i-.-^s«e? L l-B R_ARY OF THE UN IVERSITY or ILLl NOIS 920c077383 B524 \mm HISTORICAL suwn BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD THIS VOLUME CONTAINS BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES OF LEADING CITIZENS OF MACOUPIN COUNTY ILLINOIS "Biography is the only true history." — Emerson RICHMOND er of the Illinois State Medical Society, and the American Medical Association and has been president of the Macoupin County Medical Society. Dr. Fischer was united in the holy bonds of wedlock with Sopha Schuricht, a native of Missouri, and they are the parents of three children, namely: C. Eleanor; Elfriede and Otilie. Politically, the Doctor is prom- inent in the Democratic party, and a number of times has been called to ofiice. He served in the City Council, was mayor of Carlinville, and during Presi- dent Cleveland's administration was a member of the board of pension ex- aminers. BENJAMIN H. BROWN. Benjamin H. Brown, one of the prominent agriculturists of Polk township, Macoupin County, who resides upon his well cultivated farm of Sy/z acres, situated in section 4, was born December 17, 1857, in Jersey County, Illinois, and is a son of William and Rhoda L. E. (Bassham) Brown. William Brown was born January 8, 1829, in Jackson County, Ten- nessee, and is a son of Plenderson and Sarah (Birdwell) Brown. Henderson Brown was born in Virginia in 1802, and was a son of Thomas Brown, who moved to Tennesee when Henderson was six months old. Thomas Brown, our subject's great-grandfather was a large planter, but it is related of him that he never bought but one slave, th.at being his housekeeper. The family is a notable one for longe\'ity, Thomas Brown living tothe age of 96 years, his son Henderson dying August 15, 1898, aged 97 years, and tl^e father of MACOUPIN COUNTY. 49 our subject, still liale and hearty at the age of 75 years. WilHam Brown came from Tennessee to IIHnois in 1856, prior to this (in 1852) having mar- ried a daughter of Meredith A. Bassham, a prominent farmer of Jackson County, Tennessee. She died November 6, 1886, aged 53 years, leaving three children, namely: Curtis M., born in Tennessee, who married Rebecca Shane and is now engaged in farming in Greene County, Illinois; Benjamin, of this sketch; and John M., residing in Colorado, who married Bella Stultz and has four children. After coming to this State, William Brown engaged in farming until 1882, when he purchased a farm in Kansas, which he sold at a later date and returned to Illinois. Benjamin H. Brown received his education in Macoupin County and he has passed his life here, engaged in agricultural pursuits. He has occu- pied his present farm since 1900, it being one well adapted to farming and stock raising, and here Mr. Brown has met with deserved success. Mr. Brown was married to IMaud M. Jackson, who is a daughter of George and Mary (Morris) Jackson. They have one daughter, Minnie, who was born October 5, 1879, and is the wife of George Nixon, who is a son of George Nixon, a very prominent farmer of Bird township, Macoupin County. Fraternally, Mr. Brown belongs to the Mutual Protective League. In politics he affiliates with the Democratifc party. In religious views he is a Baptist. Mr. Brown is an honest, upright citizen and a good farmer, and he commands the respect of all who know him. ALFRED C. WOOD. Alfred C. Wood, proprietor of Wood Mound Farm, a fine estate of 177 acres, situated in section 30, Bunker Hill township, Macoupin County, was born on this farm, March 4, 1S49, and is a son of David B. and Mary A. (Clan. ton) Wood. The ancestry of Mr. Wood can be traced as far back as his great-great- grandfather, Richard Wood, a man of great wealth in England, who was the father of seven sons, two of whom settled in America. One of these. Samuel 50 BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD Wood, born in Leicestershire, England, came to the Colonies in 1750, and later served under ^^'ashington in the Continental Army, and also as the great leader's private secretary. James Wood, son of Samuel, was born in South Carolina, went thence to Kentucky, and took part in the \\'ar of 1812, came to Illinois in 1832 and died in 1850. His seven children were: Sarah, John T., Samuel, Thomas, James, David B. and Naomi. David B. Wood, father of our subject, was born May 11, 1814. in Cumberland (now Clinton) County, Kentucky, and in 1832 accompanied his parents to Illinois, where his life was spent and his death occurred January 9, 1898. He first entered 120 acres of land and at a later date added to this until he at one time owned 350 acres, and still possessed 235 acres at time of his death. He built the log cabin in which our subject was born. All his farm cultivation was done with ox teams and these also carried his produce to and brought back supplies from the nearest markets — St. Louis and Alton. Like other pioneers he engaged in huntng, the abundance of game for a long time beng a constant encouragement to sportsmen. In his earlier years he was a member of the local rifle corps, under Simeon Jones, and held a com- mission prior to the Mexican War. Although deficient in book knowledge, he was a man of great natural intelligence and, although suffering from blindness himself, for some years was able to heal others afflicted in this way. This gift of nature, his son, our subject, has inherited and, through study, has perfected and is known as a successful oculist in his neighborhood. In politics David B. Wood was a stanch Democrat, a man of decided convic- tions and unswerving integrity. He served as highway commissioner and was a good official. For more than 40 years he was a member of the Baptist Church. He married Mary A. Clanton, who was born in North Carolina, and was a daughter of James and Mary Clanton. Three children were born to this union, viz.: Alfred C, of this sketch; Mrs. Emily J. Hillyard, of Woodburn, Macoupin County; and George W., of Bunker Hill township. Alfred C. Wood has been engaged in farming for many years and has also been an extensive raiser of fine stock, particularly Poland-China hogs. His fine place is known as W^ood Mound Farm, and is situated one and a hilf miles south of Woodburn, on the Alton road. He here raises the finest ]\Iambrino colts in the county. He makes corn and hay his leading crops, but has devoted much of his land to fruit culture, having 1,200 peach. 50 pear and many other trees in bearing. For pleasant location, productiveness MACOUPIN COUNTY. 51 of soil or excellence of management, this farm can scarcely be equaled in the count}-. Mr. Wood was married in 1872 to Famiie D. Littell, who was bom in Virginia, a daughter of William and Rebecca Littell. They had these chil- dren: Mrs. Annie D. Phillips, of Woodbum. who has two children, ilyrtle E. and Nellie; Samuel J., of Brookings, South Dakota; Mary M. ; William B.. of South Dakota; and Alfred Clarence, who died July 20, 1902. ilr. \\'ood married as his second wife Elizabeth Stodavell, who was bom Jime 9, 1861, in Bunker Hill. Macoupin County. Illinois, and is a daughter of Thomas and Jane Stockwell. natives of Warwickshire. England. The three children of this union are: Cecil \'aughn, David Benjamin and Dean \\'ar- wnck, all living at home. ^Ir. Wood has been prominent in political circles, a Populist in politi- cal sentiment, and was honored by his party with a nomination for Congress. For many years he has been associated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and is an active member of Charter Oak Lodge, No. 258, of Bunker Hill. Mr. Wood traveled as an oculist during 1869 and 1870 and has continued to practice. The fame of Iiis father's cures reached over many States and Mr. ^^■ood has met with equal success. JOSEPH MONTGOMERY, Jr. Joseph ^loxxdOMERY, Jr.. deceased, was actively engaged in the pur- suits of general farming in Macoupin Count}- from 1872 until the time of his death, June 2^. 1898. He was bom in 1815, near Wheeling, Virginia (now West Virginia), and was a son of Joseph and Mary (Gray) Mont- gomery-. Joseph Montgomery was a native of Ireland, and came to -\merica with his wife about 1810; having followed farming in his native countr}', he again engaged at that independent calling. He and his wife, who were members of the Methodist Church, died in the seventies. UefWRY UNivEftsnY Of imwocs 52 BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD Joseph jMontgomery, Jr., received his education in the schools of \'ir- ginia, and remained on the homestead farnit while in the early years of manhood. Later he learned the millwright's trade, which he followed for some time; however, it was not to his liking and he again engag'ed in the pursuits of general farming. In 1S37 he came to Illinois, locating near Scottville, Macoupin County, where he purchased a farm which he culti- vated until within a few years of his death. He was possessed of more than ordinary energy and good judgment. He was well known and most highly esteemed by his fellow citizens. Politically, our subject was a stanch Demo- crat, using his utmost influence in the promotion of that party's interests, although he never aspired to any political office. In 1839 our subject was married to Elizabeth Sharp, who was born in Tennessee, October 23. 1820; to them 14 children were born, two of whom are still living, namely: Henry H., an attorney of Carrollton, Illinois, and Winnie (Hicks), widow of William Hicks, who now resides near Nihvood, Illinois. Mrs. jMontgomery, our subject's widow, is a member of the ]\Iis- sionary Baptist Church, of which her husband was also a member. She is still an active woman and undertakes remarkable tasks for one of her age. W. H. BEHRENS. W. H. Behrens, mayor of the city of Carlinville, is secretary of the Carlinville Coal Company and one of the city's most influential citizens. He was born in Carlinville, Macoupin County, December 30, 1861, and is a son of Wilhelm and Henrietta (Liekefett) Behrens, both natives of the Kingdom of Hanover, Germany. Wilhelm Behrens followed the trade of a miller in his native country but after coming to the United States engaged in the mercantile business at Carlinville until the time of his death. He and his estimable wife were par- ents of two children: W. H., our subject; and Anna W. Mrs. Henrietta Behrens is now living at an advanced age and is a member of the German Evangelical Church. Wilhelm Behrens was a Repul^lican in politics, and MACOUPIX COUNTY. 53 took an interest in all that pertained to the welfare and development of Carlinville. W. H. Behrens was educated in the parochial and puljlic schools in Macoupin County, and later received a university training. This was sup- plemented by a course of study at Braunschweig, Province of Brunswick, Germany. He then served five years as clerk in the Post Office at Carlinville, after which he was elected on the Republican ticket to the office of city clerk of Carlinville. He held the office during the years 1886, 1887 and 1888. In the meantime he became proprietor and editor of the Carlinville Republican, a publication which appeared weekly, and conducted its affairs until i8go. The Carlinville Coal Company was incorporated in 1891 with W. G. Bartles as president; William L. Mounts, secretary; and John C. Anderson, treasurer. In 1894, Mr. Mounts resigned as secretary and was succeeded to the office by Mr. Behrens, who has since served in that capacity. He is a first-class busi- ness man in every repect, and has attained a high degree of success. In 1903, he was elected mayor of Carlinville on the Republican ticket, and in the handling of the city's affairs has displayed marked ability. His administra- tion is meeting with the heartiest approval of the citizens. He has for six years been a member of the Board of Education, and served two years as president of that body. He has been a member of the Republican Central Committee of Macoupin County for several years, and is very active in party politics. In 1889, Mr. Behrens was united in marriage with Jeanette B. Floyd, who is a native of Illinois, and to their union were born two children : Henri- etta, deceased; and W'ill Floyd. Fraternally, our subject is a member of Mount Nebo Lodge, No. 76, A. F. & A. M. ; Chapter, R. A. M. ; Orient Lodge, No. 95, K. P.; Knights of the Globe; Royal Circle; A. O. U. W. ; and Royal Arcanum. ELIJAH F. WOODMAN. Elijah F. Woodm.\n, one of the prominent citizens and extensive farmers of Macoupin County, Illinois, now residing on a farm of 405 acres, situated in sections 15, 21 and 22, Bird township, was born near Carrollton, 54 BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD Illinois, January 8, 1840, and is a son of Nelson and Zerelda (Boiles) Wood- man. Xelson \\'oodman was bom in \'ermont, July 12, 1S15, and removed to Greene County, Illinois, in 182 1, being one of the early pioneers of that section. He married Zerelda Boiles, who was born in 1825, near Lexing- ton, Kentucky, and they reared a family of 12 children, our subject being the second member of the family. Nelson Woodman died in 1884. In the fall of 1852, Elijah F. Woodman accompanied his parents to Montgomery County, Illinois, and remained with them until he was 17 years of age, when he left home to make his own way in the world. His educa- tional opportunities had been few, but after he began to earn money for him- self by teaming and breaking up prairie land he used a portion of it to educate himself. In 1859 he rented a farm of 40 acres and in i860 made a purchase of 40 acres, this being the nucleus of his present large land possessions. Mr. Woodman now owns 1,200 acres of land in Montgomery, Greene and Ma- coupin counties. In 1864 he secured the position of government auctioneer and made the trip to Nebraska, from Ottumwa, Iowa, by coach. During this trip, to reach Fort McPherson, now North Platte Junction, teams of cattle were driven. He located there for three years and during the 13 months he was in the government employ he sold thousands of dollars worth of condemned government property. While there he dealt also in real estate, carried on a mercantile and contracting business and returned to Illinois well pleased with his financial success. On December 28. 1871, Mr. Woodman was married at Litchfield, Illi- nois, to Annie Shaw, who was born at Lyons, New York, February 15, 1854, and was a daughter of Joseph and Betty M. (Woodrufif) Shaw. Two children were born to this union : Loy Legrand, now living near Los Angeles, California; and Commodore Beecher, now manager of the "Comer Store" at Comer, in Bird township. Mrs. Woodman died April 2-j, 1881. In November, 1886, Mr. Woodman was married to Rejena M. Adams, who was a daughter of Austin and Maria (Anderson) Adams. Austin Adams, who was born in Kentucla', was a large farmer and stock raiser. He died in 1891 in his 66th year, his wife having passed away in the preceding year. The children of the second marriage are: Elijah F., Jr., born September 6, 1887: Josie M., bom August 4, 18S9; Annie Lena, born June 4, 1891 ; EDWARD G. DUCKLES. MACOUPIN COUNTY. 57 Lolah Tena, born February 3. 1895; Gratia Pauline, born April 10, 1897; and Jessie M., born March lo, 1900. In March, 1887, Mr. Woodman removed to Macoupin County and located on his wife's farm of 190 acres, to which he has added 200 acres. Here he has successfully engaged in general farming, but is preparing to retire from active labor in order to enjoy the ease and comfort which a long and industrious career has entitled him to. Mr. Woodman is a school director in his district and is active in demand- ing many reforms for the present school system. Fraternally he is a Master Mason and Knight Templar and a representative member of those bodies. Mrs. Woodman is a consistent member of the Baptist Church. EDWARD G. DUCKLES. Edward G. Duckles, one of the prominent and substantial farmers of Polk Township, Macoupin County, where he owns a fine farm situated in section 4, was born in 1842 in Chesterfield township, Macoupin County and is a son of William and Frances (Garlick) Duckies. William Duckies was born January 19, 1805, in the West Riding of Yorkshire, England, and was a son of Thomas Duckies wdio was a pros- perous tenant farmer of the Southern family of that locality. William received fair educational training and assisted his father in farming until he decided to find a new home in America. With his wife and infant daughter, he left England on May 20, 1834, taking passage in a sailing ship bound for Quebec, Canada. His objective point was Morgan County, Illinois, but after reaching his destination he did not feel entirely satisfied, and in Febru- ary, 1835, removed to Macoupin County and settled in Chesterfield township, in section 14. Here he first entered 160 acres of land. 80 of this being in timber, and on the other 80 he erected his first home. Although Mr. Duckies was much more fortunate than many of the early settlers, having brought means with him from England, it required much of the perserving industry, for which his race is noted, to bring this wild prairie land under cultivation. 58 BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD This he gradually accomplished and added largely to his first purchase, and at the time of his death, in 1891, he owned 700 acres of land in Macoupin County, part of it lying in Polk township and part in Chesterfield. All is arable, well watered, finely located land, and this farm is included among the best in the county. Mr. Duckies was a man of robust physique and was endowed by Nature with those qualities which commanded the respect of those with whom he came in contact, making him a natural leader in his locality, and much of the educational development of his section as well as its agricultural may be attributed to his influence. In early life a Whig, his opposition to slavery made him a strong supporter of the principles of the Republican party, when it was organized. In September, 1830, in his native village, Mr. Duckies married Frances Garlick, and a family of 10 children were born to them, the surviving mem- bers being the following: Sarah Ann, born in England, who is the wife of Judge T. L. Loomis, of Carlinville ; Thomas, who resides at Jacksonville, ^vlorgan County; Edward G., the subject of this sketch; Eliza, who married John W. Armstrong of Polk township ; Victoria, who married John Simms, now of Colorado Springs; and Joseph R., who resides in Chesterfield town- ship, Macoupin County. William, the eldest child, and Grace (Carter) are deceased. Edward G. Duckies attended the local schools and found plenty of work on his father's farm until the outbreak of the Civil War. In 1862 he offered his services to his country, enlisting in the I22d Reg., Illinois Vol. Inf., and served faithfully until mustered out at Springfield, in 1865. He participated in innumerable skirmishes and the following serious engagements : Parker's Cross Roads ; Tupelo ; Town Creek ; Nashville ; and the last engagement of the war, which took place at Fort Blakely. At Parker's Cross Roads he was slightly wounded. After his return from the army, Mr. Duckies resumed work on his father's farm and continued there until 1869, in which year he was married to Emma L. Lawson, who is a daughter of Z. B. and Louisa (Williams) Lawson. The Lawson family is an old settled one in Herkimer County, New- York, from which section the father of Mrs. Duckies came to Illinois, a pioneer, and located first at White Hall, later in Polk township, and died in 1877 in Chesterfield township, aged 63 years. ]\Ir. and Mrs. Lawson had a family of six children, two of whom died in infancy. Edwin, the eldest son, MACOUPIN COUNTY. 59 died in 1869, from the effects of a wound received in the army. William, another son, became a civil engineer, located at Denver, Colorado, and died there in 1900, survived by two children. Mrs. Duckies has one sister, Lu- cetla, who resides with her. For 20 years Miss Lucetta Lawson had charge of the orphans' home located at Chattanooga, Tennessee, and at Atlanta, Georgia. Mr. and i\Irs. Duckies have these children : Emma Fay, who married W. A. Hoblit, now resides at Jacksonville, Illinois; Willliam L., the cashier of the Bank of Chesterfield, who married Cora Snell, a daughter of Silas and Annie Snell of Polk township; Myron E., formerly engaged in teaching in the city of Mexico, but now an assayer, who married Grace Murdcck, formerly of Jacksonville, but for many years a resident of Mexico with her parents; Perry, who served in the 5th Illinois Regiment, in the Spanish War, — he married Kitty Phelps, a daughter of Jeremiah Phelps of Chester- field, and resides at home; and Frederick, who is attending school at Jack- sonville. Lewis L. died in infanc3% In politics, ]\Ir. Duckies is a Republican. In religious views he is a Con- gregationalist. Fraternally he is a Mason and a member of the ^lodern Woodmen of America. Mr. Duckies is a man of sterling business qualities, a factor in shaping political and public movements in his locality, and one who is active in pro- moting the general prosperity of the community. His portrait accompanies this sketch. ANDREW COSTLEY. Andrew Costley, one of the successful farmers of Macoupin County, owning a farm of 90 acres situated in section 5, Polk township, and 10 acres in Western Mound township, was born in 1853, in Jersey County, Illinois, and is a son of John and Nancy (Neeley) Costley. John Costley was born in Greene County, Illinois, where he engaged in farming until his death, in 1853, at the age of 30 years, leaving a widow and two children, our subject, then a babe of six months, and his older sister Elizabeth, who married Richard Henson and now resides at East St. Louis, 6o BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD Illinois. Mr. and Mrs. Henson have five children, namely: Fanny, Emma, John, Sarah and Bessie. To his great-uncle, Joshua Neeley, Mr. Coslley is indebted for his rear- ing, education and the fine farm he owns. This uncle ne\er married, but gave a father's care to 21 children, belonging to his relatives. At the age of 19 years he came to Illinois from North Carolina, driving a four-horse team, and settled in Jersey County. Scarcely had he located when he learned of the death of his brother, Richard Neeley, and immediately the heads of his horses were turned in the direction of the Old North State. The return journey was made with the seven fatherless children of his brother, one of whom was the mother of our subject. When her son was left fatherless, it was this kind uncle who again extended the helping liand and reared him as one of his own. The death of Joshua Neeley took place January 20, 1887, at which time he was one of the richest men in this part of the State. He owned 2,004 acres of finely improved farm land located in Jersey, Macoupin and Montgomery counties, and land in the limits of Jerseyville, estimated to be worth $80,000. Mr. Neeley not only provided a home for his. nephews and nieces, but made a will leaving his property to them. It w'as slightly contested, but stood the test. He was a man of sterling traits of character, of quiet, unobstrusive W'ays, and was well and widely known through this section. Mr. Costley received his farm of 100 acres from this kind and generous uncle, to whom he gave the assistance and obedience of a son. Here he has been engaged in general and successful farming ever since. He also devotes considerable attention to stock raising, in which branch of agriculture he has met with much success. In 1873 I\Ir. Costley was married to Fanny Cope, who is a daughter of Nathan Cope, of English township, Jersey County, and to this marriage these children have been born: Maggie, born November 26, 1877, who married Leonard Walton and lives in Chesterfield — they have two children, Claude and Byron; Daisy, born July 14. 1878, who married Frank Goodell, a farmer of Iowa, and they have one child. Clarence; John M., born November i, 1880. who is a school teacher in Polk township; William Clay, born August 4, 1882, who follows the barbering business; Ernest C, born April 13, 1884; Nathan Timothy, born April 17, 1886, who lives in Iowa; Gladys, born MACOUPIX COUNTY. 6i March 26, 1S8S; Una, born February 2-j, 1894; and George, born }^lay 30, 1S95. Fraternally Mr. Costley is a member of the Yeomen of America. In politics he is a Democrat. In his religious connection he is a Baptist. EUGENE MARTIN. Eugene M.\rtix, for many years one of the best known and most highly esteemed citizens of Carlinville, Macoupin County, died at his home in this city on March 6, 1902, his death being mourned sincerely as a loss to the community. He was born near Leon, France, February 14, 1834, and was a son of Epolite and Julia ^Martin. His father was a mill owner in that country and a prosperous man, although his death occurred at a very early age. Eugene Martin was but seven years of age when his father died. He obtained his intellectual training in the schools of Paris, then learned the trade of a miller which he followed in his native country until 1S54. In that year he came to the United States, being the only member of his family to locate in this country. He landed in Xew Orleans, then came up the river by boat to St. Louis, ^lissouri. On account of ill health he returned to France, but again came to this country during the Civil War. As trans- ports v.ere not allowed up the Mississippi River to St. Louis, Mr. Martin was compelled to remain in Xew Orleans. He obtained employment as an en- gineer and continued at that work until the war was at an end, then immedi- ately came up the river to St. Louis. There he met and married Amelia Forney, and they continued to reside in that city for two and a half years, Mr. Martin during this time following engineering. They later moved to Trenton, Illinois, where they lived little more than a year, and in 1868 came to Carlinville, where he thereafter lived until his death. For a period of 20 years he was engaged as engineer for the Weir Milling Company, the plant being later acquired by tJie firm of Yeager & Cupless. It was while in the employ of the last-named firm he met with an accident,, which was ultimately 62 BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD the cause of his death. He was a man much respected by all who knew him, and was highly skilled in his line of business, always having the confidence and good will of those who employed him and were associated with him. Al- though a Republican in politics, he was broad and liberal minded, and in local politics was free to vote for the man best qualified for the particular office, irrespective of politics. Mr. Martin was a prominent member of Mount Nebo Lodge, No. 76, A. F. & A. M., and his last wishes were that he be buried under the auspices of that order. His relict who now resides in her pleasant home on West Main street is a woman of many virtues and is well loved by her many friends in Carlinville. She is a devout member of St. Mary's Catholic Church. To j\Ir. and Mrs. ALirtin was born one son, Oscar E. S., who died while his parents were living at Trenton. Illinois. They adopted a son, George Len- hart, who now bears the name of Martin. He married Minnie Clark, a native of Macoupin County. He is a traveling salesman and is also manager of the Carlinville Opera House, and is a young man who has many friends in this section of the State. WILLIAM M. HUSON. William M. Huson, one of the prominent farmers of South Otter township, Macoupin County, who owns and operates a fine farm of 120 acres in section 16, was born in 1838, in Eastern Tennessee, and is a son of John B. and Margaret (Riddle) Huson. John B. Huson was a farmer in Tennessee and prior to his early death, in 1840, at the age of 35 years, was a large slave-owner. His widow survived him many years, dying in 1892, aged 83 years. In 1852, with her si.x children, she came to Illinois and located at Palmyra, in Macoupin County. Here her son William M. was reared and educated. His business has been agricultural all his life and although approaching the time when many men retire from activity, he is still hale and hearty enough to continue his interest in and his successful operation of his large and well improved farm. In 1859 Mr. Huson was married to Elizabeth Jane Hollingsworth, who died in 1862. leaving one daughter, Effie. who married George Shutt, a MACOUPIN COUNTY. 63 farmer located two and a half miles northeast of Virden, and has five children — William, Audrey, Milton, Ruth and Beulah. On October 22, 1863, Mr. Huson married Parmelia Braden, who died in 1876, leaving four chil- dren : Sarah, who married Edgar Stephens, of Joplin, Missouri, and has two children, Claudia and Eva; Burdella, who married Peter Marie, of Peoria, Illinois, and has two children — Louis and Clara; Ida, who married George Phillips of Denver, Colorado, and has one child — George; and \'iola, who married Joseph Le Marr of Colorado, and has three children, Paul, Beulah and Mildred. The third union of Mr. Huson took place March 6, 1878, to Julia Bradley, who died November 23, 1893, leaving two children; Lauretta, who married Asa Surber, and has one son — Clarence; and William Milton, who remains on the homestead farm, assisting his father. Mr. Huson's present wife was formerly jMrs. Jane (Crawford) Surber, widow of Levi Surber, who at death in 1893 left these children: Noah, Rebecca, George, Asa, Alexander, Burton and Henry. In politics Mr. Huson is identified with the Republican party. Both he and his wife are valued members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. SAMUEL M. WELTON. Samuel M. Welton, one of the substantial citizens of Macoupin County, and a prominent farmer and successful stock raiser of South Otter township, owns a fine farm of more than 150 acres which is located in sec- tion 21. Mr. Welton was born in 1845 in Bird township, Macoupin County, Illinois, and is a son of the late Samuel and Emeline (Stoddard) Welton. The parents of Mr. Welton were both born in Connecticut, and came to Illinois at an early date, locating in Bird township with the pioneers. Here their worthy lives were spent, both attaining great age, the father dying in 1898, aged 93 years, and his widow one month later, aged 85 years. Some years previous to 1898, they continued farming and moved to Carlinville, where they led a retired life. They were survived by two chiklren : Emma, who is the widow of Theodore Morse of Carlinville, and the mother of one son, Theodore; and Samuel M.. of this sketch. 64 BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD Samuel M. Welton attended the schools of Carlinville township and through work on his father's farm grew up to be a practical agriculturist. At the outbreak of the Civil War he loyally offered his young life in defense of his country and two years later, in 1863, although still but a youth, he was accepted when he enlisted in Company F, 133d Reg., Illinois Vol. Inf., with which regiment he served until mustered out in 1865. After these years of faithful and arduous service, followed by an honorable discharge, he returned to the homestead farm. Atout the time of his marriage he bought a tract of 80 acres in section 16, to which he added 80 acres more in 1873. I" 1883 he purchased his present fine farm in South Otter township, where he is en- gaged in extensive farming and stock raising, and has proved himself as capable an agriculturist as he was a faithful soldier. In 1869 Mr. Welton married Helen Robley, who is a daughter of the late Henry Robley who was a prominent farmer of Shaw's Point township, Macoupin County, and eight children have been born to this marriage. The family record is as follows : Neva, who married William Johnston, has three children, — Theodore, Perry and Luke M., — and lives in Oregon; Charles, who married Mary Ford and is engaged in farming in South Otter township; Frederick, who resides in Rockford, Illinois; Carrie, who married John Sells, a farmer of South Otter township, and has two children ; Samuel, who is still attending school; and William, Grace and an infant, who are deceased. In his political attitude, Mr. Welton is. a stanch supporter of the Repub- lican party, although in no sense a politician. In his religious belief he is a Baptist. Mr. Welton is a man of exceptionally good business ability and his judicious investments have made him one of the capitalists of his part of the county. As a representative of one of the old pioneer families of Macou- pin County, as well as a survivor of that noble body of men who were heroes in the greatest strife the world has ever known, who fought for principle and not for conquest, his name should be included among the leading ones of this portion of Illinois. HENRY STAATS. Henry Staats, deceased, was one of the most popular, energetic and progressive business men of Macoupin County, where he was engaged in the manufacture of brick. He was born in Braunswick, Germany. HON. ROBERT B. SHIRLEY MACOUPIN COUNTY. 67 Our subject came to the United States when but 13 years of age, in company with his parents, who located in Carlinville, IlHnois, where he en- tered the pubhc schools. After completing his education he learned the brick- maker's trade, which he followed for some time. He w'as engaged in various occupations and spent a short time working in a coal mine. In 1874 he married Anna Schmidt, who was born in Germany in 1854, and to them three children were born, namely : Henr}% Anna and George H. He and his fam- ily were members of the German Evangelical Church. Our subject met his death while engaged in a coal mine, having worked about three months when the accident occurred by the falling of the mine roof. After the death of her first husband, Mrs. Staats married John Staats, who died in 1901. George H. Staats the youngest child born to our subject, is prominently identified with the agricultural interests of the county, being the owner of a 90-acre farm which he devotes to general farming and stock raising. This farm was left by will to our subject by his step-father, John Staats. Although young in years, he has established a reputation for ability and business integ- rity and enjoys the full confidence of his fellow citizens and neighbors. George H. Staats married Anna Burger, a native of Macoupin County, and they are the parents of a daughter, Nellie, born February 8, 1903, who is the pride of the household. HON. ROBERT B. SHIRLEY. Hon. Robert B. Shirley, a prominent resident of Carlinville, Macou- pin County, and judge of the Seventh Judicial District of the State, whose portrait accompanies this sketch, was born in Madison County, Illinois, Oc- tober 9, 1850, and is a son of Hon. William C. and Mary J. (Hoxsey) Shir- ley. His family has long been one of prominence in Southern Illlinois. William C. Shirley was born in White County, Tennessee, November 20, 1823, and at an early day removed to Illinois, where he located in Madi- son County and engaged in farming for some years, and was there married. He later moved to Staunton, Macoupin County, and there engaged in mer- cantile business for a period of years. He also engaged in government con- tracting in 1861, and was a prosperous business man. He was a member of 4 68 BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD ' the Illinois State Legislature in 1858 and voted for Judge Douglas in the celebrated Lincoln-Douglas contest for United States Senator. In 1867 he was elected a member of the State Legislature, and was a very active par- ticipant in the actions of that body. He procured the passage of an act chartering the Decatur & East St. Louis Railroad Company, now the St. Louis Division of the Wabash, and afterward built the road. His wife, Mary J. Hoxsey, was born in Madison County, Illlinois, August 17, 1825, and was a daughter of Dr. Archibald Hoxsey, who was born in Christian County, Kentucky, and was a pioneer settler of southern Illinois, locating on Silver Creek in Madison County in 181 7. Robert B. Shirley attended the common schools of Madison and Macoupin Counties, and received a good common school education. In 1873, he entered upon the study of law in the office of William R. Welch at Carlin- ville, Macoupin County, and was admitted to practice July 4, 1876. In 1878 he entered into partnership with Hon. S. T. Corn, now chief justice of the Supreme Court of Wyoming, and they continued together with success until 1885, when our subject began practicing alone. He has always been an active worker for the success of the Democratic party, and has frequently been called to offices of public trust. He has served as chairman of the Democratic Central Committee, held the office of city attorney of Carlinville three terms, was master of chancery from 1885 to 1887, and was a delegate to the National Democratic Convention held at Kansas City in 1900. In 1893 he was his party's nominee for judge of the Circuit Court in the Fifth Judicial District to succeed Hon. Jesse J. Phillips, who had been elected to the Supreme bench, and he was elected the following July without opposi- tion. He was nominated by acclamation in the same district in 1897, and when the districts were changed and Macoupin County was placed in the Se\enth Judicial District, he was nominated as judge of the Seventh District and elected by a large majority. He was re-elected to the office in 1903 for a term of six years and now serves in that capacity. In 1900 he was a leading candi- date for the Supreme bench of the State but failed to receive the nomination. Judge Shirley's record on the bench is above reproach and redounds greatly to his credit. Possessing essentially a judicial mind, his many years of ex- perience in practice before the courts have well fitted him for so important an office, and in the discharge of his official duties he has gained not only the good will of the entire bar but of the citizens of the Seventh Judicial District MACOUPIN COUNTY. 69 as well. Of keen, discriminating and impartial mind, he knows no parties to the actions brought before him and adjudicates all matters according to their legal light, tempered with a high sense of justice. On October 16, 1879, Judge Shirley was joined in marriage with Etta W. Burton, a daughter of Henry W. Burton, an honored resident of Carlin- ville. Fraternally he is a Mason and Knight Templar, and a member of the Knights of Pythias and Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. ATISON BATES. Among the prosperous and well-to-do citizens of Macoupin County, the subject of this brief notice occupies a prominent position as an esteemed and successful agriculturist. He is president of the Macoupin County Agricul- tural Association, a position which he efficiently fills. He resides on his well cultivated 220-acre farm in Bird township, not a foot of which is not tillable. He was born in Macoupin County July i, 1848, and is a son of William J. and Martha Jane (Mays) Bates, and a grandson of Hampton Bates, who was named after Wade Hampton. William J. Bates, who was a native of Tennessee, came to Illinois in 1819, locating in Greene County, where he remained for some time and then removed to Macoupin County, where he rented land from the government and cultivated it until 1852. In 1852 he removed to Bird township, where he owned 1,000 acres of land which was later divided among his children. He was prominently identified with the leading stockmen of southern Illi- nois, having bought as high as three car-loads a year of feeding stock. Politically he was a Democrat, but never took an active part in any political affairs, devoting his time to his business. He attained a high position in his community and his word was considered as good as his bond. He married Martha Jane Mays by whom six children were born, namely : George W. ; Sarah J., who married John Morris; John H. ; James C. ; Francis M., and Atison. She was a native of Tennessee. Religiously they were members of tlie United Baptist Church of which church he was a de.icon. The father was 70 BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD in his 73d year at the time of liis death ; tlie mother was in lier 82d year when she was called to her reward. Atison Bates received his education in the common sciiools of Macoupin County, and after reacliing the years of manhood engaged in the pursuits of general farming and has continued in tiiat independent calling all his life. He now owns a well cultivated and well watered farm, and takes pride in keeping his property in the best condition possible. Mr. Bates is a Demo- crat, and has served as a school director. On November 26, 1873, Mr. Bates was married to Ella B. Carr, a daughter of Abram and Nancy (Keller) Carr, natives of Greene County, Illinois, and Grayson County, Kentucky, respectively. Mrs. Carr came to Macoupin County, Illinois, in 1834 with her parents, who settled on a farm in Western Mound township. She was a daughter of Jacob and Levina (Davis) Keller, and a granddaughter of George and Sarah (Hedges) Keller, the former a native of Switzerland and the latter of English descent. George Keller was a soldier in the Revolutionary War, being recruited in the Con- tinental service from Cecil County, Maryland. Mr. and Mrs. Bates are the parents of two children, namely: Flora A., who is a successful music teacher; and Leroy C. EDGAR W. HAYES. Edgar W. Hayes, a prominent member of the Macoupin County bar, a surviving hero of the Civil War, and a leading business citizen of Bunker Hill, was born in 1837 in Franklin County, Pennsylvania, and is a son of David and Nancy (Col well) Hayes. The Hayes family was founded in 1728 in Dauphin County, Pennsyl- vania, by Patrick Hayes, who came from the North of Ireland. His son David was born there and served as an officer in the Revolutionary War. Wilson Hayes, son of David Hayes and grandfather of our subject, was also born in Pennsylvania where he reared his family. His son, David, the father of Edgar W., was born in Franklin County, where he died in 1877, aged 67 years, leaving a large estate. In his early political life he was a Whig and later became a Republican. Both he and his wife were members of the MACOUPIN COUNTY. 71 Presbyterian Church. His marriage to Nancy Cohvell, a daughter of John and Nancy Cohvell, allied him with an old and prominent Cumberland County family, whose ancestry and religious leanings were the same as his own. Our subject is the eldest of his parents' family, as follows : Edgar W. ; Mrs. Martha Orr of Chambersburg, Pennsylvania; John C, a retired farmer of Litchfield, Illinois; James Hamilton, who died in 1868 in Madison County; David D., a physician of Shippensburg, Pennsylvania; Robert A., who died in July, 1889, at that time being principal of a school ; Elizabeth, who mar- ried Benjamin M. Need, a lawyer of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; and Joseph S.. a farmer residing in the vicinity of Bunker Hill. Edgar W. Hayes was reared on his father's farm and was given ex- cellent educational advantages, including an academic course at Shippens- burg and a classical course at Lafayette College, at Easton, where he was graduated in 1858. At the outbreak of the Civil War he was engaged in teaching school. In May, 1861, he enlisted for the service of his country, and was connected with Company A, 7th Pennsylvania Reserve, of which Colonel Harvey of Wilkesbarre was the first colonel. It was his fortune to be asso- ciated with that branch of the army upon which fell much of the hard work and danger of the great struggle, and he participated in the battles of York- town, the Second Battle of Bull Run, South Mountain, Antietam and Fred- ericksburg. His regiment was with General McClellan in the Peninsular campaign. An attack of typhoid fever closed his army career and he was discharged for disability, after a most arduous and faithful service of two and a half years. After regaining his health, I\Ir. Hayes entered upon the reading of law with Caldwell & McClure, at Carlisle, Pennsylvania, and in the fall of 1865 was admitted to the bar. After two years of practice in Missouri, he removed in 1867 to Bunker Hill, Macoupin County, where he has been identified with a number of business enterprises. He was one of the directors in the nail factory, which at one time was one of the important industries of the place, and was also a director of the cemetery association, and for a number of years was president of the School Board. He is a man of great public spirit and the town owes much to his activity in advancing its interests. In poli- tics he is a Republican, which party would be glad to honor him with ofiice, were it not in the minority. In 1870 Mr. Hayes married Margaret F. Heck, daughter of Jacob and 72 BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD Margaret (Sturgeon) Heck, and they have had six cliildren, of whom five survive: Edgar H., of Bunker Hill, who is heing educated in the law school at Valparaiso, Indiana ; Mrs. Margaret G. Grant of Staunton, Illinois, who has three children, — Charles, Margaret and Ralph H. ; Mrs. Bertha Sanford, who has one child, Edgar Noble; Ralph H., who is clerking in Bunker Hill; and Joseph A., who is still in high school. Mr. Hayes and family belong to the Congregational Church. Fraternally Mr. Hayes is a valued member of the Grand Army of the Republic, belonging to J. M. Hubbard Post, No. 721, of Bunker Hill. He is a man of acknowledged ability, with mind enlarged and broadened by travel. His vacations have been spent in various parts of the Union, from the Atlantic to the Pacific, and one interesting trip took him to Panama, Central America. He is held in very high esteem in Bunker Hill and is considered one of the representative men of this progressive little city. ALEXANDER B. LOVELESS. Alexander B. Loveless, a prosperous general farmer and stock raiser of South Otter township, Macoupin County, who owns one of the finest farms in his section of the county, consisting of 80 acres in section 29 and 80 acres in section 28, was born in i860 in Bird township, Macoupin County. He is a son of William J. and Mary E. (Sells) Loveless, and is a worthy representative of one of the honored old pioneers of Bird township. William Loveless, the grandfather of Alexander B. died at the village of Reader on Thursday morning, July 28, 1900, his death removing one of the two remaining pioneers of the western section of Macoupin County. "Uncle Billy Loveless," as he was familiarly and affectionately called, was born in 1804 in Blount County, Tennessee, and removed to Illinois in 1832. The hard conditions and great deprivations met with in the wilderness into which they had come, produced a sort of homesickness, and after trying for a time to overcome it the family returned to Tennessee, living in the old neighborhood until 1843, when Mr. Loveless returned to Illinois, came to MACOUPIN COUNTY. -ji Macoupin County and settled in Bird township, which was his continuous home thenceforward until his death. Prior to coming to Illinois on the first occasion, he had married Jennie Bell and 1 1 children were born to them, eight sons, and three daughters : John H., Samuel L., Hugh F. and Marion F., who are residents of this county; William J., of Morgan County; Charles M., of Fayette County ; George W., of Missouri ; ^Irs. Mary E. Bumgarner of Nebraska; Zadock; and Matilda and Elizabeth, who have been dead many years. After the death of his wife in 1880, the grandfather made his home with his children, his descendants numbering more than those of any other pioneer of the county. A grandson. Prof. Milo J. Loveless, has compiled an interesting record which shows 182 direct descendants, 132 of whom still survive. IMr. Loveless believed in slavery all his life, according to his early teaching, although during the Civil War his sons William J., Samuel L. and Zadock as well as his elder brother, were not only Union men but were also abolitionists. William J. Loveless, our subject's father, was born I\Iarch 10, 1836, in Tennessee, and remained with his father until he attained his majority w'hen he married Mary E. Sells, who was born August 16, 1842, and died October 8, 1891, aged 49 years. They had these children: Gabriella, born September 23, 1859, deceased September 9, 1866; Alexander B. ; Horace Monroe, born September 2, 1862; S. Everett, born July 30, 1864, deceased; Emerson and Emeroi (twins), born March 8, 1866, both deceased; Maurice, born Novem- ber II, 1868; Alvin Ira, born December 22, 1870; Viola, bom September 27, 1876; and Truman Landon, born October 12, 1881. Mr. Loveless still resides in North Otter township, Macoupin County. Alexander B. Loveless was reared and educated in Bird and South Otter townships, and at Blackburn University at Carlinville. Until he came of age, he assisted on the home farm and then began to teach school, a pro- fession he followed for 12 years in South Otter township, farming during the school vacations. In 1895 '''^ purchased a tract of 30 acres and soon after another of 50 acres, in section 29, South Otter, to which he added in July, 1902, 80 acres in section 28, all of which he devotes to farming and the rais- ing of stock, in which he has been eminently successful. In 1889 Mr. Loveless was married to Laura D. Adcock, who is a daugh- ter of Henry and Martha (Swift) Adcock. Henry Adcock, who was born in Tennessee, accompanied his parents to Illinois, and is now engaged in 74 BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD farming in section 8, South Otter township. His family consists of il children, Mrs. Loveless being the sixth in order of birth. IMr. and Mrs. Loveless have had these children: Otis, born in 1890, deceased in 1892; Mary, bom May 28, 1893; Ireda, born July 3, 1896; Her- bert Alexander, born ]\Iay 20, 1898; and Ernest, born May 10, 1902. In politics Mr. Loveless is identified with the Republican party. For a long time he has been a leading member of the Hickory Point Baptist Church. He is a man who stands well with all who know him, is honest and fair in all his dealings and can always be depended upon in any emergency that arises in his township, which requires the exercise of good judgment. ELMO ETTER. Elmo Etter, chairman of the Board of Supervisors of Macoupin County, is a representative citizen of Western Mound township, where he has lived and engaged in agricultural pursuits throughout his entire life. He was born August 21, 1875. and is a son of George and Mary (McCoy) Etter. He is a grandson of Henry and Asbereen Elizabeth (Davidson) Etter and great-grandson of Henry Etter. Henry Etter, Sr., our subject's great-grandfather, was born in Wythe County, Virginia, and at the age of 23 years moved to Eastern Tennessee where he was married to Elizabeth Parks, a native of that State but of New England ancestry. Twelve children were born to them. About 1826 they removed to Greene County, Illinois, settling three miles southeast of Green- field, at a time when that section was sparsely settled. Henry Etter, grandfather of our subject, was born in Andrew County, Tennessee, May 14, 1820, and was six years of age when he accompanied his parents to Illinois, here receiving a meagre educational training in the public schools. He lived with his parents until his marriage on November 14, 1844, to Asbereen Elizabeth Davidson. She was born in Barren County, Ken- tucky. May 12, 1824, and was a daughter of E. Davidson and IMargaret \\''right. and granddaughter of John Davidson, who emigrated from Scot- CAPT. GEORGE J. CASTLE. MACOUPIN COUNTY. ^^ land to America. Henry Etter began farming in Western ]Mound town- ship on a farm adjoining tliat of his father, and in 1845 moved to a farm in section 16, South Palmyra township, where he acquired 480 acres of land (all of which went to his children), and where he still resides. He is a Democrat in politics, as was his father before him, and cast his first vote for Polk in 1844. Four children were born to him and his wife: George, James, Smith and Elijah. George Etter was bom in South Palmyra township, and was educated in the common schools of the county. With the exception of four years spent in teaching school, he has always farmed, and at the present time owns 160 acres in Western Mound township, and 40 acres in Bird township. He married Mary C. McCoy, who was born in Missouri and came to Illinois with her parents. They have four children : Elmo ; Horace ; ^lyrtle and Her- bert. In politics he is a Democrat and has served as township supervisor and township assessor several terms. He is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America. Elmo Etter received the rudiments of an education in the common schools, after which he completed a course in Blackburn University at Car- linville. He then engaged in teaching for a period of six years, since which time he has followed farming with a high degree of success. He has always taken a deep interest in politics, and is enthusiastic in his support of the Democratic party. He was elected assessor of his township in 1900, and supervisor of Western Mound township in 1901 and again in 1903, being made chairman of the Board of Suupervisors in June of that year. Although young in years, Mr. Etter has won the confidence and esteem of the people to a marked degree and his future is an exceedingly bright one. Fraternally he is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America, and the M. P. L. CAPT. GEORGE J. CASTLE. Capt. George J. Castle, one of the foremost men of Macoupin County, the present postmaster of Carlinville, was born in Watertown. Litchfield County, Connecticut, ]\Iarch 22, 1839, and is a son of John and Clarinda (Welton) Castle, both of whom were natives of Connecticut. 78 BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD Capt. Isaac Castle, grandfather of our subject, was a native of Connec- ticut of Scotch parentage, and was a soldier of the War of 1812. John Castle, our subject's father, died in 1847. George J. Castle was the only child born to his parents. His mother formed a second union with Samuel Holt and is now living at the advanced age of 85 years, her home being in New Haven, Connecticut. George J. Castle was reared in Litchfield County and attended the public schools there until he reached the age of 13 years when he came west to Illinois to live with an uncle, Samuel Welton. He continued here until 1859, during most of which time he attended public school, then returned to his Eastern home, where he attended Watertown Academy during the winter months for two years. On August 22, 1861, he enlisted as a private in Company D, Connec- ticut Squadron. The regiment to which he belonged, known as the 2d Reg., New York Vol. Cav., or Harris Light Cavalry, and commanded by that dashing cavalry officer Kilpatrick, was composed of companies from Con- necticut, Indiana, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and New York. The Harris Light Cavalry was known for its dash and won for its colonel, Kilpatrick, a general's star. It was in every raid of importance in the Army of the Po- tomac and stands third in the list of killed and wounded. In the fall of 1863, when he had attained the rank of orderly sergeant, he was transferred to Company A, 13th Reg., New York Vol. Cav., and promoted to ist lieuten- ant, and was active in organizing and drilling it for active service. In Feb- ruary, 1864, he was promoted to be captain of Company H. The 13th Reg- iment was engaged with Sheridan in the Shenandoah Valley; during that fighting Company H and three other companies under Captain Castle cap- tured Mosby's artillery on Little Cobbler Mountain ; and with the same com- panies he escorted General Sheridan through the mountains to Piedmont three days before the latter's great ride. In February, 1865, he resigned on a surgeon's certificate of disability. He then returned east and remained home one month, after which he came west to Carlinville, Illinois. He engaged as a clerk in the employ of J. D. Weaver, a grocer, and continued with him for one year, when he engaged in farming on account of poor health. He followed that line of work until 1873 in Carlinville and Brushy Mound townships, then returned to the city of Carlinville where he engaged in the livery business and breeding of standard bred trotters until 1890. In MACOUPIN COUNTY. 79 the latter year he was appointed postmaster of Cariinville by President Harrison, and served as such until the beginning of President Cleveland's ad- ministration. He was reappointed by President McKinley on May 28, 1898, and has served in that office continuously since that time. He is a stanch Republican and an earnest advocate of the principles of his party. He served a term as mayor of the city and was also a member of the Board of .\lder- men. In 1884, he was elected a member of the 34th General Assembly of Illinois, and was an enthusiastic supporter of Logan during that spirited con- test. Since 1873 he has been verj- active as a member of the Macoupin Count)' Fair Association, of which he was president for a time and is now secretan,\ He has for several years been a member of the Macoupin County Republican Central Committee, and president of the Republican Club of Cariinville. In September, 1868, Mr. Castle was united in marriage with Emma B. Fishback, daughter of William H. Fishback, a prominent farmer and former sheriff of this count}'. They are the parents of four children, as follows : ^^'illiam H. ; Louise R. ; George J. ; and Claribel, who died in November, 1888, aged seven years. Religiously, our subject is a member of the Protes- tant Episcopal Church, of which he was vestr\-man for some years. He is a prominent member of the Grand Army of the Republic. Fraternally Mr. Castle is a member of Mount Nebo Lodge. No. 76, A. F. & A. M. ; Orient Lodge, No. 95. K. of P., of Cariinville; and is venerable consul of Camp No. 125, Modem Woodmen of America. He has always taken an active interest in the welfare of the cit}' of Cariinville. and is one of the city's best known business men. His portrait accompanies this sketch. FORREST D. GORE. Forrest D. Gore^ one of the most prominent and influential farmers of Macoupin County, is living on the old Gore homestead in Cariinville township. He was born October i, 1854, in Chesterfield township, Macoupin County, and is a son of David and Cinderella (Keller) Gore. 8o BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD Michael Gore, grandfather of our subject, was born in South CaroHna, but early in life moved to Kentucky. He was a farmer, race horse breeder and cattle dealer. He removed to Madison County, Illinois, in 1830, and entered land which he improved and farmed until his death in 1843. He married Elizabeth Mitchell, a native of Kentucky, and five children were born to bless their union, namely: Zerilla ; Eliza; David; Michael and James. In religious belief, the grandfather was a Methodist, and his wife a Baptist. She died in 1851. David Gore was born in Trigg County, Kentucky, April 5, 1827, and moved to Madison County, Illinois, in 1833, his father not bringing the family to the new home until that year. During his youth, he attended the old log school house in his district, and labored on the home acres, his parents dying before he became of age. He enlisted for service in the United States Army during the war witli Mexico, and served one year in the quartermas- ter's department, until the war closed. He then returned to Madison County, and later located at Plainview, Macoupin County, where he at different times purchased large tracts of land, improving, in all, four farms. In 1850, he laid out the town of Plainview, and served as postmaster of that village dur- ing the administration of President Buchanan. He left Plainview in the spring of 1861 and located three miles north of Carlinville, in Carlinville township, buying three-quarters of a section of improved farm land, in addi- tion to an 80-acre timber tract. He was at one time owner of 800 acres of land and was one of the most extensive farmers of the county. He remained upon the home property until the fall of 1889, when he retired from agricul- tural pursuits and moved to Carlinville where he has since resided. He is a strong Democrat in politics, and has been an important figure in local and State politics. He was a member of the State Senate of Illinois for two terms, and was State Auditor from 1892 to 1896. He was a member of the State Board of Agriculture for 20 years, and was president of that body at the time when Carlinville was chosen as the location for holding the State Fair. It was largely due to his efforts that Carlinville secured this attrac- tion, in the face of petitions from many larger cities in the State, including Chicago, Peoria and Bloomington. Although well along in years, Mr. Gore is a very active man and is a credit to the community in which he has labored so long and with beneficial results. In 1853. Mr. Gore was joined in mar- riage with Cinderella Keller, a native of Kentucky, and they became the MACOUPIN COUNTY. 8i parents of seven children, as follows : Forrest D. ; Truman K. ; \'ictor M. ; Adelia; Thaddeus V., deceased; Edward E. ; and Cinderella, deceased. Forrest D. Gore was educated in the common schools of Macoupin County, and in Blackburn University at Carlinville. He then engaged in agricultural pursuits which he has followed throughout his entire career. He purchased a farm of 120 acres in Xilwood township, which he owned and conducted for 12 years, selling it in 1897. In that year he took possession of the old homestead, which consists of 320 acres located in section 9, Carlin- ville township. He has met with a high degree of success in general farming and stock raising, in 1902 his farm producing 3.500 bushels of wheat, 4.000 bushels of corn, i.ooo bushels of oats, and 150 tons of hay. At the present time he has 60 head of cattle, and also a tract of five acres devoted to the raising of fruits of all kinds. In 1880, Mr. Gore was married to Carrie I. Bird, a daughter of Joseph Bird, one of the old settlers of Macoupin County. Six children have blessed this union, namely : Forrest B. ; \'ictor M. ; Joseph H. ; Gladys I. ; Hazel L. : and Hugh Lee. Our subject is a Democrat in political affiliation, and has filled a number of local offices, among them that of school director. He and his family are active church members, and his eldest son is preparing to enter the ministr}-. attending Shurtliff College at the present time. JOHN T. COLE. John T. Cole, one of the most highly respected citizens of South Otter township, Macoupin County, o\vning some of the best farming land in the township, 200 acres in section 15 and 160 acres in section 22, — was born in August, 1S20, in Tennessee. He is a son of \\'illiam and Susan (Brown) Cole. The Cole family is an old and honorable one in Tennessee, where it has grown and prospered for generations. William Cole was a son of William Cole, and was bom in Sullivan County, Tennessee, where he followed farm- ing as had his father and grandfather before him. He married Susan Brown, a member of an equally prominent family of Washington County, Tennessee. 82 BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD The venerable subject of this biography attended the schools in his neigh- borhood during his boyhood days and grew up on his father's farm, where he remained until 1850. On November 14, 1845, he married Elizabeth Baird, who also still survives, through all these years having been a cheerful, helpful companion. She is a daughter of Thomas and Jane (Hall) Baird, also natives of Tennessee. With his wife and young children, Mr. Cole came to Macoupin County in 1850 and located in Barr township, where he pur- chased a farm, upon which he lived for 15 years. In 1865 he disposed of that property and came to his present farm which is advantageously situated within three and a half miles of the bustling little village of Nilwood. Mr. Cole, during his years of active life, devoted himself to general farming and stock raising, attaining great success, raising some of the finest crops and the best horses and cattle in the county. For some years he has delegated the active labor of the farm to younger hands but still enjoys looking over the fertile lands he so long cultivated, and in noting the development of the fine stock in which he has always taken an interest. Mr. and Mrs. Cole became the parents of 1 1 children, all of whom but two have been spared to them, and now they are the center of a large circle of loving and obedient grandchildren. The family record is as follows : Jane, who married John Whittaker, and had two children, Frank and Albert, — her second marriage with John Johnson, resulted in a daughter, Dora ; Sam- uel, who lives in Carlinville, engaged in the stock business, married, as his first wife, Julia Olljert and they had four children, Emma, Cora, Frank and Dollie, — his second marriage was contracted with Belle Hayes of Carlinville; Thomas, who is a farmer on his father's land in section 22, married Sarah Ross, and they have these children, — Harry, Oscar, Charles, Truman, Clyde, Grace, Fred, Blanche, Opal, Howard and John ; Oscar, who farms his father's land in section 15, married Susie Ross and they have two children, Bernard and Marie; Ruth, who married Ballard H. Woods, resides on the home farm; Wesley, who farms in section 22, married Minnie Caynor; Lulu, married, first, W. Conley, and second, R. C. Adams, and had one child, Lois who is deceased ; Everett, who farms in section 22, married Ida Bates and they have four children. Birdie, Coy, Lola and Lela; and Ida, who married Frank Hul>er, a grain dealer of Nilwood. The two deceased were Emaline and Christina. Mr. Cole has been a life long Democrat of the old school. He has lived MACOUPIN COUNTY. 83 to see many wonderful changes in governmental affairs and in his earlier years took an active part in the campaigns. For a long period he has been a valued member of the Methodist Church. Time has touched both Mr. and Mrs. Cole with a gentle hand and even in ad\anced age they are blessed with health as well as the affection of kindred and the esteem of the community. AUGUSTUS ZAEPFFEL. Among the well-to-do and enterprising citizens of Carlinville, the sub- ject of this brief notice occupies a prominent position as an esteemed and worthy member of the community. He is one of the leading manufacturers of Carlinville, where he is engaged in the manufacture of carbonated bever- ages of various kinds. He was born in Alsace, France, May 14, 1839, and is a son of John and Mary Ann (Blumstein) Zaepffel. John Zaepffel was among the leading wine merchants of France, where he owned large vineyards. Augustus Zaepffel received his education in his native country, and after completing his education engaged in work in the vineyards of his father, where he continued until 1857, when he left his native country and came to America, landing in New Orleans, where he remained three years, after which he removed to St. Louis, Missouri. After living in the Mound City a short time, he removed to Brighton, Illinois. In 1861, he enlisted in the United States service in Company D, 2d Reg., Illinois Vol. Cav., under Colonel Marsh, this regiment being assigned to the Army of the Tennessee. At the end of the term of his enlistment, he was discharged at Columbus, Ohio. He then returned to Brighton, Illinois, where he remained from 1866 till 1869, and then removed to an 80-acre farm that he had purchased, where he engaged in farming for one year. He then sold his farm and removed to Carlinville and engaged in a business, which he sold several years later, and in 1874 engaged in the manufacture of carbonated beverages of various kinds. He has the reputation of being an excellent business man, and of manufactur- ing carbonated beverages of a very superior quality. He has in past years 84 BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD greatly enlarged his business and is constantly improving the methods of his works. Besides operating this plant he has represented several large brew- ing companies as agent and collector and has proved himself to be a man of much ability. At the present time he is a wholesale dealer in the keg and bottled beers of the Reisch Brewing Company, of Springfield. Mr. Zaepffel was united in marriage December 28, 1870, to Sophia Mack, a native of France, and they are the happy parents of six children, whose names are as follows: Mary, who is the wife of Joseph Westmeyer; Gus J.; Clara, who married Julius Barrick; Adelaide; Louisa; and John, who died in infancy. Our subject is a stanch Democrat, active in politics; he has served in the City Council of Carlinville and at present is a member of the Board of Education. Fraternally, he is a member of Orient Lodge, No. 95, Knights of Pythias. ROBERT :E. BLEY, M. D. Robert E. Bley, M. D., one of the leading physicians of Bunker Hill, Macoupin County, and a prominent and representative citizen, was born on a farm in Scott County, Iowa, December 2, 1855. He is a son of Dr. George and Elizabeth W. (Lavis) Bley. Dr. George Bley was born in 1821 at Dettingen, Wurtemberg, Germany, and died at Staunton, Illinois, in August, 1887. At the age of seven years he accompanied his parents, John George and Sophia (Miller) Bley, to America. John George Bley had been a farmer and wine grower in Ger- many, and he settled in Berks County, Pennsylvania, where he lived to the age of 96 years. Dr. George Bley was the eldest of his five children. When the latter had finished his local schooling, he was apprenticed to the drug business in Philadelphia for five years and then became a student and a graduate of the old Philadelphia College of Medicine, which now, as an institution, has passed out of existence. Dr. Bley practiced all his life, some- times combining with it a little farming and frequently operating a drug store in connection. He was a very successful physician. His knowledge of drugs was thorough and his handling ei them careful and scientific. He married a daughter of David and Mary Lavis, the former of whom was MACOUPIN COUNTY. 85 bom in England, and the latter in New Jersey. They had six children : Mrs. Ellen Wurtz, of Jerseyville, Illinois; ■Mrs. Elizabeth W. Blair, who died at Staunton in 1901 ; Dr. George, of Beardstown, Illinois; Dr. David L., of Staunton ; Dr. Robert E., of this sketch ; and Mrs. ^lary L. Dripps, widow of Dr. Calvin T. Dripps of Staunton, Illinois. Dr. Robert E. Bley accompanied his parents in childhood from the Scott Count}- farm to Davenport, Iowa, thence to Rock Island, Illinois and from there to Randolph County, Illinois, where his father was located for three 3-ears, finally settling at Staunton, Illinois, in October, 1S61. Here our subject was educated and began his study of drugs in his father's store, the careful supervision of the elder physician being of the greatest advantage to him. From the age of 16 years until 1875, when he was prepared for en trance into Jefferson ^ledical College at Philadelphia, Dr. Robert applied himself closely. He was graduated at that fine old medical school which has sent out some of the most eminent men in the profession, in March, 1877, receiving his degree of M. D. His practice was inaugurated at Staunton, a partnership being formed with his father, under the firm name of George Bley & Sons, and he continued there for the succeeding 12 years. In 1888 he located in Bunker Hill, where he has continuously practiced to the present time. Dr. Bley was married, first, December 2, 1886, to Mary L. Hall of St. Louis, Missouri, who died in August, 1894, leaving a son, Robert E. In December, 1897, he was married to Jessie A. Boswell, of Madison County, Illinois. Dr. Bley is identified with the Republican party as was his father. He takes an interest in local matters and is a member of the Board of Education. AUGUST HACKE. August Hacke, who resides in section 20, Brushy !Mound township, Macoupin Covuity, is an extensive agriculturist and one of the influential men of the township. He was born in Braunschweig, Germany, October 9, 1841, and is a son of Hartwig and Augusta (Burgdorff) Hacke. 5 86 BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD Hartwig Hacke and his wife left Germany on October 9, 1852, and arrived at New Orleans, Louisiana, in November of that year, having with them their three children : August, Henry and Harmon. They arrived at St. Louis, Missouri, on January i, 1853. Two weeks later Hartwig Hacke moved with his family to Carlinville township, Macoupin County, Illinois. He purchased a farm north of the Litchfield, Carrollton & Western railway station, which property is now included in the city limits. He lived upon it for four years, then sold out and purchased a tract of 200 acres, one-half mile east of Carlinville in the same township. He had followed the trade of a cabinet-maker in his native country, but after coming to the United States always engaged in farming. He died in 1856, at the age of 57 years; his wife survived him many years, dying in 1893, at the age of "jz years. Two children were born to them after coming to this country, namely : Gustav and Joanna. Religiously, they were members of the German Evangelical Church. Mr. Hacke was a Republican in politics, and although deeply inter- ested in its success was never an active party worker. August Hacke attended the common schools of his native country, and of Illinois after his arrival in this country. He continued to live on the home farm until the breaking out of the Civil War, when he enlisted in Company A, I22d Reg., Illinois Vol. Inf., on August 9, 1861. He was in the service for a period of three years, and during that time was never absent from roll call except when duty required him to be away. He served in all the engage- ments in which his regiment and company participated in a most creditable manner, and was discharged at Mobile, Alabama, and mustered out at Springlield, Illinois. He now receives a pension of $8 per month. After the close of the war, he returned to his home and again took up the pursuits of farming. When the home estate was divided, he sold his interest to his brother Henry, and in 1871 purchased his present property of 120 acres. Fortune has smiled upon him in a business way, and at the present time he is the owner of more than 640 acres of fine farm and grazing land. He follows general farming but makes a specialty of stock raising, feeding on an average 01 one carload per year. He is one of the progressive men of the township, and is held in highest esteem by his fellow men. In May, 1866, Mr. Hacke was united in marriage with Margaret Drew, who was born in the Kingdom of Hanover, Germany, and with the exception of one brother was the only member of her family to come to the MACOUPIN COUNTY. 87 United States. The following children were born to bless this union : Ed- ward, deceased; Amelia; William; Adolph; Charles; Fred; Bertha; Arthur; Theodore; Dorothy, deceased; and Harrison, deceased, ilr. Hacke is a member of Dan Messick Post, G. A. R., and has served as its commander. He attended the National Encampment at St. Louis, Missouri, in 188S. In politics, our subject is a Republican and has ser\-ed as justice of the peace, school trustee, and super%-isor, having held the latter office at intervals since 1882. He has always taken a deep interest in all matters pertaining to edu- cation and the betterment of our public schools. GEORGE W. WILLSON. George W. Willson, a prosperous farmer of Brushy Mound township, Macoupin County, resides upon the old \\'illson homestead in section 19, where he was bom April 12, 1862. He is a son of John M. and Catherine (Wheeler) Willson, and grandson of Isaac and Rebecca Willson, who were natives of Kentucky. Jolm M. Willson was born in Kentucky in 1819, and came to Macoupin County, Illinois, with his parents when about 14 years of age. Isaac Willson, his father, purchased and received a patent from the government for the land known as the Willson homestead, which is now owned by our subject. Here John M. Willson resided until his death on October 10, 1880. His wife died in 1862. He was a Republican in politics, but never held any office except that of school director. He and his wife were parents of four children, as follows : Virginia, deceased; Elizabeth, wife of Frank Rice, whose only child living at the time, — Clarence — was killed in a cyclone which swept down upon this community in 1883, leaving devastation and death in its wake; Clarence; and George W., our subject. Mr. \\'illson also reared Frank Wadsworth from the time he was three weeks old until his marriage at the age of 2^ years. He was a kind and liberal hearted man, and many were his quiet benefactions which never became known. Georgfe W. Willson received his education in the common schools of 88 BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD Macoupin County, and has always lived upon the home place. Upon the death of his father, he became possessed of one-half of the home estate, which consisted of 600 acres of valuable land, and has followed general farming and stock raising. He raises large crops of corn, oats and wheat, and feeds on an average 100 head of hogs and a large number of cattle. He has displayed good judgment in business affairs, and is one of the sub- stantial and reliable business men of Brushy Mound township. In 18S3, Mr. Willson was united in marriage with Cora B. Clark, a daughter of John Clark, an early settler of Macoupin County, by whom he has one daughter, Clara M., who is attending Monticello Seminary at God- frey, Illinois. Religiously, our subject is a member of the Baptist Church. He is a stanch Republican in politics, and served for several years as a school director. Fraternally, he is a member of tlie ^Modern Woodmen of America. JOHN W. JOHNSTON. John W. Johnston, deceased, who was one of the most highly re- spected citizens and good farmers of South Otter township, Macoupin County, was born September 12, 1830, in Kentucky, and was a son of Isaac B. and Elizabeth (King) Johnston. The parents of the late Mr. Johnston moved from Kentucky to Illinois in 1836, settling first on a property at American Bottoms. On account of malarial conditions superinduced by the low location of the land, they left this fertile locality and removed to North Palmyra township, where they pur- chased a farm, but later removed from that to the one in North Otter town- ship, where our subject's mother died. The father married again and also died on this farm. The late John W. Johnston was educated in the district schools in his neighborhood, and as soon as he was old enough he began to materially assist his father in farming. This occupation he followed all his life with much success. In 1859 he married Samantha M. Etter, a daughter of Will- iam Etter, who was a prominent farmer located within one mile of the farm, operated by Mr. Johnson. William Etter was born in Virginia and came to MACOUPIN COUNTY. 89 Illinois in 1837 and died in 1879, aged within a few months of 80 years. He was survived by his widow until March, 1899, when she died, aged 85 years. The death of ilr. Johnston occurred April 8, 1901. He is survived by his widow and seven children, named as follows : James Franklin, now a resident of ilissouri, who married Susan Stanley of Nebraska, and has one son, John Emen,-; Nancy Ellen and Elizabeth Helen (twins), the former of whom married Charles Barnes, a farmer of South Otter township; Francis Ne\\1:on, a resident of Nilwood, who first married EHzabeth W'eller and they had these children — ^Jessie, ilyrtle, ilan,', Roy, Coy and George, — his second marriage was with Minnie Campbell ; \\'illiam B., a resident of Oregan, who married Neva \\*elton, and they ha\e three children, — Theodore, Perry- and Luke M. ; Katie, who married William Barnes and at death left two chil- dren, — Gertrude, now deceased, and William, who is living with his grand- mother; and Wesley C. who married Daisy McRejTiolds, and has two chil- dren, — \\'illiam and Ada. Mr. Johnston was a verj- intelligent man and was thoroughly respected by all who knew him, while in his family he was much beloved and looked up to. In politics he took only a good citizen's interest, voting the Republican ticket, but he would never listen to any suggestions of ofHce holding. The only office he was willing to accept was that of deacon in the Baptist Church, which honorable position he held for a long period. He was a good man, one who will long be missed. His estimable widow ver\- capably manages the large farm in section 22, and is also verj' much esteemed in the localitj-. WILLIAM T. BARNETT. William T. Barxett, one of the substantial citizens and successful farmers of ^Macoupin County, resides on his farm of 80 acres, situated in sections 36 and 26, in Shaw"s Point township. Mr. Barnett was bom in that township, and is a son of George W. and Lucinda (Nichols) Barnett, and a grandson of the late William Barnett. William Barnett was born in Kentuckv and imtil advanced in life made 90 BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD that State his home. His death took place in Shaw's Point township, after so exemplary a life as to call forth the assertion by his friends and neigh- bors that he had been one of the best men who ever lived. His children, who have also all passed away, were : Abner, Mrs. Delilah Nichols, George W., Mrs. Candace Grovers, Stephen B., Thaddeus C, Temple W. and William Thomas R. George W. Barnett was born in Christian County, Kentucky, and died in Macoupin County at the age of 71 years. He came to Illinois in 1835 and settled in Shaw's Point township, Macoupin County, in 1837, becoming one of the most prominent figures in its political and public life. Although but poorly educated, his natural ability brought him success in business and a leadership in public affairs. In politics a Whig, he supported the Republican party at a later date and during the Civil War made many speeches in behalf of the government. He was elected to almost all the local offices and after the erection of the present Court House served as a member of the Board of Supervisors. Opposed to the tax imposed, he was one of 17 who resisted it and was fined $1,000 for contempt of court. Many times elected a justice of the peace, he was a stern and impartial judge, doing his whole duty to every one to the best of his ability, winning even from those who opposed him politically, the respect accorded an upright character. He took a deep inter- est in education and religion and was one of the founders of the Shaw's Point Christian Ciiurch. He married Lucinda Nichols, who was born in Kentucky, and they had 15 children born to them, eight of whom lived to maturity, viz: Mrs. Ulrica Cramer, deceased; George W., of Montgomery County; B. Stuart, of Shaw's Point township; William T., of this sketch; James A., a Civil War soldier, who died in a rebel prison in Texas; C. Gertrude, wife of Capt. H. T. Richardson of Carlinville; Mrs. Lucinda E. Wilson of Carlin- ville; and Mrs. Marcella A. Wilson, a widow, of Carlinville. Ous subject has spent his whole life in Shaw's Point township with the exception of three and a half years in Eureka, to which place he removed for a time for the better education of his children. He has followed farming and made a specialty of stock raising. The family own nearly 300 acres of land, Mr. Barnett having given his sons 208 acres, 80 acres being reserved for himself. He has filled a number of the prominent local offices in the gift of the Republican party, having been twice highway commissioner, and at present is a member of the School Board. ^ MACOUPIN COUNTY. 