illinois , making a permanent settlement in Clintonia township, DeWitt county, in 1852.  About four years after his arrival here he purchased eighty acres of land and later bought an additional tract, his farm now embracing one hundred and sixty acres of valuable and productive land.  He has successfully carried on general farming to the present time and has raised a few head of cattle for shipment each year.  His farm is well improved, being one of the best in the township, and its equipment is the result of the labor and enterprise of the owner.

It was in 1850 the Mr. Brittin was married to Miss Mary Cummings, who was born in Ohio in 1830, a daughter of Jonas and Rebecca Cummings, who removed to Ohio in early pioneer days.  Her father was a native of Virginia and her mother of Vermont .  They were farming people of the Buckeye state and there spent their last years.  Unto Mr. and Mrs. Brittin have been born four children: Sarah Ida, who was born in 1855 and is now the wife of William Ellis, of Iowa, by whom she has three children; Emma L., who was born in 1857 and is now the wife of H. M. Samuels, of South Dakota, by whom she has four children; Charles L., who was born in 1864 and wedded Luella Robb; and John W., who was born in 1870 and wedded Myrtle J. Griner, by whom he has two children.

Politically Mr. Brittin is a Republican, conversant with the leading questions and issues of the day, and his vote has always been cast at the polls in Clinton.  For twenty-one years he held the office of justice of the peace and his decisions were strictly fair and impartial, always being based upon the law and equity of the case.  For a similar period he served as highway commissioner and did much for the improvement of the roads in this section of the county.  His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Presbyterian church.  He has converted his farm from an unimproved tract into one of the valuable and substantial properties of the county and from it he derives a substantial income that supplies him with all of the comforts and many of the luxuries of life.

VERNELLE F. BROWNE.  (Volume II, Page 386)

Filling the office of states attorney of DeWitt county, to which position he was elected after nine years’ active connection with the bar, Vernelle F. Browne entered upon the practice of law at Farmer City in October, 1899.  His election to his present office caused his removal to Clinton, where he now makes his home.  He was born in the town of DeWitt on the 8th of January, 1873, and is a representative of one of the honored pioneer families of the state.  He is a descendant of John St. Clair and wife and the line can be traced back to the year 1000 A. D.  John St. Clair was a Scotchman and the owner of an old castle in that country, where was found an oil painting of himself and wife made shortly after their marriage.  Mr. Browne is also a descendant of John Alden and Priscilla Mullin, whose names were made famous by Longfellow’s poem “The Courtship of Miles Standish,” being one of those to come to this country on the Mayflower.  Our subject’s great-great-grandfather Brown was an officer in the Revolutionary war and was one of the original “ Cincinnati,” and as the rights of this organization descend to the oldest son, Vernelle F. Browne is eligible to membership.  His great-great-grandfather John St. Clair was also a Revolutionary soldier and his honorable discharge papers were signed by George Washington in person.  Major Kingston, a great-great-uncle on his mother’s side, secured his title as an officer in Washington ’s army.  Among the Scotch plaids of the different clans that of the St. Clair’s was very beautiful.  The Robins family, to which our subject’s mother belonged, has a coat of arms, and many of his ancestors have been represented in all of the great wars of this country.

His grandfather, Vernon J. Browne, was for many years a resident of De SotoIllinois, and devoted his life to farming after establishing a home in this state among its pioneer settlers.  Both he and his wife lived to an old age and they were the parents of three sons and a daughter, namely: J. B. F., living in Hooker, Oklahoma ; William, of Virginia ; Henry E.; and Nellie, who became Mrs. Corbin, of CrawfordsvilleIndiana.

Of this family, Henry E. Browne was the father of Vernelle F. Browne.  He was born in Illinois and devoted his life to the profession of music, holding a professorship in a Mississippi College .  He was also an artist and a man of highly cultured taste, keenly appreciative of beauty in nature and art.  He lived at different times in Cincinnati Ohio; Frankfort Kentucky; Carbondale and MurphysboroIllinois.  He was married in Dewitt county and afterward established his home in Clinton.  He died in Bonne Terre Missouri, in 1908.  As stated, he was married in DeWitt county, the lady of his choice being Emily E. Robbins, also a native of Illinois .  Her father, Dardanelles F. Robbins, was a native of Kentucky and of English descent.  He conducted a successful business in tobacco-raising near Covington Kentucky , and in 1835 came to Illinois , settling near DeWitt.  That was long prior to the period of railroad building, and he would haul his wheat to Chicago with a wagon and ox-teams, twenty-one days being required to make the trip.  In this state he married Elizabeth Hutchinson, who came to Illinois in 1828 with her parents, who first settled near Petersburg, afterward near Waynesville and finally at DeWitt.  In pioneer times Mr. Robbins enjoyed a wide reputation because of his prowess as a deer hunter.  Many deer were seen upon the prairies and in the forest, while all kinds of lesser game was to be had in abundance.  He continued a resident of DeWitt county until called to his final rest at an advanced age.  His wife died in Chicago while on a visit to her daughters.  In their family were nine children, as follows: Cordillerus; McDonald M.; Mary V., the wife of Captain J. F. Harrold; Maude E., the wife of Charles N. Cass, of Spokane, Washington; Emily E.; Martha, the wife of Henry Le Feber; Louise, the wife of Harry Reynolds; Ella E., the wife of Charles Nagely, of Chicago; and Della, the wife of Samuel O’Neal, of Chicago.  Of this family Emily became the wife of Henry E. Browne.  She still survives him and lives at Farmer City .  She is now the wife of Henry A. Buchele.  By her first marriage she had three children: Vernelle F., Ledelle and Maude E.  The younger daughter is the wife of John M. Ijams, of Farmer City .

Vernelle F. Browne accompanied his parents on their various removals, living in Cincinnati and several Illinois towns during part of his youth, and was about eighteen years of age when he came to DeWitt, since which time he has made his home in this county.  After completing his education in the DeWitt schools he began teaching and, finding that he could with profit continue his studies, devoted his evening hours to further research and received a first-grade teacher’s certificate.  In 1896 he entered the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor and in 1899 was graduated from the law department of the Northwestern University and was admitted to the bar in October of that year.  He began practice at Farmer City , where he resided until October, 1909, when he removed to Clinton necessitated by the duties of states attorney, to which office he had been elected.  He had previously served at Farmer City as city attorney for three terms and was also city clerk there for one term.  His political allegiance has ever been given to the Republican party and he is unfaltering in his advocacy of its principles.  He discharges his present duties with promptness and fidelity, unbiased by personal influence or prejudice, and neither fear nor favor can swerve him from the course which he believes to be right.

On the 6th of December, 1899, Mr. Browne was married to Miss Daisy G. Reeser, who was born about five miles southwest of Farmer City and is the daughter of Jacob and Theresa C. ( Kendall ) Reeser, who are natives of DeWitt county, now living at Farmer City .  They have two children, the younger being Grover C. Reeser.  The grandfather of Mrs. Browne was Alfred Reeser, a native of Pennsylvania , who married Margaret Overmeyer.  They spent their last days at Farmer City after rearing their children, namely: Floyd; Mrs. Amy C. Swartz; Jacob; Henry, deceased; George; Lyman; and Belle, deceased.  The maternal grandfather of Mrs. Browne was John W. Kendall, who became an early settler of DeWitt county, Illinois , where he carried on farming.  His wife died when about fifty years of age and he passed away at the age of seventy.  Their children were Perry, John, Grant, Joseph, Bert, Zimmora, Massey and Althea, the last named being the wife of Drew L. Barnes.

The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Browne has been blessed with two children: Theresa G. and Vernelle F., Jr.  Mr. Browne belongs to Farmer City Lodge, No. 710, A. F. & A. M.; Farmer City Chapter, No. 175, R. A. M.; and the Lodge of Perfection in Bloomington.  He is likewise connected with the Knights of Pythias and Elks fraternities.  His interests, however, center in his profession, and the ability which he displays indicates his comprehensive understanding of the principles of law and augurs will for future success.

JOHN W. BROWNING.  (Volume II, Page 204)

Professor John W. Browning, prominent as a representative of the system of public education in Illinois, now filling the responsible position of principal of the high school at Clinton, was born in Seymour, Indiana, October 4, 1868, and is the son of Nathan B. and Elizabeth (Cross) Browning, natives of North Carolina and Virginia, respectively.  The former was a son of William Browning, whose birth occurred in Cox county, North Carolina .  The family is of English descent and was founded in America in early colonial days.  William Browning wedded Eliza Todd and they reared a large family, while both parents lived to advanced age.  The maternal grandfather of Professor Browning was Jacob Cross, a native of Virginia and a farmer by occupation.  He married and removed with his family to Jackson county, Indiana, casting in his lot among the early settlers there.  His pioneer experiences in that district well qualified him to meet similar conditions when he removed to Iowa , taking up his abode near Independence, when that section of the state was still on the frontier.  There he died at the very venerable age of ninety-three years, while his wife passed away some years previously.  Their family numbered eleven children and after losing his first wife Mr. Cross married again and had thirteen children by the second union.

Nathan B. Browning on leaving the south became a farmer of Jackson county, Indiana, establishing his home there when comparatively few settlements had been made in that portion of the state.  He died there in 1889 at the age of sixty-three years.  His wife survived him for four years and was sixty-three years of age at the time of her demise.  Mr. Browning held membership in the Baptist church, while his wife was a Methodist in religious faith.  In community affairs he took an active and helpful part and for two terms served as county recorder of Jackson county.  His family of five children, two sons and three daughters, included: Jacob C., now deceased; Eliza, the deceased wife of Curtis M. Robinson; Marietta, the wife of Andrew F. Robinson, a resident of Brownstown, Indiana; John W., of this review; and Effie, the deceased wife of Christian H. Brannaman.

Professor John W. Browning spent his youthful days in Jackson county, Indiana, where the work of the farm early became familiar to him.  He attended the district school near his father’s home and later continued his education in the Brownstown high school, from which he was graduated with the class of 1886.  He then entered the Indiana Normal at Terre Haute and was graduated in 1889.  Subsequently, he became a student in the Indiana State University , where he completed the regular course by graduation in the class of 1903.  His entire life has been devoted to study and to teaching.  He entered upon the active work of the profession in 1889 in connection with the Cortland township high school in Jackson county, Indiana.  Later his services were engaged by the Clear Creek township high school and he afterward became superintendent of the city schools of Loogootee.  In the fall of 1906 he came to Clinton and has since served as principal of the high school of this city.  He has pursued post-graduate work in the Chicago University and is an able educator, who has attained considerable eminence in his profession.  With ability to impart clearly, readily and concisely to others the knowledge that he has acquired, to stimulate the interests of pupils and teachers and to win cooperation in his efforts to make education of practical value, he is proving each day worthy of the favorable opinion entertained for him in connection with his school work.

On the 12th of June, 1889, Professor Browning was married to Miss Effie Brown, a daughter of Elias D. and Lucinda (Jones) Brown.  Her paternal grandfather was Jacob Brown, a native of Virginia, who devoted a portion of his life to farming and also engaged in dealing in grain.  He was one of the earliest settlers of Jackson county, Indiana, and died when about eighty-nine years of age, while his wife reached the remarkably old age of ninety-six years.  Their family numbered three children, including: Elias D. Brown, who was a prominent and influential resident of Jackson county, Indiana, and there served as sheriff.  He died while on a visit to ClintonIllinois, in the fall of 1908, when sixty-four years of age, having for several years survived his wife.  They were buried at the old home in Jackson county.  Their family numbered three children, but only two are now living: Effie and Anna, the latter the wife of Columbus Robinson, of Jackson county.  Unto Professor and Mrs. Browning three children have been born, Lucinda Ruth, Lenora Estelle and Albert Nathan.

Both Professor and Mrs. Browning are interested in religious work and the former holds membership with the Methodist church, while the latter is a member of the Christian church.  Professor Browning belongs to DeWitt Lodge, No. 86, A. F. & A. M.; Goodbrake Chapter, No. 59, R. A. M.; Clinton Commandery, No. 66, K. T.; and to the Knights of Pythias Lodge at Cortland, Indiana.  Politically he is an independent republican, nor has he any aspiration for public office.  He feels that he has found in teaching his real life work, that to which he is best suited, and his ability is evidenced in the favorable regard which is expressed concerning him on the part of the public.

CHARLES W. CARDIFF.  (Volume II, Page 62)

Throughout his active business life Charles W. Cardiff has been identified with the agricultural interests of DeWitt county and now owns and operates a fine farm of one hundred and ninety acres in Harp township.  He was born in DeWitt township on the 4th of November, 1855, and is a worthy representative of one of the old and honored families of this county.  His paternal grandfather served in the war of 1812.  His father, William A. Cardiff, was born near CirclevilleOhio, in 1838, but early in life came to Illinois and first settled near Monticello but afterward removed to DeWitt county.  For some time after locating here he was in the employ of others but subsequently purchased over a half section of land in Harp township and was engaged in general farming throughout the remainder of his life.  He became one of the prominent and influential citizens of his community and, a recognized leader in democratic circles, he was called upon to serve as supervisor, collector and assessor of his township for several years.  His useful and well spent life was ended on the 25th of December, 1895.  In early manhood he had married Miss Kitura Harrold, whose birth occurred in Virginia in 1832, but she also became an early settler of Illinois .  She passed away May 17, 1904.  The children born to this worthy couple are: Charles W., of this review; Oliver, a resident of DeWitt; Eli G., of Clinton; and Viona A., the wife of I. Robinson.

During his boyhood Charles W. Cardiff attended the public schools and aided his father in the work of the farm, giving him the benefit of his services until twenty-two years of age, although he practically remained with him throughout life.  In 1884 he purchased one hundred and ninety acres of land in Harp township and upon this place has since successfully engaged in general farming and has also devoted some attention to the raising of stock.  He is a progressive and up-to-date farmer and his success is but the just reward of earnest and persistent labor.

On the 25th of December, 1879, Mr. Cardiff was united in marriage to Miss Rosetta J. Tyler, a daughter of Samuel and Mary (Schultz) Tyler, who were born, reared and married in Ohio and came to Illinois in 1856, locating in DeWitt county.  Here her father died in 1896 but her mother is still living and now makes her home in Harp township.  Mr. and Mrs. Cardiff are the parents of twelve children, six sons and six daughters.  Daisy P., born in 1881, became the wife of Joseph E. Polen, of this county, and they have three children, Olive M., Carl W. and Bertha P.  Nellie M., born in 1882, is the wife of Clyde Sutton, of ClintonIllinois, and they have one child, Homer.  Harry S., born in 1884, is at home.  Clarence O., born in 1886, is now in Montana .  Nora E., born in 1888, is the wife of William Proven, of this county, and they have two children, Alta May and Fay E.  Charles Elmer, born in 1890, is at home.  Ada, born in 1892, died in infancy.  William E., born in 1893, Roy S., in 1895, Ellis B., in 1896, Mary Zella, in 1898, and Opal I. , born in 1900, are all at home.

Since attaining his majority Mr. Cardiff has affiliated with the republican party and he is a prominent Mason, having attained to the thirty-second degree in the Scottish Rite, and is a member of Lodge No. 261, A. F. & A. M., at DeWitt.  He is a man of high and honorable principles and those who have known him longest are numbered among his staunchest friends.

WILLIAM RAY CARLE.  (Volume II, Page 16)

Hon. William Ray Carle is one of Wapella’s most prominent citizens whose success has come as the result of earnest labor, close application and intelligent direction of his energies.  He was born on the 24th of March, 1832, in what is now Wellsburg, Brooke county, West Virginia , but then formed a part of Virginia .  His father, John Carle, was a native of FranklinPennsylvania, born in 1794, and in early manhood married Rebecca Miller, a native of WellsburgWest Virginia.  When a young man he worked at the cabinet-maker’s trade but about 1828, in partnership with a brother and uncle, established a cotton mill, which he successfully conducted for some years.  He died at his old home in West Virginia in 1870.  In politics he was a democrat and his religious faith was indicated by his membership in the Christian church.

Leaving home at the age of twenty-two years, William R. Carle came to BloomingtonIllinois, making the trip by way of the Ohio and Mississippi rivers to St. Louis, then by boat to Alton and by railroad from there to Bloomington.  On reaching this state he commenced school-teaching in September, 1854, and continued to follow that profession for three years at a salary of thirty dollars per month.  He taught one term at Dry Grove for forty dollars per month.  In 1857, having saved some of his earnings, he embarked in the grain business at Bloomington, buying a warehouse ready for business, but his property was soon afterward destroyed by fire and he lost all that he possessed—six hundred dollars.  Nothing daunted, in partnership with David S. Hord he soon afterward rebuilt and resumed business later in the same year, continuing to carry on operations there until the spring of 1859, when he sold out and paid off all of his debts.  In March of that year he removed to Clinton and entered the grain business with a Mr. Taylor, but the following August came to Wapella and shortly afterward became interested in the grain business with a Mr. Dixon.  One year later he purchased his partner’s share in the enterprise and continued alone until the fall of 1862, when he sold out to Mr. Kent of Clinton and embarked in the mercantile business, which he carried on with excellent success for three years, clearing about fifty-five thousand dollars.  On disposing of his store he again turned his attention to the grain, lumber and stock business in connection with E. B. Harold, but on account of failing health was obliged to sell out in 1869 and go to California, where he remained from June until the following September.  Returning home much benefited by the change, Mr. Carle again embarked in the mercantile business in the fall of 1870, but about a year later sold his store to a cousin.  Subsequently he again came into possession of the same establishment and for two years continued to carry on merchandising, selling at the end of that time to A. J. Lattimer.  In the meantime he was interested in the grain business in partnership with James Butterworth, who subsequently sold out to J. M. Green, and with the latter gentleman Mr. Carle still carries on that business.  At one time he also started a tile factory, but closed this in 1870.  With others he assisted in organizing the DeWitt County National Bank at Clinton, of which he became the first president and was succeeded by Thornton Snell.  He is now, however, president of the Farmers & Mechanics [Merchants?] Bank at Wapella, which was organized in 1908.  It will thus be seen that he has been actively identified with many business enterprises, which have not only materially promoted his own interests but have been of great benefit to the community in which they have been located.  He is a very progressive and energetic business man and usually carries forward to successful completion whatever he undertakes.

In 1856 Mr. Carle united with the Christian church at Bloomington, but since 1868 has held membership in the church of that denomination at Long Point.  He is a man of upright and honorable purpose, forceful and energetic, and the prosperity that has come to him is but the just reward of his own unaided efforts.  In the fall of 1870 he was elected to the legislature on the independent democratic ticket and filled that position for one term.  He has also served as supervisor of Wapella several times and was justice of the peace for four years.  He has, however, never found much time to devote to public affairs as his extensive business interests have claimed most of his time and attention.  His good judgment in utilizing opportunities within his reach has resulted in conspicuous success for himself and Wapella is proud to number him among her citizens.

WILLIAM F. COPPENBARGER.  (Volume II, Page 94)

William F. Coppenbarger, a citizen of Kenney, whose many substantial qualities have won him high regard and whose influence is always found on the side of reform, improvement and progress, was for many years closely associated with agricultural interests in this part of the state but is now living retired.  He was born in Logan county, Illinois , July 18, 1846, a son of Peter and Polly ( Randolph) Coppenbarger, both natives of Virginia .  The paternal grandfather was John Coppenbarger, likewise a native of the Old Dominion and of German descent.  He and his wife removed with their family to Blount county, Tennessee , from which place they went to Sangamon county, Illinois , and later came to DeWitt county.  Many Indians were still found in this district, and Mr. Coppenbarger was the first settler on Salt Creek.  He had twelve children, including John, Joseph, Mrs. Frailkil, Mrs. Frailkil, Mrs. Treaklin, Mrs. Butler, George, Jacob, Elias, William, Peter and Emily.  Both Mr. and Mrs. John Coppenbarger lived to an old age, passing away in DeWitt county.

The maternal grandfather of our subject was William Randolph, who came of English stock and engaged in farming in Virginia , in which state he was born.  He wedded Miss Matilda Fletcher and they became pioneers of DeWitt county, Illinois , but later removed to Bloomington, where they died at an old age.  They had the following children, Willoughby, William, Levi, Jehu, Moses, Judson, Love, Mary, Sarah, Salina, Matilda and Louisa.  Moses was a Baptist minister and was killed in the Civil war.

The father of our subject was a farmer by occupation and became a settler of this section of the state when DeWitt county formed a part of Sangamon .  He accumulated two hundred and sixty acres of land and died on the home place in 1847, at the comparatively early age of thirty-three years.  Of this union there were three children: Josiah, a resident of Arkansas CityKansas; William F., of this review; and Matilda Catherine, who became the wife of Robert Barnett and is now deceased.  After the father’s death the mother married again, her second union being with Henry Burton and both have now passed away.  Of that union there were five children but only two are now living: Lavina, the wife of Rev. Joseph Eninger, of Argenta; and Grant Burton, of Storm LakeIowa.

William F. Coppenbarger, who was the second in order of birth of his father’s first marriage, was reared on the home farm in Logan county, within a few rods of the DeWitt county line.  His education was acquired in the district schools and he was reared to the work of the home farm, early becoming familiar with the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist.  At the early age of fourteen he left home to make his own way in the world, being employed at farm labor by the month for several years.  Through inheritance he eventually came into possession of thirteen acres and he purchased sixty-seven acres of his brother and sister, his farm then comprising eighty acres in Aetna township, which was originally the homestead.  Mr. Coppenbarger at once began farming his land and as he prospered he purchased another farm of one hundred and twenty acres, situated north of Kenney.  While living in the country he was recognized as one of the most enterprising and progressive agriculturists of the community, following practical and advanced methods which brought him substantial success as the years went by.  He was identified with farming until 1904, since which time he has leased his land and now lives retired in Kenney.

Mr. Coppenbarger was united in marriage to Miss Ida Cassel, who died in August 1906, when forty-five years of age.  She was a member of the Christian church.  Her parents became early settlers of DecaturIllinois, and her father served in the Civil war.  Mr. Coppenbarger exercises his right of franchise in support of the democratic party.  His fraternal relations connect him with Henderson Lodge, No. 802, A. F. & A. M.; Goodbrake Chaper, R. A. M.; Clinton Council, No. 74, R. & S. M.; and with Kyle Lodge, No. 282, K. P.  Although he was compelled from an early age to make his own way in life, he has through his persistency, energy and economy, accumulated a competence that now enables him to live in honorable retirement.

WILLIAM P. CRAMER.  (Volume II, Page 279)

With the farming interests of DeWitt county William Perry Cramer has been identified since reaching man’s estate and is today numbered among the well-to-do and substantial citizens of Creek township, his home being on section 23.  He was born in this county, on the 22d of May, 1858, his parents being Thomas J. and Martha (Simpson) Cramer, both natives of Ohio , the former born in 1832, the latter in 1830.  They came to Illinois in 1854 and settled in DeWitt county, but are now residing in Maroa, Macon county, Illinois .  Of their five children three are still living: Samuel, also a resident of Macon county; William P., of this review; and Maggie, the wife of John Marsh, of Maroa.