91 On September 29, 1867, Mr. Barnett was married to Elvira J. Johnson, who was bom in White County, IlHnois, and is a daughter of Edward W. and Sarah (Crabtree) Johnson. The two sons of this marriage who are now living are: William C, who was educated at Eureka College, married Bertha C. Wagner and is a farmer of Shaw's Point township; and Charles E., Who was also educated at the above mentioned college, married Bertha E. Stude- baker, has one son, Neville Everett, and lives on the homestead. Those de- ceased are : Thomas Edgar, Walter Floyd. Lolah Mae and Alva Leon. The religious connection of the family is with the Christian Church in which Mr. Barnett was formerly an elder. His fraternal connections have been with the Odd Fellows and the Farmers' Benefit Association of which he has been president. HENRY C. LOTT. Among the men who have begun life in a lowly station and by free and careful use of the talents with which they were endowed by the hand of Nature, have won their way to the top ranks in the business circles of Macoupin Countj-, we may mention the gentleman whose name heads these lines, and who resides on his farm situated in section 15, Carlinville town- ship, consisting of 160 acres of finely tilled soil. He was born in Baden, Germany, September 29, 1844, and is a son of George and Theresa (Heisler) Lott. George Lott was a native of Germany, and there was very successfully engaged in farming and wine making. In 1853 ^e came to America and engaged in farming in Macoupin County, Illinois, which occupation he con- tinued for many years. After a long life of unceasing activity, he retired and passed the sunset years of his life in ease, dying in 1889 at the age of 68 years. He served one year in the L^nion Army in the war between the sec- tions. Previous to the war, he was a Democrat, but after the war he became a member of the Republican party. He married Theresa Heisler, who died in 1866 at the age of 43 years, and they were the parents of nine children, four of whom are now living. He was a member of the Catholic Church. Henrj- C. Lott came to America in 1853 in company with his parents, 92 BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD and he attended the common schools of Macoupin County, but his educational advantages were limited. At an early period in his life, he was compelled to assist his father on the farm, and has since followed agricultural pursuits. He left the home farm finally in 1864 to work by the month for David Gore, and receiving $22 a month for his services, his wages being later raised to $28 per month ; after six years of hard work, he was in a position to purchase a team and wagon and to engage in what proved to be a most successful career. Besides farming, our subject is engaged in buying and selling mixed breeds of cattle, in which enterprise the results have been very satisfactory. Politically our subject is a member of the Democratic party, but has never taken any active interest in political affairs. In 1873 Mr. Lott was married to Lena Wundle, who died two years later, leaving one daughter, Theresa Delia, who married Peter Leritz, — Mrs. Leritz died in 1899. leaving one son, Ralph. In 1875 Mr. Lott was married to Mary Meyer, and to them were born 13 children, as follows: Albert, who married Bessie Morris; Elizabeth; Anna, wife of William Dunn, Jr.; Sophia; Edward, who married Florence Karnes; Joseph; Lewis, dectosed; Rose; Robert; Leonard; Lucile; Janette, deceased; and an infant, deceased. Our subject is a member of the Catholic Church. GABRIEL WILLARD JOHNSON. Gabriel Willard Johnson, a well known farmer residing in Carlin- ville township, Macoupin County, was born July 31, 1857, and is a son of K. Z. and Rebecca (Wilson) Johnson, natives of Clark and Sullivan Coun- ties, Indiana, respectively After his marriage, R. Z. Johnson came to Macoupin County, Illinois, in the spring of 1855, locating on a farm in South Otter township, where he resided until his death. He was a very successful farmer and at the time of his death was the owner of 400 acres of valuable farming land. He was one of the county's substantial citizens, and his death was a loss to the commun- ity in which he lived. He took an active part in local politics, and held a CHRISTOPHER RIEHER. MRS. LENA S. RIEHER. MACOUPIN COUNTY. 97. number of township oflfices. He and his wife were parents of eight children, as follows : Gabriel Williard, subject of this sketch ; Isabel, who married N. G. Wiggins and has four children, — Truman, Frank, Estella and Roy; Lafayette, who married Emma Marco and has the following children, — Grover, Nellie, Maude, Alma and Florence; Alice, who married James R. Richie and has two children, — ]\Iarvel and Gail ; Zepheniah, who married Annie Marco; Walter, who married Ida Conlee and has two children, — Mamie and Edna; and Minnie, who married James R. Richie, and has one son, — Jay. Religiously R. Z. Johnson was a Universalist, and his wife a Methodist. He died February 15, 1901, and her death occurred December 28, 1902. Gabriel ^^'illard Johnson was educated in the common schools of Macou- pin County, and remained on the home farm until he reached the age of 24 years. He now owns the home farm, and is successfully engaged in general farming and stock raising. At the present time he has about 50 head of cattle, and about 20 head of horses, and also raises considerable fruit. In 1882, Mr. Johnson was united in marriage with Julia C. Conlee, and they are parents of eight children : Oscar, Oliver, Charles, Nettie, Susan, Ada, Alden and Carl. Fraternall}-, our subject is a member of the ]\Iodern Woodmen of America. He is a Democrat in politics but has never sought for political honors. He is a representative of the highest type of man- hood, and his sterling qualities have gained him friends wherever he is known. CHRISTOPHER RIEHER. \Ye take pleasure in presenting to the readers of this biography one of the most enterprising and substantial agriculturists of Macoupin County, Illinois, who has for the past 40 yeaers been actively engaged here in the culti- vation of the soil, and as a reward for his unceasing toil has become the owner of a handsome farm, consisting of 436 acres, situated in section 19. He was born in Marnitz, ]\Iecklenburg-Schwerin. Germany, ]\Iarch 2, 1840. and is a son of Voohim and Sophia (Galof) Richer. Voohim and Sophia (Galof) Richer were both natives of Germany, and remained in the fatherland all their lives. They were the parents of five 98 BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD children besides our subject, namely; William, Frederick, Lena, Sophia and Henry. In religious belief they were members of the German Evangelical church. Christopher Richer came to America in 1865, landing in New York City on October loth, and immediately came to the State of Illinois, locating at Macoupin Station. He then engaged in work with his half-brother, Will- iam, who had been in this country since 1849, ^nd after a few years rented a farm and began what has proved to be a most successful career. After nine years of industrious work on the farm which he had rented, he purchased a tract of 80 acres that is now included in his present farm, 16 acres of the property being cleared. On this pioneer farm he engaged successfully in agricultural pursuits and in a few years purchased another piece of land, con- sisting of 60 acres. Gradually he has continued to increase his real estate holdings until he now owns 436 acres, which he has under a high state of cultivation. He raises some of the finest corn, oats, and wheat to be seen in his county, producing annually from 3,000 to 4,000 bushels of corn and about 2,000 bushels of wheat. Our subject also devotes much time to raising stock, and in former years raised large droves of sheep each year. He is widely known for the skilled manner in which he conducts his farm. Mr. Richer was married September 15, 1865, to Lena Shultz, who is like himself a native of Germany, and they are the parents of four children, namely : Henry, Mary, Augusta and William. Mr. Richer and family are members of the German Evangelical Church. He is a Republican and quite active in the politics of his township. He held the office of township com- missioner for three terms and served as school trustee for three years. Por- traits of Mr. and Mrs. Richer accompany this sketch. WILLIAM H. PERRINE. William H. Perrine, an honored resident of Brushy Mound town- ship and an early settler of Macoupin County, was born in New Jersey, August 12, 1835. He is a son of Ezekiel and Lydia (Thompson) Perrine, I MACOUPIN COUNTY. 99 and a grandson of Henry Perrine, a French Huguenot who fled from France to the United States because of religious persecution and settled in New Jer- sey. He was a farmer by calling and followed agricultural pursuits through- out his entire life. Ezekiel Perrine, father of our subject, was also a farmer by occupation and a prominent man of his day. He farmed in New Jersey until 1846, then moved to Indiana where he lived during the succeeding five years. He then sold his farm and moved to Greene County, Illinois, where he lived one sea- son. Upon coming to Macoupin County, Illinois, in 1852, he purchased a tract of 170 acres of farm land in Brushy Mound township, upon which he lived for some years. He then sold this property and moved to Montgomery County, Illinois, where he bought a farm of 270 acres and followed farming there for 10 or 12 years, after which he made his home in Girard until his death in 1895. He was a verj' influential man and was known for his strict integrity and upright character. He was a Whig in politics, until the organ- ization of the Republican party, with which he was thereafter affiliated. He married Lydia Thompson, and their union was blessed by the birth of the following children : Zelphia ; ^larj' A. ; Susan ; Eliza ; Georgiana ; William H. ; Enoch; Charles; Washington; and Ezekiel. Mrs. Perrine was of the Presbyterian faith and was an active church worker. Her death occurred in 1853. William H. Perrine was about 16 years of age when he came to Macou- pin County, Illinois, and here he attended the common schools of Brushy Mound township. His education in the schools was ver}- limited, but by contact with the world it became extended and practical. He took to agri- cultural pursuits at an early age, and began by working at the meagre salary of $10 per month. He worked hard and lived frugally and year by year his financial condition became better until he came to be considered one of the substantial men of his community and of the county. He has some 700 acres of land, two-thirds of which he cultivates and the remainder he devotes to pasture. He raises a yearly average of 150 head of cattle and 150 liogs, and is said to have never sold a bushel of grain or a ton of hay, feeding it to his own stock. He is a man of ability, foresight and good judgment, and the success which has come to him is due solely to his many years of steady in- dustry and capable management of his affairs. In 1857 Mr. Perrine was united in marriage with Sarah J. Anderson, a 100 BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD daughter of Silas Anderson, and the following children were born to them : Ellen; Anna; Ada; Frank; William; and John. Politically, Mr. Perrine v\-as a Republican for some 30 years, but is now a Democrat, having sup- ported Grover Cleveland and, later, William Jennings Bryan for the presi- dency. ROBERT JARMAN. Robert Jarman^ a prominent and substantial farmer of Shaw's Point township, Macoupin County, owning a magnificent farm of 400 acres, sit- uated in sections 2^, 24 and 27, has long been one of the leading men of his section of the county. Mr. Jarman was born May 2, 1833, in Devonshire, England, and is a son of Phillip and Elizabeth (Sloman) Jarman. Phillip Jarman was born in England and spent his whole life in that country. He learned the mason's trade and was employed almost all his life on one of the big Devonshire estates. He was almost 90 years of age at the time of his demise and had been for years a consistent member of the Church of England. He was the father of eight children, namely: William, of Alton, Illinois; Phillip, of Devonshire, England; Mary, who died in England in youth; Margaret (i) and Margaret (2), both of whom died young; Robert, of this sketch; John, who died at Pana, Illinois; and Isaac, who died at Carlinville. Robert Jarman was reared in what is probably the most beautiful part of England, but it did not ofifer sufiScient business opportunities for such a young man as was our subject at the age of 20 years, and he decided to cross the ocean in search of better conditions. Taking passage in the sailing ship "Rose of Plymouth," bound from Plymouth to Quebec, he finally reached his destination after a voyage of seven weeks and two days, being detained on the shores of Newfoundland for 21 days by dense fogs. Before finally settling in Macoupin County, Mr. Jarman visited a number of places and engaged in various employments. From Quebec he went to Montreal, thence to Ogdensburg, New York, thence in turn to Buffalo. Detroit and Chicago. When he landed at the last named town, at that time rather uninviting, he possessed $15. He soon secured farm work at Waukegan. Illinois, and then MACOUPIX COUNTY. loi pressed on as far into the agricultural regions as Alton. There he was engaged in a butcher shop for two years and then engaged again in farming, passing lo years in Jersey County. In i860 Mr. Jarman came first to IMa- coupin County and bought a farm in Honey Point township, but four years later purchased 120 acres in Shaw's Point township, to which he has added until it now aggreg-ates 400 acres. This is unquestionably one of the finest farms in the county and all its valuable improvements have been placed here by ISIr. Jarman. It is known as the Hill Stock Farm and its products are known over a wide extent. j\Ir. Jarman has been much interested in the breeding of fine horses and at one time kept three thorough-bred stallions. Recently he has made an addition to his stables of a fine stallion for which he paid $500, although it is but 11 months old. His present stable includes 13 head of horses and two mules. He keeps from 80 to 100 head of Shorthorn cattle, 100 head of Berkshire hogs and many Oxford-Down and Cotswold sheep. He feeds all his own stock and cultivates 100 acres of corn, 40 acres of wheat and 25 of oats. Mr. Jarman farms in a scientific manner and thoroughly imderstands agriculture in all its branches. With intelligent, successful agriculturists like Mr. Jarman, farming is much more than the holding of the plow, planting, and reaping, and his wonderful success may in part be attributed to tlie close study he has given to soil, drainage, climate and the kindred subjects, included in prosperous agricultural operations. In the fall of 1864, Mr. Jarman enlisted for service in the Civil War, in Company K, 144th Reg., Illinois \^ol. Inf., under Captain Usted, and vmtil ill and sent to the hospital at St. Louis, he did guard duty at Alton and St. Louis, being mustered out May 24, 1865. On March 4, 1861, Mr. Jarman was married to Selinda McDow, who was born April 28, 1835, in Jersey County, Illinois, and is a daughter of Thomas and ilarj' (Lindsey) McDow, natives of North Carolina and Ken- tucky, respectively. Nine children were bom to this union, of whom the following have been reared: ^Maggie ]M., who married ^^'illiam Rose, of Shaw's Point township, and has two children, i\Iar>- E. and Robert R. ; Elmer E.. a resident of California, who married Emma Ebert and has three children, Eddie. Fred and Flossie; Carrie Eliza, who died at the age of 20 years in 1888; Laura, who married William Heifer, of Jacksonville, Illinois; Charles O., who married Sophia Heifer, and has four children — Blanche, Fern, Robert E. and Dale; and ilyrtle, who married Hurley Herselman and I02 BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD resides in Montgomery County, Illinois. Mrs. Jarman is a consistent mem- ber of the Christian Church of Shaw's Point and is a lady very generally esteemed. Mr. Jarman is a member of the Shaw's Point H. T. D. S. and the Farmers' Mutual Benefit Association. He belongs to the local G. A. R. Post and attended the late National Encampment held at San Francisco, California. During his absence from home Mr. Jarman took occasion to travel extensively through the West, and visited many points of interest. He is one of the most progressive and valued citizens of Macoupin County, and sustains the reputation of being at all times ready to aid, financially or otherwise, the benevolent or public spirited enterprises of his community. JOHN REICHMANN. Among the distinguished and progressive farmers who have been suc- cessfully engaged in the pursuits of agriculture in Macoupin County, is the gentleman whose name heads this personal sketch, who resides on his hand- some farm of 70 acres in section 30, Carlinville townhip. He was born No- vember 18, 1858, and is a son of John and Catherine (Hoffman) Reich- mann. John Reichmann, Sr., who was a native of Germany, came to Illinois about 1850, and purchased a farm in Carlinville township, where he farmed for many years, and finally accumulated a competency, enabling him to pass the remaining days of his life in retirement. He then removed to Carlinville, where he died in September, 1898. He was married to Catherine Hoff- man, who was also a native of Germany, and they were the parents of seven children, namely: Jacob, deceased; John, the subject of this sketch; Maggie; Charles; Edward; Henry, and one child who died in infancy. In his political belief he favored the Democratic party, and at one time held the office of school trustee. In religious belief he was a member of the German Evan- gelical Church. John Reichmann received his education in the common schools of Ma- MACOUPIN COUNTY. 103 coupin County, and has led the Hfe of a farmer. After reaching the years of manhood, he rented a farm and began what has proved to be a most success- ful career. Having operated the rented farm for some years, he was enabled to purchase his present farm, which he has successfully tilled since 1901. He also devotes considerable attention to stock raising, and is prominently iden- tified with the stock raisers of his community. Politically our subject is a member of the Democratic party, and is at present serving as school trustee. In fraternal circles he is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America. In 1889 Mr. Reichmann married Mary Silvertson, and they are the parents of two children, — Frederick and Theodore. Our subject and his family are members of the German Evangelical Church. JACKSON HALL. Jackson Hall^ a prominent farmer of Shaw's Point township, Ma- coupin County, who owns a well improved farm of 90 acres, situated in section 28, was born in 1827, in Washington County, Tennessee, and is a son of Thomas and Peggy (Hall) Hall. Thomas Hall was a son of James Hall, who had a family of six chil- dren, namely : James, Thomas, Than, Peggie, Eliza and Samuel. His an- cestors were from North Carolina. The family was a prominent agricul- tural one of Eastern Tennessee and there Thomas Hall followed farming all his life, at Baker's Falls, dying at the age of 80 years. He married a distant relative, also a native of Washington County, Tennessee, and they reared these children: John, James, Jackson, Polly and Betsy (twins), Sarah Alexander, Amos, David, Martha, Eliza, Emaline and Samuel. In politics Mr. Hall supported the Democratic party. For many years he was a leading member of the Presbyterian Church in his locality. About 1858 the mother of our subject was killed and several of the family were injured in a tornado that destroyed their house. Jackson Hall was educated in the local schools in his native place and was a young man of 23 years when he came to Illinois, locating first in I04 BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD Greene County, at a later date, settling on his present farm in Macoupin County. Through energy, industry and enterprise, Mr. Hall has made his property very productive and valuable and has improved it with two dwell- ings and suitable barns and outbuildings for both. He has given attention to a general line of farming, raises about 2,000 bushels of corn annually and has 30 acres devoted to wheat, sometimes renting land for the cultivation of the latter grain. Mr. Hall has found it profitable to raise swine and keeps about 50 head, and also raises a number of good horses and mules. Mr. Hall's first marriage was to Martha Sullens, who was born in Tennessee, and who at death left one child, — Margaret, wife of Robert Gar- rison, who lives in Macoupin County. Mr. Hall's second marriage was to Mary Millhorn who was born September 2, 1844, in Sullivan County, Ten- nessee, and is a daughter of Jackson and Ann Millhorn, who passed their lives in Sullivan County. Two children have been born to this union, namely: John, born May 9, 1884, and Susie, born October 19, 1885, both of whom are at home. In politics Mr. Hall is a Democrat, but has taken no very active part in public affairs, having no desire to hold office. The prosperous condition of his farm shows that he has given it careful and intelligent attention, and he is ranked with the substantial men of his township. RANDOLPH P. ANDERSON. Randolph P. Anderson, a well known and honored citizen of Carlin- ville, Macoupin County, now living retired from active business, comes of Irish and Scotch ancestry. He was born February 25, 1832, on a farm near Newark, New Jersey, the son of Robert and Nancy (Moore) Anderson. Robert Anderson was born in Ireland, of which country, so far as known, his father, James Anderson, was also a native and a lifelong resident. Robert Anderson was reared in his native land, and when a young man, with three of his brothers, came to America, locating in New Jersey, while his brothers settled in the Southern States. He was a brick molder by trade and followed that business in New Jersey for 15 years. He then MACOUPIN COUNTY. 105 bought a farm near Newark upon which he resided until 1838 when he removed to Indiana and settled in Randolph County where he was a pioneer. He bought a tract of timber land near the Ohio State line and built a log house on the place. He split boards for the roof and puncheons for the floor ; the chimney was built of earth and sticks. At that early day there was an abundance of game — deer and turkeys were very plentiful. For some years there were no railways and Piqua, 37 miles distant, was the nearest market. The merchants would pay for grain and hay in merchandise only. At that time but little value was placed upon lumber, and when clearing land huge logs were rolled together in heaps and burned. The father of our subject developed a farm from the wilderness, which he sold at an advance, and bought another tract of timber land, a mile distant from his first pur- chase. This he also built upon and cleared the land but finally sold it. He then purchased a small piece of land, erected a comfortable home and there dwelt until his death. His wife, who was a native of Scotland, came to this countr}' with her father, Isaac ]Moore. Her death took place upon the home place in Randolph County. Both she and her husband were devoted Christians and members of the Baptist Church. They reared a family of 13 children to useful lives. Randolph P. Anderson was but six years old when his parents removed to Indiana, and in that State he was reared and educated. He early attended school in a primitive log school house, and as soon as he was able commenced to assist in the duties of the farm, residing with his parents imtil he was 14 years old, when he began to do farm work by the day or month for others. He received 10 cents a day for his labor, and by the month was paid $4 or $5, and had to work hard from daylight until dark. He continued working out until he w-as 17, and then served three and one-half years in Union City, Indiana, to learn the trade of blacksmith. After that he did "jour" work in that State until 1855, when he came to Carlinville, ]\Iacoupin County, com- mencing here as a journeyman and finally opening a carriage and general blacksmith shop, in which he continued until 1884, when he retired from active business. He was ver\' much prospered, and succeeded in accumu- lating a valuable property, the possession of which places him among the moneyed men of ^Macoupin County. He has purchased farm land from time to time, some of w^hich he has sold but he still owns upward of 500 acres, all of which is located within a convenient distance of Carlinville. On October 30, 1862, Mr. Anderson w^as united in marriage to L. 6 io6 BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD Helena McGinnis. She was born in North Otter township, Macoupin County, and is a daughter of G. Martin McGinnis, who was born in Wayne County, Missouri. Mrs. Anderson's great-grandfather was born in Ire- land, and immigrated to this country. His son James, the next in line of descent, was a pioneer farmer of Missouri ; from that State he came to Illinois, and his death took place in Madison County. The father of Mrs. Anderson was quite young when his parents took up their residence in this State. After his marriage with Elizabeth B. Haines, a daughter of James Haines, he located in Macoupin County and was an active pioneer of Bird township. He purchased a tract of land, partially improved, and engaged in agriculture, and there he spent his last days, his death taking place Au- gust 19, 1895. His wife's death took place April 26, 1852. Mr. and Mrs. Anderson are the parents of two children. Anna A. Anderson, the daugh- ter, married Lee Dusenberry, and has three children — Earl R., Fenton E. and Myrtle H. Robert R. Anderson, the son, who is a prominent farmer of Macoupin County, married Nettie Hunter, who waa born in Greene County, Illinois, and they have one child, Martha E., who was born in February, 1900. The term "self-made" may most properly lie applied to Mr. Anderson, for through life he has had to depend entirely on his own exertions, but with a determination to succeed he worked earnestly and con- stantly, and now at his advanced age can rest from all care and anxiety, with the consciousness that his present prosperity is due to his own industry and ability, ably seconded by the cooperation of his faithful wife. WILLIAM RONKSLEY. William Ronksley, deceased, was born in Sheffield, Yorkshire, Eng- land, in 1S29, and died in Macoupin County, Illinois, in 1890, leaving a farm of 240 acres in section 35, and one of 78 acres in section 26, Western Mound township. The father of the late William Ronksley was James Ronksley, who came vritli his family to America in 1844. They remained in Illinois a few years, but finally returned to England, where James Ronksley died. In 1855 MACOUPIN COUNTY. 107 our subject returned to Illinois and located for one year in Morgan County, but in i860 he removed to Macoupin County and settled in Chesterfield town- ship, where he remained until 1869, when he purchased the valuable farms in Western Mound township, of which he was the owner at the time of his death. He followed an agricultural life and took a prominent place among the farmers of this section of the State. In 1856, at Jacksonville, Morgan County, Illinois, Mr. Ronksley mar- ried Mary Roberts, who was a daughter of Richard Roberts, who came to Illinois from England as one of the pioneer settlers of Morgan County. She died in 1897, aged 71 years, leaving four children, viz: Fanny, who is engaged in the dressmaking business in the village of Chesterfield ; George, a resident of Kansas City, engaged in postoffice cabinet work, who married Sarah Albin, daughter of William Albin, a farmer of Missouri, and has one child — Ona Mildred ; Hannah, who married Oliver Carter, foreman of the chair department of the Joliet State Penitentiary, and has three children — William Robert, George Oliver and Ethel Fay; and Nellie, who married James O. Bates and has one child — Evelyn Ruth. James O. Bates rents and operates the homestead farm. In politics Mr. Ronksley was a Republican. He was a quiet man, a kind husband and father and good neighbor, and was always held in esteem for his high character. He did his part in building up the various enter- prises which have developed this section, and he left a family that is every- where respected. WILLIAM J. HART. \\'iLLiAM J. Hart, a prominent farmer of Honey Point township, Macoupin County, owning a fine farm of 160 acres, situated in section 29, was born August 31, 1832, in Morgan County, Illinois, and is a son of Capt. Washington and Mary (McDonald) Hart. Capt. Washington Hart, so called on account of his rank in the Illinois State militia, was born at Nashville, Tennessee, and was the sixth son of David Hart, the other sons bearing the names of : Solomon, David, Charles, Anderson, Nathan, Daniel and Caleb. Of this family nil came to Illinois io8 BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD except one who remained in Tennessee and one who settled in Missouri. The Hart brothers settled on the prairie near Jacksonville, giving the name of Hart's Prairie to that locality. There Washington Hart was reared and in his younger days was a drover and stock dealer, later becoming a merchant at Hornsby where he built the first house, locating there in our subject's child- hood. He was a man of considerable prominence in politics and was widely known on account of his connection with the militia. His death took place in 1865, at the age of 54 years. In religious connection he was a member and liberal supporter of the Christian Church. He married Mary McDonald, who was born at Nashville, Tennessee, a daughter of John McDonald, and they became the parents of four children, namely: William J.; John, who is in a real estate business at Lincoln, Nebraska ; and Mahala and Martha, both of whom died young. William J. Hart attended the local schools during boyhood, and has resided in Macoupin County since he w-as six years of age. His vocation has always been farming and the raising of stock, and he is one who has met with much success. He has made a leading feature the raising of high grade cattle and stock, favoring Poland-China and Chester White swine, on several occasions having animals of the latter breed that weighed 800 pounds. Formerly Mr. Hart raised much wheat but has entirely given up wheat grow- ing, raising now more corn and oats than any other products. He is com- fortably and conveniently located and well situated to enjoy all the blessings w'hich attend the independent life of the Illinois farmer. On September 30, 1851, Mr. Hart was married to Sarah J. Mitchell, who was born November 16, 1831, in Kentucky, and is a daughter of Elisha and Elizabeth (Cofifee) Mitchell, both of whom were natives of the Blue Grass State. Five children were born to this union, namely : Mahlon E., who at death left a widow and two children, — Bessie and Ora; Sylvester, a resident of Honey Point township, who has eight children, — Samuel, Syl- vester, Verne, Orvil, Vergie, Icy, Myrtie and Ross; Walter C, also a resi- dent of Honey Point township, who has six children, — Larkin, Myrtle, Ger- trude, Hattie, Washington and Daisy; William W., a resident of Hilyard township, who has one son, — Edward ; and Ida J., who resides at home. JMr. Hart has also one great-grandchild, little Sybil Hart, daughter of Larkin. Hart. In politics Mr. Hart, like his ancestors, has always supported the Demo- MACOUPIX COUNTY. 109 cratic part)-, but has never accepted anj' public oflSce except that he ser\-ed as a member of the School Board for 12 years. Both he and his wife have been consistent members of the Baptist Church for more than 50 years. They are well known all through Honey Point township and are among its most respected residents. JOSEPH PENNINGTON. -\niong the self made men of Macoupin County, farmers by vocation, who have succeeded through their own energy and perseverance, and to-day are proprietors of fine and productive farms, who are able to pass the sunset of life in the enjoyment of a competency obtained through years of honest toil and economy, is our subject whose name heads this notice. He is pleasantly located on his farm of 160 acres, situated in sections 4 and 9, Bunker Hill township. He was bom on his present farm, August 12. 1851, and is a son of James T. and Cj-nthia (Bullman) Pennington. The Penningtons are of Scotch descent. James T. Pennington was born at Liberty Comer, Somerset Count\', Xew Jersey, May 26, 1818, and came to Illinois in 1839. taking up from the government the farm now belonging to our subject. When he located in this count}- the countrj- was yet unsettled and he built his house by splitting out logs. James T. Pennington passed through the toils and hardships of pioneer life but finally succeeded in attaining a high position among the pros- perous business men of his locality. He was also a skilled hand at the car- penter's trade, ha^■ing been an apprentice to that trade when 17 years of age. In political circles, ^Ir. Pennington was an active member of the Democratic party, and was the choice of that party many times for various offices. He first served in the capacity- of justice of the peace for one year. In 1S71 he w^as chosen the first supervisor of Bunker Hill township, and in 1872 was chosen as county sheriff, being later reelected to that office, serving two terms. Previous to that time, in i860, he had been elected a member of the State House of Representatives, and had helped to pass many bills in support of the war. Mr. Pennington was also interested in the mercantile business. Fra- temally he was a member of the Masons. Mr. Pennington was married to no BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD Cynthia Bullman, who was a natitve of New Jersey, and five children were born to them, namely : Elias, a resident of New Mexico, where he is inter- ested in stock raising; Idel (Ament), a resident of Texas; James W., a prominent farmer of Bunker Hill township; Joseph, our subject, and Law- rence, who died at the age of 27 years. Mr. Pennington died on the home- stead farm in Bunker Hill township in 1894. Joseph Pennington has always resided on his present farm, and has con- tinually cultivated the place. He devotes his farm to general farming and stock raising and has proved himself to be a skilled hand at both. He also owns 114 acres in Hilyard township. Politically, Mr. Pennington is a mem- ber of the Democratic party, but takes only a citizen's interest in pollitical affairs. On February 24, 1879. Mr. Pennington was married to Mary E. Ament, who is a native of Missouri, and the estimable daughter of James E. and Emily Ament, natives of Tennessee and Illinois, respectively. Mr. and Mrs. Pennington are the parents of one child, Chester, who is a graduate of the Bunker Hill High School. HENRY SCHOENEMANN. Henry Schoenemann, who is an esteemed resident of Bunker Hill, is a well known retired farmer of Dorchester township, Macoupin County, where he owns a fine farm of 156 acres, situated in sections 3, 4 and 5, and is also a survivor of the great Civil War, in which he served as a faithful soldier for three long years. Mr. Schoenemann was born in Brunswick, Germany, June 23, 1840, and is a son of Henry and Charlotta (Long) Schoenemann. The parents of our subject were both born in Germany. In 1870 they came to America and joined their son Henry. Here the father died, two years later, aged 63 years. The mother survived until 1900, dying at the age of 82 years. They had a family of eight children, and two of the daugh- ters and three of the sons found homes in the United States. Henry Schoenemann was 19 years old when he left the port of Bremen, MACOUPIN COUNTY. iii on a slow sailing vessel, for the United States. After a long voyage of two and a half months, the craft cast anchor at New Orleans in December, 1859, and as Illinois was the State in which our subject desired to settle he came up the Mississippi to St. Louis, and proceeded thence to Madison County, where he immediately found farm work, by the month, and was making fair wages at the time of the outbreak of the Civil War. On Au- gust 15, 1861, he enlisted as a private in Company I. 8th Reg., Illinois Vol. Inf., under Col. Richard Oglesby, afterward Governor of the State. This regiment under its gallant commander took a conspicuous part in the cam- paigns of the Army of the Tennessee, starting from Carlo, Illinois, taking in all the movements at different points in Missouri, participating in the terrific battles at Fort Henr}% Fort Donelson, Shiloh and Corinth. The regiment won distinction wherever its fighting quality was tested. It then went to Jackson, Tennessee, thence to Meaton Station, to Bolivar and La Grange, to Hollow Springs and Oxford, Mississippi, and other points where the railroads required watching and guarding, then to ^lemphis, Lake Providence and Milliken's Bend, Louisiana, and then to \"icksburg, meeting the fleet of Admiral Farragut and acting in conjunction with it. The whole history of this regiment of gallant men includes the battles which did much to preserve the nation's life at that critical juncture. Every day from May 18 to July 4, 1863, the notable day of the surrender of Vicksburg, Mr. Schoenemann, with his brave companions, was under fire, his last work prior to the expiration of his term of service being an expedition to destroy bridges and to prevent the advance of the enemy's army. He was honorably discharged in August, 1864, having escaped both wounds and capture, al- though his clothing was riddled with bullets. Upon his return to civil life, Mr. Schoenemann came to Macoupin County and after working for three years on a farm, by the month, he bought 85 acres in Shelby County, which he operated for three and a half years. He then came to his present excellent property in Dorchester town- ship, and engaged in its cultivation and improvement until 1891, when he retired to Bunker Hill, where he and his wife reside in great comfort. On February 23, 1868, Mr. Schoenemann was married to Georgiana Wohlert, who was born in Holstein, Germany, and accompanied her parents to America in 1866. Mr. Schoenemann is not a pensioner of the Civil War, but he is a 112 BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD valued member of J. M. Hubbard Post, No. 721, G. A. R., of Bunker Hill, and also of the Harugari, a German order. In politics he is a Re- publican. CHARLES W. YORK Charles W. York, the present supervisor of Honey Point township, Macoupin County, and the owner of a fine farm of 200 acres, situated in sec- tions 9 and 16, was born in this township on September i, 1866, and is a son of William C. and Mary (Wallace) York. Joel York, the grandfather of Charles W. York, was a native of Tennessee, and was one of the early pioneers who joined the movement to Illinois when the latter State began to offer lands to those who wished to better their condition through honest industry. He settled in Morgan County, but died soon after, leaving five children, namely: Joseph, Nimrod, William, Wesley and Mrs. Nancy Scott. William C. York was born in Tennessee and accompanied his father to Illinois. He began life with very limited means, but when he settled in Honey Point township, Macoupin County, he began to accumulate land and at his death in 1873 he left a well cultivated and improved farm of 270 acres. He was a man of considerable prominence in his section, holding many of the local offices within the gift of the Democratic party, serving at one time as a deputy sheriff of the county. He was a man of sterling char- acter and his name is remembered with expressions of respect. Fraternally he w-as a Mason. Religiously he was a Baptist. William C. York married Mary Wallace, who was born in Illinois, and nine children were born to them, three of whom were living when the parents both died within a few days of each other, and but two of whom survived to maturity. W^alter lived to be 18 years old. Lucetta died at the age of 24 years, the wife of Daniel Hutton, to whom she left two children — Charles and Eugene. Charles W. York, the only survivor of the above mentioned family, has alw'ays made his home in Honey Point township. His large farm is devoted to stock raising and to the production of wheat, oats, corn and hay. High grade Durham cattle are raised here, Poland China hogs and many fine horses. HON. W. L MOUNTS. MACOUPIN COUXTY. 115 In 1887 Mr. York married Mary E. Nimmons, who was born in Mont- gomery County, Illinois, and is a daughter of John and Alaria Nimmons. Three children have been born to them, namely: Mabel C, Ernest John, and Oren C. Air. York has always been more or less interested in politics, is a stanch Democrat, and is serving his second term as township supervisor. He has most efficiently filled other offices and is regarded as one of the leading mem- bers of the party in his section. He is not only one of the township's best farmers, but he is also one of its most wide-awake and public spirited citizens. HON. W. L. MOUNTS. Hon. W. L. Mounts^ one of the most prominent public men of Macou- pin County, whose portrait accompanies this sketch, is a member of the legal profession and has been a lifelong resident of Carlinville. He was born August 31, 1862, and is a son of Leander W. and Elizabeth (Davis) Mounts. Mr. Mounts is descended from French Huguenot stock. His great- grandfather, \\'illiam Mounts, who was a native of Virginia, removed to Warren County, Ohio, as early as 1792. There Watson Mounts, our sub- ject's grandfather, was born, being the first white child born in that county. Leander \\'. Mounts was born in Warren County, Ohio, November 30, 1829, and came to Illinois in 1856, locating at Fayette, Greene County. He re- moved to Carlinville, Macoupin County, in 1857, following his trade as a carpenter there for some years, but having earned a competency retired in early life. His death occurred February 8. 1900; he was survived by his widow who lived in Carlinville until her death, January 13, 1904. Leander W. Mounts was united in marriage with Elizabeth Davis, who was born in Grayson County, Kentucky, February i, 1825. and to tliis union were born the following children: Emma, who died at the age of 14 years; Flora G., wife of A. H. Bell of Carlinville; Nannie, who died at the age of 14 months; W. L., the subject of this biography: and Walter S., who died in 1896, aged 2-j years. Mrs. Mounts was a member of the Methodist Church for many ii6 BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD years. Mr. Mounts was a Christian in every sense of the word but was a member of no church organization. Politically he was a stanch Democrat. W. L. Mounts, the fourth child born to his parents, received a pre- liminary educational training in the publilc schools, after which he attended Blackburn University, from which he was graduated in 1881. He taught school from the time of his graduation until 1884, then read law for two j'ears with the firm of Anderson & Bell of Carlinville, and on August 25, 1885, was admitted to the bar. He engaged actively in practice for some years and numbered many of the leading citizens and business firms of the community among his clients. He was frequently elected by the Democratic party to positions of public trust, serving from 1886 to 1887 as city treasurer. He served efficiently in the capacity of city attorney and in 1890 was elected mayor of Carlinville by the largest majority ever given a candidate for that ofifice, also being the youngest executive the city has ever had. He was elected to the General Assembly of Illinois in the fall of 1892, was renominated by acclamation and elected in 1894. and in 1896 was nominated and elected State Senator. In 1898 he received the unanimous instruction of the Macou- pin County delegation for member of Congress, and lost the nomination by only one vote. In 1900 his name was again placed in nomination for member of Congress, and it was only after the hardest fight ever made in a conven- tion in this district that he was defeated. There were 2,555 balllots taken, and the session lasted for two weeks. In 1898 he was selected as member at large of the State Democratic Central Committee, and on its organization was elected secretary, in which capacity he now serves. He was also chairman of the State committee on speakers during the campaign of 1900, with head- quarters in Chicago. He was appointed by Governor Yates as one of the Democratic members of the St. Louis World's Fair Commission to represent the State of Illinois. He has always been enthusiastic in his support of Democratic principles, and is a power in his party. On June 18, 1884, Mr. Mounts was united in marriage with Efiie M. Anderson, a daughter of C. H. C. Anderson of Carlinville, and they have three children: Bruce H., ]\Iarion E., and William W. Mrs. Mounts is a member of the Methodist Church, and he is a liberal supporter of various churches and enterprises. He is a member of Mount Nebo Lodge, No. 76, A. F. & A. M. ; Carlinville Chapter, R. A. M. ; St. Omar Commandery, K. T., of Litchfield; Moolah Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S. ; Orient Lodge No. 95, K. of P.; and the Lodge No. 654, B. P. O. E., of Litchfield, Illinois. MACOUPIN COUNTY. 117 Mr. Mounts has been practically retired from the practice of law since 1890, and has devoted his attention to looking after his extensive and varied business interests. He is interested in the banking house of C. H. C. Ander- son, has extensive farming interests, and is president of the Carlinville Gas & Electric Light Company. He is a most enterprising and public spirited citizen, and has lent his hearty support to all measures calculated to benefit and develop the city. WILLIAM E. TAYLOR. William E. Taylor, a prosperous farmer residing in section 22, Brushy Mound township, Macoupin County, is a native of this county, born in Gillespie township, on July 26, 1837. He is a son of Arthur and Sarah A. (Rose) Taylor, and grandson of William Taylor, who was a na- tive of North Carolina. The Taylor family is of Scotch-Irish descent and was established in North Carolina in the colonial days. Arthur Taylor, father of our subject, was born in South Carolina, and was there reared to manhood, working as a farm laborer when a boy. In 1832 he came to the State of Illinois and received a patent to a tract of land in Gillespie township, Macoupin County, where he lived the remainder of his days. He died in 1872, aged about 66 years. He was a Whig, and later a Democrat in politics. He was united in marriage with Sarah A. Rose, who was born near Princeton, New Jersey. She died in 1882, aged 68 years. They were of the Baptist faith. William E. Taylor received his educational training in the old log school houses which characterized this county in the early period of its development. He took to agricultural pursuits at an early day, and has followed this vocation with marked success all his life. Working hard and living frugally he was enabled to acquire property of his own, and at the present time owns a valuable farm of 280 acres in Brushy Mound township. He follows general farming and stock raising, his farm being well stocked with animals of a high class. In 1864, Mr. Taylor was joined in marriage with Eliza Blue, who died the year following without issue. In 1868, our subject was married ii8 BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD to Martha Kiltner, \\hose parents were among the early settlers of Ma- coupin County. Six children were born to bless this union, namely : Lucy (Beam) and Lydia (\\'hitworth), twins; Anna (Whitworth) ; William; Ella; and Roy. The family are Baptists in religious attachment. Politi- cally, Mr. Taylor is a stanch Democrat and takes an active interest in local politics. He has held the offices of township supervisor, commissioner of highways, overseer, justice of the peace, and has served as a member of the School Board in his district for the past 15 years. He has also served on the Democratic Central Committee, in which capacity he rendered valuable assistance to his party. JACOB T. SARGENT. Jacob T. Sargent is one of the representative men of Macoupin County. He came from New Hampshire in 1857 and has since resided on his farm north of Carlinville with the exception of two years spent in Ne- braska. He is an enterprising and progressive farmer, striving to enrich and beautify his farm rather than reap great gain therefrom. Mr. Sargent was born July 28, 1832, his parents being descended from the old Puritan stock. He inherited from his "Yankee" forefathers a vein of ingenuity which made him the inventor of several practical appliances to be used on farms for the most part. In 1857 Mr. Sargent was married to Maria L. Braley, also a native of New England. Five children were born of this union, four of whom are living. While not remaining in Macoupin County, each one is a worthy addition to the place chosen for his home. Capt. Herbert H. is a United States Army officer and a military author of marked ability. Charles E. of Chicago is a mechanical engineer — the inventor of the "Sargent Gas Engine" and several other mechanical devices which have brought him some fame in his profession. Grace Venus is a teacher in the Chicago public schools and a progressive student. Edith M. is the wife of Roy B. Peebles, a successful business man of Chicago. Mr. Sargent's family is an honor to him and he is well repaid for his determination to educate his children even though it was a struggle in the early days. Mr. Sargent's marked interest in Christianit)-, temperance, education and charity has won for him a place in the hearts of all who know him. MACOUPIN COUNTY. 119 JOHN TITCHENAL. John TitchenaLj one of the well known citizens and successful farmers of Bunker Hill township, Macoupin County, who owns a well culti- vated farm of 160 acres, situated in section 31, was born in Culpeper County, Virginia, July 20, 1835, and is a son of Andrew and Nancy (Ogden) Titchenal. David Titchenal, the grandfather of our subject, settled in western Virginia in early days on a farm so intersected with mountain spurs, that it was described as having 57 corners. However, on this farm David Titchenal prospered and was accounted the only wealthy man of his neigh- borhood. Both he and a son served in tlie War of 1812. His children were: William, John, Andrew, Moses, Daniel, David and Mrs. Margaret Little. Andrew Titchenal, father of our subject, was born in 1800 in Virginia on his father's farm in Harrison County, and died in 1855, in Madison County, Illinois. Although he owned land and did considerable farming, he was more inclined to live the life of a hunter and trapper, preferring log cabins in the woods where he could enjoy a life near to nature. He made a good income from the sale of deer and other game, being a line shot. He was reared in Democratic principles and, like his father, always took an interest in politics. He married Nancy Ogden, who could trace her ancestry to Lord Ogden, an English peer. She was born in Virginia and died in Macoupin County, Illinois, in 1S76, aged 69 years. William Ogden, the maternal grandfather of our subject, was 12 years of age when his father enlisted for service in the Revolutionary \\'ar. Andrew Titchenal and wife had 13 children: Julia A., William R., David, Mary L., Martin V.. Phoebe, John, Melissa J., Thomas B., Virginia, George W., Rebecca, and a babe which died in infancy. Julia A., now 82 years of age, married John Johns and they moved to Salem, Oregon, in 1850; and there her brother William R. died in 1857, aged 21 years. David, who is a farmer, lives in the State of Washington. Mary L. married Elias W. Wilder and died in 1865. Martin V. went overland to California in 1853 and died in Oregon in 1858. Pheobe (Mrs. Harris) died in 1865, at Litchfield, Illinois. Melissa J. (Mrs. Williams) lives in Madison County, Illinois, where Thomas B, who is a farmer, also lives. Virginia (Mrs. Hill) is also a resident of Madison County, Illinois. George W. went to Kansas City and is a contractor there. Rebecca (Airs. AIcGovern) resides in ]\Iadison County, Illinois. 120 BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD Our subject was four years of age when his parents settled at Alton, Illinois, later they removed to Alton township, Madison County. For a number of years the family resided in various neighborhoods. In 1870 our subject came to ]^Iacoupin County and has resided here ever since. In early manhood he learned the cooper's trade which he followed from 1854 tmtil 1867, with the exception of 1862, which he spent in the army. He en- listed in Company G, 150th Reg., Illinois Vol. Inf., under Captain Swift and served in Tennessee and Georgia, and as a teamster in Missouri. Mr. Titchenal has carried on general farming and stock raising, but for some years has given the operation of the farm to his son Frank. In 1869 Mr. Titchenal married Katherine Loyd, who was born in Madi- son County, Illinois, March 15, 1835, and died at the home in Bunker Hill township, Macoupin Count}-, February 19, 1899. She was a daughter of James and Elizabeth (Dooling) Loyd, natives of Ireland. Three children were born to this union: Mary L., who married James Taylor of Alton and has three children — Ethel, Allen and Chester; Frank M.. who married Daisy Spencer and has four children — Oscar E., Gladys M., Spencer and Samuel E., all residing with our subject; and Thomas Edwin, who is con- nected with a business house at East St. Louis. Mr. Titchenal is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic. He is well known in Bunker Hill township and is very highly esteemed. He verj- distinctly recalls pioneer days in this locality and many of his rem- iniscences, if collected, would make interesting pages in a history of those times. ASA CLINTON iMITCHELL Asa Clintox Mitchell, one of the prominent and progressive farmers of Honey Point township, ^klacoupin County, owning a fine farm of 120 acres in section 15, has always lived in Macoupin County, where he was bom August 26, 1865. He is a son of Elijah and Hannah (Hollensworth) Mitchell. Elijah ^Mitchell was one of the early pioneers of Macoupin County, where he entered land in 1825, coming to the State from Kentuck}-. Al- though a man of no book learning, he was successful in business and promi- nent in the aflfairs of the township. At his death, which occurred August MACOUPIN COUNTY. 121 17, 1877, at the age of "]■] years, he owned 3,000 acres of land, all of which he had accumulated through his own exertions. In politics he was a stanch Democrat. In religious views he was a Baptist. His first marriage was to Jane Moore and a family of 12 children were born to this union, two of the well known survivors in this locality being William T. Mitchell and Travis Moore Mitchell. His second marriage was to Hannah Hollensworth, who was born in America of English parentage. The children of this marriage were the following: Mrs. Marj' Perrine of Brushy Mound township; Ansel J., of Arizona; Archibald H., of Honey Point township; Mrs. Matilda Anderson, deceased; Asa Clinton, of this sketch; Ira, of Honey Point; Mrs. Henrietta Baughman of Honey Point; and two who died in infancy. Our subject was 12 years of age when his father died. His boyhood was passed in attending the local schools and in assisting on the home farm. His interests have always centered in agriculture and his fine farm of 120 acres shows the results of intelligent management. Mr. Mitchell has taken a great interest in the raising of fine cattle and hogs, preferring in the former the Red Polled strain and in the latter the Poland-China breed. He devotes 40 acres to corn and the same acreage to wheat, having the rest of his land in grass, with the exception of one acre of apple and peach orchard. His land is well situated and ranks with any other farming land in the township. In 1885 Mr. Mitchell was married to Pearl Hull, who was born in Missouri, and is a daughter of Joseph Hull. Twelve children were born to them, namely : Clement. Elizabeth, Delia, Harvey, Ruth, Stephen, Nora, Myron, and Homer Elijah, all of whom are being prepared for the duties of life; and Charles Ira, John C. and Wilferd Guy, who died in infancy. In politics Mr. Mitchell is a Democrat, but has never accepted public office, devoting his attention exclusively to his farm. In religious connec- tion he is a Baptist. He is a man known to be honest and upright, pro- gressive and intelligent, and he is respected and esteemed by all who know him. REV. SAMUEL LUTHER STIVER, A. M., B. D., Ph. D., D. C. L. Rev. Samuel Luther Stiver, A. M., B. D., Ph. D., D. C. L., one of the many educators of the State of Illinois, and superintendent of the Bunker Hill Military Academy, was born at Potter's Mills, Center County, 122 BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD Pennsylvania, November i, 1848. He is a son of Thomas J. and Mary F. Stiver. The Stiver family is of German extraction but has been settled in America for many generations. The patriots of the Revolutionary War in- cluded jMichael and Samuel Stiver — the great-grandfather and the grand- father of Professor Stiver — who served under Gen. James Potter, and later settled at Potter's Mills, where Thomas J. Stiver was born. The latter was a successful farmer, and one of the reliable men of his neighborhood, in- stinctively selected to fill the responsible offices in county and township. He belonged, in his early manhood, to the State militia of Center County, Pennsylvania. A man of intelligence and good judgment, he took a deep interest in educational matters and served frequently as a school officer. Being Presbyterian in religious belief, his life was ordered in consonance with that faith. He married Mary F. Bench, who was a daughter of ^^'ill- iam and Hester Bench, and a granddaughter of John M. Bench, a very prominent man of afifairs in the early history of Center County, his name ap- pearing on many public documents on record at the county seat, who mar- ried Christina Moser, a daughter of Philip Moser. The father of the latter (Burkhart Moser) came from Germany in 1740 and settled in Schuylkill Count}', Pennsylvania, and became the owner of the great body of coal lands which embrace the city of Tamaqua and adjacent regions. Eight children were born to the parents of Dr. Stiver, namely : Samuel Luther, our subject; William B., a physician at Freeport, Illinois; Maggie H., Center Hall, Pennsylvania; Pery O., editor and proprietor of the daily and weekly Democrat, Freeport, Illinois; Roland J., a physician at Lena, Illinois; Mary I., wife of Dr. J. E. Ward of Bellefonte, Pennsylvania; Thomas J., a physician at Lena, Illinois; and David S., a dentist in Chicago. Dr. Stiver passed his boyhood on his father's farm and attended school in the neighborhood and subsequently Penn Hall and Jacksonville academies.. He then taught school and secured a State certificate at the age of 18. In 1870 he entered Lafayette College, at Easton, Pennsylvania, and graduated in the classical course in 1874, being the salutatorian of his class and bearing ofY prizes in physics and astronomy. During his college life he was also engaged in newspaper work, was editor of the college monthly and was a contributor to other college publications. After leaving Lafayette, he passed one year as vice-principal of the Chambersburg Boys' Boarding Academy, and during this period he also studied law. In 1875 ^^ went to ! MACOUPIN COUNTY. 123 New York City ami entered Union Theological Seminary where he was graduated in 1878, with distinction. While in New York, he was engaged for two years in teaching in Dr. Sach's Collegiate Institute and for a time had charge of one of Dr. John Hall's missions. For one year after gradu- ation from Union Theological Seminary, he was pastor of the High Street Presbyterian Church in St. Louis, Missouri. In the fall of 1879 he came to Bunker Hill and became the pastor of the Congregational Church for two years, and then saw a new field of usefulness opening before him in the possibilities of the Bunker Hill Academy. Since Dr. Stiver took charge of this institution, 21 years ago, many changes have been made in it. He converted it into a boarding school and added a military department, and as the years have gone by the increasing reputation of this school has shown the wisdom with which Dr. Stiver planned as well as the ability with which he has carried out his plans. The course of study followed at the Bunker Hill Military Academy fits students for entrance into any college in the United States, and gives also a practical education that prepares a young man for almost any line of activity. Our distinguished subject leads a busy life, confined entirely to in- tellectual lines, including preaching, lecturing, teaching and a considerable amount of literary work. He is interested in reform movements and has SM^ved as a delegate to county. State and national conventions. During the Spanish-American War, his support and sympathy were given the Republi- can party. His fraternal connections are with the Odd Fellows and his college fraternity. Delta Kappa Epsilon. On January 26. 18S2. Dr. Stiver was united in marriage with Carmelite W. Hornsby, who is a daughter of the late Dr. Robert J. and Cordelia Hornsby. These children were born to them : Mary Cordelia, a graduate of Monticello Seminary ; Robert Thomas, a most promising youth just ready to enter college, when he died from an operation for appendicitis, at the age of 14 years; Kenneth Hornsby, who died of pneumonia, aged one year; and Gladys, Helen and Perry, still in school. In 1900 Dr. Stiver and his wife visited the old family home in Center County, Pennsylvania, where members of the family still reside. While in Pennsylvania he also secured many items of interest from records con- cerning the coal lands of the Lehigh Coal & Navigation Company, which formerly belonged to his mother's family and passed out of their possession before they realized their value, among these a family genealogy', from the 7 J24 BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD title-books of the Lehigh Coal & Navigation Company in Philadelphia, tracing his mother's ancesters back to 1740 when Burkhart Moser, Sr., -came from Germany to Philadelphia and soon after took up the coal lands above mentioned, and now in litigation for restoration of title to the Moser heirs, involving many millions of dollars. GEORGE COWELL. George Cowell, J. P., a well known resident of Brushy Mound town- ship, Macoupin County, is engaged in agricultural pursuits and is an exten- sive stock raiser and dealer. He was born in Douglas, Isle of Man, IMarch 30, 1836, and is a son of George and Margaret (Kennell) Cowell. George Cowell, Sr., father of our subject, was born in the Isle of Man in 1800, and was reared on a farm until he reached the age of 14 years. He there learned the trade of a tanner and currier which he followed there xmtil he came to America, bringing with him his wife and five children. He landed in Quebec. Canada, and shortly after removed to New York City, Avhere he plied his trade and resided until 1857. In that year he came west to Carlinville, Illinois, purchasing a farm on which he lived for three or four years. He then settled upon a 40 acre tract now owned by the Burton ■estate, and still later purchased the property now owned by our subject, on Avhich he lived until his death in 1876, at the age of 76 years. He and his worthy wife were parents of eight children, as follows: George; Margaret, deceased; Robert; Kittie; Mary; Charles; Sophia; and Elizabeth. In re- ligious belief, they were Methodists. George Cowell, the subject of this article, was reared in New York City and obtained his intellectual training in the public schools. He learned the trade of a tanner and currier and worked with his father for some years. Since coming to Illinois, his attention has been exclusively devoted to farm- ing. He has been very successful as a farmer and stock raiser and owns a -valuable farm of 120 acres in Brushy Mound township. He has made a specialty of well bred Poland-China and Berkshire hogs, and has registered boars. MACOUPIN COUNTY. 125 In August, 1 861, Mr. Cowell enlisted in Company C, 32nd Reg., Illinois \'ol. Inf. as a private and saw much service in the Army of the Tennessee, being in the battle of Shiloh and many minor engagements. He was mustered out August 31, 1864, after serving over three years. He was disabled in the service and draws a pension of $8 per month. After his discharge from the service, he was employed as government teamster, driving ox teams from Fort Scott, Kansas, to Fort Gibson, Indian Territory, being employed eight months at $60 per month and rations. Mr. Cowell is a man of exceptional business ability and possesses many fine traits of character, which have gained for him the good will and respect of his fellow men. In politics, he is a stanch Republican, and has been called upon to fill numerous local offices, among them supervisor, town clerk, assessor, collector, and justice of the peace, serving in the last mentioned capacity at the present time. SAMUEL PAUL SANNER. Samuel Paul Sanner, president of the Shipman Banking Company, of Shipman, Macoupin County, and for many years one of the leading agri- culturists of Bunker Hill township, was born February 25, 1836, in Madi- son County, Illinois. He is a son of Samuel and Barbara (Paul) Sanner. Samuel Sanner was born September 12, 1803, in Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, and was a son of Jacob and Sarah (Hanna) Sanner. The family is of German extraction, and was founded in America prior to the Revolutionary War by the grandfather of Samuel Sanner, who was a physician. The Hanna family was of Irish origin and has many repre- sentatives through the Western States. Samuel Sanner was born on the old homestead farm about four miles from Northumberland, Pennsylvania, at- tended the local subscription schools and remained at home until 20 years of age, when he learned the harness maker's trade. This industry he followed for six years at Northumberland. In May, 1833, he started with his family for Illinois, crossing the Alleghany Mountains, and then proceeding down the Oliio River to St. Louis. He locateil in Madison County, Illinois, where 126 BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD he bought 400 acres of land as his initial purchase. At a later date he o\\ ned 3,000 acres in Shelby, Macon and Moultrie counties, having purchased the greater part of this from the Illinois Central Railroad Company. After giving his children farms and selling a part of this great body of land, he still owned at death, April 19, 1880, as much as 1,000 acres. In 1827 Samuel Sanner married Barbara Paul, who was born February 28, 1810, and died January 6, 1896. They had 12 children: Sarah, deceased; Mrs. Elizabeth Huestis, deceased; Jacob II., of Shelby County; William H., who died at the age of 18 years; Samuel P., of this sketch; Elijah P. L., deceased; Edward B., of Shelby County; David G., of Shelby County; Mrs. Tillie Johnson of Decatur, Illinois; Shields H., of Shelby County; Francis, deceased; and John \V., of Decatur, Illinois. Our subject resided in Madison County, where he was reared and edu- cated, until 1862, when he removed to his ])resent farm, situated in section 6, Bunker Hill township. His father gave him 110 acres of this to which he continued to add, until it aggregated 800 acres, A large portion of this has been divided among his children. When Mr. Sanner settled here, he erected a plank shanty, which remained the family home for some years. All the fine improvements now so noticeable have been placed on the property by Mr. Sanner, and to his energy and excellent methods may be attributed the condition of his farm, which is generally considered one of the most fertile in the county. He has engaged in general farming and stock raising. His is one of the few really productive grain farms of this section, and for many years he gave his attention principally to wheat. In addition to his large farming interests, Mr. Sanner has been finan- cially interested in the Shipman Banking Company, which was organized at Shipman, Illinois. May 15. 1895, with a capital of $15,000. Of this in- stitution, Mr. Sanner is president; Adam Deahl, vice-president; and James D. Metcalf, cashier. This concern has met with much prosperity, the trust- worthiness and high standing of its officials attracting business over a wide extent of territory. Mr. Sanner was married April 8, i860, to Margaret Calvin, who was born in Madison County, Illinois, November 13, 1837, and is a daughter of Philip S. and Jane C. (Clarke) Calvin. The Calvins came to Illinois in 1836 and settled in Madison County in the spring of 1837, and lived there all their lives. They had four children : Mrs. ]\Iartha E. Hammil, of Shelby MACOUPIX COUNTY. 127 County; Margaret (Mrs. Sanner) ; Mrs. Susan M. Keown, deceased; and Robert William, of Missouri. ilr. and Mrs. Sanner have nine children: Jesse Frank, a farmer of Brighton township, who has five children — Rufus C, Lona M., Flossie M., Joe P. and Laura Pauline ; Anna Belle, who married Rev. J. G. Miller, of Butler County, Ohio, and has four children — Julia B., Nettie B., Margaret •M. and Lucy H. ; Lucy Margaret, who died aged 16 years and six months; Sophia May, who married E. J. Burton of Bunker Hill township, and has three children living — Charlotte Amy, Elroy Clarke and Dorothy F. — and one deceased — Archie N. ; Samuel C, who died at the age of eight months ; Nellie and Harry, both living at home; and Jacob Otto and Julia F., who are students at Blackburn University, Carlinville. Mr. Sanner is identified with the Republican party, and cast his first presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln. He has been one of the township's most active men for many years in pushing public enterprises and has l^een a factor in the educational as well as the commercial advancement of his locality, a man truly representative of its best class of citizens. WALTER D. AND ARTHUR A. OWEN. Walter D. and Arthur A. Owen, who make up the firm of Owen Brothers, are the owners and proprietors of a large estate in section 12, Bunker Hill township, IMacoupin County, which is known far and wide, as the Maple Dale Stock Farm. It consists of 120 acres which is operated ex- clusively as a stock farm. Both brothers were born on a farm near Redbud, Randolph County, Illinois, the former on August 5, 1858, and the latter on January 29, 1863. They are sons of William and Amanda (Durfee) Owen. It is probable that the Owen family originated in Wales, and its first settler in America located in Rhode Island. One branch removed to Ohio, where Charles Owen, grandfather of the Owen Brothers, was born. He came to Randolph County, Illinois, one of that brave vanguard of pioneers who faced the hardest conditions in the earliest settlement of the southern 128 BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD portion of this great State. When the magnificent city of St. Louis, which has the eyes of the world centered upon her at present as a fit metropolis in which to hold a world's exposition, had but two dwellings, William Owen was a trader there, reaching that frontier post in his ox-team conveyance. He grew to manhood accustomed to his Indian neighbors with whom lie appears to have been on friendly terms. The life of Charles Owen, the father of W'illiam, was mainly devoted to trapping and hunting. His six* children were: William, James, Harrison, Rol:)ert, Augustus and Mrs. Har- riet Harlow. William Owen, father of Arthur A. and \\'alter D. Owen, was born in Randolph County, Illinois, December 14, 181 9, and died at the Maple Dale Stock Farm, June 6, 1903, aged 8^ years. He came to Macoupin County in 1865 and engaged in farming, prior to that time having followed the trade of plasterer in addition to farming. He was a Democrat in his political belief. During the Civil War he was a supporter of tlie administration, and sent a substitute to represent him in the army, his family of small chil- dren preventing his going. In his early years he was an active worker in the Baptist Cinuxh, of which he was a member until the close of his life. He was much respected and was noted for his quiet, peaceful disposition. On February 14, 1849, 'i^ married Amanda Durfee, who was born October 22, 1822, in Rhode Island, and was a daughter of Aaron and Ruth (Cook) Durfee, of Fall River, Alassachusetts. The eight children of this marriage were: Ellen Amelia, bom at Waterloo, Monroe County, Illinois, who resides at the present home of the subjects of this sketch; George H., who is a contractor and builder at Clondcroft, New Mexico; Mrs. Hattie May Bainum, who resides at Olney, Illinois; Walter D., unmarried, who is one of the firm of Owen Brothers; Arthur A., a member of the firm of Owen Brothers; Annabelle R., who resides at Bunker Hill; Herbert, wlio died at the age of 16 years; and Ada, who lives at home. Walter D, and Arthur A. Owen moved to the Maple Dale Stock Farm on June 7, 1865, and both have resided here ever since. They raise only high grade stock, either registered or eligible to register, making specialties of Shropshire sheep, and Poland-China hogs, keeping some 80 of the former and 50 of the latter. Their annual fall sales are lookedfor events and are largely attended. They have done much to raise the standard of stock in their vicinity. Arthur A. Owen married Anna M. Milne, who was born in London, MACOUPIN COUNTY. 129 England, and is a daugliter of Alexander and Emma Milne, natives of Scotland and England, respectively. Two sons have been born to this union. William and Eugene. Mr. Owen has held a number of the local offices. He is a Republican, while his brother, Walter D., is a Democrat. WILLIAM B. TRABUE. William B. Trabue, owner and operator of the justly noted Clover- dale Stock Farm, which includes 352 acres, situated in sections 19 and 20, Gillespie township, Macoupin County, belongs to one of the oldest pioneer families of this portion of the State. He was born October 29, 1854, in Brushy Mound township, Macoupin County, and he is a son of Joseph H. and Martha A. (Parks) Trabue. The Trabue family is of French extraction, and its American founders came across the Atlantic in colonial days. Haskin Trabue, the grandfather of our subject, was born in Virginia and took part in the War of 1812. He came to Macoupin County at an early day and died in Brushy Mound township, at the age of 60 years. His nine children were : Fenland, Stephen, Joseph H., Benjamin, Edward, John, Hodgens, Mrs. Eliza J. Boggess, and Mrs. Mary Baily. Joseph H. Trabue, our subject's father, was born in Kentucky and in childhood accompanied his parents to Macoupin County, when they settled in Brushy Mound township, near the present Trabue graveyard. He followed farming all his life, finally removing to Crawford County, Kansas, where he died at the age of 62 years. He was an active member of the Baptist Church and a man of high moral character. In politics he was a Republi- can. He married Martha A. Parks, who was born in Kentucky, and was a daughter of James and Mary (Harlan) Parks, who came to Macoupin County in pioneer days and hauled the lumter with which to erect their dwelling all the way from Alton. The children of Joseph and Martha Trabue were: Mrs. Elizabeth Evans, of Crawford County, Kansas; Walter, who died aged 18 years; William B., of this sketch; James, of Crawford County, Kansas; Annie, of Girard, Macoupin County; Edward, cf Greene I30 BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD County, Illinois; Josephine, who is preparing to practice osteopathy, in Crawford County, Kansas; and Agnes, also a resident of Crawford County, Kansas. William B. Trabue passed four years of his life in Greene County, and two years in Kansas ; with these exceptions his home has always been in Macoupin County. One year he conducted a hardware business at Ray- mond, but his interests have mainly centered in farming and stock raising. In 1876 he came to his present farm and in 1897 he purchased 180 acres of it and in 1903 an adjoining 172 acres, all of which he devotes to raising cattle, sheep and hogs. On June 15, 1898, Mr. Trabue was married to Estella Tunnell, who was born January 28, 1869, near Plain view, Macoupin County, and is a daughter of John and Elizabeth (Brown) Tunnell. Three children have been born to them : Tunnell Benjamin, James Edward and Lucius Bon le. Mr. Trabue is not very actively interested in politics, but votes with the Republican party. He declines to accept any office but takes an active part in public matters affecting the welfare of the township. Both he and his wife are members of the Presbyterian Church. HON. A. N. YANCEY. Hon. a. N. Yancey, deceased, for some years judge of the Macoupin County Court, was one of the most prominent professional men in the county and an esteemed citizen of Carlinville. He was born at Montpelier, Orange County, \^irginia. March 24. 1844, was a son of James E. and Mary E. (Waller) Yancey, and grandson of Chandler Yancey, a native of Vir- ginia. His great-grandfather Yancey was a captain in the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War. A. N. Yancey was 13 years of age when he removed with his parents to Oldham County, Kentuck3^ His early educational training was obtained in the academy at Hilton, Virginia, which he attended two years and also in the public schools. He entered Dartmouth College at Hanover, New Hampshire, and later took up the study of the law in Louis\ille, Kentucky, HON. JOHN McAULEY PALMER. MACOUPIN COUNTY. 133 He was graduated from the law department of the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor in 1867, and immethately after engaged in the practice of his profession at Bvuiker Hill, Illinois. He soon attained local prominence as a lawyer of ability and numbered among his clients some of the best in- terests of the community, serving as attorney for the Indianapolis & St. Louis Railroad Company. Upon his removal to Carlinville, his practice continued with unabated success. He was well grounded in legal principles, possessed a keen, discriminating and practical mind, and was a powerful advocate at the bar. In 1880 he was elected on ^he Democratic ticket to the General Assembly of Illinois, and so well did he represent his constituents that he was returned to that body in the election of 1882. He served on many important committees, and was the author of and secured the passage of a number of good laws. From 1890 to 1894. he served with distinction as coimty judge of Macoupin Count}', and it was frequently remarked that no more able nor satisfactorj- judge ever presided in that court. He was al- ways enthusiastic in his support of the Democratic part}% and no campaign passed without his voice being heard in the interest of his party's success. In 1867, Judge Yancey was joined in marriage with Lettice Belle BrAan, a native of Kentucky, and to their union were bom the following children: Mrs. \Va!ter S. Mayo, of Carlinville: James, of New York City; Archie: Lillian: and Ray. In religious faith, the subject of this sketch was an Episcopalian. Fraternally, he was a member of Bunker Hill Lodge, A. F. & A. M.. and was a member of tlie committee on appeals and griev- ances of the Grand Lodge of the State of Illinois. HON. JOHN 'ACALLEY PALMER. Hox. John McAulev Palmer, deceased, who was Governor of Illinois from 1869 to 1872, and later United States Senator from Illinois and in 1896 candidate of the gold wing of the Democratic partj- for President of the United States, was bom on Eagle Creek, Scott Count}-. Kentuck}-. September 13. 1817. His father, who had been a soldier in the War of 1S12. removed when his son was an infant to Christian Countv, KentuckA-. where lands were 134 BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD cheap. There the future Governor of IHinois spent his childhood and re- ceived such schoohng as the new and sparsely settled country afforded. To this he added materially by diligent reading, for which he evinced an early aptitude. His father, an ardent admirer of Andrew Jackson, was noted for his anti-slavery sentiments, which he thoroughly impressed upon his chil- dren. In 1 83 1 the Palmer family moved to Madison County, Illinois, where the labor of improving a new farm was pursued for about two years, \\hen the death of our subject's mother broke up the family. About this time Alton College was opened, on the "manual labor"' system, and in the spring of 1834 young Palmer with his elder brother, Elihu, entered this college and re- mained 18 months. Then, for over three years, he was variously employed at coopering, peddling and as a school teacher. During the summer of 1838, John M. Palmer formed the acquaintance of Stephen A. Douglas, then making his first canvass for Congress. Young, eloquent and in political accord with Mr. Palmer, Douglas won the latter's confidence, fired his ambition and fixed his purpose. The following winter, while teaching near Canton, Mr. Palmer began to devote his spare time to a desultory reading of the law and in the spring entered a law office at Carlin- ville, Macoupin County, making his home with his elder brother, Elihu, who became a learned clergyman of considerable originality of thought and doc- trine. On the ne.xt meeting of the Supreme Court of Illinois, he was admitted to the bar, Stephen A. Douglas being one of his examiners. He was not immediately successful in his profesion, and would have located elsewhere than in Carlinville had he been possessed of the requisite nieans. His early povert)- was probably a blessing in disguise, for much of the success of his life must be attributed to his continued residence in this county. While diligently pursuing his profession he participated more or less in local politics from the time he located in Carlinville. In 1843 'le became judge of the Probate Court. In 1847, he was elected to the State Constitu- tional Convention and there took a leading part. He was elected to the State Senate in 1852 and at the special session of February, 1854, true to the anti- slavery sentiments bred in him, he took a firm stand in opposition to the repeal of the Missouri Compromise, and when the Nebraska question became a party issue, he refused to receive a renomination for the Senatorship at the hands of the Democracy, isuing a circular to that effect. A few weeks after- ward, however, hesitating to break with his party, he participated in a con- vention that nominated T. L. Harris for Congress against Richard Yates MACOUPIN COUNTY. 135 and that unqualifiedly approved the principles of the Kansas-Nebraska Act. Later in the campaign, however, he ran for the State Senate as an Anti- Nebraska Democrat, and was elected. In the session of the following winter, he nominated Mr. Trumbull for the United States Senate and was one of the five men who continued to vote for Mr. Trumbull until all the Whigs came to their support and elected their man. In 1856 Mr. Palmer was chairman of the State Republican Convention at Bloomington, which was the first State convention held in Illinois by that party. He ran for Congress in 1859, but was defeated. In i860 he was a Presidential Elector for the State at large on the Republican ticket, and in 1861 he was appointed as one of the five delegates (all Republicans) sent by Illinois to the Peace Congress at Washington. When the Civil War broke out, Mr. Palmer offered his services to his country, and was elected colonel of the 14th Reg.. Illinois Vol. Inf.. and participated in the engagements at Island No. 10; at Farmington, where he skillfully extricated his command from a dangerous position ; at Stone River, where his division for several hours on December 31, 1862, held the aflvance and stood like a rock, and for his gallantry there he was made major-general; at Chickamauga, where his and \^an Cleve's divisions maintained their posi- tion when they were cut off by overpowering numbers. He participated in the Atlanta campaign, being assigned to the 14th Army Corps under General Sherman. At Peach Tree Creek his prudence did much to avert disaster. In February, 1865, General Palmer was appointed by President Lincoln Military Governor of Kentucky, which was a delicate post, as that State was about half rebel and half union, and even those of the latter element were daily fretted by the loss of their slaves. Although given extraordinary power over the persons and property of his fellow men as Governor, he exhibited great caution in the execution of the duties of his post and received the commenda- tion of all good citizens. General Palmer was nominated for Governor of Illinois by the State Republican Convention which met at Peoria, May 6, 1868, and his nomina- tion would probably have been made by acclamation had he not persistently declared that he would not be a candidate for the office. The result of the ensuing election gave General Palmer a majority of 44.707 votes over John R. Eden, the Democratic nominee. On the meeting of the State Legislature in January, 1869, the first thing 136 BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD to arrest public attention was that part of the Governor's message which took broad State's riglits ground. This and some minor points, which were more in keeping with the sentiment of the Democracy, constituted the entering wedge for the criticims and reproofs he afterward received from the Republi- can party and ultimately resulted in his entire alienation from the latter element. This session of the Legislature was noted for the numerous bills which were introduced in the interest of private parties, which were em- barrassing to the Governor. Among the public acts passed was that which limited railroad charges for passenger travel to a maximum of three cents per mile; it was passed over the Governer's veto. Over his veto was also passed the "tax-grabbing" law to pay railroad subscriptions, the Chicago Lake Front bill, etc. The new State Constitution of 1870. a great improvement on the old one, was a peaceful "revolution" which took place during Governor Palmer's term of ofiice. The suffering caused by the great Chicago fire of October, 1871, was greatly alleviated by the promptness with which (Governor Palmer met the exigencies of the situation. After retiring to a private life in 1872, Governor Palmer continued to be a prominent figure in State politics and was finally sent to the United States Senate in 1890. When the National Democratic Convention of 1896 nominated William Jennings Bryan at Chicago for President, Governor Pal- mer was selected by the Gold Democrats to head their ticket with Simon B. Buckner as Vice-President. The putting of this ticket into the field un- doubteedly assisted in the defeat of Bryan, as many Democrats voted for Palmer who would otherwise have voted for Bryan on account of not wishing to l^e termed deserters to their party. Governor Palmer always adhered very closely to the profession of the law. although many years were given up to the public service. Few excelled him in an accurate appreciation of the depth and scope of its principles. The geart number of his able veto messages abundantly testify, not only this, bvit also a rare capacity to analyze the measures vetoed and to show his reasons for his action. He was a logical and cogent reasoner. and while not a fluent or ornate speaker, was interesting, forcible and convincing. Without brilliancy, his dealings were rather with facts and ideas than with passions and prejudices. He was a patriot and a statesman of very high order. Just before his death, he edited and published a book entitled "The Story of an Earnest Life.' His portrait accompanies this sketch. MACOUPIN COUNTY. 137 CLINTON DAVIS. Clixtox Davis, a highly respected farmer of Brushy Mound town- ship. Macoupin County, was born at Reynoldsburg, Ohio, May 21, 1850, and is a son of Thomas and Lovina (Lazell) Davis. His grandfather was David Davis, a soldier in the British Army. Thomas Davis was born in South Wales and came to America in 1842. He served in the United States Army throughout the IMexican War, and thereafter receixed a pension from the government. After the close of the war he purchased a farm in Ohio but later sold out. and in 1856 came to Macoupin County, purchasing the Bluehouse farm in Carlinville township. This farm was later sold l)y him and he located on the farm now owned by the Davis heirs. This property was purchased by his wife, and upon her death in 1859 he acquired a life interest in the estate. He spent the remainder of his life on this farm and became one of the substantial men of the township. He died !March 16, 1903. at the age of ■/■] years. He mar- ried Lovina Lazell. who was born in Columbus, Ohio, but whose people came from Worcester, Massachusetts. They had five children as follows ; Clinton; Jeanette; Frances: Bathsheba : and Lovina. Mrs. Davis was a Universalist in relilgious belief, and her husband, a Baptist. Mr. Davis was three times married, his third union being with Arminda York, by whom he had the following children : Alfonso, John, William, Isabel, Lydia, Cora, David and Edward. Mrs. Davis is still living on the old homestead. Clinton Davis received his educational training in the common schools of Macoupin County, and at Blackburn University. After graduating from the latter institution, he engaged in teaching for a period of 1 1 years and was very successful at that vocation. He then engaged in working out as a farmer, and finally purchased a tract of 50 acres. He now has 55 acres of valuable farming land, which he devotes to general agriculture. He is a man of good business ability, excellent judgment in managing his affairs, and has merited the success with which he is meeting. In 1885, Mr. Davis was united in marriag^e with Ellen Perrine, a daugh- ter of William H. Perrine, and they are the parents of five children, namely : Elsie, deceased ; Harriet : Nellie ; Ida ; and Ernest, deceased. Religiously, Mrs. Davis and her daughters are faithful members of the Methodist Epis- copal Church. In political affiliation, Mr. Davis is a Democrat and has efficiently held a number of township offices, among them town clerk, justice 138 BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD of the peace, supervisor, assessor, and at tlie present time is school director, taking an active interest in educational affairs. He has been school director for 14 years, and has materially assisted in improving the schools of the district. Fraternally, he is a member of the Loyal Americans and the Mutual Protective League. HARRY R. BUDD. Harry R. Budd, a very prominent member of the Macoupin County bar, ex-mayor and leading citizen of Bunker Hill, was born on a farm in Brighton township, Macoupin County, Illinois, September 14. 1855. He is a son of the late William and Elizabeth (Cage) Budd. The Budd family is of English extraction, and the father of our sub- ject was born in England of prominent and wealthy parentage. The son enjoyed educational and social advantages and came to America as a trav- eler and student. The great agricultural possibilities of Illinois attracted him and after his marriage in Virginia, he settled in Macoupin County where he became an extensive land-owner and large farmer, owning at one time 1,500 acres. After 25 years of residence he started on a journey to Brazil, South America, with the intention of investing $100,000, but succumbed to fever and died in 1868, at the age of 70 years. He was a man of remark- able business faculty as well as one whose trained intellect fitted him for any profession he might have chosen. He was very active in the Masonic fra- ternity and was a member of the Alton lodge. In politics he always defended the principles of the Democratic party. In religious connection he was an Episcopalian. Of the family of 10 children, these survive: James W., of Kansas City, traveling auditor for the Pacific Express Company; Harry R., of this sketch; William N., a prominent druggist of Bunker Hill; Mrs. Emma Lane, of Kansas City; Katherine, of Kansas City; and George, of Arkansas. Until he was 14 years old, our subject remained on the home farm pur- suing his studies in the local schools and constantly inspired to effort by his father and was prepared at this early age to enter Rugby College, where he was graduated in 1872, having taken the elective course. After studying law for a year and a half with Palmer & McMillen, at Carlinville, he located MACOUPIN COUNTY. 139 in Bunker Hill where he was elected the first city attorney, when but 19 years of age. Serving out his term of one year, Mr. Budd then went to Missouri and was admitted to the bar after the necessary examinations. Upon his return to Bunker Hill, Mr. Budd became associated with his brother in the drug business and they established a store at Bunker Hill and another at Gillespie, and later bought the Delano drug store, which he con- ducted for three years. After disposing of this business, he entered upon the active practice of his profession in which he has been successively engaged ever since, his clientage extending through Macoupin and contiguous counties. j\Ir. Budd was reared to believe in and uphold the principles of the Democratic party and he has consistently followed his early teachings. With his brother, he shares the honor of being one of the only two mayors of his political faith that Bunker Hill has ever had, and he bears a fine record of consistency to the party of his choice. On several occasions he has been- his party's chosen candidate and is one of the most influential workers in his section of the county. On June 19. 1894, Mr. Budd was married to Anna Delano, who was born in Bunker Hill and is a daughter of Dr. Jolin A. Delano, an old medical practitioner of Bunker Hill. Fraternally Mr. Budd is a Master Mason, being a member of the Bunker Hill lodge, and belongs also to the Knights of Pythias and the Modern Woodmen of America. WALTER S. MAYO. Walter S. Mayo, one of the most successful farmers of Brushy Mound township, Macoupin County, was born in Carlinville, Macoupin County, Illinois, November 17, 1869, and is a son of Samuel T. and Eliza- beth A. (Palmer) Mayo. Samuel T. Mayo was born November 24, 1818, in Albermarle County, \'irginia, and is a son of Lewis and Susanna (Price) Mayo. He left his native State in 1835 for Kentucky, where he remained but a short time. 140 BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD then came to Illinois, locating at Carrollton, in Greene County. In 1843. he came to Carlinville, Macoupin County, where he engaged in general mer- chandising. He continued in this business successfully until 1851, then sold out and engaged in the real estate business until 1882, which year marked his retirement from active business duties, although he con- tinued in the management of his farming interests. He at one time owned about 2,200 acres of excellent farming property, all of which still remains in the possession of the family. In 1845, Samuel T. Mayo was united in marriage with Elizabeth A. Palmer, a sister of Ex-Governor John M. Pal- mer, and they became the parents of the following children : Virginia, Florence, EIizal:>eth, Louisa, Carrie, Samuel T. and Walter S. Religiously, the family is Methodist. Mrs. Mayo died in 1899, at the age of 74 years. Mr. Mayo was a Whig in politics during his early life, and has since been a Republican. He still resides in Carlinville. Walter S. Mayo, our subject, was educated primarily in the public schools of Macoupin County, after which he took a course of study in Black- burn University at Carlinville. from which he was graduated in 1888. He has displayed superior business ability, and in January, 1900, moved upon his present farm of 210 acres in section i. township 9. range 7. He devotes his attention to stock raising, principally hogs, and in this particular line has attained imusual success. On January 24, 1896, Walter S. Mayo was united in marriage with Lola Belle Yancey, a daughter of Judge A. N. Yancey, a record of whose life appears elsewhere in this work. This union has been blessed with three children, namely: Samuel T., Jr.; Walter S., Jr.; and Elizabeth L. Mr. Mayo is a strong Democrat in politics, but has never sought office. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, while his wife is a member of the Protestant Episcopal Church of Carlinville. ENOCH DOOLEY. Among the progressive farmers who have been successfully engaged in the pursuits of agriculture in Macoupin County is the gentleman named above, who resides on his farm of 80 acres situated in section 25, Brushy f MACOUPIN COUNTY. 141 l^Iound township. He was born June 20, 1861. on the old Dooley home- stead, and is a son of Ehhu and Susan (Bagby) Dooley. Elihu Dooley was born in White County, Tennessee, in 1818, and came to Macoupin County when 17 years of age. Upon his leaving Tennessee, he first located in Greene County, Illinois, where he engaged as a farm hand working by the month. x\fter accumulating a sufficient sum he pur- chased the land on which our subject now lives, which then consisted of about 900 acres. He married Susan Bagby, who was born March 14, 1837, and to them 10 children were born, namely: Daniel; William; Harriet; George; Charles; Eveline; Enoch, our subject; Thomas; Mildred; and Benjamin, deceased. Elihu Dooley was a Republican. He died August 12, 1 90 1, the death of his wife having occurred about two years previous — July 24, 1899. Enoch Dooley received his education in the common schools of Macou- pin County, and remained with his parents until 22 years of age when he removed to the farm which he now owns and operates. He has since been actively engaged in the cultivation of this farm, which is acknowledged to be the best in the county. He is numbered among the most prominent and most highly respected citizens of his township, and is highly esteemed by all who have the pleasure of his acquaintance. He is a Republican and is at present serving as school director with the utmost capability. Religiously, our subject is a member of the Baptist Church. HENRY GRIFFEL. We take pleasure in presenting to the readers of this Biographical Record of Macoupin County the gentleman whose name heads these lines. He is one of the most prominent and influential agriculturists of the county, and resides on his well cultivated farm of 280 acres, which is situated in sections 10, 11, 14, 15 and 16, Brushy Mound township. He was born May 28, 1845, in Hanover, Germany. Mr. Griffel came to America in 1874, first locating in Baltimore, Mary- land, where he remained but a short time, removing the same year to ]\Ia- 8 142 BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD coiipin County, Illinois, where he rented a farm. Although he began at a lowly station in life, he at once rose in the ranks of the business world. He continued in the pursuits of general farming upon the rented farm until he had accumulated a suflicient sum to purchase a farm and in 1893 he purchased his present property, which then consisted of 240 acres, to which he has since added 40 acres. By his shrewd business methods and un- ceasing hard work he has accumulated considerable property, and has estab- lished his true and honest character throughout the county. He is also prominently identified with the leading stock raisers of Macoupin County, raising cattle, horses, sheep and hogs quite extensively. Our subject's politi- cal views make him a Republican, but he has never taken an active position in any political affairs. Our subject was first married to Caroline W'ehrcnberg, and to them were born seven children, namely: Helena, Fred, Mary, Charles, Henry, William, and John. His first wife died in 1901. He then was wedded to Mrs. Mary Ziegemeier, a native of Germany, who had been a resident of Menard County, Illinois, for ^^ years. She had four children by her first marriage, as follows: Lena, wife of Carl Kreis, of Menard County, Illinois; Mary, deceased, who was the wife of Carl Schrimp, of Menard County, Illinois; Minnie, deceased; and Hilda, who still resides with her mother. Mr. GrifFel adheres to the German Lutheran Church of which Mrs. Griffel is also a member. THOMAS F. SCHROEDER. Thomas F. Schroeder, one of the highly respected and \ery substan- tial citizens of Bunker Hill, Macoupin County, was born April 7, 1841, at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and is a son of the late Francis Arnold and Dorothy (Schuerhofif) Schroeder. The father of our subject was born February 8, 1806. in Westphalia, Germany, and died in February, 1882, at the home of his son, in Virden, Illinois, aged 76 years. His wife, also a native of Germany, born in 181 1, died at Bloomington, Illinois, aged 66 years. They had a family of 14 children, the four survi\ors he\v^ Mrs. Josephine Sclnierhoff, of Pierce City, ]\Iissouri; Thomas F., of this sketch; Frank J., a survivor and pensioner of MACOUPIN COUNTY. 143 the Civil War, now a resident of Philadelphia; and Mrs. Justine Schaeffer, of Oklahoma Territory. Francis Arnold Schroeder came first to America at the age of 28 years and bought a farm of 200 acres, near St. Charles, Missouri. Two years later he was recalled to Germany to settle his father's estate, and then mar- ried. Upon his return to the United States, he purchased a farm in Mercer County, Ohio, but later removed to New York City and still later to Phila- delphia, where he was engaged in business when the Civil War broke out. In July, 1861, he offered his services to his adopted country, enlisting in Company D, 2nd Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery, under Captain Saddler, and was transferred to the Army of the Potomac, where he saw hard and contin- uous service, participating in all the battles from Bull Run to Appomatto.x Court House, and was honorably discharged in July, 1865, having estab- lished a record for great bravery. He returned to Philadelphia and became a member of our subject's family. In the years of his residence in Missouri lie was a Democrat, but he later became a Republican. Both as Mason and Odd Fellow, he lived up to every requirement of those organizations. Our subject obtained an excellent common school education in Phila- delphia, at the age of 14 years beginning to work at the blacksmith's trade. On August 4, 1862, he enlisted for service in the Civil ^Var, entering Com- pany H. 5th Reg., Pennsylvania Vol. Cav.. under Captain Bailey, which was placed in Gen. Phil. H. Sheridan's corps. This statement is sufficient to students of the history of that time, to indicate the kind of life Mr. Schroeder and his comrades led through the years until he was honorably discharged on May 19, 1865, including as it did Bull Run, Manassas, Antietam, Fred- ericksburg. Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Spottsylvania, Wilderness, Cold Harbor, and all the operations around Richmond. His last picket duty was on the night of April 2, 1865, on the Newmarket road in the vicinity of Richmond. With a noble record Mr. Schroeder returned to his work after the war and within 10 days was quietly occupying his old position, just as if he had not been risking his life almost every hour during the preceding three years. Working at blacksmithing and the butchering business, at Bloomington, Illinois, at Anderson and Logansport, Indiana, he was busily employed until the great railroad strike threw him out of employment. In 1867 he engaged in the painting business at Virden and continuerl to work in that line until 1902, when he retired to Bunker Hill, v.here he Ims a com- fortable home and manv friends. ]44 BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD Mr. Schroeder was married in 1869, to Helen C. Cahill, who was born in Oneida County, New York. Of the four children born to them, a son and daughter, Agnes and Frank, are deceased, while two daughters are living, namely : Mrs. Katherine Anderson of Bunker Hill, who has two children — Helena and Thomas W. ; and Marie, who lives at home. Mr. Schroeder belongs to the Grand Army of the Republic and the Modern Woodmen of America. Politically he is a Republican, and while living at Virden was a member of the Board of Education. WILLIAM P. DICKIE. William P. Dickie, postmaster at Bunker Hill, IMacoupin County, and one of the prominent citizens of the place, was born at Bunker Hill, October 14, 1859. His home always having been here, he is widely known and a very popular official, having been the choice of his fellow citizens for many responsible offices in the past. He is a son of Robert and Mary (Patrick) Dickie. Robert Dickie was born in Scotland and. after the death of his father, with his mother took passage in a ship for America. The ship was wrecked and, although their lives were preserved, they lost all their belongings, and when they reached Alton, Illinois, were poor indeed. He soon found work at his trade of carpenter and later moved to Bunker Hill, where he operated a wagon shop until his death, in 1870, at the age of 35 years. He married Mary Patrick who was born in Scotland and accompanied her parents to Alton and thence to Bunker Hill, where they died. Our subject is the oldest of their family of six children, the others being : Mrs. Elizabeth M. Harland, of Madison, Illinois ; Robert, a jeweler of St. James, ^Missouri ; IMary E., assistant postmaster at Bunker Hill ; John S., a carpenter of Bunker Hill ; and Edward, who died at Bunker Hill, aged 21 years. After completing the common school course at Bunker Hill, Air. Dickie spent one year at the local academy, and then learned the jewelry business Avith I. W. Camp, with whom he remained five years. He then conduted a business for himself until February, 1898, when he was appointed postmaster. MACOUPIN COUNTY. 145 In politics a stanch Republican, 'Sir. Dickie has been elected to many offices in the gift of the party. He has served with the greatest efficiency as city treasurer, as member of the City Council and also on the Board of Educa- tion. He has been very active in politics, for 12 years has been a member of the Republican Central Committee, and as delegate to county and State con- ventions has proven his leadership. He is a strong party man and took a very conspicuous position in the convention which nominated Governor Richard Yates. In 1880 Mr. Dickie married Mary H. Tirrill, who was born in St. Louis, and is a daughter of Henry and Louise Tirrill, natives of New York. They have four children: John T., with the Graham Paper Company of St. Louis; Chester O., a member of the class of 1904 of the Bunker Hill High School; Lawrence P., also attending the Bunker Hill High School; and ]\Iary Louise, who is in school. Fraternally, Mr. Dickie belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America and the Ancient Order of United Workmen, and is a Master Mason, being a member of Bunker Hill Lodge, No. 151, A. F. & A. M. ISRAEL CHAPPELL. Israel Ghappell, one of the prominent retired farmers of Macoupin County, Illinois, the owner of 340 acres of fine land in section 4, Honey Point township, and sections ^t, and 21, Shaw's Point township, has been a resident of the county since 1852. He was born February 5, 1825, in Devon- shire, England, and was a son of Bartholomew and Grace (Green) Ghappell. Bartholomew Ghappell was born in Devonshire, England and died in Jersey County, Illinois, at the age of 86 years. He came to Illinois in 1833, one of the early pioneers, and settled in Jersey County, where he owned at one time 1,000 acres of land. He entered two half-sections in Honey Point township, Macoupin County. In politics he affiliated with the Republican party upon its formation. In religious belief he was a Methodist. Bartholomew Ghappell was twice married, our subject being the third member of the family born to his second union, the others 146 BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD being: Mrs. Lucinda Lofton, of Audrain County, Missouri; Solomon, of Macoupin County; Ephraim, deceased; Mrs. Thirza Noble, deceased; Mrs. Mahala Buckles, a resident of the old homestead in Jersey County ; and Richard, deceased. Israel Chappell was seven years old when he accompanied his parents to America, and he was reared in Greene (now Jersey) County, Illinois. In 1848 he entered 160 acres of land in Honey Point township, Macoupin County, but did not settle on it until 1852. In the spring of 1850 he made the trip across the plains to California, in company with eight companions, with a team of mules. The journey which now requires but three of four days, then consumed four months. Mr. Chappell remained in the gold mines some two years, being fairly successful. Upon his return he settled on his farm in Macoupin County, which was then unbroken prairie, anil here he has been engaged in agricultural pursuits for over a half century. He has become the owner of a large amount of land both in Honey Point and Shaw's Point townships, aggregating 340 acres, thus divided: 160 acres in section. 33, Shaw's Point township, and 20 additional acres of timber in sec- tion 21, and 160 acres in section 4, Honey Point township. He has engaged very successfully in general farming and the raising of first class stock. For some time he has not been actively engaged, his sons and son-in-law managing the property and relieving him of all care. On March 30, 1854, Mr. Chappell was married in Genesee County, New York, to Sophia Hunt, who w-as born in Devonshire, England, and re- moved with her parents to New York State in 1849. Seven children were born to this marriage, of whom the following are living : Israel Watson, who has two children living and one deceased ; George M., of Shaw's Point township, who has three children li\ing and one deceased ; Mrs. Sophia Grace Dugger, of Shaw's Point township, who has three children living and four deceased ; James Richard, of Boone County, Illinois, who has two children ; and Mrs. Cora Mae Groves, who has two children. Mr. and Mrs. Groves reside on the home farm which Mr. Groves manages. In his early political life, Mr. Chappell was a Whig, but has been identi- fied with the Republican party ever since its formation and still upholds its principles. His first vote for President was cast for Gen. Zachary Taylor. He has long been a consistent member and liberal supporter of the Methodist Church. Until he began to feel the weight of years, he was active in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Mr. Chappell has lived a long and MACOUPIN COUNTY. 147 useful life and has in every way in his power contributed to the development and betterment of his locality. He is widely known and universally esteemed. On March 30, 1904, Mr. and Mrs. Chappell celebrated their golden wedding in their spacious home, where were gathered most of the children and grandchildren, besides a large number of their neighbors and acquaint- ances. They were the recipients of many valuable and useful presents. Mr. Chappell made each of his children a present of a handsome gold ring on this occasion. They were recently made from gold that he dug in California while there in 1850-52. In addition Mrs. Chappell made her eldest daughter a present of a gold ring which has been an heirloom in her family for over 200 years. HENRY C. SCHELDT. Henry C. Scheldt^ a farmer and stock raiser of Bunker Hill town- ship, Macoupin County, who owns and operates the Clover Hill Farm, a fine property of 183 acres situated in section 29, was born in Madison County, Illinois, June 23, 1864. He is a son of Philip and Christine (Bausch) Scheldt. Philip Scheldt was born in Darmstadt, Germany. November 3. 1830. His mother died when he was 11 years of age. ^\'hen he was 21 years olu he came to America, and after working two years went back to Germany and brought with him his father, who later died at his son's home in Madi- son County, Illinois, aged 75 years. Philip Scheldt married Christine Bausch, also a native of Germany, who now resides in Chicago, Illinois. His death occurred on his farm in Macoupin County in 1895. He was an active worker in the Presbyterian Church, of which he was an elder for many years. In politics he was a Republican, and he held a number of township offices. Although he began life with few advantages, by energ}- and thrift he accumulated a large property. His children were: Susan Gabrielle, who died at the age of 21 years; Jacob T., a lumber man in business in Chicago; Henry C, of this sketch; and Lizzie, Amelia and Kate, all residents of Chicago. Our subject was six months old when his parents settled on the present farm, on which he has lived ever since. He has here very successfully 148 BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD carried on general farming and stock raising, and has a herd of Jersey cattle, eligible to register. He makes a specialty of Poland-China hogs which are also eligible to register, his boar "Romeo" being one of the best in this State. He raises large crops of wheat and corn, but of late years has been directing his efforts more in the line of fruit culture, and has set out 1,400 pear trees and 100 apple trees. On account of the favorable situation of his land and his careful methods, there is no doubt but that Mr. Scheldt will reap large harvests of choice fruit. In 1 89 1 Mr. Scheldt married Mary Kreig, who was born in Madison County, Illinois, October 2, 1868, and is a daughter of John and Barbara Kreig, both natives of Germany. They have one son, Roscoe, a bright boy now attending school. In politics. Mr. Scheldt is identified with the Re- publican party in which he is held in such esteem that he is often called upon to fill official positions. He has been a school trustee for a long period and for nine years served as highway commissioner, much credit being due him for the excellent conditions prevailing throughout the township. He is a leading member of the Presbyterian Church and one of the trustees, as well as one of its most liberal supporters. F. L HARRIS. F. L. H.\RRis, whose personal sketch we herewith present, is a pros- perous and enterprising citizen of Brushy Mound township, Macoupin County, where he operates a sawmill. He was born in Michigan, December 23, 1861, and is a son of Joseph and Amanda (Watson) Harris. Joseph Harris was by trade a bridge carpenter, which trade he followed during his entire active period, residing the greater part of his life in Michi- gan. He removed to Linn County, Kansas, and later to Coffey County, Kansas. He died in Kansas City. To this couple were born seven chil- dren, namely; F. L., the subject of this sketch; Isabel; Irene; Lulu; Charles; Catherine; and one who died unnamed in infancy. F. L. Harris came to Illinois in the fall of 1883, and located in Honey Point township, Macoupin County, where he remained but one year, and then o o o g o a Pi K o o J w m cu S ' Medical Society and has served as its president. He is a member of the board of trustees of the village of Brighton. FRED B. BOCK. Fred B. Bock, the leading retail grocer of Girard, Illinois, and one of the city's progressive and public-spirited business men. was bom in Girard, November 16, 1869, and is one of a iamily of four children born to Henr}' and Bertha (Bajohr) Bock. The late Henrj- Bock, father of our subject, came to Ilhnois from Germany, when about 14 years of age. He had his own way to make in the world, and the success which he attained and the honor and respect with which he was long regarded, are facts well known in the city where he so long made his home. In addition to taking a ver)- prominent part in civic life, being again and again elected to public office, he was honored as a sun-ivor of the great Civil War, in which he spent more than four years. He participated in a number of the most notable battles of the war, suffered at Andersonville. and was spared to share the triumphs of the grand review at Washington Cit\-. Until his death. ^Ir. Bock was an interested member of Luke Ma^"field 192 BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD Post, No. 516, G. A. R., where he was vakied and beloved. An extended sketch, including his miHtary career, will be found in another part of this volume. Fred B. Bock was educated in the common schools of Girard, and at the age of 12 years learned the trade of cooper from his father. He worked 12 years as a coal miner and spent two years with the Eureka Mercantile Com- pany, and was connected for one year with the firm of Dodson & Sheppard. Mr. Bock had then accumulated, by his own efforts, a sufficient knowledge of the mercantile business to enable him to embark in a grocery business, and he entered into a partnership with Mr. Lindner, the firm name becoming Lindner & Bock. This was succeeded by Bock & Gill, which continued until 1903. On January i, 1904, Mr. Bock opened up a fine store in his own name, his goods including a complete line of first-class groceries and table delicacies, and. in addition, queensware and mining supplies. The \alue of his stock comes not much under $3,500. His upright business methods and obliging manner, combined with the superior quality of his goods, have brought him \ery satisfying returns. In 1893 ^^^- Bock married Sophia Holland, who is a daughter of Frank Holland, and they have two children, viz.: Cecil H., born in OctoI)er, 1894, and Crystal, born in October, 1904. Mr. and Mrs. Bock are members of the Christian Church. In politics, Mr. Bock is a Democrat, and has served as town clerk, and for several years was town collector. Fraternally he is an Odd Fellow, belonging to Lodge No. 192, of Girard, and he is also connected with its au.xiliary, the Rebekah lodge. The family has long been a prominent one in Girard. REV. FRANCIS H. ZABEL, D. D. Rev. Francis H. Zabel, D. D., one of the most distinguished mem- bers of the Catholic clergy in the Alton Diocese, Illinois, dean of that body, and for the past 24 years the beloved and reverenced pastor of the Cath- olic Church at Bunker Hill, Macoupin County, was bom February 9, 1839, MACOUPIN COUNTY. 193 at Erbeviller, Lorraine, France. He is a son of the late Francis Stephen and Mary (Midon) Zabel. Father Zabel comes of Swiss ancestry, the founder of the family hav- ing located in Lorraine at the time the province had been desolated by war and pestilence, and. although a poor watchmaker, he was thus enabled to secure a very large tract of land which in later days became very valuable : Both the Zabels and Midons have been consistent Catholics. The Midon family, especially, has contributed many faithful sons to the service of the church. Joseph Zabel, the grandfather of Father Zabel. was wounded while serving in the army at the siege of Mainz, and two of his brothers perished during the disastrous campaign of Napoleon in Russia. Fair Lorraine has figured so conspicuously in the various wars on the Continent, that its dwell- ers have been called upon to bear many hardships and their various exper- iences were often tragic. Father Zabel's maternal grandfather was the mayor of Eulmont at the time of Napoleon's invasion and was the only man who remained at his post of duty in the hour of danger. At this time the mother of Father Zabel was but a little maid of seven years, but the im- pressions made then were never forgotten by her. She died in her old home, in 1896, at the age of 89 years. She was a woman of great force of char- acter, a most admirable wife and mother, and a deeply devout member of the Catholic Church. The father of Father Zabel was bom August 24. 1807, in the same house which was his son's birthplace 32 years later, and there his useful, worthy, virtuous life ended on June i, 1884. His pursuits had been entirely agricultural and he owned a large estate which is now managed by his youngest son, Charles A., who is an educated man and a practical fanner. The family consisted of but three sons. Father Zabel being the second in order of birth. The eldest, Rev. Joseph Zabel. is a Catholic priest now in charge of a church at Maron near Nancy, Lorraine. Until he was 19 years of age, Rev. Father Zabel remained in his native place, attending the municipal schools until the age of 1 1 years, having private instruction for one year and then was placed by his devout father in the seminary at Pont-a-Mousson, where he continued the study of Latin, and where he remained for seven j-ears, completing the classical and scientific courses. Thus prepared, he was accepted as a student in the great seminary at Nancy, where he was grounded in philosophy for one year. Leaving France, he went to Ireland, and at All-Hallows College, in Dubllin, spent 194 BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD two years in the study of philosophy and theology, going thence to Rome. There two years were passed in the Roman College in the study of theology and the Roman University for the study of canon law, and graduated at both institutions in 1862. In America Father Zabel sought a field of usefulness. The way was opened to a Western diocese and in November, 1862, he reached Alton, Illi- nois, and in May, 1863, was appointed to a charge at Springfield. In July, 1864, he was transferred to East St. Louis and given charge of St. Patrick's Church, where he remained until December i. 1873, ^vhen he took charge of St. Patrick's Church at Cairo, Illinois, where he was continued until No- vember, 1869, when he came to Bunker Hill. Father Zabel's long pastorate has been productive of great results, his efforts not only resulting in the erection of convents and church additions and adding to the financial prosperity of his various charges by good busi- ness management, but also in spiritual things. During all these years he has gone in and out among his people, administering to all alike in brotherly love, and showing forth on many occasions the same spirit which so recently excited the admiration of the country, when a prelate of his church risked his life offering Catholic consolation to perishing creatures hemmed in by fire. Such was the brave attitude of Rev. Father Zabel during the fearful epidemic of yellow fever, in Cairo, in 1878, when, regardless of self, his sen'ices were given to all who suffered. On various occasions, Rev. Father Zabel has been honored by his church. He represented the Alton Diocese in the Baltimore Council, taking the place of the bishop of the diocese, the latter being sick. He is a member of the board of examiners of the clerg}' and counsellor to the bishop and is censor of books. In addition to his clerical labors and priestly offices, he is one of the church historians and his work issued in April, 1900, is a com- plete history of the Alton Diocese, including all bishops, congregations and all matters pertaining to this diocese. At Bunker Hill where he is so well known and where the result of hi> labors is so apparent, few men are held in higher esteem. By education ad- mirably fitted for his work, he possesses also all the attributes which go to fill up the ideal of a true pastor. The energies of his life and the gifts of his intellect have been given to his fellow men, and that many more years may be added to his Ijeneficent life is the sincere wish of all who know him. MACOUPIN COUNTY. 195 LEWIS C. DECK. Lewis C. Deck, one of the prominent citizens and successful business men of Girard, mayor of the city in 1889 and 1S90. and identified with its affairs in many directions, belongs to one of the old pioneer families of Illi- nois. He was bom August 6, 1848, in Palmyra township, Macoupin County, and is a son of Jacob and Nancy (Steele) Deck, and a grandson of Isaac Deck. The grandfather of our subject was born in \'irginia, moved to Ten- nessee and later, with the early pioneers, came to Illinois, locating for some years near Upper Alton. He came to Macoupin County with the early set- tlers, purchasing a partly improved farm in the vicinity- of Bunker Hill, where he died in 1872. Jacob Deck, father of Lewis C. Deck, was born in Madison County, lUinois, August 25, 1825, and lived there until after the death of his first wife, when he removed to Macoupin County, located first in Palmyra town- ship and then removed to North Otter township, where he acquired a farm of 160 acres, in the improvement of which he passed the remainder of his life. His death took place March 3, 1882. He married Nancy Steele as his second wife. She was bom in South Carolina, a daughter of Moses and Nancy (Watts) Steele, and died June 13. 1899. The six children of the family are: Lewis C, ^^'illiam B.. Mary E.. Melissa A., John A., and George M. Lewis C. Deck obtained his education in the schools of North Otter township and Girard, and at the State Normal School at Normal, Illinois, and subsequently at Kentucky University, at Lexington, Kentuck}-. Dur- ing the years that he spent in thus cultivating his mind and training his fac- ulties, at inter\-a]s he engaged in teaching and became well known through the county as one of the best qualified educators. In 1884 he gave up the profession in which he had met with such success, in order to enter upon a mercantile life, forming at this time a partnership with B. F. Clark. The firm of Clark & Deck became a leading one in Girard, their well appointed store being devoted to the handling of drugs, groceries, books and station- er}-. The business methods of the firm secured and kept patronage, and the house continues to stand for excellence of goods, honest prices and cour- teous treatment. Since January 5, 1895, ^Mr. Deck has been in the drug business alone. He carries a fine stock, worth at a conser\-ative estimate about $5,000. 11 196 BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD On December 27, 1883, Mr. Deck was married to Mary Josephine Long, who was born in Mercer County, Kentucky, and is a daughter of Joseph and Mary J. Long. Two sons have been born to this marriage: Harr}- L. and Lewis \V. The family home is one of those handsome ones for which Girard is noted, and it is often the scene of social functions. Politically Mr. Deck is a Democrat and upon many occasions he has been elected by his party to offices of responsibility. In 1888 he was elected clerk of the city, and in 1889 he was elected mayor, a position he filled with dignity and efficiency during that and the following year. Many reforms were inaugurated under his administration and many civic improvements were carried out. Although he is a keen business man. his cultivated in- tellect and cultured tastes lead him to encourage all that goes to make up the higher life of the city, and he is ever a friend of advanced education, art and music, believing these things should go hand in hand with practical ad- vancement, such as he wishes his city to make. He is one of the directors of the Girard Building & Loan Association. In religious belief, he is a member of the Christian Church. Fraternally he is a member of the Mutual Protective League. WILLIAM J. H. FAHRENKROG. Hilyard township, Macoupin County, has its full share of capable, in- telligent and successful citizens, and one of these is William J. H. Fahren- krog, former sheriff of Macoupin County. He is also one of its excellent farmers and owns a fine property of 160 acres in section 35, Hilyard town- ship. Mr. Fahrenkrog was born September 27, 1859. on a farm near Bunker Hill, Macoupin County, Illinois, and is a son of Henry and Frederica Fahrenkrog, both of whom were born in Holstein, Germany. The chief facts in the life of the late Henry Fahrenkrog may be found in the sketch of his widow which appears elsewhere in this work. Our subject has always made his home in Macoupin County. His primary education was secured in the district schools and he spent three years in the Bunker Hill Academy. His occupation has been that of a farmer and stock raiser. His purchase of his present fine, well cultivated farm, was a recent one, and the improvements which he has placed tliereon, MACOUPIN COUNTY. 197 including one of the finest dwellings of this locality, have advanced its value very materially. Since attaining manhood, Mr. Fahrenkrog has been an important factor in township and county politics. In political sentiment he is a Republican, and, although his party in many sections is in a minority, he has been elected to office many times. He served twice as collector of Hilyard township, one term as assessor and was then made deputy sheriff of the county, under P. B. Davenport, and served in that office from 1894 to 1898, when he was elected sheriff of Macoupin County. During his four years of service, he so faithfully performed the duties that he met with general approbation. He was noted for a courteous manner, close attention to detail, sterling integrity and a dignity well befitting a responsible position. He retired to private life in 1902. with the respect and esteem of his fellow citizens, and since then has been devoting himself to the development of his farm. On November 23, 1898. Mr. Fahrenkrog was united in marriage with Dora Tietje, who was born December 27. 1878, in Bond County, Illlinois, and is a daughter of Claus and Mary (Kuhne) Tietje, both of whom were born in Germany, but have pased the greater part of their lives in Illinois. Mr. and Mrs. Fahrenkorg have one daughter, — Esther F. M. The family religious connection is with the German Lutheran Church. B. M. BURKE. B. M. Burke, president of the Carlinville Telephone Company, is one of the most enterprising and progressive citizens of Carlinville. Macoupin County. He was born in Washington County, Missouri, December 27, 1863, and is a son of Hon. Beatty T. and IMartha J. (McGready) Burke, and a grandson of Thomas Burke. Thomas Burke was born in Ireland and upon coming to this country located in Virginia. He married Ann Thompson, who was of Scotch parentage. Hon. Beatty T. Burke, father of our subject, was born in Jeft'erson County, Virginia, September 12, 1806, and upon arriving at the age of 14 years removed to the town of Harper's Ferry, where he resided iiiuil he was 198 BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD 29 years old. After completing a common school education he was em- ployed for a time in the United States Armory at Harper's Ferry. He was compelled to leave Virginia on account of ill health, and in May, 1835, ar- rived in St. Louis, Missouri, where he conducted a mercantile establishment for some time. He soon disposed of this business and moved across the river to Zanesville, Illinois, where in addition to carrying on mechandising he conducted an inn and engaged in farming. After the death of his wife lie sold out his interests and removed to Carlinville, Macoupin County, where he grew to be one of the county's most influential citizens. He followed the mercantile business here from 1836 to 1838, when he was elected sheriff of Macoupin County for one term. In 1847 ''^ ^^'^s appointed by the Governor as public administrator of the county, and in 1850 was elected to represent his district in the State Legislature. He was again elected sheriff of the county in 1852, and two years later was nominated by the Democratic party for the State Legislature but was defeated. He was renominated for the office in 1856 and elected by a good majority. In 1868, he was again nom- inated and elected to the State Legislature, and in 1871 was elected to the State Senate for a term of four years. He was also elected supervisor of his township in 1871, and served in that capacity until his death in 1876. He was a man of many virtues and sterling qualities, and his death was consid- ered by his fellowmen as a sad loss to the community. He was first married in 1830 to Harriet Jackson, a daughter of John Jackson of Jefferson County, Virginia, by whom he had one child. He subsequently married Martha J. McGready, who was born in Missouri and was the mother of our subject. B. M. Burke was educated in the common schools of Macoupin County, and in the schools of Wisconsin, Missouri and New York. Upon his return to Macoupin County, he engaged in agricultural pursuits and stock raising with much success for a period of eight years. Then in connection with W. R. Hulse he engaged in the real estate and insurance business, and this part- nership continued until 1901, when Mr. Burke turned his attention to the telephone business. The Carlinville Telephone Company was incorporated with B. M. Burke as president : W. R. Hulse, vice-president ; and A. L. Burke, secretary. This company operates 250 miles of telephone toll lines, and operates in Macoupin, Montgomery and Jersey counties. They have n direct connection with the Central Union and Long Distance telephone sys- tems; and also connect with the Jersey viile and the Montgomery telephone lines, doing an immense business. He is an ardent Democrat in politics, and MACOUPIN COUNTY. 199 for eight years has served as supervisor. He is a member of Mount Nebo Lodge No. 76, A. F. & A. M. ; Commandery No. 30, K. T., of Litchfield; Orient Lodge, K. of P. ; B. P. O. E. ; and a number of fraternal insurance orders. In February, 1885, Mr. Burke married Alfred L. Maj-field, and they have six children: Bertie M., Martha L., Beatty T., Kathleen; Gertrude and Lillian. Religiously, Mr. Burke and family are consistent members of the Protestant Episcopal Church. HENRY MORRISON. One of the old pioneer families of IMacoupin County is worthily repre- sented in the person of Henry Morrison, a well-known farmer, residing on his brother Joseph's farm of 160 acres in section 24, Hilyard township. Mr. Morrison was born in this township, October 29, 1847, and is a son of Henry and Martha (Taylor) Morrison. Henry Morrison, the father, was born in County Derry, Ireland, July 7, 1808, and with his brother James came to America in 1845. They re- mained a year in Genesee County, New York, and then removed to Alton, Illinois, in the vicinity of which town Henry Morrison rented a farm. In the spring of 1847 he came to ]\Iacoupin County and settled in Hilyard township, where he lived until his death, March 6, 1899. at the age of 90 years, eight months and 29 days. He left a large estate, all of which he had accumulated by his ov.-n industry. From the date of the nomination of Abraham Lincoln for the presidency, he was identified with the Republican party. He was a man who contributed much to the developing and civilizing of this locality, urging the building of churches and schools, the improvement of the high- ways and the raising of good stock. He married ^lartha Taylor, who was also a native of County Derry, Ireland, who now resides with a son. They had these children: George, of Hilyard township; Joseph; Henry; Mrs. Margaret Howell, of St. Clair County, Missouri; Mrs. Martha Ellen Cal- loway, of Hilyard township; Rebecca, who lives with her mother; Samuel, 200 BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD who died in 1864, aged five years; and Robert, who died July 6, 1903, aged 41 years, leaving a widow and five children. Mr. Morrison owns a farm of 120 acres in section 18, Gillespie township, and another of 40 acres in section 13, Hilyard township. He carries on gen- eral farming and stock raising, and has met with deserved success. On Thanksgiving Day, 1885, Mr. Morrison was married to Esther Cline, who was born in Montgomery County, Illinois, and is a daughter of \Villiam and Sarah Cline. Eight children have been born to them : Nellie May, Harry, Earl, Bessie, Lawrence, Fern, Craige and Franklin Edgar. In political sentiment, Mr. Morrison is, like his father, a stanch supporter of the Republican party. He has taken an active interest in township matters and has had much responsibility thrust upon him in the way of its develop- ment. He served as township supervisor for five terms, and received the nomination for a sixth term. His public service increased the general esteem in which he has long been held by his fellow citizens. Fraternally he is a Master Mason, belonging to Plainview Lodge, No. 461. O. C. HARTLEY. This worthy and esteemed citizen, who is classed among the progressive and enterprising business men of Carlinville, is a gentleman greatly respected for his sterling worth, and is one of the representative men of Macoupin County, Illinois. He was born near Uniontown, Pennsylvania, Septeml)er 19, 1868, and is a son of James and Elizabeth (Schnatterly) Hartley, both natives of Pennsylvania, the former of Scotch and the latter of Pennsylvania Dutch descent. James Hartley came to Macoupin County in 1882, and at once engaged in farming, which he has followed up to the present time. Three children were born to him and his wife, of whom one died in infancy. The others are Robert L., and O. C, the subject of this sketch. Politically Mr. Hartley is a Democrat. Fraternally he is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. O. C. Hartle\-, the subject of this personal sketch, received his prelimi- MACOUPIN COUNTY. 201 nary educational training in the common schools of Macoupin County, cind from 1889 to 1894 attended the Bushnell Normal School. After completing his course in that institution, he engaged as a school teacher for several years, during the winter months. His political views favor the Democratic party, and he is prominently identified with that party, having been elected county clerk in the fall of 1898, receiving a majority of 400 votes over his opposing candidate, J. R. Duckies. He efficiently filled that position for four years. He then engaged as traveling salesman and collector for Swift & Company, of East St. Louis, Illinois, and after a time was assigned to Ken- tucky territory, remaining there until February 2^, 1903, when he resigned on account of trying to recover from an accident which befell him while in the employ of that company. After a short vacation he engaged with the recently-formed corporation, known as the International Harvester Com- pany of America, combining the best known companies in the United States. and he is acting as salesman and adjuster and has met with much success. His territory covers the counties of Montgomery, Macoupin, Greene, Jersey. Scott. Calhoun and Pike. In fraternal circles our subject is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and the Knights of Pythias. ^Ir. Hartley was married in 1894 to Florence M. Childs, and they are the happy parents of two children. Gladys L. (deceased), and Beatrice C. In the spring of 1902 he was a candidate for Representative, but was defeated. MAJ. FLETCHER H. CHAPMAN. Maj. Fletcher H. Chapman, one of the best knowni citizens of Car- linville, ranks among the leading attorneys and business men of Macoupin County and is held in high esteem by the people of his community. He was born April 15, 1828, in Macoupin County, Illinois, and is a son of Richard and Celia (Davenport) Chapman. Richard Chapman was a native of North Carolina, as was also his wife, our subject's mother, and came to Illinois in 1818, being a pioneer of 202 BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD the State. He first located in St. Clair County, where he remained one year and in the following year (1819) he removed to Macoupin County and remained here until 1S24 when he removed from Dorchester to what is now called Staunton township and remained there until 1857. Celia (Daven- port) Chapman, mother of our subject, died five years previous to the re- moval of our subject's father from Staunton township. They were the par- ents of 12 children, of whom our subject was the youngest son. Our subject received his education in the district schools of Macoupin County, and engaged as a school teacher and so continued until 24 years of age, during which time he spent his leisure hours in the study of the law. In the fall of 1852 he engaged in land surveying and meeting with success at that enterprise was elected county surveyor and was later reelected and held that office until 1859 when he resumed his study of the law, in which he con- tinued until the Civil War broke out. He then enlisted as a private in the 14th Reg., Illinois Vol. Inf., and remained in the service until July 14, 1865, when he was honorably discharged. In 1862 he was detached from his regi- ment and took command of Company L (artillery) as captain and in April his company was consolidated with Company D, 2d Illinois Light Artillery, and he was promoted to the rank of senior ist lieutenant and in 1863 was promoted to be captain of his company. In 1865 he was brevetted major for meritorious services rendered during the war. Major Chapman is a stanch Republican and is a leading politician of his county and State. During his political career he has filled several high positions. He began his political record as a candidate for county judge upon his return from the war but was defeated by a small majority. Later he was a candidate for police magistrate and was elected; he filled this posi- tion so efficiently and with so much capability that in 1869 he was elected county superintendent of schools, which position he filled until 1873, when he began the practice of the law, having been admitted to the bar in 1869. Meeting with deserved success and attaining a high rank in the legal profes- sion, his practice increased to such an extent that he chose a partnership with the late Governor John M. Palmer. Our subject still practices law and is also engaged in land surveying. He holds a high position among the leading men of his county and is held in high esteem by all who know him. He is at present serving as justice of the peace. Major Chapman was married to Sarah McCreery in 1854. At her de- cease a few vears later, he was left with two children. In 1862 he was mar- JAMES THOMAS KEPLINGEB. MRS. SARAH E. KEPLINGER. MACOUPIN COUNTY. 207 ried to Cecelia C. Burns; one child has been born to them, — Charlotte E. Mrs. Chapman is a member of the Protestant Episcopal Church. The Major is a member of Dan Messick Post, No. 339, G. A. R. JAMES THOMAS KEPLINGER. James Thomas Keplinger, one of the leading agriculturists of Macou- pin County for many years and still the owner of large and valuable tracts of land in Honey Point and Brushy Mound townships, was born January 22, 1840, in Morgan County, Illinois, and is a son of Peter and Sarah E. (Harris) Keplinger. Peter Keplinger was born August 7, 1815, in Washington County, Tennessee. His gi'andfather, Jacob Keplinger, removed as a pioneer from Pennsylvania to Tennessee. There was born his son John, our subject's grandfather, who on December 18, 1806, was married to Elizabeth Rubel. Nine children were born to them, the fifth member of the family being Peter, the father of our subject, who was 15 years old when his parents came to Illinois. The long trip was made with a five-horse team, and they located first in Morgan County, near Jacksonville. Peter Keplinger remained with his parents until he was 21 years of age, when he married and engaged in farming for himself, becoming a large land-owner. On February 28, 1839, he was married to Sarah E. Harris, born May 10, 1820, at Elilzabethtown, Carter County, Tennessee, a daughter of Benjamin Harris, who was born in Maryland and was a soldier in the War of 1812. They had five children born to them, namely: James T., Ann M., John B., Lucian and Sarah E. Ann M. married T. J. Willhite and died September 17, 1869, leaving no issue. John B. served two years in the Civil War. then took sick and was finally brought home from the hospital, and died in 1866. Sarah E. married J. L. Wylder of Jacksonville, Illinois. James T. Keplinger has been a resident of Honey Point township, Ma- coupin County, since 1843. \vhen his parents settled here as pioneers. He grew up on the farm but had but few educational advantages. When the Civil AVar broke out, he signified his desire to go, but was so opposed by his 2o8 BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD solicitious mother that he gave way to her pleadings, and thus was subjected to the draft of September 23, 1864. He was one of the drafted who re- cruited Company I, 32nd Veteran Reg.. IHinois Vol. Inf. under Lieutenant (later Captain) Droke. This company was attached to the 17th Army Corps and participated in Sherman's campaign. On the way to Buford, South Carolina, the regiment encountered a severe storm on the ocean. After this experience he was mainly connected with the quartersmaster's department, and was discharged at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, September 16, 1865. Mr. Keplinger has a record for fidelity to duty that many a soldier might en\y. Although entitled to a pension, he has never applied for one. After the close of the war, he returned to Illinois and resumed farming. He has owned large bodies of land in the locality where he has made his home so many years, at one time holding as much as 450 acres in Honey Point and Brushy Mound townships, but he has sold some and has given his chil- dren 160 acres. His present holdings include 120 acres in sections 31 and 32, Honey Point township, 60 acres of timber in section 20, Honey Point township, 80 acres in section 19, Honey Point township, and 130 acres in sections i and 2, Brushy Mound township. He has been an extensive farmer and stock raiser, but has now retired from active farming and de- votes his time to the buying and feeding of stock more for a slight occupa- tion than for anything else, as he has not been in robust health since 1891. On April 25, 1867, Mr. Keplinger was married to Sarah L. Entrekin. who was born April 22, 1850. in Chester County, Pennsylvania, and is a daughter of Ephraim R. and Lavina Entrekin, natives of Pennsylvania, who came to Illinois in 1853. Our subject and wife have had seven children, namely: Effie J., who married J. H. Myer of Honey Point township antl has one daughter — Leda J.; John \Y., who resides in Honey Point, mar- ried Laura Duncan and has two children — Orin C. and Florence M. ; Peter R., a Methodist clergyman, of Camden, Hillsdale County, Michigan, mar- ried Jennie Akin and has one son — William Thomas ; Luther, who died at the age of 25 years, was also a minister in the Methodist Church — his wife was Ida Fuller; Clara A., who is the widow of William Hammond, resides with her parents and has three children — Marvel W., Milo L. and Merris E. ; Mabel M., who married Harry Wilson, and resides in Honey Point town- ship; and Mildred E., who married Larkin Hart of Honey Point tov.nship and has one child — Sybil Irene. Mr. Keplinger has given all of his children liberal educational ad- ]\IACOUPIX COUNTY. 209 vantages, always regretting his own limitations in this direction. He has taken an active part in promoting educational movements in his locality and has served for a long time as school director. He is an ardent temper- ance man and for some years voted the Prohibition ticket, but is now identi- fied with the Republican party. During the Civil War he was a member of the Loyal Union Leag\ie. Since 1868 both he and his wife have been mem- bers of the Methodist Church, in which he is one of the stewards. Several of his sons have entered its ministry and ]\Ir. Keplinger has been liberal in his support of this religious body, but he is not a prejudiced man and can see good in every Christian effort and has assisted other organizations also. \\'ith the exception of the year 1863 when he traveled in Minnesota for his health, and during his army service, Macoupin County has been our subject's home. Here he is known and esteemed, meeting old friends and new, seeing in all that kind consideration which his honest, helpful life has given him the right to expect. While by the passing away of the old pioneers many of the most solid, substantial, upright men of the land are removed, in some of their descendants we recognize the same honorable attributes which made them what they were. Mr. Keplinger worthily represents his pioneer ancestry. Portraits of Mr. and Mrs. Keplinger accompany this sketch. CYRUS OTIS LOVELESS. CvRus Otis Loveless, who has a fine farm of 240 acres of land in Brushy Mound township, Macoupin County, is one of the substantial resi- dents of his community. He is a business man of unusual ability, and has attained a high degree of success in the occupation of farming. He was born in Bird township, Macoupin County, Illinois, March 16, 1867, and is a son of John H. and Rhuhamy (Brown) Loveless, the former of whom was a native of Tennessee, and the latter of Indiana. John H. Loveless was eight years of age when he accompanied his par- ents to Illinois, and here he resided the remainder of his life. He was united in marriage with Rhuhamy Brown, who was born January i, 1826, and died September 27,, 1902. They became the parents of the following children: James, deceased, and William (twins); Matilda; George; Emma: Eman- 210 BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD uel ; Robert ; Cyrus Otis ; John B. ; and two who died in infancy, — Jennie and Betsey. Mrs. Loveless was a faithful member of the Baptist Church. Mr. Loveless is a Democrat in politics, and has served as school director and road commissioner. Cyrus Otis Loveless was educated in the common schools of Macoupin County, after which he worked for his father until his marriage. He then located upon his present farm in Brushy Mound township and has since con- tinuously followed general farming and stock raising. In 1895 he built his present home, which is a model of convenience and equipped with modern improvements. On January 13, 1892, Mr. Loveless was united in marriage with Sarah F. McReynolds, a daughter of John and Lydia J. (Davis) McReynolds, and they have had the following children born to them: Cyrene C. ; Lincoln A.; Lydia Dell and Jane Bell (twins) ; George E. ; and Sarah A. Religiously, our subject and his wife are members of the Shiloh Baptist Church. In politics he is independent. HON. PHILIP FLOOD. Hon. Philip Flood^ mayor of Girard, Macoupin County, and one of the city's most prominent business men, is the senior member of the progres- sive firm of Flood & Lowe, dealers in lumber, lime, cement, sash, doors and blinds, and doing business under the name of Flood & Lowe Lumber Com- pany. Mr. Flood was born December 29, 1832, in Dublin, Ireland, where his grandfather, an Englishman, had previously located. His parents were also born in Dublin, and his mother died at Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1848. Perhaps not a little of the great business success which Mr. Flood enjoys, as well as the public esteem in which he is held, may be traced to the environments which made him, almost from childhood, to be unselfish, self- reliant and resourceful. At 12 years of age, he was assisting in the support of the family; at 16 he was finding ways and means to transport him across the Atlantic, so that he could join neighbors and friends who were finding business opportunities in America, which he could never hope to secure in Ireland. It was on October 2, 1848, that the ambitious Irish lad took pass- age, on the steamer "Sir Charles Napier," and reached the city of New MACOUPIX COUXTY. 211 Orleans, Louisiana, after a voyage of 13 long weeks without a cent in his pocket. He obtained deck passage on a boat to Cincinnati, Ohio, where he had an uncle Irving, expecting to get the amount of $3 to pay his passage from him as he had told the captain he would do so. He met with a chilly reception from his uncle and without breakfast he started out for work and, after a tedious tramp in which he met with many rebuffs, Robert Mitchell, a leading furniture manufacturer of tiie Queen City, took him in and con- sented to teach him the upholstering business and hence he was bound out for three years at $3 per week with which to board and clothe himself. There he remained until 1855 when Mr. Mitchell sent him to St. Louis with a brother, William Mitchell, to start a branch furniture store and he remained in St. Louis from June, 1855, to the fall of 1879, his salary gradually in- creasing until he commanded a salary of $3,500 per year. To his knowledge he has never yet met the Cincinnati uncle. Mr. Flood's interest in the lumber business at Girard dates from 1872, but he did not make his permanent home here until 1879, when he took charge of what is now known as the Flood & Lowe Lumber Company, an enterprise which has annually grown in importance and is known all over Illinois and its products sent to other States. This is one of the ablest rep- resented houses in the lumber trade in this section. The yard is provided with ample buildings and sheds for the successful prosecution of the busi- ness. The stock carried is very large, comprising all kinds of dressed and undressed lumber, posts, shingles, etc., together with a full line of sash, doors, blinds, moldings, etc., in addition to lime and cement and hardware. They are verj- large dealers in agricultural implements and carrj' a full stock of these goods from a garden rake to a threshing machine. Their list includes reapers, mowers, binders, cultivators, sulky plows, hay rakes, tedders, feed cutters, corn planters, corn shellers, etc. The headquarters of the business remain Girard, but successful branches have been also estab- lished at Virden, at Thayer and at Farmersville. \Mth untiring industry, Mr. Flood combines unusual business ability, as shown by the facility with which he handles his large interests. On January i, 1853, ^Ir. Flood was married to Mrs. Christina (Case) Robbins. who was born in Butler County, Ohio, and died April 11, 1891. His second marriage took place on December 29, 1892, to Mrs. Amy E. Metcalf, who is a daughter of Randall Benion, who was born in England. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Flood is one of the many beautiful ones in 212 BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD Girard, and is the center of much hospitality, and the scene of many dehght- ful social functions. Both our subject and wife are members of the Chris- tian Church, in which they are valued, both for their remembrance of their religious obligations, and their engaging personalities. Mr. Flood was elected in April, 1903, by the Prohibition party, to the highest municipal office by the gratifying plurality of lOO votes over his opponent, Hon. Jacob Bowersox. His administration can not but satisfy the good people of Girard, for it is progressive while also clean, moral and economic. The same administrati\e qualities which have made him so suc- cessful a man at the head of his own concerns, have proved of equal value when handling the affairs of the public. He has long been prominently iden- tified with the leading fraternal organizations, becoming a member of the Pride of the West Lodge, No. 179, A. F. & A. M., in 1873. He is now a member of Girard Lodge, No. 171, A. F. & A. M. ; Girard Chapter, No. 132, R. A. M. ; St. Omar Commandery, No. 30, K. T. ; and the Council at Spring-field. He is also a member of Security Lodge, No. 44, A. O. U. W., and the Odd Fellows. The mayor of Girard is one of the busiest men of his city, but he finds the time to travel a little to keep in touch with the world's great movements, to enjoy his fine library and still hold the reins of city government, and seldom, indeed, is too occupied to admit to his genial presence one of his admiring fellow citizens. J. GEORGE BENNER. J. George Benner is one of the extensive farmers and prominent cit- izens of Bunker Hill township, Macoupin County, Illinois, where he owns 870 acres of fine land, situated in the best portions of Bunker Hill and Brighton townships, his residence being on a tract of 240 acres in section 20 in the former township. Mr. Benner was born March 29, 1836, in Ger- many, and is a son of John and Barbara Maria (Urbach) Benner. The parents of our subject were both born in Germany, in which land John Benner served several years in the German army, and after completing his term of military service engaged in farming. In 1848 he came with his family to America, where he engaged during the remainder of his life in MACOUPIN COUNTY. 213 carpenter work and at general labor. He was a man of good habits, fair education, and, while not accumulating much property, was much respected for his honesty and integrity. In politics, he identified himself with the Democratic party. He was a consistent member of the German Evangelical Ciiurch. His death took place at Utica, Indiana, in 1862, at the age of 62 years. His six children were : Mrs. Christina Froehlich, of Alton, Illinois ; Philip, who died in 1856 in Indiana, aged 21 years; Annie, who died of cholera in Indiana, in 1852; Reinhart, who also died of cholera; John W., who is engaged in the butchering business at Jeffersonville, Indiana, and our subject, who was the third in order of birth. J. George Benner was 12 years of age when his parents decided to migrate to America, and he can well recall the incidents of their embarking at Bremen, on the sailing ship "Colmonia," the long journey across the ocean, the landing at New Orleans and the trip up the mighty Mississippi River and the Ohio River to Louisville, Kentucky. Many strange sights met his view and in themselves proved of great educational value. Before finally locating in Macoupin County, Mr. Benner lived at Louisville, Kentucky, spent one year at New Albany, Indiana, three more years at Louisville, some time at Utica, Indiana, and in 1864 came to his present home. During the Civil War he belonged to the Indiana Home Guards until he came to Macoupin County. He owns a farm of 240 acres in section 20, Bunker Hill township and two others in the same township, and one in Brighton township aggregating 870 acres. The foundation of liis fortune was laid while in the butcher business in Indiana. Industry and thrift and the business capacity which made him invest wisely have done the rest. Mr. Benner engages extensively in general farming and stock raising. He has made so many substantial improvements on the property, including a fine home and other buildings, that this farm is justly ranked with the best in the southern section of the county. In 1857 Mr. Benner was married to Charlotte Wilhelmina Bartels, who was born in Germany in 1840, and came to America with her parents in 1852. They landed at New Orleans and later went to Galveston, Texas, where they had expected a brother to meet them, but found when they ar- rived there that he had died of yellow fever. They then went to Louisville, Kentucky, and then to Utica, Indiana, where Miss Bartels was married to Mr. Benner. She is one of the four children of Ludwig and Dorothy Bar- tels, the others being: Ludwig. and Charles A., of Bunker Hill tc.vnship; 214 BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD antl Herman, of Hilyard township. Mrs. Bartels died at our subject's home in 1891, aged 94 years. Mr. and Mrs. Banner have had these children : Mary W., wife of John H. Dillon, deceased in January, 1884, leaving two children, — Mrs. Esther Johnson of Texas, and Lewis G., who lives with his grandfather; Charles C, of the hardware firm of Benner Brothers, of Bunker Hill, who has four children, — Carl, Pauline, Kenneth and Dale; Theodore S., of the hard- ware firm of Benner Brothers, who has four children, — Vera, Theo. George and Ralph Eugene; Ella, a music teacher, a graduate of the Alton Con- servatory of Music, in the class of 1899, who resides at home; Lydia who married H. J. Heal of Bunker Hill township; Emma, who married T. B. Luken of Dorchester township; William J., a graduate of Washington Uni- versity, who is a physician at a Baptist sanitarium in St. Louis; and George, a promising young man, who died at the age of 20 years, May 8, 1891, just prior to graduating from the Bunker Hill High School. Mr. Benner has taken a deep interest in the advancement of education, has served in a number of school offices, and has given his family many advantages. In politics he supports the Republican party. . He has served the township officially on many occasions and has been highway commis- sioner several times. He is an active member and an elder in the German Presb}-terian Church, of which he is a very liberal supporter. Mr. Benner began life with little capital, but he faced ever>' difficulty with courage, depending upon industry, honesty, temperance and economy, to forward his fortune. The result may be seen in his large accumulation of wealth and in the esteem and regard in which he is held by his fellow citizens. MARTIN H. HEAD, M. D. !Martix H. He.\d, M. D., is the oldest practicing physician and sur- geon of Macoupin County, Illinois, and has been a resident of Carlinville since the beginning of his professional career. He was bom at Middletown, 12 miles east of Louisville, in Jefferson County. Kentucky. May 3, 1827, and is a son of Benjamin and Margaret X. (Brengman) Head. His father MACOUPIN COUNTY. 215 was born in Virginia of \\'elsh parents, and his mother came of German parentage. Benjamin Head in early Hfe moved from Virginia to Kentucky and made a comfortable fortune in tlie mercantile business. He later disposed of this business and purchased a farm, upon which he spent the remainder of his days. He was honored with an appointment to the office of magistrate, the appointment at that time lying with the Governor and being indefinite as to the length of time the incumbent should serve. It was customary for the oldest magistrate of the county to be honored with the office of sheriff, and this honor was also conferred upon him. He was a man of the highest principles, an old line \\'hig in political affiliation, and a man who had the confidence and good will of his fellow citizens almost without exception. He died at the age of 56 years, in 1837, and was survived many years by his widow, who died in 1891, aged 86 years and five months. They were the parents of four children, namely: Margaret A., Benjamin A., Samuel R. and ilartin H. Although reared to the Lutheran faith, Mrs. Head became a member of the Presbyterian Church. Martin H. Head was educated in the private and subscription schools of Kentucky, also in the college at Lagrange, Kentucky. Having decided upon a professional career, he read medicine under the direction of Dr. James M. Bemiss of Middletown, with whom he continued until his gradua- tion from the Kentucky School of Medicine in the spring of 185 1. In Oc- tober of that year, he came to Carlinville. Macoupin County, his first field of practice, and has continued here up to the present time. He became well established in practice and has had a most active career. In April, 1861, he was appointed assistant surgeon of the 14th Reg., Illinois Vol. Inf., with which he continued for one year. He then entered Overton Hospital at Memphis, Tennessee, as assistant surgeon in the United States Army, and served three years until the hospital was closed. Dr. Head was then trans- ferred to Crittenden Hospital at Louisville, Kentucky. His duty was to transfer soldiers as they became able to their respective homes, and he con- tinued to perform this service until the institution was closed in 1865. After the conclusion of the war, he returned to Carlinville and resumed active practice. He is one of the best knov\n men of the county, and numbers among his patients many of its prominent citizens. He has the confidence and respect of the people and of his brother practitioners. In 1853, Dr. Head was joined in marriage with Jilargaret I. Blackburn, 12 2i6 BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD granddaughter of the famous Gideon Blackburn, who founded Blackburn University at Carlinville. Two sons were born to bless their home, namely : Eugene S., M. D., who is practicing medicine in Carlinville; and Hadley B., a prominent citizen of Carlinville. Our subject joined the Masonic frater- nity in 1848, and is a mem!)er of Harry Hudson Lodge, No. 76, A. F. & A. M., at Middletown, Kentucky. Religiously, he is a member of the Protestant Episcopal Church. MRS. EMMA J. LANCASTER. Mrs. Emma J. Lancaster is the widow of the late John Lancaster, who was one of the sturdy tillers of the soil of Macoupin County, as well as a highly esteemed citizen and a gentleman of creditable interest in the building of the township of Bunker Hill. Mr. Lancaster up to the time of his death, which occurred January 14, 1895, resided on his beautiful farm, located in section 11, which consisted of 235 acres. Mrs. Emma J. Lancaster was born August 22, 1852, at Bunker Hill, Illinois, and is a daughter of Charles A. and Mary M. (Barnes) Parmenter. Charles A. Parmenter was lx)rn at Antrim, New Hampshire, March 10, 1806, and was one of the pioneer settlers of Bunker Hill, there being very few dwellings in the township at the time he made his settlement. Mr. Parmenter devoted the greater part of his time to farming, although he was also engaged in the carpenter's trade. Politically he was a member of the Republican party and an abolitionist. When the Civil War broke out, it was the desire of Mr. Parmenter to join the ranks but owing to his age he was not accepted. Religiously he was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, on whose church structure in Bunker Hill he did a large part of the carpenter work. He was also a very active church worker and did much to gather a large congregation. Fraternally he was a member of the Masons and Odd Fellows and took much interest in the w'ork of both. For many years he held offices and for his valuable services received from the I. O. O. F. lodge a fine cane which he prized very highly. Mr. Parmenter's ancestors were French Huguenots, who were driven from France on account of tlicir MACOUPIN COUNTY. 217 religious views. Mr. Parmenter was married, May 10, 1831, to Mary M. Barnes, who was born in New Hampshire, January 31, 1809, and was the daughter of Wilham and Abigail (Parker) Barnes. Mr. and Mrs. Par- menter were the parents of seven children, namely : Marj', who died at the age of nine years; Sarah K. (Cash) who died June 9, 1866. at the age of 25 years; Leona (Pennington) of Orange, New Jersey; Almira (Lancaster), who is a resident of Bunker Hill township; Laura A. (Linbarger), who resides in Missouri; Emma J. (Lancaster), the subject of this article, and Charles J., a resident of Oakland, California. Mr. Parmenter died October 5, 1898, in Bunker Hill township. Emma J. Parmenter was wedded to John Lancaster, June 23, 1875, in Bunker Hill township, where he resided until his death. Mr. Lancaster was born in Bunker Hill township, Macoupin County, Illinois, January 13, 1854, and always resided in the township, having in early years engaged in farming, purchasing a farm of 315 acres in section 11, which he cultivated for many years with successful results. Mr. Lancaster was a self made man in every respect the word implies, having entered upon the cares of a busi- ness man when very young and as a result of careful methods and energy well directed attained a high position among the business men of his com- munity. John Lancaster was a son of Francis Lancaster, born in 181 3 in Buckinghamshire, England, who came to .America in the early part of 1841 and located in Macoupin County in August of that year after a short stay in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. His wife and three children were left in England until he could earn a sufficient amount of money to remove his family to his new home; it was not long before they joined him. Francis Lancaster at one time owned more than a section of land and accumulated considerable property during the active days of his life, which ended No- vember 2, 1895, having reached the age of 82 years. He married Elizabeth Collins, and they had seven children, namely : Francis W., who died in St. Louis. Missouri, in May, 1883, leaving a family; William, who died at Girard, Illinois, leaving a large family; Elizabeth (Mercer) (Wise), who is a widow living at Bunker Hill; Joseph, of Bunker Hill; Mary M., who mar- ried .\saph H. Barnes, a dentist of Girard, Illinois: Matilda (Mrs. J. H. Brown) of Milton, Kansas, and John, who was the husband of our subject. There were also three children who died in infancy. John Lancaster politically was a member of the Republican p?.rty, and religiously was a member of the Congregational Church. ?\fr. Lancaster 2i8 BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD was survived by his wife (the subject of this sketch) and five cliildreii, namely: Ernest J., of East Alton, who is married and has two children, — Ruth N. and Perry C. ; A. Mariam (Barnes), a resident of Akron, Ohio, who has one child, — Harold W. ; Harry, who resides on the homestead place; Myra C. ; and Willis E., who also lives at home. THOMAS S. BAKER. Thomas S. Baker, J. P., a well known citizen of Girard, Illinois who has been engaged in life insurance business at this point for the past i6 years, representing the Mutual Life Insurance Company of New York, was born in Maury County, Tennessee, April 24, 1841. He is one of a family of 10 children born to his parents, Richard B. and Nancy J. (Blair) Baker, who were both natives of Tennessee. In 1847 they came to Macoupin County, and lived in the vicinity of Medora until 1858, when they removed to Carlinville. Richard B. Baker has been engaged in mercantile pursuits and in farming. Thomas S. Baker was six years old when he accompanied his parents to Macoupin County. He secured his education in the local schools and at Blackburn University at Carlinville, where he was graduated in i860. .\s a painter and decorator, he became well known, his taste and skill making his work far above the average, but after 20 years of application to this bus- iness, he found his health failing and was obliged to abandon a calling for which he had decided talent. Since then he has devoted his attention to the life insurance business, being the representative of the old and reliable com- pany above mentioned. In 1861, immediately after the outbreak of the Ci\il War, he pre- sented himself for army service, but was rejected by the examiner on account of want of robust health. While not being able to serve his country on the field, he used his influence at home and then, as now, has always been a good and public spirited citizen. He is now serving his fourth term as a justice of the peace, a position for which he is eminently, qualified. His official acts have given general satisfaction and his integrity has never been brought in question. He has been a valued resident of Girard since 1882. MACOUPIN COUNTY. 219 Mr. Baker has been twice married. In 1862 he married Mary Hughes, and five children were born to them, the four survivors being: Frank F., a business man of East St. Louis, Ilhnois; Mary Baker of St. Louis, Missouri and Anna and Frances, who Hve at home. Mrs. Baker died in 1879. la 1889, Mr. Baker married Mary Venable, who is a member of an old Ohio family. Her parents settled in Illinois some 30 years ago. ROBERT W. ENGLISH. There is none better qualified to represent the agricultural interests of ^lacoupin County than the gentleman whose name heads this brief notice. He resides on his farm of 70 acres situated in sections 27 and 34, Shaw's Point township. He was born in Pike County, Missouri, May 5, 1856, and is a son of Levin X., and Mary (West) English. Levin X. English was a native of Jersey County, Illinois, where he spent the greater part of his life actively engaged in the pursuits of general farming. He began in a somewhat lowly station in life but through his hard and industrious work accumulated considerable property and became a highly respected citizen, interested in many projects to benefit his com- munity. His parents, who were from Kentucky, had eight children, namely : Nelson, Robert, Levin, Richard, Betsy (Brown), Xellie (Fullington), Allie (Roundtree) and Nancy (Oafif). Levin N. English formed a matrimonial alliance with ^lary West, who was, like him, a native of Jersey County, Illi- nois. She was a daughter of Edward West. They were the parents of five children, namely: Robert W.. whose name heads these lines; Levin N., of Shaw's Point township; Ella (Allien), of Shaw's Point township; J^Iary (Stoddard), of Carlinville; and Dr. John N., of Bucatunna, Mississippi. He died August 7. 