During his boyhood William P. Cramer was taken by his parents to Missouri , in which state the family lived for a number of years, and he remained upon the home farm giving his father the benefit of his labors until he attained his majority.  After his marriage he located upon a tract of rented land in Creek township, to the cultivation of which he devoted his energies for nine years, but at the end of that time he purchased his present farm of one hundred and sixty acres on section 23 and has since engaged in its improvement and cultivation.  In 1893 he erected a pleasant and commodious residence, has also built barns and outbuildings and today has an up-to-date and highly cultivated farm.

On the 28th of February, 1885, Mr. Cramer was united in marriage to Miss Minerva Hendricks, who was born in Arkansas , July 28, 1864.  Her parents, John and Mary (Black) Hendricks, were natives of Tennessee , and her mother, whose birth occurred October 18, 1828, is now a resident of ClintonIllinois.  Her father was born February 7, 1829, and died on the 5th of April 1905, being laid to rest in the Maroa cemetery.  He was a soldier of the Civil War, enlisting from Arkansas and remaining in the service until hostilities ceased.  For seven months he was employed as a spy, receiving no pay for his service.  In 1864 he came to DeWitt county, Illinois , and was subsequently engaged in farming in Creek township, where he became the owner of a fine farm of four hundred acres on sections 26 and 35.  This property is still in possession of his family and is now occupied by Mr. Lubbers.  To this worthy couple were born eleven children, ten of whom are still living, namely: William Henry, a resident of DeWitt county; John and James, both of Piatt county; Theodore, of Clinton, Illinois; Fannie, the wife of Thomas Nelson, of Clay Center, Nebraska; Celia, the wife of William East, of Clay Center, Nebraska; Minerva, the wife of our subject; Emma, the wife of Thomas Harding, of Clinton; Edward, of Maroa; and Nellie, the wife of Dr. Robert Nesbitt, of Clinton.  The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Cramer are as follows: Nettie Maud, who is the eldest, and is now the wife of Fred Ostrander, of Clinton; Pearl, who was born >October 24, 1891, and died in infancy; and Thomas, who was born January 22, 1893, and is at home with his father.

Mr. Cramer is a self-made man, his success being due to his own enterprise and good management as well as to the assistance of his estimable wife, and they are today in possession of one of the fine farms in the locality.  Mrs. Cramer holds membership in the Methodist Episcopal church of Clinton, while fraternally Mr. Cramer belongs to the Knights of Pythias.  His political support is given the men and measures of the democratic party and he has been called upon to fill the offices of road commissioner and school director.  He has always been found true to every trust reposed in him and well merits the high regard in which he is uniformly held.

ORVILLE A. DAY.  (Volume II, Page 353)

Dependent upon his own resources from the age of thirteen years, O. A. Day deserves much credit for the position which he has attained in the business and political circles of Clinton.  He has worked his way steadily upward through the intervening years, each step in his orderly progression bringing him nearer the goal of success, until today he is the owner of a growing and prosperous enterprise known as the Cash Tea Store.  One of Illinois ’ native sons, he was born in DeWitt county, near Weldon, on the 30th of May, 1873.  His mother, Mrs. Nannie Day, was again married, her second husband being Newton Merrill.  By this marriage she became the mother of two children: Emery, deceased; and Joseph, residing in PeoriaIllinois.

Reared under the direction of his mother, Orville A. Day remained on the farm upon which he was born until nine years of age, and in the meantime he had begun his education in the country schools near his home.  The next four years were passed in Weldon, where he attended the public schools to the age of thirteen, when he put aside his text-books to take up the task of providing for his own support.  He worked by the month as a farm hand for various farmers throughout the locality, at first receiving six dollars and a half per month for his labors, and he continued in that capacity until 1900, when he came to Clinton and for a few months was employed by the city to work on the streets.  He then took charge of the oil house for the Illinois Central Railroad Company, filling that position for eight months, after which he was transferred as bookkeeper under the car foreman at the shops, receiving an increase in salary.  He thus served until the 31st of July, 1903, when he was again transferred to the yard service as switchman, with an increase of salary from fifty to one hundred dollars, a fact which indicated his increasing worth and value to his employers.  On the 26th of May, 1905, he received an injury which for some time kept him from active labor.  Further promotion had place him in the position of engine foreman, and while discharging his duties in that connection he was run over by a switch engine, the accident causing him the loss of his right leg.  For five months he lay in a hospital in Clinton, was in the Clinton Infirmary for four months and then spent one month in St. Luke’s Hospital at Chicago.  During this time his life was despaired of, but a rugged constitution, gained by many years of hard work in the open fields, came to his assistance and pulled him through the crisis.  After returning home he spent about six months in recuperating and then he opened a cigar store which he conducted for one year.  In the spring of 1906 he was elected tax collector, taking up the duties of the office on the 1st of January, 1907, at which time he sold his store in order that he might devote his entire attention to his official duties.  After retiring from that office he accepted a position as accountant in the master mechanic’s office of the Illinois Central Railroad Company, thus serving until January 1, 1909, when he entered the employ of the Prudential Insurance Company.  In February, 1910, he again entered business on his own account, becoming the proprietor of a store under the name of the Cash Tea Store, and in connection therewith he not only carries a complete line of teas and coffees, but also handles groceries and cigars, and although the undertaking is one of the more recently established enterprises of the city, he has already been accorded a liberal patronage which is constantly increasing in volume and importance.

Although his business demands much time and attention, Mr. Day never permits his personal interests to interfere with his performance of duty as city treasurer, to which office he was elected in April, 1909, but has ever proved himself a competent and capable official, whose services receive the endorsement and approval of all concerned.  A stalwart supporter of the republican party, he has ever labored to further its influence in the community, without allowing party affiliation to bias him in the discharge of official duties.  Recognizing his ability and appreciating his true worth, his fellow citizens have called him to positions of trust and responsibility, and he in turn has proven himself worthy of their confidence and the honor bestowed upon him.

It was on the 29th of May, 1898, that Mr. Day was united in marriage to Miss Lena Henson, a daughter of Thomas J. and Mary Jane (Bennett) Henson and a native of ClintonIllinois.  Her parents, who were also born in this county, are now deceased, the father’s death occurring in February, 1908, when he was sixty-four years of age, while the mother passed away in March, 1904, at the age of fifty-nine years.  The former had served as a private in the Civil War, bravely fighting for the defense of the Union .  Unto Mr. and Mrs. Day were born two children, Jewell Cletta and Marguerite Allena, but the elder passed away when only two years of age.  Marguerite Allena is with her parents in their home at 416 North Monroe street , where Mr. Day owns an attractive residence.  They are members of the Christian church, and their lives have ever been guided by its teachings.  Crossing the threshold of the business world at a time when other lads are yet engaged with their text-books, with no capital except brains, energy, integrity and rugged health, Mr. Day has, throughout the intervening years, worked his way steadily upward until today he may be justly called a self-made man in the broadest sense of the term.

JAMES T. FLAHERTY.  (Volume II, Page 96)

A well improved farm of one hundred and sixty acres located in Clintonia township, is the property of James T. Flaherty and it pays a substantial annual tribute to the care and labor which he bestows upon the place.  His birth occurred in McLean county, Illinois , November 21, 1870, his parents being Anthony J. and Margaret (Conroy) Flaherty.  The father, a native of Ireland , born March 18, 1839, was a son of James and Nora Flaherty, who lived and died in the land of their nativity.  In 1864 the father accompanied a brother to the United States and located in McLean county, Illinois .  He was there married in January, 1868, to Miss Conroy, a daughter of Patrick and Bridget Conroy, and a native of Washington county, Pennsylvania , born in 1856.  Her parents came to Wilson township, DeWitt county, about 1864.  Unto Mr. and Mrs. Flaherty were born three sons and five daughters: James T., of this review; Mrs. Mary O’Neil, of DeWitt county; Michael; Jennie; Nora, the wife of J. W. Ryan; Elizabeth; Rose E.; and Thomas, who died in infancy.  Mr. Flaherty continued his residence in McLean county until 1873, when he removed to DeWitt county, locating on a farm in Wilson township, where he engaged in general farming, owning at the time of his death, in 1909, three hundred and sixty acres of productive land.  He was a democrat in his political views and was a man highly respected in the community in which he made his home.

James T. Flaherty was a little lad of but three years when he was brought by his parents to DeWitt county, so that practically his entire life has here been passed.  He acquired his education in the district schools.  On putting aside his text-books he assisted his father in the work of the home farm, thereby gaining the knowledge of agricultural pursuits that has enabled him in later years to carry on business on his own account.  For the past eleven years he has followed farming on one hundred and sixty acres, which formerly constituted a part of the old homestead, this tract lying in Clintonia township.  He does general farming, his fields responding readily to the care and labor which he bestows upon them, and he also makes a specialty of raising good grades of horses.

On the 27th of December, 1904, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Flaherty and Miss Catherine Byrne, a daughter of James and Ann Byrne, natives of Ireland .  Mrs. Flaherty was born there in 1882 and came to America in November, 1900, and her mother is now living with her.  A little daughter and son grace the home of Mr. and Mrs. Flaherty: Margaret, who was born December 11, 1906; and Paul, whose birth occurred April 24, 1908.

In politics Mr. Flaherty is a democrat and has served as democratic committeeman of Clintonia township.  He also filled the same position in Wilson township two terms and was clerk of the latter township two terms.  He also filled the office of tax collector.  He has never been known to take advantage of another in any business transaction but is always reliable and persevering, placing his dependence upon indefatigable industry and careful management for the attainment of success.

ALFRED V. FOOTE, D.D.S.  (Volume II, Page 92)

Dr. Alfred V. Foote not only occupies a prominent position in professional circles but is a leader in musical circles as well and is today regarded as one of the foremost citizens of Weldon.  He was born in Ithaca New York, on the 10th of March, 1880, a son of Dr. P. L. and Frances (Van Kirk) Foote, also natives of that place, who are now living in Poughkeepsie New York.  The father was born April 20, 1850, and is still actively engaged in the practice of dentistry.  The birth of the mother occurred on the 12th of October, 1855.  They are the parents of four children.  Sadie, the eldest of the family, spent one year at Vassar and is now the wife of William Bussing of Poughkeepsie, where they are carrying on business as manufacturers of flags and pennants for colleges all over the United States and have built up an excellent business which is constantly increasing.  The others are Alfred V., of this sketch; and Percy and Harold, who are residents of New York city.

Dr. Alfred V. Foote began his education in the public schools of Poughkeepsie and was later graduated from the high school at that place.  Deciding to follow the profession in which his father was engaged, he entered the Philadelphia Dental College and was graduated from that institution in May 1902.  He began practicing in Chicago, where he remained for one year, and in 1904 came to Weldon, DeWitt county, where he has since secured a large patronage, being today the only dentist in the place.  He is a man of exceptional ability in his line and the extensive practice which he now enjoys is certainly well merited.

On the 12th of January, 1903, Dr. Foote was united in marriage to Miss Mary G. Waechter, who was born in Poughkeepsie New York, April 7, 1883, and is a daughter of Godfrey and Elizabeth (Morey) Waechter.  Her parents are also natives of the Empire state, the father’s birth occurring in New York city in April, 1850, while the mother was born near Kingston New York, in 1858.  They now make their home in Poughkeepsie and have only two children, the elder being John Waechter, also a resident of that city.  Dr. Foote and his wife have two children, both born in Weldon: Laura, whose birth occurred December 3, 1905, and Philip, born April 23, 1907.

Since attaining his majority Dr. Foote has affiliated with the Republican party and is today a prominent member of the Modern Woodmen of America and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, being secretary of the latter lodge.  He is also a member of the I. O. O. F. band of Weldon and has had charge of the same since locating here.  Both he and his wife are active members of the Methodist Episcopal church.  People of culture and refinement, they occupy an enviable position in social circles and have been a great acquisition to the society of Weldon.  Having earned the money with which to pay his expenses through college, the Doctor may truly be termed a self-made man and the success that has come to him is but the just reward of his own perseverance, enterprise and industry.  He is broadminded and liberal in his views, is a man of high literary attainments and musical ability, and the band under his direction has attained to a high state of efficiency.  He has a very modern and attractive office, up-to-date in all its appointments and it is safe to say that no man in the community stands higher in social, professional or business circles than Dr. Foote.

ERNEST L. FOSTER.  (Volume II, Page 316)

Just six years ago in December, 1910, The Kenney Gazette changed hands, S. A. Edwards, its former owner and editor, handing over his pen to Ernest L. Foster, who came from Girard, Illinois, and since that time Mr. Foster has published the Gazette, giving to local readers the latest news of interest to the community which he serves.  His newspaper, a weekly, is a credit to the town and to its editor.

Ernest L. Foster was born at Girard Illinois, February 4, 1874, and is a son of David M. and Harriet Josephine (Steidley) Foster, the parents being esteemed residents of that place.  His father was born at Carlisle Kentucky, November 17, 1848, and came to Greene county, Illinois , with his parents in 1864, later removing to Girard.  He was always engaged in farming and died November 19, 1908, at Girard.  His wife was born near Girard, February 21, 1852, her father being Joseph Steidley, who died several years ago, while her mother, who is only recently deceased, was Elizabeth Cherry prior to her marriage.  Mrs. Foster is yet living, making her home with her children at Girard.  Ernest L. Foster is the eldest of a family of four children.  His brothers and sisters are: C. Leslie, of Girard; Mrs. J. G. Baker, of Mattoon Illinois; and Miss Minnie Foster, of Girard.

Ernest L. Foster was educated in the common schools of Girard and also took the high-school course, later graduating from a business college at Lincoln Illinois.  Completing his education, he became bookkeeper in one of the local banks at Girard, later serving in the same capacity at Divernon Illinois.  It was while at the latter place that he began learning the printer’s trade, which practical beginning in the newspaper business ultimately led him into the editorial chair.  Before beginning his career as an editor, however, he bought grain for the George W. Brown firm at Glenarm Illinois, later handling the banking business of that firm and finally taking a position with a local bank there, which he held for two years.  After finishing his time as apprentice printer, he came to Kenney and bought out the Gazette, December 28, 1903.

Mr. Foster was married December 29, 1896, to Miss Jessie M. England, a daughter of John and Susan England, of Girard Illinois.  By this marriage there were born the following Children: Lorraine L., Helen E., Catherine M. and Milton L.

Mr. Foster is a member of Henderson Lodge, No. 820, A. F. & A. M., of Kenney Illinois; is a past grand of Kenney Lodge, No. 557, I. O. O. F.; is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America and of the Brotherhood of American Yeomen.  He has served the village of Kenney in the capacity of school director and village trustee and has the welfare of the community at heart in all that he does.  His newspaper is the most reliable of its kind and has a wide circulation.

EDMUND W. FRUIT.  (Volume II, Page 106)

Inseparably associated with the history of DeWitt county is that of the Fruit family, for they were among the early pioneer settlers.  On the paternal side the family comes of Welsh ancestry and on the maternal side of Scotch-Irish lineage.  Two brothers bearing the name left Wales and emigrated to America prior to the French and Indian war.  Both were soldiers in that struggle and were with Braddock at the time of his disastrous defeat by the French and Indian allies.  In the battle the brothers were separated and one was never heard from afterward.  John Fruit, the survivor, who became the progenitor of the family in America , settled in the Carolinas after the war.

Thomas Fruit, the father of Edmund W. Fruit, was born in North Carolina ,October 5, 1784, and in 1802 went with his father to Kentucky , settling in Christian county, where he remained until 1834.  He then came to Illinois and took up his abode in what is now DeWitt county, then, however, a part of Macon county.  In company with some friends and land explorers, he had come to Illinois in 1827 and entered land but did not locate here permanently until 1834, arriving here on the 15th of November of that year, when he settled on section 14 in what is now known as Tunbridge township.  Here he remained until his death, which occurred December 15, 1871.  While a resident of Christian county, Kentucky , he married Elizabeth Thompson, the wedding being celebrated July 31, 1806.  Her death occurred March 28, 1866.  By this marriage there were born six sons and six daughters.  Mrs. Fruit was a native of North Carolina and was sixteen years of age when she went to Kentucky .  She was the youngest child of the Thompson family and when a little maiden had the misfortune to lose her mother, who was drowned.

Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Fruit took up their abode on a tract of six hundred acres of wild land and he at once began improving it, erecting the necessary buildings and a log house for the shelter of the family.  He and his wife did the work of those pioneer days and had the satisfaction of developing a fine farm.  The log house was twenty by twenty feet and its furnishings were somewhat primitive, but it was a hospitable home in which their friends ever received a cordial welcome.  Although the tract of land was large, Mr. Fruit fenced it and spared no pains to improve both his land and his home.  The children born unto Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Fruit were named as follows: Susan W., James S., Thompson C., William L., Mary R., Sabilla M., Sidney C., Edmund W., Martha J., Enoch A., John D. and Elizabeth P.

Edmund W. Fruit, the eighth in order of birth, was born in Christian county, Kentucky , September 21, 1823, and came to DeWitt county, Illinois , at the age of eleven years with his parents.  Here he was reared amid the customary surroundings of pioneer life.  His early education was obtained in log schoolhouses of that day, the buildings being chinked with mud and floored with puncheons full of slivers.  At the age of twenty years he started out in life on his own account and worked at whatever he could get to do, his only possessions being the clothing he wore and one horse.  He traded the horse for a forty acre tract of land, which he broke, and in the following winter cut rails and fenced it.  The next year he broke prairie and did general work.

In the fall of 1844 Mr. Fruit returned to Kentucky to see an elder brother, and while there made the acquaintance of Miss Elizabeth Boyd, whom he married on the 5th of March, 1845.  He remained in Kentucky for eighteen months, which time was occupied in farming and working for his brother.  In the fall of 1846 he came again to DeWitt county, settled on his land and built a log cabin, which he occupied for several years.  In 1858 he built a frame house, in which he resided until the year 1891, when he removed from the old homestead to a farm located on the edge of the town limits of Kenney.  There he owned one hundred and seventy-one acres of excellent land on section 15, Tunbridge township, upon which he erected a large modern residence, supplied with all conveniences.  There he spent his remaining days, surrounded by many comforts, and on the 7th of August, 1907, he passed away.  His wife died August 8, 1856.

Five children were born of the union of Mr. and Mrs. Fruit.  Phoebe A., the eldest, was born in Christian county, Kentucky , and died in infancy in DeWitt county, Illinois .  Sydney J. became the wife of John A. Barnett, a farmer of Barnett township, and their children were as follows: Mary, the wife of David Bartley, of Barnett township; Etha; Alberta R.; Laura; John; Charles; Frederick; and Arthur.  James A. married Sarah J. Stoutenborough, and they reside on section 25, Tunbridge township, where he follows farming.  They have three children, Garrett E., Harry M. and Rose.  Mary is the wife of Frank Barnett, of Clinton, and they have five children living, Frank, George, James, William and Floyd.  Luke F. died in infancy.

After losing his first wife Mr. Fruit was married again on the 5th of November, 1857, his second union being with Miss Sarah E. Blue, a native of West Virginia , and three children were born unto them.  Arthur W., the eldest, a resident of Michigan , married Ella J. Squier, and they have seven children, Charles C., Clementine, Elizabeth, Elsie, Mabel, Nellie and Edmund.  Laura B. is the wife of Benoni G. Clark and with their two children, Mary E. and Edmund W., they reside on the home place at Kenney.  Charles T., a son of Edmund W. Fruit, died at the age of two years.  The mother of these children passed away April 28, 1873.  All of the children of Edmund W. Fruit were born in Tunbridge township with the exception of the eldest, who was a native of Kentucky .  After the death of his second wife Mr. Fruit wedded Susan E. Blue, who was born in West Virginia and died January 16, 1880.  He then married Miss Isabella Blue, a sister of his late wife.  She was a native of Hampshire county, West Virginia , and died February 16, 1906.

Politically Mr. Fruit was originally a Henry Clay whig.  In 1864 he joined the democratic party and remained a member of that political organization until his death.  In his religious faith he was a Universalist.  As the architect of his own fortunes he builded [sic] wisely and well, for at the time of his death he owned over twenty-five hundred acres of as fine land as can be seen in central Illinois.  He was a man who found his greatest enjoyment in the companionship of his home and friends.  Among his neighbors and friends he was recognized as a man of rare foresight and open-handed charity.  His ambition and highest aim in life was to be a successful and independent farmer, and well did he succeed to that position.  He was honorable in all of his dealings, every business transaction being characterized by the strictest integrity.

FREDERICK S. GIRARD.  (Volume II, Page 69)

Frederick S. Girard, now successfully engaged in general farming on section 12, Nixon township, was born on the 1st of March, 1874, in Miami county, Kansas , his parents being Nicholas and Viana (Provins) Girard.  The mother, who was a native of this state, died on the 20th of March, 1910, at the age of fifty-five years, but the father is still living.  He was born in France in 1824 and came to America about 1858.  When the country became involved in Civil war he manifested his allegiance by enlisting in the Union service and was at the front for about four years and eight months, participating in the battles of Gettysburg, Shiloh and Corinth.  He was also with the Army of the Potomac .  For over thirty-five years he made his home in DeWitt county, where he followed farming, but since 1907 he has lived at the Soldiers’ Home in Danville Illinois.  In religious faith both he and his wife were Catholics.  Their family consisted of eleven children, eight of whom are now living, namely: Ida May, the wife of William Hitchcock of Clinton, Illinois; Frederick S., of this review, and Edward, a resident of Macon county, Illinois, who are twins; Joseph, of Denver, Colorado; George, of Springfield, Illinois; Alfred and Albert, twins, the former a resident of Weldon and the latter of Monticello, Illinois; and Ogle, also of Weldon.

Being brought to DeWitt county at an early age, Frederick S. Girard is indebted to its public schools for the early educational advantages he enjoyed.  He remained with his parents until he attained his majority and for four years was employed by the month as a farm hand in this county.  After his marriage, however, he commenced farming upon rented land and has since successfully engaged in agricultural pursuits, devoting considerable time to stock raising.  He now rents one hundred and sixty acres of Andrew Allan and has resided upon this place for seven years.

On the 5th of February, 1899, Mr. Girard married Miss Clara M. Stone, who was born in Piatt county, Illinois , June 6, 1877, a daughter of Isaac and Lydia (Hensen) Stone.  In this family were four children, all of whom are still living, namely: Joseph Hensen, now a resident of Oklahoma ; Christina, the wife of Phil Day, of Weldon; Susan, the wife of Edward Gregory, of Solomon, Illinois ; and Clara M., the wife of our subject.  Mr. and Mrs. Girard have two children, Vernell, born in DeWitt county, September 23, 1901; and Frances, born November 13, 1905; while one child is deceased.

Mr. and Mrs. Girard hold membership in the Methodist Episcopal church.  He is also identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Modern Woodmen of America, and Mrs. Girard is a member of the Royal Neighbors.  By his ballot he supports the men and measures of the Republican party and takes a deep and commendable interest in public affairs.  He is well known throughout the community and is held in the highest esteem.

CHARLES GLENN.  (Volume II, Page 43)

Among the residents of DeWitt township who after many years devoted to agricultural pursuits are now living retired is numbered Charles Glenn, whose home is on section 20.  He is still, however, the owner of one hundred and thirty-three acres in this township but has laid aside all business cares and is enjoying a well earned rest.  He was born on a farm near Hallsville in Ross county, Ohio , March 19, 1844, and is a son of James and Barbara (Hall) Glenn.  The father was probably also a native of the Buckeye state but the mother was born in Pennsylvania and at a very early day accompanied her father, John Hall, on his removal to Iowa [ Ohio ?].  Mr. Hall purchased a tract of land in Maple Swamp at what became known as Hallsville, the town being named in his honor.  He started to ditch the swamp and the work has since been carried on until the property is now one of the best farming districts in that section of the state.

In early life James Glenn, the father of our subject, followed farming and also owned and operated a sawmill.  As early as 1854 he came to DeWitt county, bringing his family with him, the journey being made by wagon, but not being pleased with the country he remained here only three years and then drove back to Ohio, taking with him the cow which he had brought to this county three years before.  He had been influenced to come to this region by his uncle, Elias Hall, who had married Maria McKinley, a niece of James McKinley, who was also the uncle of William McKinley, afterward congressman.

On the return of the Glenn family to Ross county, Ohio , Charles Glenn worked with his father upon the home farm.  Feeling that his country needed his services, he laid aside all personal interests in August, 1862, and enlisted in Company C, Seventy-third Ohio Volunteer Infantry.  He participated in a number of important engagements, including those at Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville , where he heard the shot that killed Stonewall Jackson.  He also took part in the battle of Gettysburg, where his regiment lost half of their men, and was under Hooker in the southwest.  He was in the midnight charge at Chattanooga, also in the Atlanta campaign, and marched to the sea under General Sherman.  When the war was over he participated in the grand review at Washington, D. C., and then returned home.  While at home on a veteran furlough during his service he contracted measles and was confined in the general field hospital at Chattanooga, where the attendants wrote to his relatives that it was not likely he would live.  While on picket duty in front of Savannah he received a flesh wound in the hip and at Resaca , Georgia , was shot through the coat sleeve, the ball passing through the side of his coat and lodging in the butt of his gun, which was knocked from his hand.  He kept that ball until in camp at Washington, D. C., after the grand review, when he lost it.  Hostilities having ceased and his services being no longer needed, he was mustered out at Louisville Kentucky, and honorably discharged with the rank of sergeant.

After his arrival home Mr. Glenn realized the need of a better education and wanted to enter the public schools but this the directors refused him as he was then past twenty-one years of age.  In 1865 he induced his father and uncle, Charles Hall, to again move to Illinois and this time the family settled in Harp township, DeWitt county, where the father spent the remainder of his life, though he never purchased land here.  Our subject spent about four years in McDonough county, Illinois, having charge of his brother-in-law’s farm, and while there he was first married May 15, 1866, to Miss Miranda Johnson, a native of Tuscarawas county, Ohio, and a daughter of Absalom and Susan (Jerome) Johnson.  By this marriage three children were born, but one died in infancy, and the others are Alice, who makes her home with her father, and Emmett, who married Laura Jordan and lives in Clintonia township, this county.  He has two children.

After spending about four years in McDonough county, Mr. Glenn returned to DeWitt county and purchased twenty acres of land in Harp township, but shortly afterward both he and his wife were taken ill and the latter died.  He was again married March 20, 1873, his second union being with Miss Catharine Mills, who was born in Barnett township, a daughter of Thomas Mills.  The children born of this union are: Elmer; Lizzie; Sherman; Austin; Sadie; Alvin; Frank; Edgar; Stella, who died at the age of fourteen years; and Catharine, who died in infancy.  Mr. Glenn is one of a family of fourteen children, including four pairs of twins, and he has an aunt, Mrs. Margaret Hall, of Weldon Illinois, who is one of triplets.

After his second marriage Mr. Glenn spent eleven years in farming in Warren county, Iowa, but at the end of that time returned to Clinton, Illinois, and for the following two years operated rented land.  He next removed to the C. H. Moore farm in Dewitt township, and he and his sons have since had that farm under their control.  In 1901 he purchased his present place and has since greatly improved the residence and built a new barn in 1903.  He has also made a fish pond, covering about two or three acres, which is well stocked with fish, and from this he cuts a large amount of ice each winter.  At Atlanta

, Georgia

, he had the honor of casting his first presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln and has since been a stalwart supporter of the republican party but has always refused to become a candidate for office.  He has always been found as true to his country’s interests in times of peace as in time of war and after a useful and well spent life, well merits the rest that he is now enjoying.

JAMES M. GOODRICH.  (Volume II, Page 319)

For more than twenty-two years James M. Goodrich has been identified with the development and improvement of the farm on which he now makes his home, this tract embracing one hundred and twenty acres, located in Waynesville township.  He was born in Ohio , February 23, 1842, a son of Henry and Amy (Phares) Goodrich.  The former was born in the state of New York , January 12, 1786, his parents being Joel and Irena Goodrich, who were likewise natives of the Empire state.  The father spent his entire life in the state of his nativity and after reaching mature years engaged in farming, which continued to be his occupation throughout life, his death occurring about 1850.  His wife, who bore the maiden name of Amy Phares, was a daughter of Robert and Mary Phares, natives of Ohio , and by her marriage she became the mother of six sons and three daughters, the record being as follows: Carmi, the eldest, was born March 22, 1822.  He wedded Miss Margaret Foreman of Ohio , and unto them were born four daughters.  He passed away at the advanced age of eighty years but his widow still survives and now resides in Illinois .  Irena Ann, born on the 9th of February, 1824, died in Ohio at the age of twenty years.  Robert P. was born May 24, 1826, and died in Kansas at the age of seventy-two years.  He wedded Oroline Bell, of Ohio , who died in Kansas in 1906.  They had one son and one daughter who lived to mature years.  Samuel P., born April 23, 1830, died when eighteen years old.  Joel P., born March 3, 1832, lived to the age of seventy-three, passing away in Nebraska .  He wedded Mary Elliott of Ohio , who still survives.  They had four sons and one daughter, who reached years of maturity.  Mary Catharine, Born December 18, 1835, died in childhood.  Elizabeth K., born April 17, 1837, became the wife of Austin W. Bell, of Ohio .  They removed to Iowa in 1891, and Mr. Bell’s death there occurred in 1905, while Mrs. Bell died in that state in 1898.  They had one son and two daughters.  Henry Allen, born July 23, 1839, in Ohio , died in Hallsville Illinois, in 1909.  He was three times married, his first union being with a Miss Bowman, of Illinois , by whom he had one son and two daughters.  His second wife lived but a short time after her marriage and for his third wife Mr. Goodrich chose Mrs. Anna Updyke, of Illinois , by whom he had three sons.  Her death occurred in 1905.  James M. is the youngest in order of birth.

James M. Goodrich began his education in the schools of Ohio , continuing his studies after the removal of the family to Illinois .  He was a little lad of but eight years when his father died.  He was reared to the occupation of farming, which, with the exception of one year spent in the butchering business in Waynesville, has continued to be his life work.  In 1879 he became the possessor of one hundred and sixty acres of land in Waynesville township but he later sold forty acres, the home place now embracing one hundred and twenty acres.  Mr. Goodrich has made many improvements on his farm, which is now one of the valuable and productive properties of this section of DeWitt county.

Mr. Goodrich manifested his loyalty to his country during the Civil war when he enlisted for service at the front, becoming a member of Company D, One Hundred and Seventh Illinois Infantry.  He took part in twenty-two engagements, notable among which were the battles of Resaca and Dalton, Georgia, and Lookout Mountain, Kenesaw Mountain and Franklin Tennessee.  He was mustered out at Salisbury North Carolina, and received his discharge at Springfield Illinois, after which he returned home and resumed the pursuits of civil life.

In 1880, in DeWitt county, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Goodrich and Miss Helen M. Finfrock, a daughter of Michael and Elizabeth (Cass) Finfrock, natives of Pennsylvania and Illinois respectively.  The father settled in Mt. Pulaski , Logan county, during the early period of its development and later removed to Sangamon county, where he reared a family numbering six sons and one daughter, the latter now Mrs. Goodrich.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Goodrich have been born five daughters and two sons.  Ola Agnes, whose birth occurred July 11, 1881, died in infancy.  Bertha Helen, born October 1, 1882, was married October 21, 1908, to C. S. Troutman, of Decatur Illinois, their home being near that city.  Lumen Earl, born May 22, 1884, was married on Christmas day of 1905 to Ada Vincent, a native of Illinois .  They have two sons, the family residing in Waynesville township.  Alice Cary, born August 18, 1886, became the wife of W. C. Musser, of Decatur, on the 23d of February, 1910.  Eunice F., born March 23, 1889, was married December 31, 1907, to Lester Wampler, of Waynesville township, by whom she has a little daughter, Lois Ruth.  Mary Lois, born May 9, 1892, and Willis McKinley, born October 22, 1894, are still with their parents.

The Republican party finds a stanch supporter in Mr. Goodrich.  In religious faith he is a Presbyterian, his first relation being with the church at Elm Grove, which he joined in 1876, but he later transferred his membership to the church in Waynesville, and for the past twenty-four years has been an elder.  He maintains pleasant relations with his old army comrades through his membership in Frank Sampson Post, No. 298, G. A. R.  It is to the enterprise and character of such citizens as James M. Goodrich that DeWitt county owes her advancement along agricultural, political and moral lines.  Coming here more than fifty-three years ago he has not only witnessed the progress that has been made from year to year along these lines, but has been an active participant in or is familiar with many of the events which have left their impress upon its history.

VANCE R. GRADY.  (Volume II, Page 64)

The agricultural interests of DeWitt county find a worthy and successful representatives in Vance R. Grady, who carries on farming in Texas township and was born in the homestead which he still occupies.  His birth occurred on the 30th of September, 1863, his parents being John D. and Sarah (Wray) Grady, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania .  The father, whose natal year was 1825, followed agricultural pursuits in the Keystone state until about 1854, when he came to Illinois , settling in DeWitt county.  Shortly afterward he bought eighty acres of the farm which is now in possession of our subject and later extended the boundaries of the place by additional purchase until at the time of his death it embraced two hundred and forty acres.  he was called to his final rest after having resided within the borders of this county for more than a half a century, passing away in 1898.  It was in this state that he wedded Miss Sarah Wray, whose birth occurred in the year 1831 and who came to Illinois with her parents.  She still survives her husband and is a well known and highly esteemed resident of the community in which she makes her home.  Her children were six in number, two of whom died in infancy.  The others are as follows: Thomas C., who wedded Miss Ella Mitchell and resides in this county; Vance R., of this review; Minnie, who is the widow of William Cramer and makes her home in Macon county; and Clara, the wife of Seymour McKinney.

Vance R. Grady attended the schools of this county in the acquirement of an education and after completing his studies worked with his father on the home farm until the latter’s death.  The property has since been in his possession and he has brought the fields under a high state of cultivation and improvement, generous harvests annually rewarding his untiring labors.

In 1887 Mr. Grady was united in marriage to Miss Love Seits, a native of Pennsylvania and a daughter of Solomon and Mary Seits, who were likewise born in the Keystone state.  They came to Illinois in 1868, settling in Macon county, where the father passed away in 1887 and the mother in 1901.  Unto them were born ten children, three of whom yet survive, namely: Mrs. Gertrude Hood, living in Champaign county, Illinois ; Mrs. Grady; and Mrs. Ida Madden, who makes her home in Vermilion county, Illinois .  Mr. and Mrs. Grady became the parents of six children, the record of whom is as follows: Walter, who was born in 1889 and passed away in 1904; Lloyd and Floyd, twins, who were born in 1891; Ferne, whose natal year was 1893; Ella, whose birth occurred in 1896; and Velma, born in 1898.

In politics Mr. Grady is a democrat, believing firmly in the principles of that party.  He has resided here continuously from his birth to the present time and his life, lived in accordance with high principles and spent in useful endeavor, has been of valuable service to the community and proves him deserving of the respect he enjoys.

LEVI WYMAN GREEN  (Volume II, Page 381)

Levi Wyman Green, a prominent farmer and stock-raiser of Tunbridge township, is one of the early settlers of De Witt county who has been prominently identified with its development and upbuilding. He was born on the 26th of January, 1847, in Vinton county, Ohio, being a representative of one of the foremost families of that locality. His brothers and sisters were as follows: Eli, now a resident of Marengo, Iowa; Albert who lives at West Bend, that state; Rufus, of Stroud, Oklahoma; Ezra, of North Dakota; Mary, the wife of David Copper, of Chestnut, Logan county, Illinois; Laura, the wife of E. T. Jett, of Tunbridge township; Dessie, the wife of William Smedley, of Indiana; Annie, who lives with Mrs. Copper at Chestnut, Logan County, Illinois; Matilda, who was married and lived in Ross county, Ohio, at the time of her death; and Joel, who also died in that state.

On reaching manhood Levi W. Green was married, November 26, 1871, to Miss Sarah Isyphine, who was born on what is now the old Jenkins farm in this county, December 18, 1847, her parents being Levi and Mary (Hutchin) Davenport. She comes of a very old and distinguished ancestry, the Davenports having originated as a distinct family about the time of William the Conqueror, when they emigrated from Normandy and settled in the county of Chester, England. The first representative there was Ormus Davenport, who received large grants of land from his sovereign for meritorious military service about the year A. D. 1086. From that time down to 1597 the family continued to reside in or near Coventry, England, and were at all times loyal to their country and their king. John Davenport, a descendant of Ormus Davenport in the sixteenth generation, had two sons; John, born in 1597; and Christopher, born in 1598. These two boys were educated at Oxford University and were both of a religious turn of mind, though diametrically opposed in their beliefs, as Christopher became a Franciscan monk and was chaplain to Charles I, and later to Charles II after his restoration, while on the other hand John Davenport was an earnest Protestant and at the early age of twenty years became assistant clergyman in one of the London churches. Soon afterward he was made vicar of St. Stephen’s church on Coleman street, London. He became one of the most active and influential Puritans and for his belief suffered much at the hands of those who were seeking to stamp out Puritanism. With many others he was forced to flee to Holland for safety and in June, 1637, with several of his parishioners he landed at Boston and the following April removed to Connecticut, where they founded New Haven. It is recorded that on Sunday following their arrival at that place Rev John Davenport preached his first sermon in America at what is now the intersection of College and George streets. He continued in the active ministry in New Haven and Boston until his death, which occurred on the 15th of March, 1670. He left one son and four grandsons, from whom are descended most of those bearing the name of Davenport now scattered throughout the United States. One of his descendants, Nathan Davenport, was born in 1768 and in early manhood removed to Schoharie county, New York, where he was married about 1796, and to him and his wife, Phoebe, were born nine children. He died in 1817. Levi Davenport, his eighth child, was born January 15, 1812, and at an early age was apprenticed to the cabinet-maker's trade at which he subsequently worked for a number of years. He had no opportunity of procuring an education other than what he acquired by his own personal efforts while working at his trade, and a few months when he attended a subscription school after he attained his majority. About 1835 he commenced preaching as a minister of the Christian church and traveled throughout Kentucky, Tennessee and Alabama as an itinerant preacher. About 1842 he came to De Witt county, Illinois, and was married in Decatur, September 3, 1846, to Miss Mary F. Hutchin, a daughter of Thomas and Sarah Hutchin, also pioneer settlers of De Witt county. This union was blessed with five children, namely: Kate, the widow of J. C. Williams, of Kenney, Illinois; Djalma, a resident of Creston, Iowa; Belle, the wife of J. H. Williams, of Wichita, Kansas; Anna, the deceased wife of Dr. William Craig, of Kenny; and Sarah I., now Mrs. Green.

Eight children have been born to our subject and wife, who in order of birth are as follows: D. Carl, a resident of Colorado City, Colorado, married Alice Maud Kerr and had one son, Carl. Lillie is the wife of W. J. Miller, of Rowell, and they have two children, Maurine and Maurice. Albert, a resident of Lane, Illinois, married Eva Yocum and has one daughter, Leota. Hallet, a resident of Rembrandt, Iowa, Married Mamie Pingle and has three children, Clifford, Noland and Merle. Newton, who makes his home in Brooklyn, Indiana, Married Eva Byerly and has one daughter. Bunn, Fuller and Clifford are all at home with their parents.

Mr. and Mrs. Green began their domestic life on a farm in the extreme southwest corner of Tunbridge township, four and a half miles from Kenney, and there they continued to reside until four years ago, when they removed to their present place, which is the old Davenport homestead lying a mile west of Kenney. Mr. Green is a man of quiet and industrious habits and is an honored member of several fraternal organizations including Kyle Lodge, I.O.O.F., of Kenney; De Witt Lodge, A.F. & A.M.; the Modern Woodmen of America; and the Court of Honor. His wife is also a prominent member of the Eastern Star, the White Shrine, the Pythian Sisters, the Rebekahs and the Court of Honor, while religiously she is connected with the Christian church.

Submitted by Mike Malerich

CHARLES R. GRIFFIN.  (Volume II, Page 287)

Among the native sons of Illinois who justly bear the proud American title of a self-made man is numbered Charles R. Griffin, for at the early age of fourteen years he became dependent upon his own resources, facing the necessity of providing for his own support, and through the intervening years battled earnestly and energetically to attain the degree of success which is now his.

A son of James A. and Mattie (George) Griffin, he was born in Tunbridge township, DeWitt county, on the 24th of April, 1878. His grandparents on his paternal side were early settlers of DeWitt county, making their home in Kenney, and lived to reach a ripe old age. His maternal grandfather was a native of Ohio. James A. Griffin, the father of our subject, was born in Illinois and lived for a number of years in Tunbridge township, DeWitt couth, where he followed the occupation of farming until the time of his death. During the Civil War he put aside all personal and business interests and responded to the country's cry for aid, serving in the Union army as a private. His wife, who was a native of Ohio, still survives and makes her home in Bloomington, Illinois. In their family were four sons: Wesley, a soldier in the regular army; Dozier, of Des Moines, Iowa; Charles R., of this review; and George, who passed away in 1886.

On the farm upon which he was born, Charles R. Griffin spent the first five years of his life, and then removed to Normal, where the succeeding nine years were passed. At the age of fourteen years, owing to the necessity of his providing for his own livelihood, he went to Bloomington, where he remained until 1895, and then went upon the road, traveling in various capacities throughout a number of states and for one season representing the Wallace Shows. In 1897 he met with an accident which left him physically handicapped for life. While setting up some machinery he was injured by the machine starting up, costing him the loss of his right hand and forearm. He returned to Bloomington, where he spent one year in recuperating, and then, nothing daunted by his misfortune, he entered the employ of the Railroad News Company, representing that firm upon the road for four years, after which in 1900, he came to Clinton, remaining in their service in this city until 1905. In January, 1907, he entered the office of the Decatur Herald in Clinton, having charge of their circulation department, and he remained on their pay roll until the 1st of May, 1909. At that time, desiring that his efforts should more directly benefit himself, he purchased the news stand of Mrs. Burnett and has since conducted a growing and successful business. He carried a complete line of newspapers and periodicals, and his is one of the popular and well patronized enterprises of the city.

In politics Mr. Griffin supports the principles of the republican party and that his fellow citizens have recognized his ability and integrity is indicated by the fact that he was elected to the office of city treasurer, filling that position from the 1st of May, 1907, until the 1st of May, 1909. In April of the latter year he was elected city clerk and is now serving in that capacity. Called to positions of trust and responsibility, he has ever discharged his duties with marked ability and fairness, for he has at all times been actuated by a spirit of loyalty and integrity. He holds membership with the Fraternal Order of eagles and is well known throughout the community, where he has a large circle of warm friends who entertain for him high regard and esteem.

BENJAMIN F. HALL.  (Volume II, Page 160)

Benjamin F. Hall, deceased, was for many years a well known farmer of Harp township and was a man honored and respected by all who knew him.  A native of Ohio , he was born in Ross county, August 22, 1850, and was a son of Charles Hall, also a native of the Buckeye state, where he continued to make his home for many years.  On reaching manhood the father married Miss Beckie Polen, who was born in Ohio .  On coming to Illinois the family settled in DeWitt county and the father became the owner of a farm of one hundred and sixty acres adjoining the present residence of Mrs. Benjamin F. Hall.  Upon that place he continued to live for several years, his time and attention being devoted to agricultural pursuits, but his last days were spent in retirement at DeWitt, where he passed away in April, 1894.  He had survived his wife some years, for she died on the 14th of March, 1882.  They were the parents of four children, namely: Benjamin F., of this review; Emanuel, who married but is now deceased; Mary, the wife of Wesley Fink, a resident of Iowa ; and Nelson, who now makes his home in Canada .

It was during his boyhood that Benjamin F. Hall accompanied his parents on their removal to DeWitt county, Illinois , and here he grew in manhood, acquiring his education in the district schools.  After putting aside his text-books he worked for his father on the home farm until after his marriage, when he located on his father-in-law’s place, consisting of eighty acres, continuing his residence there until after Mr. Miskelly’s death.  He then removed to the farm where his widow now resides and passed away four years later, in 1895.  In his farming operations he met with good success, being a very industrious and progressive man, and he employed the latest improved machinery in the cultivation of his land.  His political support was given the men and measures of the democratic party, and he took an active and commendable interest in public affairs.

It was in 1875 that Mr. Hall was united in marriage to Miss Anna Mary Miskelly, a daughter of Seward and Anna E. (Simpson) Miskelly, natives of Ohio and Maryland , respectively.  Her parents were married in the former state and from there removed to Illinois in 1854, locating in Harp township, DeWitt county, where Mr. Miskelly purchased one hundred and sixty acres of the farm on which his daughter now resides and which belongs to her and her mother.  Here he continued to make his home until called to his final rest in 1892.  His widow is still living at the ripe old age of eighty-five years and resides on the farm with Mrs. Hall. 

Six children were born to our subject and his wife, namely: Viola, born August 25, 1877, is now the wife of John Thomas, whose farm adjoins the homestead; Alwin [Alvin], born March 2, 1879, is now in New Mexico; Nora, born March 7, 1882, is the wife of Cashius Johnson, of Harp township; Nellie, born December 22, 1884, married Brutus, the brother of Cashius Johnson, and they have two children; Oliver, born February 13, 1889, married Maud Davenport of this county and has one child; and Harvey [Harley?], born January 2, 1892, is at home with his mother.

Mrs. Hall now manages the farm, while her son-in-law rents most of the land.  She has a nice home, which is shared by her mother and youngest son, and the family is one of prominence in the community where they reside.  She is a woman of good business ability and sound judgment and is held in the highest esteem by all who know her.

LAWRENCE S. HARROLD .  (Volume II, Page 169)

In the early development and improvement of DeWitt county the Harrold family has borne an active part and are numbered among the pioneers.  Here Lawrence S. Harrold was born on the 1st of January, 1866, being a son of Jesse F. and Mary V. Harrold.  The birth of the father occurred in Indiana on the 18th of January, 1838, but at an early day he left his native state and came to Illinois, settling in DeWitt county, where he purchased land, and throughout life engaged in farming, owning and operating one hundred and eighty acres at the time of his death, which occurred May 18, 1910.  During the Civil war he manifested his patriotism by enlisting in the Forty-first Illinois Volunteer Infantry and was made captain of Company F.  He participated in many important engagements and remained at the front for three years, being honorably discharged in 1865.  On his return home he resumed farming and took quite an influential part in public affairs, being elected state senator from DeWitt county in 1880 on the greenback ticket.  Later he gave his support to the republican party.