1896, at the age of 65 years. He was a Democrat, and held a number of township offices, such as supervisor and highway commissioner. Robert W. English came to Macoupin County when five years old in company with his parents, and has resided here since. He has been actively engaged in farming and stock raising and has proved very successful at that independent calling. He devotes 40 acres of his farm to the raising of 220 BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD corn, 20 acres to the raising of oats, and the remainder to his cattle, raising a very high grade of Shorthorn cattle. Our subject's political views are such as to make him a Democrat. In fraternal circles he is a member of tlie Court of Honor. Mr. and Mrs. English are both adherents of the Christian Church, attending divine services at Shaw's Point Christian Church, which js only one-half mile distant. Mr. English is an elder in the church. Mr. English was married November 20, 1887, to Edna L. Johnson, who was born in Shaw's Point township, Macoupin County, Illinois, April 2, 1857, and is a daughter of Edward and Sarah (Crabtree) Johnson, natives of Kentucky. Our subject has no children. E. ALFRED BLEULER, M. D. E. Alfred Bleuler, M. D., who stands in the front rank among the most successful practitioners of medicine in Macoupin County, has been a resident of Carlinville almost from the beginning of his profesional career. He was born in Zanesville, Ohio, May 25, 1856, and is a son of Charles and Matilda (Mickel) Bleuler. His father was a native of Switzerland, and his mother of Germany. Charles Bleuler, father of our subject, came to America in 1845 and settled in New York City where he followed his business as an expert en- graver, being employed by the United States government in the engraving of bonds and contracts. He removed to Philadelphia in 1847. Later he returned to New York City and in 1849, with many others, he started for California, going by sailing vessel around Cape Horn to San Francisco, the trip consuming 179 days. After reaching his destination he engaged in gold mining in the placer regions for several years, then returned East by the Isthmus of Panama route, coming up the Mississippi River from New Or- leans to St. Louis, where he arrived in 1852 during the prevalence of cholera and soon after went by boat to Cincinnati where he remained for five months. He was married at Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, in 1855, and after remaining there a short time the young couple removed to Zanesville, Ohio, near which town he purchased a tract of land. He followed farming there for a period of MACOUPIN COUNTY. " 221 three years and in 1858 sold out and moved to Quincy, Illinois. He shortly after removed to Jacksonville, Illinois, where he became professor of Ger- man and French in the Illinois and Bethany College, being very proficient in those languages. In i860 he bought a large tract of land in Morgan County. Illinois, on which he lived during the following 20 years, finally returning, in 1880, to Jacksonville to spend the remaining years of his life in retire- ment. He died February 28, 1901, at the ripe old age of 89 years. E. Alfred Bleuler attended the public schools, Illinois College and the Jacksonville Business College, during which time he also read medicine. He matriculated in Rush Medical College, Chicago, in 1882, and subsequently was graduated from the St. Louis Medical College. In 1898 he located in Carlinville, where he has since been continuously engaged in practice. He made special study of diseases of the ear, throat and nose, taking a post- graduate course in Berlin and Vienna in 1902, and makes a specialty of these branches. He has met with a high degree of success, and enjoys the con- fidence and highest respect of his fellow citizens and brother practitioners. He is a member of the Macoupin County Medical Society, the State Medical Society, and the American Medical Association. He is assistant surgeon for the Chicago & Alton Railway Company, and examining physician for the Federal Life Insurance Company and several fraternal insurance companies. In October, 1889, Dr. Bleuler was joined in marriage with Helen Thompson, a native of Petersburg, Illinois, and they have one son, — Frank. Both are members of the Methodist Church. Fraternally, our subject is a member of Mount Nebo Lodge, No. 79, A. F. & A. M. ; Orient Lodge No. 95, K. P. ; and Carhnville Lodge, I. O. O. F. ♦ <» MRS. D. CORNELIA DAVIS. Mrs. D. Cornelia Davis, owner of the fine farm of 223 acres, in sec- tion 24, Bunker Hill township, Macoupin County, known as Woodside Farm, is the widow of the late John Andrews Davis, who for many years was a prominent agriculturist of the southern section of the county. Mrs. Davis was born February 22, 1830, in Hunterdon County, New Jersey, and is a daughter of the late Moses and Permelia (Slack) Warford. 222 BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD The parents of Mrs. Davis removed to Livingston County, New York, when she was small, and she grew to womanhood in Geneseo, where both parents died, each aged about 70 years. They reared nine children, viz: i\Irs. Agnes Robinson, deceased; Mrs. Matilda Stout, deceased; Thisby, who married a relative named Warford; Wilson B.. who served through the Civil War, as captain of a company of the 133d Reg., New York Vol. Inf., now a resident of Coldwater, Michigan; Stacy B., who served through the Civil War as a private in a New York regiment ; James Scott, of Coldwater, Michigan; ]\Irs. Harriet Young, of Belfast, New York; Mrs. Amelia Locke, of Coldwater. Michigan, a widow of a Civil War soldier: Mrs. D. Cornelia Davis, our subject; and a babe who died in infancy. In Geneseo, New York, December 14. 1854, our subject was united in marriage with John Andrews Davis, and to this union these children were born : J. Elroy, who with his daughter, Gladys B., resides on the hoin^ farm, which he superintends, his wife is deceased; Scott Fletcher, who lives at home; Frank Jackson, who died at the age of 10 months: Mrs. Sarah Ophelia Meriwether, born December 28, 1864. who died at Alton, Illinois, October 7, 1S95, survived by two children, — Katherine Edith and Sarah D. ; Susannah E., at home; and Mrs. Katherine J. Badlay, of Marianna, Arkansas, who has one child — Payton D. The late John Andrews Davis was born February 6, 1826, at Ischua, Cattaraugus County, New York, where he resided until he removed to Bunker Hill township, Macoupin County, in 1871. His death took place December 11, 1903, on the farm which he had occupied more than 30 years. He was the second son of Jonathan Davis, born July 11, 1790, in Massa- chusetts, and died in July, 1878, who could trace his ancestry through Revo- lutionary stock, back to the "Mayflower." His grandfather and grand- uncle, Jonathan and Edward Davis, are the two Davises mentioned in New England history as having gone disguised as Indians on the ships in Boston harbor, and assisted in throwing the cargoes of tea overboard. Mr. Davis spent his boyhood in Cattaraugus County and attended school at Alfred Academy in Allegany County, and through life was a man of intelligence, who kept not only well posted on current events, but accum- tilated a private library as well. He owned a farm of 500 acres in New York, which is now occupied by his brother Edwin F. After coming to Illinois, where his intelligent foresight saw greater agricultural possibilities, Mr. Davis purchased the fine property now the home of his widow, which PLUTARCH H. DORSEY. MACOUPIN COUNTY. 225 he successfully operated for so many years, being engaged in dairying as well as in farming. The handsome buildings and superior improvements which he placed on the property fully entitle it to l)e considered one of the handsomest homes of the county. This home has always been noted for its hospitality and both Mr. Davis and his estimable wife delighted to welcome their friends over its threshold. Mr. Davis always took an intelligent interest in politics and voted with the Republican party. While bound by no religious creed, he was liberal in his support of all religious bodies and moral measures and by his influence furthered the cause of education and of morality. He had many friends, for he was a man who deserved them, — honest, kind and helpful. Mrs. Davis is held in the highest esteem. *»*• PLUTARCH H. DORSEY. The name of Dorsey needs no introduction to the citizens of Macoupin County, Illinois, as for years it has been representative of one of the most numerous, progressive, wealthy and prominent families of this portion of the State, and Plutarch H. Dorsey is its oldest member. He was born on No- vember 8, 1833, in Jefferson County, Kentucky, and is a son of Elias and Martha (Booker) Dorsey. Elias Dorsey was born June 7, 1796, near Frederick, Maryland, and in childhood accompanied his parents to Kentucky. During the War of 181 2 he served as a private soldier and received a pension for his services. He de- voted his attention to agricultural pursuits, and, although in straitened circumstances during his early manhood, by the exercise of a natural business capacity acquired a large tract of fine blue grass land within eight miles of the city of Louisville. There he engaged in the favorite occupation of the Ken- tucky farmer — the raising of fine horses for market. His farm consisted of Goo acres of land and prior to the Civil War he owned some 30 slaves. These he subsequently freed. For many years he lived the life of a typical planter, "Eden Farm" being the center of general hospitality and social gaiety, many of the most distinguished members of the polite, business and political world being lavishly entertained there. At an early date Elias Dorsey, with the 226 BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD business instincts which made all his operations successful, purchased 13,000 acres of land lying in Madison and Macoupin counties, Illinois. His death took place in 1873 at Bunker Hill, Macoupin County, Illinois, in the 77th year of his age. He was a consistent supporter of Democratic principles all his life. He was a man of generous nature, was devoted to his large family and as- sisted each one of his 13 children by the gift of a farm of 1,000 acres. In 1815 Elias Dorsey married Martha Booker, who was a daughter of Col. Richard Booker, and a member of a very prominent family of Shelby County, Kentucky. They were the parents of the following 13 children: John W., Richard E., Leavin L., Benjamin L., Basil H., William Montjoy, ]\Irs. Cordelia Hornsby, Mrs. Ann C. Winchester, Elias L., Mary Matilda and Orlean O., all deceased; Plutarch H. ; and Mrs. Martha Shields of Kansas. Plutarch H. Dorsey's mother died when he was four years old, and he remained in Kentucky to enjoy the excellent educational opportunities offered him there. He finished his education with a three-years course at Shurtleff College, at Alton, Illinois. He came to Macoupin County in 1853 and settled on his present farm of 420 acres situated in sections 25 and 26, Gillespie town- ship, land w Inch was included in the large tract which his father had entered. He has lived on this farm continuously since 1853, with the exception of 15 years — from 1871 to 1886 — when he resided in Bunker Hill in order to give his children the best of educational advantages. While Mr. Dorsey has raised large crops of wheat and corn, his at- tention has been more closely given to the raising of fine cattle and stock and particularly to the breeding of high grade horses, these being mainly of "Gold Dust" stock, of which he has annually bred 50 head and at the same time from 50 to 100 head of mules. He is also an extensive breeder and shipper of cattle, sheep and hogs, but has gi\en the closest attention to horses. He has bred a number of fine animals which have sold for $5,000, and he has re- ceived as much as $1,000 for a yearling thoroughbred. In addition to his farming and grazing lands, Mr. Dorsey has a fine orchard of 120 acres, one of the most productive in this section. In 1 89 1 Mr. Dorsey sold his coal right to the firm of H. S. Dorsey & Company, a rich vein of coal probably underlying a large portion of this farm. The discovery of coal on the Dorsey lands, in 1886, was something of an accident, but after 12 years of prospecting, hard work and expenditure of much money the great deposits of the black diamonds are being brought to the MACOUPIN COUx\TY. 227 surface, bringing untold wealth to the family and giving activity to the sec- tion and employment to hundreds of laborers. A new town in the heart of the coal regions is now being built up which is expected to hold a population of 6,000 people within two years. To this town the name of Benld has been given, which is a contraction of Benjamin L. Dorsey, named in honor of the nephew of our subject, as was the town of Dorsey named in honor of the family upon its establishment 40 }'ears ago. Benjamin L. Dorsey, the pioneer prospector for coal on his own lands, was born August 31, 1857, in Macoupin County, Illinois, and is a son of Ben- jamin L. Dorsey and a nephew of Plutarch H. Dorsey. The family has sold 40,000 acres of coal land to the Northwestern Railroad, through the Superior Coal Company of Chicago, and a connecting line, the Macoupin County Rail- road, is being rapidly pushed to completion. This road will erect a fine brick depot at the new town, while capitalists from the neighboring cities are making contracts for the erection of blocks of stores, the establishment of a bank and the putting into operation all the organizations which American enterprise and progressiveness so quickly accomplish. \Yhere once waved fields of yellow grain, now are seen the derricks and machinery of Successful coal mines and another great industry has been added to the business life of Macoupin County. The Dorsey family has greatly profited by this discovery and all its members are men of large capital. They are also men of high character and well represent the best citizenship of this section of the State. In March, 1854, Plutarch H. Dorsey married 01i\ia Williams, who was born September 25, 1834, in Washington, D. C, and died on the farm in Macoupin County, July 26, 1902. She was a daughter of John and Maria E. (Wells) W^illiams, both of whom were born in Washington. Eight chil- dren \Aere born to this marriage, as follows : Mrs. Eugenia Robinson, of St. Louis, Missouri, who has two children — Edward and Mary; Plutarch H., Jr., who resides with his wife on the farm of our subject in a residence of his own; Mrs. Harriet Hornsby, of Bunker Hill, who has two children — Lawrence and Marie; Marie L., who resides at home; Oscar L., who with his wife resides on the old homestead ; Ada, who died at the age of two years ; Cora, who died at the age of eight years ; and Wells Mayo, who with his wife resides on a farm in Cahokia township, Macoupin County. Mr. Dorsey's children are among the most highly esteemed residents of their various communities. Like his father, Mr. Dorsey has been identified with the Democratic party 228 BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD all his life, ardently supporting its old-time principles. He is serving as tht present supervisor of his township and is regarded as one of the best officials the township ever had. In him the honorable old family of Dorsey has an honorable representative and Gillespie township a citizen who has materially aided in all movements designed to promote the general welfare. His portrait accompanies this sketch, being shown on a preceding page. JAMES L. CALLAWAY. James L. Callaway, one of the well known citizens and prominent farmers of Gillespie township, Macoupin County, the owner of a well im- proved farm of 130 acres situated in section 18, was born on a farm in Randolph township, Jersey County, Illinois, March 14. 1846, and is a son of George W. and Elizabeth Ann (Smith) Callaway. George W. Callaway was born in Giles County, West Virginia, Febru- ary 4, 1810, and removed to Jersey County, Illinois, in 1837, as a pioneer, and died in the home of our subject in 1893. His father was American born, his mother was a German and he was one of a large family of sons and was left on orphan at an early age. He engaged in farming all his life, and although he never accumulated a large estate, he was a man of great industry and of the most exemplary character.. For many years he was a local preacher and filled many pulpits of the Methodist Church in Missouri and Illinois. Early in life he was a supporter of the Jack.sonian principles of Democracy, but later became a Republican. George W. Callaway married first Keziah Ray and five daughters were born to this marriage. His second marriage was to Elizabeth Ann Smith who was born in Scioto County, Ohio, February 2, 1820, and 14 children were born to them. 11 of whom sur\ived infancy: Mrs. Sarah Van Cleve of Olney, Illinois; Mrs. Mary F. Kelley, deceased; Melvin, who died in April, 1903; James L., of this sketch; Mrs. Olive Cramp, of Macoupin County; John D., of Milton. Kansas; Daniel, deceased; George, of Macoupin County; Mrs. Ann Burdsal, of Gilllespie; Mrs. Antoinette Perrine, deceased; and Mrs. Kate Hackney, deceased. MACOUPIN COUNTY. 229 Our subject was about seven years of age when his parents came to IMacoupin County and he has been a resident here ever since. Since 187S he has been located on liis present farm, 50 acres of which is in timber, and here he has most successfully engaged in general farming and stock raising. He makes his leading crops corn and wheat, and in live stock has a prefer- ence for Red Polled cattle and Poland-China and Berkshire hogs. When Mr. Callaway came to his present farm, it was still a wild tract, covered with brush and timber. His first log house was soon succeeded by a larger and more comfortable one, and the improvements which he started in to make he has continued to the present day, the result being one of the most comfortable, attractive and valuable homes of the township. In 1870 Mv. Callaway married Emily Dewhirst, who was born in Dekalb County, Illinois, November 24, 1849, and died February 14, 1902. She was a daughter of George and Judith Dewhirst, natives of England and Canada respectively, who located in Illinois. Five children were born to them, namely: Elizabeth, her father's capable housekeeper; Leroy, deceased; Charles jVI., a farmer of Montgomery County; Minnie, wife of Noel Taylor of Granite City, Illinois ; and James, who lives at home. In politics Mr. Callaway is identified with the Republican party. For many years he has been a member of the Methodist Church. ROBERT WADE MCKNIGHT. Robert W'ade McKnight, postmaster at Girard, Illinois, a prominent citizen and leading Republican politician of Macoupin County, was bom in Taylorville, Christian County, Illinois, November 26, 1873. He is the only surviving son of the late distinguished Col. Sargeant and Virginia A. (Boggess) McKnight. Mr. McKnight accompanied his parents to Girard in March, 1882, and this city has been his place of residence ever since. He enjoyed exceptional educational advantages. After completing the public school course at Girard, he attended Morgan Park Military Academy at Chicago, the Uni- versity of Illinois at Champaign, and the Metropolitan Business College at 230 BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD Chicago. From 1895 to 1897, he served as city attorney of Girard. On February i, 1898, he was appointed postmaster by the late President McKin- ley, and on March 14, 1902, was reappointed by President Roosevelt. Mr. McKnight was married in Carlinville, Illinois, February 14, 1901, to Gertrude Elfrieda Fischer, who is a daughter of Dr. C. J. C. Fischer of Carlinville. They have one little daughter, Dorothy Virginia, who was born August 21, 1902. Mr. McKnight has taken a verj' active part in politics and has served as the secretary of the Girard Republican Club and as delegate to various con- ventions. Fraternally he is a Mason and a Knight of Pythias. 4 « » BENJAMIN F. SHEPPARD. Benjamin F. Sheppard, the owner and successful operator of a fine, well improved farm of 120 acres, situated in section 20, Gillespie township, Macoupin County, was born December 8, 1835, in Cumberland County, New Jersey, and is one of eight children born to Nathan and Sarah (Rose) Sheppard. Nathan Sheppard and wife were both natives of New Jersey and passed their lives on a large and profitable farm. Their children were : Mrs. Han- nah Sheppard, deceased, whose husband had the same name, but was of no blood kindred; Mrs. Sarah Thompson, deceased; Mrs. Harriet Dare, de- ceased; Nathan L., connected with railroad affairs at Camden, New Jersey; William, deceased; Mrs. Cornelia Lore, of Philadelphia; Benjamin F., of this sketch; and Martha, who died in infancy. In politics Nathan Sheppard affiliated with the Democratic party. Both he and his wife were valued members of the Presbyterian Church. Benjamin F. Sheppard was reared in New Jersey and remained in his native locality until 1857, when he came to Macoupin County, Illinois. What is now his farm was then the property of Silas Harlan, for whom he worked as a farm hand by the month for three years. After the death of Mr. Harlan, he rented the farm and some 10 years later purchased it. It 'S a vv'ell located piece of property and is splendidly adapted to general farming MACOUPIN COUNTY. 231 and stock raising. Under Mr. Sheppard's capable management it gives large crops of wheat, corn and clover. In 1865 Mr. Sheppard married Susan Harlan, who was born in Ma- coupin County, Illinois, and is a daughter of Silas and Sarah (Wilson) Har- lan, both of whom were born in Kentucky and came as pioneers to Illinois. Mrs. Sheppard's maternal grandfather, Isaac Wilson, was one of the first settlers in Brushy Mound township, Macoupin County. Seven children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Sheppard, viz : Mrs. Margaret Le May, of La- veta, Colorado, who has one child, — Mary; Silas Harlan, his father's as- sistant on the farm; Franklin, also at home; Daisy; Charles, deceased; Susan and Harrison. In politics Mr. Sheppard is a Republican, but takes no very active inter- est in politics. He is one of the substantial, reliable men of his community and commands the esteem of all who know him. FRANCIS M. ADAMS. Fraxcis M. Adams^ who is engaged in extensive farming and stock raising operations on his fine farm of 484 acres, situated in sections 17 and 20, Gillespie township, ?^Iacoupin County, was born in this township, July. I, 1833, and has spent his whole life in his boyhood home. He is a son of Giles M. and Elizabeth (Taylor) Adams. The Adams family ranks with the old and honorable ones of Virginia and claims Welsh, Irish and French ancestry. Daniel Adams, the grand- father of Francis M., was born in Virginia and died in Illinois, at the age of 74 years. Giles M. was one of his family of eight children. Giles M. Adams was born in Virginia in 1801, removed with his par- ents to Kentucky and thence to Tennessee. In 1829 he migrated to Madi- son County, Illinois, accompanied by his wife and two children, and two years later settled on what is now our subject's home farm. He entered a small portion of it at first, as his means were very limited, but made many additions, and through industrv and energ}' accumulated a property of 300 acres. He found it necessary to build his own log house and clear his own 2^2 BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD land, but he prospered through all the hardships of those early days and died at the age of 68 years, a man of large capital. In politics he was a Democrat. For a considerable period he was a justice of the peace and did much in those early times to peacably adjust difficulties and to promote movements intended for the well being of the whole community. Giles M. Adams married Elizabeth Taylor, who was born in South Carolina, April 19, 1809. The five children born to them were: William W., born September 28, 1826, who lives in Montgomery County, Illinois; Daniel, born July 2y, 1827, deceased; Mrs. Xancy Ann Dillard, born April 14, 1829, a resident of Gillespie township, Macoupin County; Francis M., of this sketch ; and James, deceased. On February 2, 1864. our subject was married to Elizabeth K. Grimes, who was born at Carlinville, Macoupin Count, Illinois, February 27, 184J, and is a daughter of William and Nancy (Wagner) Grimes. William Grimes was born January 13, 181 1, in Baltimore, Maryland, was married July 20, 1837, and died February 24, 1897. He was a son of Nicholas Grimes who was born March 7, 1783, and died April i, 1848. The mother of Mrs. Adams was born April 22, 1820, in Madison County, Illinois, and died May 28, 1856. For some years William Grimes was a blacksmith at Carlinville and then became a farmer, dying a man of large means accumu- lated by his own efforts. Mrs. Adams inherited 1,000 acres of land, and the combined acreage of Mr. and Mrs. Adams includes 2,160 acres in Macoupin and Christian counties. Mrs. Adams' grandfather, Peter Wag- ner, came to Illinois from Tennessee as early as 1820. Mrs. Adams is the only surviving child of her parents ; her sister, Mrs. Mary A. Beggan, born February 22, 1844, died September i, 1899, and her brother, Stephen N., born September 2, 1848, died February 24, 1896. Mr. and Mrs. Adams have had six children, namely: \Villiam M., born November 24, 1866, de- ceased February i, 1870; Mrs. Mary S. Teter, of Hilyard township, Ma- coupin County, born June 25, 1868, who has three children, — Clarence L., William E. and Kenneth L. ; James L., born December 14, 1872, deceased December 27, 1874; Stephen N., born October 26, 1875, deceased Septem- ber 18, 1878; Oscar N., born November 15, 1877, deceased March 18, 1878; and Mrs. Nancy Virginia Davis, of Gillespie, Macoupin County, born Jan- uary 10, 1880. For a period of 26 years ]\Ir. Adams ran a threshing machine and was MACOUPIX COUXTY. 233 interested in a sawmill for some 16 years, in connection with large farming operations. In politics he is a Democrat and he has filled a number of the township offices, sen-ing four years as a justice of the peace, three years as highway commissioner, one term as township supervisor and has been a member of the School Board for many years. The local school house is situated on his farm. The family is one of great prominence in Gillespie township and Mr. Adams, aside from being one of its largest capitalists, is also one of its best and most reliable citizens. GEORGE W. HAMILTON. Among the prominent and progressive business men of ^lacoupin County, probably none is better or more widely known than the gentleman whose name heads this brief notice, and who is proprietor of a thriving grocer)' business in Girard. ilr. Hamilton, who is one of the rising young men of the community, was bom in Tennessee, October 12, 1872, being one of a family of six children. Mr. Hamilton was left an orphan when but a child and has been a resident of Girard since he was seven years of age. After reaching the yeais of manhood, he engaged in the restaurant business with such success that he later embarked in the grocery business, which he has since carried on with the best results. Mr. Hamilton, although he has dealt in groceries only since November, 1902, has at present what is said to be the most complete line of fancy groceries in Girard and carries a stock of $3,500. Mr. Hamilton is also prominently identified in the political circles of Girard and in 1901 was elected city clerk on the Republican ticket, being again elected to that office in 1903 by the same party. In fraternal circles he is a member of Girard Lodge, Xo. 192, I. O. O. F. He is also connected with the Girard Knights of Pythias lodge and is a member of the Modem Woodmen of America, having ser\-ed as clerk of the last named organization for four years. Mr. Hamilton takes much interest in social affairs as well as political and has countless friends among the prominent people of his community. Mr. Hamilton was married May 16, 1894, in Carlinville, Illinois, to 13 234 BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD Minnie E. Putty, a daughter of Robert Putty, a resident of Virden, Illinois. They are the parents of three children, namely: Edith, born August i8, 2897; George R., born May 31, 1899, and Zelma, born August 24, 1900. WILLIAM T. GRIMMETT. William T. Grimmett, postmaster of Palmyra, Macoupin County, and a highly respected citizen of the town, was born in 1856 in Palmyra township, and belongs to one of the old and honorable families of the county. His parents were John C. and Martha (Huson) Grimmett. The grandfather of our subject spent his whole life in Eastern Ten- nessee, where John C. Grimmett was born in 1825. There he married ^lartha Huson, and in 1850 tliey came to Illinois, locating on his present farm in section 36, North Palmyra township, where he lived until he entered the army in 1862. He enlisted in Company E, I22d Reg., Illinois Vol. Inf., and saw hard service, participating in these battles : Parker Cross Roads ; Town Creek, Alabama; Tupelo. Mississippi; Nashville. Tennessee; Mobile, Alabama; and Paducah. Kentucky. At the battle of Parker Cross Roads, he was wounded in the right shoulder, but he never left his place in the ranks on this account, merely transferring his gun to his left arm, until the wound healed. His next wound, received at Paducah, Kentucky, was again in the right arm and was of too serious a nature for him to endure with his former Spartan fortitude, as it disabled him for two months. This brave soldier was finally mustered out at Mobile, Alabama, in 1865 and received his hon- orable discharge at Springfield, Illinois. He was twice married, his second wife being Elizabeth Lair, who is also deceased. Six children were born to his first union (of whom our subject is the youngest) and three to his second. William T. Grimmett obtained his education in the schools of North Palmyra township, and worked on his father's farm until he was of age. In 1877 he married Tabitha Doss, a daughter of Thomas and Kitty {Cherry) Doss. At death these parents left a large estate and Mr. Grimmett bought the interests of the heirs, and resided on the old Doss farm for 19 MACOUPIN COUNTY. 235 years. In 1891 Airs. Grimniett died, the mother of six cliildren, viz: Ralph Thornton, who died in infancy; Thomas Truman, who died aged 18 months; Mary, who died aged three years; Homer Burnet, who died in his 19th year; Eva Catherine, Hving at home; and Florence Irene, who assists her father in the post office. The death of Homer Burnet Grimmett brought grief to a wide circle of friends. In August, 1898, he followed the example set him by his grandfather, and enlisted for service during the Spanish-.^merican War. The unaccustomed conditions of living with which he had to contend, broke down his helath while the troops were encamped at Chattanooga, on their way to the coast, and he soon succumbed. His father hastened to his succor, but found the youth too ill to move, and when he returned to Pal- myra, it was with his son's lifeless body, which was laid to rest by the side of his mother. Thus was a bright, promising career cut short. Mr. Grimmett's second marriage was contracted with Clara Deopheid, who is a daughter of Ernest and Rachel Deopheid, the former of whom is a well known mechanic and an owner of real estate in Palmyra. They have one son, Minton Randolph, who was torn September 12, 1901. Mr. Grimmett has been a lifelong Republican and has taken a lively interest in public matters and in political affairs. He was appointed post- master of Plmyra on June i, 1898, a position he still holds to the satisfaction of his fellow citizens. He is a member of the Christian Church, a religious body with which he has been connected ever since his 19th year. HON. L. P. PEEBLES. Hon. L. P. Peebles, an honored citizen of Carlinville, Macoupin County, has frequently l>een called upon to fill offices high in public trust during his long and active career. In each instance he served most credit- ably and in such manner as to win the confidence and respect of his fellow- men. He served 17 years as judge of Macoupin County, and we may safely say that no more able nor impartial judge has ever sat upon this bench. Judge Peebles was born in Chesterfield, Macoupin County, Illinois, July 13, 1836, and is a son of Jesse and ISIargaret (Reeder) Peebles. Plis 236 BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD fatlier came to Macoupin County from Camden, South Carolina, in 1S34, and lived here until his death in 1864. He was a farmer and local preacher of the Methodist faith, and commanded the respect of all. Mrs. Peebles was a native of Tennessee and died in Macoupin County, Illinois, in 1840. Judge Peebles obtained the rudiments of an education in the common schools of his native county and remained upon the paternal acres until 1861, when he spent the winter in studying law under the direction of Will- iam A. Grimshaw of Pittsfield, Illinois. He continued there until the sum- mer of 1862, then returned home. The Civil War being in progress, inspired with a spirit of patriotism and love for his country he organized a company of soldiers at Chesterfield and tendered them to the government. They were accepted and mustered in as Company D, I22d Reg., Illinois Vol. Inf., Judge Peebles being elected captain of the company. He continued in that capacity and served with the regiment in all of its battles until August, 1865, when the company was mustered out, as the war was at an end. He was a valued officer and brave soldier, winning the love and affection of his com- mand and the commendation of his superiors. Returning to his home, he entered the law office of the late Judge William R. Welch, and resumed his preparation for the legal profession. He was admitted to the bar in 1867 but returned to the farm and remained until 1868, when he was appointed deputy sheriff under Sheriff S. B. Wilcox, serving throughout the latter's administration. He then formed a partnership with R. C. Smalley, with whom he was engaged in practice until 1872, when he was chosen by the Governor to complete the unexpired term of Mr. Fishback as sheriff' of Macoupin County. Upon the expiration of the term, he served as office deputy for Sheriff Pennington until the fall of 1873, then was elected county judge of Macoupin County. He served efficiently for a term of four years, when his ability and faithfulness received their merited reward by his reelection. His great popularity may be gleaned from the fact that his election was made without opposition. He served two more terms of four years each after his second term, and held over for one year between two of his terms, making a total of 17 years on the bench. Since 1890. Judge Peebles has devoted his time and energies exclusively to his large private practice. He numbers among his clients many of the most substantial busi- ness men and corporate enterprises in the county. He has always evinced s deep interest in the welfare and development of his city and county, and has served conscientiously as a member of the city council and as president of MACOUPIN COUNTY. 237 the Board of Education. He is a 3d degree Mason and was formerly active as an Odd Fellow. He is a valued member of Dan Messick Post, No. 339, G. A. R. On March i. 1869, Judge Peebles was united in marriage with Sarah E. Odell, a native of Macoupin County. Both have been lifelong residents of this county, and have many friends and acquaintances throughout its limits. JOHN J. STOWE. JoHX J. Stowe, one of the leading business men of Girard, Macoupin County, supervisor of Girard township, and owner of a large grocery busi- ness, was born December 9, 1861, in Ohio, and is one of a family of seven children bom to his parents, Erastus and Lucretia (Whaley) Stowe. Erastus Stowe was born in 1819, and his wife in 1826, both in Meigs County, Ohio. They had the following children : James, of Meigs County ; Charles R., who lives near Greenville, Illinois; Sardine S., who lives in Rut- land. Ohio: Addie E.. wife of Henry Chase of Columbus, Ohio; Erastus C, a resident of Pomeroy, Ohio; William G., a resident of Rochester, Illi- nois; and John J., our subject. Erastus Stowe spent his life on a farm, dy- ing on the old homestead, followed by his wife about two years later. The parents were both Universalists in religious faith and Mr. Stowe was a Republican in politics. He served four years in the War of the Rebellion and also had a son, James, in the same company. Mr. Stowe has been a resident of Macoupin County since he was 22 years of age. His education was secured in Ohio and at a business college in New York. In 1890 he located at Virden. Macoupin County, and became extensively interested in farming, \\hich interest he still maintains, although since 1899 he has resided at Girard. where he opened up a grocery business, including in it the handling of feed and the shipping of hay. This business is conducted under the style of the Model Grocery and Feed Company. Mr. Stowe is probably one of the largest shippers of hay in the State, his busi- ness amounting to immense proportions, during the past 15 years amount- ing to $75,000 annually. He carries a large and complete grocery stock, valued at 83,000. selected with a view toward pleasing the most critical 238 BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD taste of the best patronage of the town. Mr. Stowe has not only been ver}- successful in his commercial relations, but has also prospered in the politi- cal field. In 1903 he was elected township supervisor by a vote of 27 over his opponent. S. S. Huber, of Girard, and at the April election of 1904, was reelected by 67 majority, his opponent being Charles E. Burnett, and other honors await him. On March 7, 1889, Mr. Stowe was married to Lizzie E. Gibson, who is a daughter of C. C. Gibson, a member of an old and prominent family of Tennessee. Both in private and business life. Air. Stowe stands very high in the esteem of his fellow citizens. He is wide-awake and progressive, while at the same time his methods are such as commend him to the con- fidence of those with whom he does business. In political sentiment he is a Republican. BENJAMIN MIZE. Benj.^min Mize^ for many years one of the extensive stock raisers and large grain farmers of Macoupin County, Illinois, resides upon his large and productive farm of 280 acres, situated in sections 28, 29 and 33, Dor- chester township. He is a worthy representative of one of the prominent old Southern pioneer families of the State. He was born June 10, 1824, iji Davidson County, North Carolina, and is the oldest son born to Obediah and Mary (Sweney) Mize. The Mize family originated in Germany. The great-grandfather fought in the Revolutionary War and lost his life in the battle of Guilford Court House. Benjamin Mize, grandfather of our esteemed subject, was born in South Carolina, and accompanied the family when it came to Illi- nois, in 1832. His children were: William, who fought in the Black Hawk War; John, who served under General Jackson at New Orleans; Obediah, the father of our subject; and Mary, who became Mrs. Spence. Obediah ISIize was born in North Carolina, and died in Macoupin County at the age of 70 years. In 1832, with family and household goods, he came as a pioneer to Illinois, settled in Aladison County, renting a log cabin for immediate shelter, took up government land, and made there a permanent home. His first marriage was to Mary Sweney, who succumbed MACOUPI\ COUXTY. 239 to the hardships of the pioneer surroundings in 1833, leaving three children: Benjamin, of this sketch; and William and James, deceased. The second marriage resulted in the birth of one child, — Mrs. Minerva Latham, of Bunker Hill. Benjamin Mize, our subject, was eight years old when the family came to Illinois, reaching Edwardsville October i, 1832, near which town his father entered land. At that time the nearest market was at Cairo, 40 miles distant, and St. Louis was only a village. Wonderful indeed are the changes which have come under the immediate view of Mr. Mize. The death of his mother brought with it the usual train of misfortune, for the little lad was, tlien bound out to a hard taskmaster. His indenture papers required him to stay until 21 years of age, but at 16 he rebelled, ran away and joined an uncle in Edwardsville, and was finally released by his father's efforts. In 1840 he came to ^Macoupin County, after which he enjoyed six months schooling, all he ever obtained, enough, however, to lay a foundation upon which Mr. ]^Iize has continued to build ever since. In 1850 he bought his first tract of land, 120 acres, for which he made a first payment of $6, all he possessed. It was wholly unimproved. To this tract he continued to add until he owned 320 acres. He has devoted his time to agricultural pursuits exclusively. He has been one of the few really successful grain farmers of this section, and has also made the growing of fine cattle a leading feature, prospering in all he has undertaken and being, through persevering industrj-. blessed in bas- ket and in store. During his early manhood, Mr. ilize was a \\ hig and cast his first vote for William Henrj- Harrison, and became identified with the Republi- can party in 1854. He has always refused all public office with the exception of membership on the School Board, his interest in general education mak- ing him willing to serN-e thus. On December 15, 1843, ^^r. ^lize was united in marriage with Mary Jane Xesbit, who was bom in Indiana and died in 1856. The five children of this union were Mrs. Margaret Teeters, of Kansas City, who has two children, — Roy and Carney: John W., of Denver, who has one child, — Mabel Millimen: George W".. of Denver, who is a railroad engineer: Win- field Scott, a farmer of Dorchester township, ilacoupin County, who has six children,- — Lillian E., Marj- E., Alice, Margaret, William and Emma; and Louis Sanford. a farmer of Dorchester township. Macoupin Coimty, who has one child, — Marion B. 240 BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD On October 8, 1856, Mr. Mize married, as his second wife, Eliza Billyeu, who was born June 8. 1833, in Bond County, Ilhnois, and is a daughter of Wilson Brown and Sarah (Jenkins) Billyeu, who were early pioneers in the State, coming from North Carolina. Four children were born to this union, namely: Albert C, of Denver, Colorado, who has three children, — Cora E., Gertrude and William B. ; Thomas W., who died at Denver aged 28 years, leaving one son, Benjamin Warren: Robert D., who operates the home farm; and James H., a farmer of Dorchester township, ■Macoupin County, who has four children, — Albert L., Norman R. and Nellie R. (twins) and Ada ^M. Since 1845 ^^''- ^lize has been a member of the Christian Church to which he has always rendered a liberal support. The only secret organiza- tion to which he e\er belonged was the Union League, during the Civil War. He is a man who occupies a very high position in public esteem. He is widely known in agricultural and church circles especially, and his home is one of the hospitable ones of the locality where friends may always be sure of a heartv welcome. MRS. SUSAN C. TAYLOR. Mrs. Susan C. Taylor, one of the well known residents of Gillespie township, Macoupin County, Illinois, owns and occupies a fine farm of 124 acres, situated in section 5. She is the widow of John Taylor, who served in the Civil War. Mrs. Taylor was born in Simpson County, Kentucky, and is a daughter of James and Ann (Solomon) Newell. James Newell was born in Kentucky and there engaged in farming until he came to Illinois in 1840, when our subject was a little maid of five years. His death took place March 18. 1873, in his 73d year. He was a man de- voted to his home and family and left them well provided for. In politics he was a Democrat. In religious belief he was a Baptist. The children of John and Ann Newell were 10 in number, those who grew to maturity Ijeing: T^Irs. Elizabeth Solomon, deceased: William D., deceased; Mrs. Mary King, deceased; Peter G.. deceased; Mrs. Taylor, of this sketch; IMrs. Nancy M. Blake of Warrensburg, Missouri; and Pricilli Ann and Sarah Jane, -who both died in girlhood. DAVID E. PETTENGILL. MACOUPIX COUNTY. 243 When the parents of Mrs. Taylor came to Macoupin County they settled at Eagle Point, but in 1856 they renio\ed to Gillespie where she has lived ever since. In 1854 she married John Smith, who was born in Macoupin County, Ilhnois. His death was caused by the explosion of a grist mill at Collinsville, Madison County, in 1S61, when he was 35 years of age. The two children born to them were: William H,, who resides with his mother and is her capable farm manager; and Mrs. Rosa E. Wagener, of Gillespie township, who has three children, — Albert. Jacob D. and Harry. The sec- ond marriage of our subject took place in 1868, to John Taylor, who was born in South Carolina and accompanied his parents to Illinois. He followed farming as an occupation, but answered the last call for troops for the Civil War and served for three months as a private in Company G, 154th Reg., Illinois Vol. Inf., and for his services his widow receives a pension. He is sur\-ived by three children, namely : Noel, a resident of Granite City, Illi- nois; Mrs. Minnie Gray, of Gillespie township, who has five children, — Roy, Samtiel, Clara, Joseph and Mildred ; and Xancy, who resides with her mother and brother on the farm. Both ilr. Smith and Mr. Taylor were identified with the Democratic party. They were excellent citizens and had many warm friends in this neighborhood. ]\Irs. Taylor has very successfully carried on farming opera- tions with the assistance of her son. She enjoys a wide acquaintance and is noted in the community for her many excellent and amiable traits of char- acter. MRS. MARY ANN PETTENGILL. Mrs. Mary Ann Pf.ttengill, of Bunker Hill, Jilacoupin County, is the widow of the late David E. Pettengill, whose portrait accompanies this sketch, who was a prosperous farmer and business man, as well as a worthy and highly esteemed citizen. She is a daughter of George W. and Mary Ann (Workinger) Boosiriger, and was born near Akron, in Portage County, Ohio, July 3, 1823. George W. Boosinger was a nati\e of \'irginia. and when 12 years of age moved to Ohio in company with his parents, settling in the Western Reserve, where he had many experiences with the Indians and the wild animals in the dense forests, living the life of a pioneer woodsman. He took an active part 244 BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD in the War of 1812. Politically he was a member of the Whig party, taking an active part in the government of his community. He was also interested in school and church work, and helped to establish a number of schools and churches in the new country. Mr. Boosinger was one of a family of four boys and six girls. John Boosinger, the brother of George W., died in Ohio, at the age of 100 years. He at one time drove a team for his brother George W. to ^klissouri, making the journey in seven weeks. Mr. Boosinger was mar- ried to Mary Ann Workinger, who was also a native of Virginia, and they were blessed with five children, namely : Mrs. Mary Ann Pettengill, the sub- ject of this article; George F., a resident of Gillespie township; Wesley, who died in Madison County, Illinois; Christie Ann (Rice), who died at Gillespie; and Charlotte F. (Peter), who is a widow and resides in Oregon. George W. Boosinger died near Gillespie, Macoupin County, in 1863, at the age of •/■] years. David E. Pettengill was born in Salisbury, New Hampshire, January 19, 18.20, and was a son of David Pettengill. The latter, also a native of New Hampshire, followed the occupation of farming there until 1836, when he migrated to Alton, Illinois, where he engaged in the milling business, con- tinuing at that occupation until his death in 1838. His father, the grandfather of David E. Pettengill, was a Revolutionary soldier. David Pettengill was the father of six children by his first marriage, namely : Caroline, Hannah, Sarah, Perces, Charles and David E. David E. Pettengill removed in company with iiis parents, when about 15 years of age, to Alton, Illinois, where he remained for three years and then removed to Bunker Hill, Macoupin County. Illinois, where he spent the rest of his life, following agricultural pursuits. Mr. Pettengill was a man of good business judgment and conducted his business affairs by skilled methods, as a result of which he became a large land-owner, owning a well tilled farm in his home township. 320 acres in Iowa, and three-quarters of a section in Kansas. Mr. Pettengill was a public spirited citizen and did much toward the building up of Bunker Hill, where he located in 1839, before it was settled. A great reader himself, he did much toward the establishing of libraries in his city. Politically Mr. Pettengill was a Republican, but took only a citizen's interest in any political affairs. In 1845 he was married to Mary Ann Boosinger, and they were blessed with two children, namely : Charles, who was born in 1847, ''"^ Anna Maria, who died at the age of seven years. MACOUPIN COUNTY. 245 Charles Pettengill. the only son of our subject, was a prominent hardware mer- chant of Gillespie. He died at that place in 1880, leaving a widow and two children — Mrs. Ella Bower, a resident of Bunker Hill, Macoupin County, and Charles, who is a resident of Memphis, Tennessee. David E. Pettengill, our subject's late husband, died September 8, 1894. Mrs. Mary Ann Pettengill when 12 years of age removed with her parents from Ohio to Missouri, where the family was established near Lexington, in 1836. There they remained for two and a half years, then removed to Alton, Illinois, and, after a short time, she removed with her parents to Macoupin County, where she has since resided, having lived in her present house since 1845- HENRY CLAY DUCKELS. Henry Clay Duckels, a prominent citizen and successful agriculturist of Western Mound township, Macoupin County, was born in Chesterfield township, Macoupin County, Illinois, in 1855. Plis parents were Richard and Elizabeth (Morris) Duckels, extended mention of whom will be found in this volume in the sketch of John H. Duckels. Mr. Duckels was reared on his father's farm and attended the local schools, remaining at home until his marriage. He then settled on a farm in Western Mound township where he remained three years and then en- gaged in a mercantile business at Chesterfield, returning at the end of one year to farming life again. He then settled on a farm in Chesterfield town- ship, consisting of 120 acres, which he very successfully managed until he removed in 1886 to the Loper homestead, which was the estate of his late father-in-law, Adrian W. Loper. This fine farm is now Mr. Duckels" prop- erty and under his most excellent management shows a fine state of cultiva- tion, with substantial improvements of every nature. In 1877 Mr. Duckels married Ophelia Loper, who was born in Western Mound township and is the estimable daughter of the late Adrian W. and Susan Loper. Adrian W. Loper was born in New Jersey and was a son of James Loper, a seafaring man, who, at the time of the War of 1812, was the owner of two large vessels and lost them in the fortunes of war. He then turned his attention to farming and, accompanied by his wife pnd two 246 BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD children, crossed the Allegliany mountains, safely making the journey with a one-horse wagon. They located first at Fairfield, Indiana, but in 1829 removed to Greene County, Illinois. In 1831 they became early settlers in Chesterfield township, Macoupin County. Adrian W. Loper was the sec- ond of James Loper's seven children. He married Susan Keller, who was born September 14, 1818, in Crawford County, Indiana, and was a daughter of John Keller, who was bom in Maryland, of German parentage. John Keller accompanied his parents to Kentucky where he married, and in 1800 removed to Indiana, and bought a tract of land in Crawford County, where he became one of the first settlers. In 1836 Mr. Keller sold his property, which had then become very valuable, and, again a pioneer, came to Macou- pin County, settling in Chesterfield township. This property he also im- proved into a fine farm. The mother of Mrs. Duckels was 1 1 years of age when the family removed to ilacoupin County and she was not only a witness of but a participant in the many privations, hardships and exciting experiences of the early days of the settling of the township. She was reared in the homely housekeeping duties of the time which, in those days were very comprehensive, including as they did the carding, spinning and weaving of the cloth which clothed the family. She died June 6, 1896, after /S years of useful life. Mrs. Duckels emulated the many virtues of this most estimable mother. She too passed away, leaving bereaved hearts behind, dying in August. 1896, in her 38th year. The four children surviving are: Thomas \\".. Gertrude, Reynold and William Elden. In political sentiment. Mr. Duckels is a Republican. He is fraternally connected with the Knights of Pythias, the Modern Woodmen of America and the Protective League. Like all members of the Duckels family, he is very highly esteemed in his township, for his many sterling traits of char- acter. GEORGE W. HILLIARD. George W. Hilli.\rd, one of the leading business citizens of Brighton, Macoupin County, resides on the homestead farm in section 17, Brighton township, where he was born in 1840. He is a son of the late Amos Avery and Charlotte (Towne) Hilliard. Few citizens of Macoupin County enjoyed more prominence than did • MACOUPIN COUNTY. 247 Amos Avery Hilliard, who for more than 40 years was identified with ahnost every public enterprise and successful agricultural or educational movement in his section. He came of honorable New England ancestry, was born in New Hampshire, was reared on a farm and educated in the local schools. Rural environments did not satisfy his ambition, and he soon made his way to Boston, thence to New York and in 1832 made his first trip to the great West. With his capital he formed a partnership with a citizen of Boston in the infant industry of pork packing, locating at Alton, a convenient point from which to ship to the South. The conditions which exist at present were then wanting and the business was unsuccessful and Mr. Hilliard returned to New Hampshire with little in his possession but experience. However, in 1834, he returned to Illinois, this time to engage in farming, and he set- tled in what is now Brighton township, Macoupin County, where he resided until his death on February 28, 1878. On November 30, 1837, he was mar- ried to Charlotte Towne, who was a daughter of Joseph and Sarah Townc, early residents of Hopkinton, near Concord, New Hampshire. She was born August 4, 1802, came to Macoupin County with her brother in 1833, and died August 8, 1845. I" 1^4^ Mr. Hilliard was married to Mrs. Har- riet Towne, who died in 1872, and in 1873 he married Mrs. A. S. Everett. Amos Avery Hilliard possessed at the time of his death 425 acres of valuable land. In addition to general farming, he was early interested in fruit growing and as early as 1845 began a daily shipment of peaches, dur- ing the season, by boat to St. Louis, an undertaking which met with much discouragement from neighboring farmers of less enterprise, but which proved remunerative on account of Mr. Hilliard's methods. In later years he discontinued the growing of peaches, as transportation facilities from other points made the business less profitable. He then turned his attention to the making of cider and vinegar and produced these with so fine a flavor that he became widely known in this industry. He was truly one of the pioneer horticulturists of the county, and so excellent were his views and so valuable his suggestions, that he became a regular contributor to the Nezv York Tribune, Caiman's Rural IVorld and the Prairie Farmer. In politics a Whig, he later became a Republican. He is survived by one son, the sub- ject of this sketch. George W. Hilliard has continued the industries which his father founded and, under better conditions, has expanded and improved his products. His plant is of modern construction and his mills produce pure 248 BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD apple cider, cider vinegar, cornmeal, graham flour, ground feed, and he also deals in hardwood lumber, owning a fine sawmill. Mr. Hilliard owns some 600 acres of land and is one of the county's substantial citizens. On April 13, 1864, Mr. Hilliard was married to Celia Adelaide Chase, and they have seven children, namely : Charles A., who has one daughter, Marion; Stella C, who married Allen A. Davison, auditor for Swift & Company of Chicago, and has twin daughters, — Dorothy and Florence ; Norman Rae and Wenona Rose (twins) ; Frank Wyman and Fannie Leah (twins) ; and Gladys. The family belong to the Baptist Church. Polit- ically Mr. Hilliard is a Republican and fraternally is a Mason. REV. MARTIN V. KITZMILLER. Rev. Martin V. Kitzmiller, ex-postmaster of Girard and one of Macoupin County's most venerated citizens, was born in Washington County, Tennessee, January 20, 1826, and is a son of Henry and Elizabeth (Carr) Kitzmiller. Rev. Mr. Kitzmiller's paternal line of ancestry is of Gemian origin and that of his mother is of a combination of English and Scotch. His paternal grandfather, Martin Kitzmiller, was born in Pennsylvania, where many of the name may still be found among the representatives of the agricultural districts. He was an early settler in Washington County, Tennessee, where he engaged extensively in farming and also carried on wagonmaking and blacksmithing. At a later date he bought a large farm, near to the Falls of the Ohio, which is now included in the corporate limits of the beautiful city of Louisville, Kentucky, but died at his old home in Washington County, at the age of 86 years. His third son, Henry Kitzmiller, became the father of the esteemed subject of this sketch. His life was an entirely agricultural one. After learning the trades of which his father was master, he chose farming as his occupation, and two years after his marriage settled per- manently on a farm in Sullivan County. Tennessee, which he operated until his death in 1843. He married Elizabeth Carr, who was also born in Wash- ington County, and died in Sullivan County, in 1891, aged 85 yenrs. The MACOUPIN COUNTY. 249 nine children of this marriage were: Martin V., Martha, Richard C, Mary, Henry, EHzabeth, David, Lovisa and Joseph. The Hfe of Rev. Mr. Kitzmiller has been a useful one and has been re- plete with interest from boyhood. His education was secured in the neigh- boring schools, in Sullivan and Washington counties, Tennessee, and at the age of 15 years his life work was definitely shown him, in his conversion, and later admission into the Baptist Church. Perhaps no better certificate of character or proof of the strength of his convictions could be found, than the fact that two years later he was admitted to the ministry of that religious body. From 1844 to 1856, he continued in the ministry in Tennessee, and then came to Illinois, led to change his residence on account of his anti- slavery principles. He was eagerly welcomed by the faithful little band of Baptist workers who were striving to have a church of their faith estab- lished in Girard. He became the first pastor of the Baptist Church, a rela- tion he held for about 30 years, in which time the membership increased from II to 188; during this time he baptized and received otherwise over 500 members into the church. He also baptized five ministers of the Gospel in the Girard Baptist Church. He also preached in Auburn, Illinois, alternat- ing with Girard, for about 18 years. The immense amount of clerical and pastoral work crowded into the fruitful years can, perhaps, never be appre- ciated except by Rev. Air. Kitzmiller himself, who at last had to reluctantly give up his labors on account of his failing voice. Among the interesting records of these years, Rev. Mr. Kitzmiller recalls the founding of a number of the well establislied churches in and near Macoupin County, notably those at Carlinville, Greenfield, Hickory Point and Waverly, and also at Chatham and Auburn in Sangamon County. An interesting event was the first time he administered the ordinance of baptism, his young wife being the subject. It must be a source of comfort to this faithful pastor, to recall that fully 1,000 persons were brought by his ministrations to be baptized by him, and that a number of these entered into the ministry of the same church. Although advancing years and ill health have impaired his powers in some degree, he is still considered one of the wise men in council and a worker of no insignificant importance. His whole life has been devoted to the preaching of the Gospel and to doing good. It is an interesting fact, and illustrative of the esteem in which he has been and is still held that he never in his long ministry witnessed a fight or saw a blow struck. On April 29, 1847, Rev. Martin V. Kitzmiller and Mary Crouch, were 250 BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD united in marriage. Mrs. Kitzmiller was born in Washington County, Ten- nessee, and is a daughter of Joseph and Ehzabeth (Keefhaver) Crouch. Of the lo children born to Mr. and Mrs. Kitzmiller, seven now survive, namely : Joseph H., a graduate of Hahnemann Medical College, of Chicago, who is a practicing physician at Chickasha, Indian Territory; Martha, who is the wife of John Lloyd, an extensive farmer and stock raiser of Franklin County, Kansas; James W., an attorney of North Dakota; Charles M. , Laura, who is the wife of G. A. Post, of Girard; David M. ; and Eldredge P., who resides at Steele, North Dakota. Those deceased are: Elizabeth \'., deceased October 25, 1861 ; Richard, deceased in August, 1858; William S., deceased October i, 1866. Mrs. Kitzmiller died at the family home in Girard July 20, 1894. On March 4, 1897, Rev. Mr. Kitzmiller was married to Melvina Lightbourn, daughter of James B. Lightbourn of the West In- dies. Mrs. Kitzmiller was an old acquaintance of the family, a member of the same church in Girard, and the same amiable and friendly relations con- tinue between Mrs. Kitzmiller and her husband's children as e.xisted before her marriage. The marriage has indeed proved to be a very happy and blessed one; his children were heartily in favor of it because it was not like taking a stranger into the family. Mrs. Kitzmiller has proved an excellent, devoted wife and has made the declining years of our subject very pleasant through her ministrations, as he has not been in robust health for some years and on account of growing infirmities has been made the subject of considerable attention. The Kitzmiller home is one of the pleasantest in the city, located most beautifully and combining ideally the comforts of city life, with the solid advantages of suburban life. The formation of the Republican party found Rev. Mr. Kitzmiller a Democrat, but not a satisfied one, and he soon became a stanch advocate of the principles enumciated by the new party. He has been true to this allegi- ance. On January 20, 1890, he was appointed postmaster at Girard, a selec- tion by President Harrison, which met with universal approval. Other positions of trust and responsibility of a public nature, he has declined, with the exception of membership on the school board, which he held for nine years. Few citizens of Girard are held in higher esteem by all classes than is the subject of this biography. Much of this regard is personal, for he pos- sesses the kindness of disposition, the gentle interest in the troubles of others and the continual desire to do them good, which endears him to all who MACOUPIN COUNTY. 251 know him. During the long period of his ministerial work, he laid many- plans which he can see carried out by others, and has lived to see that his vigorous campaigns against sin, have had a world of influence. THE SHALE BRICK .4ND TILE WORKS. The Shale Brick and Tile Works, of Carlinville, is one of the most important of the industries of Macoupin County. It was incorporated in 1898 with D. T. Michaels as president; H. C. ^IcBride, secretary, treasurer and manager; and D. T. Michaels, H. C. McBride, and J. C. McBride as members of the board of directors. They immediately after began the man- ufacture of shale brick for building purposes and drain tile from shale, the best grade of tile made in Central lllinoif;. from 4 to 12 inches in size. They also manufacture building, street paving and sidewalk brick, and eight by eight sidewalk tiling, and the demand in this county for these products is in the main supplied by this company. They have con\-inced many of the farmers that tiling is necessary to the successful cultivation of a wet piece of ground, and the many who have acted on their advice are now reaping rewards in the increased production of their lands. It was first looked upon as a venture by agriculturists, but has safely passed the experimental stage and hundreds of letters, testifying to the benefits of tiling have been received from farmers throughout this and adjoining counties. This company em- ploys some 18 men during the busy season and has an output of 2,000 12- inch and 10,000 four-inch tile per day. The plant is a flourishing one, in which the citizens of the county take pride. H. C. ^McBride. who has attained a high degree of success as secretary and treasurer, and manager of the Shale Brick and Tile Works, was born in Taylorville, Christian County, Illinois, December 26, 1874, and is a son of James C. and Mattie (Wheeler) ^McBride. The ^IcBrides are of Scotch descent paternally, and were pioneers in the settlement of three States, — Virginia, Tennessee and Illinois. From this family have come hardy and gallant soldiers for nearly every w^ar fought in this country. Two of this family fell at the time of General Braddock's defeat in the French and 14 252 BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD Indian War; William McBride participaled in the battle of New Orleans during the war of 1812; and Andrew McBride was one of the gallant sol- diers who gained independence from Mexico for Texas. There were live brothers and six sisters in the family that lived in Patrick County. N'irginia, and of this number James McBride is the one from whom our subject is descended. He was one of the first white men to emigrate from \'irginii to Tennessee, going as early as 1754. His grandson, John McBriile, great- grandfather of our subject, was born in Tennessee and married Mary Hand- lin, who was of Irish descent on the paternal side, and of Welsh on her mother's side. Among the children born to them was Thomas W. McBride. Thomas W. McBride, grandfather of the subject of this biography, was born in Montgomery County, Tennessee, May 2j, 1822, and spent his boyhood days at work upon the farm there, attending school during the winter months. When he reached his i6th year he concluded to come to Illinois, and located in Greene County in April, 1838. He engaged in farm- ing by the month for some years, at the same time attending school during the winter months, and in 1842 he began for himself. He put in crops and in the fall of the same year engaged in teaching school, and the two branches of business were combined by him for two years in Barr township, Macoupin County. In 1845 1^ rented a piece of land and farmed it and was soon, by dint of hard labor and economical living, enabled to enter an 80-acre tract in the east part of Barr township. From this humble beginning he arose to a station of influence in the county, becoming a man of large means. He moved to Carlinville in 1854, and in 1855 moved to Girard where he bought an interest in the first flouring mill erected there. He remained there until March, i860, when he removed to section i, Nilwood township, purchasing a farm of 160 acres, which he conducted the remainder of his days. In politics, he was an ardent Democrat, and cast his first vote for James K. Polk for President in 1844. On September 19, 1844, he was united in mar- riage with Marjorie Wiggins, a native of Kentucky and of English descent. To them were born the following children: James C. father of our subject; Aveline, wife of F. L. Starkey, a farmer living near Girard, Illinois; John, who married Fanny Harrington ; Emma Jane, wife of E. S. Terry, now a resident of St. Louis, Missouri; Alice, wife of John Stead; George; Nona, wife of Charles Duff of Bloomington, Illinois; Minnie (Crandall), a widow; and Sophronia. Fraternally Thomas W. McBride was a Mason, having joined the order as early as 1832. JklACOUPIX COUNTY. 253 James C. McBride, who is a prominent attorney-at-law of Taylorville, Illinois, was born in Macoupin County, near Barr's Store. He received a careful preparation for the legal profession and was admitted to the bar in this State. He has been very successful as a lawyer and is one of the influ- ential men of Christian County, Illinios. He is a Democrat in politics and fraternally is a member of the Masons and the Odd Fellows. Religiously, he and his wife are members of the Presbyterian Church. He was united in marriage with Mattie Wheeler, by whom he has four children, as follows : \\'illi5 Brammer; Horace Carroll; Elmira, wife of Albert Buckley of Chris- tian County : and Marcella. H. C. McBride attended the common schools and later tlie high school of Christian County, Illinois, after which he took a commercial course in the Springfield Business College. In 1898, he became identified with the Shale Brick and Tile Works and has displayed exceptional ability as manager of the company. He is a man of the strictest integrity and by his fairness and honesty in all transactions has gained the highest respect and confidence of the people. In 1 90 1, Mr. McBride was united in marriage with Isabel Wheeler, a daughter of Jehu Wheeler, \^-ho was a prominent farmer of IMacoupin County. Two children. — Claribel and Carroll Jehu, were born to bless this union. I\Irs. McBride is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Faternally, Mr. McBride is a Mason and belongs to a number of fraternal insurance orders. He is a stanch Democrat in politics, as were his fore- fathers. ZACHARIAH J. GIBSON. . Zach.ariah J. Gibson, one of the highly respected citizens and suc- cessful farmers of Hilyard township, Macoupin County, Illinois, still oper- ates a farm of 80 acres, situated in section 22, this tract being all that he has retained from more than 200 acres that he once owned. Mr. Gibson comes of fine old Kentucky stock. He was born in Hardin County. June 11, 1839, and is a son of John and Elizabeth (Jones) Gibson. The father of our subject was a resident of Kentucky all his life, and died there in 1842. He had been the owner of farming land in Meade 254 BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD County, where he also held political ofi'ice. He married Elizabetli Jones, who was born in Hardin County, Kentucky, and died in Macoupin County. She contracted a second marriage after ]Mr. Gibson's decease, with a Mr. Greenwood. Our subject is the sixth member of a family of 12 cliildren, born to his parents, namely: Thomas; James; Green; Nathaniel, of Ken- tucky; Mrs. Maria C. Adams; Zachariah, of this sketch; Margaret; Joseph T. ; and four who died in infancy. Our subject and his brother Nathaniel are now the only survivors. Zachariah J. Gibson was nine years of age when he came to Macoupin County. His education was such as could be obtained in the district schools and his interests liave always been of an agricultural nature. W'hile he re- tained possession of a very large body of his land, he devoted mucli time to the raising of fine stock, but as he grew older, he sold farm after farm until he has but 80 acres under operation at the present time. This is finely culti- vated and well improved and may be considered one of the best farms of Hilyard township. Formerly Mr. Gibson was connected with the Grange movement and was a member of the Farmers' Mutual Benefit Asociation, but in late years his interests in these directions have lessened. He has demon- strated his capacity as a first class farmer and now, with the assistance of modern methods and machinery, lives in the greatest comfort and inde- pendence. In 1864 Mr. Gibson married Mahala Leach, who was born in Macoupin County, Illinois, and is a daughter of Thomas and Sarah Leach, who are natives of England. The Leach family located in the southwestern section of Macoupin County when Carlinville consisted of but one log house. W'licn they settled in Chesterfield township, their nearest neighbor was five miles away. Mr. and Mrs. Gibson have these children : Tessora, Sarah, \'irginia A. and John T., who is a farmer of Hilyard township. Tessora married F. il. Smith, of Alton, Illinois, and has one son — Ralph PI. Sarah first mar- ried George E. Dey. who is now deceased ; one son was born to this union — George E. Dey. Her second marriage was to A. B. Roberts, of Hilyard township; they have one daughter — Sylvia M. X'irginia A. married Isaac Combs, of Hilyard township, and has three chiklren — Sarah, Abigail and David H. John T. has one son — George E. Mr. Gibson has never taken a very lively interest in politics and ger.- erally casts his vote according to the dictates of his judgment, selecting tlie man before the party. He has filled a number of positions on the Scliool MACOUPIN COUNTY. 255 Board, and during his long life in Hilyard township has used his influence in improving the schools and in developing the township in such a way as to benefit all its citizens. For a long time he has been a member of the Ma- sonic fraternity. He was made a Master Mason in Plainview Lodge, No. 445, A. F. & A. M. He is known in his locality as one of its most upright and useful citizens and is held in very high esteem. JOHN H. DUCKELS. John H. Duckels, whose fine, well improved farm of 200 acres of pro- ductive land is situated in section 4, Chesterfield township, Macoupin County, was born in this township in 1850 and is a son of Richard and Elizabeth (Morris) Duckels. On both paternal and maternal sides, our subject is of English ancestry. Richard Duckels, his great-grandfather, was born in 1734 in Yorkshire, Eng- land, where his whole life was spent, his business being that of a blacksmith. His son Thomas Duckels, the grandfather of John H., was born at the village of Goole. Yorkshire, in 1770, and there married Ann Golton, and they reared eight children, three of whom came to America, namely : Nancy, who married John Leach ; William, deceased, of whom mention is made in the sketch of E. G. Duckels in this work; and Richard, the father of our subject. The birth of Richard Duckels took place July 4, 181 1. at Goole, York- shire. v^•here he grew to manhood on his father's farm. In 1835 he came to America and to the State of Illinois. After a few months passed at Jackson- ville, he went to Alton and entered into the employ of Godfrey & Gilmore, general merchants, with whom he remained until 1841, when he returned to England on a visit. In 1842 he came a second time to Illinois, purchasing a farm in Chesterfield township, Macoupin County, on which he resided three years, removing then to another upon which he lived until 1889 when he took possession of his present fine farm in Western Mound township, where he resides, still hale and hearty, at the age of 93 years. He is a large land- owner, having some 700 acres, much of it being the most desirable farming land in the western section of the county. 256 BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD On February 23, 1843, Mr. Duckels married Elizabeth Morris who was born near Thorne, Yorkshire, England, January 18, 1827, and was a daughter of John and Ann (Sexton) Morris, both of whom were natives of Yorkshire, residents of Thorne until 1832, whai, with their nine children, they came to Illinois and settled in Western Mound township, Macoupin County, where Mr. Morris bought a squatter's claim to a tract of government land. Mrs. Duckies died March 29, 1897, in her 71st year. She was a woman of beautiful, Christian character, and as she passed away into the sunlight of Heaven, she whispered to those who were left behind weeping : "How sweet is Jesus." The 12 children born to Richard and Elizabeth (Morris) Duckels were: Ma- tilda, deceased at the age of 47 years, who was the wife of Jefferson Lee; George; John; Edwin; Richard; Henry C. ; Oscar T. ; Anna, wife of Aaron Lovelace; Grant; Laura; RoUin, and Clara, wife of Charles Wilton. John H. Duckels received his education in his nati\e township and grew to manhood assisting in the operation of his father's farms. In the fall of 1876 he purchased his present farm \vhich then consisted of 120 acres, located in section 4, Chesterfield township, to which he has since added 80 acres, and has here very successfully carried on farming and stock raising. In 1872 Mr. Duckels married Elizabeth Morris, who is a daughter of the late Felix Morris. The latter was born in England and accompanied his parents to America in his early youth. Until 1862 he assisted his father in the working of his farm in Chesterfield township, enlisting then for service in the Civil War, entering Company G, 59th Reg., Illinois Vol. Inf. On No- vember 22, 1863, he reenlisted and took part in the battles of Chattanooga and Chickamauga, being taken prisoner at the latter engagement. After being incarcerated at Andersonville, he was exchanged and given a furlough home. This was his last visit, for the brave soldier returned to his regiment only to be subsequently killed. Mr. and Mrs. Duckels have had nine children, namely : Addie, born in 1873, '^^'10 married Lawrence Ketchum (son of Leonard Ketchum, a farmer of Chesterfield township), who is engaged in farming in Shipman township — they ha\e three children, Edna, Ruby and Hazel ; Felix, deceased ; Edward, born in 1878, who resides at home; Lois, bom in 1881, who married John E. Hall, a farmer of Chesterfield township and has one child, Lethia; ^lorris R., born in 1885; Clarence, born in 1888; Hayden, born in 1891; Howard, born in 1900, and Grace, born in 1903, all of whom reside at home. MACOUPIN COUNTY. 257 In politics, ;Mr. Duckels affiliates with the Republican party. In religious views he is a Methodist. Fraternally he belongs to the ]\Iodern Woodmen of America. WILLIAM M. GROSS, M. D. Every community has its prominent citizens, and one of these in the progressive and prospering town of Gillespie, Illinois, is Dr. William M. Gross, who is also well and favorably known all over Macoupin County. Dr. Gross was bom March 24, 1842, in Bollinger County, Missouri, and is a son of Christopher and Sophia (Yount) Gross. The Gross family is of German extraction, and its founder in America came from the vicinity of Hamburg and settled, in colonial days, in Northamp- ton County, Pennsylvania. There Christian Gross, the grandfather of Dr. Gross, was bom, and many distinguished members of the family still reside in that State, a notable one being Prof. Samuel D. Gross of Philadelphia. Christian Gross moved to Lincoln County, North Carolina, and there reared a large family, one son, Christopher, being born there December 5, 1806. Christopher Gross accompanied his parents to Bollinger County, Missouri, when five years of age and engaged there in farming until 1854 when he removed with his family to Saint Francois County, residing there until the latter part of the Civil War, when he removed to Hillsboro, Illinois. After the close of hostilities, he returned to Missouri and there spent his last years, dying at the age of 76 years. Christopher Gross was a plain, unassuming farmer, and through industry accumulated what in peaceful times would have been considered a competency, but the disturbed condition of the country and the cares of a second family somewhat reduced what was once an ample for- tune. He was a man of great self-reliance, one who believed in the right of every man to his opinion, and was a stanch supporter of the Republican party from its foundation, having previously been a Whig. He was equally stanch in his support of the Old School Presbyterian Church. In every walk of life he commanded respect. He married, first, Sophia Yount, who was born in Bollinger County, Missouri, where she died in 1850, aged 23 years, leaving a family of five children, namelv: Mrs. ilargaret McDowell, deceased: Mrs. 258 BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD Sarah Ann Dennis, deceased; \\'illiani M., of this biography; Jacob Amos, who died at the age of 50 years ; and Peter, a resident of Gillespie. The chil- dren of his second marriage were four sons and two daughters, all of whom with one exception still survive. When Dr. Gross was 12 years of age, his parents removed to Farmington, the county seat of Saint Francois County, and there he continued his education in the public schools and at Carlton College, where he remained until he had almost completed the classical and scientific courses. Dr. Gross made a spec- ialty of mathematics at Carlton College and mastered the ditficult'ies of differential and integral calculus with extraordinary ease. In the winter of 1863 he made a trip to California, going by way of New York and the Isthmus of Panama, which has been a bone of contention so long and at present is occupying the public attention. A man of his ability and energ)' soon found work awaiting his hand and brain, and he was fully occupied either in teaching or mining, until after the surrender of General Lee. He then came to Hillsboro, Illinois, where his parents had in the meantime located and here he again began teaching school. In 1866 he entered upon the study of medicine at Walshville, Montgomery County, Illinois, under Dr. M. S. Davenport, and continued his reading with this leading physician, assisting also in the latter's practice, for two years, when he returned to Missouri and located in \\"ayne County. Some five years later, after a term of very suc- cessful medical practice, he went to Keokuk, Iowa, where he completed ihe prescribed course and was graduated in 1875 ^t the College of Physicians and Surgeons. Dr. Gross came then to Macoupin County. Illinois, and prac- ticed his profession for three years in the village of Horn.sby, removing then to Gillespie, where he has remained ever since. Dr. Gross is prominently identified with not only the professional but also the business life of Gillespie, and is almost as well known for his ability in business enterprises as for his skill in his profession. Dr. Gross shares with many others a scientific comprehension of the wonders and values of electricity, and, to utilize it on certain lines, in 1896 he organized a company with a capital stock of $15,000, erected a plant and installed machinery. This industry still continues in successful operation. In July. 1903. he became in- terested in newspaper work, became part owner of the Gillespie Herald and is now the manager and a director of the Herald Publishing Company. So ver- satile is he in his activities, he h?.? given an impetus to everything in his lo- JAMES JENCKS. MACOUPIN COUNTY. 261 cality to which he has seriously turned his attention. Through his intehigent and well directed energies, the Gillespie schools have attained to a standard of excellence second to none in tlie State, their graduates being fitted to enter higher institutions without any preliminary preparation. Dr. Gross has made a careful study of electricity and has done much experimenting, and a part of his busy life has been given to lecturing on the subject. His contributions on various scientific subjects are welcomed by the leading periodicals and his opinion bears with it the weight of knowledge and experience. On April 11, 1867, Dr. Gross was married to Mary C. Sitton, who was born in Montgomery County, Illinois, and is a daughter of the late Rev. A. J. Sitton, a Baptist clergyman. Five children have been born to this marriage, namely: Sarah Sophia, who married Milton Mitchell, a farmer living near Gillespie, and has seven children ; Martha Frances, who is the wife of Fred- erick Opie of Gillespie ; Edwin Guy, who married Maggie Hamilton, and resides in St. Louis, Missouri ; Herbert, who is a student at Gillespie, in electri- cal engineering; and Dean, who is attending the public schools. Politically Dr. Gross is a Republican. He cast his first presidential vote at the second election of Abraham Lincoln. He has consented to fill a number of the minor offices and gave his valuable services to the School Board of which he was president some eight years. Like his father, he is a Master Mason, having joined a IMasonic lodge at Farmington, Missouri, at the age of 21 years. In religious belief he is a Baptist. JAMES JENCKS. James Jencks^ mayor of the city of Bunker Hill, Macoupin County, and a prominent and representative business citizen, whose portrait accompanies this sketch, was born here, March 9, 1863, and is a son of William O. and Martha A. (Llewellyn) Jencks. \\'illiam O. Jencks was born in Rhode Island, September 19, 1824, com- ing of illustrious ancestry. The founder of the family in America, was James Jencks, who came from England on the "Mayflower," and was later ap- 262 BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD pointed by King Charles I, governor-general of Rhode Island, to treat with the Narragansett Indians. Joseph Jencks, the father of William O. Jencks, married Esther Tyler, a descendant of James Tyler, who came to America and settled in Rhode Island with James Jencks. Joseph and Esther (Tyler) Jencks had a family of four sons and six daugiiters, \\'illiam O. being the youngest. In 1852 our subject's father came to Bunker Hill and engaged in the carriage manufacturing business and later founded the livery business to which his son succeeded 30 years later and which is one of the largest and most complete in this portion of the State. William O. Jencks is now living a retired life. He possesses a notable record for military service, having held commissions in three wars. He en- listed first in 1845 in the Plainfield Rifles, of Plainfield, Connecticut, under Col. Judson B. Lyon, which took part in the battle at Vera Cruz in the Mexican War, and returned in 1847. I" 1859 when the troubles with the Kiowa and Comanche Indians brought on war, he enlisted as a private, remained through the war and returned as a ist lieutenant. Again, when war clouds arose, this veteran, on April 21, 1861, again offered his services, was commissioned 1st lieutenant of the Bunker Hill Guards, and served three months. He was then given a position of the greatest danger and .served three years and nine days as a bearer of dispatches. His military record is one of which he and his descendants may well be proud, while his civil one is no less honorable. He has served as justice of the peace and as supervisor, and in other local offices and has taken an active part in politics. He is a very prominent Odd Fellow and has been a delegate to the Grand Lodge on many occasions. He is a leading member of the Methodist Church. He married Martha Llewellyn of Rich- mond, Virginia, and the four survivors of their family of eight children, are : John W., Charles D., James and Oscar W., all of Bunker Hill. James Jencks was educated at Bunker Hill, attending Ixith the Bunker Hill High School and the Military Academy. W'hen about 18 years old he succeeded his father in the livery business. For years he has been one of the leading Republican politicians of the county and has been particularly promi- nent in his native city. In 1897 he was elected alderman and during his term of six years devoted every energy to the development of Bunker Hill, advo- cating the introduction of electric lights and cement paving and during his term, as a member of the finance committee, assisted in paying ofif a large bonded indebtedness. In April, 1903, he was honored by election as mayor, MACOUPIN COUNTY. 263 and his clean, careful and economic administration gives satisfaction to nil parties. On March 6, 1901, Mr. Jencks was married to Laura C. Mercer, who was born in Macoupin County, IMay 2, 1870. ■ Fraternally he belongs to several of the leading fraternal organizations, including the Odd Fellows, Knights of Pythias and Modern Woodmen of America, and to social todies, in which he and his wife are both popular. CORBIN S. MORGAN. CoRBiN S. Morgan, an honored and prominent agriculturist of ]SIacou- pin County, resides on his handsome farm of 340 acres which is situated in sections 2 and 10, Hilyard township. He was born in Monroe County, Ohio, July 4, 1850, and is a son of Samuel A. and Louisa P, (Jones) Morgan, and a grandson of James Morgan. The Morgan family may with justice term itself American, for it has been established in this country for many genera- tions. James Morgan was a native of old Virginia and went to what is now West Virginia in company with his parents. On this journey James Morgan's father was killed by the Lidians while crossing the mountains. Mr. ^lorgan was a farmer all his life and was in every way successful in his work as a pioneer agriculturist. James Morgan was the father of nine children, namely : John, Thomas, Samuel A., William, Corbly, Stewart, Nancy (Stein), Amanda and Mary (Simpson). Samuel A. Morgan was born in Wheeling, Virginia (now ^^'e5t \^irginia) in 1817, and migrated to Ohio in company with his parents, being a lad in years when this journey was made. Mr. Morgan followed the occupation of farming and devoted a great deal of his time to cattle buying and shipping, in which he proved very successful, leaving at his death, in 1872, a good farm. When the Civil War broke out, he went to enlist but was rejected. Politically he was a Democrat and ser\-ed as deputy sheriff of his county and also as 264 BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD tax collector, besides holding several other ofilkes. In religious circles he was a member of the Baptist Church. Mr. Morgan was married to Louisa P. Jones, who was born in Monroe County, Ohio, in 1818, being the first girl born in that county. She was a daughter of Amos B. Jones. They were the parents of ten children, of whom one died in infancy. The others are as follows : James J., who resides with our subject ; Permelia. deceased ; Katherine, of Ohio; Augustus L., a resident of Ohio, who is a bachelor; Amanda (Brown), a resident of Marietta, Ohio; Elizabeth, also a resident of Ohio; Corbin S., our subject; and Nathaniel and Mary E. (Elliot), who are resi- dents of Jefferson County, Ohio. Mr. Morgan died in 1872. Corbin S. Morgan came West in 1870, locating in St. Louis, Missouri, where he remained but a short time in the employ of Henry Jobin, who con- ducted a nursery. Erom there he went to Lacleile, Linn County, Missouri, remained there until March, 1871, and then removed to Denver, Colorado, where he worked at the carpenter's trade for some time. Next entered the employ of Hitson & I'atterson, he worked as a cowboy until the following summer, when he traveled through Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, Mexico and California. Mr. Morgan then returned to Ohio and engaged in work at the .shoemaker's trade at Stafford. On July 9, 1 874, he came to Macoupin County. Illinois, and worked for six years by the month for W. H. Dey. In 1880 he removed to Montgomery County, Illinois, but after one year's residence re- turned to Macoupin County and rented a farm in Hilyard township of Mr. Dey. He remained on that farm for 10 years and then purchased his present farm. 320 acres of which is prairie land, the remaining portion being in timber land. Mr. Morgan is a feeder and raiser of stock and has proved himself to be skilled at that occupation. He also raises grain and other farm produ.ce. Although Mr. Morgan started in a somewhat lowly station in life he has attained a high position among the prominent business men of his county. In 1874, when he came to Bunker Hill, he had but $1.25, and his possessions of to-day are but a reward for his unceasing energies and skilled methods of farming. Mr. Morgan is a member of the Republican party, but takes but a citizen's interest in political afifairs. In fraternal circles he is a memljer of the Modern Woodmen of America. On Eebruary i, 1880, Mr. Morgan was married to Mary Boyle, who was born at Bornton, New Jersey, April 16, 1853. and is a daughter of William and Margaret (McPhillips) Boyle, both natives of Ireland, raised near Belfast. MACOUPIX COUNT Y. 265 yh. and Mrs. :Morgan are the parents of three children, namely : Mabel. James \V. and Sarah Jane, all of whom reside at home with their parents, ilr. Morgan and family are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. COL. SARGEANT MCKNIGHT. The death of the late Colonel 2\IcKnight on June 4, 190 1. removed from }^lacoupin County, Illinois, a citizen who was distinguished during the Civil War, who was notable in successful business enterprises after its close, and who was prominent in State military affairs until the end of his long and use- ful life. Girard, his chosen place of residence, benefitted by his influence and public spirit, and held him as an honored citizen. Colonel ilcKnight was a native of Scottville, ilacoupin County, born January 6, 1844, the youngest of a family of 10 children. His parents were natitves of \'irginia, who settled in Green County, Illinois, in 1830, removing to Macoupin County prior to the birth of our distinguished subject, and set- tling at Girard in 1859, where the mother died in 1864, and the father in 1868. His education was that aflforded by the public schools, and he entered upon a business career in 1861, as a clerk in a mercantile establishment at Girard, where there was every chance for advancement. The stirring events of the times aroused in his breast the loyal sentiments which marked his whole after life, and in August, 1862, he offered his services to his country, enlisting as a private in Company H, 122nd Reg., Illinois Vol. Inf., in which he was made 1st sergeant through personal popularity. On December 30 following, he was promoted to a 2nd lieutenancy, and rapid promotion followed. His whole career, extending to the closing scenes of the war, shows a fidelity to duty and a loyal faithfulness in all times of stress and danger, very remarkable in a youth not yet out of his 'teens. This unusual development of manliness antl reliability caused his frequent selection for positions involving great responsi- bility. In 1863 he was made aid-de-camp on the staff of Colonel Mercer, but as the duties were not congenial, at his own request he was relieved and re- joined his regiment at Paducah, Kentucky, where he served as an inspector 266 BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD on the staff of Colonel Hicks, commander of the post. He participated in the repulse of General Forrest on Fort Anderson, in March, 1864 and afterward served as provost marshal of Paducah. In December, 1864, he was appointed aid-de-camp on the staff of General Garrard ; took part in the battle of Nash- ville, in December following, and for gallant services during the campaign against the city of Mobile was promoted to captain by brevet by the President. In July, 1865, he was mustered out of a service which he had adorned. Successful on the field, Colonel McKnight soon showed his capacity in private life and ere long was numbered with the prospering business men of Girard. In 1867 he entered into partnership with Barnabas Boggess, A. A. Cooper and John F. Holden, in a mercantile business, which expanded until it was deemed judicious by the company to open up a branch at Taylorville. Colonel McKnight took charge at this point in April, 1870, and retained management until the partnership was dissolved. He continued in business at Taylorville until March, 1882, when he transferred his interests to Girard, where he continued active for some years. All his life, Colonel McKnight was a stanch supporter of the principles of the Republican party and had a w-ide and intimate acquaintance with its prominent men, among these being the late President McKinley and ex- Governor Fifer of Illinois. He was appointed aid-de-camp on the staff' of the latter during his administration and served in the same capacity on the staff of the late Governor Tanner, with the rank of colonel, and was one of two Republicans, retained on the staff' of Governor Altgeld. He served four years as captain of Company B, 5th Regiment Illinois National Guard. In 1892 he was chosen without opposition as minority candidate for Representative in the 38th Gaieral Assembly, and during liis term of mem- bership was on the following committees : steering, railroads, county and town- ship organization, live stock and dairying, claims, retrenchment and senatorial apportionment. He was one of the delegates who nominated the late Presi- dent McKinley. Colonel McKnight was also past commander of Luke May- field Post, G. A. R., and was a representative from Illinois to the National Encampment at Boston. In 1893 he was again selected as a delegate to the annual gathering of the defenders of the L'nion. He was an aid-de-camp on the staffs of both Generals Veazey and Palmer. In May. 1866, Colonel McKnight was married to Virginia A. Boggess, who is a daughter of the late Barnabas Boggess. and the children of this MACOUPIN COUNTY. 267 union were : Walter, deceased ; Emma P. ; and Robert Wade, who is post- master at Girard. Colonel ^IcKnight was taken ill se%eral months prior to his decease, and spent some time at Hot Springs, Arkansas, in the hope of relief, but despite all that medical science could do, he passed away shortly after his return to his home in Girard. The annoimcement of his funeral brought friends from all the neighboring towns and villages and messages of condolence to his afflicted family, from many States. The interment was under the auspices of the Knights of Pj-thias and die Grand Army of the Republic, both organizations holding him in the highest esteem. Gen. John I. Rinaker of the latter organi- zation, who was colonel of the 122nd Reg., Illinois \'ol. Inf., delivered an ad- dress which will never be forgotten by those who heard his glowing tributes to liis friend and comrade, in which he testified to his braver}- as a soldier and to his personal worth as a citizen, husband and father. The Knights of Pj-tliias placed upon their records the following resolutions which we are per- mitted to append : "Whereas, It has pleased the Supreme Ruler of the Universe to call from our midst our worthy brother. Sargeant McKnight, an honored, faithful and untiring worker in our noble order, the founder of Hiawatha Lodge and its first Chancellor Commander and first representative to the Grand Lodge, who departed this life on June 4, 1901, and "Whereas, While we must yield in himible submission to the divine decree, yet through die misty veil of earth's sorrows and tears, we mourn the death of one who was ever true to the teachings of Friendship, Charity and Benevo- lence. Therefore, "Resolved, That in the death of brother Sargeant McKnight. Hiawatha Lodge. No. 124, Knights of Pythias, has lost an invaluable member, the family an affectionate husband and father, the community. State and nation a useful citizen and gallant soldier, one whom the people and those in authority de- lighted to honor, and "Resolved, That while we keenly feel the loss of our esteemed brother, we tender the family our sincere sympathy in their sad berea\ement. Be it further "Resolved, That we furnish his family with a copy of these resolutions, and that they be placed on our records, also a copy be furnished each of our cit\- papers for publication. Be it further 268 BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD "Resolved, That our Charter he draped in mourning for a period of thirty days as a token of respect for our departed brother." This is signed by the committee: Frank G. Wood, C. W. Birzele and P. O. Wells. Col. Sargeant McKnight was a high minded, loyal hearted, generous man, and his memory will not only be cherished and kept green by his devoted family and by the thinning ranks of the old army veterans, but also by the citizens of his State and county, as one of the best representatives of their manhood, patriotism, intelligence and integrity. FREDERICK G. STORZ. Frederick G. Storz, who for almost a quarter century was identified with the business interests of Girard, and was justly considered one of the city's most useful and successful men, was born at Benningen, Wurtemburg, Gennany, September 22, 1851, and died at his beautiful home in Girard, August 23. 1893. He ^^'^s the youngest member of a family of six chil- dren born to his parents, Frederick and Ann Marie (Schober) Storz. Frederick Storz, who was a native of Wurtemburg, spent his whole life engaged in agricultural pursuits in his native land, dying in 1873. ^ '^^ mother of our subject died in 1865. These parents were not possessed of a large amount of worldly goods, but they were able to educate their children, and were careful that all should learn to be self supporting. While all grew to maturity, none was as enterprising as our subject, he being the only one of the family to seek and find fortune in America. The children in the par- ental family were as follows : Freiderick, Michael, Ann Marie, Karl, and Frederick G., our subject. These children were all given good educations and were able to assume positions of trust and responsibility. At the age of 14 years, Frederick G. Storz apprenticed himself to a baker at Ludwigsburg, in his own province, with whom he continued until the terms of the agreement were complied with, and then worked as a journeyman at various points in Germany. He worked one year at Heidel- berg and then returned to Ludwigsburg. In 1872, having secured enough MACOUPIN COUNTY. 269 capital to pay his passage to America, he crossed the Atlantic in the steamer "Neckar," and as soon as possible joined former friends who were then liv- ing at Springfield, Illinois. In casting about for the best place in which to locate, Mr. Storz selected Virden, then, as now, a flourishing town, and en- gaged with a bakery there for two years. He then removed to Girard, and, while employed for some nine months at various occupations, kept looking about and considering the probabilities of success in the bakery line. He finally concluded to establish a first class bakery. Later, having taken in a partner, a restaurant was added to the bakery, and a very prosperous period of five years ensued. In 1879 Mr. Storz bought his partner's interest and conducted the business alone until December, 1889, when he retired from business activity. He was one of the organizers and a stockholder and a director of the People's Bank of Girard, and it was one of his buildings that was purchased as a home for the bank, and there it remains today. This seems a simple record, but those who are accustomed to study the causes of men's successes and failures must be interested and impressed. A life of in- dustry, enterprise and honesty secured its own reward, the possession of a large estate earned legitimately, and with it the respect, admiration and es- teem of his fellow citizens. The last years of Mr. Storz's life was spent in giving attention to his extensive real estate holdings in Girard and the vicinity. On December 16, 1879, ]\Ir. Storz was married to Lena Schelb, who was bom January 6, i860, in Carlsruhe, Grand Duchy of Baden, Germany, and is a daughter of William and Christina (Kuebler) Schelb, who came to Macoupin County, Illinois, from their native land in 1868. This estimable lady still survives, with a son and daughter. The son, Albert W. Storz, born October 29, 1880, is a bright young man and is bookkeeper for the Darling- ton Lumber Company, of Girard. He attended the public schools of Girard, spent one year at Blackburn University and one year at the Dixon (Illinois) Business College. The daughter, Mabel C. Storz, born January 6, 1885, received her education in the Girard public schools and Monticello Seminary, and is an excellent pianist. The beautiful residence, which continues to be the family home, was erected and furnished with much luxury by the late Mr. Storz. It was always his delight to contribute to the welfare of his family, by whom he was beloved and reverenced. He gave liberally to the support of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, in which he long had mem- bership, his widow since his death joining tiie Presbyterian Church on ac- 15 2.-JO BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD count of there being no Lutheran Church in Girard until quite recently. I\Ir. Storz was fraternally connected with Lodge No. 192, L O. O. F., of Girard, and also with the local lodge of Knights of Pythias. His death removed from Girard one whose honorable and successful life may well be recalled as an example. ROBERT D. QUIGLEY. Robert D. Quigley, one of the leading farmers and successful stock raisers of Macoupin County, owning a farm of 160 acres in section 30, and 60 acres of timber land in sections 17 and 19, Gillespie township, was born October 18, 1832, at Mobile, Alabama, and is a son of Hon. William and Eliza (Somers) Quigley. Hon. William Quigley, father of Robert D., was at one time mayor of the city of Mobile, Alabama. He was born in New York, and was the eldest son of Daniel Quigley, of Irish extraction, who married twice, reared seven chil- dren, and died at Mobile at the age of 75 years. In young manhood William Quigley went to Philadelphia and there learned the brick-mason's trade, and following it went to Mobile, where he was later joined by his father, also a mason. \\'illiam Quigley became a large builder and contractor in that city and for many years held the position of city engineer there. He became promi- nent in Democratic politics and was elected mayor and, had not an early death intervened, would probably have become still more distinguished. At Camden, Xew Jersey, he married Eliza Somers, daughter of Isaac Somers, who was the inheritor of a large, still unsettled, estate in England. The children born to this marriage were: Malcolm and Jefferson, both deceased;. Mrs. Cordelia Shackelford, deceased; Robert D., and George, of St. Louis. Our subject was bereft of his father when but four years of age, and when 18 years old he accompanied his mother and younger brother to Macoupin County, Illinois. Prior to this he had enjoyed high school advantages and had also had a few months of business experience in the cotton commission house of McClennan & Company. After coming to Illinois, he entered upon farm work and has continued in the same line ever since. In 1857 he settled on his present place, on which he has engaged in large farming operations and has sue- MACOUPIN COUNTY. 271 cessfully raised much stock. He operates entirely with high grade cattle and stociv and gives his whole attention to their further improvement. Mr. Ouigley was married June 7, 1855, to Mary Parks, who was born September 10, 1831, in Christian County, Kentucky, and is a daughter of James and IMary (Harlan) Parks, the former of whom was born in Augusta County and the latter in Berkley County, Virginia. They came from Kentucky to Gillespie township, Macoupin County, in 1833 and Mr. Parks entered over 400 acres of land in Gillespie and Hilyard townships. Four children were born to ;\Ir. and Mrs. Ouigley, namely : Walter, who married Sarah E. Spill- man and lives in Pettis County. Missouri; Robert P., unmarried, who resides at home: Jessie Cordelia, who resides at home; and Mary Eliza, who died at the age of 26 years. Mr. Ouigley is an outspoken and consistent Republican and has never voted any other ticket, supporting that party even when only one of three Republican voters in the township. He has capably filled many local offices, has been h.ighway commissioner, ser\ing three years, and for 10 years was ap- pointed clerk of elections. He has done much to further the cause of educa- tion in his locality, has served as school director and has always favored pro- gressive movements. W'ith his family, Mr. Ouigley belongs to the Presby- terian Church. He is one of the representative men of his locality. MILTON MITCHELL. Milton Mitchell^ a prominent citizen and successful farmer as well as a member of one of the leading families of Macoupin County, owning a well improved farm of 163 acres, situated in sections 23 and 26, Gillespie town- ship, was born August 13, 1861, in Bn.ishy Mound township, Macoupin County, Illinois, on which farm he lived until the age of 40 years. He is a son of Rev. Levi and Emily (Brown) Mitchell, and a grandson of Elijah Mitchell. Elijah Mitchell was born in North Carolina in 1800, and in 1827 came with his brother to Illinois as one of the early pioneers of Macoupin County. 272 BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD Elijah Milcliell accumulated more land than any other man in the county and, as his children were born, he deeded to each one a farm, thus ensuring the child's future. The children who survived infancy were : Mrs. ^^lildred Moore, who died in 2\iacoupin County; Levi; Mrs. Lucy Scott, who reared a large family all of whom are doing well in Kansas; Mrs. Martha Ann Brown of Corsiciana, Texas; Mrs. Sally Morgan of Missouri; Mrs. Jane Carrico, who died in Macoupin County; Mrs. Phoebe Pope, who died in Arkansas; Travis Moore, of Honey Point township, Macoupin County; William T., of Honey Point township, Macoupin County; Elijah, who died during the Civil \Var ; Mrs. Mary Perrine, of Brushy Mound township. Macoupin County; Ansel J., of Arizona; iVrchibald H., of Honey Point townsliip, i\Ia- coupin County ; Mrs. Matilda Anderson, who died in Honey Point township, Macoupin County; Asa Clinton, Ira and Mrs. Henrietta Baughman, of Honey Point township, Macoupin County; and Mrs. Elizabeth Bull, who died De- cember lo, 1868. Rev. Levi Mitchell was born December 28. 1825, at Bowling Green, Ken- tucky, and died October 18, 1902, at San Jose, California, where he had re- sided for the preceding 1 5 years. He accompanied his parents from Kentucky, at the age of two years and spent the greater pari of his life in Brusiiy Mound township, Macoupin County, farming and raising stock. He was an ordained minister in the Baptist Church, and, with his brother, Travis Moore Mitchell, deeded the land for and was chief promoter in the building of the Honey Creek Baptist Church. He was much valued as a preacher and served as moderator for the Apple Creek Baptist Association for a considerable period. He was opposed to the liquor traffic and in late life left the Democratic party to support the Prohibition party's candidates and principles. He married Emily Brown, born in Macoupin County, Illinois, November 23, 1831, who still resides at San Jose, California. She is a daughter of Samuel and Rowena (Connors) Brown. The surviving members of their family are: Francis Marion, a resident of Providence, Rhode Island; Warren L., of Table Rock, Nebraska; Pauline G., of Antioch, California; Milton, of this sketch; Arthur, of St. Louis, Missouri; Eunice V., of Oakley, California; Mrs. Mary B. Johnson of San Jose, California; three are deceased. Since 1901 Alilton Mitchell has occupied his present fine farm in Gillespie township and has most successfully engaged in farming and the breeding of fine stock and cattle. He owns 18 head of registered Durham and Shorthorn MACOUPIN COUNTY. 273 cattle and has a herd of 40 fine specimens. He gives considerable attention to the raising of Poland-China hogs for market, raises all his own horses and realizes immense crops from his land, making features of hay and corn. He has one of the finest farms of the locality, well improved and highly stocked. On April 24, 1888, Mr. Mitchell was married to Sarah S. Gross, who was bom March 17, 1868, in Montgomery County, Illinois, and is a daughter of Dr. William Gross. They have a family of seven children, namely : George ]\I.. Roger W.. Clarence L.. Olive G.. Harvey G., Doris B. and Elizabeth. Fraternally Mr. Mitchell is associated with the Modern Woodmen of America. Following in the footsteps of his ancestors, he is identified with the Democratic party. He is a man of enterprise and possesses many of the qualities which made his father both successful and universally esteemed. JOSEPH STUTZMAN. Joseph Stctzmax, senior member of the well known firm of Stutzman & ThoiTipson, of Girard. Illinois, manufacturers of and dealers in all kinds of harness and accessories, is a prominent citizen of Macoupin County. He was born March 11, 1865, on his father's farm near Goshen. Indiana, and is a son of Aaron D. and Catherine (Cripe) Stutzman. The father resides in Girard township, Macoupin County. Mr. Stutzman was educated in the schools of Christian County, Illinois, and was reared on his father's farm in Girard township, where he engaged in farming until the forming of his present business partnership. In politics, he is a Democrat. He is unmarried. In February. 1904 he entered into partnership with Hezekiah J. Thomp- son, who was born August 23, 1865, and is a son of Hezekiah Thompson, of St. Clair County, Missouri. Mr. Thompson learned his trade in Macoupin County and has always resided here, and since completing his apprenticeship, in 1889. has lived in either \"irden or Girard. Since the present partnership was formed, the business has made a very satisfactory showing. A large stock of all kinds of harness and similar goods is carried, and they are also 274 BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD manufacturers, occupying a building built for their accommodation. They command a large local trade. Mr. Thompson married Susan Gibson, in 1891, and they have four chil- dren, as follows : Ruth, Vena, Reba Arnola, and Farley Lynn. In politics he is affiliated with the Republican party. WILLIAM W. VAN WORMER, M. D., D. D. S. William W. Van Wormer, M. D., D. D. S., of Girard, Illinois, is one of the prominent young professional men of the city, a graduate in both medi- cine and dentistry, although he is confining his efforts to the practice of medi- cine and surgery. Dr. Van Wormer was born April 30, 1878, in Christian County, Illinois, and is a son of John E. and Lucy (Rutherford) Van Wormer. The father of Dr. Van Wormer was a native of the State of New York, where he was engaged in a hotel business for a numl^er of years. Dr. Van Wormer completed the common and high school course at Virden, Illinois, and then entered Marion Sims Beaumont Medical College, at St. Louis, Missouri. There he graduated in the dental department in April, 1899. re- ceiving at that time a gold medal for proficiency. He continued his studies in medicine and surgery and was graduated with the degree of M. D. in 1903, receiving the highest honors of the class. He located for practice in Girard, fitting up a suite of six rooms very elegantly and installing all modern surgi- cal appliances, making his quarters the best equipped in the county. Although thoroughly competent in both dentistry and medicine, he has devoted his at- tention solely to the practice of medicine and surgery. Dr. Van Wormer was married to Edith B. Metcalf, the accomplished daughter of Charles H. Metcalf, a retired capitalist of Girard. One son, Charles, has been born to them. They are members of the Christian Church and both are prominent socially. Dr. Van \\^ormer continues to Ije an enthusiastic student of the great questions of medical science and keeps in touch with all the wonderful dis- MACOUPIN COUNTY. 275 coveries and successful experiments which lead the way toward still greater accomplishment. He is a valued member of the Illinois State Medical So- ciety, the Macoupin County Medical Society as well as the American Medical Association. Fraternally he belongs to the Masonic bodies, the Knights of Pythias, the Improved Order of Red Men and the ^Modern W'oodmen of America. He is held in much esteem in Girard and is recognized as a young physician who has every promise of a very brilliant career before him. ERNEST BRAUTIGAN. Ernest Brautigan, one of the self made men, prominent citizens and successful farmers of Hilyard township, Macoupin County, who owns 282 acres of its best land, located in sections 7,2 and ^t,, was born in Saxony, Germany, October 7, 1856. His parents were Frank and Christina (Starkey) Brautigan. Frank Brautigan was born in Germany, September 20, 1829, and came to America in 1867, being followed by his family in the following year. By trade he was a carpenter. His death occurred in IMacoupin County, Illinois, in 1891, at the age of 62 years. His wife died in 1881, aged 48 years. He identified himself with the Democratic party. In religious faith he was a Lutheran. The children of Frank and Christina Brautigan were : Ernest, of this sketch; Frank, deceased; William, of Brighton township; Mrs. Anna Lynsick, of Alton ; Albert, who lives with his brother Ernest ; ^Irs. Emma Greenfield, of St. Louis; and Charles, of Brighton township. Our subject was a lad of 1 1 years when he left his home for America and easily recalls the departure of the family from the city of Bremen on the sailing ship "Atolphine." and the events of the long sea voyage of 70 days. This ship landed its passengers at the port of Baltimore and our subject, with the other members of the family, proceeded directly to Brighton, Macoupin County, Illinois. He has remained in this county ever since and has always been connected with farming operations. Beginning as a helper on farms, by saving his money and carefully investing it he became a land- owner, and through continued industry, one of the substantial men of his 276 BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD locality. In addition to general farming, Mr. Brautigan started a dairy, and also made plans for the raising of fine cattle. His present herd of 60 head of Holsteins can not be excelled in the county. The products of his dairy command high prices. It must give Mr. Brautigan extreme pleasure to note his handsome dwelling, his fine barn, which is one of the largest in Macoupin County, his other excellent improvements, and to realize that this property has been accumulated honestly, through his own efforts. He has never given much attention to politics, voting regularly, however, with the Democratic party. In 1 88 1, Mr. Brautigan was married to Bertha Haag, who was born September 12, 1859, and is a daughter of John and Caroline (Kurtz) Haag, who came from Germany and settled in Madison County, Illinois. Mr. and Mrs. Brautigan have two children, — Lena and Edward. Fraternally Mr. Brautigan is a ]\Iaster Mason and belongs to Ship- man Lodge, No. 212, and is also a member of the Court of Honor. He is one of the leading members of the German Lutheran Church at Shipman. He has devoted his entire life to agricultural pursuits, has become expert in the tilling of the soil and is an authority on the breeding of first class cattle and on modern dairying. Personally he is a man of upright character, one who is respected and esteemed, lx)th as a neighbor and as a citizen. GREEN E. HILL, M. D. Green E. Hill, M. D., one of the prominent physicians and surgeons of Macoupin County, has been a resident of Girard since 1898, locating in the city after almost a decade of successful practice at other points. Dr. Hill was born December 24, 1862, at Middletown, Logan County, Illinois, and is a son of the late Dr. Green and Martha (Caldwell) Hill. The Hill family is of Southern antecedents, the late Dr. Hill having been born in 181 3 in Tennessee. In 1854 he came to Illinois and secured 720 acres of land in Logan County. This property he improved and re- tained, in the meantime carrying on a large country medical practice, his ac- tivity ending only with his death, w-hich took place November 28, 1892. A DANIEL HUDDLKSTON. MACOUPIX COUNTY. 279 rather remarkable fact is that his five sons all adopted his profession, gradu- ated from medical institutions and are all eminent practitioners. Dr. Green E. Hill passed from the common schools to Eureka College, where he remained a student through 1883. 1884 and 1885. and then entered Rush Medical College at Chicago, and was graduated from that widely known institution, in 1890. In 1901 the Doctor took a post-graduate course at the Chicago Policlinic. Dr. Hill located first at Modesto. Illinois, and there met with so much success in his practice, that he remained seven years and then removed to Lincoln, Logan County. In the fall of 1898, Dr. Hill established himself at Girard, securing most desirable offices on the west side of the public square where many of the leading professional men are located. He has met with ven,' satisfactory encouragement and on many occasions has shown his ability as a physician and his skill as a sur- geon. He takes advantage of all opportunities for increasing his medical knowledge, and belongs, as a valued and useful member, to the Macoupin County and the Illinois State Medical societies and the American iledical Association; he attends their meetings and contributes to their literature. He also belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Dr. Hill married Harriet Miner, who is a daughter of Thomas and ^Margaret Miner. Thomas Miner was bom in New Jersey, and resides near Girard, Macoupin County. Both the Doctor and wife are members of the Christian Church, and are prominent in local social circles. Politically he is a Democrat. MRS. RACHEL HUDDLESTON. Mrs. R-\chel Huddleston, who owns one of the finest farms of Macou- pin Count}-, located in section 11. Gillespie township, and consisting of 500 acres, was bom on the Big Blue River, in the State of Indiana. February 21, 1824. her birth taking place while her parents were migrating from Ken- tuck}'^ to Indiana. She is a daughter of William and Julia (Huddleston) Hud- dleston. William Huddleston. father of our subject, was probably born in Ken- tuck}' immediately after his parents had removed there from Virginia. He 28o BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD was a soil of Thomas Kuddleston, who (Heu in Indiana, where he was one of the early pioneers and where he left a large number of descendants. Thomas Huddleston's children were lo in number: William, Allen, John, Thomas, Henry, Daniel, I\Iartha, Malinda, Rachel and Mary. William, the eldest son, served as a private in the War of 1812 and took part hi the battle of Xe^v Orleans, but he never accepted a pension for his services. Although he re- moved to Indiana poor in worldly goods, he became prosperous and left his large family well provided for. He died in Greene County, Illinois, in 1845, aged -i^ years. He was a man of exemplary life and a consistent member of the Methodist Church. In politics he was a Whig. His first marriage was to his first cousin, Julia Huddleston, wlio was born in Tennessee and was a daughter of Henry Huddleston. The nine children born to them were : Allen ; j\Irs. Maria Hampton; Mrs. Julia Netherton of Macoupin County; Mrs. Mil- bey McGovern: Mrs. Huddleston, of this sketch; John; William H., of Kan- sas; Thomas and Louisa. The four children of his second marriage were: Stith, of California; James, of California; Charles, of De W^itt County: and Samuel, of Texas. In 1838 our subject married her second cousin, Daniel Huddleston, who was born in Ohio, and was a son of Abraham and Mary (Roe) Huddleston, who had two other children — Mrs. Jane Krider and Mrs. Emily Kinder. Thirteen children were born to Mrs. Huddleston, as follows : Preston, who died aged 29 years; Henry, who died in infancy; Julia, who married Amos Rick- man — both are deceased; John \\'esley, residing on the home farm, who has four children — Daniel, Rachel, Florence and Viola; Mrs. Carrie James, a widow, who resides with her mother — she has one daughter, Mrs. Nettie Dodge, of Alton, who has two children, Harold and Frank; Mary Jane, who died at the age of 20 years ; Jasper, who died at the age of 29 years, survived by three children — Nina, Mrs. Josephine Cryder and Mrs. Viola Corbett; Mrs. Emma Dugger of Pinkneyville, Illinois, who has three children — Earl. Edna and Harrison; Mrs. Florence Williams, a widow, who resides on a farm in Gillespie township, with three sons — Roy, Ruby and Roland; Susan and Nina, who died aged two years; Luther, who died aged seven years: and Katherine, who died in infancy. 'Sirs. Huddleston has been a resident of IMacoupin County and Gillespie township since she was six years of age. She has lived through many vicissi- MACOUPIN COUXTY. 281 tudes and has seen many wonderful changes. She is well known through the district of her home and is most highly esteemed. A portrait of Daniel Huddleston, our subject's husband, accompanies this sketch. NATHAN R. SMITH. Nathax R. Smith, one of the successful farmers and stock raisers of Dorchester township, Macoupin Countj-, the owner of a fine farm of 153 acres in section 25 and 26, is also one of the prominent and influential men of his township. He was bom December 5, 1838, near Carrollton, Greene County, Illinois, and is a son of Thomas and Mar}- (Chatham) Smith. This branch of the great Smith family is of Welsh extraction. The great-grandfather of our subject served in the Revolutionary War and his grandfather, Nathan Smith, served in the War of 1812. The latter had five children : Thomas, Josqjh, ilrs. Elizabeth Weeks : Mrs. Miranda Newberry and Mrs. Lucy Woodruflf, all of whom became residents of Illinois. Thomas Smith, father of Nathan R. Smitli, was born August 9. 18 13, in North Carolina, near Raleigh, where he resided until 1834, when he re- moved to Greene County, Illinois. There he married and later removed to Madison County and still later to Macoupin County, dying on his farm south of Staunton in 1852. In politics he was a Whig. Both he and his wife were members of the Methodist Church. The latter, who was a native of Virginia, accompanied her parents first to Kentuck}' and later to Illi- nois. She became the devoted and beloved mother of six children : Nathan R., of this sketch, who is the oldest; Mrs. Frances Snell, of Staunton; Jas-. per, who lives with our subject; Mrs. Ellen Sparks, who lives near Ed- wardsville, Illinois : Joseph, superintendent of a coal mine at Staunton ; and Mrs. Margaret Grant, of Edwardsville. Nathan R. Smith was an infant when his parents moved from Greene to Madison County and was four years old when they came to Macoupin Countj', which has been his home e\er since, with the exception of three years spent in Madison Coimty. He has always followed a farming life and his fine farm of 153 acres testifies to his ability. He located on it in 1866 and has made stock raising a feature, giving attention only to the best grades 282 BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD of cattle and hogs. His improvements are substantial and a lately erected fine dwelling and commodious barn add much to the air of comfort and the prosperity of the place. He has a fine orchard of 50 trees, set out by himself, which are in good bearing at the present time. In 1858 Mr. Smith married Servilla Walker, who was born in Dor- chester township, Macoupin County, Illinois, June 29, 1840, a daughter of Aaron and Nancy Walker, natives of Indiana and Illinois, respectively, who were pioneers in this section. Mr. and Mrs. Smith had three children born to them, viz : Charles, a resident of Mitchell, lillinois, who has four chil- dren, — Charles, Donna, Maggie and an infant; Thomas, also a resident of Mitchell, who has three children; and James, who is also a resident of Mitchell. Mrs. Smith died in 1874 and in the following year Mr. Smilii married Hannah Cornelius, who was born in Dorchester township, Macou- pin County, Illinois, and they had three children : Nathan, of Mitchell ; Mrs. Dolly Sawyer, of Staunton, and Cornelius, who lives at home. The mother of this family, born February 14, 1853, died April 21, 1897. In 1900 Mr. Smith married Mrs. Julia Simmons, daughter of Jacob Perrine. For the past 30 years Mr. Smith has been a school official, for 16 years was highway commissioner, has been four times elected township clerk and has been supervisor for seven years. In all his public offices he has been honest, careful and economical in the interests of the townsliip. Fraternally he is a Master Mason in Lodge No. 177 and a Modern Woodman of Amer- ica in Lodge No. 572, both of Staunton. ALBERT H. SIMMONS, M. D. Albert H. Simmons, M. D., of Girard, Illinois, bears a name which has been held in esteem and almost reverence in Macoupin County for many years. He was born January 23, 1856, in Miami County, Ohio, and is the only son of Dr. Adam and Elizabeth (Bowersox) Simmons, the former of whom is one of the most distinguished as well as one of the oldest physicians in the county. MACOUPIN COUNTY. 283 The Simmons family is of Swiss ancestry, the great-grandfather of our subject having been born in Switzerland in 1750. He came to- America and settled in Pennsylvania, where his son, the grandfather of our subject, was born in 1786. The latter married a lady of Virginia birth and they reared a family of which the senior Dr. Simmons was the most eminent member. Completing his literary education in 1853, Dr. Adam Simmons became interested in the reform medical movement which led him to attend the first lectures of the Eclectic Medical College of Cincinnati. There he was asso- ciated with those lights of Eclecticism, Drs. Howe, Hannah and Scudder, and W'as graduated at the institution in 1865. Dr. Adam Simmons prac- ticed two years in Wisconsin, eight years in Indiana and two years in Ohio, prior to locating permanently at Girard in 1865. Until 1899 Dr. Adam Sim- mons continued to practice medicine and surgery with the success which attends the careful, skillful practitioner, and gained a reputation which extended all over the State. He was prominently identified with the Eclectic organizations over the country, and was a valued member of the State Eclectic Medical Society, acting many years as secretary for the same. He is much beloved in Girard where he is passing the evening of life, surrounded by all that comforts and satisfies honored age. His three children are the son, who so successfully has carried on his own work while continuing that of the father, and two daughters, namely: Mrs. E. G. McKinney, of Colorado; and Mary E., of Girard, Illinois. In Dr. Albert H. Simmons is found ail that liljeral education supple- menting heredity, and enthusiasm for the science, could produce in the build- ing of a true physician, one whose thorough knowledge makes him sure of his ground, and whose philanthropy extends as a beneficent mantle over the undeserving as well as the deserving. On June 8, 1882, he was graduated at the American Medical College, at St. Louis, Missouri, and then entered upon an association with his father, which was a liberal education in itself. Since the retirement of the older physician, the weight and responsibility have been entrely with the successor, this being particularly great on account of the older physician's prominence. The demands of the day upon a physi- cian's time are many, and Dr. Simmons has but little opportunity to take part in social life, his energies being given to practice, investigation into scientific discoveries and attendance upon the sessions of various leading medical organizations. 284 BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD Dr. Albert H. Siinmons married Olive L. Fletcher, who is a daughter of Burwell Fletcher, one of the progressive and prominent citizens of Ma- coupin County. They have two sons, — Bayard E. and Donald F. The family are members of the First Baptist Church. Dr. Simmons is a mem- ber of the Masonic fraternity and of the Modern Woodmen of America, and is politically identified with the Republican party. CHARLES EDWARD SMITH, M. D. Charles Edward Smith, M. D., who for many years was one of the most prominent medical practitioners in Macoupin County, and whose name still bears weight in the profession he adorned so long, although since 1902 he has been retired from active service, is one of the most highly esteemed citizens of Palymra. Dr. Smith comes of professional ancestry, and was born in 1829, at Catskill, New York, and is a son of Rev. Carlos and Susan (Saxon) Smith, and a grandson of Rev. Ethan Smith, a noted Presbyterian divine of Vermont. Rev. Carlos Smith, like his father, became a distinguished minister in the Presbyterian Church. He graduated from Union College and served in charges in New York until 1836, when he removed with his family to Painesville, Ohio. After a long and useful fife he died in 1877 ^t Akron, where he was survived by his widow until 1889. Dr. Smith was reared in an intellectual atmosphere. He was primarily educated at Painesville, and then went to the Western Reserve College at Hudson. While his ambition and inclination did not lead him in the direc- tion of the ministry, they did incline him toward a professional life, and he began to teach school and also study the elements of the science of medi- cine, almost as soon as his collegiate career closed. Circumstances led him to locate in Mississippi, where he remained from 1849 to 1854, engaged in teaching. He then entered Rush Medical College, at Chicago, where he attended lectures in the class of 1854-55. Dr. Smith located for two years at Palmyra, and then removed to Nilwood, but in 1879 returned to Palmyra, where he has resided ever since. After 20 years of arduous practice at MACOUPIN COUNTY. 285 Palmyra, and upon recovery from a serious illness brought on by devotion to the calls of his profession, Dr. Smith decided to retire from active work. His people were so loath to give him up, that he delayed his actual and final retirement until 1903, making his last professional call in the country, in October of that year. The old ties, so close between patient and beloved and trusted physician, were hard to break. There were many homes in Palmyra and vicinity into which no physician other than Dr. Smith had been called, during the whole term of his professional service. Dr. Smith was married in 1855 to Jane Gardner, who was a daughter of W. B. Gardner, a well known farmer of Palmyra. They had a family of eight children, viz : Susan H., who married Samuel L. Smith, now of Santa Rosa, California, and they have these children, — Charles P., Ralph R., Grace. Wendell, D. \\^, John Dewitt, Melvin Roy and Hope; Helen, who died at the age of four years; Harriet, who died at the age of 23 years; ]\Iary, who married John C. O'Conner, a railroad man living at Pomona, California, and they have these children— Charles William, Nettie Gertrude, Mary C, Harriet and John Lyndon; Carlos, who died at Nilwood, aged four years; Grace, born in 1867, who died in 1888; Lyndon Edward, who died in 1883. aged 13 years; and Lucy Gertrude, who resides in Tuolumne County, California. Dr. Smith has suffered many bereavements, in which he has had the sympathy of the whole community. The mother of these children died in March, 1885. Li 1892 Dr. Smith married Martha Solomon, who is a daughter of Judge Lewis and Nancy (Fink) Solomon. Judge Solomon was one of the most prominent men of Macoupin County for a number of years, and at the time of his death was one of the oldest residents. He was born April i, 1812, in Muhlenberg County, Kentucky, and was a son of Lewis and Sarah (Bowden) Solomon; the latter was a daughter of John Bowden, a prominent citizen of Franklin County, North Carolina, who belonged to Marion's gal- lant band of patriots, noted during the Revolutionary War. Li 1825 Lewis Solomon, the father of Mrs. Smith, accompanied his father to Morgan County, Illinois, and in 1827 came to Macoupin County. In 1832 he served three months in the Black Hawk War, under Capt. John Harris. He settled as a farmer in North Palmyra township, but was continually called upon to serve his fellow citizens in positions of trust and responsibility. In 1852 he was elected to the State Legislature; from 1857 to 1861, he served as county judge, at the close of this term being elected a member of the Constitutional 286 BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD Convention. In 1870, he was elected to the State Senate from the North Pahnyra district and served his constituency with wisdom and honor. A Mason of high degree, he was interred with the ceremonies of the order. Dr. Smith is a member of the local medical organizations, and has been a Free Mason since 1851. In religions belief he is a Methodist. ♦ » » ROBERT J. MITCHELL, M. D. Robert J. Mitchell, M. D., one of the oldest as also one of the most eminent physicians of Girard, Illinois, was born on a farm, near Lancaster, Schuyler County, Missouri, October 30, 1843, and is one of the three sur- viving children of Isaac and Sarah (Underwood) Mitchell. Isaac Mitchell was born March i, 181 5, on his father's farm near Harby, Nottinghamshire, England, and was a son of Richard and Susanna (Clapman) Mitchell, the latter of whom died January 16, 1841. Of their 10 children, Isaac and William were the only ones to come to America. Will- iam located in Greene County, Illinois, anl reared a family of five sons and two daughters. Isaac was the younger brother and he also located in Greene County, where he engaged in farm work and attended school. In 1841 he married Sarah Underwood, who was born in Harrison County, Kentucky, August 12, 181 1, and was a daughter of Francis and Margaret (Jarvis) Underwood, the former of whom was born in Shropshire, England, August 9, 1767. He came to America as an officer in the British Army, but, never returning to his native land, settled in Kentucky and in 1799 married Mar- garet Jarvis. She was torn October 9, 1784, and was a daughter of Robert and Mary Jarvis, natives of Dublin, Ireland, who settled first in Westmore- land County, Pennsylvania, moved then to Lafayette County, Kentucky, and died at Troy, Ohio. In 1839 Francis Underwood came to Illinois, settling on a farm seven miles west of Carrollton, where he purchased land whicli he converted into one of the fertile farms of that section, and there he died June 20, 1853, the death of his widow following on August 20, i860. They reared four sons and five daughters. After his marriage, Isaac Mitchell removed to Missouri and was one of the pioneer settlers of Schuyler County. MACOUPIN COUNTY. 2S7 His purchase of a squatter's claim was followed later by purchase from the government. A half-completed log cabin was finished by Mr. Mitchell, and there in the wilderness, threatened by Indians and visited by the wild crea- tures of the forests, this enterprising pioneer and his courageous young wife began domestic life. Conditions were hard, hardships were continual and deprivations of every kind were accepted as inevitable. In those days no railroads crossed the country, the nearest market was 75 miles distant, and the only means of transportation was up and down the Mississippi River, which then, as now, rolled its great yellow waters to the Gulf. Despite all drawbacks, Mr. Mitchell developed a good farm and reared children who have inherited his energy and perseverance, in addition to his admirable personal characteristics. Finally he decided to return to Illinois, in order to give these children better educational opportunities, and consequently he settled on a farm in Madison County, which he leased for eight years. In 1873 he retired to Girard, where he lived in comfort until his death. The four children of his family were : William F., a noted physician located at Lancaster, Missouri; John M., a gallant soldier in the Civil War, a mem- ber of the 2 1 St Missouri Infantry, who died while in the service at Memphis, Tennessee ; Robert J., of this sketch ; and Mary J. Dr. Mitchell completed his literary education at Shurtleff College, Upper Alton, Illinois, where he was graduated in 1869. His medical read- ing was pursued under the direction of his brother. Dr. W^illiam Mitchell, and he then entered Rush Medical College, at Chicago, where he was grad- uated with high honors in 1871. He immediately located at Girard, and is thus the second oldest physician and surgeon of the city. For some 14 months Dr. R. S. Cowan was associated with Dr. Mitchell, but with this exception the latter has practiced alone. In addition to the general line of practice. Dr. Mitchell has, through scientific study and experiment, made something of a specialty of diseases of the eye and ear, and his success in this particular line has added to an already eminent professional reputation. He has always been a close student and keeps thoroughly abreast of the times, taking advantage of membership in the American ^ledical Associa- tion, the Illinois State Medical Society, and the Macoupin County Medical Society. The last named organization, which is one of vast importance in the county, was organized by Dr. Mitchell, Dr. Cowan and a few others and reflects credit upon their progressiveness and their professional and philan- thropic zeal. 16 288 BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD Dr. Mitchell was married April 23, 1873, to Julia A. Bennion, who is the accomplished daughter of Randle Bennion, a native of Wales. Two daughters compose the household — JMabel and Anna V., who are favorites in Girard society. The family affiliate with the Baptist Church. Politically Dr. Mitchell is a Democrat. He has served on the city council and as a member of the Board of Education, and has been active in promoting sanitary measures in the city. Fraternally he is a Free Mason, belonging to Girard Lodge, No. 171, A. F. & A. M., and Chapter No. 132, R. A. M. Professionally, socially and publicly, Dr. Mitchell is one of the representative men of Girard. 4 »» HON. EDWARD C. KNOTTS. Hon. Edward C. Knotts, one of the prominent lawyers of Macoupin county and a citizen of Carlinville, was born on a farm in Sangamon county, Illinois, in 1S63, and comes of old Virginia and Kentucky ancestry. At the age of 17 years, he entered Blackburn University and later grad- uated from Knox College, at Galesburg, Illinois. After leaving college, he was employed for about two years as a newspaper writer, and then returned to Macoupin county and taught school for a period of three years, during which period he also studied law. In 1889 he was admitted to the bar of Illinois and opened an oflice at Girard, where he remained until 1903, when he removed to Carlinville. In 1892 he was elected to the office of State's Attorney of Macoupin county and during his term of office distinguished himself as a fearless and forceful prosecutor. From 1893 to 1895 he held the office of mayor of Girard, and won an enviable reputation by his strict adherence to official duty. At the September term of the circuit court, 1903, he was appointed to the office of Master in Chancery of Macoupin county, by Jutlge Robert B. Shirley, for a term of two years, and his conduct in such office is characteristic of the man, — honest, industrious, careful and fearless. Mr. Knotts is a very active and effective worker in the ranks of the Democratic party in the county, and is generally regarded by his party asso- ciates as one of the best campaign. speakers in the State. Though active in politics, he has never been an office seeker, and such offices as he has held have come to him in recognition of his party service and eminent fitness. MACOUPIN COUXTY. 2B9 He is the senior member of the law firm of Knotts & Terrj', and is especially strong in trials before juries. It may be truly said of Mr. Knotts that he is a self-made man, for he earned the means by farm labor with which to educate himself, and then taught school to sustain himself while reading law. JOHN F. AHRENS. John F. Ahrens, a prominent and respected citizen of Gillespie, JNIa- coupin Covmt}', where he is postmaster, was bom at Staunton, this count}', ^March 16, 1855, and is a son of Peter J. and Maria M. (Ruther) Ahrens. Peter J. Ahrens was bom in Germany about 1826, and came to America in 1848, a poor boy seeking his fortune. He was educated in the German schools and after coming to this coimtrj- learned the English language. He engaged in a mercantile business at Staunton, Illinois, until 1856, and then retired to a farm until 1861, in which year he resumed his former business at Staunton which he continued until he permanently retired in 1890, selling his business to his son, John F. ilr. Ahrens was a very strong supporter of the Republican party and was one of the party's three adherents in the town at the time he settled in Staunton. He was a man of such upright character that his fellow citizens elected him to office on many occasions and he served as justice of the peace for two terms, for 16 years was township treasurer and for 15 years was a member of the School Board. He was prominent also in re- ligious matters and belonged to the Methodist Church, to v.hich he was a liberal contributor and of which he was a regular attendant. At the time of his demise, April 10, 1901, he left a large estate which he had accumulated through his own efforts. He married Maria M. Ruther, who was bom near Hanover, Germany, and came with her parents to Illinois. They had 10 chil- dren born to them, the six survivors being: John F. : Mrs. Christine Golightly of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; George C, connected with the Wabash Rail- road at St. Louis, Missouri ; Karl W., of Gillespie, Macoupin Countj- ; Fannie L., who is attending a commercial college at St. Louis, Missouri; and Rosa L., also a student in a business college at St. Louis, who had been connected with the Gillespie post office for four years. The mother of this family died 290 BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD in 1902, at the age of 66 years. She was a consistent member of the Methodist Church, and a woman of most beautiful, amiable character. John F. Ahrens completed the common school course and had an am- bition to go to college, which his father, needing his services at home, could not gratify at that time. He assisted in the store and then spent 10 years on the farm, two years in an elevator business and several years in insurance and other, lines, and purchased his father's mercantile business in 1890. Prior to this he had served four years as deputy-sheriff under Sheriff Davenport. In politics he has always l)een actively identified with the Republican party and has faithfully served in local offices, at present being chairman of the street commissioners of Gillespie. For 12 years he was a notary public, and since October, 1898, he has been the popular postmaster of Gillespie. I'raternally Mr. Ahrens is connected with the Modern Woodmen of America and the Knights of Pythias. He is unmarried. CAPT. REUBEN O. WOOD. Capt. Reuben O. Wood, one of the leading and most substantia! farmers of Macoupin County, residing on what was his decertscd father's home farm, consisting of 330 acres, situated in sections 16, 17, 20 and 21, Bunker Hill township, was born on this farm, November 30, 1845. He is a son of Jona- than L. and Aurora B. (Foster) Wood. Many of the old families of Macoupin County have interesting histories in the records of the lives of their ancestors, who have taken prominent parts in the affairs of their times. Such is the case with the Wood family. Our subject's great-grandfather, Samuel Wood, was born in England and came to America in 1754, during the progress of the French and Indian War and was with General Washington at Fort Duquesne and fought under the same commander in the Revolutionary War; tradition says that at one time he was Washington's private secretary. After the close of the war, he lived for a number of years in Loudoun County, Virginia, later removed to North Caro- lina and thence to Washington County, Tennessee, which he probably helped MACOUPIN COL'XTY. 291 to organize, as he was one of its earliest 'justices of the peace, holding his first court at Jonesboro, the county seat. His children were : William, James, Samuel, Thomas, Abram, George and John. Thomas Wood, grandfather of our subject, was born in Loudoun County, Virginia, in 1779, moved to Kentucky in 1805, and later made a prospecting trip to Illinois, where he entered land. Before he could settle here, however, he died, in 1835, aged 55 years. Thus Macoupin County lost a pioneer of more than usual worth, a n:an of substance and of temperance and industry. He loyally assisted General Jackson in the preparations for the battle of New Orleans in 181 5, helping to dig the saltpetre used for the manufacture of the powder which made the old rifles of the Kentucky and Tennessee troops do such effective work. He married Mary Bayless, who was born in North Caro- lina, and they had three sons and four daughters lx)rn to them, namely : Jonathan L.. Reuben B., William, Mrs. Annie Cross, Mrs. Margaret Camp- bell. ]\Irs. Mary Reneau and Mrs. Meriba Ewing. All of the sons and daughters of Thomas Wood or their descendants re- mained in the South except Jonathan L. Wood, father of our subject, who was born in Washington County, Tennessee, January 18, 1803. and removed with his parents to Cumberland County. Kentucky, when two years of age. re- maining there until 26 years old. In 1829 he came to Illinois, and followed his trade of millwright and wagonmaker at Edwardsville, Madison County, for one year and in the spring of 1830 entered 80 acres of land in Bunker Hill township, Macoupin County. He later increased his holdings by another tract of 120 acres and subsequently added other tracts. Prior to settling down to work, he spent one year at his books, in Shurtlefif College, at Upper Alton, and then entered into an eight-year contract, from 1832 to 1840, with Elijah Lincoln, a noted "boss" millwright and contractor, and with him assisted in the building of some of the largest mills in Central and Southern Illinois. In 1840 he moved to the present Wood homestead and built a wagonmaking shop, which still stands, with the old tools. Mr. Wood married shortly after and spent the remainder of his life principally in farming, and died here in 1887. Until 1856 he was a Democrat, but as the party departed from its old ideals. he saw more hope for the country in the Republican party then coming to the front, and used his influence in assisting in its organization and until the close of his life voted its ticket. He belonged to the old State militia, and held a number of the township offices, being a man of more liberal education than 292 BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD many of his associates. He was a member of the Woodburn Baptist Church. He was married December 5, 1840, to Aurora B. Foster, who was born in Oxford County, Maine, September 5, 181 1, and now resides with our sub- ject at the advanced age of 92 years, the object of much tender care. She recalls the journey made when she was seven years of age, in 1819, when her father settled at Alton, Illinois, and of taking dinner at Edwardsville, on Wash- ington's birthday, in 181 9. Her, father drove by carriage the distance from Maine to Pittsburg, PennsyKania, where the family embarked with entire outfit on a flat-boat, which took them to Shawneetown, Illinois, where they arrived in January, 1819. Her parents were Oliver and Hannah (Eldred) Foster, the former of whom was born in New Hampshire, and the latter at Plymouth, Massachusetts. Both died at Fosterburg, Madison County, a town named in honor of Oliver Foster. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Foster were : Fmira, ]\Iary, Aurora B., Lenora, Rosaviva, Oliver P., Alonzo, Eldred J., Monroe and Micah. The last named makes his home with our subject ; he has had an adventurous life, having been lost to the family for some 45 years. He crossed the plains in 1859 to Pike's Peak, Colorado, and engaged in freighting and mining and afterward in ranching in California and Arizona, in the last mentioned occupation being much annoyed by the depredations of prowling Indians. Finally he began to long for his kindred and communicated with them in May, 1903, resulting in his coming home and finding a welcome from his two aged sisters, and other relatives that still survive. Our subject was reared on the home farm and attended the local schools. During the progress of the Civil War, when he was 19 years of age, on May 12, 1864, he enlisted in Company F, 133rd Reg., Illinois Vol. Inf., under Capt. G. \y. Dugger, and his first term of service was spent in doing garrison duty, gaurding prisoners of war, at Rock Island, Illinois. In 1865 he reenlisted in Company G, 150th Reg., Illinois Vol. Inf., under Capt. John W. Swift, was sent to the Army of the Cumberland, then in Tennessee and Georgia, and was mustered out at Atlanta, Georgia, in January, 1866. His regiment was con- tinued in service in the South during the reign of martial law, when the serv- ices of the soldiers were necessary for a time to establish order. After his return, Captain Wood attended the local schools again for a season and then entered the State University at Urbana. Champaign County. Illinois, w^here he was graduated with honors in 1872, having taken the agri- cultural and military courses of instruction, by reason of which he was com- MACOUPIN COUNTY. 293 missioned a captain in the Illinois State militia. Since then he has continned on the farm. He manages a body of land which is well tilled, and all of it is scientifically managed. In 1880 Captain Wood married Eliza J. Howell, who was born in Madi- son Connty, Illinois, and is a flaughtcr of Benjamin S. and Rose Ann (Silvers) Howell, both of whom were born in New Jersey and came to Madison Connty in 1835, and died at Woodburn. Captain Wood's only brother, T. Granville Wood, died in November, 1901, leaving four children — Mrs. Hannah Elliot, of Moberly, Missouri; and Fred R., Edna and Inez, who live with our sub- ject — who will inherit an undivided one-half interest in their grandfather's estate. Captain Wood is a Republic;m in his political belief and has frequently been called upon to fill township offices. He has been township assessor and justice of the peace and has also served on the School Board. He takes great interest in the affairs of the Grand Army of the Republic, and belongs to J. M. Hubbard Post, No. 721, Department of Illinois, at Bunker Hill, and at the present time is serving as quartermaster of the post. STEPHEN T. CARMODY. Stephen T. Carmody^ one of the large farmers and representative cit- izens of South Otter township, Macoupin County, resides on his fine farm of 220 acres in section 20, upon which he has placed many substantial improve- ments. He was born December 25, 1861, in Greene County, Illinois, and is a son of Thomas P. and "Margaret (Malone) Carmody. The parents of our subject were both born in Ireland, coming to Amer- ica about 1850. They married in Greene County, Illinois, but in 1864 Mr. Carmody purchased the farm upon which his son now resides. He became a man of wealth and was prominent both in politics and the church. At the time of his death, his land aggregated 700 acres, of which Mr. Carmody of this sketch owns 220 acres and the balance is divided with his brothers and sisters. Thomas P. Carmody died in 1890, aged 70 years. His widow, aged ^"j years, still survives. 294 BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD In 1891, our subject married Alice Pocklington, who is a daughter of Martin and Maria (Brennan) Pockhngton, ihe former of whom was a well known business man of Carlinville, where he carried on a livery business for years. His death occurred in 1871, at the age of 60 years, at St. Louis, Mis- souri. He is survived by his estimable widow, now in her 73d year, a resi- dent of our subject's household. Two children, a son and daughter, have been born to this marriage: Stephen Eugene, born in 1899; and Catherine Madeline, born in April, 1901. Mr. Carmody belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America. In poli- tics he is a Democrat. He is a consistent member of the Catholic Church. The family is well known throughout South Otter township and is much respected. In addition to being a capital farmer, Mr. Carmody is a progressive and enterprising citizen. ♦ »» CLARENCE GRIMMETT. Clarence Grimmett, one of the leading business citizens of Palmyra, Macoupin County, and senior member of the mercantile firm of Grimmett & Waters, was born in North Otter township, Macoupin County, Illinois, in 1876, and is a son of Huson and Julia (Allmond) Grimmett. The father of our subject was born in Eastern Tennessee and was a son of John C. and Martha (Huson) Grimmett, who came to Illinois and settled in Macoupin County in 1850, some years prior to the Civil War. John C. Grimmett purchased the farm in North Otter township, where his grandson was born. He served three years in the Civil War in Company E, 122nd Reg., Illinois Vol. Inf., and was twice wounded. Six children were Ixirn to his union with Martha Huson and three to his union with Elizabeth Lair. Clarence Grimmett obtained his education at Mount Moriah, in Scott- \ille township, Macoupin County, and at the Palmyra High School, com- pleting it at Bushnell, Illinois. He then engaged in school teaching and followed the profession with much success for three years, mainly in North Palmyra township. On September 6, 1899, he embarked in business, opening MACOUPIN COUNTY. 295 a store for the sale of groceries and queensware, at Palmyra, which he managed alone until October i, 190J, when he admitted J. G. Waters into partnership. This has become one of the strongest mercantile houses in Palmyra, its success being the result of the ability and enterprise of the two partners and the honorable methods they have pursued. They carry a large and varied stock, selected with care and a desire to meet the demands of the community, and their constantly expanding trade show's the confidence and good will of their fellow citizens. I\Ir. Grimmett is fraternally connectetd with the Masons, Order of the Eastern Star, Knights of Pythias, the Modern Woodmen of America and the Loyal Americans. Both he and his partner are prominent members of the social organization known as the Bachelor Club. In politics he is identified with the Republican party. For eight years he has been a member of the Methodist Church. He has shown sound judgment as a business man and possesses personal attributes which attract friendship and make him popular with his fellow- citizens. ROBERT S. COWAN, M. D. The high professional standing as well as the long residence and ex- cellent citizenship of Dr. Robert S. Cowan combine to make of him one of the leading and representative men of Girard, Illinois, which has been his home since 1869. Dr. Cowan was born March 9. 1833, in Sullivan County, Tenn- essee, and is a son of Hon. George R. and Mary (May) Cowan. Dr. Cowman comes of Revolutionary ancestry, and his famil}' has been fre- quently distinguished in military life. Robert Cowan, his paternal grand- father, fought under General Washington and belonged to that daring body of patriots who crossed the Delaware on that winter night and attacked and routed the Hessian force. After the close of the Revolutionary War,' he set- tled in Virginia, but removed later to the more genial climate of Tennessee, and died on his plantations there. His wife, INIary Rutledge, was of South Carolina birth and became the mother of five sons: James, Andrew, William, George R. and John, the first three of these winning military laurels under General Jackson at the battle of New Orleans in 1812. 296 BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD Hon. George R. Cowan, father of Dr. Cowan, was reared in Tennessee and there married Mary May, who was born in that State and was a daughter of Dr. Samuel and Katherine (Shelby) May, the former of whom was an eminent physician in his day. In his youth Judge Cowan learned the tanning business which he conducted for some years at Paperville, Sullixan County, Tennessee, where he also had an interest in a paper mill and in other manu- facturing enterprises. Later he became imbued with the pioneering spirit, which is responsible for the settlement and civilization of every portion of our country. In 1838 he went to Missouri, accompanied by his wife and six chil- dren. The preparations for such a move seem to us, to-day, with convenience and luxury on every hand, very formidable, and excite our admiration for the courage and boldness with which our pioneer ancestors faced unknown con- ditions. Judge Cowan first transported his family ami household, wliich in- cluded his slaves and cattle, to a flat-boat on which they floated down the Holston River to its junction with the Ohio. There they boarded a river steamboat which conveyed them to the Missouri Ri\er. up which they advanced until they reached Boonville, Missouri. They selected Polk County as a place of settlement and there and in other contiguous counties, Judge Cowan en- tered large tracts of land which he improved and upon which he resided for some years. He did not escape some of the lawlessness which long prevailed in some parts of the border, and he finally disposed of his lioldings in Polk County and removed to St. Clair County, where he also owned land, and there he lived until 1854. He was made Probate judge of Polk County, Missouri, and served as such with distinction until the changed conditions induced by the outbreak of the Civil \\'ar caused him to retire from public functions. His de?dh took place at the home of a daughter, at Sarcoxie, Jasper County, Missouri, January i, 1874, the death of his wife having occurred September ID, 1852, in St. Clair County. The six children of the family were: Catherine, George, Nancy, Robert S., Mary and Salina. Roljert S. Cowan was an infant wlien his parents settled in Missouri, and his boyhood was spent in pioneer surroundings. One of the great disad- vantages incident to settlement in remote regions was the lack of educational facilities for the children, and intelligent parents were continually concerned on this account. Judge Cowan endeavored to overcome this trouble by build- ing a school house on his own property, and engaging a teacher to take charge of the educating of his little flock. There the eminent subject of this MACOUPIN COUNTY. 297 biography acquired his early education, which he completed at Ebenezer Col- lege, a ^Methodist sciiool of note. In 1854 he tegan the study of medicine under Dr. Bow les, a noted physician of Boston, Massachusetts, and was grad- uated at Pope College, St. Louis, in 185S. He settled first in Dade County and later in Newton County, Missouri, where he w-as engaged in practice upon the outbreak of the Civil War. He proffered his services and was accepted as assistant surgeon, later being made surgeon of the 3rd Missouri Cavalry, under General Price of the Confederate Army, and serving with the greatest efificiency and devotion for three years. After six months spent in Mexico, he resided in New Orleans until 1865. Coming North, Dr. Cowan located at the village of Nilwood, Macoupin County, Illinois, but in i86g he located permanently at Girard. which has been his home ever since. In 1874 he en- tered into partnership with Dr. Robert J. Mitchell, but this business associa- tion was discontinued, with mutual esteem, 14 months later. In 1854 Dr. Cowan was married to Elizabeth Weir, who is a daughter of Rev. Samuel and ^lary (Stevens) Weir, the former of whom was a promi- nent clerg}-man of the Methodist Church. The children of this union are: George R., a practicing physician of reputation at Joliet. Illinois, a graduate of the St. Louis Medical College, and his father's associate until the spring of 1903; Mrs. Edward McCoy of Springfield; and ]\Irs. Grant Adams and Mrs. Edward V. Way, both of Macoupin County. HOWELL M. DORSEY. Howell M. Dorsey, one of the extensive farmers of ]\Iacoupin County, owning a farm of 620 acres in sections 35 and 36, Gillespie township, 80 acres in Dorchester township and a one-half interest in a tract of 873/2 acres in Cahokia township, was born in Gillespie township. January 29, 1866. He is a son of \\^illiam Montjoy and Henrietta (Green) Dorsey. The Dorsey family is a prominent one in Macoupin County, and has numerous members. William Montjoy Dorsey w'as one of the 13 children of Elias Dorsey, and was born in Jefferson County, Kentucky, October 8, 1823. He came to Macoupin County, Illinois, with his brother, Benjamin L., 298 BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD and engaged in farming and stock raising on land which had been entered by their father, who owned some 4,000 acres of land in Cahokia township, on the site of the present coal town of Benld. After his marriage in 1S55. the brothers dissolved their partnership, but William continued to operate a large stock farm until 1867, when he removed to Bunker Hill, where he led a retired life until his death March 13, 1902. The Dorsey family has been noted for its devotion to the Democratic party and, no less so, to the Episcopal Church. William Montjoy Dorsey was a man of considerable literary ability and enjoyed his favorite 1xx)ks by his own fire side, in the midst of his family to whom he was devotedly attached. He was a great lover of Nature and en- joyed beautiful landscapes and flowers of all kinds. At Bunker Hill he married Henrietta Green, who was born in Westchester County. New York, August 4, 1828, and was a daughter of Capt. Stephen and Letitia (Quick) Green, both natives of that county. Samuel Green, father of Captain Green, was a memljer of the famous Revolutionary family of the name. For many years Captain Green followed the sea. Our subject's mother died at Bunker Hill, March 30, 1898, a woman of great force of character and of unusual intellectual strength. Howell M. Dorsey Tias always resided in Macoupin County, his absence being only during his collegiate course at Jacksonville, after completing his academic studies at Bunker Hill. After his marriage he took possession of his present large farm and has been extensively engaged since then in general farming and stock raising, his large operations in the latter line causing his plnce to be given the name of the "Mont Clare Stock Farm." He raises thoroughbred draft and driving horses, keeping 20 head and has 60 head of Durham and Shorthorn cattle, 60 head of Poland-China hogs and 50 head of Cotswold sheep. In addition to raising large crops of wheat, corn, oats and hay, he has a productive, carefully tended ochard of 200 apple and 100 pear trees. On DecemlxT 12. 1888. Mr. Dorsey was married to Christine Stookey, who was lx)rn at Belleville. Illinois. May 5. 1867. and is a daughter of Simon J. and Sophia J. (Richmond) Stookey. During the Civil War, Simon J. Stookev was a captain in the service. He was bom August %. 1827, in St. Chir County, Illinois, and he died in Missouri. October 24. 1874. His wife was born March 16. 1840. in London. England, and died at Belleville. Tune 25- 1874. Three children have l>een born to Mr. and Mrs. Dorsev: Clare MACOUPIN COUNTY. 299 Louise; William Montjoy; and Albert Howell, all bom in the home where their grandparents first went to housekeeping. In both religion and politics, Mr. Dorsey follows the family principles. He is a man held in very high esteem in his section, and is a representative member of an honorable old familv. ASAPH H. BARNES, D. D. S. Among the leading professional men of Girard, Illinois, is Dr. Asaph H. Barnes, who is tlie oldest resident dental surgeon in the city and possibly in the count)\ In addition he is one of the most highly esteemed and public spirited citizens. Dr. Barnes was bom September 8, 1S40, near Greenfield, New Hampshire, being one of a famil}' of 10 children bom to Nathan and Sarah (Evans) Barnes. Although Dr. Barnes comes of agricultural ancestrj', his forefathers hav- ing been prosperous farmers in his native State for generations, he verj- early in life evinced a leaning to the profession in which he has attained such suc- cess. After completing the common school course, at the age of 17 years he obtained his father's permission to leave the farm and enter the office of a local dentist. There he took advantage of everj^ opportunity to read, study and obserse concerning the science in which he was so much interested, and thus, more from natural aptness than from any teaching, he acquired the knowledge and skill which enabled him, in i860, to begin practice at Bunker Hill, Ma- coupin Count}-, Illinois. After one year during which he had met with suc- cess and had secured the confidence of the public, he entered the army, en- listing as a private in Company A, 97th Reg., Illinois Vol. Inf., 2nd Brigade, 2nd Division, 13th Army Corps, Army of the Tennessee, under Col. \'ictor Vifquin. He served through three years and was honorabl}- discharged July 29, 1865, after participating in eight serious battles and enduring the hard- ships of continual campaigning. A wound he received in the vicinit}- of Algiers, opposite New Orleans, has given him trouble at various times since, causing him to resign his practice in 1870 and spend a year in an open air life as a farmer, with considerable profit to his health. Dr. Barnes returned to 300 BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD Bunker Hill after the war and resumed his practice until 1870 when he went on the farm, as noted, in Mason County, where he farmed until 1871 and then practiced dentistry until October, 1875, when he removed to Girard. He purchased a home here, within a half block of the public square, and fitted up othces in his residence. Dr. Barnes was married October 16, 1868, to Mary M. Lancaster, a daughter of the late Francis Lancaster, who was one of the most prominent farmers and citizens of Macoupin County, and who died in November, 1895, aged 82 years. Mrs. Lancaster died in May, 1882, aged 69 years. The Lancaster family is socially a promiivent one and has been a factor in the county since its first settlement. Dr. and Mrs. Barnes have three daughters, all comfortably settled in homes of their own, viz: Lulu M., wife of Charles G. Woods, of St. Louis, Missouri; Augusta P., wife of James Garretson of Macoupin County; and Minnie M., wife of Charles P. Gibson, also of Ma- coupin County. Mrs. Barnes is a valued member of the Christian Church, but the genial Doctor was reared in the Methodist faith. Although not an active politician. Dr. Barnes throws all his intluencc in the direction of the Prohibition party. His membership in Luke Mayheld Post, No. 516, Grand Army of the Republic, is a congenial one, and there he meets comrades of other days who, like himself, did l)attle for a country in which they still feel an interest which can not be excelled by the younger generation. Dr. Barnes is considered one of the most successful practitioners of dental surgery in this part of the State. The family is one of social promi- nence and his home is a center of hospitality. WILLIAM JAMES DONAHUE, M. D. William James Donahue, M. D., the leading physician and surgeon of Hilyard township, Macoupin County, located in the village of Plainview, is prominently identified in political, business and social circles of his county. He was born at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, April 7, 1857, and is a son of James and Sarah (Boyle) Donahue. James Donahue, the father of our subject, was born in County Derry, MACOUPLX COUNTY. 