At the usual age Lawrence S. Harrold entered the public schools of this county and continued his studies until he had acquired a good practical education.  On leaving school he worked with his father on the home farm until twenty-five years of age and then commenced farming for himself.  In 1892 he went to southwestern Nebraska , where he carried on the same occupation for five years, but at the end of that time returned to his native county.  In 1907 he purchased twenty acres of land in Harp township, which forms a part of his present farm, while his wife inherited one hundred acres.  Upon this place he has since engaged in general farming and to some extent is interested in the raising of stock.  He is progressive in his methods and has an up-to-date and model farm.

Mr. Harrold was married on the 28th of January, 1891, to Miss Minta Nixon, a daughter of Thomas and Edith Nixon, who were natives of Ohio but became residents of Illinois at an early day.  Of the six children born of this union five are still living, while Lulu M. died in infancy.  The others are M. Edith, Helen, LeDelle, Harold S. and Mildred.

The republican party finds in Mr. Harrold a stanch supporter of its principles and he has served as commissioner of highways for one term to the entire satisfaction of all concerned.  He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church at DeWitt and is also identified with the Masonic lodge, No. 261, at that place.  He endeavors to live up to the principles of both his church and his lodge and is a man who commands the confidence and high regard of all who know him.

CHARLES T. HELLER.  (Volume II, Page 165)

Charles T. Heller, whose home is on section 13, Nixon township, has throughout his active business life been prominently identified with the farming and stock-raising interests of this section of the state.  He was born in McLean county, May 18, 1868, his parents being C. M. and Angeline (Fling) Heller.  The birth of the father occurred in Clark county, Ohio , October 2, 1839, and on coming to Illinois in 1856 he settled near Towanda in McLean county, where he still continues to make his home.  There he was united in marriage to Miss Angeline Fling, a native of that county, born in 1841, and they became the parents of ten children, of whom all are still living, namely: Fannie, the wife of W. B. Stover of McLean county; Minnie, the wife of Charles Hilts, whose home is in Bloomington; Charles T., of this review; Clara, the wife of William Hilts, a resident of DeWitt county; Edwin, whose home is at Alburnett, Iowa; Nettie, at home with her parents; Della, the wife of Herbert Wakefield, residing at Heyworth, Illinois; and Ethel, Leila and Emogene, all at home.  The parents are members of the Methodist church and are people highly respected.

Charles T. Heller received a common-school education in the public schools of McLean county.  While attending school he assisted his father in the farm work and in feeding cattle.  He remained under the parental roof until his marriage, which was celebrated March 21, 1894, to Miss Minnie Cameron.  She was also born in McLean county, February 9, 1874, a daughter of J. E. and Alice (Jones) Cameron, who are still living in McLean county, of which Mrs. Cameron is a native, being born May 8, 1851.  The father, however, was born in Virginia December 6, 1844.  Their family consisted of eight children of whom six are still living: Minnie, the wife of our subject; Hattie, the wife of C. F. Womack of McLean county; Maude, the wife of George B. Strayer of McLean county; Lottie, the wife of Alva A. Reed of Piatt county; and Luella and Harry Guy, at home.  Unto Mr. and Mrs. Charles T. Heller have been born two children: Tolbert, who was born in McLean county, December 21, 1894; and Ruby L., who was born August 25, 1896, and died December 25, 1896, death being caused by a fall which she received December 24.

After his marriage Mr. Heller engaged in farming upon rented land near Fletcher, Illinois , for two years, but in the spring of 1896 came to DeWitt county, where he has since made his home, operating a farm of three hundred and twenty acres belonging to George P. Davis.  He also operates one hundred and sixty acres in Piatt county, which he owns.

Mr. Heller served as school director for a number of years.  In regard to his political views he has always been a democrat.  He affiliates with the Knights of Pythias fraternity, while his wife belongs to the Pythian Sisters and is also a member of the Methodist Episcopal church.  As a business man Mr. Heller has always been found prompt and reliable and the success he has attained is but the merited reward of his own industry, perseverance and good management, for he started out in life for himself in limited circumstances and all that he has achieved has been gained through his own well directed efforts.

MARSHALL HURLEY.  (Volume II, Page 239)

On the list of Farmer City ’s retired citizens may be found the name of Marshall Hurley, who has lived in a comfortable home here since 1901.  He still retains possession of his farm of two hundred and ten acres in Santa Anna township, which formerly constituted the old homestead.  He was born in Santa Anna township, October 17, 1852.  The paternal grandfather of our subject was Dennis Hurley, who was born in New Jersey , in April, 1796.  About 1814 he removed to NewarkOhio, there remaining until 1830.  It was while still a resident of that place that he was married in 1816 to Miss Mary McConnell, who was born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania , September 20, 1797.  In 1830 they came to DeWitt county, Illinois , settling in what is now known as Hurley’s Grove, which was named in his honor.  He entered land in Santa Anna township and was here engaged in farming until his death on the 27th of June, 1867, when he was seventy-one years of age.  His wife had passed away many years before, her demise occurring July 6, 1850, at the age of fifty-three.  Their family numbered fourteen children but only one is now living, David Hurley, of Saybrook.  Following the death of his first wife, he was twice married.

His family included Lewis Hurley, who was born during the residence of the family in Ohio and was brought to Illinois when in his infancy, the family home being established in DeWitt county in the year 1830.  He was reared on the home farm in Santa Anna township and at the outbreak of the Civil war in 1861, became a member of Company I, Thirty-ninth Regiment of Illinois Volunteer Infantry.  Beside taking part in many skirmishes, he participated in the following battles: Weir Bottom ChurchVirginia, Darby Cross-roads, Deep Run, Darbytown and Drury’s Bluff, losing his life in the last named on the 16th of May, 1864, when he was little more than thirty-four years of age.  He had been married to Miss Elizabeth Swigart, a daughter of Daniel and Elizabeth (Conrad) Swigart, the former a native of Lancaster county, Pennsylvania , and of German descent.  He was born June 14, 1792.  Mrs. Swigart was born February 26, 1797, and was but removed from that state to DeWitt county in 1849, establishing their home in DeWitt township, where Mr. Swigart was engaged in farming to the time of his death, February 24, 1869, when he was seventy-seven years of age, while his wife passed away March 6, 1875, when seventy-seven years and nine months of age.  Their family numbered eleven children, Matilda, Sarah, William, John, Jacob, George, Elizabeth (Mrs. Hurley), Benjamin, Mary Jane, Jemima and Eliza Ann.  The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Hurley was blessed with five children: Marshall, of this review; Josephine, the wife of Lafayette Thomas, residing near Granby, Newton county, Missouri; Mrs. Ida Watson, of Cheney, Kansas; Owen L., who is mentioned elsewhere in this work; and Ransom of Mahomet, Illinois.  As above stated, the father of this family was killed in the Civil war and his wife survived throughout a long period, passing away June 13, 1895.  Both she and her husband were Methodists in religious faith.

Marshall Hurley, the eldest in his father’s family, was but twelve years of age at the time of his father’s death.  He remained on the home farm with his mother and being the eldest child, much responsibility fell on his young shoulders after his father’s death.  He gave to his mother valuable assistance in the operation and management of the farm and eventually became the owner of the homestead, comprising two hundred and ten acres in Santa Anna township.  Throughout a long period he was identified with its development and improvement, and it is today a very productive and valuable piece of land.  Mr. Hurley also owns some timber land in DeWitt township.  In August, 1901, he put aside business cares and removed to Farmer City , where he owns a nice home.

Mr. Hurley is a republican in his political views.  He is now filling his second term as police magistrate, his entire political service being in the interest of the people.  He belongs to the Sons of Veterans and is serving his second term as camp council of this order in the state of Illinois and is also special aid on the staff of the commander-in-chief of the Sons of Veterans of the United States .  He possesses all the elements of what may be termed a “square man”—one in whom to have confidence, a dependable man in any relation and any emergency.

OWEN L. HURLEY.  (Volume II, Page 221)

Few men who have just passed the half century mark have attained that degree of success in life which enables them to put aside all business cares and live retired.  Hundreds fail because they lack the mental mastery of affairs or because they do not have the physical endurance.  However, the reverse is proven in the record of him who introduces this review, for Mr. Hurley is now the owner of three hundred and fifty acres of valuable farming land in Santa Anna and DeWitt townships, its rental supplying him with all of the comforts and many of the luxuries of life.

He was born on a farm in Santa Anna township, July 25, 1860, a son of Lewis and Elizabeth (Swigart) Hurley, natives of Ohio, in whose family were three sons and two daughters, as follows: Marshall, a resident of Farmer City, who is mentioned on another page of this work; Josephine, the wife of Lafayette Thomas, of Missouri; Ida, the wife of Oscar Watson, of Cheney, Kansas; Owen L., of this review; and Ransom, of Mahomet, Illinois.  The father was an early settler of Illinois , being brought to DeWitt county by his parents during his infancy.  He was here engaged in farming up to the time of the outbreak of the Civil war, when, no longer content to remain at home while his country was in peril, he enlisted in 1861 as a member of the Thirty-ninth Illinois Volunteer Infantry and, after serving three years, gave his life as a sacrifice on the altar of his country, for he was killed in the battle of Drury’s Bluff, Virginia, when only a little more than thirty-four years of age.  His wife reared their five children and died June 13, 1895.

The paternal grandparents of our subject were Dennis and Mary (McConnell) Hurley who, on settling in DeWitt county in 1830, entered government land and here the grandfather engaged in farming throughout his remaining years.  Their family numbered fourteen children, which included: Jerry, David, John, Lewis, Jane, Adeline

, Lydia

, Margaret, Caroline and Catharine.  David is the only surviving member and now makes his home in SaybrookIllinois.

The maternal grandparents of our subject were Daniel and Elizabeth (Conrad) Swigart, the former a native of Ohio .  Like the Hurley family, they were numbered among the pioneers of DeWitt county, settling on a farm here when the homes were widely scattered.  Their labors were effective in developing this section of the state, and they were long numbered among the prominent citizens of the county.  They reared a large family, including Jacob, George, John, William, Benjamin, Matilda, Elizabeth, Mary Jane, Jemima, Sarah and Eliza Ann.

Own L. Hurley, the immediate subject of this review, was but a year old when his father went to the war and was only four years of age at the time of his death.  He was carefully reared by his mother on the home farm in Santa Anna township, and his preliminary education, acquired in the district schools, was later supplemented by a course of study in Lombard University at GalesburgIllinois, followed by one year in the State Normal, at Normal.  He then engaged in teaching, following that profession in connection with farm work for fifteen years, while for one year of that period he was principal of the DeWitt schools.  As he prospered in his undertakings he invested his capital in land and has accumulated three hundred and fifty acres in Santa Anna and DeWitt townships.  He eventually abandoned agriculture and, removing to Farmer City , was for a few years engaged in the implement business here in partnership with his brother Marshall.  He has for the past few years, however, lived retired in a nice home in this city, deriving a good income from his invested interests.

On the 15th of October, 1891, occurred the marriage of Mr. Hurley and Miss Addie Belle Dukes, a daughter of Spencer Davis and Cynthia (Bennett) Dukes, and a native of TuscolaIllinois.  Spencer D. Dukes was a son of Spencer and Elizabeth Dukes, who lived to old age.  They had eight children, Ellen, Elizabeth, William, Spencer D., Michael, Isaac, Marion and one who died young.  Of this family, Spencer D., who became the father of Mrs. Hurley, was a native of Boone county, Indiana.  He served in the Civil war for three years and made a creditable military record.  After reaching mature years he wedded Cynthia Bennett, a daughter of Jesse Ulysses and Margaret (Baugh) Bennett and a native of Kentucky .  They reared five children, William A., John, Charles, James and Cynthia.  The parents lived to advance years.  Following their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Spencer D. Dukes located in Douglas county, Illinois , becoming some of its earliest settlers, and it was during their residence in that section of the state that their daughter Addie B. was born.  They removed to DeWitt county from Douglas county more than thirty years ago and now make their home in Farmer City .

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Hurley have been born one daughter and two sons, Alma Idell, Spencer Vernell and Lewis Howard, and the family occupies a nice home in Farmer City.  Mr. Hurley gives his political support to the republican party.  He belongs to Mount Pleasant Lodge, No. 126, I. O. O. F., and to camp No. 253, M. W. A., while both he and his wife belong to the Rebekahs, and Mrs. Hurley is a member of the Christian church.  Mr. and Mrs. Hurley are representatives of old and honored pioneer families of DeWitt county, where his entire life has been spent and where she has lived the greater part of her life.  He stands today as a high type of American manhood, who has won success in life and at the same time has gained the respect and honor of his fellowmen.

ZEANUS N. HUTCHISON.  (Volume II, Page 170)

Wide-awake and enterprising, given to recognizing opportunities and improving them, Zeanus N. Hutchison is now numbered among the prosperous farmers and stock-raisers of DeWitt township, his home being located on section 26, eight and one-half miles southwest of Farmer City, where he now owns and operates one hundred and twenty acres of land.  He was born in Fayette county, Iowa , July 5, 1862, but was only three months old when brought to Illinois by his parents, Lewis and Mary (Conray) Hutchison, the family locating in McLean county.  There the father became the owner of a farm in Funks Grove township, upon which he spent the remainder of his days.

Zeanus N. Hutchison grew to manhood in McLean county and was provided with good educational advantages.  He remained at home until twenty years of age, when he was married in Randolph township, that county, November 22, 1881, the lady of his choice being Miss Mary Foster, a daughter of Robert and Mary (St. Clair) foster.  Ten children were born of this union, namely: Edith, now the wife of William Coffman, a resident of Nixon township, DeWitt county; Wilbur, who married Miss Elizabeth Kelly and lives in Bloomington, Illinois; Lewis, now a motorman on an electric railway running between Wheaton and Chicago; Harry, who died at the age of nineteen years; Lee, who attended business college in Bloomington for one year and is now at home; Mable, a student at Farmer City high school and now at home; Winnie, who died in infancy; Ursa, who has made a study of oratory and won a gold medal at the age of sixteen years; Grace and Goldie, all at home.

For two years after his marriage Mr. Hutchison engaged in farming upon rented land in McLean county and then came to DeWitt county, where he also operated rented land for ten years.  At the end of that time he purchased his present farm, for which he paid seventy-three dollars per acre, but it is now worth two hundred dollars.  Upon the place he has since erected a good residence and made other improvements which have added to its value and attractive appearance.  In connection with the operation of his own farm he also cultivates another tract of eighty acres.

By his ballot Mr. Hutchison supports the men and measures of the democratic party but is not a politician in the sense of office seeking.  Both he and his wife are faithful members of the Methodist Episcopal church at Weldon, in which he is now serving as steward, and both take a very active part in Sunday school and church work, Mrs. Hutchison being superintendent of the Sunday school for many years.  He affiliates with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and both are members of the Daughters of Rebekah at Farmer City .  Their earnest Christian lives have won them the respect of all who know them and they have a host of warm friends throughout the community in which they reside.

WILLIAM W. JOHNSTON.  (Volume II, Page 337)

When a city or country is in the building there are always to be found two types of men who are interested in the progress of the undertaking.  They are the planners and the builders.  It is to the latter class that we wish to refer in this history and it is to William W. Johnston that special reference is made.  When the village of Kenney was not yet organized, when even those who first gave thought to such a project were working on the physical plans for the place, there was one man who was planning and making ready for its development and when the time came he was in the forefront of those who made the movement grow.  Kenney was organized as a village in 1871 and among the trustees elected that year was W. W. Johnston—the first resident of the place.  At the first meeting of the trustees he was unanimously chosen as president of the board, a position which he filled with credit and profit to the village which he represented.  That was forty years ago and since that time Mr. Johnston has filled every office within the gift of the electors of Tunbridge township and Kenney, at the same time conducting his own affairs in such a manner as to place himself in the front rank of the progressive and successful men of DeWitt county.

Born in Madison county, Ohio , June 13, 1847, W. W. Johnston, son of John and Mary J. (McClimans) Johnston, spent his early youth in the county of his birth.  He has one brother and one sister, Isaac, a resident of Kenney, and Mrs. Nancy M. Mitchell of Little RockArkansas.  In 1852 the family came to DeWitt county, settling in Wilson township on a farm ten miles northeast of Clinton, where they remained four years.  They then removed to Tunbridge township, where they farmed the Hutchin farm.  Here they spent two years, after which they located on a portion of the Kenney farm, which is now the northern portion of the village of Kenney , where the family have since continued to reside.  John Johnston, father of W. W., was born in Johnsonburg, Elk county, Pennsylvania , 1807, and died in Kenney at the Johnston home in Tunbridge township, March 21, 1868.  His father was a soldier of the Revolutionary war.  His brothers and sisters were: Alexander, Mrs. Nancy Chapman and Mrs. Mary Brown, all residents of Jay county, Indiana.

Mary J. (McClimans) Johnston, mother of W. W. Johnston, was a daughter of James and Margaret McClimans.  She was born in Madison county, Ohio , in 1816, and died in KenneyIllinois, December 27, 1896.  Of the McClimans family of which she was a member, none are now living save one brother, Daniel, who is a resident of Barnett township, DeWitt county.  The other children were: Mrs. Margaret Howard; William, of Barnett township; John P., of Greene county, Illinois ; George, of Marion county, Illinois ; and James, of Tunbridge township.

Miss Ada Bell Turley, a daughter of James and Mary B. (Kenney) Turley, both of whom are deceased, became the wife of W. W. Johnston, December 17, 1874.  She was the eldest daughter in a family of six children, her brothers and sisters being: Thomas, Ambrose, Charles, Laura B. and Eliza A.  Her father was the son of James Turley of Kentucky , who came to DeWitt county from Sangamon county, Illinois , where he had settled in the early ’20s.  Her mother was a daughter of James and Catherine Kenney of Kentucky , who came to Tunbridge township, DeWitt county, in 1832, settling on a farm which now forms a large portion of the village of Kenney .  They had the following children: Ambrose, a veteran of the Mexican war, who died from the effects of severe service; Moses, who laid out the village which bears his name; Mrs. Mary B. Turley; Melinda, the wife of Francis Bowles, of Barnett township; John, who also laid out two portions of the village of Kenney; and Robert.

There were born to Mr. and Mrs. W. W. Johnston ten children, all of whom are living.  They are: Sylva May, the wife of W. L. Watson of Macon, Illinois; Lora Myrtle, the wife of Daniel W. North, of Tunbridge township; William H., famed as a baseball player; Robert M., a blacksmith at Kenney, Illinois; Olo Imo, the wife of A. G. Mitchell, of Decatur, Illinois; Edna K., assistant postmistress at Kenney, Illinois; Grover C. and Frances Folsom, twins, and Lola and Raymond T., all living at home.  The grandchildren of Mr. and Mrs. Johnston are: Clifford Watson; Floyd, Wilford and Harold North; Wilmuth A. and Edna Bell Mitchell.

William W. Johnston was educated in the Cain district school in Wilson township for a time, then finished his education in the schools of Tunbridge township, where the family had removed during his youth.  For quite a time he followed farming, meeting with such success that he was enabled to start in general mercantile business with Robert Orr in KenneyIllinois, in the year 1876.  They continued in business for twenty-four years, after which they sold out, and Mr. Johnston has since that time handled real estate and insurance.  Several years ago he purchased a blacksmith shop in Kenney and installed his son Robert therein to attend to the business.  Since the incorporation of the village of Kenney there has not been a single year that has not known Mr. Johnston as the occupant of some office or elective position.  He has served as school and village trustee for many years; has been assessor, collector, road supervisor and census enumerator for many consecutive terms, while for the past sixteen years he has held the office of justice of the peace and notary public, his townspeople declining to consider any other candidate for the place.  Johnston street , the main street of Kenney, is named for him.

Mr. Johnston is a member of Henderson Lodge, No. 820, A. F. & A. M., of Kenney, being one of the charter members, and is also a member of the Modern Woodmen of America.  He has held every office within the gift of each of the lodges mentioned and is one of the most enthusiastic members of the several organizations.  Mr. and Mrs. Johnston and their family are members of the Christian church and all are esteemed residents of the community in which they live.  No one is better posted on the history of the village or the different divisions of the township then Mr. Johnston.  He is a great reader and is well informed on all public questions.  It was by his assistance that the plat of Tunbridge township was perfected in the plat book of the DeWitt county in 1894.

JOHN B. JONES, M. D.  (Volume II, Page 28)

Dr. John B. Jones is a successful practitioner of medicine in Wapella, where he has been located since 1906.  He was born within a few miles of Wapella, his birth having occurred on a farm near Waynesville, DeWitt county, March 31, 1877, a son of Charles W. and Sarah (Vincent) Jones.  The former was a son of John B. Jones, who was colonel of the Illinois State Militia.  He was a native of North Carolina and, coming to DeWitt county, settled on a farm which later reverted to his son Charles W. and is still in possession of the Jones family.  Charles W. Jones, who became the father of our subject, was born in Waynesville and was reared to the occupation of farming, which he followed throughout his entire life, his death occurring here.  The mother still survives and now makes her home in Clinton.  Unto them were born five children, three daughters and two sons: Rachel, the wife of Ira Wakelin; John B., of this review; Charles M.; and Ella and Ida, twins, the latter now deceased.

After completing his early education in the Fairview school, John B. Jones further pursued his studies in Waynesville Academy and, having decided upon the practice of medicine as a life work, to this end entered the medical department of the University of Illinois , graduating therefrom with the class of 1905.  Having thus carefully prepared for the practice of medicine, he located in Waynesville, where he spent a short time but on the 4th of January, 1906, came to Wapella and opened an office and has since successfully followed his profession.  He occupies a comfortable home in this village and on the same lot is a neat office building, adequate to the needs of his profession.

Dr. Jones was married to Miss Florence Mabel Wright, a native of BeatriceNebraska, and they have a little son, John, whose birth occurred October 4, 1909.  His fraternal relations are with the Odd Fellows.  The Doctor is known not only in Wapella but in various sections of the county, where his entire life has been passed and his courteous, genial manner has won for him a large circle of friends.

PRESTON JONES.  (Volume II, Page 99)

Preston Jones, an honored veteran of the Civil War, now living retired in Farmer City, was born on the 12th of November, 1831, in Tazewell county, Tennessee, his parents being John and Elizabeth (Fullington) Jones, in whose family were three children, the others being Campbell and Albert.  His father was a native of Virginia and a son of William and Susan Jones, who were also born in that state.  By occupation William Jones was a carpenter.  During the Revolutionary war he entered the service and served as a courier, carrying dispatches for the officers.  He died in Overton county, Tennessee , at the advanced age of eighty-five years and his wife survived him only six months, being over eighty years of age at the time of her death.  They had a large family of children, including William, Robert, James, John and Lucy.  Our subject’s maternal grandparents were David and Susan Fullington, lifelong residents of Tennessee , their home being in Tazewell county, where he was engaged in business as a hatter and powder manufacturer.  His wife died in that state, but his death occurred while on a business trip to New Orleans.  They reared a large family and one of their sons, Alexander, was killed during the Civil war.

John Jones, the father of our subject, accompanied his parents on their removal from Virginia to Kentucky , of which state they became pioneers, and he afterward settled in Tazewell county, Tennessee , where he was married.  In 1838 he brought his wife and children to Illinois and settled in Santa Anna township, DeWitt county, where he purchased land and also took up a government tract, continuing to make his home here until called to his final rest at the age of eighty-eight years.  His wife survived him three years and was eighty-five years old at the time of her death, which occurred at the home of her son Preston .  They were originally Methodists in religious belief but later belonged to the United Brethren church.

Since the age of seven years Preston Jones has been a resident of Illinois and upon his father’s farm in Santa Anna township he grew to manhood, pursuing his studies in an old fashioned subscription school.  He experienced many of the hardships and privations incident to pioneer life and early acquired an excellent knowledge of farming, to which he devoted his time and attention for many years.  After attaining his majority, he left the parental roof and engaged in the operation of rented land for two years and also improved and cultivated a tract of eighty acres in Santa Anna township, which his father had entered for him.  He was successful in his farming operations and as his financial resources increased, added to his property from time to time until he owned five hundred and four acres.  He continued the cultivation of his land until 1896, when he rented the farm to his son, Frank P. Jones, and removed to Farmer City , where he has since lived retired in the enjoyment of a well earned rest.

When the country became involved in civil war Mr. Jones entered the service, enlisting in August, 1862, in Company I, One Hundred and Seventh Illinois Volunteer Infantry, remaining at the front until hostilities ceased.  He enlisted as a private but when discharged was holding the rank of second lieutenant.  He participated in the siege of Knoxville, the Atlanta campaign, the battles of Franklin and NashvilleTennessee, and was later sent to Washington, D. C.  For a time he was stationed near WilmingtonNorth Carolina, and was at Raleigh when Johnston surrendered to General Sherman.  He took part in a number of hard fought engagements and in numerous skirmishes.  When the war ended and his services were no longer needed, he returned home and resumed farming.

In July 1852, Mr. Jones was united in marriage to Miss Mary Johnson, a daughter of Matthew and Margaret (Vanote) Johnson, and they have become the parents of three children: Cynthia, who married Samuel Hoover and died leaving five children, Preston, Chester, Charles, Clyde and Loma; Albert, a farmer living near Ligonier, Indiana, who is married and has five children, Fred, Walter, Nola, Ruby and Clarence; and Belle who married a Mr. Nobel and removed to western Kansas, where both she and her husband died.  The mother of these children passed away in 1866 when about thirty-two years of age.

On the 12th of November, 1867, Mr. Jones was again married, his second union being with Miss Laura A. Riggs, who was born in BloomingtonIllinois, a daughter of Jackson and Charlotte (Vanote) Riggs.  Her father, who was a native of Ohio , came to Illinois at an early day and settled in Bloomington.  During the Civil war he entered the service as a member of the Ninety-Fourth Illinois Volunteer Infantry and after the war removed to Farmer City , where he died well advanced in years.  His wife was born in New Jersey and also died in Farmer City .  They had three daughters.

The children born to Mr. Jones by his second wife are as follows: William went to Canada and married Cora Nelson, by whom he has one daughter, Sylvia.  Maude married William Drum and has one daughter, Shela.  They make their home in Los AngelesCalifornia.  Frank, who is living on the old homestead in Santa Anna township, married Alice Johnson and has three children, Iris, Hope and Lincoln.  Charlotte is the wife of Jack Lighty.  May is the wife of Thomas McClure and lives in Farmer City .  Olie married Ray Cook and they reside in Los AngelesCalifornia.  John, a farmer of Santa Anna township, this county, married Flora Voorer and has two children living, Derrell and Percy.  Lance is a resident of McLean county, Illinois .  Pearl, who completes the family, married Todd Farmer, of Los AngelesCalifornia, and has one daughter, Jessie.

Mr. Johnson is a member of the United Brethren church, while his wife is connected with the Methodist Protestant church.  Fraternally he is identified with Mt. Pleasant Lodge, No. 710, A. F. & A. M.; Farmer City Chapter, No. 175, R. A. M.; and Lemon Post, Grand Army of the Republic.  He uses his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the democratic party and while living on the farm took quite an active interest in local politics, serving as tax collector one term and as road commissioner several terms.  The family is one of prominence and both he and his estimable wife are widely and favorably known throughout the county where the greater part of their lives has been spent.

JAMES M. KIRK.  (Volume II, Page 113)

Among the many men who have contributed to the reputation of Clinton as being the home of energetic and progressive business men, must be numbered James M. Kirk who is today a prominent brick contractor.  He was born in Bellefontaine, Logan county, Ohio , on the 26th of July, 1854, and comes of an old and honored family of that state.  The birth of his father, Orange L. Kirk, occurred in ZanesvilleOhio, on the 11th of November, 1829, and from the Buckeye state he removed to Indiana with his parents, Samuel and Elizabeth Kirk.  It was about 1857 that he became a resident of ClintonIllinois, and here he engaged in business as a brick contractor throughout the remainder of his active business life.  Becoming one of the most prominent and influential citizens of his community, he was honored with public office and for about twelve years served as a member of the city council.  After a useful and well spent life he passed away on the 11th of October, 1897.  His first wife, who bore the maiden name of Sarah Robinson, was also a native of the Buckeye state and died when our subject was only thirteen months old.  The father was again married, his second union being with Lucretia G. Morlan, who was also born in Ohio , but they were married in Clinton.  She is still living and is the mother of eight children, namely: Frank, Albert L., Leon, George, William, Harry, Mrs. Anna Dale and Mrs. Lucretia Hatfield.  By his first marriage there were but two children, the brother of our subject being Samuel, who died April 21, 1910.

James M. Kirk was only about three years of age when the family took up their residence in Clinton and he is indebted to the public schools of this city for the early educational privileges he enjoyed.  On completing his education he began work for his father, who at that time, in 1872, was erecting the McGill [Magill] House.  He continued in the employ of his father for six or eight years and then started in business for himself, conducting a restaurant for a year and a half.  He then served as chief of police for one term and for four years, from 1885 to 1889, was a resident of Eldorado and WichitaKansas, and Kansas CityMissouri, where he engaged in the contracting business.  At the end of that time he returned to Clinton, where he has since made his home.  As a contractor he has made a specialty of public work, having erected many of the school buildings throughout this section of the state.  He is a man of much more than ordinary ability and usually carries forward to successful completion whatever he undertakes.

Mr. Kirk was married October 3, 1876, to Miss Emma J. Johnson, a daughter of Eason and Alice Johnson, who are represented on another page of this volume.  She was born in Champaign county, Ohio , and removed to Clinton with her parents about 1859.  Of the six children born to Mr. and Mrs. Kirk, five are still living, namely: James R., born in 1878, married Mrs. Sadie Thomas, their home being in Danville, Illinois; Alice L., who was born in 1881, is at home with her parents; Willoughby E., known as Dick, born in 1883, married Miss Kate Dempsey and resides in Clinton, having a family of two children, Ira M. and Winifred L.; Frederick K., born in 1885, married Florence Cooper by whom he has one child, Royal C., his home being in Memphis, Tennessee; and Ruben W., born in 1891, is also a resident of Memphis.

Mr. Kirk has a pleasant home at No. 621 East Main street , which is presided over by his estimable wife, who is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church.  He is a prominent Mason, belonging to DeWitt Lodge, No. 84, A. F. & A. M., in which he has filled all of the offices and is serving his fourth year as high priest of Goodbrake Chapter, No. 59, R. A. M.; for the past eleven years he has been thrice illustrious master of Clinton Council No. 74 and for six years filled the office of recorder in Clinton Commandery, No. 66, Knights Templar.  He is a member of Mohammed Temple of the Mystic Shrine at Peoria and is past patron of Myrtle Chapter, No. 131, Order of the Eastern Star.  He is watchman of Shepherd Magdala Shrine, No. 18, White Shrine of Jerusalem, and is supreme chancellor of the Order of Alabama , conferred on Royal Arch Masons only.  Since attaining his majority he has always affiliated with the republican party and has been called upon to serve as a member of the city council two years, besides filling the position of chief of police.  The men who have been brought in contact with him in business or social life have but corroborated the reputation he has gained of being a man of principle and strong character and well worthy of the respect he enjoys.

ARIE LONG.  (Volume II, Page 266)

Arie Long owns and operates a well improved and highly cultivated farm on section 23, Creek township.  He was born in the neighboring state of Indiana on the 30th of September, 1865, his parents being William and Marietta (Royce) Long.  His mother was also born in that state on the 12th of June, 1843, but his father was born in Ohio , October 16, 1838.  They are now living in Lane.  Of the nine children born to them only four survive, namely: Martha, the wife of Michael Taylor, a resident of Macon county, Illinois ; John Henry, of DeWitt county; Arie, of this review; and Charles V., who still lives in Indiana .  The father had one brother, Philip Long, who became a member of an Indiana regiment during the Civil war and was killed in the service.

Arie Long was only four years of age when he accompanied his parents on their removal to DeWitt county, Illinois , in September, 1869, and to the country schools of this locality he is indebted for the early educational privileges he enjoyed.  He remained on the home farm until twenty-seven years of age and then located on a farm of eighty acres on section 23, Creek township, where he has since continued to make his home.  He is engaged in general farming and stock-raising and has made many improvements upon his place, including the erection of a nice, cozy home in 1909.  The farm is supplied with all the accessories and conveniences found upon a model farm of the twentieth century, and in his work Mr. Long is progressive and enterprising.  He is today the owner of one hundred and twenty acres on sections 22 and 23, Creek township, and in connection with the operation of his own land he cultivates another one hundred and twenty acre tract, which he rents.

On the 21st of February, 1894, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Long and Miss Minnie Bennett, who was born in Creek township on the 27th of May, 1876, a daughter of John S. and Mary E. (Meyers) Bennett.  The birth of her father also occurred in Creek township, May 18, 1856, and there he has continued to reside up to the present time.  Her mother, however, was born in Pennsylvania , June 3, 1856, and died in 1884, being laid to rest in a cemetery in Creek township.  In their family were five children, four of whom are still living: Minnie, now Mrs. Long; Elmer, a resident of WaterlooIowa; Elizabeth, the wife of Robert Thurber, of Creek township; and Nellie, the wife of George Arnold, of the same township.  For his second wife Mr. Bennett married Miss Winnie Colebaugh, a native of Kentucky .  By this union there is one child, Roy, living at home with his parents.  Mr. and Mrs. Long have four children, all born in DeWitt county, namely: John William, born April 4, 1895; George Lesley, May 6, 1896; Ruby May, July 30, 1898; and Wesley Raymond, January 22, 1903.

Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise Mr. Long has affiliated with the democratic party and has served on the school board.  He is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America, while his wife belongs to Center Chapel of the United Brethren church.  She has been to him a true helpmate and companion and to their combined efforts is due the success they have achieved, so that Mr. Long now ranks with the well-to-do and prosperous farmers of his locality.

DAVID McCLIMANS.  (Volume II, Page 78)

David McClimans is a retired farmer of Clinton, whose life record is creditable and whose success is well merited.  He was reared in DeWitt county when it was a frontier district, having been brought to Illinois when but eight years of age.  The family had previously resided in Madison county, Ohio , where his birth occurred August 20, 1841.  His parents, Samuel and Rachel (Pearson) McClimans, were both natives of Ohio , but in 1850 left that state and came with their family to Illinois , settling in Barnett township, DeWitt county.  Mr. McClimans became one of the largest stock-raisers in the county and, making judicious investment in land, he was the owner of nearly a thousand acres at the time of his death.  He passed away on the old homestead farm in August, 1855, at the age of fifty-six years, and his wife survived him until the 28th of November, 1886, when she passed away at the age of eighty-two years.  Both were members of the Presbyterian church in early life, but Mrs. McClimans afterward united with the Christian church of Clinton and died in that faith.  Comparatively little is known concerning the ancestral history of the family.  The grandparents of David McClimans in the paternal line both passed away in Scotland .  Their family numbered three children: Samuel, David and Isaac, who lived in Madison county, Ohio .  The maternal grandfather of Mr. McClimans was a native of Scotland .  In the family of his parents were five children, four daughters and a son: Nancy, the wife of John Bartley, who is living in Barnett township; Mary, the deceased wife of William Gardner; Sarah, the wife of Joshua Humphrey; Margaret, the wife of Robert Black of Clinton; and David.

The last named, arriving in this county in early youth, became familiar with the scenes and environment of pioneer life and assisted his father in the cultivation and improvement of the new farm.  He was a pupil in one of the old-time log schoolhouses, attending at a day when each scholar had to take his turn of going to the timber and cutting wood to be used in keeping up the fires in the schoolroom.  When not occupied with the task of mastering the lessons taught in the district schools, Mr. McClimans was largely engaged with the work of the home farm and remained thereon until he had attained his majority.  His father bequeathed him a farm of two hundred and forty acres, to which he afterward added ninety acres by purchase.  He still owns that place of three hundred and thirty acres which constitutes a valuable property, highly improved.  For many years he continued to till the soil, living upon his farm until 1891, when he went to Colorado , where he resided until 1893.  In that year he returned to Illinois and settled at Hallsville, where he remained until 1898, at which time he took up his abode in Clinton, where he owns a fine home at No. 519 West Main street.  His rest has been well earned and he deserves that leisure which enables him to devote his time to the things which are of most interest and pleasure to him.

On the 15th of March, 1860, Mr. McClimans was married to Miss Elizabeth Humphrey, who was born in Barnett township in 1841, a daughter of John and Thirza Humphrey, who were pioneers of that township, where they remained until death.  In the family of Mr. and Mrs. McClimans there were six children, of whom one died in infancy.  Ann, the eldest, is the wife of Charles Bowles, a resident of Des MoinesIowa, and they have four children, William, Myra, Ella and Ola.  Laura married Spencer Samuels, who died leaving a daughter, Maude, now the wife of Orvil Morris.  Mrs. Laura Samuels, after losing her first husband, became the wife of Arthur Bell.  There is one son by that marriage, Homer.  Mr. and Mrs. Bell reside in Hallsville.  Eva is the wife of John Kinney, of Clinton, and they have one son, Carroll.  John, who died at the age of thirty-six years was a farmer much of his life, but spent his last six years in the drug store of Charles Williamson in Clinton.  William, who died at the age of thirty-four years, was engaged in the grocery, produce and bakery business.  Mrs. Elizabeth McClimans, the mother of the above mentioned sons and daughters, died in March, 1877, at the age of thirty-six years.  She was a devoted member of the Christian church.

On the 14th of February, 1879, Mr. McClimans was again married, his second union being with Miss Sarah E. Neal, a native of DeWitt county and a daughter of William and Sarah Elizabeth (Hall) Neal.  Her birth occurred in Tunbridge township, Dewitt county, on the 11th of May, 1859.  Her parents were natives of Kentucky and were among the early settlers of this county, owning a farm in Tunbridge township, where both passed away, the father in 1861 and the mother in 1863.  Left an orphan at the early age of four years, Mrs. McClimans was reared by Mr. and Mrs. Robert Black, of whom mention is made elsewhere in this work.  The history of her paternal grandfather is lost.  Her mother’s father was Darius Hall, who married a Miss Jones.  Both were natives of Kentucky and pioneer settlers of DeWitt county.  Their last days were spent in Clinton and Mr. Hall was more than eighty years of age at the time of his demise.  He had been a miller of Clinton and was well known as an enterprising business man there.  His wife died in middle life.

Both Mr. and Mrs. McClimans are members of the Christian church and he is one of its honorary elders.  He joined the church when twenty-four years of age and has since been loyal to its teachings and active in its work.  His position on the temperance question is indicated in the fact that he votes the prohibition ticket.  He has served as school director in the county for many years and was commissioner of highways for one term.  His life has been a busy and useful one and, while there have been no spectacular features in its history, it is that of a man always loyal to duty and faithful to every trust reposed in him.  His memory goes back to the time when DeWitt county was a pioneer district, when many of its homes were log cabins and much of its land was uncultivated, but there were evidences that a brave and resolute band of pioneers had taken possession of the land and were putting forth earnest and effective effort to claim it for the purposes of civilization.  He has always been interested in what has been accomplished and has cooperated in many movements for the public good, so that he deserves mention among the valued citizens and honored pioneer residents of this part of the state.

GEORGE B. MARVEL.  (Volume II, Page 41)

On the roster of attorneys in Clinton appears the name of George B. Marvel who in the practice of law has proved his ability to cope with intricate and involved legal problems.  Through the ten years of his active connection with the bar he has made continuous progress and has been connected with much of the important work of the courts in this part of the state.  He was born in Barnett township, DeWitt county, on the 5th of February, 1871, and is a son of Wiley and Elizabeth M. (Williams) Marvel, who are likewise natives of DeWitt county.  The grandfather, Prettyman Marvel, was a native of Indiana and became one of the pioneer settlers of DeWitt county, Illinois , arriving here in 1825, only seven years after the admission of the state into the Union and seven years before the Black Hawk war put an end to the dominion of the red man in this state.  He settled about half a mile southwest of the present site of Waynesville and at that time Pekin and Springfield were the nearest trading points.  He improved a farm there and became the owner of six hundred acres of valuable land which he owned to the time of his death which occurred in 1842.  His wife, Mrs. Rebecca (Barr) Marvel, lived to an old age.  In their family were ten children: Mrs. Nancy Teal, John S., James, Mrs. Lavinia Armstrong, Mrs. Cynthia Armstrong, Prettyman, Mrs. Rebecca Loer, Mrs. Mary A. Gambrel, Wiley and George.  The family is of English descent.  The Williams family, however, is of Welsh lineage.  The maternal grandfather of our subject was Samuel D. Williams, who devoted his life to farming and he, too, became a pioneer of DeWitt county, making his home in Waynesville township where he died at an early day.  His widow still survives and is now living in LancasterMissouri, at the advanced age of eighty-seven years.  In their family were four children: Elizabeth M., who became Mrs. Marvel; Mrs. Barthena Price, who is now deceased; Mary, the wife of William Jeffreys, of Lancaster, Missouri ; and Samuel D., living on the old home place in Waynesville township.

Wiley Marvel, the father of George B. Marvel, also made farming his life work and continued to reside in DeWitt county until called to his final rest.  He was reared as a farm boy but lost his father when only three years of age.  His mother, however, carefully guarded the interests of her child and upon attaining his majority he inherited forty acres from his father’s estate, after which he devoted his attention to farming and stock-raising in Barnett township until about two years prior to his death.  In the meantime, however, he had added to his land holdings until his possessions aggregated seven hundred acres and he was recognized as one of the largest and most prosperous farmers of the county.  He died July 2, 1906, at the age of sixty-seven years and four months, having for a considerable period survived his wife, who passed away September 10, 1894, at the age of forty-nine years.  She was a member of the Methodist church but a few years prior to her death united with the Christian church.  In their family were nine children, five sons and four daughters: Ida M., who is the wife of Dr. George A. Starkey, of Chicago; Adda, the wife of Nelson E. Swam, of Clinton; Otis C., living in Barnett township; George B.; Luther M., whose home is in Weldon, Illinois; Cora A., the wife of David M. Black of Tunbridge township; William J., of Chicago; Charles W., who occupies the home farm in Barnett township; and Verna B., the wife of James Steven, Jr., of Chicago.

George B. Marvel was reared in Barnett township, his boyhood experiences being those that usually fall to the farm lad.  He attended the district schools but later had the benefit of instruction in the Illinois Wesleyan University at Bloomington where he was graduated with the class of 1896.  In the meantime he had devoted one year to teaching.  Following the completion of his more specific literary course, he took up the study of law in the Bloomington Law School and was graduated in 1898, after which he was admitted to the bar.  He first opened an office in FairburyIllinois, where he remained in practice for three years and in January, 1902, he returned to Clinton where he has practiced continuously since.  Earnest effort, intuitive wisdom, unflagging perseverance and keen discrimination in applying the principles of law have been salient features in his successful progress.  Moreover, he is known as a stockholder in the State Bank of Clinton and is the owner of a farm of sixty-five acres in Waynesville township.

Mr. Marvel belongs to the Knights of Pythias Lodge and to the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.  His political allegiance is given to the democracy but he never seeks nor desires office, preferring to concentrate his energies upon the duties of his profession.  His devotion to his clients’ interests is proverbial and his careful preparation of cases is manifest in the many verdicts he has won favorable to the interests which he represents.

LUTHER M. MARVEL, M. D.  (Volume II, Page 141)

Dr. Luther M. Marvel, who is now successfully engaged in the practice of medicine and surgery in Weldon, is one of the DeWitt county’s native sons, his birth occurring in Waynesville on the 31st of December, 1872.  His parents are Wiley and Elizabeth M. (Williams) Marvel, of whom extended mention is made in the sketch of George Marvel on another page of this volume.  The Doctor began his education in the common schools of his native place, was graduated from the Waynesville Academy and completed the literary course by one year’s attendance at Wesleyan University .  Having decided to enter the medical profession, he then matriculated at the College of Physicians and Surgeons in Chicago and was graduated in 1904.  Being licensed to practice, he then opened an office at DeLand, where he remained for four and one-half years, but in February, 1909, came to Weldon.  Although his residence here is of short duration, he has already built up an excellent practice, which is constantly increasing, as his skill and ability in his chosen profession have become recognized.

In October, 1901, Dr. Marvel was united in marriage to Miss Minnie Trigg, who was born near Beason in Logan county, Illinois, June 10, 1873, her parents being Charles and Susan (Folks) Trigg, both natives of England and now deceased, her father having passed away about 1901 and her mother in 1899.  Their children were as follows: George, now a resident of DeLand; Charles, who lives near Beason, Illinois; Henry, of Atlanta, Illinois; A. J., of Lincoln, Illinois; Frank, who died in 1891; Minnie, now the wife of our subject; and Lavina, the wife of William Sullivan, whose home is near Beason.  The Doctor and his wife have a little daughter, Pauline, who was born in DeLand, July 9, 1906.

Fraternally Dr. Marvel is identified with the Masonic order, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Knights of Pythias.  Politically he is a stanch supporter of the democratic party and while living in De Land served as supervisor two years.

His wife is an active member of the Presbyterian church and during their residence in Weldon they have become widely and favorably known.

JASPER S. MILLER.  (Volume II, Page 341)

In developing and settling the open country which comprised this county’s entire extent, pioneers and their children of adjacent counties played an important part.  Among these early settlers of DeWitt county who so materially aided in its development were the parents of Jasper S. Miller, who though born in an adjacent county, yet is practically a native of DeWitt county, where almost his entire life has been spent.

Mr. Miller was born in Sangamon county, Illinois , July 7, 1848, a son of Jacob and Nancy (Beam) Miller, pioneer settlers of that county, from which they removed to DeWitt county in 1852, bringing with them their family of six children.  They chose as their home a portion of prairie which now lies near RowellIllinois.  Here the parents passed their lives in farming and at their death Jasper S. Miller inherited eighty acres of his father’s farm, where he continued to reside until 1906, when he bought a house in Kenney, where he has since lived.