301 Ireland, August i, 1829, and came to America in 1849, locating at Philadel- phia, Pennsylvania. Mr. Donahue now resides on his farm in Hilyard town- ship, Macoupin County, and holds a high position among the prominent agri- culturists of this county. He was married to Sarah Boyle, who was also a native of County Derry, Ireland. Mrs. Donahue died here in 1888, having reached the age of 57 years. She was survived by her husband and eight children, the sons and daughters being named as follows: Mary (Maher), who resides at Bunker Hill, Illinois; William J., whose name heads this brief notice; Jennie (Morrison), a resident of Hilyard township; Sarah (Baird), of Hilyard township; Fannie (Dey), a resident of Hilyard township; Martha (Faragher), who resides in St. Louis, Missouri; Arthur B., who resides at Pekin, Illinois, and who is employed in a distillery there; and Robert J., who is a school teacher in Hilyard township. William James Donahue was three years of age when his parents re- moved from his birthplace to Boonton, Xew Jersey, where they li\ed two years, and then came to Macoupin County, Illinois and here our subject has remained ever since. Dr. Donahue spent his boyhood days on his father's farm, attending the common schools of the district. Later he went to Val- paraiso, Indiana, and attended the State Normal School, graduating in 1882. Dr. Donahue then took up the study of medicine in the College of Physicians and Surgeons at Chicago, attending in the years 1882 and 1883. Returning home, he engaged as a school teacher, and continued in that occupation until 1893. after which he was engaged in farm work for three years. Entering Barnes Medical College at St. Louis, IMissouri, after two years of study, he received his degree of M. D. in 1898. After his graduation he located at Plainview and his since practiced his chosen profession, enjoying a large and lucrative practice among the citizens of his township. In fraternal circles, Dr. Donahue is a ^ilason, being master of the lodge at Plainview and a mem- ber of the chapter at Carlinville. He is also a member of the Court of Honor, Modern Woodmen of America, Mutual Protective League, being examining physician for the three mutual benefit insurance societies just named. He is a member of the !NLicoupin County and Illinois State ^Medical Societies. Politically, Dr. Donahue is a strong upholder of Republican principles, and takes an active interest in the political affairs of his township, having held nearly all the offices. At present he is serving as treasurer, a position he has held for the past five years. He was chairman of the last iMacoupin County Republican Convention and secured the endorsement of the convention for 302 BIOGRAPHIC.\L RECORD his nomination as minority Representative. Dr. Donahue is also a member of the Macoupin County Repubhcan Central Committee. Dr. Donahue was married June 19, 1888, to Emma Dey, a native of Hilyard township, and a daughter of Wiliiam and Susan Dey. They are the parents of three cliildren, namely: Jamie C, Edna and Earl. Dr. Don- ahue and family are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. HUGH F. LOVELESS. Hugh F. Loveless, one of the prominent and substantial farmers of Bird township, Macoupin County, who owns a very productive farm of 510 acres, situated in section 26, was born in Bird township in 1843. He is a son of William and Jane (Bell) Loveless. The parents of Mr. Loveless were both bom in Tennessee, the father being a native of Blount County and the mother of Knox County. They resided in their native State until 1841, when they came as pioneers into ^Li- coupin County, settling in section 8, Bird township. Here Mr. Loveless cleared up a fine farm, reared a large family and Ijecame one of the reliable, sub- stantial men of his time in the locality. His useful life was prolonged to the age of 93 years, his death occurring July 9, 1900. His wife died December i, 1881, when in her 71st year. They reared a family of 12 children, nine of whom survive them, those now living being John H., Samuel L., Zeddock, William J., George W., Hugh, Marj- A., Marion F. and Charles M. Hugh F. Loveless obtained his education in the common schools of Macoupin County, and he remained on the homestead farm until his mar- riage. This took place March 3, 1864, at St. Louis. Missouri, to Sarah A. Sells. Mrs. Loveless was born in W^estern Mound township, Macoupin County, May 3, 1847, the fifth member of a family of nine children born to Michael and Sarah (Brown) Sells. Mr. Sells was bom in Pennsylvania and his wife in Virginia. Prior to coming to Macoupin County they had resided in Indiana. At the time of their location in the county, pioneer conditions still existed. They located first in Western Mound township, removing in 1864 to Bird MACOUPIN COUXTY. 303 township and later to Xihvood township, where Mr. Sells died June 22, 1886, his widow surviving him until December 4, 1898. ^Ir. and Mrs. Loveless have had four children, namely : Albert, born January 9, 1865, who has reared two children — Vena O, born June 26, 1889, and Sadie C, born August 10, 1891 ; Edgar L., bom March 10, 1872, who died July 24. 1876; Francis F., born ]\Iay 28, 1879, who married Jessie I. Arnett, bom July 9, 1879, who is a daughter of John Arnett a prominent farmer of Bird township; and Cora F., born April 18, 1881, who resides with her parents. Mr. Loveless has made a success of his agricultural enterprises and for a number of years has been considered one of the leading farmers of his locality. His large estate has been accumulated by his own energ}' and ability and is a valuable piece of property. In the near future Mr. Loveless plans to remove to Carlinville and to delegate the operation of the farm to others. For several terms he has served as school director and at present is a school trustee of his district. In politics Mr. Loveless is identified with the Democratic party. In religious views he is a Baptist, a member of the congregation of Shiloh Church. Mr. Loveless is a man of standing in his neighborhood, thoroughly respected for his upright character. 4 « » FRANK D. ALLEN. Frank D. Allen, junior member of the well known business firm of Bowersox & Allen, of Girard, Illinois, dealers in clothing and gents' furnish- ing goods, is one of the enterprising citizens of the northeastern section of Macoupin County. Mr. Allen was bom January 3, 1865, and is one of a family of three children born to his parents, Jesse L. and Rebecca (Morrow) Allen. Jesse L. Allen was born in Greene County, Illinois, as was his son. There he followed a milling business for a number of years and then engaged in a grocerv' business. He now lives retired. Our subject was educated in the public schools and was only 13 years of age when he started out for himself, becoming a clerk in the dry goods house 17 304 BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD of Atwater & Pratt. He remained with this firm until 1S84, when he made a trip to the West, where he remained two years; upon his return he settled at Waverly, from which point he later moved to Girard, to become manager of the Eureka Mercantile Company. He continued in this position until 1896, when he engaged in business in Chicago for a year. In October, 1S97, he returned to Girard. His father-in-law, H. Carr of the firm of Carr & Bower- sox, dying in November of that year, Mr. Allen took charge of the Carr in- terests and finally in February, 1901, he bought a half interest in the business and has been an active member of the firm ever since. In the line of clothing and gents' furnishings, this house carries a very large and well selected stock which is noted for its completeness in every particular. In politics Mr. Allen is a Democrat in national affairs, but in local mat- ters he votes according to his judgment. In 1900 he was elected a city alder- man, and was re-elected in 1902. He is one of the progressive, public-spirited men of the city. On November 15, 1895, Mr. Allen was united in marriage with Eva Carr, who is a daughter of the late Henry Carr, who died October 2-j. 1897. Mr. Carr was a very prominent citizen. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Allen, the one survivor being Vera, who was born May 20, 1902. Fraternally, Mr. Allen is identified with Waverly Lodge, Knights of Pvthias. HENRY K. YOUNG. Henry K. Young, one of the most progressive business men of Ma- coupin County is prominently identified with the leading contractors of his county and also operates a large planing mill at Girard. He was born Sep- tember 24. 1851, in Pennsylvania, and is one of a family of 11 children born to John and Susan (Kaufman) Young. John Young was also a native of Pennsylvania, where he followed trucking with successful results. Henry K. Young came to Macoupin County in 1879 and engaged in the contracting business. Proving very successful at that occupation and accum- ulating sufficient money, he built a planing mill at a cost of $2,500, which was built according to modern methods and fitted with the best machinery. Mr. MACOUPIX COUNTY. 305 Young has almost continuousiy operated this mill since he built it and at present employs three men, doing general contracting work. Politically he is a member of the Republican party. Mr. Young was united in marriage to Susan Hershey and 13 children were born to them. ]Mr. and Mrs. Young are prominent in the social circles of tlieir community. WILLIAM iCHELB, Sr. William Schelb^ Sr., of Girard, Illinois, whose long and honorable business record, and whose many years of faithful ser\'ice in the city's public life, entitle him to be considered a thoroughly representative citizen, was born December 26, 1832, in the town of Zachringen, Grand Duchy of Baden, Germany. He is the only sur%-iving son of Philip and Theresia Schelb. The father was a wholesale merchant for many years and prominent in the politi- cal and social circles of the grand duchy, where his death took place in 1864. According to the provisions of the German law. young Schelb was placed in school at the age of six years and remained there until he reached the age of 14 years. His parents were strong Catholics as were all the people of that section of the countr\% and it was their desire that William should be a Catholic priest and he was accordingly sent in the spring of 1846 to the archbishop at the cit\- of Freiburg for his theological education. At the outbreak of the revolution in the year 1848 in Baden and some of the other States, the seminar}' was closed and yoimg Schelb returned home. The father at that time was a member of the Legislature and with a party that was not in harmony with the revolutionan.- party and was forced to leave his home and seek safet}- in Switzerland. William being at home at that time went with his father and it was there, away from the strong church influence and among philosophers, free men and free thinkers, that he too breathed the air of investigation and since then has allowed no man or set of men to do his thinking. Filled with the love of liberty and independence, it was his desire to learn a trade and accordingly he was taken by an old friend of his father, who was a very fine artist, to learn the painter's trade. The contract ■was for two years and he was to receive, besides instruction, his board and S50 in money. At the expiration of the two years he rem.ained with this 3o6 BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD man for another jear for which he received good pay. He returned home in the year 185 1 and after some three months rest he traveled and hunted for work; finding it with but httle trouble, he worked for over two years in the city of Weinheim, Baden. By the German rule he entered the regular army in April, 1853, at the age of 20 years, in the Jager Battalion and remained in the army seven years or until April, i860. During this period he was ad- vanced to the rank of orderly sergeant, and on two occasions received medals of gold and silver for his services and many times good prizes for fine shoot- ing. Resigning his coinmission as orderly sergeant, he followed his trade as carriage painter and entered the State railroad shops at Carlsruhe as man- ager of the car painters and remained there for eight years. In October, 1858, Mr. Schelb was united in wedlock with Christina Kuebler, who was born in Unterderdingan, Kingdom of Wurtemburg, a daughter of ^^'illiam Kuebler. Mr. Schelb came to .\merica in the year 1868 and located in Girard, Illinois, where he had a brother-in-law. His family at that time consisted of his wife and three children — one daughter and two sons: Lena, William, Jr., and Adolph Robert. Later, in 1870, a son was born to them in this country — Ernest -F. In August, 1880, Adolph Robert died at the age of 16 years. Lena Schelb married the late Fred G. Storz. of Girard, a sketch of whom will be found in this work. The two surviving sons^^ William, Jr., and Ernest F., now carry on the painting business that was established by their father and which was left to them on his retirement a short time ago. Mrs. Schelb is a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church and the children were all christened in that church. Mr. Schelb cast his first vote for General U. S. Grant for President but ever since he has been a strict Democrat. He is a member in high standing in Girard Lodge, No. 192, I. O. O. F., and has several times been its represen- tative in the Grand Lodge. He is also a member of the Encampment and is the present representative in the Grand Encampinent, I. O. O. F. He was also honored by his brother Odd Fellows w-ith a veteran's jewel, which is for his membership of more than 25 years in good standing in his order and for the good work he had done for it. He was elected and served as village trus- tee of Girard and after it became a city he was elected and served for eight years in the Board of Aldermen. Resigning that position, he was elected for a two-years term as city treasurer. Working at his trade in this country, he was a contractor for house painting and for 36 years conducted a shop where he did carriage, wagon, MACOUPIX COUXTV. 307 sign and other fine painting. He closed this successful career as a painter on January 5, 1904, when at the age of 71 years he retired and turned the busi- ness over to his two sons, who are now conducting the business. Mr. Schelb is one of the largest real estate owners in Girard and is, in fact, considered one of the capitalists of Macoupin County. His residence in Girard is one of the handsomest and is also one of the most hospitable, for both Mr. and Mrs. Schelb have a wide circle of warm friends. Mr. Schelb, although about -j^ years of age. seems hale and hearty and gives promise of manv vears of usefulness as a citizen and public benefactor, as in his lodges and in his home city his advice and assistance are sought by his brothers and fellowmen. WALTER B. RICH.MOND. Walter B. Richmond, who was bom October 17. 1846, in Jackson- ville, Morgan County, Illinois, is a son of Henrj- and Charlotte B. (Crane) Richmond and a grandson of Jonathan and Barbara (Burgett) Richmond. John Richmxond, the father of Jonathan, was a native of Pennsylvania. His family consisted of six children, namely: Elinor; Levi; Jonathan; John; Margaret: and Henry. Jonathan Richmond moved to the State of Ohio where he married Barbara Burgett and they were among those hardy pioneers who braved imtold privations and perils among the cruel and inhuman red men to assist in carving that noble State from the wild and barbarous condition in which it then existed. Among the brave lives sacrificed before this mission was accomplished was that of Martin Burgett, the father of Barbara, who, with two other white men. was surprised by the Indians on April 25, 1792. The two companions were shot and instantly killed and Burgett was wounded but rather than fall a captive to the savages or suffer them to earn,- his scalp as a trophy of victor}-, he jumped into the Miami River and was drowned. He came from Kentuckj- and it was in that State that Barbara Avas bom in 1744. She died in 1844 in Butler County, Ohio, at the age of 100 years. The children of Jonathan and Barbara Richmond were: Levi, Elizabeth. Simeon, Margaret. John, Man,-, Henrj-, Martin, Jona- than and George. 3o8 BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD Henry Richmond was born in Rlillville, Butler County, Ohio, May i, 1818, and learned the trade of a cabinet-maker at Rossville, that county. He was married October 24, 1841, to Charlotte B. Crane and three years later moved to Illinois, first locating in Morgan County. In 1847 he moved with his family to Montgomery County, where he became prominently identi- fied with the growth of the community. Here he carried on farming but also continued to work at his trade and as late as the year i860 he was called upon to make the coffins and take charge of the funerals for miles around. He erected many houses in Montgomery County, adding carpentering to his trade of cabinet-maker, and was known as a reliable, conscientious workman. That he stood high in the opinion of his neighbors was shown by the confi- dence reposed in him — a confidence that was never betrayed. He was the first postmaster of Butler; served as enrolling officer during the Civil War; was justice of the peace for many years and represented his district in the Legislature. He was a man of uprightness and honor who refused to profit at the expense of another, a characteristic repeatedly demonstrated in his office of justice of the peace. When two belligerent neighbors came to him to settle their troubles in court, instead of taking advantage of their de- termination to take the law to each other (and thereby pocketing a fee), he always counselled an amicable settlement and by far the greater number of his cases were settled out of court and no charge made by him in his office of peace-maker. He was a prominent Odd Fellow and one of the charter members of the lodge of that order organized in Hillslxjro in 1849. -^^ ^^75 he moved to Litchfield which was his home imtil 1885 when he moved to Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where he lived until his death, October 27, 1895. Charlotte B. Crane was born in Hamilton, Butler County, Ohio, Febru- ary 28, 1 82 1, and was the eldest child of Norris and Elizabeth (Stanley) Crane. Her grandparents, Benjamin and Sarah (Thompson) Crane, were natives of Xew Jersey. Their children were John R., Abigail. Esther, Phoebe H., Charlotte W., Hezekiah Thompson, Norris, Jacob Thompson, Benjamin, David Thompson, and Moses Thompson. Norris Crane was born March 10, 1799, in New Jersey, and when a lad of 11 years went with the family of an aunt to Ohio, and it was the one regret of his life that he was never to see his parents again. In 1820 he was joined in marriage to Elizabeth Stanley, one of a pair of twins born to Isaac and Susan (Neff)' Stanley. Isaac Stanley was a native of South Carolina and Susan Neff MACOUPIN COUNTY. 309 Avas born in Germany. Her twin brother was drowned during childhood. The children of Norris and Elizabeth Crane were : Charoltte B., mother of our subject; Man," .\nn (Mrs. N. Johnston), deceased; Isaac Stanley, a resi- dent of Missouri; Needham, a resident of Illinois; Jacob, deceased; Norris, a resident of Illinois; Elizabeth, deceased; Rosetta, a resident of Illinois; Benjamin, deceased: Emma C. (Mrs. John Mitts), deceased; and Susan (]Mrs. James Peter), deceased. Norris Crane was a merchant and also a mason in Hamilton where he was well known, but the later years of his life were passed in Montgomery County, Illinois, where some of his descendants still live. The union of Henrj- and Charlotte B. (Crane) Richmond re- sulted in the birth of 12 children, five of whom died in infancy. Of this number two pair were twins, one of each pair reaching maturitj'. Those reaching adult years are Norris C, William J., Walter B., our subject, Needham, George, Edgar and Addie. Edgar died September 2, 1902, in the prime of life. He possessed to quite a marked degree the happy faculty of making friends and wherever he lived the number of his friends was only limited by the number of his acquaintances, for all who came to know him were drawn to him by bonds of esteem and affection. Except our subject, and George, who resides in Chicago, all the children live in Cedar Rapids, Iov,-a, where the mother also makes her home. Although in her 84.th year and a woman who has done more than her share of active labor, she insists in taking part in the household duties and says she is worth two or three younger women. She is a woman of remarkable endurance and, besides rearing her own family, cared for her brothers and sisters when they were left orphans and has also cared for some of her grandchildren. She enjoys recounting her experiences of the long ago when large droves of deer were a common sight and the wolves were so troublesome that it was necessar\' to enclose pigs and calves in tight rail pens to insure their safet}- over night. Walter B. Richmond w-as one of the above mentioned twins. His younger years were spent on the farm, attending school in the log school house during winter while in spring and summer, with his elder brothers, he followed the plow as it was drawn over the fertile prairie by the oxen. He learned the trade of a blacksmith in the shop of J. C. Gunning, of Hillsboro, becoming proficient in even,- department of the business. He has always shown a fearlessness of danger, even in his boyhood, which enabled him to control the wildest horse — and this without unkindness to the ani- 310 BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD mal — and he now became known, far and near, as the best horseshoer in the country. In consequence of this he was always in demand and the vicious and unruly horses were pretty certain to find their way to Richmond's shop. His first shop was in Butler but a better opening being offered in the then new village of Morrisonville, Christian County, he removed to that place and established the first smithy there. He was married May 7, 1872, to Jane Hawk and became the father of eight children, two of whom died in in- fancy. Those living are as follows : Lottie, Hattie, Addie, Gertie, Henry and Birdie. T. H. EDWARDS. T. H. Edwards, proprietor of the Staunton Times, an eight-page, six- column weekly publication at Staunton, Illinois, and also proprietor of the Warden Nczvs, an eight-page, five-column weekly, and a member of the real estate firm of Fisher & Edwards, of Staunton, is one of the city's busiest and most prominent citizens. Mr. Edwards was born at Kelloe, County Durham, England, September 3, 1S74, and is a son of David and Hannah (Roberts) Edwards. David Edwards was born June 13, 1854, and his wife, March i, 1848, both in England. They reside in Staunton, where Mr. Edwards is machine boss in Mine No. 7. Six children were born to them: T. H.; John; Anna; Samuel G. ; Mary and Charles E. Our subject was five years of age, when lie sailed with his parents from Manchester, England, for New York. The family proceeded immediately to Belleville, Illinois, and two years later, in 1881, moved to Staunton. Leav- ing school at the age of 15, Mr. Edwards spent a few months clerking in a drug store. On July 30, 1890, he started as "devil" in the printing office of the Staunton Times, a paper which was started in 1879 and was then under the management of Fred L. Blome. Here Mr. Edwards learned the trade and continued until 1895, when he took a little vacation, making a bicycle trip to Alanta. Georgia, where he enjoyed the exposition. He easily covered the 700 miles, but returned by railroad, via New Orleans and up the Mississ- ippi river. On January 13, 1896, he purchased the office and good will of PS m Q Z P K MACOUPIN COUNTY. 313 the Times, which he conducted alone until July. 1902, when he sold a half in- terest to his brother. John J. Together they established the JVordai Xezcs, in Mav. 1903. Both these publications have met with deserved success and are independent in politics. The business is well managed, a well equipped job office being one of its features. On May 8. 1901, Mr. Edwards was married to Marion Elizabeth Blair, who graduated from the Beethoven Conservator)- of INIusic, and conducted a class in music at Staunton, for a number of years. In politics. Mr. Edwards is a Republican and has ser\-ed the city as treasurer for two years. Fraternally he is associated with the Masons, Knights of Pj-thias and the Modern Woodmen of America. ISAAC .A. FL'NDERBURK. Isaac A. Fuxderburk, who is the oldest citizen of Dorchester township, Macoupin County, to which he came as a member of a pioneer family in 1830, was bom in the vicinity of Lancaster, South Carolina. April 18, 1822. He is a son of John F. and Rachel (Laney) Funderburk. The Funderburk family originated in Germany and there the great-grand- father of our venerable subject was born, in the city of Leipsic; when he came in very early days to .\merica, he settled on a plantation near Lancaster, Lancaster Coimty, South Carolina. He reared a family of 12 children, all of whom, with the exception of one, lived to exceed So years. Two of his sons served seven years and one three months, in the colonial army. John Funder- burk. his eldest son. was born in South Carolina, served seven years in the Revolutionarj- Army and removed in advanced age to Rome, Georgia, where he died, at the age of 96 years. He married Mar\- Larriman, who was born in Yorkshire. England. They had three children: John F. and Daniel (twins) and Isaac. Daniel Funderburk served all through the \\'ar of 1812. John F. Funderburk was born in 1786, near Lancaster, South Carolina, and died on the present farm of our subject at the age of 84 years and was buried in the Funderburk Cemeterv. He was a "Minute Man" in South Caro- 314 BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD lina during the War of 1812. He married Rachel Laney, who was born in South CaroHna, and was a daughter of Titus and Christine Laney, the former of whom served in the Revolutionary War. They had a family of seven chil- dren, of whom our subject, the youngest, is the only survivor. In April, 1828, he started with his family to drive to Illinois, to make a new home in the far W^est, and readied Olive township, Madison County, November 14, 1828, after having been detained three months by sickness in Madison County, Tennessee, while passing through that State. They remained in Madison County, Illinois, until March i, 1830, when they settled in Dorchester town- ship, Macoupin County, building the second cabin in the township. No land had yet been entered either in this or Bunker Hill township although within the following few years many others came. As the family was obliged to sub- sist principally on game, which was plentiful, Mr. Funderburk became a great hunter. He was much respected for his fine traits of character and did much to preserve order in the newly settled region, serving as justice of the peace and in other capacities, having an education superior to many of his neighbors. Formerly a Methodist he became a supporter of the Christian Clnnxh in Dor- chester township. Isaac A. Funderburk was eight years old when he removed in 1830 with the family to his present home — the farm of 53 acres in section 34, having on it one of the finest residences in Dorchester township, which farm was deeded to him in 1848. He also owns an adjoining tract on the west of 40 acres — the southwest quarter of the northwest quarter of section 34 — which was a Black Hawk War land grant, which he purchased from John Pifer, paying two $20 gold pieces for it ; and 40 acres joining his other property on the west, which he added later — this tract is described as the southeast quarter of the north- east quarter of section 33. In all, therefore, he owns 133 acres lying in one piece, a quarter of a mile wide and nearly five-sixths of a mile long. Until 1856 Mr. Funderburk resided in a small log cabin, 18 by 16 feet in dimensions, but that long since, with other pioneer structures, has passed away. He went through with all the hardships incident to pioneer life here. He can recall the abundance of game and the constant sight of wild animals and recalls when Black Hawk's Indians passed by his home, 500 strong. In those days the winters were spent by all members of the household in grating corn to be made into hominy, as the nearest mill was 50 miles away, at the mouth of Cahokia creek. The nearest post office was 18 miles distant, at Edwardsville, and the MACOUPIN COUNTY, 0^0 nearest market was St. Louis. Many of the changes in this neighborhood have come about through ^Ir. Funderburk's influence, as he has always worked for the best interests of his township, although he has never consented to hold office. In politics he was a Whig in early days, but is now identified with the Republican party. His first vote was cast for Henry Clay. Since 1849 he has been a Master Mason and belongs to Staunton Lodge, No. 177. On ilarch 22, 1853. Mr. Funderburk was married to Clarissa Jane Dig- man, who was bom April 27, 1830, in Rush County, Indiana, and is a daughter of Absalom and Lucretia (ilcCann) Digman, natives of Mrginia and Pennsylvania, respectively, who came to Illinois in 1842. Mr. and Mrs. Fimderburk had 10 children born to them, those who reached maturity being: Mar)- Alice, who married W. F. Kell, of Sedalia, Missouri, and has eight chil- dren : Sarah Ellen, widow of William F. Funderburk, a distant relative, who died in 1888, at Sedalia, ^lissouri, aged 46 years; William L., who lives at home; Henry, who was accidentally drowned at the age of 21 years; Hester L., who married Thomas B. Funderburk of Springfield. Illinois, and has two children; Thomas W., who manages the home farm; and Nettie C, who re- sides at home. Mr. Funderburk is a valued member of the Methodist Church, of which he is a trustee, while his wife is equally valued in the Baptist Church. Both have been acti\e in church work and ha\e many friends who know how much good they have accomplished. DAVID W. PINKERTON. David W'. Pinkerton^ a general farmer, fruit grower and bee keeper of Macoupin County, located in section ■^2, North Palmyra township, was born in Bird township, ^lacoupin County, in March, 1843. He is a son of Henry and Jane (Huskey) Pinkerton, and a grandson of David Pinkerton, who came to Illinois from Ohio, after the battle of New Orleans, in which he had taken part, and settled first in Greene County. Henn,- Pinkerton was born in Ohio and accompanied his parents to ^^"T^" •*.! ■ I »»..■.»,. - • •• - 3i6 BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD Illinois. He had only limited school advantages, but became proficient enough to teach school in his neighborhood. He was a soldier in the Black Hawk War, from which he returned unhurt. His wife, Jane Huskey, was born in Alabama and accompanied her parents to Illinois in childhood. Mr. Pinkerton and wife removed to Iowa in the fall of 1843. ^^^t returned to Illi- nois in 1848 and settled on our subject's present farm, to which Mrs. Pinker- ton had fallen heir. Henry Pinkerton died while his son David was still too small to effectively use the plow, but his widow survived until her 81 st year, dying December 10, 1895. David W. Pinkerton, named for his paternal grandfather, obtained his education in the district schools. That he was a model pupil in childhood is shown by a certificate, which his children highly prize, and which reads as follows: "This is to certify that David Pinkerton has attended my school for the last three months, and for his good behavior and the progress he has made in learning, he merits my love and esteem." This interesting docu- ment is signed by Eliza J- Richardson and is dated August 10, 1849. Upon the return of the family to Illinois, he again attended school until the death of his father, and worked on his mother's farm until he enlisted in the Union Army. On August 13. 1862, he entered Company B, I22d Reg.. Illinois Vol. Inf., and was mustered out of the service at Mobile. Alabama, July 15. 1865. Like iiis father and grandfather, Mr. Pinkerton was a brave and loyal soldier. He participated in these battles : Trenton, Tennessee, where he suf- fered capture and imprisonment for eight months; Tupelo, Mississippi, July 14, 1864; Nashville, Tennessee, December 15 and 16, 1864; and Blakely, Alabama, April 9, 1865. He is an honored member of that body of brave men, each year growing smaller, who gave their best years to the service of their country and who deserve the respect and gratitude of the present and succeeding generations. In 1869 Mr. Pinkerton married Mary A. Crum, who was a daughter of Eli Crum, a farmer of South Palmyra township, Macoupin County. Mrs. Pinkerton died August 7. 1887. aged 42 years. Their seven children were: Luther, born in 1870. a farmer of North Palmyra township, who married Amy Hanshaw and has one child — Helen; Maud, born November 20, 1871, who died July 18. 1887; Mary, bom April 14, 1873, who died September 4, 1887; Eli, born April 20, 1875, who died April 14. 1895; Eugene, born Jan- uary 18, 1876, who assists his father on the home farm: Amy A., born Jan- MACOUPIN COUNTY. 317 uary 15, 1881, who is now engaged in teaching school; and Xancy X., born August 31, 1884. Mr. Pinkerton is identified with the RepubHcan party, but considers himself no politician in the usual acceptance of the word. He is deeply inter- ested in his agricultural operations in which he is ably assisted by his son, and thev meet with much success. WILLIAM L. NIEMANN. William L. Niemann, one of the prominent business men of Mount Olive, Macoupin County, and junior member of the well known firm of Niemann Brothers, was born in Mount Olive, June 2, 1869, and is a son of John C. and Anna (Stullken) X'iemann. The late John C. Niemann was one of the prominent citizens of Macou- pin County for many years. He was born in Prussia, and migrated to the United States in 1839, coming to ^Macoupin County, Illinois, among its early pioneers. He settled at Mount Olive when he was the only one of his countrymen who had chosen a home in this locality. After a long and prosperous life, his death took place September 9, 1896. He was twice mar- ried. To his first marriage, with Margaret Stullken. were born three chil- dren : Mary, wife of C. J. Keiser, of Mount Olive; Sophia, widow of the late William Nieme3er; and Henry, who died in 1876. His second wife, the mother of our subject, who lives in Mount Olive, was a sister of his first; to them were born six children — Matilda, Lydia, Louisa, Edward F., William L. and Anna, William L. X'iemann secured a good common school education and has been in business in Mount Olive since leaving school. In 1896, in association with his brother, Edward F., whose sketch will be found in this volume, he established the lumber firm of Niemann Brothers, and through the handling of only reliable goods, and by reason of low prices and careful attention, the I usiness has assumed very large proportions. In addition to dealing in lum- ber, they handle lime, cement, paints, oils, sewer tile and builders' supplies of all kinds. ■PW^ 3i8 BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD On June 19, 1898, Mr. Niemann was married to Bertlia Hieronymus. a daughter of William Hieronymus, of Mount Olive, whose sketch appears in this work. They have one son, Wihnot E., who was born July 19, 1899. Mr. and Mrs. Niemann are members of the Lutheran Church. In politics, our subject is a Republican. ANDREW H. SKELTON. Andrew H. Skelton, superintendent of the Girard Coal Company, of Girard, Illinois, is a prominent business citizen of Macoupin County. Mr. Skelton was born in Scotland, January 15, 1867, and is a son of James and Ellen (Hutton) Skelton, the former of whom was born in the North of Ireland. Our subject was 16 years of age when he came to the L'nited States, and he received his education at Coal City, Illinois, and, Valparaiso, Indiana. Mr. Skelton, who is an expert mining engineer, began at the bottom of the ladder, as a coal miner, at the age of 20 years. With the money thus earned. he perfected himself in the profession he wished to follow and in 1887 easily secured employment in the rolling mills of the Illinois Steel Company, at Chicago. There his knowledge of detail work soon advanced him with his superiors and he had been with the company but one month, when he was made foreman in the converting department and three years later became assistant superintendent of that great industry, under Superintendent W. R. Walker. He continued in the rolling mills for some time, where his services were considered very valuable. In 1900 he took the necessary examinations for the position of mine manager, having for a year traveled through mining districts and visited working plants in order to make his knowledge com- plete. In 1900 he opened up the Morris City mine, near Coal City, Illinois, and in 1901 came to Girard, where, in 1902, he was made superintendent of the Girard Coal Company. The important business enterprise, of which Mr. Skelton is the able superintendent, is one of the largest in Macoupin County. The shaft of the mine controlled by this company was built in 1872 and has a capacity of 1,000 tons of coal a day. Although the mine had been in operation some MACOUPIN COUNTY. 319 time, its pay-roll was but $3,000 per month when Mr. Skelton, with his energetic methods, took charge as superintendent. He now employs 262 men, runs the mine to its full capacity and the pay-roll has been increased to $20,000 a month. He is a man who thoroughly understands his business, has been trained to it, and the results are very satisfactory to all concerned. Mr. Skelton was married January 15. 1896, to Margaret Edgar, who is a daughter of Frank Edgar. Mr. and ^Irs. Skelton are members of the Methodist Church. Politically he is a Republican. Fraternally, he is a Mason. JOHN J. ENGLAND. John J. England, agent for the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Rail- road Company, at Girard, Macoupin County, belongs to one of the old and honorable pioneer families of the county to which his great-grandfather came in 1830. He was born at Girard, July 11, 1859, and is a son of the late Samuel and Louisa C. (Smith) England. John England, his grandfather, bought a squatter's claim and also en- tered government land in what is now North Otter township. He married Lina Hall, and they reared 10 children. He died in 1858. Samuel England, father of our subject, was born in Morgan County, Tennessee, February 22, 1820. He became a very prominent and wealthy citizen of Macoupin County. His death took place on his farm of 225 acres, which adjoins the village of Girard. He married a daughter of Moses and Permelia Smith, who died in 1863, mourned by all who knew her. Our subject was educated in the Girard schools and became connected with railroad work in March, 1882. On November 9, 1887, he w-as married to Lizzie E. Rollins, who died February 21, 1894, leaving three children, — Clarence, Albert and Lois. His second marriage, which took place Sep- tember 8, 1897, was to Eva L. Welch, who is a daughter of John and Hattie (White) Welch. Mr. and IMrs. Welch are natives of Philadelphia, Pennsyl- vania, and Burlington, Iowa, respectively. Mr. Welch accompanied his par- ents to Burlington, Iowa, when he was a young man in his "teens." He was a contractor. The family moved to Glen Elder, Kansas, in 1882 and Mr. 320 BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD Welch died March 17, 1883. The mother and family still reside in Glen Elder. Mr. and Mrs. England are valued members of the Christian Church. In politics, Mr. England is a strong Prohibitionist and e.xerts much influence. ARCHIE L. CARTER. Archie L. Carter, postmaster of Medora, Macoupin County, and one of the best known and most popular men in Chesterfield township, was born in this township, in 1871, and is a son of John and Rhoda (Kelsey) Carter. John Carter was born in 1840, also in Chesterfield township, Macoupin County, Illinois, and was a son of Robert and Mary (Whittaker) Carter, both of whom were torn in Yorkshire, England. John Carter, the great- grandfather of our subject, was a ship carpenter by trade and lost his life while at work on a vessel, falling from the dock into the water. After the death of his mother also, Robert Carter, the grandfather of our subject, came to America and settled at Cincinnati, where he lived until 1827, and then came to Illinois. He lived one year at Shawneetown and then went back to Cincinnati where he married Mary Whittaker. They returned to Illinois and located in Chesterfield township, Macoupin County, and here Mr. Carter engaged in farming and also followed his trade of house carpenter, which he had learned in England. The grandmother of our subject was a daughter of English people who came to Cincinnati and in that city John Whittaker built up a large rendering business, the products of which were tallow, glue and other like commodities. Mrs. Carter died in 1843, aged 27 years, leaving two children, John being the eldest. Mr. Carter married Ann Thompson, a native of England, but a resident of Chesterfield township, Macoupin County, for his second wife, and she was the mother of two children. The mother of our subject is a daughter of Robert and Henrietta (Jennings) Kelsey, the former of whom was born in Yorkshire, England, and the latter in the city of London. In 1840 they came to America and located first in Madison County, Illinois, but shortly after moved to Brighton township, Macoupin County, where they took up government land. Mrs. Kelsey still resides on this homestead farm, at the age of 83 years, but MACOUPIN COUNTY. 321 Robert Kelsey died in 1883, in his 65th year. ]Mrs. Carter is the oldest of their seven children. Archie L. Carter obtained his education in the schools of Chesterfield and Brighton townships, and worked on a farm his father gave him, from 1892 until the spring of 1896, carrying on general fanning and stock raising operations. In addition to superintending his farm, he fills many engage- ments as pubHc auctioneer, a business for which he is admirably adapted, possessing a genial presence and a fund of anecdote, combined with much natural humor. It has been said on numerous occasions that his wit attracts more audience than the goods on sale. Since April, 1903, he has been post- master at Medora and thus is one of the busiest as well as one of the most popular men of the locality. In 1892 Mr. Carter married Eva J. Ketchum, who is a daughter of Leonard and Jane (Hay^vard) Ketchum. The Ketchum family is a pioneer one in Illinois, Ira Ketchum, a native of Vermont, having settled in Jersey Cotmty at a very early date and died while his grandchildren were small. His son, Leonard Ketchum, father of Mrs. Carter, was born in 1841 in Chesterfield township, Macoupin Count}\ Two children have been bom to Mr. and Mrs. Carter: Verda Marie, bom January- i, 1893, died June 23, 1899; and Carl Le Roy, bom May 2, 1900. In politics Mr. Carter is a zealous Republican. Fraternally he belongs to the Modem Woodmen of America and the Knights of Pythias. In re- ligious belief, he is a Baptist. * » » DAVID L. BLEY, M. D. Da\-id L. Bley, ;M. D., one of the best known physicians of Macoupin Coimty, Illinois, and a prominent citizen of Staunton, was born November 13, 1853, at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and is a son of the late Dr. George and Elizabeth W. (Lavis) Bley. Dr. Bley is of German and English ancestry. His grandfather, George Bley, was bom in Wurtemberg, Germany, and died at Indiana, Indiana County, Pennsylvania, in i8%5, at the age of 92 years. He was one of the 18 322 BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD few survivors of Napoleon's disastrous campaign to Moscow, and spent a number of years in educational work in Germany, but engaged in farming- after coming to the United States. His six children were: Conrad, at whose home he died; George, father of our subject; John; Philip; Mrs. Sophia Klump; and Mrs. Mary Wallace. Dr. George Bley was born in 1820, at Dettingen, Wurtemberg, Germany, and was 1 1 years of age when he accompanied his parents to America. After securing a common school education, in Pennsylvania, where his father had settled, he was bound out to the drug business, at the age of 13 years. In the course of time, he graduated at the old Philadelphia College of Medicine, and practiced all his life and conducted drug stores, with the exception of three years, when he engaged in farming in Iowa. His death took place at Staunton in 1886. In politics, he was identified with the Republican party. For many years he was a consistent member of the Presbyterian Church. Although he started out in life with but a modicum of means, his judicious investments resulted in the accumulation of a comfortable estate. Dr. George Bley married Elizabeth W. Lavis, who was born August 17, 1823, in Philadelphia, and now is one of the most venerable and highly esteemed residents of Staunton, making her home with her daughter, the widow of the late Dr. Dripps. She is a daughter of David and Mary (Wilson) Lavis, the former of whom was born in Bristol, England, and the latter in New Jersey. Dr. George Bley and wife reared a family of si.x chil- dren, viz : Ellen, who married David C. Wurtz, of Jerseyville, Illinois ; Eliza- beth W., who married Thomas Blair and at her death left one child; George, a resident of Beardstown, Illinois; David L., of this sketch; Robert E., a prominent physician of Bunker Hill ; and Mary L., widow of the late Dr. C. T. Dripps, of Staunton. Dr. David L. Bley is the oldest physician of Staunton, which has been his home, with the exception of a few years, ever since his parents settled here, in 1861. His life, prior to this date, had been spent at various points in Iowa and Illinois, where his father's business interests had called him. After coming to Staunton, our subject attended school until he was 14 years of age, and then entered his father's drug store, in preparation for his medical studies. At the age of 18 years, his father sent him to Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, and he received his degree there in 1875 and returned to Staunton and practiced with his father until 1877, and then spent two MACOUPIN COUNTY. 323 years in practice at Alhambra, Madison County. After the death of his father. Dr. Bley entered into partnership with his brother, Dr. Robert E., who sold his interest to Dr. C. T. Dripps, in 1888, and removed to Edwards- ville and after a few months to Bunker Hill. The partnership of Dr. David and his brother-in-law, Dr. Dripps, continued until the latter's death, in August, 1902. Until January i, 1904, Dr. Bley continued alone, but has found it necessarj- to have assistance again, and has admitted to partnership Dr. Myron \Y. Snell. Fraternally Dr. Bley is a Mason, an Odd Fellow and a Knight of Pythias, belonging to Staunton Lodge, No. 177, A. F. and A. M. ; Elliott Chapter, No. 120, R. A. M. ; St. Omar Commandery, No. 30, K. T., of Litchfield; Staunton Lodge, No. 685, L O. O. P.; and Pamassu Lodge, No. 581, K. of P., of Litchfield. In politics he votes with the Republican party, but takes not very active interest, his large practice absorbing the greater part of his time. Dr. Bley stands very high in professional ranks. EDWARD F. NIEMANN. Edward F. Niemaxx, one of the progressive and successful busines-S men of Mount Olive, IMacoupin County, member of the well known and en- terprising firm of Niemann Brothers, dealers in building lumber, sash, doors, blinds, shingles, lath, builders' supplies, lime, cement, plaster, hair, etc., was bom in Mount Olive, IMarch 26, 1864. He is a son of the late prominent citizen, John C. Niemann and Anna (Stullken) Niemann, the latter of whom still resides in Blount Olive. Mr. Niemann received an excellent common school education and as- sisted his father in his agricultural enterprises prior to embarking in his present business in 1896, in association with his brother, William L. Nie- mann, of whom a sketch will be found in this volume. The business has been constantly expanded until this firm has grown to be the largest of its kind in the county. Its success has been partly on acount of the demand of the public for thoroughly reliable goods and partly through the energy and progressive methods which characterize the manaeement. 324 BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD In 1897 Mr. Niemann was married to Anna Remmert, who is a daugh- ter of the late Henry Remmert, of Mount OHve. They have one child, Lonieda, born March 6, 1898. Mr. Niemann, like his late father, and other members of the family, is a member of the Lutheran Church. He is deeply interested in the development of his section and is prominent in all public spirited enterprises. The Niemann family has long Ijeen one of the wealthiest and most prominent in the southeastern section of the county. JASON N. McELVAlN. The death of Jason N. McElvain, which took place at his beautiful home, in Girard, Macoupin County, Illinois, on February 14, 1904, removed from this section a citizen who had been identified with its development for many years, and one who for a long period, had been considered one of the county's most substantial men and astute financiers. Mr. McElvain was born in Simp- son County, Kentucky, March 19, 1826, and was a son of William and Jane (Neely) McElvain. His age, at the time of decease, was "/•] years, 10 months and 26 days. The father of the late Mr. McElvain was born in Virginia in 1783, and was a son of Andrew McElvain, a member of a family which is still well represented in the Old Dominion. Prior to coming to Macoupin County, in 1850, William McElvain owned and operated large plantations in his native State, but lived a retired life after coming to Illinois. He reared a large family, all of whom have passed away with the exception of three sons — one a resident of Iowa, one of Oregon, and one of Kansas. Until the age of 21 years, the late Mr. McElvain remained in Kentucky. Pushing out then for himself, he came to Illinois and began farm work in Sangamon County. In 185 1 he came to Macoupin County, locating in Nil- wood township, where he remained until 1889, when he moved to Girard. In the intervening years he had accumulated much property and owned 640 acres of some of the choicest land in Macoupin County. Under his im- mediate supervision, he carried on extensive agricultural operations and, MACOUPIN COUNTY. 325 prior to settling in Girard, was known as one of the farmers of prominence in this section. After locating at Girard, Mr. McElvain looked about for the best invest- ment of capital, and, after due consideration, decided to enter into banking, the prevailing conditions giving him assurance of success for a conservative institution which could be backed by large capital in the hands of representa- tive men. Thus came about in 1893 the founding of the People's Bank of Girard, in which Mr. McElvain was one of the heaviest stockholders. From its founding until April, 1903, he was its careful, watchful, conservative president, until the weight of years made him seek relief from official re- sponsibility and he resigned the position which his personality had made so notable. His name has been associated with other business enterprises, al- ways carrying with it a sense of security not always attached to large capi- talists. On February 13, 1851, Mr. McElvain was married to Mary E. Fletcher, who was a daughter of Capt. Job Fletcher, of Sugar Creek, Illinois, after which he came to IMacoupin County and purchased the tract of land upon which his farmhouse now stands. Mrs. McElvain died in x\ugust, 1875. On June 18, 1877, Mr. McElvain was married to Nancy J. Ballinger, who is a daughter of Rev. John H. Ballinger, and four children were born to them, two of whom are deceased, the survivors being Joseph and Pearl. Since 1875 Mr. McElvain had been a consistent, useful and beloved member of the Presbyterian Church, to which he gave most liberal support. From that church, where solemn and befitting services were conducted by Revs. Tarbett and Berr}'hill, the funeral cortege took its way to Girard Cemetery, where all that was mortal of one who had been beloved by family, friends and fellow citizens, was laid to rest. Like many other men of capital and consequence in the business world, Mr. McElvain was simple in his habits and unassuming in his manner. He honored work and respected those who toiled, and in his home there were no menials, all being regarded with consideration, if they deserved it. His beautiful home, with its many comforts, was thoroughly enjoyed, and he did not despise the social promi- nence of himself and famil}', accepting the same, however, with no assump- tion of superiority. It is recorded of him that one of his maxims was "take life as it comes," implying by this, that cheerful acceptance of trials was a ^26 BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD man's duty, a view which his natural genial disposition did much to make easy. The death of a man of Mr. McElvain's character is a loss to any com- munity, but the influence of a life of business integrity, of liberal public spirit, of exemplary Christian effort, will ever remain. In the great loss his family sustained, it had the sincere sympathy of the whole community. Joseph McElvain, the only surviving son of the late Jason N. McElvain, is one of the prominent business men of Girard, junior member of the large dry goods firm of Enslow & McElvain. This business house was estab- lished by Enslow Brothers April i, 1901, and was conducted by them until September i, 1903, when Joseph McElvain purchased a half interest in the business. Removal was soon made to larger quarters, a store space of 40 by 80 feet now being used, and with the introduction of all modern appliances and conveniences business is carried on here with a showing which would be very satisfactory in cities of much larger size. The firm carries a most com- plete and carefully selected stock of goods, and have the prestige of being the largest exclusive dry goods house in Macoupin County. JOHN LOWIS, Jr. John Lewis, Jr., vice-president and director of the Bank of Medora, and the owner of a finely improved farm in Shipman township, Macoupin County, is one of the leading and representative citizens of his locality. He was bom in 1852 in the State of Wisconsin, and is a son of John and Ann (Jackson) Lowis. The parents of our subject were born in Westmoreland, England, and both came of agricultural ancestry. They married in their native shire and in 1850 came to America. They located near Mineral Point, Wisconsin, where Mr. Lowis w-orked in the lead mines until 1858, when they removed to McLeod County, Minnesota, where they purchased a farm upon which they remained until 1866. They then came to Macoupin County, Illinois, set- tling on a farm in section 18, Shipman township. This farm includes a quar- ter section of land, and is now the property of our subject's brother, Charles. MACOUPIN COUNTY. 327 John Lowis accumulated 1,000 acres of land in Christian County. 300 in Ma- coupin, 200 in Jersey County and at one time owned 1,500 acres of highly im- proved real estate. Mrs. Lewis was the first to pass away, her death oc- curring in 1891, at the age of 66 years, and in February, 1896, her hus- band followed her to the grave, when in his 74th year. Nine of their 10 children still sur\-ive, our subject being the second in order of birth. The other members of the family are : George, of Iowa, who has one son, William ; Isabella, housekeeper for her brother in Christian County; Alice A., who married Joseph Offlighter, a lumber merchant at Palmer, Illinois, and has one child — Hallie; Alary J., who married William Kitchell of Christian County, and has 10 children, namely: Arthur, Nellie, Roy, John, Elizabeth, Verna, Richard, Florence, Maria and Helen : William, who in partnership with his brother Joseph, owns 770 acres of land in Christian County; Ruth Elizabeth, who married G. R. Waggoner, a farmer living in section 19, Shipman township, and has five children — Ruth, Ellis, George, Ralph and Carrie; Joseph D. (in partnership with his brother William), who married Carrie Pence and has one son, Frank Ashton : and Charles, living on the homestead farm, who married Lillie Berkamyer, and has one son, Edwin. Christopher died during the residence of the family in Minnesota. During the years spent in Minnesota, the family went through many thrilling experiences, the Indians being abnost continually troublesome and troops being necessary to protect the settlers. In 1864 Mr. Lowis enlisted in Company D, Hatch's Battalion, Minnesota Vol. Cav., at the time of the massacre at New Ulm, and was discharged in the following Februarj'. John Lowis, our subject, who bears his father's name, obtained his edu- cation entirely in Shipman township, and he remained at home until he was 29 years of age, operating the land for himself after his majority. In 1882 he located on his present farm, and since then in addition to making many substantial improvements, has added 250 acres. His farming and stock raising operations are carried on in an extensive manner, his land all ad- joining and being favorably located for both farming and grazing. On March 9, 1882, Mr. Lowis married Augusta Wilton, who is a daughter of George Wilton of Shipman township, and they have had a family of five children, namely: Bertha A., born in December, 1882; Bina 328 BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD Isabelle, born in November, 1885; Edith, born in 1891; John R., born in 1893; and Mary, born in June, 1900. Mr. Lowis has always been deeply interested in educational matters and has served on the School Board for the past 16 consecutive years. In poli- tics he is a Republican. With his family he belongs to the Methodist Church. JAMES WILLIAM RENO. Among the prominent farmers of Macoupin County none has been more successful in his life vocation than has our subject, whose name heads this sketch. He was born in Shipman township, Macoupin County, Illinois, in 1850, and is a son of William S. and Martha (Haycraft) Reno. William S. Reno was born in Bourbon County, Kentucky, in 1810, and came to Illinois about 1843, locating in Shipman township, Macoupin County, in the neighborhood where our subject now lives. He purchased a tract of school property and immediately began the cultivation of the land. Mr. Reno became widely known throughout the county as an honest and upright citizen and became the friend of everyone who came in contact with him. Mr. Reno was married to Martha Haycraft in Kentucky, February 22, 1832, and ten years later removed to Illinois. Mrs. Reno was born in Hardin County, Kentucky, September 29, 1815. They were the parents of six children, namely: Beauford; Lucy, who died at the age of 18 years; Samuel H., who died in Kansas in September, 1890; Mary Elizabeth, who married William Forwood; James William, the subject of this sketch, and Gran- ville G. Mr. Reno died in 1882 while in his 72nd year. James William Reno received his education in Shipman township, Ma- coupin County, and worked on his father's farm until 27 years of age, when he married Mary Jane Mitchell, a daughter of William W. Mitchell, a promi- nent farmer of Shipman township who up to the time of his death resided on a farm in section 16. Mr. Mitchell died in 1885, leaving his wife and four children, of whom our subject's wife was the youngest. At the death pf Mr. Mitchell our subject purchased the former's farm of 160 acres, which he has since cultivated. The mother of our subject's wife died in 1897 while MACOUPIN COUNTY. 329 residing with Mr. Reno. ^Ir. Reno and wife are the parents of seven chil- dren, namely: Sankey, born August 30, 1878, who married Elizabeth Travers, a daughter of Joseph Travers, a prominent farmer of Shipman township: Frederick, bom March 13, 1880; Eulalia, born November i, 1881; Rosa, bom March 19, 1883; William Sidney, born May 30, 1885; Newton, bom March 7, 1888. and Paul, born September i, 1890. Mr. Reno pur- chased his first farm in partnership with his brother in 1877. In 1892 when the partnership was dissolved, they were the owners of 440 acres of finely tilled soil in Shipman township. When they dissolved partnership, our sub- ject took as his interest an 80-acre farm in section 16, where he now resides, and 140 acres in section 9. I^Ir. Reno is engaged in general farming and produces some of the best grain produced in his county. Mr. Reno's political views are Democratic. He has never aspired to any local office and in voting picks his candidates carefully. In fraternal cir- cles he is a member of the Jvlodem \\'oodmen of America and the Mutual Protective League. Religiously he is a member of the Baptist Church. CHARLES R. WALL. Ch.\rles R. WalLj senior member of the banking firm of Wall & Quade, of Staunton, Illinois, and one of the prominent and successful busi- ness men of the southeastern section of Macoupin County, was born at Staunton on June 8, 1862. He is a son of the late Hon. Hampton W. and Isabella (Roseberry) Wall. Hon. Hampton W. \\'all was long one of the prominent men of Macou- pin County, Illinois, where he was born in 1832, and died August 16, 1898. He was the second son of Richard Wall, a pioneer resident of this section, and Lucinda Camp. Mr. Wall was reared on a farm and through his whole life was more or less extensively engaged in agricultural pursuits, although he had many other interests, being a man of business capacity, progressive spirit and political strength. Among his interests outside of farming and stock raising were those of milling and merchandising, in Madison County, where the village of New Hampton was named in his honor. This village 330 BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD is now known as Worden. After locating in Staunton, he engaged in milling and for some years was a dealer in agricultural implements. After selling this business, he entered into banking at Staunton, first with James Taylor, under the firm name of Wall & Taylor, and later, with J. C. Panhorst, under the firm style of Wall & Panhorst, which continued until the death of Mr. Wall. The details of the latter, which resulted in the blotting out of the life of one of the leading citizens of Macoupin County by a murderous hand, are of too recent a date and of too sad a nature, to be recounted in this record. Mr. Wall was a lifelong Democrat and his services to his party were generously rewarded. After serving as supervisor of his township a number of times, he was elected to the State House of Representatives and so ably performed his duties and so carefully looked after the interests of his constitu- ency, that he was re-elected to the lower House and later became a member of the State Senate. Mr. Wall was noted for his conception of the duties of public office and always displayed a noble readiness to fulfill them. He left a large estate, accumulated entirely by his own efforts, and a name for business integrity and private generosity which will keep his memory green. He was gifted in many ways and, had he enjoyed early educational ad- vantages, would have also made his mark at the bar. The late Mr. Wall was thrice married. The first marriage was to Ellen Roseberry, a daughter of Robert Roseberry, and one child was born to this union, who is now Mrs. Alice M. Ferris, of Missouri. The second mar- riage was to his sister-in-law, Isabella Roseberry, and six children were born to them, of whom four grew to maturity and still survive, namely: Mrs. Elizabeth Godfrey, of Staunton; Charles R., of this sketch; William P., a member of the banking firm of Wall & Company, of Staunton; and Mrs. Harriet Campbell, of St. Louis, Missouri. His third marriage was to Mar- tha E. Scroggins, a daughter of William and Keziah Scroggins of Staunton. She still survives, with three children : Lillian M., Mabel E. and Hampton Grover. Charles R. Wall, the immediate subject of this biography, attended the public schools of Staunton until the age of 17 years and then entered the Northern Indiana Normal School, at Valparaiso, Indiana, and completed the course of study there in two years. After his return to Staunton, he became chief clerk for the Consolidated Coal Company, and remained with MACOUPIN COUNTY. 331 this corporation for 12 years. He served in the same capacity with the Staunton Coal Mining Company for six months, and then, in 1898, entered into the banking business with his brother. The business had been conducted for eight years under the firm name of Wall & Panhorst, but, upon its reorganization, after the death of the senior partner, the firm style became Wall Brothers. The present organization, under the name of Wall & Ouade, was effected ]March 25, 1902. To the management and careful conduct of this business, Mr. Wall devotes his en- tire attention, and stands at the head of what is considered one of the safest financial institutions of the county. On September 18, 1885. Mr. Wall was married to Nettie E. Patrick, who was born near Bunker Hill, Macoupin County, and is a daughter of William and Altha Patrick. They have one son, James C, who is a student in the public schools. * ■ > WILLIAM DRUM. William Drum, who was one of the pioneer merchants and highly esteemed citizens of Girard, Macoupin County, was born in Greene County, Illinois, December 17, 1831, and died at his home in Girard, August 29, 1899. He was one of a family of 12 children born to Silas and Mary (Roe) Drum, farming people of Greene County. The late William Drum was educated in the common schools of Greene County and was 14 years of age when he came to Macoupin County. He grew up on a farm and assisted in breaking the land, for at that time few improvements had been made. His inclinations did not lead him to take up an agricultural life, and he learned the brick mason's trade, combined with that of plasterer, which he followed until he removed to Girard to enter upon a mercantile career. In 1872 he formed a partnership with Mr. Bellamy and the business was conducted imtil 1880 under the firm name of Bellamy & Drum. After the dissolution of the partnership, Mr. Drum continued alone and, as his outlook was very good, he decided to build a fine brick store building. He laid the foundations for this substantial structure, with his own hands, and in the handsome building which was soon completed, 332 BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD he conducted a successful business for many years, dealing in groceries and hardware. His honorable dealing, his accommodating manner and his well selected stock, combined with sagacity and untiring industry, all contributed to a great financial success. Mr. Drum was married to Mary McConaughy on December 23, 1856, who died April 7, 1862, leaving one son, Henry, who is in business in a Western State. On February 13, 1868, Mr. Drum married Julia F. Stewart, who is a daughter of Robert Stewart, a native of New Jersey, who came to Macoupin County in i860, where he engaged in farming. The two sur- viving children of this marriage are: Mary Bertha, who is the wife of Mc- Pherson Thompson, a lumber merchant of Girard, and superintendent and manager of the Darlington Lumber Company; and Robert S., of Girard. One child died in infancy. Mr. Drum was a charter member of the Masonic lodge at Girard and took a great interest in its work. Politically he affiliated with the Republi- can party, although he never was willing to accept any party recognition. He was stanch in all his opinions and at no time lacked the courage to express them, but possessed a pleasant, kind manner, which disarmed all criticism and made him hosts of friends. Mrs. Drum is in the enjoyment of a large income provided by his care and forethought. She is, as was her late hus- band, a consistent member of the Christian Church at Girard. 4 » » LEONARD G. BROWN. Leonard G. Brown, one of the prominent citizens of Modesto, Ma- coupin County, part owner and cashier of the Bank of Modesto, is a repre- sentative of one of the pioneer families of the State. He was born in 1867 in Morgan County near Woodson, Illinois, and is a son of George S. and Mary S. (Wood) Brown, and a grandson of Bedford Brown. Bedford Brown came with his family from Kentucky to Illinois in 1828 and located near Jacksonville, Morgan County, but a short distance from where our subject was born so many years later. Bedford Brown died in MACOUPIN COUNTY. 333 1874, aged 70 years, his three surviving children being: Charles, Robert and Mary. Charles Brown is a resident of Divernon, Sangamon County, Illinois, where he owns a farm of 2,000 acres, and is vice-president of the Illinois National Bank of Springfield, belonging also to the directing boards of several other banks. He has one child. Robert Brown is a retired farmer of Hastings, Nebraska, and is a director of one of the Hastings banks. Mary married William Duer, a retired farmer of Hastings, Nebraska, and they have these children — Caroline, William, John, Bessie and Charles. George S. Brown, father of our subject, was the eldest of his parents' children and was the only one born in Kentucky except Reuben. He was five years old when the family came to Illinois and the remainder of his life was passed here, with the exception of two years, when he served in the ^Mexican War. He died in 1893 ™ ^^^^ 7^st year. He married ]\Iary S. Wood, who was born in Kentucky and died in Illinois, in 1900, aged 72 years. She was a daughter of Thomas Wood, who removed in early days to Morgan County, Illinois, where he died at the age of 48 years. But two of Thomas Wood's children still survive: Sarah, who married B. W. Poe, a farmer of North Palmyra township, ]Macoupin County, now a resident of Modesto; and Joseph F., who married Elizabeth Miller and now resides near Modesto, engaged in farming. The three children of George S. Brown and wife are : W. T., Cordelia C. and Leonard G. of this sketch. W. T. Brown is a dealer in musical instruments at Jacksonville, Illinois. He married Annie Thompson, who is a daughter of Howard Thompson, a prominent citizen of Jacksonville, and they have three children: Howard, Hazel and Susie. Cordelia C. married Henry J. Myars, a large land-owner living at San Diego, California, and they ha^•e four children : Susie, who married Bazil Woods of San Diego, California ; George, Lewis and Roy. Leonard G. Brown received his primary education in Morgan and San- gamon counties, later attended the Illinois College at Jacksonville and then took a commercial course at the Jacksonville Business College. He then spent one year working on his father's farm and teaching school. In 1891, in association with his father and Alexander Nevins, he established the Bank of Modesto, of which he is cashier. This band has a cash capital of $10,000, and its stockholders are these well known capitalists : I. B. Vancil, Leonard G. Brown, W. T. Brown, H. J. IMyars and C. Van Winkle, who is assistant 334 BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD cashier. The bank has been a very successful business enterprise and has been conducted along lines which have inspired public confidence. In 1893, Mr. Brown married Ida A. Vancil, who is a daughter of Imri B. and Elizabeth S. (Rice) Vancil, of North Palmyra township, Macoupin County. Mr. Vancil, whose sketch will be found in another part of this work, is one of the best known farmers and capitalists of this county. Four children have been born to this marriage, namely: Ruth, born in 1894; Harlow, born in 1896; Imri, who died at the age of three months; and Lois, born in 1993. Mr. Brown is a valued member of the Jacksonville Presby- terian Church. Mrs. Brown is a member of the Methodist Church of Modesto. Fraternally, the subject of this sketch is both a Mason and an Odd Fellow. Politically he is identified with the Republican party. WILLIAM B. OTWELL. William B. Otwell, farmer and nurseryman, third child of Justinian S. and Eliza E. Otwell, was born in Carlinville, Illinois, on January 27, 1863. His father was a man of sterling character, well thought of by every- body. His mother was a devoted home-maker, in the constant association of her children; her greatest ambition was to see to it that each was given a good education. William B. Otwell spent all of his boyhood days working on the farm in the summer and attending his home district school in the winter. He was energetic, ambitious to get on in the world, and so learned to do things. He graduated from Blackburn University in 1884 and was for 12 years advisory trustee of that institution. After leaving college he taught school in the winter and began the planting of a nin'sery in the summer. When the nursery had grown to be a substantial business, he stopped teaching and de- voted all of his time to his nursery and farm work. Mr. Otwell in politics has always been a strong Republican but has never ran for an office himself. He believes all good men should take an active part in politics. His influence has always been exerted in the manage- MACOUPIN COUNTY. ^ 335 ment of county institutions, such as county fairs, farmers' institutes, and old settlers' associations. His favorite work has ahvays been among farmer or- ganizations and no one in Ilhnois has enjoyed a better acquaintance and stronger influence upon the platform of the farmer's institutes of the State that Will B. Otwell. As an e\idence of his worth at these farmers' institutes, it may be stated in passing that during 1901, 1902 and 1903, Mr. Otwell was invited and made two speeches in each of 57 counties of Ilhnois. And to his effective work among the farmers of Illinois is due, perhaps more that to any other cause, the fact that he was selected by the State commissioners to have entire charge of Illinois agricultural interests at the Lxjuisiana Purchase Exposition held at St. Louis in 1904. The entire Otwell family for four generations back have been strong Methodists. In 1887 William B. Otwell was united in marriage to Mar>' H. Van Winkle of Jklorgan County and to this union five children were born, four of whom were living at the time 1;his sketch was written. Bom and reared on a farm, he has ahvays insisted that farm life was the best life of all. Independent in thought and actions, yet conscious of the rights of others, William B. Otwell has exerted an influence that will live to do good in the lives of others when he is gone. SAMUEL ENGLAND. The late Samuel England was an old and most highly regarded resident of Macoupin County, to which he came with his pioneer parents in 1831. He was born in Alorgan County, Tennessee, February 22, 1820, and was a son of John and Lina (Hall) England. Joseph England, the paternal grandfather, was born in Virginia, and moved into Tennessee as an early settler of IMorgan County. There he o^^•ned land and engaged in farming vmtil 1830, when he again became a pioneer, migrating to Illinois, and settling in Morgan County. His last years were spent with his daughter, ]\Irs. Wilkins, in Marion County. 336 BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD John England, father of the late Samuel England, was born in Virginia, accompanied his parents to Tennessee, and came to Illinois in 1830 with his parents and accompanied by his wife and family of 10 children. In those early days the only mode of transportation was by means of teams and wagons and thus the family exodus from Tennessee was made. The covered wagons, loaded with household goods and accompanied by troops of happy children and their grave parents, were not an unusual sight at that time, the rich promises of fertile lands in Illinois having drawn hither many settlers from older States, anxious to provide for their usually large families. The Englands reached Morgan County after five weeks of necessarily slow travel, and their first winter in their new surroundings was probably their worst, it being the year which has become noted as "the winter of the great snow." In the spring of 1831, they came to Macoupin County, where Mr. England bought a squatter's claim and also entered land from the government in what is now North Otter township. They lived in a log cabin, 14 by 16 feet in dimensions, which was covered with clapboards, rived by hand. The chim- ney was of slabs covered with mud, and the floor was of puncheons, split by hand. In these small quarters, the family lived two years, and then built a larger but no less picturesque log house. When Mr. England was prepared to raise his house, he was obliged to go a distance of eight miles to get neighbors to assist. This new house also had a puncheon floor, and the pimcheon door was fastened with wooden pins instead of nails. From this little home, where the latch-string hospitably hung out, went forth men and women who grew into some of the finest types of citizenship the county ever had. The parents of our subject labored industriously, the father clearing, and cultivating the land, and the mother spinning and weaving cloth for the household raiment, while wholesome tasks were assigned each child. Here the mother died in 1841, and the father in 1858. Our subject first invested in land, in association with his brother-in-law, paying $2.50 an acre, built a small house and a year later sold his interest for $700. His next purchase was of a tract of 80 acres, in North Otter to^^•nship, for which he paid $500. This transaction gave him a little capital and from that time until his death, Mr. England was unusually successful in his business afifairs. At various times he added land to his purchase and lived on that place until 1866, when he sold it and bought his farm adjoin- ing the village of Girard, a well cultivated and most valuable property of MACOUPIN COUNTY. 337 225 acres, which he improved into one of the model rural homes of the county. Mr. England was permitted to spend many happy and useful years. He was well and widely known for his good farming, in earlier days, and latterly for tlie hospitality and kindliness which made him esteemed by all who were admitted to his acquaintance. In his religious views he was a Methodist, and was a liberal supporter of that church. In 1846, Mr. England married Louisa C. Smith, who was a daughter of ;Moses and Permelia Smith. Mrs. England died in 1863, mourned by all who knew her. She was survived by six children : Antoinette, of Girard ; Elias, of Girard; Marshall M., deceased; Permelia E., wife of Henry C. Hamilton, president of the Girard Bank and one of the most enterprising and prominent citizens of the place, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this work; Elizabeth, deceased, wife of John H. Gill; and John J., whose sketch will be found on another page of this volume, who for many years has been the valued agent of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad Company at Girard. JOHN C. NIEMANN. John C. Niem.\nn, deceased, who for many years was a prominent citizen of Mount Olive and an extensive farmer and stock raiser of Macou- pin County, was born at Borgholzhausen, Ravensburg-Halle, Prussia, x\pril 12, 1817, and was a son of Casper Niemann, a prosperous farmer of that locality. Mr. Niemann was educated in the excellent schools of his native land and had learned the management of a farm before he came to the United States. When he landed in Baltimore, Maryland, May 13, 1839, it was with a capital of $3.80, and his first work in America was as a laborer on the Chesapeake & Potomac Canal, which was then in course of construction, where he earned $1.25 per day. He came to Illinois and settled among the pioneers of Macoupin County and, when he located at Mount Olive, was the only German settler for miles around. In 1841 he located on a farm near Carlinville, where he remained three years, but from 1844 until his death he was a resident of Mount Olive. He was interested in the town's early 19 338 BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD business enterprises and was one of the most successful farmers and stock raisers of the township through many years. Mr. Niemann's death took place September 9, 1896. Mr. Niemann was married in 1847 to Margaret Stullken, who was bom in Oldenburg, Germany, and died in September, 1854, leaving three children, viz: Mary, who is the wife of C. J. Keiser, a prominent business man of Mount Olive; Sophia, who is the widow of the late William Niemeyer, of whom a sketch will be found in this volume; and Henry, who died in 1876. Mr. Niemann's second marriage was to his sister-in-law, Anna Stullken, who still survives with these children : Matilda, Lydia, Louisa, Edward P., William L. and Anna. Mr. Niemann's sons form the firm of Niemann Brothers, extensive dealers in lumber, lime, cement, paints, oils, sewer pipe and building material of all kinds. This firm was established in 1896 and is known all through Macoupin County, not only for its enterprise, but for its honest methods and perfect reliability. In politics, Mr. Niemann was a lifelong Republican, but was no aspirant for political honors. He was one of the pillars of the Lutheran Church in Mount Olive, and was a man who commanded the respect of all who knew him, both in business and private life. HON. HAMPTON W. WALL Hon. Hampton W. Wall, who for many years was one of the promi- nent, influential and successful men of Macoupin County, identified with its agricultural, business and political life, was born November 10, 1831, in Macoupin County, and was a son of Richard and Lucinda (Camp) Wall, being the younger of their two children. His brother's name was Pahram. Mr. Wall received a district school education and early in life became dependent upon his own resources. He worked at farm work, "mauled" rails, by the month, and made and saved money from the beginning. He became the owner of a farm in Madison County, Illinois, which he operated, MACOUPIN COUNTY. 339 in connection with a general store at the village of New Hampton, named in his honor at the time. This store he sold, at a later date, to an employee named Worden, and after Mr. Wall removed to Macoupin County, the name was changed to Worden, which name the village still bears. After locating in Staunton. Mr. Wall became interested in a milling business, eventually selling it and entering into the implement business, in which he continued a number of years. All his ventures proved successful. A large part of his working capital was obtained through his energy-, enterprise and foresight in the buying and shipping of horses and mules, during the Civil War. After disposing of his implement business, Mr. Wall entered into part- nership with James Taylor in a private banking business, under the firm name of Wall & Taylor. Failing health caused Mr. Taylor to withdraw, and Mr. Wall entered into partnership with J. C. Panhorst, and this congenial and profitable partnership was continued until the calamity occurred which resulted in the death of Mr. Wall, from a murderous assault, on August 16, 1898. The distressing details of this sad afifair, which caused a united family to be bereft of a kind husband and father, a community to lose one of its foremost citizens and a State to regard with horror and g^ief the sudden death of an honored stateman, have been spread upon the pages of the public press, and the biographer turns aside, better satisfied to contemplate the works which reflect honor upon his memory. In political conviction, Mr. Wall was a stanch Democrat, and in the many positions to which he was advanced by his party, he was a zealous advocate of its principles, but was never swerved from the path of duty, by friend or foe. Twice elected to the State House of Representatives and once to the State Senate, he gave his whole mind to the forming and passing of just laws and such is his public record. Locally he filled many of the offices and practiced law in the justice courts, although never admitted to the bar. He had a natural comprehension of law and jurisprudence and was often heard to regret tliat he had not, early in life, devoted himself to serious study of the law. The death of such a man is a serious loss to any com- munity. Mr. Wall was thrice married. His first marriage was to Ellen Rose- berry, a daughter of Robert Roseberry. At her death she left one daughter, now Mrs. Alice M. Ferris, of Missouri. His second marriage was to his sister-in-law. Isabella Roseberry, the second daughter of Robert Roseberry, 340 BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD and six children were born to them, viz : Mrs. Elizabeth Godfrey, of Staun- ton ; Charles R., of the banking tirm of Wall & Ouade, of Staunton; William P., a member of the banking firm of Wall & Company, of Staunton; Mrs. Harriet Campbell, of St. Louis, Missouri, and two that died in infancy. Mr. Wall for his third wife married the lady who still sur- vives him, Martha E. Scroggins, who is a daughter of William and Keziah Scroggins of Staunton. The three children of this union are : Lillian M., Mabel E. and Hampton Grover. The family still reside at Staunton, where Mr. Wall's sons look after the large financial interests, from which he was so suddenly called. In every circle, the family has been of prominence for many years. Mrs. Wall resides in Staunton, and has a wide circle of friends. LEWIS F. BECKER. Lewis F. Becker, a prominent citizen of Virden, Macoupin County, who has carried on an extensive contracting and building business for a number of years, was born July i, 1854, in St. Louis, Missouri. He is a son of John George and Catherine (Steelier) Becker. Our subject comes of German parentage, his father being a native of Bavaria, and his mother of Hesse-Cassel. The former came to America in 1850 and the latter, in 185 1, and they were married in 1852. They reared a family of five children, viz: Lewis P., Anna, Amelia, Oscar (now deceased) and Carrie. Three children died in infancy : Ida and Wyant, who died at the age of three years, and an infant that died when two days old. Our subject's parents removed in 1861 from St. Louis, Missouri, to Virden, which has continued to be their residence ever since, Mr. Becker being largely in- terested in contracting and building. Lewis F. Becker has been a resident of Virden since he was seven years of age and for this reason looks upon this city in almost the same light as if he had been born here. Here he was educated and to the improvement and building up of Virden he has devoted the energies of a very busy and suc- cessful life. The handsome appearance and substantial character of the leading business houses and many of the private residences, testify to his MACOUPIN COUNTY. 341 practical ideas as well as to his constructive ability. He has taken an active part in civic affairs, has served most usefully on the City Council, has been a member of the School Board, and by personal effort and financial assistance has promoted the enterprises uhich ha\e served to place \'irden among the prospering cities of Macoupin County. There is a great dift'erence in citizen- ship, and ^Ir. Becker has always belonged to that class which is ready and willing to put aside private interests when the welfare of the public is at stake. On February 21, 1877, ilr. Becker was married to Caroline Bajohr, who was bom in Jerseyville, Illinois, and is a daughter of Bernard and Martha Bajohr, both of whom were born in Germany. They have eight children living: Fred, Ota, Ada, Oscar L., Anna, Carrie, Albert and Russell. One child died in infancy. 'Sir. Becker has been a member of the Masonic fratemit}'- for many years and is locally connected with \''irden Lodge, No. 161, in which he has served as Worshipful Master and is at present secretary. Mr. Becker and family are much esteemed in Virden and he is considered one of the city's substantial and representative men. SCOTT ETTER. Scott Etter, city attorney of Palmyra, a leading citizen and Demo- cratic politician, and the editor and proprietor of the Transcript, one of the outspoken and influential newspapers of ilacoupin County, is a descendant 6f some of the best pioneer stock of this section of the State. 'Sir. Etter was bom October 30. 1875. in South Palmyra township, Macoupin County, and is a son of James and Flora (Ritchie) Etter. Tracing the Etter family as far back as our subject's great-grandfather, we find that Henrj- Etter was born in Wythe County, \^irginia. and removed to Eastern Tennessee at the age of 23 years. He married Elizabeth Parks, a member of a family which had migrated from New England to Tennessee, and they had a family of 12 children, the seventh in order of birth being Henr}', the grandfather of our subject. In 1S27 the elder Henry Etter re- moved with his familv to Greene Countv, Illinois, settling three miles 342 BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD southeast of Greenfield. He was the pioneer settler in his neighborhood, only a few other families having located in the township. In 1836 he re- moved to Alacoupin County and settled on section 9, in what is now Western Alound township, on a farm now occupied by George Etter. At that early day few settlers had found homes here and pioneer conditions existed for a number of years. Mr. Etter bought a claim of 120 acres and entered 280 additional acres, much of this property still remaining in the possession of the family. Henry Etter, Jr., grandfather of our subject, became a prominent citizen of Macoupin County, although he enjoyed in youth few educational oppor- tunities. On November 14, 1844, he married Asbereen Elizabeth Davidson, who was born ^lay 12, 1824, in Barren County, Kentucky, and was a daugh- ter of E. and Margaret (Wright) Davidson and a granddaughter of John Davidson, who migrated to America from Scotland. Mr. Etter and wife engaged in farming in Western Mound township until 1845, \vhen they moved to the present farm of our subject in section 16, South Palmyra town- ship. Mr. Etter accumulated 480 acres of land, but. with the exception of 160 acres, has given all to his children. He was born May 14, 1820, and, although advanced in years, still retains the management of his homestead. The children of Henn,- Etter, Jr., were: George; James; Smith, deceased; and Elijah, a resident of Waverly, Illinois. James Etter, father of our subject, is now a retired farmer of South Palmyra. He married Flora Ritchie, who died in 1900. Mrs. Etter was a daughter of E. W. Ritchie, a farmer of South Palmyra township. Scott Etter attended the Palmyra schools and was graduated at the Palmyra High School in 1892. It had required considerable eflfort and self denial on the young man's part to accomplish this satisfactory result. The successful passage through high school entails expenses for suitable books, apparatus, etc., and the means for defraying these expenses he earned by working in the rock quarries on his father's farm. Doubtless this was ex- cellent discipline, at any rate it goes to show that Mr. Etter is not one to per- mit adverse conditions to discourage him in the pursuit of his chosen aim. Much of his subsequent career has made this manifest. For a period he taught school in Macoupin Count\', and from 1896 to 1897 was the able principal of the Modesto High School. He then removed to Palmyra and entered upon the study of the law with Frank M. Solomon, with whom he MACOUPIN COUNTY. 343 later formed a law partnership. When this was dissolved in 1898, he entered into partnership with Hon. James B. Searcy, at that time a member of the State Legislature. This connection was severed in 1900, since which time Mr. Etter has conducted his practice alone, Mr. Searcy locating at Carlin- ville. Since 1895 ^^^- Etter has been a prominent factor in Democratic poli- tics in this section and has been a delegate to all important conventions. One notable one was the i6th Congressional Convention, which finally elected T. J. Selby, after a deadlock and the taking of 2,531 ballots. He was also a delegate to the convention which nominated J. B. Rieks as judge of the Supreme Court of Illinois. In 1891 his abilities were recognized by election as city attorney of Palmyra, an office he has since held by acclamation. On November 7, 1898, he purchased the Transcript, one of the leading news- papers of the county and one which commands attention on account of the ability with w^hich it is conducted. Since April 17, 1901, he has been one of the directors of the F. A. of A. Insurance Company. Until 1903 he was one of the principal stockholders of the Electric Light & Telephone Company of Palmyra, of which he was the promoter. He has been very active in all public spirited movements, and by voice, pen and means, encourages every- thing which promises to be of substantial benefit to this section. On October 31, 1900, Mr. Etter was married to Frances M. Butcher, who is a daughter of Wesley Butcher, who died January 7, 1892. Mrs. Etter is proficient in music and at the time of her marriage was a teacher of music at Carlinville. They have a son, Roscoe, who was born November 9, 1901, and a daughter, Frances, born February 24, 1904. Both Mr. Etter and wife are members of the Christian Church. Fraternally he is an Odd Fellow and a Knight of Pythias. THOMAS E. ELLIMAN. Thomas E. Elliman, a prominent general farmer and stock raiser of Gillespie township, Macoupin County, owning and operating a fine farm of 240 acres, situated in sections 15 and 22, was born in Butler Grove township, 344 BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD Montgomery County, Illinois, October 14, 1875. He is a son of William and Louise (Casselberry) Elliman. William Elliman, the grandfather of our subject, was born at Cheap- stead, Surrey Lane, now a part of the city of London, England, and was a son of a clergyman of the Established Church. He brought his family to America and located in Macoupin County, Illinois, when his son William was II years of age, and here he died at the age of 46 years. He was a baker by trade, although for generations the family calling had been the Church. His children were : Mrs. Elizabeth Raymond, of Macoupin County ; William, of Butler, Montgomery County; Mrs. Katherine Coffee, of Ma- coupin County; Mrs. Mary Cromwell, of Macoupin County; Harry, of Butler, Montgomery County; Mrs. Emma Young, of St. Louis, Missouri; and Thomas, deceased. William Elliman, father of our subject, was born October 25, 1843, ^^ Cheapstead, London, and, as noted, was a lad of 11 years when he came to Macoupin County. For many years he was connected with railroad work, was frieght agent for the "Big Four" Railroad at Litchfield, agent for the Wabash road at Litchfield, ticket agent at Butler, and for three years was deputy county clerk. On account of failing eyesight, he turned his attention to farming and is one of the substantial agriculturists of Montgomery County, living near Butler. In politics he is a stanch Democrat and an influential man in his party. In religious belief he is an Episcopalian. Two daughters were born to his first marriage: Mary Elizabeth, who resides at home; and an in- fant, deceased. His second union was with Louise Casselberry, who was born in Belleville, Illinois, and is a daughter of Charles and Louise Casselberry, natives of Indiana. An uncle of our subject, Evans Casselberry, who died at St. Louis some eight years ago, was very prominently identified with the school system of that city, and a leading member of the bar. Two children were born to this marriage — Thomas E. and Charles, the latter being de- ceased. Thomas E. Elliman has had most excellent educational advantages. Af- ter graduating from the Butler High School, he studied two years at Black- burn University at Carlinville and then entered upon the study of medicine. However, he subsequently ended his professional studies and turned his at- tention to agricultural pursuits, being his father's only son, and the heir to a large amount of real estate. Mr. Elliman has proved his choice a wise one, SAMUEL GRAY. MACOUPIN COUNTY. 347 his success having been continuous ever since he took charge of his present farm in 1901. While thoroughly practical, Mr. Elliman is also a scientific farmer, applying the principles of the whole circle of sciences in the intelli- gent management of his land. He has large herds of fine Shorthorn, Dur- ham and Hereford cattle, Shropshire sheep and Poland-China and Duroc swine. He also raises horses and makes hay and corn his leading farm crops. In June, 1900, Mr. Elliman married Mary B. Barrett, who was born July 4, 1880, at Butler, Illinois, and is a daughter of Jesse C. and Emma (Hutchison) Barrett. Jesse C. Barrett was born May 30, 1839, at Deer- field, Indiana, and came to Illinois a young man to make his own way. For 15 years he was superintendent of schools in Montgomery County and a teacher all his life. He was a son of Hon. Elisha E. Barrett, a Democrat in politics, who was a member of the State Legislature during the administra- tion of President Lincoln. The parents of Mrs. Elliman now live retired on a farm. She is the third member of their family of four children, the others being : Mrs. Nettie Neely, of St. Louis, Missouri ; James, an instructor at the State University; and Anita, who is living at home. Mr. and Mrs. Barrett belong to the Methodist Church. In politics Mr. Elliman is a Democrat and has served as township clerk. Fraternally he is a Master Mason and is connected with Gillespie Lodge, No. 214, A. F. & A. M. In religious belief he is a Presbyterian. SAMUEL GRAY. Samuel Gray, one of the old and highly esteemed citizens of Macoupin County and a leading agriculturist of Gillespie township, the owner of a fine farm of 258 acres, situated in sections 6, 7, 8 and 17, was born February 10, 1839, in Gillespie township. He is a son of William and Eliza (De Crow) Gray. The Gray family is one of the pioneer families of this county. James Gray, the grandfather of our subject, an Irishman by birth, came here in 1824, entering land on Coup's creek, where he resided until his death, at the age of 75 years. His children were : James, Samuel, Menoah, Julia, Elizabeth, 348 BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD Polly, Matilda, William, Mrs. I^Iaria Maxwell, ]Mrs. Lucy Clark and Mrs. Jane James. Julia, Elizabeth and Matilda married brothers of the McKinsey family. William Gray was born on the James River in \'irginia, and he was 23 years of age when he came to Illinois, in 1824. He entered land here and paid his taxes with sales of coonskins and beeswax. His destination was Carlinville, but the few log cabins which formed the village were so incon- spicuous that he could scarcely believe he had reached the settlement. Of this place he soon became a leading factor. Like other pioneers he possessed much inventive genius and the agricultural implements he required he was able to construct himself. As game was abiuidant he spent much time in hunting and our subject can recall when 16 deer at one time hung ready to be preserved for future use, all having been killed by his father. In those days the mothers of the families were equally ingenious and industrious, making all the materials for the garbing of the family on their busy looms and riding on horseback many miles to the nearest markets to dispose of their butter and eggs. Mr. Gray entered land in Christian County, earning money to pay the entering fee by making rails at a "bit" a hundred. His death took place in Christian County where he left a good farm of 120 acres. He was a Demo- crat in his political views. For a long time he was a major in the local militia. Although a man of little book education, he was possessed of much native in- telligence. In religion he was a Baptist. He married Eliza De Crow, who was born in Maryland, of French ancestry and could speak the French language fluently. These children were born to this union, namely : Mrs. Elizabeth Gibbs, deceased; James, deceased; Mrs. Mary Johnson, of Missouri; Mrs. Julia Armstrong, of Morrisonville. Christian County ; William, deceased, who was wounded in the battle of Shiloh, during the Civil War, his brother Samuel receiving injuries in the same battle; Samuel, of this sketch; Mrs. Anna Reed, deceased; Jackson, deceased; David, of Alton, Illinois; Elijah, deceased; and Mrs. Priscilla Record. Samuel Gray was reared on the home farm and attended the district schools of his neighborhood. When the Civil War came upon the land, he was one of the first loyal young men to respond from Carlinville, enlisting in Company C, 32nd Reg., Illinois Vol. Inf., under Col. John A. Logan. His regiment was sent to the Army of the Tennessee and during two years he participated in some of the most serious battles of the great war. Survivors can not hear the names of Fort Henry, Fort Donelson, Shiloh and Corinth MACOUPIN COUNTY. 349 mentioned, without recalling appalling scenes of carnage. At Shiloh he was wounded; after the battle of Corinth, he, with other sick and injured, was sent by Governor Richard Yates, Sr., to the Marine Hospital at St. Louis, where, after six months of convalescence, he was honorably discharged for disability, October 16, 1863. Mr. Gray returned to the farm in Christian County, where he lived for 18 months, removing then to his present farm in Gillespie township, which has been his home ever since. Here Mr. Gray has carried on extensive general farming and stock raising, having 170 acres under cultivation. He has made many valuable and substantial improvements on his property and has set out an apple, peach and pear orchard of 6,000 trees. On February 12, 1863, Mr. Gray was married to Sarah B. Bell, who was born in Marion County, Ohio, March 26, 1847, ^"^ is a daughter of William J. and Katherine (Bushy) Bell, and children have been bom to them, as follows: Julia A., who died at the age of nine years; Wilson Dennis, a farmer of Gillespie township, who married Minnie Taylor and has five children — Roy E., Samuel, Clara B., Joseph F., and Mildred E. ; Cora A., who is at school; and five others who are now deceased. Fraternally Mr. Gray belongs to the Grand Army of the Republic. In politics he is identified with the Republican party. He is serving at present as school director. Formerly he was a member of the Methodist Church. His portrait accompanies this sketch. MAHLON ROSS. Mahlon Ross^ one of the retired citizens of Virden, where for many years he has been prominent in professional life as the senior member of the law firm of Ross & Ross, and has also been identified with the business in- terests of the place, was born November 12, 1821, in Mercer County, Penn- sylvania, and is a son of Edward C. and Mary (Axtel) Ross. The Ross family was originally from New Jersey and in that State both our subject's father and grandfather were bom. The family removed to Washington County, Pennsylvania, where Edward C. was reared and 350 BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD educated. After his marriage he settled on a farm of 200 acres in Sandy Creek township, Mercer County, Pennsylvania, where he lived until 1835, when he sold this property, which he had mucli improved, and removed to Delaware County, Ohio, where he proposed to clear and improve a large tract of land, but his death took place in the following year, at the age of 52 years. This calamity left a widow and nine children, who remained on this farm until 1839, when they sought a new home in the then Territory of Iowa, Mrs. Ross securing a government claim in Linn County. She was the moving spirit for some years in all the changes of the family, and perhaps no more capable or self-denying woman ever lived. Her memory is treasured by her children, whose welfare it was her continual desire to promote. She died in 1846, having lived to see the farm under cultivation and well im- proved, and her children all on the high road to success. In the work incident to the settlement in Linn County, Iowa, our sub- ject was his mother's right-hand helper. He was 18 years of age at this time and his schooling was finished, his education having been obtained in the subscription schools in the neighborhoods where his parents had lived, and at the Mission Institute at Quincy, Illinois, where he remained from 1842 to 1846. He was thus prepared for teaching and was employed one summer in Missouri and one summer and one winter in Greene County, Illinois. His vacations were made profitable in every way that opportunity offered, as as- sistant on neighboring farms and also as chain boy in surveying expeditions, a notable example of the latter being during the survey of the Territorial road from Davenport to Iowa City, at a time when a log cabin was the only house then standing in the present bustling and important city of Cedar Rapids. All this time, however, the youth was cherishing an ambition, and under the most unfavorable conditions managed to prepare himself for the law, and in 1850 was admitted to the bar. After a short practice at Hardin, Calhoun County, Illinois, he went to Carrollton, and in 1854 located in Virden, where for almost a half century he has been one of the leading mem- bers of the bar of Macoupin County. Natural ability he possessed to a high degree and he successfully waged legal contests with other men in his pro- fession, who already had become eminent and many of whom later gained national reputations. It is recalled of Mr. Ross, that he was long considered a very formidable opponent on account of his ready wit and flow of language, as well as for his clear comprehension of every case he ever undertook. After MACOUPIN COUNTY. 351 years of activity, he retired to private life, taking with him the cordial esteem of his co-workers, the respect of the community and the affection of those who have been permitted to enter into close association with him. Mr. Ross was married in 1857 to Harriet E. ^L Roberts, who was born June 27, 1825, and is a daughter of Joel and Tabitha (Fellows) Roberts, and five children were bom to them, of whom three died in infancy. Those living are : -\lva and Ella. It may be truthfully said that the mantle of the father has fallen on his son, for Alva Ross since his father's retirement has entered upon a bril- liant individual career, and has pushed to the front until to-day he is recog- nized as one of the leading attorneys of the Macoupin County bar. He was educated in the public schools of Virden, Jacksonville Business College and Xorthwestern University's Law School at Chicago, Illinois, where he was graduated in law in 1890. In the following June he was admitted to the bar and was admitted to partnership by his father, the firm name of Ross & Ross then coming into existence. From the first it was a strong one and to it has been entrusted much of the important litigation of the count}'. Our venerable subject has filled many positions of trust and responsi- bility in Virden, being at all times a man whose life and character reflected honor upon his communitj'. While interested in all public spirited efforts and contributing service, time and financial aid, his real life has been more that of a thinker and scholar. His pen has often strayed into literary eft'ort and his papers, if collected, would show deep learning, close reasoning and the careful consideration of a wide range of subjects. In his beautiful home in Virden, his fine library is his chosen spot, and here the evening of life is peacefully enjoyed by this citizen of Virden, who is the center of his fellow citizens' good will. FREDERICK SCHULTZ. Frederick Schultz, a highly respected retired citizen of Staunton. Ma- coupin County, was born November 10, 1834, in Brunswick, Germany, and is a son of Frederick Schultz, who was a farmer in Germany. Frederick Schultz of this sketch lost his mother in infancy. He is the 352 BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD only son in the family of five children born to his parents, and the only member of the family to come to America. He began farm work in his own country at the age of 14 years, hiring out by the year as was the custom there. When he was 21 years of age, he sailed from Bremen to New York City, which he reached after a voyage of four weeks. His objective point was Belleville, Illinois, where he secured work in the coal mines, and where he continued until 1875, when he moved to Staunton. Mr. Schultz worked in the mines at Staunton until 1903, and then retired from activity, having in the meantime accumulated a competency which is well invested. He is a self made man, one who has fairly earned all he possesses. In 1866 Mr. Schultz was married to Mary Leipoldt. who was born in October, 1839, in Germany, and who came to America in 1865. They have three children : Peter, who is a mine worker and lives at home ; Henry, who follows the same vocation and also lives at home; and Mrs. Minnie Baum, who has one child — Edna. Mr. Schultz has generally voted with the Democratic party, although, in some campaigns, he has not been in full accord and has cast his vote with the Republicans. He has his own convictions and sometimes votes more for the man than for the party he represents. He is a consistent member of St. Paul's Reformed Lutheran Church. Mr. Schultz is much esteemed in Staun- ton, where his industry, his honesty and kind, neighborly qualities ha\e at- tracted to him a wide circle of friends. * « » WILLIAM H. SCHELM. William H. Schelm, one of the leading business citizens of Brighton. ]Macoupin County, where he conducts a blacksmith shop, was born in Brigh- ton in 1865, and is a son of Henry and Amelia (Brummer) Schelm. Henry Schelm was born in 1835 in Brunswick, Germany, and came to America and located at Brighton in 1863. In 1866 he married Amelia Brummer, who was also born in Germany and came to America with her parents when six years of age. Her father. Charles Brummer, was a mer- chant in Germany, but after locating in Brighton township, Macoupin MACOUPIX COUNTY. 353 County, he followed farming. He died in 1866 at the age of 62 years, sur- vived by his widow until 1880, when she was 75 years of age. Mrs. Schelm was the j-oungest of 1 1 children. She still survives, residing at Brighton, in her 55th year. Henry Schelm died in 1889, leaving seven children, our sub- ject being the eldest. William H. Schelm obtained his education in the schools of Brighton township and also learned his trade on the farm, working for a time in the village and township, and then erected a complete and well appointed shop in Brighton. In addition to this building, he owns a dwelling and store. His skill as a workman is so well known that he enjoys a large patronage. In 1889 Mr. Schelm married Henrietta Lauck, who was the fifth mem- ber of a family of six children born to Henry and Elizabeth (Cook) Lauck. Mr. Lauck was born in Germany and came to America with his mother and three brothers in 1855, when he was 26 years of age. The family landed at New Orleans and came immediately to Brighton, where Mr. Lauck has followed the carpenter trade ever since, being the builder of many of the substantial structures in this vicinity. Mrs. Schelm died March 31, 1904, at the age of 35 years, 1 1 months and 26 days. Our subject has six bright, intelligent children, namely : Hilda, born October 23, 1890; Alma, born May 26, 1892; Carl, born February 2, 1895; Ruth, born August 3, 1897; Viola, born October 10, 1900; and Paul, born September 3, 1903. In politics, Mr. Schelm is a stanch supporter of Democratic principles. He belongs to a number of fraternal organizations, notably the Modem Woodmen of America, Royal Circle and the German Harugari. With his family, he belongs to and liberally supports the Evangelical Church. GIDEON B. LOPER. Gideon B. Loper, one of the extensive farmers and substantial citizens of Western Mound township, Macoupin County, owning a fine farm of 913 acres in Macoupin County, was 1x)rn in W^estern Mound township, June 3, 1842. He is a son of Adrian W. and Susan (Keller) Loper. 354 BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD James Loper, the grandfather of Gideon B., was probably born in New Jersey; he was a sea-faring man, and his two vessels did good service for his country during the War of 1812, which, however, resulted in his losing them. He then turned his attention to agricultural pursuits, and with his wife and two children started for Indiana, crossing the Alleghany Mountains with his household goods packed in a one-horse wagon. For a time he lived in the vicinity of Fairfield, Indiana, but in 1829, he removed to Greene County, Illinois. In 1831 he became one of the first settlers of Chesterfield township, Macoupin County, Illinois, where he passed his remaining years. Adrian W. Loper, father of Gideon B., was the second member of his parents" family of seven children. He became a large land-owner and promi- nent farmer, leaving an estate of 215 acres at the time of his death. On December 22, 1837, he married Susan Keller, who was born in Crawford County, Indiana, September 14, 1818, and died June 6, 1896. She was a daughter of John Keller who was born in Maryland and accompanied his parents in youth to Kentucky. There he was reared and married, removing to Crawford County Indiana, in 1800, being one of the earliest settlers. There he purchased a tract of wild land and later bought land in Coles County, Illinois, which he sold in 1836 to remove to Chesterfield township, Macoupin County, Illinois, where he was also a pioneer. Here he developed a fine farm. Gideon B. Loper obtained, his education in the schools of his native township and remained at home, assisting his father on the homestead farm, 120 acres of which he owns. In addition to this valuable property, Mr. Loper owns 1,493 aci'es throughout the States of Illinois and Kansas, and also numerous town lots in various cities. In 1867, Mr. Loper was married to Virginia Carr, who is a daughter of Macabus and Mary (Bates) Carr, who were born in Tennessee. Mr. Carr came to Macoupin County and at the time of his death, in 1874, in his 59th year, he was a large farmer of Western I\Iound township. Five children were torn to this marriage: Ary O., Annetta, Mattie V., Orin B., and Horace G. The eldest son is operating the homestead farm. He mar- ried Ella Brannan, who is a daughter of James T. and Sarah Ann (Hinkle) Brannan, and they have reared two children — Ora and Oma. Annetta mar- ried A. C. Chism, a farmer of Bird township, who is a son of Bostick Chism of Western Mound township, and they have four children — Frank, Floyd, MACOUPIN COUNTY. 355 Henry and Evelyn. Mattie \'. married William Henry Dams, a merchant at Chesterfield, and they have one child — Cressa Viola. Orin B. Loper, a general merchant at Chesterfield, married Mabel Moore, who is a daughter of Louis P. i\loore. Horace G. Loper assists on the homestead farm. He mar- ried Ora Regsbey, daughter of a large stock buyer of Chesterfield township, and they have two children — Rhea and Corinne. In politics Mr. Loper is identified with the Requblican party. Fratern- ally he is a Mason. In religious belief he is a Baptist. OTTO E. QUADE. Otto E. Ou.\de, one of the representative business citizens of Staun- ton, Illinois, junior member of the banking firm of Wall & Quade, of Staun- ton, was born in this city, January 31, 1875, and is a son of the late William and Mary (Voglesang) Quade. The Quade family is of German ancestry, and both of the parents of our subject were born in that country. William Quade came to the United States in 1870 and settled in Illinois, where he engaged for a time in coal mining. Later he entered into the liquor business and in 1890 erected the fine hotel in Staunton known as the Hotel Quade, a modern structure fitted with every convenience demanded by the critical traveling public of the times. Mr. Quade conducted this excellent hostelry himself until his death, in 1899, at the age of 66 years. He is survived by his widow and four of his six children, viz : Johanna, wife of Rudolph Dreibholz, the present proprietor of the Hotel Quade; Lena A., wife of the former postmaster, W. F. Hack- man; Otto E., of this sketch; and William G., of West Depere, Wisconsin, who is assistant secretary and treasurer of the Burns Boiler & Manufacturing Company. Otto E. Quade has always had his residence in Staunton and is devoted to the city's interests. Until he was 14 years of age, he attended the paro- chial schools and then spent a year at Walther College, St. Louis, returning to enter his father's employ, as clerk of the Hotel Quade. In 1898 he be- 20 356 BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD came clerk in the Staunton Post Office, and served four years under Post- master W. F. Hackman. In 1902 he entered into the banking business, in association with Charles R. Wall, and the firm of Wall & Quade carries con- siderable weight with it in financial circles. He is the secretary' of the Staun- ton Loan & Building Association, and of the Staunton Home Association. Fraternally Mr. Quade is connected with Parnassus Lodge, Xo. 581, Knights of Pythias, of Staunton; and of the Elks Lodge, No. 654, of Litch- field. Personally Mr. Quade is a man of winning exterior and pleasing and courteous manner. His business sagacity has been recognized and both he and his business partner enjoy the fullest measure of public confidence. JOHN GEORGE BECKER. John George Becker, one of the best known and most highly regarded citizens of Virden, Illinois, who has been a prominent factor in the city's business life for more than 40 years, was born June 15, 1828, in Bavaria, Germany, and is a son of John Philip Becker, who died in his native land in 1874, at the age of 74 years. Until he was 13 years old, our esteemed subject attended school and laid the foundations upon which reading, experience and association with the world have built a comprehensive education. Mr. Becker was the son of a practical farmer, who encouraged him to learn a self-supporting trade, and before he was 16 years old he was apprenticed to a local cabinet-maker. He became a skilled workman and followed his trade in various parts of Ger- many until 1850, when he came to America. His passage was taken on the sailing vessel "Calender," from Havre to New Orleans, which city he finally reached after a long and wearying voyage of 52 days. The Southern city did not offer the business opportunities he sought, and after two weeks of sight- seeing, he traveled up the Mississippi River to St. Louis, where he remained until 1 86 1. At this time Virden was not the bustling little city it has since become. Mr. Becker saw here a fine opening as a builder and contractor; taking advantage of it, he not only assured his own business success, but ad- MACOUPIN COUNTY. 357 vanced the interests of the place. His large building and contracting opera- tions opened the way for other enterprises and the growth of Virden may be noticed from that time. The excellence of Mr. Becker's work is shown on every hand, in the substantial structures planned and erected by him. For many years he stood at the head of this industry and he holds the record of having erected the first brick building in Virden. Mr. Becker's enterprise kept up with the city's increase in financial importance, and the first brick building in 1866 was succeeded by the fine mansions and substantial business houses which now adorn the city. In June, 1852, Mr. Becker was married to Catherine Stecher, who was born in Hesse-Cassel, Germany : Eight children were born to them, five of whom grew to maturity, namely: Lewis F., Anna, Amelia, Oscar (deceased) and Carrie. Ida and Wyant died at three years of age and an infant unnamed died when only two days old. For many years Mr. Becker has been a Free Mason and is connected with Virden Lodge, No. 161. WILLIAM P. WALL. WiLLi.vM P. Wall, one of the leading business men and substantial citizens of Staunton, Macoupin County, a member of the banking firm of Wall & Company, was born April 18, 1870, at Staunton, and is a son of the late Hon. Hampton W. Wall, extended mention of whom will be found in this volume. Completing the public school course at the age of 17 years, our, subject then entered Blackburn University at Carlinville, taking a three-years course. Upon his return to Staunton, he worked for a few months for the Staunton Milling Company, and then entered the office of the Consolidated Coal Com- pany of St. Louis, at Staunton. After one year at Staunton, he was sent to the branch oi^ce at Mount Olive where he remained 16 months. On March i, 1894, Mr. Wall entered the employ of Wall & Panhorst, bankers at Staunton, of which firm his father was a member, and continued with them until the death of his father. August 16, 1898. The old firm was then dissolved and on September 3, 1898. the business was reorganized and 358 BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD our subject, witli his brother, Charles R., succeeded the late firm. This asso- ciation continued until December 13, 1901, when he purchased his brother's entire interest, the firm name being then changed to Wall & Company. From this date until March i, 1902, Mr. Wall remained sole proprietor and then admitted his brother-in-law, Cornelius Godfrey, to partnership, Mr. Wall being president and I\Ir. Godfrey, cashier. Not only does Mr. Wall claim to be a careful financier, but is very proud of his three years record as a farmer. In the spring of 1885 he left school and put in the spring crop on his father's farm and operated the property for three years with a measure of success which, he declares, gave him more satisfaction than all the uniNcrsity honors he won. He also conducts a branch bank at Worden, Illinois, which he established March i, 1902. Mr. Wall was married June 8, 1893 to Daisy D. Camp, who was born March 8, 1873, in Montgomery County, Illinois, and is a daughter of Will- iam E. and Mary E. (Shafifer) Camp, the former of whom was born Septem- ber 25, 1843, and the latter, March 3, 1845, ^^^^^ Carlinville. Mr. and Mrs. Wall have three children : Harriet Edith, Helen Isabella and Grace Elizabeth. Politically Mr. W'all votes, on national affairs, with the Democratic party. Fraternally he is a Mason and for the past three years has been master of Staunton Lodge, No. 177. JOHN C. COX. John C. Cox, one of the representative farmers and highly esteemed citizens of Mount Olive township, Macoupin County, the owner and opera- tor of a fine farm of 80 acres, situated in section 10, Mount Olive township and section 21, Staunton township, was born January 15, 1845, '" Macou- pin County, Illinois. He is a son of Andrew Jackson and Elizabeth (Har- grove) Cox, members of old Tennessee and Kentucky families, respectively. Andrew Jackson Cox, was born January i, 1817, and was a son of Ezekiel and Mary Cox, the former of whom died in 181 5, leaving children as follows : Jeremiah, Mrs. Jensy Stilley, Mrs. Elizabeth Colson, Emanuel and Andrew Jackson. The last named married Elizabeth Hargrove, a daugh- MACOUPIX COUNTY. 359 Ler of Willis and Rachel Hargrove, born in Trigg County, Kentucky, Jan- uary I, 1823, and deceased April 23. 1874. Their children were: Virgil T., who died in 1865 ; Green, who died in Texas in 1872 ; John C, of this sketch; Jane, who died of smallpox: Irving, a resident of Missouri; George, a resi- dent of Arkansas; Elizabeth, who died at the age of nine years: and Mrs. Mary Morrison, a resident of Edwardsville, Illinois. Virgil T., the eldest member of this family, was a paroled prisoner of war at the time of his death. He was a member of Company I, 122nd Reg., Illinois Inf.. under Capt. Stephen Sawyer, and was taken prisoner at Trenton, Tennessee. Mr. Cox was reared and educated in I\Iacoupin County, where he as- sisted his father in farming until he enlisted for service in the Civil War. His father had come to Illinois in 1836 and settled in Mount Olive township, where he ov.ned 265 acres of land, and where he died in 1859. aged 42 years. He built a cabin, 16 by 18 feet in dimensions, with a rock chimney, when he first settled here, to which pioneer home he brought his bride, and here our subject was bom. Hard work and exposure occasioned his death in middle life. Politically he was a Democrat. The land which he worked so hard to clear and cultivate is the present site of the city of Mount Olive. On March 18, 1865. our subject enlisted from Staunton, in Company H, 28th Reg., Illinois Vol. Inf.. under Capt. B. F. Cowell and Col. Richard Ritter. ist Brigade. 3rd Division. 13th Army Corps. Army of the Cumber- land, and took part in the battles of Spanish Fort and Fort Blakely. Alabama, and th.en accompanied his regiment to Fort Mobile and Whistler. Alabama. The regiment then encamped for a short time near Mobile and then went to Brazos Island. Texas, at the mouth of the Rio Grande River and thence to Brownsville, where he was mustered out March 8. 1866. He returned to Macoupin County by way of Xew Orleans and St. Louis. Soon after he mar- ried, and removed to Madison County and engaged in farming there for five years. Upon his return to ^Macoupin, he engaged in farming near Staun- ton until 1875. removing then to the property in section 10, Mount Olive township, where his residence is. The first marriage of Mr. Cox was to Mary Cornelius, who died in Madison County, Illinois, aged 23 years, leaving one daughter, Emma, who died in Texas, aged 18 years. On November 24, 1875, Mr. Cox married Matilda E. Hoxey, who was born February 28. 1852, in Madison County, Illinois, and is a daughter of Christopher C. and Elizabeth (Riston) Hoxey, 36o BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD natives of Kentucky and Tennessee, respectively, who located in Madison County among the early pioneers. Mrs. Hoxey died in 1872, agd 50 years, but Mr. Hoxey still survives, aged 84 years. The children in the Hoxey family were as follows : John and Joseph, both deceased ; Mrs. Nancy White, of Joplin, Missouri; Matilda E. (Mrs. Cox); Sinai T., deceased; James, of Madison County, Illinois ; Edward, of Kansas ; Henry, of Iowa ; and Mrs. Carrie Phillips, of Madison County, Illinois. These children were born to our subject and wife : Thomas, bom Feb- ruary 9. 1877. who was killed in a coal shaft. January 15, 1904 — a distressing accident in which the family had the sympathy of the community ; and Carrie, \Villiam, Lily, Charles and Christopher, all of whom are at home. Mr. Cox has been a lifelong Democrat. While taking a deep interest in public matters, he has accepted very few official positions, serving at present as a trustee of the cemetery and for five years was a member of the Board of Education of Mount Olive. The family belong to the Christian Church. Mr. Cox is a man who receives as he deserves the respect and esteem of his fellow citizens. FRANK B. LEACH. Frank B. Leach, one of the prosperous young farmers of Chesterfield township, Macoupin County, who operates his father's farm, situated in sec- tion I, was born in this township in 1872, and is a son of John J. and Harriet (Brown) Leach. John J. Leach was born on this farm in 1842. and is now living in the village of Chesterfield near by, retired from active work. He is one of the highly esteemed citizens of the township. He served his country during the Civil W^ar from 1862 until 1865, participating in many serious battles. In 1S69 he married Harriet Brown, who is a daughter of F. G. and Mary (Bell) Brown. Frank B. Leach was reared in Chesterfield township and here obtained his education. For three years he was cashier in the Chesterfield Bank, but in the fall of 1901 took charge of his father's farm. This he has managed with notable success. MACOUPIN COUNTY. 361 In 1901 Mr. Leach was united in marriage with Clara Corbin. who is a daughter of L. B. Corbin of Polk township, Macoupin County, and they have one son. — John C, — who was born February 13, 1903. In politics Mr. Leach is a Republican. Fraternally he is both a Mason and a Knight of Pythias. In religious views he is an Episcopalian. He is a young man of sterling character and commands the esteem of all who know him. MEINT ARKEBAUER. Meint Arkebauer, one of the substantial citizens and for many years one of the most successful farmers of Mount Ohve township, Macoupin County, owning almost 400 acres of land in sections 10 and 11, was born in Hanover, Germany, September 8, 1828. He is a son of Harm and Annie (Johnson) Arkebauer. The father of our subject was born in Hanover, Germany, in 1798, and died in Illinois at the age of 60 years. The mother, who was born in Germany in 1802, was killed accidentally on the Wabash Railroad, at the age of 80 years. Their children were : Mrs. Anthia Shoen, of Mount Olive ; Meint, of this sketch; Mrs. Martha Ross, of Mount Olive; Mrs. Gerdje Garrels, a widow, of Mount Olive; and Mrs. Trintje Whitehouse, deceased. The father of this family was always an agriculturist. In religious belief he was a Lutheran. Our subject was 18 years of age, when with his parents he embarked on a sailing ship at Bremen for the United States. After a voyage of 15 weeks, the party reached New Orleans, having been detained four weeks in England for repairs to the vessel. The first winter was spent in St. Louis, and in the spring settlement was made in Madison County, where the family lived nine years, our subject working, in the meantime, for different farmers, by the month. In 1855, Mr. Arkebauer settled on the present farm, where he has practically resided ever since, a four-years residence in Kansas being mainly on account of a chance of profitable investment. He owns a fine farm of 400 acres in Smith County, Kansas, in addition to his extensive holdings here. His Macoupin County property is very valuable, 80 acres of it being within 362 BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD the city limits of Mount Olive. Mr. Arkebauer has improved his property with good, substantial buildings, and has made it one of the most desirable and attractive farms in the county. Until prevented by poor health, he was a very industrious man, and accumulated his possessions through his own efforts. In 1857 Mr. Arkebauer married Tette Keiser, who was born in Germany and died in Macoupin County, Illinois, in 1874, aged 36 years. They had six children, of whom the following are living: Johanna, the wife of Fred Droste, who operates the home farm — they have nine children ; Hermina, who is the wife of Henry J. Gehner, Jr., of Cahokia township, Macoupin County; Anna, who married Charles Kueneth, of Mount Olive township, and has five children ; and John, who has five children and lives on the Kan- sas property. Mr. Arkebauer has 27 grandchildren. When he first came to the county, our subject was a Democrat, but later both he and his father became identified with the Republican party. He has taken a deep interest in the educational affairs of the section, has held school offices for many years, and has been a liberal contributor to the building of both churches and school houses. When he first came to Mount Olive, the present flourishing little city was but a hamlet, and Mr. Arkebauer, by his intelligent cooperation, has done his part in bringing about the present pros- perity. He is one of the leading members of the Lutheran Church. ALEXANDER W. CRAWFORD. Alexander W. Crawford, ex-mayor of Girard and a leading citizen, was bom February 9, 1861, at Godfrey, Madison County, Illinois, and is a son of Robert W. and Ann (Squire) Crawford. The former was born in Ireland, and the latter in England. Our subject received a common school education at Godfrey and at one time was the postmaster of that place, also a member of the Madison County board two terms and later United States live stock inspector at the National Stock Yards at East St. Louis, Illinois, which position he re- signed to take charge of the \\''illiamson County Coal Company's mines at MACOUPIN COUNTY. 363 Johnston City. Williamson County, Illinois, which position he resigned in 1899 and removed to Girard to take charge of the Greenridge Mining Com- pany's interests. During the last two years he has been very extensively en- gaged in buying coal rights, having bought and sold to capitalists nearly 40,000 acres. Mr. Crawford has been interested in politics since boyhood and has been one of the leading spirits of the Democratic party, both in Madison and Ma- coupin counties. His party services include eight years as chairman of the Democratic Senatorial Committee, and 12 years as secretary of the Demo- cratic Executitve Committee in Madison County. He served as mayor of Girard during 1901 and 1902. Mr. Crawford has been twice married, first to Jennie H. Stewart, of Godfrey, Illinois. She died in 1893, leaving three children: Alexander M., \\'illiam P. and Louise S. Mr. Crawford married, second, Maude A. Boyd, of Godfrey, Illinois. They have three children : John T., Mary A., and Sue Harriett. WILLIAM WELLENBRINK. WiLLi.\M Wellenbrink, deceased, who for many years was a promi- nent business man of Mount Olive, Macoupin Comity, and the third member of the large mercantile firm of Keiser, Niemeyer & Company, was born in Germany, October 30, 1832. Mr. Wellenbrink was educated in his native land and came to the United States in 1864 with capital, which he invested in a grocery business at St. Louis, Missouri. He prospered there and remained until 1877, when he re- moved to Mount Olive, to become a member of the firm of Keiser, Niemeyer & Company, with which he continued until his death, November 12, 1900. He was a man of fine business ability and became one of the very substantial as well as highly respected citizens of the city. His death was a loss to the city, removing as it did one whose influence had always been directed toward matters of general welfare. Mr. Wellenbrink was married in December, 1869. to Mrs. N. (Nieder- luecke) Buschmann, widow of the late Casper H. Buschmann. Mrs. Wellen- 364 BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD brink had two sons by her marriage with Mr. Buschmann — Henry A. and WilHam F. — who have adopted the name of their late step-father, Mr. Wellen- brink. Henry A., who manages his mother's affairs and is a very capable business man, was born January 12, 1868; William F. was born November 15, 1869. On January 2, 1896, Henry A. Wellenbrink married Louisa Knollmann, a daughter of John F. KnoUmann, formerly a merchant of St. Louis, Missouri, who died November 19, 1893. In politics the late Mr. Wellenbrink affiliated with the Republican party. Fraternally he was identified with the Odd Fellows. The family is one of wealth and prominence in Mount Olive. GEORGE A. WASH, M. D. George A. Wash, M. D., who received his degree from the Univer- sity of Louisville (Kentucky) on the 13th of March, 1894, and who imme- diately engaged in the practice of his profession, enjoys a large patronage in the town of Palmyra, Macoupin County, and numbers among his patients the very best citizens of the community. He was born at Lawrenceburg, Anderson County, Kentucky, March 25, 1868, and is a son of Allen and Susan (Alstoot) Wash, and a grandson of Col. John Wash. Col. John Wash, who was born in Virginia, was a planter and slave- owner. Removing to Kentucky before the birth of his son, Allen, he engaged in agricultural pursuits and died there at the age of 89 years. Allen Wash was born in 181 3 in Kentucky, where he followed the oc- cupation of farming but was never a slave-owner. He was married to Susan Alstott, a daughter of John Alstott, a Virginian, who removed to Casey County, Kentucky. Mr. Wash and wife reared four sons and one daughter, all of whom are now living, our subject being the youngest. Mr. Wash died on the homestead farm at the age of 79 years. Mrs. Wash, our subject's mother, died in 1878 at the age of 44 years. George A. Wash, after his graduation from the University of Louis- ville, engaged in the practice of medicine at Hustonville, Kentucky, later removing to St. Meinrad, Indiana, where he continued his practice for six MACOUPIN COUNTY. 365 years. In 1899 he removed to Palmyra, Illinois, where he has since prac- ticed, having one of the largest village and country practices in his section of the county. Dr. Wash is also examining physician for the following life insurance companies : Aetna ; New York ^lutual ; the Northwestern of Iowa ; the Massachusetts Northwestern, and also for all the fraternal orders of his section. Dr. Wash is a Democrat and, fraternally, is a member of the Masons. Modem Woodmen of America, the F. A. of A., and the 'Si. P. L. Religiously he is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. On March 16, 1897, Dr. Wash was married to Margaret S. Alexander, tlie estimable daughter of James S. Alexander, a farmer of Mercer County, Pennsylvania, deceased in 1898. Mrs. James S. Alexander is still living and superintends the homestead farm. WILLIAM A. SHRIVER, M. D. William A. Shriver, M. D., one of the most prominent physicians and surgeons of Macoupin County, Illinois, who has been a resident of \'ir- den since 1866 and is president of the Farmers' & IMerchants" Bank, was born April 30. 1S44, at Sugar Tree Ridge, Highland County, Ohio. He is a son of George A. and Mary A. (^Hensley) Shriver, and a grandson of Peter Shriver, who v\as born in Pennsylvania and established the family in Ohio. The father of Dr. Shriver was reared in Highland County, Ohio, where he resided until 185 1, when he came to Illinois and settled near Rockford. In 1854 he removed to Pike County, where he purchased a farm on which his last years were spent. He married Mary Hensley, daughter of Joseph Hens- ley, a farmer of Highland County, Ohio, and nine children were born them. Dr. Shriver has been a resident of Illinois since the age of seven years, and here he obtained his education and then at the age of 15 years made his initial attempt at district school teaching. During the following three years, while his days were passed in the school room, his evenings and vacations were spent in medical study under that eminent physician, Dr. Pitzer. now a leading professional man of St. Louis. Later he entered the Eclectic Medical Institute of Cincinnati, and was graduated there in 1871, since 366 BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD which time he has been engaged in active practice. In the spring of 1866, Dr. Shriver located at Virden, of wliich city he has e\'er since been a most useful and honored citizen. In addition to caring for a large practice and the fulfilling of the duties incumbent upon him as a member of various medical organizations, Dr. Shriver is interested in various successful business enterprises which require a large measure of his time and talent. Among these is the Farmer's & Merchants' Bank of Virden. a leading financial institution of the county, of which he has been president since October. 1893. The bank is operated by Dr. Shri\'er and his son-in-law, Olin R. Rohrer, the latter being cashier. In 1865 Dr. Shriver was married at Barry, Pike County, Illinois, to Carrie E. Rowland, and five children were born to them. The two eldest of the family, Carrie and Frank, are deceased. The survivors are: Edith, who is the wife of Olin R. Rohrer, a banker of Virden; Estelle and Earl. The family is connected with the Methodist Church. Although public spirited in everything pertaining to the advancement of \'irden in its commercial, professional and social life, Dr. Shriver has avoided the annoyances attendant upon active political life, accepting only the presidency of the Board of Education for a period. He is held in the highest esteem in Virden and in the uprightness of his life and character re- flects honor upon his profession and upon the city with which he has been so long and so prominently identified. WILLIAM NIEMEYER. For a number of years, the late William Niemeyer was one of the pro- gressive and enterprising business men of Mount Olive, Macoupin County, Illinois, and vice-president of the Keiser & Niemeyer Mercantile Company. Mr. Niemeyer was born July 5, 1844, in Holzfeld, Prussia, and was a son of F. William and C. M. (Meddewag) Niemeyer. Both parents passed their lives in their native land, where the father was engaged in farming. Both were worthy members of the Lutheran Church. MACOUPIN COUNTY. 367 in 1865, William Xiemeyer decided to seek his fortune across the At- lantic, took passage on the vessel "Stella," and after a voyage of 56 days reached the port of New York. Remembering that he was but a lad of 16 years, with limited capital and no knowledge of either the language or cus- toms of the new land in which he was then forced to make his way unaided, it speaks well for his industrj', pluck and ability, that in a comparatively short time he was established in a business of his own. In search of work, he drifted to St. Louis, Missouri, working his way honestly and economically until at last, at Mount Olive, he secured an appreciative employer in the late John C. Niemann, himself a native of Germany. For three years he worked at farm labor for ]\Ir. Niemann, each year proving more and more valuable to his employer, and then entered Mr. Niemaim's store as a clerk. In 1873, the business was reorganized and Mr. Niemeyer, who had become a member of Mr. Niemann's family by marriage, was given an interest, and the pres- ent firm of Keiser & Niemeyer was established. It has developed into the largest mercantile establishment in Macoupin County, and is the oldest busi- ness house in Mount Olive. At a later date, Mr. Niemann retired and the firm was again reorganized, with C. J. Keiser, president ; F. G. Droste, secre- tary; William Niemeyer, vice-president and H. H. Droste, treasurer. The late William Niemeyer undoubtedly possessed an unusual busi- ness faculty. Few of his enterprises were unsuccessful and his advice was considered by liis fellow citizens of inestimable value. He accumulated much property, both in Mount Olive and in Macoupin County and in various por- tions of the \\'est. A late investment was the purchase of a tract of wooded land, in the vicinity of Mount Olive, with the idea of establishing here a summer resort which would secure the ready patronage of residents of St. Louis and neighboring cities. The stocking of the reservoir with a fine school of fish is recalled as one of his public spirited acts. ilr. Niemeyer owned probably the finest home in Alount Olive — a beau- tiful residence, fitted with every modern improvement. The building of this home and the installing of his family was a source of the greatest gratifica- tion to Mr. Niemeyer, who was always most devoted to wife and children. On April 29, 1869, William Niemeyer was united in marriage with Sophia Niemann, the second daugliter of the late John C. Niemann, a sketch of whom will be found in this work'. The father of Mrs. Niemeyer was born April 12. 1817, and died September 9, 1896, one of the largest capitalists of 368 BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD his section. Four children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Niemeyer: Edward, who died June 21, 1897; William, who died in infancy; Eniil, who has succeeded his father in business; and Juliet, who in February, 1904, became the wife of A. E. Fisher, the junior member of the drug firm of Koch & Fisher. On September 2, 1903, Emil Niemeyer married Nettie A. Birtley, who is a daughter of J. V. Birtley, a coal magnate of Scranton, Pennsyl- vania. The late William Niemeyer was a worthy member and a liberal supporter of Zion Lutheran Church, of Mount Olive, of which his family are also mem- bers. He was known for his many acts of generosity, for his genial, cheery temperament and for those honest, manly virtues, which will cause him to be long recalled with feelings of the highest esteem in the city where he spent so many useful, busy years. HENRY KRUSE. Henry Kruse, one of the leading farmers and stock raisers of Mount Olive township, Macoupin County, the owner of a fine farm of 240 acres, well located in sections 12 and 13, was born in Prussia, Germany, March 21, 185 1, and is a son of Henry and Wilhelmina (Prange) Kruse. The father of our subject was born in Prussia, and died in Macoupin County, Illinois, May 4, 1864. The mother was also born in Prussia and died in this county, February, 9, 1893, ^S^'^ 74 years. Their children were: Henry, of this sketch ; William, of Staunton township, Macoupin County ; Wilhelmina, wife of F. W. Hartke, of Cahokia township, Macoupin County; August, of Cahokia township, Macoupin County; and Louis, of Mount Olive township. Henr)- Kruse, the elder, was a poor man when he came to America, but through his industry he accumulated a comfortable property. He identified himself with the Republican party. He was a man of many good deeds and was much respected by all who knew him. Both he and his wife were worthy members of the Lutheran Church. Henry Kruse, the subject of this sketch, was but two years old when the family left Bremen on a sailing ship for New Orleans, whence they pro- ceeded up the river to St. Louis, and then moved to what is now Mount Olive MACOUPIN COUNTY. 369 township. Mr. Kruse attended the local schools and has been occupied with farming and stock raising ever since attaining manhood. He has paid much attention to Durham cattle and the leader of his herd is the well known "Prince Henry." He also breeds many fine horses and mules and many Poland-China hogs. He makes his leading crops corn, wheat, oats and clover, believing in a system of rotation. Mr. Kruse is a practical farmer, \\ho uses modern methods and machinery and enjoys great agricultural pros- perity. His property is adorned with a handsome brick residence and two commodious bams, while all the surroundings tell of thrift and good taste. Like his father, he has always been very industrious and carries on extensive operations with great success. On March 21,' 1877, Air. Kruse was united in marriage, with Bern- hardina Mindrup, who was born in Madison County, Illinois, December 6, 1856, and died August 16, 1902, a daughter of Eberhard and Sophia Mindrup, both natives of Germany. They had five children born to them : Henry R., now attending a business college in St. Louis; and Sophia, Will- iam E., Emma and Minnie, who live at home. Mr. Kruse. who is a Republican in politics, has held a number of the minor township offices and has been active in school matters. He is a member of the Lutheran Church. ♦ »» RICHARD W. LOBB. Occasionally we find a man who has begun at the foot of the ladder and worked his way, unaided, to the very summit, where honor and success await those who are plucky and persevering enough to endure the hardships and trials that beset the way. Macoupin County has such a citizen in the person of one of its most prominent agriculturists — Richard W. Lobb. He resides on his well tilled farm, situated in section 2;^, North Palmyra town- ship. Mr. Lobb was born in Green County, Kentucky, November 13, 1847, and is a son of Chapman and Ann (Horton) Lobb. Chapman Lobb, who was a native of Virginia, at an early date removed to Kentuckj'. where he died about 1858. having reached quite an advanced 370 BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD age. Mr. Lobb was twice married, his second wife being Ann Horton, the mother of our subject; she died in 1868, aged about 50 years. Chapman Lobb had eight children, of whom Richard W. is the fifth in order of birth. Four of the family besides our subject are hving, namely : Frank, who served three years in the Civil W'ar, and is now living in Kentucky; Thomas and George, who also live in Kentucky; and Berry, who is a resident of Clay County, Nebraska. Of those deceased, Lucy was the wife of Mr. Welch, while Juda died young. Richard \\\ Lobb was but a small toy when his father died and was compelled to engage in work on a farm to help support his mother and there- fore had little opportunity to get an education. After his mother's death in 1869, he came to Illinois in company with a neighbor, James Adcock. Upon arriving in Macoupin County, he located with his uncle, Oswell Horton, in North Palmyra township, remaining there that winter. In the following spring he engaged in work on the farm of James Nevins at Chapman Point, remaining there during that summer. The following winter he returned to North Palmyra township, and again lived with his uncle Oswell Horton, remaining there until spring. In the summer of 1870 he again engaged in work on the farm of James Nevins and the following year worked for some time for Robert Alderson, who was the son-in-law of James Nevins. In 1 87 1 he settled on his present farm, which then consisted of 176 acres, and which he later purchased. Mr. Lobb has since been actively engaged in the cultivation of the property with the best results. Politically he is a member of the Democratic party. On August 24, 1 87 1, Mr. Lobb was married to Elizabeth Norvell, who was born December 24, 1835, and is a daughter of Spencer and Emily (Ross) Norvell. Spencer Norvell was a native of Tennessee and came to Illinois in company with his parents in 1828, locating in North Palmyra township, where he entered government land. Spencer Norvell enlisted in the Mexican War and served his term of enlistment, as a reward receiving a land grant from the United States government. Mr. Norvell was married twice, his first marriage to Emily Ross taking place in 1834; to them were born six chil- dren, of whom Mrs. Lobb is the eldest. Mrs. Norvell died in August. 1S45, while in her 31st year. Mr. Norvell was married a second time in December, 1849, to ^ Mrs. Hamner. He died in January, 1879, while in his 73rd year. Mrs. Lobb has but one brother living, James H. Norvell, who resides at MACOUPIN COUNTY. 371 Waggoner, Illinois, and is a retired farmer. Mr. Lobb and wife are the pa- rents of four chiklren, namely: Emma A., born July 2, 1874; Chapman Spencer, born September 13, 1876; Arthur, born February 8, 1878, and George R., born February 9, 1880. Mr. Lobb and wife joined the Baptist Church at East Union, in May, 1873. MICAJAH C. MALONE. Among the representative, well-to-do citizens of Macoupin County, the subject of this notice occupies a prominent position as an esteemed and worthy member of the community, toward the establishing and maintaining of which he has performed his part. He is skilled as a blacksmith and is the inventor of various patents. He was born in Marion County, Kentucky, in 1830, and is a son of Micajah and Susan (Batsell) Malone, and the grandson of John Malone, a native of Virginia, who moved to Kentucky where he passed the remaining days of his life. Micajah Malone was a native of Kentucky and spent almost his entire life in that State. He died in 1847. Micajah C. Malone received his education in Kentucky, and after com- pleting his education set himself to learn the blacksmith's trade and soon be- came a skilled hand. In 1857, having thoroughly learned his trade, he came to Illinois, locating in Palmyra, where he established a smithy and engaged in business. Mr. Malone in 1870 invented a pruning knife, which is now in universal use, being known as "Malone's Pruning Shears." He also in- vented various other articles, among the most important being a shears for cutting iron, which is also in general use. He is a Democrat in politics. Fraternally he is a member of the Masons. In 1892 Mr. Malone took his son Thomas M. into the business as a partner and the business has since been conducted under the firm name of Malone & Son. Mr. Malone was first married in Kentucky to Mary Jane Wilson, who died there, leaving no children. In 1859. he was married to Susan C. Ross, a daughter of Robert and Mary Ann (Hunt) Ross. Mr. Ross was a promi- nent farmer of South Palmyra township. He and his wife were the parents 21 372 BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD of four children, of whom our subject's wife was the third child. Mr. Ross died in 1870, at the age of 59 years, his wife having died in 1861 while in her 58th year. Eight children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Malone, namely: Mary Susan, who died in infancy; Lillie Bell, born February 5, 1862, who married J. D. Nighbert, a veterinary surgeon of Pittsfield, Illinois, and has two children — Maynard and Vida V.; Ida L., bom in December, 1863, who married Henry Nifong, a prominent farmer of North Palmyra township, Macoupin County, and has three children — Otho, Guy and Ruby; Hattie A., born in November, 1865, who married Lafayette Solomon, who is justice of the peace at Palmyra, Illinois; Thomas M., bom in November, 1867, who is a blacksmith working with his father as a member of the firm of Malone & Son — he married Millie J. Hartsook, a native of Palmyra, and has reared three children, Iva Jennett, Gerald Dale and Geraldine; Jennett P., born in March, 1870, and deceased in December, 1890; Alberta Pearl, bom in December, 1876, and now the wife of George H. Davenport, a farmer of South Palmyra township, Macoupin County; and Charles H., born in May, 1880, who is at work on the home farm with his father. MRS. MARY ANN SAWYER. Mrs. Mary Ann Sawyer, widow of the late Ebem Sawyer, is one of the esteemed and beloved residents of Mount Olive township, Macoupin County, where she has made her home for more than a half century. Mrs. Sawyer was born near Nashville, Tennessee, January 23, 1822, and is a daughter of Michael and Anna (Spence) Best, both families being still well represented in the Southern States. Mrs. Sawyer was about two years old when her parents came to this locality and entered land near Staunton. They were natives of North Caro- lina and had resided for a time in Tennessee prior to coming to Illinois. Mrs. Sawyer grew up under pioneer conditions, when almost all the family necessities were provided by home skill. In her young days, the family shoes were made at home from the tanned skins of their cattle, while the wool froiu their sheep was spun and woven into cloth by the industry of her MACOUPIN COUNTY. 373 mother and herself and sisters. Mrs. Sawyer has in her possession some of her late husband's clothing that was made from wool spun by herself. In many ways the present grandchildren and great-grandchildren regard the early life of their beloved grandparent as one not to be envied, but happi- ness then as now was much a matter of surroundings and circumstances, and there are few of the remaining honored pioneers who can be brought to ac- knowledge that in every way the present can equal "old times." Mrs. Saw- yer was reared in a log cabin and was taught the thrift and economy that made her such an admirable wife and mother. She was one of a family of 10 children, all of whom lived to a good old age, and she and a brother, Wesley Best, of Kansas, still survive. In 1838 Mary Ann Best was united in marriage with Ebern Sawyer, who was born November 26, 18 14, in Tyrrell County, North Carolina, the third son of Stephen Sawyer, who was born in North Carolina, but died in Macoupin County, Illinois. Ebern Sawyer was 16 years of age when he ac- companied his parents to Illinois, and he assisted in transporting the house- hold goods, and took his turn walking, this being the mode of travel adopted by many of the pioneers when coming to this State, who later accumulated enough property to buy its farms, banks and manu- factories. Mr. Sawyer arrived here in the fall of 183 1. Later he entered two 40-acre lots and erected a log cabin, one room in which was plastered. He broke all the priarie which is the present site of Sawyerville, a town erected by the Superior Coal Company, Shaft No. 2. At that time the Indians still considered this a hunting ground and Mr. Sawyer made enough friendly advances to enable him to also enjoy hunting, which was then a fine sport on account of the plentitude of deer, foxes, turkeys, prairie chickens and quail. Mr. Sawyer lived a long and useful life. He was a man of good judg- ment, was twice elected justice of the peace and served in other local offices. In politics he was a Democrat. He took a great interest in educational afifairs and always did his full part when any public spirited movement was advo- cated. His death occurred on April 10, 1873, and he left behind him many to mourn. Mr. and ]\Irs. Sawyer had a family of nine children : Mrs. Anna D. Klock, who resides with her mother; Stephen T., of Mount Olive township, Macoupin County; Mrs. Mary Ann J. Courtney, deceased; Michael C, of 374 BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD Oklahoma Territory; H. Perry, deceased; Mrs. Brittania Clark; Mrs. Marga- ret E. Walker of Mount Olive township, Macoupin County; Mrs. Frances E. Lawrence of Spokane, Washington; and Mrs. Ada McMullen, of The Dalles, Oregon. Mrs. Sawyer has 34 grandchildren and 24 great-grand- children, and her declining years are made happy and comfortable by their loving ministrations. She has seen wonderful changes in her locality and is honored by all who know her as a representative "pioneer mother." 4«» LOUIS E. CORDUM. We take pleasure in presenting to the readers of this work one of the most prominent and influential farmers of Macoupin County, as well as one of the largest stock raisers in Southern Illinois. He was born on his present farm, which consists of 280 acres in sections 7 and 8, Cahokia township, Sep- tember 16, 1875, ^"^ 'S a son of Henry and Reka (Mohlman) Corduni, and a grandson of Louis Cordum. Louis Cordum, the grandfather of our subject was a native of Ger- many where he was a highly respected citizen. He was twice married, and had four sons by his first union and three daughtess and one son by his second. Henry Cordum was born in Germany and came to America when a small boy in company with his parents, who settled in Macoupin County, Illinois, where Henry continued to reside the remainder of his life. Mr. Cordum was a self made man in every sense that this term implies, for he engaged in the battle of life with scarcely any material aid and at the tihie of liis death left a large estate which was solely earned by himself. Mr. Cordum was a Democrat and aided in promoting that party's interests. He served as school director for several years. Religiously Mr. Cordum was a member of the German Lutheran Church. Mr. Cordum was married to Reka Mohl- man, a native of Germany. Mr. and Mrs. Cordum were the parents of six children, namely: Hannah (Weyen), a resident of Cahokia township, Ma- coupin County; Minnie, who resides at home as housekeeper; Louis E., our MACOUPIN COUNTY. 375 subject; Henry, who resides in Gillespie, where he conducts an electric light plant; Fred and Edward. ^Iv. Cordum's death took place here December 21, 1892, having reached the age of 51 years. After his death, his widow married Herman Dettmers and now resides on a farm. Louis E. Cordum has resided on his present farm all his life and at an early age devoted his energies to agricultural operations. At present he is chiefly engaged in general farming and stock raising, the chief products of his farming operations being grain and hay. ^Ir. Cordum also devotes much time to the breeding of Shorthorn cattle and is an extensive breeder of Per- cheron and Coach horses. He also raises many hogs, having on hand at present 100 head of Poland-China hogs. Politically Mr. Cordum is a mem- ber of the Democratic party, and represents his township on the County Central Committee, having previously served for one year as tax collec- tor. He is a member of the German Lutheran Church. S. OWEN SMITH. S. OwEX Smith, president of the People's Bank of Girard, Macoupin County, Illinois, is one of the best known financiers of this part of the State. He was born in Macoupin County, January 17, i860, and is one of a family of seven children born to his parents. Samuel A. and Elizabeth (Harlan) Smith. His grandfather, Moses Smith, came to Illinois from Tennessee, and entered a large body of land in North Otter and Girard townships in 1836 and continued to reside in North Otter until his death in the early "forties." He had the following children: John C, Samuel A.. Mary (Horn). Elisha, Elizabeth (Eves), Lanira (England) and Robert. Samuel A. Smith was born in Maury County. Tennessee, in 181 1 and came to Macoupin County two years later than his parents. He was mar- ried in 1849 to Elizabeth Harlan, a native of Kentucky. She was born in 1819 and came to Sangamon County, Illinois, in 1834 with her parents who moved to Macoupin County in the fall of 1838. They had the following 376 BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD children: .Annali, who died in infancy; Walter and Georgia (twins), — Walter died aged three years, while Georgia resides with our subject; a child, who died in infancy unnamed; Ednah Elizabeth, who died at the age of 26 years; another infant that died unnamed and Samuel Owen, the youngest, the subject of this sketch. Samuel A. Smith became a land-owner and stock raiser and dealt largely in stock, shipping to Xew Orleans from Alton on flat-boats. He died in 1874. leaving his family in comfortable circumstances. Mrs. Smith, the mother of our subject, died July 26, 1899, aged 80 years. Samuel A. Smith was a Methodist and his wife a Cumber- land Presbyterian. In politics he was a Democrat. S. Owen Smith was educated in the public schools and was reared on his father's farm, where he followed cattle feeding and agricultural pursuits until Januar}', 1896, when he removed to Girard, and accepted the position of cashier in the People's Bank. On January 1, 1899. he was elected vice- president and on January i, 1903, president, in the latter office succeeding the late Jason N. McElvain. The people's Bank is one of the solid financial institutions of the county, and was organized January 31, 1893, its paid-up capital stock being $40,000. Its present officers are all representative men : S. Owen Smith, president ; Thomas H. Cherry, vice-president ; Perry O. Wells, cashier. A general banking business is carried on, including the discounting of approved com- mercial paper, making collections, issuing drafts throughout the United States, Canada and Europe, loaning money on all first class securities and exercising all the functions of a first class banking house. The citizens conclusively show their utmost confidence in the careful and conservative management of the bank, the amount of business being continually on the increase. On October 25. 1901, Mr. Smith married Virginia Christoe, who is a daughter of James Christoe. formerly of Macoupin County, now of Alton, Illinois. They have one son. Samuel O., Jr.. born September 18, 1903. Both Mr. Smith and wife are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. In political sentiment he is a Republican. Mr. Smith still owns a large body of valuable farming land in Macou- pin County, which he operated until 1901 when he became a resident of Girard. where he is highly regarded as a business man and public spirited citizen. : MACOUPIN COUNTY. 377 JOHN F. PATTON.D . D. S. John F. Pattox, D. D. S., one of the well established professional men of Virden, Macoupin County, was born in Iowa on November 15, 1875, ^"^ is a son of James and Huldah (Marx) Patton, who were born in Pennsyl- vania and Ohio, respectively. James Patton, who was a farmer all his life, was a man who was held in high esteem by his business and social associates. Dr. Patton was educated in the common schools of his neighborhood, where he completed the high school course. He then entered the North- western University Dental School at Chicago, and was there graduated in dentistry in 1900, since which date he has been located at Virden, where he has met with flattering success in practice, commanding some of the most desirable patronage of the locality. Dr. Patton has introduced into his prac- tice all modern methods and has equipped his offices with appliances which not only expedite w^ork, but render some of the formerly painful operations comparatively easy. Dr. Patton was married in October, 1900, to Helen Gates, who is a daughter of Lee Gates, of Sangamon County, Illinois, a prominent farmer of that section. Fraternally, Dr. Patton is a Mason. He belongs also to the Illinois State Dental Society and the Northwestern Dental Society. Well equipped for his work, enthusiastic in its pursuit, he is becoming one of the leading members of his profession. He is verj- popular in Virden and en- joys the confidence and good wishes of the majority of its citizens. EMERY C. JONES, M. D. The death of Dr. Emery C. Jones, formerly a prominent physician and surgeon of Montgomery County, Illinois, removed a skilled practitioner from the ranks of the medical profession of Macoupin County. Dr. Jones was born in Owen County, Indiana, November 7, 1853, and was a son of Jesse and Sarah (Crow) Jones, and died, after a year of illness in a hospital at St. Louis, Missouri, on March 21, 1900. 378 BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD Dr. Jones was reared on his father's farm, and attended the local schools, beginning the reading of medicine with a local practitioner. When prepared for his collegiate course, he entered Jefferson Medical College at Philadel- phia, and afterwards attended the Kentucky Medical College at Louisville, where he was graduated in 1880. Dr. Jones then located near Thomasville, Montgomery County, Illinois, and engaged in practice from 1880 to 1899, in which year he settled in Virden, where, because of his poor health, he was never able to practice. In fact, he lived in Virden only one month, the re- mainder of the time from the date he located until he died being spent in the hospital at St. Louis. Dr. Jones was married December 3, 1889, to Henrietta Terry, who is a daughter of Robert and Talitha (Morrell) Terry, and a sister of Charles C. Terry, a prominent attorney of Girard. Mrs. Jones survives, with three children, Lola K.. Lloyd D., and Emery Terry. They reside in a beautiful home in Virden and have always been prominent in social life. Dr. Jones was prominently identified with the Republican party, for years having taken a lively interest in its aims and success. During his resi- dence in Montgomery County, he served as chairman of County conventions, and also was a member of the board of pension examiners. He was a man of fine education, engaging personality, professional skill and honest citizen- ship. His death not only brought grief to a very devoted family, but regret to his fellow citizens, and pain to his fellow practitioners. Fraternally he was associated with the Masons and the Woodmen. WILLIAM C. BODKA. William C. Bodka, a leading and well-to-do agriculturist of Macoupin County. Illinois, is engaged in the cultivation of the soil of his handsome farm in section 6, South Palmyra township. He was born in Germany in 1864, and is a son of William and Fredericka (Wagner) Bodka. William Bodka in the spring of 1881 brought his family to America, locating in Barr township, Macoupin County, Illinois, where he purchased a farm and engaged in agricultural operations. Mr. Bodka and wife were IMRI B. VANCIL MRS. ELIZABETH R. VANCIL. MACOUPIN COUNTY. 383 blessed with four children, namely: Betsey, who married John Geerhardt, and now resides at New Berlin, Illinois; Alinnie, who married Fred Sonna- bonn, and now resides in Barr township, Macoupin County; William C, our subject; and Tena, who married Edward Sherbourn, and resides in Barr township, Macoupin County. Mr. Bodka died in 1882, having reached the age of 55 years. His widow still resides on the homestead farm in Barr town- ship. ^^'illiam C. Bodka received his education in Germany, and upon coming to America in company with his parents made his home with his uncle, Fred Bodka, in Barr township. Mr. Bodka immediately engaged in the pursuits of agriculture, and for 10 years worked for farmers of the county. He then took a trip to Kansas, and after an absence of one year returned to Barr township and secured employment on a farm for one year. In 1898 he pur- chased of the sons of Robert Forrester his present farm, and has since been actively engaged in the cultivation of the property. Mr. Bodka is a mem- ber of the Republican party, but takes only a good citizen's interest in poli- tical affairs. In 1894. Mr. Bodka was married to Martha Crtun, a daughter of Will- iam Crum. a prominent farmer of South Palmyra to\\Tiship. They are the parents of two children, namely; Bessie, who was born in the fall of 1900, and Zola, who was born in 1902. Mr. Bodka and family are members of the German Lutheran Church. IMRI B. VANCIL. Imri B. Vancil, one of the extensive farmers and prominent and substantial citizens of North Palmyra township, Macoupin County, where he owns and operates an estate of 1,1 60 acres, was born in Union County, Illinois, October 15. 1825, and is a son of Edmund C. and Mary (Byars) Vancil. Edmund C. Vancil was born in Virginia in 1799, and in 1801 was taken to Muhlenberg County, Kentuckj-, by his father, Tobias Vancil, who at a later date settled on the Mud River in Logan County, Kentucky. The father of our subject was ambitious to secure an education and, as his views and 384 BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD those of his father clashed, he ran away from home at the age of 18 years, accompanying a neighbor, who was a teacher and who at that time removed to IlHnois. They located in Jackson County, and the youth had the advantage of three months' attendance in the subscription schools of the period. In that locality he met Mary Byars, who was bom in Kentucky in 1804, and had accompanied her father to Jackson County in 1808. Mr. Byars became one of the prominent men of that county, and served as commissioner and as justice of the peace for many years. In 1827 Edmund C. Vancil left Jackson County and in the same winter located in Macoupin County, north of Virden; in the following spring he settled in North Palmyra township, which was then in Greene County. Mr. Vancil, who possessed at this time a cash capital of $100, entered 80 acres of land in section 4, the nucleus of the great estate now owned by our sub- ject. Here the mother died in 1889, aged 87 j-ears, the father surviving until December 31. 1891, when in his 93rd year. The family was noted for longevity, our subject's uncle John dying here in his 94th year, and his uncle Williamson, who resides at Estherwood, Louisiana, is in his looth year. Of the family of seven children reared by our subject's parents, one brother still survives, Mordecai, a resident of California. Imri B. Vancil was given excellent educational opportunities by his father, and attended school in Jacksonville, spending two years in the Illinois College, located there. He spent the winter of 1844-45 '" Texas and the winter of 1847-48, attending medical lectures in Cincinnati. After his re- turn, he operated a sawmill in Palmyra township until 1850, when he joined the great exodus to California, reaching Sacramento City by the overland route, August 13, 1850. At first he engaged in mining, but later turned his attention to trade and remained in the State for two years, returning to Illinois in 1852. His father then gave him a farm of 240 acres and on this he resided until he retired to the village of Modesto, where he has since re- sided. He has taken an active part in politics and was the first superv-isor of North Palmyra township, an office he held for seven years. Then he re- signed, but at a later date was prevailed upon to again assume its duties and he ser\'ed three years longer. He also served several years as township treas- urer and for some years was one of the school trustees. In all these offices, Mr. Vancil has had an intelligent conception of their duties and has per- formed them faithfully. Mr. \''ancil owns 1,160 acres of land in North Palmyra township, and has put in 40 miles of tiling on his property. He MACOUPIN COUNTY. 