Jacob Miller, father of Jasper S., came from the state of Pennsylvania when quite a youth, traveling across the country in a wagon train with his family.  Nancy Beam, who subsequently became his wife, was a descendant of the Beam family of Ohio , her parents having emigrated to Illinois in 1802.  Our subject’s brothers and sisters are: Mary Jane, the wife of M. B. Spicer, of DeWitt county, both now deceased; John H., deceased, who lived in Clinton; Minerva E., the wife of S. A. Barnett of High Valley, Idaho; Jacob F., deceased, who was a resident of Tunbridge township; and Cordelia, the wife of E. T. Wills, of Saline county, Illinois.

On March 19, 1868, Jasper S. Miller married Miss Adilia Spicer, a daughter of Elias and Lucinda ( Kent ) Spicer, of Sangamon county, Illinois , and immediately following their marriage they took up their residence in the old Miller homestead near Rowell.  Elias Spicer, father of Mrs. Miller, was a son of Upsard and Nancy ( Clifton) Spicer, pioneer residents of Sangamon county, who came from Indiana by wagon in the early history of the development of Illinois .  The Spicers and Cliftons were descended from families of that name in England , and they and their families have played no small part in the development of this country.  Mrs. Miller is one of a family of four children, the others being Molly E., the wife of William Brelasfoard, of Oklahoma City; Alice, the wife of Robert King of Flagstaff, Arizona; and W. T., of Tunbridge township, this county.

Four children and six grandchildren bless the union of Mr. and Mrs. Miller.  The children are: Maud, the wife of Clay Crump, of Rock Island, New Mexico; Moses T., who married Vina Wilson and lives in Tunbridge township; William J., who married Lillian Green and lives on the old Miller homestead; and Lydian, the wife of Harvey Jennings, who lives in Kansas City, Missouri.  The grandchildren are: Maurien and Maurice Miller, children of W. J. Miller; Zepha and Jasper Miller, children of M. T. Miller; Elizabeth Crump, a daughter of Mrs. Maud Crump; and Harvey Jennings, son of Mrs. Lydian Jennings.

Mr. Miller has, in addition to cultivating and improving his farm of over two hundred acres, given much of his time and labor to the development of the district in which he lives.  He has served as school trustee for many consecutive terms and has acted upon many important measures affecting the welfare of the township.  He is a member of no organization whatsoever, believing that his first and only duty lies at his home.  Quiet and unostentatious in manner, yet he has won the confidence and esteem of his fellow townsmen to such an extent as to reflect most creditably upon his character.

JAMES J. MOBERLY.  (Volume II, Page 63)

James J. Moberly, who has been successfully identified with general agricultural pursuits throughout his active business career, now devotes his attention to the operation of a well improved farm of forty acres in Wapella township.  His birth occurred near Indianapolis Indiana, on the 11th of July, 1853, his parents being William and Lucy (Ross) Moberly, both natives of Kentucky .  They were also born in the same year—1837.  The father followed farming in Indiana until 1856, when he took up his abode in McLean county, Illinois , locating south of Bloomington.  The year 1902 witnessed his arrival in DeWitt county and he is now living retired in Clintonia township.  His political allegiance is given to the republican party.  Unto him and his wife were born the following children: James J., of this review; John L.; Jesse; Oakney, who wedded G. W. Givens; Mrs. Ella Mitchell, who is deceased; and Bert.

James J. Moberly was reared in McLean county and early became familiar with the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist.  The work of the fields has claimed his attention throughout his entire business career and for the past eight years he has been a resident of DeWitt county, taking up his abode in Wilson township in the fall of 1902.  In January, 1910, he removed to his present farm in Wapella township and is now actively engaged in its further cultivation and improvement.  The property comprises forty acres of rich and arable land and in its neat and thrifty appearance indicates the supervision of a practical and progressive owner.

As a companion and helpmate on the journey of life Mr. Moberly chose Miss Alice Bell Roach, a native of McLean county and a daughter of Samuel and Mary Elizabeth (Chapin) Roach.  The father was born in Pennsylvania on the 8th of September, 1815, while the mother’s birth occurred in Ohio on the 20th of November, 1822.  Their marriage was celebrated in the Buckeye state on the 26th of November, 1841.  Samuel Roach was engaged in the woolen mill business and spent most of his life in BloomingtonIllinois.  He passed away on the 8th of July, 1893, having for more than three decades survived his wife, who was called to her final rest on the 23d of January, 1862.  The record of their children is as follows: William H.; George D.; Sylvesta L.; Samantha E.; Dexter; Emeline; Benjamin F.; Mary E.; Mrs. Moberly; and Ida M.

In politics Mr. Moberly is a republican, while his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Christian church.  Fraternally he is identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.  His excellent traits of character inspire personal friendship of unusual strength and all who know him have for him high admiration and esteem.

REV. T. F. MONAHAN.  (Volume II, Page 97)

Rev. T. F. Monahan, who since 1906 has faithfully served as pastor of the Catholic church in Wapella, was born in County Clare

, Ireland

, May 17, 1879, a son of M. J. Monahan, who was likewise born in County Clare and is there engaged in mercantile pursuits.  Father Monahan is one of three sons.  His brother, Dr. M. J. Monahan, follows the profession of dentistry in Chicago, while the other brother, Edward, manages the father’s business interests in Ireland .

Father Monahan attended the Christian Brothers School in his native town, took the classical course in the Diocesan Seminary and the Royal University of his native land and studied philosophy and theology in All Hallows College at Dublin.  He was ordained June 24, 1903.  In the fall of the same year he emigrated to the United States .  His first work in the new world was as assistant to Bishop P. J. O’Riley, at PeoriaIllinois.  He continued in that work until December, 1905, when he became assistant to Vicar General Weldon of Bloomington, his work there being at Holy Trinity church.  He remained in the latter city until October, 1906, when he was made pastor of the church at Wapellla.  Since his ministry here the church has been greatly increased in membership, the congregation now numbering fifty families.  The church is a neat brick structure, which was recently remodeled at a cost of eight thousand, five hundred dollars and is now one of the most modern, up-to-date houses of worship in DeWitt county and would be a credit to a city much larger than Wapella.  It was rededicated December 14, 1909, by Rt. Rev. E. M. Dunn.

Rev. Monahan is not only highly esteemed by his own parishioners but has many friends throughout the community in which he makes his home.

FRANK N. MUNCH.  (Volume II, Page 334)

In the history of DeWitt county no name is more worthy of a place among the representative citizens than that of Frank N. Munch, who lives on a farm of one hundred and sixty acres in section 36, Creek township.  On July 26, 1864, in the county of Menard , Illinois , he was born, his parents being Nicholas and Catherine (Greenwalt) Munch, early settlers of that county, having come to America from France in 1854.  He was the sixth child in a family of seven children, and a curious and really remarkable incident concerning their births is that the oldest of the seven children is aged sixty years while the youngest one is aged forty-three.  The mother died in 1886 and is buried in Mason county, Illinois , where the family lived for a number of years.  The father is now living in Weldon.  The seven children are: Joseph; Nancy, wife of Thomas Wagner; William, of Illinois ; Emma, wife of William Crisman; Sarah, the widow of C. L. Coffman; Frank, of this review; and Mattie, the wife of A. J. Cross.

Frank N. Munch secured an education in the schools of the county, supplementing this by a three years’ course at Westfield College .  Upon his graduation he taught school for five years in Creek township, after which he took up general farming and stock-raising, handling the one hundred and sixty acres which constituted the home farm on section 36, Creek township.

Upon the 1st of September, 1887, Mr. Munch was united in marriage to Miss Stella Shuey, a daughter of the Rev. J. L. and Eliza (Kuntz) Shuey, of ArgentaIllinois.  Mrs. Munch was born in Clark county, Illinois , July 19, 1867, and is a graduate of Westfield College , having received a scholarship in music.  For several years she gave instruction in music and continued to do so until her marriage.  Her father was born in Clark county, October 2, 1844, and is now serving his third term as postmaster of the town of Argenta.  He is a veteran of the Civil war, having served throughout the entire five years of that bloody conflict in the One Hundred and Twenty-first Illinois Infantry.  Mrs. Shuey died in 1905 when sixty years of age and her remains are interred in the Cumberland cemetery, Mason county.  Mrs. Munch was the eldest of a family of four children.  Her brothers and sisters are: Myrtle, the widow of George D. N. Dunham, of Arlingo; Sherman, a contractor of Argenta; and Bruce, a barber of the same place.

To Mr. and Mrs. Munch there have been born five children, all of whom were born in Creek township.  Ada Mae, born August 28, 1888, has taught in the Nixon township schools and is now teaching in the Shiloh schools, in both of which places her father had taught in his early life.  She is an expert pianist and gives instruction in piano and is also the pianist of the Shiloh church, where she has been occupying that position for the past five years.  She is a graduate of the Millikin University of Decatur, having taken a special course there.  Gertrude M., born October 25, 1890, has taught school in Creek township for three years, the first year teaching the primary department at Lane, the other terms teaching at the Miller school in Creek township.  She is a graduate of the Westfield College , as is her sister Ada, an institution which has been attended by her grandfather and grandmother Shuey and her father, too.  Castle F. S. Munch, the third child, was born January 11, 1894, and has completed the common-school course, now attending the Weldon high school.  He aids his father on the farm during his leisure hours and in the summer.  Luella, born October 16, 1898, has just completed the course in the Creek township schools and will enter the Weldon high school in the fall of 1910.  Maurice, youngest of the children, was born August 28, 1904.

Mr. Munch holds membership in the Modern Woodmen of America and in the Court of Honor.  He has served as school director for a number of terms and is one of the progressive men of the township in educational matters.  Since early childhood both he and his wife have been members of the United Brethren church of Shiloh .  He is chorister and a trustee of the church and is a teacher of the young ladies’ Bible class.  He has also served as superintendent of the Sunday school and is an earnest church worker.  But his specialty is evangelistic work.  With his wife, who sings soprano, and Mr. and Mrs. A. J. Cross, who sing respectively tenor and alto, he tours the county and the northern portion of the state during the winter months, doing evangelistic work.  For the past twenty-three years this quartette has been the church choir of the United Brethren church at Shiloh and has participated in all sacred concerts and church benefits that have been held within a radius of many miles.  Throughout the entire county they have sung at the funerals of their friends and neighbors and they constitute an institution that is one of the best in the country.  Mr. Munch is a member of the Northern Illinois Male Quartette, of which his life-long friend and brother-in-law, A. J. Cross, is also a member.  He is eminently a self-made man and has been able, by hard work and care, to give his children the advantages of excellent educations.  A life-long prohibitionist, he resolved, with Mr. Cross, never to vote for any candidate of another party, and to work earnestly in the cause which has for its purpose the bettering of the entire human race.

LEVI R. MURPHEY.  (Volume II, Page 98)

Levi R. Murphey, well known in financial circles of this county as the cashier of the State Bank at Clinton, resides near Farmer City , where he owns a valuable and highly improved farm of two hundred and eighty acres.  His birth occurred in Frederick county, Virginia, on the 28th of December, 1847, his parents being Hiram and Grace F. (Mitchell) Murphey, who were likewise natives of the Old Dominion.  The father, who was a harness maker and saddler by trade, came to DeWitt county in 1853, locating in Mount Pleasant, now Farmer City .  During the remainder of his life he devoted his attention to general agricultural pursuits, passing away on a farm in Santa Anna township iin 1881, when he had attained the ripe old age of eighty-four years.  His wife, whom he survived for only about twelve months, was seventy-four years of age when called to her final rest.  Both were Methodists in religious faith and their lives were in consistent harmony with the teachings of that church.  Unto them were born nine children, six sons and three daughters, three of whom are yet living.  The eight children who grew to maturity were as follows: Thomas E., who is now deceased; Deborah, the deceased wife of James Hammond; William W., a resident of Farmer City, Illinois; John P., who died of illness while serving as a soldier in the Union army; Robert A., who died from the effect of wounds received in the Civil war; Mary, the deceased wife of Alexander Holmes; Fannie M., the widow of George H. Page; and Levi R., of this review.

The last named was a little lad of six years when he came to this county with his parents and was reared on a farm, attending the district schools in the acquirement of his early education.  He continued his studies in a select school at Farmer City and subsequently followed the profession of teaching for one year.  Abandoning educational work, he returned to the home farm and rented the property from his father until the latter’s demise, when he purchased the place.  Soon afterward he sold this farm of eighty acres and bought a tract of one hundred and twenty acres, to which he subsequently added forty acres, then eighty acres and still later another tract of forty acres, so that his landed holdings now embrace two hundred and eighty acres.  In addition to his farming interests he is likewise a factor in financial circles as the cashier of the State Bank of Clinton, filling that position of responsibility in a creditable and satisfactory manner.  His understanding of modern banking methods and his diligence and progressive spirit constitute him a valued factor in the successful control and promotion of this institution.

On the 2d of November, 1876, Mr. Murphey was joined in wedlock to Miss Mary M. Bracken, a native of Menard county, Illinois , and a daughter of James H. and Hannah (Johnson) Bracken.  Mr. and Mrs. Bracken were the parents of two daughters and three sons, as follows: Mary M.; Cynthia J., the wife of J. Lee Smith; William H.; Harvey; and Roy.  Our subject and his wife have two sons, Albert F. and Earl C., who still live on the home farm.

Mr. Murphey is a democrat in politics and has served his fellow townsmen in the capacity of road commissioner and also as tax collector.  In 1890 he was elected sheriff and for four years capably and fearlessly discharged the duties of that office.  Fraternally he is identified with the Knights of Pythias and the Masons, belonging to Mount Pleasant Lodge, No. 710, of the latter order.  His wife is a devoted and consistent member of the Methodist church.  They occupy a prominent position in social circles, and their home is the abode of a warm-hearted and generous hospitality which is greatly enjoyed by their many friends.

CLINTON J. NIXON.  (Volume II, Page 149)

Among the residents of DeWitt township who devote considerable attention to the breeding of stock in connection with their farming operations is Clinton J. Nixon, who makes a specialty of Duroc Jersey hogs and imported Shropshire sheep.  His home is on section 31 and in the house where he now lives he was born on the 14th of April, 1865, his parents being William and Margaret (Johnston) Nixon, of whom extended mention is made in the sketch of George G. Goble on another page of this volume.  He is next to the youngest in a family of ten children and was reared upon the home farm, pursuing his studies in the public schools of that locality.  He continued to reside with his father until his marriage, which was celebrated on the 20th of December, 1888, his wife being Miss Cora B. Wilson, also a native of DeWitt township and a daughter of William and Louise ( Bradford ) Wilson.  They have become the parents of two children, Rozella Marie and Iva Mae, both at home.

Mr. Nixon’s father gave him eighty acres of the old homestead and he purchased one hundred and twenty-six acres, for which he paid from forty to fifty-five dollars per acre, but the property is now worth one hundred and fifty dollars per acre.  Industrious, Progressive and energetic, he has met with marked success as a general farmer and breeder of stock and is today regarded as one of the substantial citizens of his community.  He is also a man of prominence, taking an active interest in public affairs and supporting the candidates of the republican party.  For two years he served as assessor of his township and is now filling the office of road commissioner for the second term.  During his incumbency in the latter position the Fullerton bridge was built at a cost of four thousand dollars and he was instrumental in saving twenty-five hundred dollars for the tax-payers.  Fraternally he is identified with DeWitt Lodge, No. 261, A. F. & A. M., and religiously both he and his wife belong to the Presbyterian church of DeWitt.  They are representatives of honored and prominent old families of this county and are themselves widely and favorably known.

IRA I. NIXON.  (Volume II, Page 260)

Among the men who have been prominently identified with both the business and agricultural interests of DeWitt county for many years and have now laid aside business cares to enjoy in well earned ease the fruits of former toil is Ira I. Nixon, a worthy representative of one of the pioneer families of this section of the state, for whom the township of Nixon was named.  He was born on the 30th of October, 1855, in Nixon township, where the family settled on coming to DeWitt county in 1845.  His father, George Nixon, was born in Crawford county, Ohio , August 16, 1826, and on coming to this state worked at the carpenter’s trade for short time and with the money thus acquired purchased a farm in Nixon township, after which he devoted the remainder of his life to agricultural pursuits.  He was married in 1853 to Miss Mary Jane Swigart, whose birth occurred near Sandusky Ohio, in 1835, her parents being Daniel and Elizabeth Swigart, who settled in DeWitt township in 1849.  Six children were born to Mr. and Mrs. George Nixon, namely: Ira I., of this review; Flora A., the wife of Benjamin Cain, of Decatur; Dwight Lincoln, also a resident of Decatur; G. W., who is now connected with the stockyards in Chicago; E. S., a resident of Kansas City, Missouri; and Idella, the wife of C. L. Antisdel, a resident of Pana, Illinois.

George Nixon started out in life for himself in very limited circumstances, but he worked industriously and lived economically and at length became the possessor of a handsome property.  Both he and his wife were devoted members of the Methodist Episcopal church, in which he held office, and they contributed liberally to the erection of the Methodist Episcopal churches at Clinton and Weldon.  The poor and needy always found in Mr. Nixon a friend, for he gave liberally of his means to all worthy objects and in many respects was a most exemplary man, never using liquor nor tobacco in any form.  In 1867 he left his farm and removed to Clinton on account of the ill health of his wife, and she died there on the 21st of April, 1869, being laid to rest in the DeWitt cemetery.  In 1870 he was again married, his second union being with Miss Lavina J. Poole, who did not long survive her husband.  His death occurred on the 25th of July, 1879, and his remains were also interred in the DeWitt cemetery.  There were no children by his second marriage.

Ira I. Nixon acquired his early education in the DeWitt schools, but he enjoyed excellent educational advantages and later attended the Wesleyan University at Bloomington and Illinois College at Jacksonville Illinois.  He remained with his father until his marriage, which was celebrated on the 26th of September, 1878, Miss Minnie Campbell becoming his wife.  She, too, is a native of DeWitt county and belongs to a very old and prominent family here.  She was born in Clinton, October 16, 1856, and is a daughter of Lewis and Philena (Argo) Campbell, of whom extended mention is made on another page of this volume.  They became the parents of one son, Lloyd Campbell Nixon, who was born on a farm in this county, February 19, 1881, and died of spinal meningitis on the 24th of January, 1899, his remains being interred in Woodlawn cemetery of Clinton .  At that time he was a high-school student at Weldon and was a bright promising boy, a very manly fellow who was loved and respected by all who knew him.  He was a faithful member of the Methodist Episcopal church and had a host of warm friends, who held him in the highest regard.  Out of the kindness of their heart Mr. and Mrs. Nixon have taken into their home a little girl, Helen Marjorie Nixon, who was born November 27, 1894, in Clinton, and has attended the Notre Dame College at Bourbonnais , Illinois , for ten years and will graduate in music in 1912.  She is a very lovable girl and finds a good home with her foster parents.

For two years after his marriage Mr. Nixon was engaged in farming but at the end of that time removed to Weldon, though he still retained possession of his farm, and was there engaged in merchandising for twelve years.  He first conducted a hardware store but afterward carried a general stock.  He next turned his attention to the grain business, which he carried on for twelve years, but in 1900 he practically laid aside all business cares and has since lived retired, although he still has supervision of his farming interests, owning two hundred and eighty acres of very valuable and productive land, known as the Hill Top Stock Farm.  It is one of the best improved places in Nixon township, where it is the only farm with a silo upon it and it also has the only elevator to be found on any farm in the county.  The place is also supplied with the latest improved machinery used in farming and in every respect the place is up-to-date.  Mr. Nixon is an extensive feeder of cattle and now employs three men to carry on his business.  He has a beautiful home in the southeastern part of Weldon, surrounded by shade trees and shrubs of his own planting.  Here he and his wife spend the summer months but the winters are mostly passed in St. PetersburgFlorida, where they have gone for the last eleven years.  They delight in travel, however, and have visited many parts of the country, including the Pacific coast, New Orleans

, Cuba

and HalifaxNova Scotia.

The republican party finds in Mr. Nixon a stanch supporter of its principles and he has filled the office of justice of the peace for four years in a most creditable and acceptable manner.  He has also served as treasurer of the township school fund for some years.  Fraternally he is connected with the Knights of Pythias and the Modern Woodmen of America, having filled many offices in the latter order.  He has also served as deputy grand chancellor of the Knights of Pythias, and his wife is a charter member of Clinton Lodge of Pythian Sisters.  During their childhood both Mr. and Mrs. Nixon united with the Methodist church and have since taken an active and prominent part in its work, having usually filled some office.  They became identified with the church at Weldon when it had but three members.  They have always been liberal contributors to its support and Mr. Nixon got out all of the timber for the original house of worship, and when it was remodeled the sills were found to be as sound as when put in place.  Mrs. Nixon was the originator of the Ideal Improvement Club of Weldon, in which she has held office for eight years, being the first president of that organization.  She is a lady of culture and refinement, who has displayed exceptionally good tastes in her elegantly furnished home, which is noted for its hospitality and good cheer, the many friends of the family always being sure of a hearty welcome within its doors.  Mr. Nixon has a fine automobile, in which he and his wife take great pleasure, and he is regarded as one of the most progressive and up-to-date citizens of the community.  They are the oldest residents save two now residing in Weldon

HARVEY R. PERSINGER.  (Volume II, Page 47)

Harvey R. Persinger, a well known agriculturist of Texas township, has won a gratifying measure of success in the conduct of his general farming interests.  His birth occurred in Shelby county, Ohio , in 1855, his parents being William M. and Eliza (Christman) Persinger, who were likewise natives of that county.  The paternal grandparents came from the east and were farming people.  The grandfather was born in 1800, while William M. Persinger, the father of our subject, first opened his eyes to the light of day in 1832.  He remained on the home farm until twenty-one years of age and then worked out for a time.  The year 1868 witnessed his arrival in DeWitt county, Illinois , and here he purchased forty acres of land.  As the years passed by and his financial resources increased, owing to his untiring industry and capable management, he added to his landed holdings by additional purchase until at the time of his death he owned three hundred and eighteen acres, all in this county with exception of eighty acres in Macon county.    His political allegiance was given to the republican party and he capably served as justice of the peace.  At the time of the Civil war he enlisted as a member of the Union army, serving for one hundred days.  His demise occurred in 1902 and was the occasion of deep and widespread regret in the community where he had resided for more than a third of a century.  His wife was called to her final rest in 1905.  Their children were five in number, as follows: Harvey R., of this review; Newton R., who is a resident of KenneyIllinois; Charles G., living in Iowa ; Leana Florence, who is the wife of L. D. Scott and makes her home in California ; and Nettie, deceased.

Harvey R. Persinger, who was a youth of thirteen years when he accompanied his parents on their removal to Illinois , obtained his education in the schools of DeWitt county.  After putting aside his text-books he assisted his father in the operation of the home farm, first working by the month and later being taken into partnership with his father.  Since the latter’s death the old homestead property in Texas township has been in possession of Mr. Persinger of this review, who recently extended its boundaries by the purchase of a tract of fifty acres adjoining.  He has brought the fields under a high state of cultivation and improvement and annually gathers rich crops which find a ready sale on the market.

In June, 1903, Mr. Persinger was united in marriage to Mrs. Ella Catlin, a daughter of William Ankrum, of Piatt county, Illinois .  Their home has been blessed with one child, Gaile, who was born in 1905.

Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise Mr. Persinger has supported the men and measures of the republican party, believing that its principles are most conducive to good government.  He has a host of warm friends throughout the community in which he resides and is widely recognized as a substantial agriculturist and respected citizen.

AUSTIN J. RICHEY.  (Volume II, Page 76)

Austin J. Richey, who has made his home in Clinton for the past fifty-eight years, here acted as justice of the peace and police magistrate for a third of a century and is widely recognized as a prominent and respected citizen.  He has now passed the eighty-first milestone on this earthly pilgrimage and is spending the evening of life in honorable retirement in his beautiful home at No. 806 West Main street .  He was born in Muskingum county, Ohio , on the 19th of February, 1829, a son of Samuel and Hannah ( Jackson) Richey.  Both were natives of Pennsylvania , the father’s birth occurring on the 13th of September, 1785.  John and Mary (Welch) Richey, the paternal grandparents were born in York county, Pennsylvania , the former on the 8th of July, 1755, and the latter on the 23d of May, 1760.  The grandfather, who was of Scotch-Irish descent, devoted his attention to farming throughout his active business career.  During the Revolutionary war he aided the colonists in their struggle for independence.  His demise occurred on he 10th of May, 1835, while his wife passed away January 6, 1835.  Their children were fourteen in number, namely: William, John, Welch, Samuel, George, Mary, Gideon, James, Nathaniel, Janet, David, Margaret, Esther and Joseph.  Thomas Jackson, the maternal grandfather of our subject, followed farming in Pennsylvania until the time of his removal to Ohio , in which state his death occurred.  His wife was Mrs. Barbara Jackson.

Samuel Richey, the father of Austin J. Richey, was a farmer by occupation.  He came to Illinois in 1868 and passed away in Clinton on the 18th of September of that year.  The demise of his wife had occurred in 1858.  They were originally identified with the Presbyterian church but later joined the Universalists.  Samuel Richey participated in the war of 1812.  Unto him and his wife were born nine children, four sons and five daughters, as follows: Matilda, Maria, Alexis J., Catherine, Susan, Samuel J., Austin J., Hannah Ann and Abel C. Thomas Richey.

Austin J. Richey was reared on a farm in his native county and began his education in a round log schoolhouse where slabs were used as seats and greased paper served for windows.  After putting aside his text-books he traveled with a theatrical company for three years, acting as leader of the orchestra.  In the fall of 1852 he came to Clinton Illinois, and for some years worked at the painter’s trade, also doing glazing and paper hanging.  Here he was elected justice of the peace and for thirty-three years held the office in connection with that of police magistrate, his fair and impartial decisions winning him “golden opinions from all sorts of people.”  Since abandoning public duties he has lived retired in the enjoyment of well earned ease.  He owns a finely improved farm of two hundred and eighty acres in Harp township, where his son resides, and also has a tract of forty acres in Clintonia township.

On the 30th of October, 1856, Mr. Richey was joined in wedlock to Miss Mary Eliza Mitchell, whose birth occurred in Clintonia township, DeWitt county, on the 23d of March, 1841, her parents being William and Fannie Lee (Cundiff) Mitchell, natives of Virginia .  Benjamin Mitchell, her paternal grandfather, was born in Virginia and served in the navy at the time of the Revolutionary war.  He owned a large plantation and a number of slaves, all of whom he set free and presented with a sum of money.  He passed away in Virginia at an advanced age.  Unto him and his wife, who bore the maiden name of Deborah Perkins, were born nine children: Isaac, William, Benjamin, Paton, Mary, Deborah, Grace, Eliza and Ann.  Benjamin Cundiff, the maternal grandfather of Mrs. Richey, was a native of England and settled in Virginia after emigrating to the United States .  He was a vessel owner.  His wife, who bore the maiden name of Alcinda McTier, lived to attain the ripe old age of more than ninety years.  Unto them were born four daughters and three sons, namely: Benjamin L., Fannie, Nancy, Elizabeth, Sallie, William and Robert.  The parents of Mrs. Richey became early settlers of DeWitt county, Illinois , William Mitchell here purchasing a farm of one hundred and sixty acres.  He made a creditable military record in the war of 1812 and also won encomiums as a public official, serving as sheriff or this county for two years.  He passed away on the home farm when about forty-five years of age, while his wife died in Clinton at the age of seventy-five.  They had eight children: John Paton, Benjamin Thomas, Lucretia, James Dunbar, Deborah Perkins, William Thornton, Leander Smith and Mary Eliza.

Mr. and Mrs. Richey became the parents of two children.  Ernest Mitchell, the first born, died in 1858 when but six months old.  Louis Norma, an agriculturist of Harp township, wedded Miss Jessie L. Trask, of Michigan , by whom he has three children: Annie Lucile, Frank Trask and Gale Lee.

In politics Mr. Richey is a stanch republican, believing firmly in the principles of the party.  His wife is a devoted member of the Presbyterian church.  He is a musician and has in his possession a violin said to be over two hundred years old.  Mrs. Richey is a woman of literary tastes, takes great interest in educational matters and belongs to the Women’s Club.  On her mother’s side she is related to the family of General Robert E. Lee of Virginia .  Mr. and Mrs. Richey are people of culture and refinement and their home is a favorite resort with many friends.

W. EDWARD SCHOBY.  (Volume II, Page 366)

Of the several families that have played quite an important part in the development of Dewitt county none have been of more consequence than the Schobys.  Kenneth Schoby, head of the family in this portion of the country, came to DeWitt county in 1868, through he had lived for fourteen years prior to this in Mason county, Illinois .  He and his good wife, Maria Margaret (Boyer) Schoby, who survives him, reared a family of six children, two children having died in infancy.

The Schobys located in Texas township on coming to Dewitt county, establishing their home on a farm about a mile and three quarters west of what is now Ospur station.  Here they reared their family, all of whom have since married.  The descendants of Kenneth and Maria Schoby have married into some of the oldest families of the county and the family connection is now a large one.  Edward married Mary E. Stoutenborough, a daughter of Garrett Stoutenborough, one of the earlier settlers of the county and also one of its wealthiest citizens.  John D. wedded Jennie Todd, a daughter of James S. Todd, of Kenney.

Kenneth Schoby, the founder of the family in DeWitt county, was born in Miami county, Ohio , August 17, 1830, and was a son of William and Margaret Schoby, both of whom removed to Ohio from New Jersey , where their forefathers had settled several generations before on coming from Scotland .  His early youth was spent on his father’s farm.  He was the youngest of a family of nine children, al of whom are now deceased: Nancy, the wife of Thomas Jones; Mary Ann, the wife of Joseph Mott; Charles; Harriet; Lydia, the wife of William Vandervere; Sarah, the wife of Nathan Deaton; and Elizabeth, the wife of Joseph McAllister.  All save Elizabeth lived and died in Ohio , but she passed away in Champaign Illinois.  William, also of Ohio , was the next to the youngest of the family.

On February 5, 1851, Kenneth Schoby married Maria Margaret Boyer, a daughter of Alexander and Catherine (Fellers) Boyer, who were residents of FincastleVirginia, at the time of the birth of their children.  The father died after the birth of his second child, the elder being Ellen, who was the wife of Howard Helvey of Ohio .

Three years after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Schoby came west, settling first in Mason county, Illinois , and later coming to DeWitt, as previously related.  Here Mr. Schoby set diligently to work improving his farm which reached a high state of cultivation under his care.  He reared his family of six children giving each a good education in the public schools of Texas township.  His death occurred November 14, 1901.

The children and grandchildren of Mr. and Mrs. Schoby form a family of considerable size.  Alvazera Bell, the eldest, is the wife of Mason Cadwalader.  They make their home on the old Schoby homestead, where the mother still lives.  They have no children.  Sarah Elizabeth and Edmund died in their infancy.

W. Edward Schoby married Miss Mary E. Stoutenborough, and they make their home on a splendid farm which lies near Rowell station, DeWitt county.  Their children are: Margaret, the wife of Harry Hall of Tunbridge township; and Charles W. and Aldora, both living at home with their parents.

Mary Catherine married Uriah James and they live in Clinton.  They have the following children: Edna, who is the wife of Lloyd Phares, living near Clinton, and has one daughter, Barbara; and Hazel.  James Franklin Schoby married Margaret Garbrant and they live in AlgonaIowa.  They are the parents of seven children: Walter K., Chester R., Nellie Gertrude, Howard, Fred, Hubert and Robert.

Andrew J. Schoby married Miss Phoebe Morris and lives in RochesterMinnesota.  They have a family of three children: Paul, Mildred Maria and Lula.

John D. Schoby, a twin brother of Andrew J., married Miss Jennie Todd, a daughter of James S. and Rachel (Cooper) Todd and granddaughter of James Todd, who fought throughout the war of 1812 as an ensign.  The children of John D. Schoby and wife are: Roy M. and Kenneth Spencer.  Both live with their parents in Kenney, where the father conducts the Pythian Hotel.

W. Edward Schoby, from whose records the data for this genealogy was secured, is one of the best farmers in the county.  His farm of over two hundred acres near Rowell station, together with another tract of one hundred acres southwest of his home, shows, in appearance and productiveness, his ability in that particular line.  He is a member of no organizations, contenting himself with his home life.

P. M. SMALLWOOD.  (Volume II, Page 173)

One of the men of DeWitt county who has made a name for himself, not only by application to his own private business affairs but also by reason of his excellent handling of matters affecting the entire state, is P. M. Smallwood living upon his farm on section 10, Nixon township.  He was one of the supervisors of the one hundred thousand dollar drainage system installed in this county, the largest system of its kind ever undertaken.  He is now a member of the central committee of which he has been a member for the past ten years.

P. M. Smallwood was born in Creek township, DeWitt county, October 5, 1857, a son of the late P. M. and Elizabeth (Martin) Smallwood, pioneer settlers of the county.  His father was born in Virginia in 1820 and passed away twenty years ago at his home here.  He had come to Illinois when twelve years of age with his parents, who settled in Decatur and were farming people.  He also followed that occupation, his first efforts being near Decatur.  It was in 1858 that he moved his family to DeWitt county.  His wife, who was born in Ohio in 1830, died five years before he passed away.  This couple were the parents of eight children, six of whom are at present alive.  P. M. Smallwood, of this review, is the third of the family.  His brothers and sisters are: Deborah, wife of H. C. Spainhour, of Lane, DeWitt county; Anna, the wife of John Simpson of Lane, DeWitt county; Margaret, wife of Ezra Smith of Cerro Gordo, Illinois; Eliza, wife of E. David Parkhurst of Oklahoma City; and Samuel of Kansas.

Mr. Smallwood received his education at the common schools and the high school of Valparaiso , Indiana , and attended the Normal University at NormalIllinois.  For a time after leaving the latter institution he taught school at Farmer City and in the Smallwood school in Creek township.  Then he decided to take up farming and rented a farm in this county.  For seven years he engaged in farming upon rented land and then bought a forty acre tract in Nixon township, which is at present his home place.  In addition to cultivating his own farm Mr. Smallwood also operates two hundred acres of land lying across the road from his own farm.  He has built a very comfortable cottage and otherwise improved his place and it forms one of the best farms of the township.

A democrat in politics, Mr. Smallwood has served his county and township in a number of capacities, always to the best of his ability and always to the entire satisfaction of his constituents who have shown their appreciation by maintaining him in offices of various kinds for many years.  He has served as supervisor, tax collector, school director and is at present a member of the town board of supervisors, a position he has held for the past ten years.  But it is in connection with the one hundred thousand dollar drainage system, the greatest of its kind ever installed, that he has shown his worth as a public official in DeWitt county.

On February 22, 1885, Mr. Smallwood was united in marriage to Miss Laura Summers, a daughter of Harrison and Rachel (Morrow) Summers.  Mrs. Smallwood was born in Bloomington Illinois, July 14, 1857.  Her parents were from Ohio but came to this state quite early in life.  To this union were born four children, all natives of this county.  R. D., born July 23, 1886, married Ada Goble and they live in this county.  Hank, born March 8, 1888, lives at home with his parents.  Ray, born June 20, 1890, is at present a student of the Decatur School of Music, where she studies vocal and instrumental music, being among those who will graduate next year.  She is exceptionally gifted along this line and already is engaged in the work of instructing a class of pupils.  Vernon, born December 15, 1895, is at home.

It is owing entirely to his ability as a practical man of affairs, coupled with a splendid education which he acquired through his own efforts, that Mr. Smallwood has achieved the success which has come to him.  To his wife, who is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, he owes no little of his success in life, as she has ably assisted and counseled him in all his ventures.  Rated as one of the best-read men of the county, he is also regarded as one of the most honest, a record which he has won by steadfastly pursuing the course of work which he may have in hand.  Thoroughly conversant with the duties of a good citizen, he has so conducted his life as to win the approval of all with whom he has come in contact.

DANIEL B. STIVERS.  (Volume II, Page 180)

Daniel B. Stivers, who devotes his attention to the pursuits of farming and stock raising, cultivates three hundred and thirty-five acres of land in Texas township, ninety acres of which he owns.  His birth occurred in Kentucky , August 14, 1849, his parents being William and Elizabeth (Rasner) Stivers, who were likewise natives of that state.  The father, whose natal year was 1822, spent his entire life in Kentucky and was a farmer and carpenter by occupation.  During the period of the Civil war he was employed by the government as a wagon maker.  His demise occurred in the year 1895, while his wife, who was born about 1823, was called to her final rest in 1867.  They were the parents of three sons and a daughter, namely: Daniel B., of this review; Mary M., the wife of Thomas J. Petticord, of Clark county, Kentucky; William D., who wedded Miss Anna Fielder and resides in the state of Washington; and Joseph B., now living in the northwest, who served in the regular army for twenty-five years.

Daniel B. Stivers obtained his education in the schools of his native state and there remained until eighteen years of age, when he removed to Bloomington, McLean county, Illinois, where he was identified with general agricultural pursuits for five or six years.  In 1873 he came to Dewitt county and here first secured employment as a farm hand but later he at length accumulated sufficient capital to enable him to purchase a farm of his own and came into possession of a tract of ninety acres in Texas township.  He likewise rents two hundred and forty-five acres adjoining and thus operates a farm of three hundred and thirty-five acres.  In addition to the cultivation of general crops he has engaged extensively in the raising of stock, obtaining from both a gratifying income.

In 1883 Mr. Stivers was united in marriage to Miss Minnie Querfeldt, a daughter of Henry and Christina Querfeldt, both of whom were natives of Germany .  They crossed the Atlantic to the United States in an early day and took up their abode in Illinois .  Mr. and Mrs. Stivers have two sons: Charles H., who was born in 1884; and Walter D., whose birth occurred in 1892.

In politics Mr. Stivers is a Republican and at one time he capably served his fellow townsmen in the position of assessor.  He is a devoted member of the Christian church and is likewise a worthy exemplar of the Masonic fraternity, belonging to lodge No. 84 at Clinton.  The period of his residence in Dewitt county covers almost four decades and the sterling traits of his character are well known to his fellow townsmen, the great majority of whom number him as a friend.

M. K. SUMMERS.  (Volume II, Page 330)

M. K. Summers, who is the owner of one of the finest homes in Weldon, has spent his entire life in DeWitt county, his birth occurring here, November 9, 1873.  His parents are William H. and Rachel (Morrow) Summers, the former also a native of DeWitt county, born February 14, 1833, and the latter a native of Indiana , born August 23, 1834.  At an early day his paternal grandfather came to Illinois and settled in Sangamon county.  His father was a plasterer and brick-mason by trade, but devoted considerable attention to farming, which he continued to carry on until 1907, since which time he has now lived retired.  For twenty-two years he has made his home in Weldon and for about the same length f time was previously a resident of Bloomington Illinois.  In politics he is an ardent democrat.  His family consisted of seven children, of whom four are still living, namely: Laura, who was born June 14, 1857, and is not the wife of P. M. Smallwood of DeWitt county; Nellie, who was born March 27, 1865, and lives in Decatur; Elmer F., who was born June 22, 1869, and is also a resident of that city; and M. K., of this review.

M. K. Summers obtained the greater part of his education in the schools of Weldon and after putting aside his text-books learned the brick-mason’s trade with his father and has since engaged in brick-laying, plastering and concrete work, having for the past fourteen years been one of the leading contractors in that line in Weldon.  He has also done some carpenter work, his own fine residence being a worthy example of his art.  This elegant frame residence, erected in 1909-10, upon a portion of his father’s property in Maple street , in the eastern part of the town, is modern and up-to-date in all respects.  The downstairs is finished throughout in oak, while the rooms upstairs are in hard pine, and the place is worth about seven thousand dollars.  Mr. Summers himself did the greater part of the work upon the place, which is not only a beautiful residence but is surrounded by a lovely lawn and fine shade trees.

On the 6th of June, 1899, Mr. Summers was united in marriage to Miss Ella Gertrude Roberts, who was also born in DeWitt county, June 1, 1877, a daughter of Addison and flora Rachel (Day) Roberts.  She had four uncles who participated in the Civil war, two on her father’s side and two on her mother’s: Tenbrook Roberts, now deceased; William Roberts, a resident of Lane Illinois; Daniel Day, who died in Kansas in 1904; and Philip Day, a resident of Weldon.  Mr. Summers also had three uncles who fought for the Union cause: L. Summers, who was  a member of an Illinois regiment but now lives in California ; George Summers, who still makes his home in DeWitt county; and Miles Summers, who died shortly after the close of the war.  Addison Roberts, the father of Mrs. Summers, was born in DeWitt county, May 16, 1847. 

JAMES SWAN.  (Volume II, Page 208)

James Swan, who follows farming in Waynesville township, is numbered among the substantial citizens of his section of DeWitt county.  He was born in Liverpool, England, August 29, 1870, and is a son of John and Mary Elizabeth (Bates) Swan, the former born in Glasgow, Scotland, in 1831, and the latter in England in 1848.  The grandparents on the paternal side were Malcom and Annie (Graham) Swan, both natives of Scotland, in whose family were nine sons and one daughter, all of whom, with the exception of one son and one daughter, emigrated to America.

It was in Liverpool that John Swan wedded Miss Bates, their marriage being celebrated about 1867, and while residing in that city four children were added to the household.  They emigrated to the new world in 1875, at once locating in Waynesville, Illinois.  After coming here, two more children were born, the family record being as follows: Emma was born in February, 1869, in Liverpool, and became the wife of Conover Ryker, of Indiana, her death occurring in Missouri in 1898.  She left two sons and three daughters.  The second in order of birth is James, the subject of this review.  Annie Elizabeth, who was born in Liverpool in 1872, is the wife of Newton Bolin, who formerly resided in this state but is now a resident of Iowa.  They have one son and two daughters.  Mary Ellen, who was born in Liverpool in 1874, became the wife of John Murphy, of Lincoln, Illinois, and died in Chicago in the fall of 1908.  She had one son and one daughter.  Alexander G., who was born in Illinois in 1876, was married in 1904 to Miss Florence Adair, of Waynesville, and their home is now in Clinton, this county.  Their family numbers one son and two daughters.  Sarah, who was born in Illinois in 1878, married Riece Yates of Tennessee, and they now make their home in Wapella township, DeWitt county, their family numbering three sons.  The father of this family, John Swan, was not long permitted to enjoy his home in the new country, for his death occurred in 1881, but the mother sill survives.

James Swan, the eldest son and the second in order of birth, was a little lad of five years when the parents set sail for the new world, and the trip across the Atlantic was filled with interest and excitement for him.  At the usual age he began his education in the schools of Barnett township and was reared to the occupation of farming, which has continued to be his work to the present time.  He now rents a tract of one hundred and seventy-six acres in Waynesville township and is classed among the substantial and trustworthy citizens of his section of DeWitt county.

In 1894 Mr. Swan was married in Clinton, Illinois, to Miss Sarah Viola Adair, a daughter of James and Jane (Barr) Adair, natives of Pennsylvania and Illinois respectively, in whose family were four sons and ten daughters.  The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Swan has been blessed with three sons and two daughters, as follows: Arthur E., who was born December 14, 1895; Hugh G., whose birth occurred November 25, 1898; Esther E., who was born June 16, 1901; Lawrence, who was born July 3, 1903, and died in April 1904; and Blanche M., who was born on Christmas day of 1904.  All the children are still with their parents.

In politics Mr. Swan is a democrat, having supported its principles since age conferred upon him the right of franchise.  Through the cultivation of the soil he provides a good living for himself and family and is considered a man worthy [of] the respect and esteem which he receives.

WALTER M. TAYLOR.  (Volume II, Page 50)

The name of Taylor has long stood as a synonym for activity, enterprise and integrity in commercial circles in Clinton.  Walter M. Taylor is now engaged in the conduct of a business established by his grandfather and afterward carried on by his father and his record is in harmony with that which has always been associated with the family name.  The Taylors are of English descent, the line being traced back to Edward Taylor who came from London, England, in 1692 and settled in New Jersey at a place called Garret’s Hill which in later years became Pigeon Hill.  It is a prominent landmark seen from all parts of the lower harbor of New York.  More extended mention of the family and its connections is made on another page of this volume, in the history of William H. Taylor, the father of Walter M. Taylor.  The latter was born in Clinton, September 27, 1865.  He has spent his entire life in this city with the exception of a brief period of three years passed in Mexico.  At the usual age he entered the public schools wherein he pursued his studies.  He was graduated from the high school in the class of 1884.  He afterward spent three years in the gold and silver mines of Mexico and then returned to Clinton where he took up railroading.  In a wreck he sustained an injury to his spine that rendered him a cripple, and after he had partially recovered, he and his father purchased the business which had been established by his grandfather.  It was carried on by his uncle Fletcher Taylor.  Three or four years later Walter M. Taylor purchased his father’s interest and has since conducted the business alone, dealing extensively in general building materials and coal and also conducting a jobbing business in cigars and tobacco.

On the 2nd of September, 1897, Mr. Taylor was united in marriage to Miss Cora Robinson, a daughter of Richard W. and Minnie (Rawlings) Robinson.  The children of that marriage are: Lucy Eileen, and Minnie Elwin.  Mrs. Taylor’s father was a native of New York and the mother of Illinois.  The latter is still living but the father passed away in 1893.  In 1819 the maternal grandfather of Mrs. Taylor came to Illinois from Kentucky where he had been a slaveholder and owner of a plantation.  Mr. and Mrs. Taylor are faithful members of the Methodist church and take a helpful interest in all of its activities.

Mr. Taylor is now serving as president of the board of trustees and belongs to DeWitt Lodge, No. 84, A. F. & A. M.; Goodbrake Chapter, No. 59, R. A. M.; Clinton Council, No. 74, R. & S. M.; Clinton Commandery, No. 66, K. T.; and Mohammed Temple, N. M. S., of Peoria.  Politically he is a republican, but while he keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day, he does not seek nor desire office, preferring to concentrate his energies upon business affairs, in the conduct of which he has displayed an aptitude for successful management.  He and his family reside at No. 319 North Monroe street in the house where Mrs. Taylor was born and in which the mother became a bride.  The family are prominent in the social circles of the city, the hospitality of the best homes in Clinton being cordially extended them.

WILLIAM H. TAYLOR.  (Volume II, Page 128)

William H. Taylor, for many years one of the prominent and honored residents of Clinton who in the face of difficulties won success and yet to whose name there was never attached the slightest taint of dishonor, passed from this life in 1905.  He was at that time sixty-nine years of age, his birth having occurred in Muskingum county, Ohio, June 4, 1836.  The Taylor family is of English origin and the ancestry is traced back to Edward Taylor who came from London to America in 1692 and settled in New Jersey at a place called Garret’s Hill but in later years known as Pigeon Hill.  This place is a prominent landmark and can be seen from all parts of the lower harbor of New York.  The Taylor family was related by marriage to Sir George Carteret, proprietor of East New Jersey, and through him the Taylors acquired large landed estates in Monmouth and Somerset counties, New Jersey.

Henry Taylor, the father of William H. Taylor, was a native of Delaware and a second cousin of Zachary Taylor who was elected president of the United States after having rendered a brilliant service to the country in the commanding of the American forces in Louisiana and Texas and in the Mexican war, after which he proceeded southward into Mexico and there defeated Santa Anna in the crowning battle of his campaign at Buena Vista.

Henry Taylor devoted much of his life to merchandising.  He removed from Delaware to Somerset county, Ohio, there living until 1853, when he came to Illinois, settling in Clinton, which was then a small town of little industrial or commercial importance.  He joined George Bell and Henry Litzembarger [Litzenberger] in purchasing the ground upon which the Magill House now stands and there erected a two-story frame building in which he opened a general store.  In 1857 the building and its contents were destroyed by fire but later he again became a factor in commercial circles in connection with his sons and they continued in business until the panic of 1873 when, like hundreds of others, they were overcome by financial reverses.  Thus for a second time Henry Taylor lost all he had.  Soon afterward he opened a coal business at the corner where his grandson, Walter M. Taylor, is now continuing in the same line of business.  His son, Fletcher Taylor, was associated with him for some time and afterward succeeded to the business which he conducted until he sold out to the firm of William H. Taylor & Son.  Henry Taylor continued a resident of Clinton from the time of his arrival here in 1853 until his death in 1891.  He was at that time seventy-seven years of age and his wife passed away in 1898 at the age of eighty years.

The youthful days of William H. Taylor were passed in the place of his nativity up to the age of seventeen years during which period he acquired his education in the public schools.  In 1853 he came to Illinois with his parents Henry and Mary (Miller) Taylor, who settled in Clinton.  As previously stated, his father established a store and William H. Taylor assisted him in its conduct until 1857.  He afterward opened a shoe store in the rear of his father’s store.  After the building was burned he became a partner of a Mr. Toury in the same business and so continued until 1861 when his patriotic spirit prompted him to put aside all business and personal considerations and he offered his services to the government, enlisting as a member of Company F, Forty-first Illinois Volunteer Infantry.  The following year he made second lieutenant, six months later he became first lieutenant and was afterward promoted to the rank of adjutant.  His military experience covered three years and one month, during which time he participated in a number of hotly contested battles and met all of the hardships and rigors of war.  Following his return from the army he again became connected with merchandising in Clinton, carrying on the business until 1872 when he again lost all of his property but paid all of his obligations at the rate of one hundred cents on the dollar.  He then sought and obtained a position as traveling salesman for a wholesale grocery house and from that time until his death remained continuously upon the road, covering a period of about twenty-three years.  In the meantime he again prospered for as opportunity offered he made investments in property and became the owner of considerable valuable real estate which included the Magill House, worth about fifty thousand dollars, his residence on Main street, and also valuable holdings on East Washington street.  When he went upon the road he possessed an indebtedness of ten thousand dollars with a salary of but thirty dollars per month.  With a resolute spirit that was most commendable and with an unflinching honor that has ever been unassailable, he resolved that he would meet every obligation and each year saw a larger portion of his indebtedness wiped out until he stood clear of all encumbrance and ready again to take up the work of building up his own fortune.  This he did until at his death his estate was valued at about one hundred thousand dollars.

Mr. Taylor was united in marriage to Miss Lucy Merrell, a native of Ohio and a daughter of James Merrell, who was likewise born in the Buckeye state and after arriving at years of maturity wedded a Miss Baker.  At an early day they removed westward to Clinton where Mr. Merrell became the owner of considerable property but lived retired from the active management of his business affairs.  Soon afterward he and his wife removed to Champaign, Illinois, where they both passed away at an advanced age.  Their children were: Frank, Lucy, Lucinda and Kate.  Of these, Lucy became the wife of William H. Taylor and the mother of three children, but only one is now living, Walter M. Taylor, a well known business man of Clinton.  The others died in childhood.  Mrs. Lucy Taylor passed away in 1872 at the age of thirty-four years and in 1874 Mr. Taylor was again married, his second union being with Miss Jennie Rennick, who survives him.  They became the parents of three children: Nellie, who was the wife of Dr. C. S. Bogardus, died in 1901 at the age of twenty-five years; William, who was connected with the United States Army in the Philippines; and Edward M., an employee of the Illinois Central Railroad Company, living at Clinton.

Mr. Taylor was one of the devoted and prominent members of the Methodist church, doing all in his power to promote its growth and extend its influence.  He gave liberally to its support and took great pleasure in its prosperity and progress.  He held membership in Frank Lowry Post, Grand Army of the Republic, and for half a century was an exemplary member of the Masonic fraternity.  He held the most important offices in the church and in the lodge with which he was connected, but he never sought or desired political preferment although he gave earnest support at the polls to the republican party.  Few men were as widely known in central Illinois and none were held in more favorable regard.  He was recognized as a strong man—strong in his honor and good name, strong in his ability to plan and perform.  He possessed a genial, social nature that made him popular and the strength of character and his high ideals were manifest in the honorable course which he pursued following his failure in meeting every obligation that devolved upon him.  No man suffered loss at his hands and his commercial integrity as well as his private honor remained unsullied throughout the years of an active and useful career.

GEORGE H. THORP.  (Volume II, Page 51)

George H. Thorp is closely identified with the financial interests of Wapella township as cashier of the Wapella Bank and in this capacity has gained a reputation throughout the community for keen business discernment and strict integrity.  He was born in Wilson township, DeWitt county, but was reared on a farm in Harp township, this county.  The period of his boyhood and youth was passed in much the usual manner of farm lads, his time being spent in the work of the fields during the spring and summer months, while the winter seasons were devoted to study in the district schools.  He was graduated from the Evergreen City Business College in 1884.  After reaching mature years, in 1884, he came to Wapella and for twenty years was engaged in mercantile pursuits, meeting with very gratifying success in this undertaking.

On the 1st of January, 1899, with George K. Ingraham and Richard Snell, Mr. Thorp organized the Wapella Bank, with a capital stock of five thousand dollars and surplus of five thousand dollars, the stockholders representing some of the best known and wealthiest citizens of the county.  From the time of its organization Mr. Thorp has acted as cashier and is proving himself a most capable official.  The business has increased in volume and importance, the deposits now amounting to one hundred and fifty-seven thousand dollars, while every accommodation and convenience consistent with safe and legitimate banking is offered to its customers.  The bank building is a neat brick structure.  In addition to owning a third interest in the bank, Mr. Thorp also owns a farm of four hundred and fifteen acres, located in Harp township, three miles from Wapella.  He resides on his farm and superintends the farm work, in which he is equally successful.

Mr. Thorp was married to Miss Anna M. Walker, a native of Harp township, and they have seven children, Dwight, Walker, Esther, Howard, Clyde, Loretta and Elizabeth.  The eldest son, Dwight, is assistant cashier in the bank.

A man of strong temperance principles, Mr. Thorp casts his ballot in support of the prohibition party, while his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Methodist Protestant church.  A man of exemplary habits and strict integrity, his influence carries weight in the community, and the success which he has gained in the business world classes him with the representative citizens of DeWitt county, whose people are proud to call him their own.

JOHN W. TURNER.  (Volume II, Page 67)

John W. Turner has throughout the years of his active business life engaged in farming and still follows that pursuit although he now lives in Farmer City, where he owns and occupies a fine residence on John street.  A native of DeWitt county, he was born in Rutledge township on the 16th of October, 1863, his parents being Dennis and Martha K. (Rutledge) Turner, and it was for his maternal grandfather, William J. Rutledge, that the township was named.  His father was born in Vermont, but the birth of his mother occurred in Illinois, and in this state they continued to make their home until called to their final rest.  Our subject has two brothers and two sisters and also a half-brother still living, all of whom are residents of Illinois.

In his native township John W. Turner passed the days of his boyhood and youth, receiving a good practical education, and he remained with his father until he attained his majority, after which he purchased a farm in Rutledge township and still owns one hundred and twenty acres of very fine farming land.  He has always engaged in general farming and continued to reside upon his property until September 2, 1908, when he removed to Farmer City.

On the 4th of December, 1886, Mr. Turner was united in marriage to Miss Belle Dolly, who was also born in Rutledge township in 1867, a daughter of George W. and Deniza (Vance) Dolly.  Her parents were both natives of West Virginia and on coming to Illinois is 1855 settled in McLean county, where the father engaged in farming for many years, but is now living retired in LeRoy.  They are the parents of nine children, eight of whom are still living.  Six children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Turner, namely: Wilbur Charles, who was born November 20, 1887, and died May 6, 1891; Blanche, born February 15, 1890; Ruth, born July 10, 1892; May, born May 18, 1897; Vernelle, born September 2, 1899; and one born March 19, 1904, who died unnamed.

In his social relations Mr. Turner is an Odd Fellow and a member of the Modern Woodmen of America and the Knights of Pythias.  His political support is given the men and measures of the republican party and he has been called upon to fill various township offices, including those of assessor, clerk and school director, the duties of which he has most capably and satisfactorily discharged.

JOHN C. VANCE.  (Volume II, Page 201)

The farming and stock-raising interests of DeWitt county find a worthy representative in John Curtis Vance, who now makes a specialty of the breeding of high-grade Percheron horses, his home being on section 14, Rutledge township.  He was born in this township on the 17th of May, 1863, a son of George W. and Sarah A. (Arbogast) Vance.  The father was a native of West Virginia and was only a small boy when the family removed to Vermilion county, Illinois, where his father, John Vance, was subsequently killed.  About the time George W. Vance attained his majority the family removed to DeWitt county, settling in Rutledge township, where he married Miss Sarah A. Arbogast, a native of this county and a daughter of Peter Arbogast.  Prior to his marriage he had worked at farm labor by the month but had already purchased a tract of eighty acres in Rutledge township, upon which he and his young wife began their domestic life.  A few years later he sold that place and bought one hundred and sixty acres of raw land where our subject now resides and whereon he continued to make his home until about seven years before his death, when he retired from active labor and removed to Farmer City.  In politics he was independent and though a believer in the Christian religion was not a member of any church.  He died in Farmer City, June 22, 1908.  Unto him and his wife were born six children, of whom five reached years of maturity, John C. being the oldest.  Charles now lives in Farmer City, Lura is the wife of Henry W. Bailey, whose home is near DeWitt.  Cora is the wife of James G. Watson, living near Wapella.  Nettie May makes her home with her mother in Farmer City.

During his minority John C. Vance remained at home with his father, early acquiring an excellent knowledge of all the duties which fall to the lot of the agriculturist.  In the meantime he also obtained a fair common-school education and continued to work for his father until twenty-one years of age.  He then began farming on his own account upon his father’s land and in 1892 purchased an eighty-acre tract, for which he paid fifty dollars per acre.  Not long after this he added to his property another eighty acres at sixty-five dollars an acre, now worth two hundred dollars, and has since extended the boundaries of his farm until he has four hundred acres of very valuable and well improved land.  All of the buildings upon the place have been erected either by his father or himself.  In 1908 he bought a pure bred Percheron horse and has since given considerable attention to the breeding of those animals.  He is a wide-awake, energetic business man and in his farming and stock-raising interests is meeting with excellent success.

On the 18th of February, 1886, Mr. Vance was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Susan Tingler, of Rutledge township, who was born in West Virginia, and by her marriage has become the mother of five children, one of whom died in infancy.  The others are Clara Belle, Bert, Mary A., and Frank.

In religious faith the parents are United Brethren, holding membership in what is known as Prairie Chapel, and their lives are in consistent harmony with their professions.  By his ballot Mr. Vance usually supports the men and measures of the democratic party but has never been a politician in the sense of office seeking, preferring to give his undivided attention to his business interests, which have always been most capably managed.

JOSEPH M. VANCE.  (Volume II, Page 225)

Joseph M. Vance, a wide-awake and progressive farmer and stock dealer of Rutledge township, his home being on section 22, was born on the same section, February 12, 1858.  His parents, Lemuel and Mahala (Idelman) Vance, were both natives of Pendleton county, West Virginia, where they grew to maturity, were educated and later married.  They continued to reside in their native county until after the birth of all but two of their children, but in 1857 migrated to Illinois and settled in DeWitt county.  A year or two later the father purchased eighty acres of land on which our subject now resides, it being wild and unimproved at that time, and he erected thereon a small farmhouse, in which the family lived for some years, but later a more pretentious dwelling was built.  The first home was torn down by our subject in 1905.  In his political affiliations the father was a democrat and his fellow citizens, recognizing his worth and ability, called upon him to serve in the offices of treasurer, collector and school director.  He died in 1894 and his wife, who survived him for only two years, passed away in 1896.

In the family of this worthy couple were nine children, namely: Mary, who became the wife of Henry Wood and now lives near Corwin in Hancock county; Virginia, who died unmarried; Jane A., who lives on the old home farm; John W., who makes his home in McLean county, Illinois; Rebecca F. and Victoria, twins, the former of whom died unmarried and the latter of whom is now the wife of William Slaten and lives with her sister, Jane A.; Sarah, who died early in life; Joseph M., of this review; and Avalena, the wife of Frank Gardner.

Reared upon the home farm, Joseph M. Vance attended the local schools, where he pursued his studies until he had acquired a good practical education, and through the assistance which he rendered his father in carrying on the home place, gained an excellent knowledge of agricultural pursuits.  At the age of twenty-three he began farming upon his own account upon rented land.  On the 28th of December, 1881, in Rutland [Rutledge] township, he married Miss Deniza A. Harper, who was born in that township, December 8, 1863, and they now have one child, Garnette, born April 28, 1896.

One year after his marriage Mr. Vance built a residence upon his father’s farm and took charge of the property.  He inherited forty acres from his father’s estate worth about twenty-five dollars an acre, and having purchased the interests of the other heirs, he now owns eighty acres of the old homestead, besides a forty acre tract which previously belonged to his wife’s people.  He has tiled the land and placed it under a high state of cultivation and his erected thereon good and substantial buildings, which stand as monuments to his thrift and enterprise.  He is a progressive and up-to-date farmer, devoting considerable attention to the raising and feeding of stock, which is proving a profitable adjunct to his business.  In his social relations he is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at Parnell, and both he and his wife are connected with the Daughters of Rebekah.  By his ballot he supports the democratic party and though he has served as township clerk for three years, he has never sought official preferment.  He is, however, a public-spirited citizen, who takes a commendable interest in the welfare of his township, county, state and nation.

J. HOWARD VANCE.  (Volume II, Page 241)

J. Howard Vance has throughout his active business career been identified with agricultural pursuits and now owns a well improved and valuable farm of one hundred and forty acres on sections 19, 20 and 21, Rutledge township.  A native of Illinois, his birth occurred in Empire township, McLean county, June 3, 1868, his parents being Sylvanus and Lydia A. (Simpson) Vance.  The father was born in Pendleton county, West Virginia, and was about fifteen years of age when brought to Illinois by his father, who settled on section 20, Rutledge township, DeWitt county, where Sylvanus Vance grew to manhood.  His wife was born near Ruckersville, Virginia, and came to this state with an uncle when about eighteen years of age.  Soon after their marriage they removed to McLean county, where the father became the owner of one hundred and sixty acres and continued to engage in its cultivation and improvement until about one year prior to his death, when he removed to LeRoy, dying there August 29, 1904.  His wife passed away on the 24th of December, 1901.  They were the parents of three children, of whom J. Howard is the eldest.  Minnie B. now makes her home in Le Roy, and Edgar L., who married Elsie B. Brown, lives at Farmer, South Dakota, where he is engaged in agricultural pursuits.

Like most farmer boys, J. Howard Vance pursued his studies in the district schools near his home and by assisting in the work of the farm early gained a good knowledge of agricultural pursuits.  Choosing the occupation to which he had been reared as his life work, at the age of twenty years he entered the employ of others, where he worked at farm labor by the month.  Living economically and saving his wages, he was at length able to engage in farming on his own account, renting land of his father for four years.  In 1902 he was able to buy one hundred acres, for which he paid a hundred and ten dollars per acre, and is now the owner of a hundred and forty acres of as well improved and valuable land as is to be found in Rutledge township.  In the cultivation of his place he has met with success and is regarded as one of the leading farmers of the community.

On the 6th of February, 1898, in Rutledge township, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Vance and Miss Nora E. Story, a native of this township, and they have become the parents of four children, but French died in infancy.  Those still living are Guy V., Ola A. and Edra S.

Mr. Vance affiliates with the democratic party and on that ticket has been elected to local offices, serving as highway commissioner and as school trustee.  During his incumbency in the former office an iron bridge was erected in the township.  He is connected with LeRoy Lodge, No. 149, I. O. O. F., and both he and his wife are members of the Daughters of Rebekah.  In religious faith they are United Brethren, holding membership in Prairie Chapel, of which Mr. Vance is a trustee.  Widely and favorably known, they have a host of warm friends throughout the county, who are always sure of hospitable welcome at their home.

JOSEPH WATSON.  (Volume II, Page 68)

Joseph Watson, one of the representative farmers and honored citizens of DeWitt county, living on section 23, Creek township, was born in this county on the 1st of November, 1864, his parents being James and Mary Ann (Armstrong) Watson.  The father was born in Cumberland, England, February 1, 1830, and came to the new world in 1860, making his home thereafter in DeWitt county, where he passed away November 15, 1904, being laid to rest in Rose cemetery of Lane.  The mother died when our subject was only a year old and only two of their four children are now living, the elder being Anna, the widow of Frank Bennett, of Lane.  John and William Armstrong, the mother’s brothers, were both soldiers of the Civil war and the former is still a resident of Normal, Illinois.

Joseph Watson attended the public schools of this county and continued to live with his father until the latter’s death.  For the past thirty-two years he has resided upon his present farm, consisting of one hundred and sixty acres on section 23, Creek township, belonging to the Warner estate.  Here he follows general farming with marked success and is a man highly honored and esteemed throughout the community.

On the 11th of December, 1886, he was united in marriage to Miss Cansetta Thompson, who was also born in this county in 1868, a daughter of Hugh Thompson.  She died before they had been married a year and was buried in the Lisenby cemetery.  Mr. Watson was again married December 9, 1889, his second union being with Miss Hattie Elsbury, whose birth occurred in DeWitt county, October 22, 1868.  Her parents, John and Eve Elizabeth (Hull) Elsbury, were also natives of this county.  Her father was born June 7, 1846, and died August 2, 1886, while her mother was born on the 21st of September, 1846, and passed away September 9, 1870, the remains of both being interred in the Cumberland cemetery.  They had but two children, the elder being Richard, who was born September 3, 1867, and died September 28, 1868.  The other, Mrs. Watson, has also departed this life, dying on the 1st of May, 1897, leaving many friends as well as her immediate family to mourn her loss.  She was a most estimable lady, a good mother, a devoted wife and a kind neighbor, and in her death the community realized that it had lost one of its best and most highly respected citizens.  She was laid to rest in Rose cemetery at Lane.  Prior to her marriage she successfully engaged in teaching school for several years, being thus employed at the Cox and Rosecrans schools, and her influence for good was widely felt throughout the community in which she lived.

By his second marriage Mr. Watson has two daughters.  Leila Maud, born September 13, 1890, began her education in the Creek township schools but later attended the Wesleyan University and is now pursuing a course in music under the direction of Miss Brown of Maroa.  Ruby May, born November 9, 1893, attended the Union school in Creek township and assists her sister in keeping house for their devoted father.  The family is one of prominence in the community where they reside and wherever known they are held in high regard.  The older daughter is a member of Center Chapel, United Brethren church.

AMOS WEEDMAN.  (Volume II, Page 185)

Amos Weedman, who for the past three years has managed the interests of Bartlett, Patton & Company of Chicago, owners of a grain elevator in Farmer City, is an enterprising young man and a representative of one of the early pioneer families of this section of the state.  Mr. Weedman was born in Santa Anna township, DeWitt county, January 27, 1883.  The paternal grandfather, who likewise bore the name of Amos Weedman, was a native of Ohio, coming to Illinois with his parents in his boyhood days.  At one time he owned a farm in McLean county, this state, located near Weedman Station, but he eventually disposed of that land and purchased one hundred and sixty acres in Santa Anna township.  He served as sheriff of DeWitt county through three consecutive terms and was the only sheriff of the county who ever hanged a man.  He wedded Miss Mary J. McCord and they had two sons, William Rucker Weedman and Smith Weedman.  The grandfather died in Farmer City, May 11, 1900, the day prior to the seventy-fourth anniversary of his birth.

Smith Weedman, the father of our subject, was born on his father’s farm in Santa Anna township and after reaching years of maturity wedded Miss Charlotte Thorne, who was born in the state of New York, a daughter of James M. and Cordelia (Phillips) Thorne, likewise natives of the Empire state.  Her father served in the Civil war as a member of a New York regiment.  In his family were three children: Charlotte, Joseph and Phoebe.  About thirty years ago the parents removed with their family to DeWitt county, where Mr. Thorne continued his operations as a farmer.  He is still living at the age of seventy-five years but his wife died in Prairie City, Illinois, when more than sixty years of age.

Following their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Smith Weedman located on a farm in Santa Anna township and for many years he was here identified with agricultural pursuits.  However, in 1893, he removed with his family to Piatt county and there purchased two hundred and forty acres of land in Blue Ridge township, where he has continued farming to the present time.  While still a resident of Dewitt county, he served as deputy sheriff under his father.  Unto him and his wife were born four sons and two daughters: Harriet, the wife of G. E. Burford, of Muskogee, Oklahoma; Amos, of this review; Otto, who is principal of the high school at DeLand, Illinois; Jessie, who is still with her parents; and Judson and Ward, also under the parental roof.

Amos Weedman, the eldest son and second in order of birth in his father’s family, was a lad of ten years when he accompanied his parents on their removal from DeWitt to Piatt county, Illinois.  It was in the district schools of the latter place that he began his education but later came to Farmer City to take the high-school course, which he completed in 1902.  During the two subsequent years he engaged in teaching but this proved merely the starting point in his business career, for at the end of that period he embarked in the grain business and for the past three years has managed the interests of Bartlett, Patten & Company, a Chicago firm, who buy grain in this section, owning an elevator in Farmer City.  Mr. Weedman during his time has demonstrated his business ability and in the city where much of his life has been passed he finds a place among its substantial citizens.  He owns a farm of one hundred and twenty acres in Muskogee county, near the city of Muskogee, Oklahoma, and from this derives a good income.

Politically Mr. Weedman is a republican, while his fraternal relations connect him with the Modern Woodmen of America and the Masons, his membership in the latter being with Farmer City Lodge, No. 710, A. F. & A. M., and with Farmer City Chapter, No. 175, R. A. M.  He is a most enterprising young man and popular among a host of friends.

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Submitted by Judy Simpson