385 is also manager of an estate belonging to his sister-in-law. Mr. Vancil is a large capitalist and is one of the stockholders of the Bank of Modesto. On April 4, i860, Mr. Vancil married Elizabeth S. Rice, who is a daughter of Thomas B. Rice, who came to Illinois in 1836 and was long a prominent citizen of Medora. Thomas B. Rice was born in Frederick County, Virginia, April 17, 1806, and was a son of James Brown Rice, and a grandson of James Rice, both of Culpeper County, Virginia. James B. Rice was about 17 years of age when he entered the Continental Army and served through the closing years of the Revolutionary War and took part in the extraordinary events that attended the surrender of Lord Cornwallis at Yorktown. He recalled the landing of General Lafayette and many interesting events. After the close of the war he accompanied his father to Kentucky, which was then an unsettled wilderness, but he did not make his home there. Upon his re- turn to Virginia, he married Susan Wallace, a daughter of John Wallace, who owned a farm in Culpeper County, Virginia, at Raccoon Ford, on the Rapidan River, 30 miles above Fredericksburg. Thomas B. Rice was the fourth member of a family of 10 children. His birthplace was at Millwood, near the Shenandoah River and 12 miles from Winchester, which district in the conflict between the States became the scene of war and bloodshed. After reaching his majority, he spent five years managing and overseeing the lands of Bushrod Rust. On April 17, 1828, he married Mahala Farrow, who was torn in Culpeper County, Virginia, December 22, 1807, and was a daughter of William Farrow, whose family had owned and occupied for many years a magnificent estate known as "Flint Hill," a noted place in Rappahannock County, Virginia. They reared 10 children, Mrs. Vancil being the third of the family. After his marriage, Mr. Rice carried on a saddle and harness business at Upperville, Fauquier County, Virginia, until his property was destroyed by fire. He then turned his attention to the invitation of the great West, and in the spring of 1835 came to Illinois. In 1836 he settled at Rhode's Point and then entered 242 acres of land in Macoupin County, in section 6, Shipman township, where he built a log house, a part of which still stands. When the Rockford, Rock Island & St. Louis Railroad Company began its survey in the neighborhood, he filed the first plat of the town of Medora, about the same time engaging in a milling business. He was a man of ster- ling character and his value was recognized by election as county judge in 386 BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD 1862, his service extending over two terms, when he decHned to serve longer. For a number of years he was postmaster at Medora. His death occurred at the age of 84 years. Mr. and Mrs. Vancil have four children, namely : Burke, Effie, Ollie and Ida A. Burke, who is a prominent attorney of Springfield, Illinois, married Mary Steidley, of Carlinville. Eifie married George F. Jordan, editor of the Carlinville Argus, and has three children — Judith, Emily and Elizabeth. Ollie married Lewis Rinaker, a son of Gen. John I. Rinaker of Carlinville, and a practicing attorney of Chicago ; they have three children — Lewis, John Imri (deceased) and Virginia. Ida A. married Leonard G. Brown, who is the cashier and a large stockholder of the Bank of Modesto, and a large land-owner of North Palmyra township. They have three chil- dren living, namely : Ruth. Harlow and Lois. Their son Imri died at the age of three months. Politically Mr. Vancil is a Democrat. Fraternally he is both an Odd Fellow and a Mason. He has been one of the public spirited men of this section and by his energetic endeavors has done much for his home township, in which he is held in very high esteem. Portraits of Mr. and Mrs. Vancil accompany this sketch. THOMAS B. FORWOOD. Thomas B. Forwood, who is a prosperous farmer of Macoupin County, located on a farm of 160 acres in section 20, Shipman township, was born in 1 83 1 in the State of Delaware, and is a son of George and Ann (Houston) Forwood. William Forwood, the great-grandather of our subject, was born in Sweden, and was a very early settler of the State of Delaware, where hi;, son, Robert Forwood, and his grandson, George Forwood, were born. The last named died in his native State in 1858, aged 66 years, survived 10 years by his widow, who died at the age of 75 years. Thomas B. Forwood was educated in Delaware and in 1854 accom- panied his three brothers to Macoupin County, Illinois, and all settled in Shipman township. Our subject located first on a farm of 80 acres in section 21, where he made his home for 38 years. In 1895 he moved to section 20 MACOUPIN COUNTY. 387 and settled on his present farm of 160 acres, which he has placed under tine cultivation. The present residence scarcely shows the signs of age, although it was built in 1852. It is a substantial and comfortable home and is sur- roiuided by much to make it attractive. In 1858 Mr. For^vood married Luvenia Parker, who is a daughter of Joel and Miriam (Haycraft) Parker. Joel Parker was born in X'irginia, moved thence to Kentucky and in 1835 to Illinois, where four of his seven children were born. Mrs. Forwood being the youngest. Five children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. For\vood, viz.: Monroe, born in 1859, who mar- ried Lovada \\'aggoner, daughter of James Waggoner, a farmer of Brighton township. Macoupin County, — they have two children, Roscoe and Vera; Nettie, bom in 1861, who married U. C. Kellum, formerly a teacher, now a farmer in Nebraska, and has three children — Alferetta. ^lerton and Mildred; Cora, born in 1863, deceased in 1864; Arthur, born in 1865, who married Angle Stratton. of Shipman township. ^lacoupin County, and has two chil- dren. — Florence and Emma; and Earl, born in 1879, who resides at home. Mr. Forwood has always been a reliable, temperate man and his strict temperance principles have led him to conscientiously uphold the principles of the Prohibition party. He belongs to the Baptist Church. HENRY C. HAMILTON. Hexry C. Hamilton, president of the Bank of Girard and one of the prominent citizens of Girard, Macoupin County, Illinois, was born Novem- ber 13, 185 1, and is one of a family of six children bom to his parents, John and Rhoda (George) Hamilton, natives of Tennessee. ^Ir. Hamilton is a self made man. He was reared on his father's farm, living first in Tennessee and later in Kentucky. Since he took up his resi- dence in Girard in early manhood he has been connected with a number of the successful business enterprises of this city, and since 1889 has been president of the Bank of Girard, the oldest bank in the city, established in 1873, o"^ o^ ^'^^ leading financial institutions of Macoupin County, which has 388 BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD a paid-up capital of $50,000 and a surplus of $10,000. The cashier is J. M. Metcalf. The two officers are also the owners of the bank. Mr. Hamilton's management of the affairs of this bank has been careful and conservative and has added to his reputation as a financier. In 1892 Mr. Hamilton was appointed by Judge Allen of the United States Court as receiver of the Girard Coal Company, which appointment he filled to the satisfaction of the court, creditors and stockholders, putting the company upon a sound financial basis and was discharged one year later. Again in 1902, the coal company having become largely involved, Mr. Ham- ilton was appointed receiver of the said company by Judge R. B. Shirley and held this position until July i, 1903. During this period his management of the company was very satisfactory to all concerned and his relations with the employees of the mine very pleasant. Through his successful management of the business, the company's property was sold to a strong corporation which now owns the same, and to him perhaps a large share of the credit for the perpetuation of the only large enterprise Girard now has is due. On May 7, 1873, Mr. Hamilton was united in marriage with Permelia E. England, who is a daughter of the late Samuel and Louisa C. (Smith) England. Mrs. Hamilton's grandfather, John England, was born in Vir- ginia, removed to Tennessee, and in 1830 came as a pioneer to Illinois. The family has long been one of wealth and distinction in this locality. Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton have a family of seven children, namely; Maude (Littlepage), Florenc Clare, Gussie Clay (Brayton), Bertha, John, Roscoe and Marie. The family residence is one of the most attractive in Girard and has been the scene of many social functions and much hospitality. Politically Mr. Ham- ilton is a Republican. Fraternally he is a Mason. JOHN J. LEACH. John J. Leach, one of the successful farmers and highly respected citi- zens of Chesterfield township, Macoupin County, and also an honored sur- vivor of the Civil War, resides in the village of Chesterfield, retired. He was MACOUPIX COUNTY. 389 born at Chesterfield, Illinois, in 1842. He is the youngest son of Thomas and Sarah (South) Leach. Thomas Leach was born in Yorkshire, England, and was reared to agri- cultural pursuits. In 1830 he came to America, accompanied by his wife and two children, and settled first on a farm in Morgan Coimty, Illinois. In 1832 he removed to Chesterfield township, iiacoupin County, and pur- chased the farm now owned by our subject. The children of Thomas and Sarah (South) Leach were: Thomas, born in England, who became a farmer in Bird township, Macoupin County, and died at the age of 65 years while on a visit in Kansas; Sarah, born in England, who is the widow of Henr}- Craggs, and resides on their homestead farm in Bird township, Ma- coupin County; Alfred, bom in America, who is deceased; Mahala, the wife of Z. J. Gibson, a farmer of Hilyard township, Macoupin Coimty; Frances, the wife of John Craggs of Bird township, Macoupin Coimty; and John J. Mr. Leach was reared on the home farm in Chesterfield township and was educated in the local schools. He was 20 years of age when he loyally offered his services to his countrj', in 1862 enlisting in Company D, 122nd Reg., Illinois \'ol. Inf. He continued in the service until August, 1865, when he received his discharge at Springfield, Illinois. Although ^Ir. Leach escaped serious injury, he participated in a number of serious battles, notably those of Xashville, Parker Cross Roads and Fort Blakely, and in innumer- able skirmishes when his life was continually in danger. Returning to peaceful pursuits, Mr. Leach resumed farming on the home place. He has been successful in the operation of this farm, which is one of the valuable ones of his locality. In 1869 ;Mr. Leach married Harriet Brown, who is a daughter of F. G. and Mary (Bell) Brown. The former was born in Virginia, but has been a prosperous farmer of Bird to%vnship, Macoupin County, for a long period prior to his death which took place there in his 77th year. His wife died in 1864, in her 60th year. The three children reared by !Mr. and Mrs. Leach are : Walter, engaged in railroad work in Texas, who married Rose Harbor of Barton County, Missouri; Frank B. ; and Charles F., a resident of Okla- homa Territory. Since 1867 Mr. Leach has been connected with the Masonic fraternity, and he also belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America. In politics, he is identified with the Republican party, ilr. Leach is held in high esteem 390 BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD in his own locality and is a representative member of that solid, substantial class of thinking men, who through loyalty, honest industry and sterling integrity have brought this country to its present eminence. WILLIAM H. MEYER. William H. Meyer, a prominent farmer and a very successful raiser of fine stock, owns and occupies a well cultivated and improved farm of 293 acres situated in sections 22 and 23, Cahokia township, Macoupin County. Mr. Meyer was born in Westphalia, Germany, December 31, 1853, and is a son of Henry and Mary (Lafman) Meyer. The father of our subject was born in Westphalia where he grew to manhood and served three years in the German Army. He married Mary Lafman and in 1858 came to America and located first in Morgan County, in 1864 coming to Macoupin County, where he died in 1874, aged 51 years. He was an honest, upright man and was respected by all who knew him. His widow survived until 1883, dying at the age of 73 years. Both parents were consistent members of the Lutheran Church. In politics Henry Meyer was a Democrat. The seven children born to Henry and Mary (Lafman) Meyer were: Frank, who died in Germany; August, a retired farmer of Sangamon County, Illinois; Mrs. Mary Waltman, a widow, of Morgan County, Illinois ; Mrs. Minnie Niehaus, deceased, of Morgan County, Illinois ; Mrs. Lottie Sathofif, deceased, of Montgomery County, Illinois ; Henry, a farmer and stockman of Oregon; and William H. William H. Meyer was four years of age when his parents came to America and can scarcely recall what must have been a long and tiresome voyage. He resided with the family near Jacksonville, in Morgan County, until 1864, when his father removed to what is now our subject's farm, which has been his home ever since. Mr. Meyer is a very practical man and exercises most excellent judgment in his management of the large estate. He grows the grains which he has found best adapted to his land and pays great attention to the raising of high grade stock, being interested only in the best. He has herds of Durham cattle which compare favorably with any MACOUPIN COUNTY. 391 in the county, and raises also fine Cotswold sheep and Poland-China hogs. On account of a number of magnificent oaks on the place, it is locally known as "Oak Grove Farm." It is well situated and abundantly watered and a fine lawn gives a beautiful setting for a handsome residence and the two great bams which testify to the abundance of the crops. An excellent orchard of four acres provides all the apples, peaches and plums the family can use. All these improvements and many others have been made by Mr. Meyer and he is in the enjoyment of one of the best homes of his section of the county. On June 12, 1879, Mr. Meyer was married to Minnie Gehner, who was bom in Washington, Missouri, October 25, i860, and is a daughter of Cas- per and Minnie (Shultz) Gehner, both natives of Germany. Nine children have been born to them : Mrs. Lottie Grosenhider of Montgomery County ; and August, Minnie, William, Emma, Lydia, Lena, Annie and Ella, who live at home. In politics Mr. Meyer is a Republican. He is a member of the Lutheran Church. RICHARD D. FRANCIS. Richard D. Francis, one of the most successful and extensive horse breeders of Gillespie township, Macoupin County, located in section 23, where he owns no acres, was born on this farm November 2y, 1858, and is a son of Charles and Pauline (Temple) Francis. Charles Francis was bom in Ireland in 1814. and came to Americawith his parents at the age of 18 years. They located at Alton, Illinois, and died there when Charles was still a youth. He was the youngest of four children and was left dependent upon his own resources. For a time after coming to Macoupin County he followed farming and then began the breeding of draft horses and mules. In 1858 he entered the present farm, on which he con- fined the raising of fine horses, became a man of large means and at the time of his death owned 320 acres of fine land. For many years he was prominent in the Masonic fraternit}^ and his funeral was conducted with Masonic honors. In politics he was identified with the Democratic party. His religious con- nection was with the Protestant Episcopal Church. Charles Francis mar- ried Pauline Temple, who was born in Ohio and had come to Macoupin 22 392 BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD County to teach school. The two children of this union were: Rosa, wife of E. T. Rice, and Richard D., of this sketch. This beautiful and well improved farm where Mr. Francis was born has always been his home, with the exception of seven years spent in Frede- ricktown, Madison County, Missouri, where he engaged in a meat business. In addition to carrying on large farming operations, Mr. Francis has devoted much attention to the breeding of fine stock, cattle and high grade horses. He is a partner with 15 other capitalists in a stock horse — the registered Percheron stallion "Baccarat III" No. 21069; ^"d the great Hambletonian, "Joe Wilks," is owned individually by our subject. On December 19, 1883, Mr. Francis was married to Emma Frey, who was born in Gillespie township, Macoupin County, May 3, 1866, and is a daughter of Abraham and Arminda (Grant) Frey, who were born in Leipsic, Germany, and are now residents of Madison County, Illinois. The one daughter of this marriage, Violet, an accomplished young lady, will graduate from the Gillespie High School in 1904. Mr. Francis, like his father, is a Democrat, but beyond casting his vote takes no very active part in politics. Fraternally he belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America. DAVID FUNDERBURK. David Funderburk, one of the prominent and substantial retired farm- ers of Staunton, Macoupin County, was born in Dorchester township, Ma- coupin County, Illinois, December 6, 1849. He is a son of Laney and Eliza- beth (Adcock) Funderburk. The Funderburk family is of German origin, its founders in America coming to this country at a very early day. The father of our subject, who was born in North Carolina, removed to Jefferson County, Illinois, in young manhood, engaged in fanning and died at the age of 40 years. He married Elizabetli Adcock, a native of Tennessee, who survived her husljand, dying at the age of 66 years, after rearing her nine fatherless children. These were: Mrs. Eveline Weeks, deceased; Mrs. Serena Kennedy, deceased; Mrs. Elizabeth Sawyer, deceased; Mrs. Amelia Ann Williams, of Staunton, Ma- MACOUPIN COUNTY. 393 coupin County; James M., deceased; George, deceased; Henry, of Jerseyville, Jersey County; John, deceased; and David of this sketch. Left a babe of six months at the death of his father, our subject had much to contend with during his childhood and youth. When other boys were attending school, he was working, and, in looking back to the time when the lad worked a whole day putting up hay for 15 cents, and drove oxen at $7 per month, one is able to see that the persevering industry and patience of the child laid the foundation stones on which the man built his fortune. Mr. Funderburk never found the time to learn to either read or write, but he is one of the most substantial men in his part of the county and has always taken pleasure in helping others along a little and has never turned the hun- gry' from his door. His life of economy, industry and good management can teach valuable lessons to those who wish to learn. W'hen he was 16 years old, he bought a team of cattle and earned $300 by hauling wood and then bought a tract of 15 acres of timber land, to which he kept adding until his farm is now worth $15,000. In contains 255 acres and is situated in sec- tions 25, 35 and 36, Dorchester township. He also owns seven good dwell- ings in Staunton and a brick block. His time has been occupied since his retirement in iVIarch, 1903, in looking after his real estate interests. On May 2, 1872, Mr. Funderburk was married to Matilda Hausam, who was born in Madison County, Illinois, March 24, 1856, and is a daughter of John and Mary Hausam. They have these children : Mary, wife of Henry Bargfeld of Staunton ; Ida, who married George Allen of Staunton, and has four children; Moda L., who married Charles Mclntire, of Staunton, and has two children ; Julia, who married Walter Perslow, and has two children ; and Laney and Pearl, who live at home. JOHN ROACH. John Roach, deceased, formerly president of the Bank of Girard and a director of the People's Bank of Girard, was one of the prominent citizens of Macoupin County, a leading farmer and an extensive stock raiser. He was 394 BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD bom August i6, 1829, in Carroll County, Tennessee, being one of 12 chil- dren born to William and Anna (Smith) Roach. William Roach, our subject's father, was born in Tennessee and was engaged throughout his life in the pursuits of an agriculturist. The 12 chil- dren bom to him and his good wife were: William, Joseph, Rachel (Wright), Angeline (McGinnis), Ellen (Davenport), Elizabeth (Chandler), Celia (Smith), Susan (Waters), John, our subject, and three whose names are not given. The late John Roach, who was reared to manhood on his father's farm in Tennessee, had only the advantages of a district school education. He followed farming in his native State until 1854, when he came to Macoupin County, and was one of the littie band that first broke the soil on the site of the present city of Girard. Throughout the remainder of his life he took a generous pride in her growth and development, and was identified with many of her most successful business enterprises. He was a success- ful farmer and a man who used good taste, as well as good judgment, in raising stock, and the breeding of Shorthorn cattle gained for him a repu- tation that was general in Macoupin County and this section of the State. Until he retired from business activity, he continued to be an extensive raiser of Shorthorn cattle and a large shipper to the St. Louis and Chicago markets. During the Civil War he secured a number of important contracts, and in the shipping of stock and cattle laid the foundation of an ample fortune. By taking advantage of opportunities, as well as by the sweat of his brow, he accumulated considerable land of a choice nature. He was very active in the establishment of Girard's financial institutions and was associated with those other substantial citizens, S. Owen Smith and T. H. Cherry, whose sketches appear elsewhere in this volume. Several years previous to his decease, he resigned from the presidency and disposed of his entire interest in the Bank of Girard : but was a director and stockholder of the People's Bank, at the time he was called to the great beyond, June 16, 1903. On November 12, 1852, ilr. Roach was married to Martha H. Cherry, a daughter of Harvey Cherry, of Girard. Four children were born to them, of whom two now survive — Mary E. and James Coy. Mary E. married Hairy Lemon, of Girard township, and they have eight children, as follows : Ethel (Riffey), John R., Henry McCoy, Calvin C, Roscoe H., Martha E., Emma A. and Fae. James Coy Roach, who is one of the prominent citizens MACOUPIN COUNTY. 395 of Girard, a director in the People's Bank, married Olive Bird. Mrs. Roach still occupies the beautiful family home in Girard, where her husband had lived so many happy years, and is spending the sunset years of her life in comfort and ease. The Cumberland Presbyterian Church lost in Mr. Roach one of its faithful members and liberal supporters. He had been a member for man)- years and ever stood ready to advance its cause. He was notably a man of sterling honesty and unswering in his convictions of the right. In almost every public movement affecting Girard. he was a prominent factor, encouraging its commercial development and advancing its moral and edu- cational interests. His burial took place on June 18. his funeral being attended by so many friends that before all had assembled even standing room was not to be had. The officiating ministers were Rev. R. D. Miller, of Petersburg, and Rev. Berrj-hill, of Girard. The pall-bearers were Joseph Listen, of Car- linville, and C. C. Armstrong. John Beeby, H. S. Webb. Henrj- Stewart and W. S. Garretson. of Girard. His death was sincerely mourned by an ex- ceedingly large circle of friends and acquaintances. JOHN H. WALKER. John H. ^^'ALKER, a prominent and substantial farmer, cattle raiser and dairyman, of Mount Olive township, Macoupin County, owning a fine farm of 121 acres in section 7, was bom in Clark County, Indiana, February 8, 1S44. He is the yoimgest son of John S. and Harriet (French) Walker. John S. ^^'alker was born near Dover, Kent County, Delaware, and died in Dorchester township, Macoupin County, in 1868, aged 75 years. His wife, Harriet French, was born in Delaware, and died in Indiana, when our subject was five years of age. Three children survived her : Mrs. Frances Elizabeth Hutchison, who died in 1868, near Staunton; William C, of Sacramento. California; and John H., of this sketch. John S. Walker was a Democrat in his political views. He was a farmer by occupation, and prior to coming to Indiana was an overseer for a time on a Marj-land plantation. John H. Walker was 15 years old when the family came to Macoupin 396 BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD County, where he has lived ever since and has become one of the substantial and influential men. He owned 124 acres of land in jMount Olive township, but in December, 1903, he sold three acres to the Chicago & Northwestern Railway, whose line is in course of construction. Eighty acres of Mr. Walker's farm is under cultivation, and he engages in general farming, cattle raising and dairying. Mrs. Walker owns 20 acres in section 6, the coal rights of which have been disposed of to the B. L. Dorsey and the Superior coal companies. Mr. Walker has a fine Civil War record. He enlisted March 8, 1865, at Staunton, in Company H, 28th Reg., Illinois Vol. Inf., under Capt. B. F. Cowell. and Col. Richard Ritter, ist Brigade, 3rd Division, 13th Army Corps, Army of the Cumberland. He saw much active service, participating in the battles of Spanish Fort, Fort Blakely. the surrender of Mobile, and the battle at Whistler, Alabama, and spent the last eight months of his en- listment at Brownsville. Texas, where he was mustered out March 8, 1866. He was never off duty during this time, from either sickness or wounds, and proved to be a good, reliable soldier, as he has since become a responsible, representative citizen. For six years he has served as highway commissioner of Mount Olive township, was constable one year in Staunton township, and is school director and trustee. In 1863 Mr. Walker was married to Mava E. Godfrey, who was a daughter of Joseph Godfrey, and died in 1872, aged ^2 years, without issue. In 1877 Mr. Walker married Margaret E. Sawyer, who was born in Mount Olive township, Macoupin County, and is a daughter of Ebern Sawyer, who was born in North Carolina, and died at North Bend, Mount Olive town- ship, April 10, 1863, aged 57 years. Mr. Sawyer gave the name of North Bend to that school district. He came here in pioneer days with his parents and became an extensive agriculturist and cattle raiser. He married Mary A. Best, who was born in Tennessee, January 23, 1823, and still resides on the old homestead. Mr. and Mrs. Sawyer had nine children, namely : Ann- dosia (Mrs. Klock), of Mount Olive township; Stephen T., of Mount Olive township; Mary A. (Mrs. Courtney), deceased; Michael C, of Oklahoma Territor)-; Oliver H. P.. deceased; Brittania A. (Mrs. Clark), of Mount Olive township; Margaret Ellen (Mrs. Walker); Frances Elizabeth Best (Mrs. Lawrence), of Spokane Falls, Washington; and Ada Belle (Mrs. ^McMullen), of Oregon. MACOUPIN COUNTY. 397 Mr. Walker is identified with the Democratic party and has taken a very active part in local matters. During the last presidential campaign, he was a member of the county executive committee, is a member of the township central committee and upon many occasions has been a delegate to both county and State conventions. He was one of the charter members of the Staunton lodge of Odd Fellows. Mr. Walker is widely known and universally respected. His opinions are consulted and his advice taken in matters pertaining to local affairs, his known intergrity and public spirit making his judgment of value to his fellow citizens, who have never foimd him wanting in patriotism or local pride. WILLIAM H. WHITEHOUSE. William H. Whitehouse, one of the leading citizens of Mount Olive, Macoupin County, postmaster and agent for the Aetna Life Insurance Com- pany, was born at Mount Olive, in July, i860. He is one of two children bom to his parents, Henry and Amelia (Leghmann) Whitehouse. The father, who was a German by birth, migrated to this country and engaged in farming in Macoupin Coimty, where he died. Mr. Whitehouse completed the common school course and then took a special course in bookkeeping, subsequently returning to the home farm. Until 1890 he engaged in agricultural pursuits and then embarked in a mer- cantile business, opening up a general store in Mount Olive. This he con- ducted until 1898, when his appointment as jailer at Carlinville necessitated his removal to that cit)-. On May 2"], 1902, three and a half years later, he was appointed postmaster of Mount Olive and has served in this capacity ever since. The amount of business at this point is considerable and Mr. Whitehouse has engaged Fred C. Troeger as assistant. He also represents the Aetna Life Insurance Company, and has written up many risks through his section. In 1888 Mr. Whitehouse was united in marriage with Maggie Arke- bauer, who is a daughter of George Arkebauer of Mount Olive, and they have three children, namely: Molly A.. Theodore W.. and Alvin G. 398 BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD In politics Mr. Whiteliouse is one of the influential Republicans in his section of Macoupin County. Both he and his wife are valued members of the Lutheran Church. THOMAS METCALFE. The death of the late Thomas Metcalfe removed from Macoupin County a citizen who was held in the highest esteem, and one who is recalled by the bar of St. Louis, Missouri, as long one of its ablest members. Mr. Metcalfe was born in 1838 in Kentucky, and was a son of Melville and Amanda (Mclntyre) Metcalfe. Few names are inore distinguished in the State of Kentucky than is that of Metcalfe. Thomas Metcalfe, the grandfather of our deceased subject, served the commonwealth, as a member of Congress, 1819-29, was inaugu- rated its Governor in 1829, afterwards was sent to the United States Senate, and through a long and illustrious public career reflected only credit upon the honorable name. The late Thomas Metcalfe was educated for the law and from 1869 to 1876 he was in active practice at Atchison, Kansas, removing then to St. Louis, Missouri, where he became a prominent member of the bar, only retir- ing from the arena when failing health warned him of his danger. In May, 1901, he became the owner of the magnificent farm of 440 acres, beautifully situated in sections 8 and 9, Shipman township, Macoupin County, Illinois, and with enthusiasm entered upon extensive improvements, converting the residence into a handsome modern home. Here it was fondly hoped by his friends that he would be spared to enjoy many years, but it was not to be. The winter of 1902 found him trying the balmy air at San Antonio, Texas, but it was of no avail and he passed away March 11, 1903, at the age of 65 years, universally regretted. In 1863 Mr. Metcalfe married Mary Chiles, who is a daughter of Hon. Walter and Caroline (Stith) Chiles, these names being very prominent and influential ones in Montgomery and Hardin counties, Kentucky. Hon. Wal- ter Chiles was a distinguished lawyer, who died in 1861, in his 50th year, after honorably representing his district in the State Senate for three terms. MACOUPIN COUNTY. 399 Mr. and Mrs. Metcalf remained on the home farm in Kentucky until they removed to Kansas, in 1869. Mr. Metcalfe is survived by his bereaved widow and six children, viz. : Carrie Lou; Walter and Melville (twins), the former residing on the estate with his mother, the latter a resident of Topeka, Kansas, who married Belle Ellis of St. Louis, Missouri ; Thomas, of Chicago, who married a Miss Bums of Kentucky; Mary, who married James Primrose, of North Carolina, and has one child, Mary — they reside in Indian Territory; and Alice, who lives with her mother. Landon died in 1895. Mr. Metcalfe was prominent in political, fraternal and religious circles. For a long period he was a consistent member of the Methodist Church. Fraternally he was a Mason, and politically he was a Democrat. FITZHUGH LEE HARRIS. FiTZHUGH Lee Harris, one of the successful farmery and self-made men of Mount Olive township, Macoupin County, owning a very superior farm of 140 acres in sections 7 and 8, was bom in Jackson county, Missouri, February i, 1877, and is a son of Doctor Robert and Henrietta (Dalton) Harris, a grandson of William G. Harris and a great-grandson of Isam Harris. The Harris family came from England about 1776, Isam Harris, our subject's great-grandfather, being the first to come to America. Mr. Harris first settled in Virginia, and in 1839 removed to Missouri, where he operated a distillery. Isam Harris was the father of 14 children, our, subject's grand- father being the second son. Mr. Harris died while a resident of Misouri at the age of 108 years ; his father lived to be 1 1 1 years old. William G. Harris, grandfather of our subject, was bom at Colfax Court House, Virginia, April 18, 1822, and migrated to Missouri in 1839, where he died in 1897. He always followed the occupation of farming. Doctor Robert Harris, father of our subject, was born in Jackson County, Missouri, October 14, 1852, being the second of eight children born to his parents. He is now cultivating a farm in Jackson County, Missouri, 400 BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD being also engaged as a carpenter and contractor. He was a member of the "Texas Rangers" and was engaged in many battles against the Indians. Politically, he is a member of the Democratic party. He married Henrietta Dalton, who was born in Jackson County, Missouri, April 17, 1858. They are the parents of 15 children, nine of whom are living, namely: Fitzhugh Lee, our subject; Lillie M. (Patterson), of Eldorado, Kansas; Rose C. (Con- way), of Jackson County, Missouri; Lottie, who resides with our subject; and Lucy P., Blanche, Chlora, Pearl and Myrtle, who reside with their parents. Fitzhugh Lee Harris resided on his father's farm in Jackson County, Missouri, until he was 24 years of age, when he came to Macoupin County, Illinois, where he has since lived. Mr. Harris cultivates a very superior farm of 140 acres and also devotes much of his time to stock raising, in which occupation he has met with very successful results. He is a member of the Democratic party, although he takes but a citizen's interest in political affairs. Mr. Harris was married August 31, 1901, to Lillian E. Reid, who was born in New York City, June 10, 1877. Mrs. Harris' parents moved from New York City to St. Louis, Missouri, when she was an infant, later remov- ing to Kansas City, Missouri, where she lived until several years ago, when she came to Macoupin County. Mrs. Harris is a daughter of Robert and Annie (Foster) Reid, both natives of County Sligo, Ireland. Mrs. Reid, the mother of our .subject's wife, immigrated to America when she was 18 years old in company with her brother. Her parents both died before she came to this country. Her husband, Robert Reid, came to this country in 1848, when II years of age. They were the parents of two children besides our subject's wife, namely : Jennie and Robert. Joseph Whiteside Reid, uncle of Mrs. Harris, was born in County Sligo, Ireland, January 9, 1843. He removed to New York in 1851, in company with his widowed mother and remained there until he was 25 years old. While he was in New York City he and his two brothers, Thomas and Robert, began the manufacture of confectionery and proved fairly successful at that ocupation. At the first call for volunteers in 1861, Mr. Reid enlisted in a New York infantry regiment under the command of General McDowell. Mr. Reid was in the Army of the Potomac, and took an active part in many battles, but never received even a scratch. He re- MACOUPIN COUNTY. 401 enlisted a second time and served throughout the entire war. Mr. Reid took part in the Grand Review in Washington, D. C. After the war he returned to New York and again engaged in the confectionery manu- facturing business, continuing at it until 1868. In 1868 he set out to travel through the South and purchased a ranch in Texas, where he lived but one year and then sold it and removed to San Francisco, California, where he again engaged in the confectionery business. Mr. Reid later engaged in mining in California and after some time engaged in freighting on the plains. After a time he again engaged in gold mining, this time in the Black Hills, being one of the first to settle there. He again engaged in freighting and later located in St. Louis, where he engaged in the candy businss for five years, and then, in 1886, came to Macoupin County, where he engaged in farming until his death which occurred September 8, 1903. Mr. Reid was a well educated man, a verj' fine conversationalist and was a leading figure in the communities where he resided. He was a personal acquaintance of Lin- coln, Grant and many other noted men. Mr. Reid was employed as a tax collector in Richmond, Virginia, immediately after the surrender of that city. Politically he was a member of the Republican party. Fraternally he was a member of a New York City lodge of Masons. On January- 6, 1886, Mr. Reid was married to Jane Foster, who died in Macoupin County, August 26, 1902, at the age of 70 years. JACOB KLEIN. Jacob Klein, one of the prominent citizens of Mount Olive, Macoupin County, supervisor of Mount Olive township, and manager of the branch depot at Mount Olive of the Anheuser-Busch Brewing Association of St. Louis, Mo., was born in Germany, and is a son of John and Charlotta (Keck) Klein. John Klien lived and died in Germany. He was a blacksmith by trade and a man of industrious habits and many sterling virtues. After the death of her husband, Mrs. Klein came with her son Jacob and daughters Mary and 402 BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD Anna, to America, locating first at Belleville, Illinois, and later removing from that point to Mount Olive. Our subject received a good, common school education. In 1885 he entered into the wholesale beer business and in 1891 was made manager of the Mount Olive depot of one of the largest brewing companies in the coun- try. His plant and the offices are very complete and he does a business of $40,000 annually. He has long since demonstrated his fine business ability and ranks with the substantial men of the community and is ranked very high in the commercial world. He is also a prominent factor in local poli- tics as an influential member of the Democratic party. In 1902 he was elected supervisor of Mount Olive township, a choice most satisfactory to all those who have the best interests of the township at heart. He has served three years as a member of the School Board, where his advice and excellent judg- ment have been much appreciated. On April 16, 1904, he was elected presi- dent of that body. On June 24, 1875, Mr. Klein was united in marriage with Margiierita Rehg, who is a daughter of Moritz Rehg, and they have a family of 10 chil- dren, namely: William, Julia, Louis C, Gunda, Tillie, Minnie, Walter, Dala, Josephine and Anna. Mr. and Mrs. Klein and all their children belong to the Lutheran Church. Mr. Klein is an active member of the Odd Fellows, the Knights of Pythias, the Knights of Honor, the Knights and Ladies of Honor and Tren Bund. CHARLES E. SMITH. Charles E. Smith, one of the enterprising and successful business men of Medora. Macoupin County, engaged in conducting a first class grocery, was born in 1877 at Portsmouth, Ohio, and is a son of William and Mary C (McNamar) Smith. William Smith, who was a native of Ohio, has followed farming all his life. In 1884 he came to Illinois, locating in Virden township, Macoupin Count}', but in 1892 he removed to the central part of Missouri, where he is now an extensive farmer. MACOUPIN COUNTY. 403 Charles E. Smith was educated in the schools of Virdeii, IllHnois, and after he completed his education accepted a clerkship in a grocery store, where he remained four years, this long term testifying to his industry and ability. During these years he learned all the necessary details of the busi- ness and was thus well equipped when he located in Medora in 1899, and opened up his first class grocery store. Mr. Smith has shown much enter- prise in his venture, and has given his patrons the best the market affords. His careful and choice selection, not only of staple and standard groceries but also of delicacies and luxuries, combined with uniform courtesy and hon- est and fair dealing, have brought him the larger part of the best trade of the place. Mr. Smith was married October 17, 1899, to Lillie Hunt, who was born in England, where her parents resided all their lives. Politically Mr. Smith is identified with the Republican party. Frater- nally he is a Mason, belonging to Fidelity Lodge, No. 152, A. F. & A. M. As a business man he stands well in his community and is esteemed person- ally. JOHN HARRISON PERRINE. John Harrison Perrine, proprietor of the well known "Cotton Wood Stock Farm," consisting of 305 acres, situated in sections i and 14, Hilyard township, Macoupin County, is one of the prominent and substantial farmers and stock raisers of this portion of the State. Mr. Perrine was born Septem- ber 13, 1846, in Pickaway County, Ohio, but has been a resident of Hilyard township since 1856. He is a son of Daniel and Emily (Doyle) Perrine. As far back as the closing year of the Revolutionary War, the Perrine family resided in New Jersey, and Mathew Perrine, our subject's great- grandfather, served in the patriot army. His son William, one of seven children, was born in New Jersey and married Rachel Lippincott, who was born in Monmouth County, New Jersey. After the birth of four children, they moved to Ohio, where our subject's grandmother died, and the grand- father died soon after coming to Illinois, a few years later. Daniel Perrine, father of John H., was born July 4, 1822, in Monmouth County, New Jersey, and came to Illinois and settled in Jersey Cojnty, in 404 BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD 185 1. He married Emily Doyle who was bom in Perry County, Ohio, and died in Macoupin County, Illinois, September 7, 1884. aged 56 years. They had 12 children, namely: John H., of this sketch; William, of Morrisonville, Illinois; Hattie, who died at the age of 20 years; Mrs. Ann Coulter of Al- ton; Mrs. Jane Huchelbridge, of Louisiana; Mrs. Clara Huddleston, of Farmer^'ille. Illinois; Mrs. Emma Jones, of Gillespie township; Mrs. Dora Trabue; Alice, who died at the age of three years; Edwin, who died at the age of 34 years; Mrs. Effie Chappel, who is living on the old homestead; and Mrs. Kate Simonson, of Saratoga, Wyoming. Our subject was five years of age when he came to Illinois, and he has lived in Hilyard township. Macoupin County, for the past 48 years. The wonderful changes which have taken place in the county's settlement and civ- ilization are no more remarkable than are the changes which Mr. Perrine has brought about in his own fortunes. From a capital consisting of noth- ing but health, industr}', energy and honesty, he has arisen to be one of the county's capitalists, and where he was once obliged to pay 10 per cent, inter- est on every dollar he borrowed, the banks are anxious to lend him their whole capital without a sign of security. For many years his name has given confidence to many investors, his probity, honor and integrity equaling his substantiability. When Mr. Perrine first started out in life, he found it necessary to com- mand a small capital, in order to carry out enterprises which his judgment and foresight saw would bring about great results. He computes that he has paid something like $10,000 in interest money. He has been very prominent in all agricultural movements in his section of the county and much credit is due him for the reputation the section has for its magnificent showing of cattle and stock. In addition to large operations in buying, selling and ship- ping, his stock farm has some of the finest specimens of horses, cattle and hogs, to be found in the State. With four other prominent stock men, he owns a share in the Hilyard Township Horse Company. They imported the magnificent French Percheron stallion "Brave," at a cost of $2,000. On his own farm he has 150 head of Poland-China hogs and a large herd of Polled Durham cattle, with these three fine registered animals at their head : "Red Joe," No. 1549; "John Brown, Jr.," No. 1895, and the cow, "Christ- mas Eve," No. 1894. During the early years of the Farmers' Mutual Bene- fit Association, Mr. Perrine was coimty vice-president and also county pur- MACOUPIN COUNTY. 405 chasing agent and for a long period was much interested in furthering the designs of the organization, looking to the improvement of agricultural con- ditions. On October 12, 1871, Mr. Perrine was married to Maria Elizabeth Jones, who was born November 21, 1850, in Allen County, Kentuck)-, and is a daughter of Ambrose and Mary (Wilson) Jones, the former a native of Kentucky and the latter of Tennessee. Both died in Gillespie township, Macoupin County, having moved to Illinois when Mrs. Perrine was six months old. They have four children: Grace May, Anna Myrtle (deceased). James Harrison and Marj- Ethel. Mr. Perrine attended Shurtleff Colllege at Alton, and Mrs. Perrine took a four-years Chautauqua course, receiving a diploma, and their children have benefited by having intelligent and edu- cated parents. All have had excellent educational opportunities, the eldest daughter attending the Western Normal College at Bushnell and also per- fecting herself in vocal and instrumental music and becoming a successful teacher. She is now^ the wife of Orville Dey of Hilyard township and they have two children — Lola Inez and Florence Grace. Ethel is also an accom- plished musician and a graduate of the Bunker Hill Academy. Harrison at- tended Bushnell College and Bunker Hill Militan,- Academy. Mr. Perrine was reared a Republican, but later became a Populist and now votes independently. He has never cared for political office, his inter- ests being mainly centered in agricultural aflfairs and in his church, home and family. He is one of the most liberal supporters of the Corrington Chapel, and is one of the trustees. The family residence is probably one of the most imposing in the township and is surrounded by bams and out- buildings that testify to the extensive operations carried on here. The farm has a name well known beyond local circles and its products bring the highest price in the market. HENRY BRAYFORD. Henry Bravford, who for many years was one of the prominent min- ing men and large land-owners of Madison and Macoupin counties, Illinois, died on his large farm of 711 acres, located in sections 21, 22 and 23, Polk 4o6 BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD township, Macoupin County, December 22, 1901. He was born in 1817 in Staffordshire, England, and came to America in 1848. By trade Mr. Brayford was a miner, one who had made the business a study for years. He located in Madison County, Illinois, the same year he came to this country, and bought a farm of 80 acres, in the vicinity of Moro, on which he had reason to believe he would find a coal bed. Being a practi- cal miner, he was engaged by Ritter & Brother, of Edwardsville, Illinois, to look over the ground in that locality, and it resulted in his putting down the first coal shaft in that later noted coal locality. He remained in the em- ploy of this firm for some years, his family in the meantime remaining on the farm. When released from his contract with Ritter & Brother, he re- turned to Moro, and soon put down coal shafts on his property, which he successfully worked for 1 1 years. During this time he had purchased land in Polk township, Macoupin County, which later aggregated 711 acres, built on it a handsome home and established his family. Mr. Brayford was a man of fine business ability as well as practical knowledge, and he purposed to develop the coal beds which he knew to be underlying his property in Polk township. In 1899 he began operations and at a depth of 144 feet found the coal as he expected, — a fine vein of six feet. His death prevented the open- ing of the mine, but its presence so proved has vastly enhanced the value of the property. On October 13, 1853, Mr. Brayford married Mary Ann Cartlidge who is a daughter of Richard and Ann (Broughton) Cartlidge, of Staffordshire, England, where Mrs. Brayford was born. Her family landed at New Orleans and remained in that city six months, removing then to Madison County, Illinois, and locating at Paddock's Grove, on the Springfield and Bunker Hill road. Mr. Cartlidge died in 1891 at his home near Bethalto, at the age of 67 years, and his wife died in 1876. They brought two chil- dren with them from England and four were born in Madison County, but the only survivors are: Mrs. Brayford and her sister Martha, who is the wife of Henry Lubbin, a farmer of Macoupin County. Mr. Brayford is survived by his widow and four children, namely : Virginia, who is the wife of John Ruttman, a stone mason ; Mary Ann, who married Henry Bergmann, a farmer who died March 5, 1904 — she has three children, Herbert, Grace and Belle; Theresa M., who married John Lawrence, a mechanic, and lives in St. Louis, Missouri — they have seven children, Daisy, Albert, Arthur, MACOUPIN COUNTY. 407 Adele, Dosia, Ada and Doris; and Sarah, who married Frank Rhoades of Polk township, this county. The large estate of Mr. Brayford is in the possession of the family and it includes, besides the farm mentioned, another tract of 80 acres north of Carlinville, through which an electric road is planned from that city to St. Louis, and 80 acres in Madison County, Illinois, near Moro. Included in the 711-acre estate in Polk township is a lovely sheet of water known as Beaver Dam Lake, which is 91 acres in area, being situated between hills and sur- rounded by 200 acres of beautiful hunting and pleasure grounds. The lake has been stocked for the past 24 years with all kinds of game fish, and lies a half mile west of Macoupin Station on the Chicago & Alton Railway. In politics, since the administration of President Buchanan, Mr. Bray- ford was a Democrat. Fraternally he was a Alason. Religiously he was a consistent member of the Advent Christian Church at Carlinville. He was a man of a great deal of strength of character and was looked up to by those around him, and his sound advice was not only often asked for but was taken. He was a man of the highest integrity in business, honest himself and ex- pecting honesty of others. In his home he was both respected and obeyed and sincerely beloved. 4»> JOSEPH S. BIRD. Joseph S. Bird, who is efficiently serving in the capacity of clerk of Mount Olive towTiship, Macoupin County, is an enterprising and progressive young business man of the township. He was born in Madison County, Illinois, September 6, 1880, and is a son of James W. and Martha (Grant) Bird. James W. Bird, who was a native of Madison County, Illinois, early in life took up the occupation of farming and stock raising, and is at present one of the most extensive stock raisers of his county. Mr. Bird is a stanch Republican and takes an active interest in the affairs of the party, being known throughout his county as a political leader. Joseph S. Bird was reared on a farm and received his education in the schools of Madison County. After completing his education, he entered 23 4o8 BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD upon the cares of a business man and in 1900 he began the occupation of mining, which he has followed up to the present time. Mr. Bird is a mem- ber of the Republican party and in April, 1903, he was elected to his present position as clerk of Mount Olive township. In fraternal circles, Mr. Bird is a member of Staunton Lodge, No. 177, A. F. & A. M. On October 24. 1901. Mr. Bird was married to Mary Hassler, who is a daughter of Fred Hassler, who now resides in Mount Olive. JOHN BINNEY, M. D. One of the leading business houses of Mount Olive, Illinois, is what is known as "Binney's Pharmacy," the foundations for which were begun by the late Dr. John Binney, who was for many years one of the prominent and successful physicians and most highly esteemed citizens of Mount Olive. Dr. Binney was born in Macoupin County, Illinois, April 17, 1854, and was one in a family of 10 children, born to his parents, Walter and Christina (_ Web- ster) Binney. The father is now a resident of Madison County, Illinois. The late Dr. Binney was reared on his father's farm and attended the local schools. His medical reading was done as occasion offered, and he prepared himself for entrance to the St. Louis College of Medicine, where he was graduated in 1877, with high honors. He located at Mount Olive, and immediately took a foremost place among the medical practitioners of Ma- coupin County. Here he continued to live and practice, taking a great interest in public affairs and developing enterprises which served to benefit the community, until the time of his decease, August 14, 1899. The plans he had made for the completion of a beautiful, modem building to be used as a first class pharmacy were followed out by his widow, and the business is now conducted by her in asociation with her son-in-law, AVilliani H. Bar- rick. The latter is one of the most enterprising young business men of Mount Olive and the pharmacy is not only stocked with drugs, but carries also all the articles usually found in a drug store of the present day and is a credit to the business life of Mount Olive. MACOUPIN COUNTY. . 409 On April 17, 1879, Dr. Binney was married to Elizabeth McMillan, who is a daughter of the late James McMillan. She still survives, with two daughters : Lulu E., and Margaret C, the latter of whom is the wife of William H. Barrick. Mr. and Mrs. Barrick have one child, Grace L., who was bom July 19, 1903. In political sentiment, Dr. Binney was a Republican, but he accepted no public honors, outside of being a central committeeman, his time being fully occupied with his practice, and in looking after his many investments and propertj' interests. Fraternally he was a member of the Modem Wood- men of Ainerica, the Ancient Order of United Workmen and the Court of Honor. He was also a valued member of the Macoupin County Medical Association. HENRY J. GEHNER, Jr. Henry J. Gehner, Jr., who owns a fine farm of 200 acres in section 35, Cahokia township, Macoupin County, and occupies a handsome residence erected on that place, was born near Jacksonville, Morgan County, Illinois, April 18, 1 86 1, and was brought to Macoupin County when an infant of three years. He is a son of Henry and Wilhelmina (Schweppe) Gehner. The father of our subject was born in Westphalia, Germany, in August, 1823, and when 25 years old immigrated to America. He first located at St. Louis, where he was engaged at general work, later removing to Cahokia township, Macoupin County, where he now resides on a handsome farm of 260 acres. Mr. Gehner's first marriage was to Wilhelmina Schweppe, who was a native of Germany. Her death occurred in January, 1880. They were blessed with seven children, namely: IMary (Eichmeyer), who resides in Cahokia township: Henn.- J-, our subject; William H., of Cahokia township; Fred, who resides in Minnesota; Lottie (Arkebauer) a resident of Kansas; Herman, who is a teacher in Wisconsin ; and Louis, who resides at home with his parents. Mr. Gehner's second marriage was to Caroline Weisbrodt and to this union were bom two boys and three girls. Henr)^ J. Gehner, Jr.. has resided on his present farm since he was three years old and has met with success in all enterprises into which he has 4IO BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD entered. He is at present operating his large and productive farm of 200 acres and is besides employed as an engineer for the Madison Coal Com- pany. ^Ir. Gehner sold the coal rights of his farm to this company and they have besides purchased four acres of his farm for their pumping station. He is a member of the Democratic party and has served as highway com- misioner for the past three years, having also served in several other minor township offices. In 1885, our subject was married to Hermina Arkebauer, who was born in Mount Olive township, September 9, 1864, and is a daughter of Meint Arkebauer. Mr. and Mrs. Gehner are the parents of eight children, namely: Lydia, Rosena, Amanda, Theodore. Pauline, Clara, Ida and Walter. Mr. Gehner and family are members of the Lutheran Church. GEORGE FENTON. George Fenton, a prosperous agriculturist of Macoupin County, re- sides on his well cultivated farm located in section 23, Chesterfield township. He was bom in Nottinghamshire, England, in 183 1. Mr. Fenton left his native land in early manhood in company with his brother, William Fenton, and his sister, Ann (Fenton) Boyington, both of whom have since died, and landed in America on January 12, 1851. Mr. Fenton came immediately to Macoupin County, Illinois, locating in Chester- field township, where he has since remained, having never done a day's work outside of this township since coming to the United States. He at first took up a 40-acre tract of land in section 13, which he cultivated and afterwards sold. He then purchased his present homestead and has since been actively engaged in its cultivation and improvement. He devotes considerable time to stock raising and always has on hand a great number of hogs, sheep, cattle, and horses, of which he may well be proud. Mr. Fenton also owns 130 acres of well improved land south of the homestead farm of 160 acres. He has re- tired from active work on the farm and spends his time enjoying the bene- fits of a comfortable and well appointed home, which he has gained by manv years of hard and unceasing labor, and in which he takes great pride. MACOUPIN COUNTY. 411 On January 15, 1854, Mr. Fenton took as his life companion Sarah Thornton, and 10 children were born to them, namely: Herbert, born July 16, 1855; Hannah, born May i, 1857; Robert, born August 21, 1859, de- ceased October 11, i860: Mary, born August 14, 1861 ; George, born June 27, 1864; Edith, born September 9, 1867, deceased November 24, 1891 ; Sarah, born April 29, 1870; Orange, born November 19, 1874; Calista, born March 9, 1878, deceased December zj, 1881 ; and Amos, born Septeml^er 29, 1 88 1. Our subject's wife died in June, 1894, having reached her 60th year. Mr. Fenton adheres to the principles of the Democratic party, but takes only a citizen's part in politics. The members of the Fenton family are Episco- palians. HON. THEODORE H. KOCH. Hon. Theodore H. Koch, cashier of the bank of C. J. Keiser & Com- pany of Mount Olive, Macoupin County, and a prominent and substantial citizen, was born Novembr 26, 1863, in St. Louis, Missouri, and is a son of William and Minnie (Sewing) Koch. The parents of our subject, both of whom were natives of Westphalia, Germany, came to America in 1845 and settled in St. Louis, where they re- sided all their lives. They married in St. Louis, where Mr. Koch was em- ployed as calker on the dry docks, which he later bought and successfully operated until he retired from business activity in 1875. The family con- tinued to live in St. Louis, where Mr. Koch died in 1884, aged 65 years, and where Mrs. Koch died in 1899, aged "jz years. Both parents were most worthy members of the Evangelical Church. Theodore Koch had the advantages offered by both the English and the German schools. His boyhood was passed before his father had at- tained business success, and from the age of 12 years he was thrown mainly upon his own resources. In 1876 he entered the employ of Keiser & Nie- meyer, general merchants at Mount Olive, where by fidelity to his employers' interests he gained their attention and good will to such an extent that they permitted him to take a course at Bryant & Stratton's Business College in St. Louis, where he graduated from the commercial course. In 1880 he 412 BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD returned to Mount Olive and took charge of the books of the firm, which po- sition he retained until 1882, when he was made cashier of the bank of C. J. Keiser & Company. Mr. Koch has always been identified with the Republican party and has been the recipient of many political rewards. In 1889 he was appointed postmaster of Mount Olive by President Harrison, and was succeeded by William H. Whitehouse, of whom a sketch will be found in this volume. That his administration of office met with the approval of his fellow citizens, was shown by his almost unanimous election to the office of mayor in 1903. He has filled other responsible positions, his aldermanic services being of great value to the city, his record being that of a fearless, upright upholder of the law. In April, 1902, he was elected president of the board of trustees, all his public services being of a character to reflect credit upon himself and honor on the city. He was elected in April, 1904, a delegate to the National Republican Convention, which will convene in Chicago, Illinois, in June, 1904. In association with G. G. Simpson, he owns and operates the Mount Olive telephone plant. Fraternally Mr. Koch is a very popular member of the Knights Templar, Knights of Pythias and the Elks. WALLACE A. BRUCE. Wallace A. Bruce, one of the largest and most progressive farmers of Macoupin County, has attained a leading position among the farmers and business citizens of his county, and is now the owner of over 1,700 acres of land. Mr. Bruce resides on his handsome homestead farm of 320 acres situated in section 2^, Staunton township. He was born in County Derry, Ireland, Septanber 20, 1838, and is a son of Samuel and Matilda (Patter- son) Bruce. Samuel Bruce, the father of our subject, came to Macoupin County from Ireland and was an elder in the Presbyterian Church. He died at the age of 55 years, when his son Wallace was nine years old. Mr. Bruce was married to Matilda Patterson, who was a native of Ireland, and 10 children MACOUPIN COUNTY. 413 were bom to them, namely: Alice (Sawyer), deceased; Nancy (Sawyer), of Staunton township, Macoupin County; Tilly (Hagins), of St. Louis, Missouri; Sarah (Gates), deceased; Lovina, who died at the age of 17 years; Samuel, who died in ^Macoupin County; Wallace, our subject; Hugh, who died in infancy in Ireland; and Elizabeth Ann, who died in Staunton when three years old. Wallace A. Bruce came to America when nearly two years of age in company with his parents and the other children of the family then born. His parents settled in Staunton township, Macoupin County, where he has since lived. Mr. Bnice when a youth had little or no opportunity to gain an education but has worked himself up in the business world through his own energy and perseverance. Mr. Bruce has always been a hard working man and withstood many hardships when he first began his most remark- able career, starting with almost nothing and building up a vast estate by his own exertions with the aid of his wife and boys. In political circles, Mr. Bruce is a member of the Democratic part}'. In February, i860, Mr. Bruce was married to Eliza J. Clark, a daughter of William and Eliza (Little) Clark, both natitves of Ireland. IMr. and Mrs. Bruce are the parents of 1 1 children, namely : Charles, of Macoupin County ; Thomas, of Madison County, Illinois ; Elizabeth, who resides with her parents ; Belle, who is the wife of James Early of Madison County, Illinois; Wallace, of Gillespie township, Macoupin County; Edward, of Staunton township, Macoupin County ; Agnes, the wiie of Gustave Kreoger ; William, of Madison Count}', Illinois; Robert, of Madison County, Illinois; Calvin, who resides with his parents; and May, the wife of Winifred Cox. ^«» WILLIAM HIERONYMUS. ^\'ILL1AM HiEROXYMUS, proprietor of a blacksmith and machine shop at Mount Olive, Macoupin County, is a skilled mechanic in every respect and one of the most prominent and enterprising citizens of his city. He was bom in the city of Treysa. Hesse-Nassau. Germany, in 1848, and is a son of Ludwig and Barbara (Schwing) Hieronymus. 414 BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD Ludwig Hieronymus, the father of our subject was also born in the city ot Treysa, Hesse-Xassau, Germany, where he spent his entire life. He was a first class miller by trade and his services were always in demand. He died in his nati\e country. William Hieronymus, who is one in a family of seven children born to his parents, received his preliminary educational training in his native country and when 13 years of age took up the trade of a blacksmith, which he followed until 17 years of age, when he came to the United States, landing in New York City. Mr. Hieronymus immediately removed to Mount Olive, Macoupin County, Illinois, where he remained for two years. He was then a resident of St. Louis. Missouri, for 11 years, after which he returned to Mount Olive, where, in 1879, he engaged in his present business, which he has since conducted with the best results. In political circles, Mr. Hierony- mus is a Republican but takes but a citizen's interest in political affairs. Mr. Hieronymus married Augusta Holtgreve, a daughter of Herman and Elizabeth (Heidbrink) Holtgreve. lx)th of whom were natives of Ger- many. Mr. Holtgreve was an earnest and devout minister of the Lutheran Church. He and his wife were the parents of three children besides Mrs. Hieronymus, one brother being Rev. Paul B. Holtgreve. Our subject and wife were blessed with eight children, seven of whom are still living, namely: Bertha, wife of William L. Niemann of Mount Olive, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this volume: Emma, Amandus, Henrj', Pauline, Augusta and William. Mr. Hieronymus and his family are strict members of the Lutheran Church. MRS. GESKE MARGARET JOHNSON. Mrs. Geske Margaret Johnson, an esteemed resident of Staunton township, is the widow of Jacob Johnson, who was for many years one of the most prosperous and substantial farmers of Macoupin County. He was bom in Hanover. Germany, February i, 1833. and was a son of Tony and Sophia Johnson. Jacob Johnson came to America when 24 years of age in company with his parents, first locating at New Orleans and later removing to Alton. Illinois, WILLIAM M. DRENNAN. MACOUPIN COUNTY. 417 where he remained one winter and then located in Staunton township, Ma- coupin County, on the farm where our subject hves, where he spent the re- maining years of his hfe. ]\Ir. Johnson started with a farm of 40 acres and at the time of his death he left 640 acres, all of which is in Macoupin and Mont- gomer}- counties, Illinois. Mr. Johnson was a member of the Republican party and held several township offices. He died January' 5, 1892. While in his native country, he was a member of the Lutheran Church but after coming to America he became a member of the Methodist Church. On March 15, 1861, Mr. Johnson was married to Geske Margaret Eck- hoff, who was born in Hanover, Germany, April 17, 1S38. J^Irs. Johnson came to America alone on a sailing craft in October, 1858, landing at New Orleans after a voyage of nine weeks. She then came direct to Macoupin County and has resided here ever since. She is a daughter of Stillahn and Tolke iMargaret (Albers) Eckhoff, being one of a family of seven children, two girls and five boys ; three of the five boys came to .\merica — John, Albert and George. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson had 10 children, of whom eight are still living, namely : Sophia, who married Eilert Englemann, of Raymond, Illi- nois, and has four children living; Meta, who married William Egelhoff, a resident of Raymond, Illinois and has six boys ; Henr}% residing on the farm adjoining the farm of his mother, who is married and has one girl ; Lena, who is the wife of Otto Adden, of Ra}Tnond, Illinois; John, who resides with his mother and runs the farm ; Gesna, who married Louis Brackenbush of Staunton township, Macoupin County, and has one child; Albert (single)' and Emma, who live at home. »»» WILLIAM M. DRENNAN. William M. Drennan, formerly mayor of the city of Girard, Ma- coupin County, a soldier of the Civil War and a prominent and useful citizen, whose portrait accompanies this sketch, was bom in Sangamon County, Illinois, November 4, 1842, and died September 4, 1899. He was one of a family of seven children bom to his parents, Joseph and Elizabeth (Withrow) Drennan. 4i8 BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD Joseph Drennan was bom in Kentucky in 1814 and died in Illinois in 1872. He married Elizabeth Withrow who was born in 1823 in Sangamon County, Illinois, and died in i860. When our late subject was seven years old, the family removed to Macoupin County and settled on a farm in North Otter township. Here William M. Drennan was reared and attended the local schools. From the age of 17 years he made his own way in the world. The outbreak of the Civil W'ar aroused in him a loyal enthusiasm which caused his enlistment in the Union Army, his name being entered on the roll of Company B, 114th Reg., Illinois Vol. Inf., on August 14, 1862. Dur- ing a very hard term of service which included the battles of Jackson, Mississippi ; Nashville, Tennessee ; Brandon, Mississippi ; Guntown and Tupelo, Mississippi, he bore himself as a brave and valiant soldier, although little more than a youth in years. After completing his term of enlistment, he returned to Macoupin County and resumed farming. Mr. Drennan was married April 24, 1866, to Margaret L. Johnston, who is a daughter of Isaac B, and Elizabeth (Berry) Johnston, who reared a family of six childen, Mrs. Drennan being the second in order of birth. Her father was born in Kentucky, and died April 20, 1856, and her mother died in Nebraska in 1887. Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Drennan, viz: William O., born January 28, 1867; Elizabeth E. (Mrs. John Wells); and Cora E. (Mrs. Henry Huber). For many years Mr. Drennan was ven,- prominent in North Otter town- ship and was a leader in Democratic politics. For four years he served as supervisor, for a like period was township treasurer and for 12 years was highway commissioner. He took an active part in advancing the interests of his party and served in many important positions, and was a delegate to both county and State Democratic conventions. In 1897 he was elected mayor of Girard and served as such for two years, his administration being marked with many needed reforms and meeting with the approbation of his constituents. His public service only tended to make him more highly respected, and through life he enjoyed the esteem of men of both parties. Mr. Drennan was always deeply interested in educational matters and faith- fully served as a member of the School Board for a number of years. Mrs. Drennan still resides in the beautiful home in Girard, where she is highly regarded and has many social interests. She is a consistent member of the Methodist Church, which the late Mr. Drennan attended and to which MACOUPIN COUNTY. 419 he gave liberally, as well as to other religious bodies, also contributing gen- erously to the city's charities. The first gun ever brought into Sangamon County, Illinois, was a rifle which belonged to William M. Drennan's grand- father, Joseph Drennan, and which is now in the possession of the widow of our subject. JOHN E. HART. John E. Hart^ one of the leading citizens of South Otter township, Macoupin County, owning a farm of 230 acres, situated in sections 6 and 7, belongs to an honorable pioneer family of Illinois. He was born in North Otter township, Macoupin County, in 1855, and is a son of John C. and Martha (Bull) Hart. No more interesting reading could be found than in an extended his- tory of two such important families as those from which our subject has descended, identified as they have been with the public, agricultural and re- ligious life of the sections in which they have made their homes. The present biographer regrets the limitation of space. Charles Hart was the pioneer of the family in America, coming with his brother in 1700, landing at Charleston. South Carolina. According to the compact entered into before the voyage was undertaken, a not unusual one at that date, the youths were sold at auction to such as needed help, the money paid going to the master of the ship to pay for their passage. Thus the brothers were separated and never were reunited. Charles Hart discharged all his obligations and spent his whole life in South Carolina. David Flart, a son of Charles, was born in 1740 and moved to North Carolina, where he took an active part in the War of the Revolution. He left five sons and two daughters. David, the eldest of the sons, was born in North Carolina, December 18, 1768, mar- ried Margaret Blackwilder, and reared a family of one daughter and 10 sons. He resided in Mercer County, Kentucky, but removed, at an early day, to Bedford County. Tennessee, where he died. Solomon Hart, third son of this family, was born in Mercer County, Kentucky, January 6, 1793, and was 10 years old when his father removed to Tennessee. At the age of 20 years, with his eldest brother, he enlisied in 420 BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD the United States service, under Gen. Afidrew Jackson, and took part in the Horse Shoe battle. After his return, on July 17, 1817, he married Nancy Waggoner, and in 1826 they moved to Morgan County, Illinois, accom- panied by his brothers, Nathan and Charles. For a short time they lived near the village of Jacksonville, which was then but a hamlet. Coming from the timbered lands to which they had been accustomed, the lack of trees in their vicinity made the country look barren to them and caused them to re- move to the southern part of the county, where they found a fine belt of tim- ber on an island lying between Big and Little Apple creeks. Here they built their cabins, after each had secured land, Solomon securing three 80-acre tracts of the best timber. The remainder of his capital he invested in prairie land. Four other brothers subsequently joined him and all settled here, the spot still bearing the name of Hart's Prairie. Here Solomon Hart and wife tore with wonderful fortitude the hardships incident to their pioneer life, patiently bearing the disadvantages aind, by contrast, enjoying to the utmost the few pleasures which came into their lives. They were blessed with a family of eight sons and two daughters, all of whom throve despite the lack of what we consider the necessary comforts of life, and reached maturity. Before the parents were called away, they had the satis- faction of seeing all comfortably settled in life. It was in this household that the teachings of Alexander Campbell were so nourished that it soon became possible to gather a congregation together, and great were the religious re- sults from the preaching in this home of those natural orators, well known in the history of the spread of the Christian Church, Dr. Patrick Henderson, W. W. Happy and Robert Foster. All were earnest men and all of devout life and practice. In politics, Solomon Hart was a Democrat of the Jackson school, and became a great admirer of Stephen A. Douglas. He lived to cast his vote for 14 presidential candidates, and imbued his sons with his political senti- ments. His death took place October 17, 1874, in his 82nd year. He was survived by his widow several years, her age being 86 years. John C. Hart, father of our subject, was reared at Hart's Prairie, Mor- gan County, Illinois, and came to Macoupin County when about 21 years of age. He located on the south edge of North Otter township and died there in 1863. aged 39 years. This homestead farm was entered by his uncle Nathan and was purchased by John C. when he came to Macoupin County. MACOUPIN COUNTY. 421 He married Martha Bull, who was a daughter of Moses Bull, who came from North Carolina and settled at Hart's Prairie in early days, dying there be- fore our subject was born. Eight children were born to this marriage, John E. of this sketch being the fifth member of the family. After the death of his mother in 1865, in North Otter township, our subject returned to Hart's Prairie, where he remained until 1876, when he purchased his present farm in South Otter township and contracted his first marriage, with Sarah Cherr}-, who died in 1881, leaving two children: Nora, who is the wife of Elijah Clark of South Palmyra township ; and Moses, a resident of Virden. In 1883, ^Ir. Hart married Laura Hunt, who is a daugh- ter of .\miel and Mary ( Battershell ) Hunt. Amiel Hunt was born in Pike County, Illinois, in 1836, and was a son of Eber Hunt, a native of North Carolina. Eber Hunt came to Illinois with his family and entered 160 acres of land near the Illinois River, where he died in 1838, survived by his widow until 1899. Amiel Hunt and wife still reside on their farm in South Otter township. The latter was bom near Winches- ter, Illinois, in 1840, and is a daughter of John Battershell, who was born in Kentuck}- and came with his wife to Illinois in pioneer times. Mr. and Mrs. Hart have three children : Bessie Lee, born in September, 1883; John Waller, born August 30, 1888; and Frederick D., born May 4, 1890. Mr. Hart is a member of the Masonic fraternity, the Modem Wood- men of America, the American Home and the Fraternal Army of America. In politics, like the rest of his family, he is identified with the Democratic party. He belongs to the Christian Church. H. C. BUCHTERKIRCHEN. H. C. BucHTERKiRCHEX, One of the most substantial citizens of Staun- ton, Macoupin County, an extensive dealer in lumber and building material of all kinds, is a self made man, who although scarcely yet in the prime of life, has accumulated a fortune and has taken a verv- prominent part in the cit>''s public life. He was born in Hanover, Germany, September 2, 1866, and is a son of August and Lezzetta (Loehr) Buchterkirchen. 422 BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD The father of our subject spent his whole Hfe in Germany, where he was a well known furniture manufacturer. He died September 26, 1878, aged 52 years, survived by his widow, who still resides in Germany. They had seven children, namely: Herman, of East St. Louis, Illinois; H. C, of this sketch; Gustav, who died in St. Louis. Missouri, in 1897, aged 27 years, and August, Carl, Wilhelm and Albert, who are residents of Germany. Our subject was 14 years old when he left school and learned the butch- ering business. In 1882 he decided to accompany a visitor from St. Louis to America, and together they sailed from Bremen. For some years after coming to the United States, Mr. Buchterkirchen was variously employed but never at any time idle. He worked at Elsah, Illinois, then at St. Louis, Missouri, and in August of the same year removed to Staunton, Macoupin County, where he secured work at mine No. 5, first on top, later under ground. He also was employed as section hand on the Wabash Railroad, went then to Worden and w'orked in mine No. 12, returned to Staunton for a short time, then to Jersey Landing and Jerseyville. In the last named place he was kept busy, as a carpenter during the summers, and as a butcher in the winter months, for three years. Then he went to St. Charles, Missouri, and spent three years building coaches in the car shops there. In 1888 he re- turned to Staunton where he had made many friends, and where he has ever since been actively engaged in business. For 10 years he was engaged in the liquor business and then embarked in his present extensive lumber business, which, although but in its infancy as to years, has outstripped al- most every other business house of its kind in the southeatern section of the county. Mr. Buchterkirchen was married December 27, 1888, to Minnie Baule, who was bom January 8, 1868, at Staunton, Macoupin County, and they have three children — Lezzetta, Harry and Walter, all Hving at home. Mr. Buchterkirchen is completing one of the finest private residences in Staunton, which promises to not only be a home of comfort and luxury, but will also be an ornament to the city. The family belong to St. Paul's Evangelical Church. It is not always the case that men, interested in the building up of their own fortunes, are equally alive to their duties as citizens, but Mr. Buchter- kirchen has always displayed commendable public spirit and many of the city's facilities are due to his efiforts while a member of the city council. He MACOUPIN COUNTY. 423 is now serving on the Board of Education, is vice-president of the Staunton Home Association, a director of the Staunton Loan & Building Association and a director of the Business Men's Club. Fraternally he is a Knight of Pythias and a Woodman. In politics he is a Democrat. GEORGE A. SIMPSON. George A. Simpson, superintendent of the Madison Coal Company and also one of the members of the City Council of Mount Olive, Macoupin County, was born in La Salle, Illinois, May 8, 1863. He is one of a family of eight children born to his parents, David and Ellen (Colvin) Simpson. David Simpson was born in Scotland, and his whole life has been con- nected with coal mining. He began when a lad of nine years and has climbed, through every degree, to the position of mine manager, that he now fills at the age of 64 years. In 1851 David Simpson came to the United States and lived in Pennsylvania, later removing to La Salle, Illinois, where, in 1862, he married Ellen Colvin, a daughter of Robert Colvin, a prominent farmer of that place. He then settled in Springfield, Illinois, where he now resides. George A. Simpson was educated in the schools of Sangamon County and at Springfield, until he was 13 years of age, when he followed his father's example, and became a coal miner. This occupation he followed contin- uously until 1892, when he was made mine manager and, subsequently, mine superintendent. This responsible position includes the supervision of two shafts, one located at Mount Olive, where he has 250 men, and one at Diver- non, Sangamon County, Illinois, where there are 325 men. This position was given him in consideration of his thorough technical knowledge and superior fitness, on February 14, 1893, and the tact, skill, ability and ef- ficiency with which he has controlled these large bodies of men and rendered satisfactory showings to the company, speak well for him as superintendent. The position is no sinecure and Mr. Simpson has met with unusual success. On x\ugust 29, 1887, Mr. Simpson was married to Catherine Hahn, who is a daughter of John Hahn, of Springfield, and they have five children, namely : David, George A., Roy L., Gladys C. and Edna R. 424 BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD In addition to his official duties at the coal mines, Mr, Simpson has business asociations which require some of his attention, and political duties which he faithfully performs. Mr. Simpson and T. H. Koch are the owners of the Strowger Automatic Telephone Company of Mount Olive. In poli- tics he is a Republican, and in April, 1902, was elected one of the city alder- men. Fraternally he is a Mason, Knight Templar and a Knight of Pythias. Mr, Simpson is one of the self made men of Mount Olive and is en- titled to the esteem in which he is held. The qualities which have advanced him from the humble position of mine boy to that of superintendent, in so short a time, are the same which make him one of the most valued and use- ful citizens of Mount Olive. 4«» HORACE EDWARD SCROGGINS. Horace Edward Scroggins, proprietor of the well known "Silver Creek Stock Farm," which consists of 160 acres in section 35, Staunton township, belongs to an old Virginia family which settled in Illinois in the early days of this region. Mr. Scroggins was born in Dorchester town- ship, Macoupin County, Illinois, September 3, 1866, and is a son of Clayborn and Lucy V. (Rounds) Scroggins. The father of our subject was born in Madison County, Illinois, and died at the age of 40 years. The mother was born in Macoupin County, Illi- nois, in 1846, and is a daughter of Nathan and Patience Rounds, natives of Vermont. They had three children : Horace Edward, Milton (deceased) and Otis, of Bunker Hill. Clayborn Scroggins was a farmer of Macoupin County and was one of its representative agriculturists. He served his country with bravery through four years of the Civil War, its hardships probably closing his life in middle age. He was a consistent member of the Methodist Church. Our subject was reared and elucated in Macoupin County. He has become one of the foremost breeders of live stock of all kinds in Macoupin County. He is known over a wide section of the State for the fine standard bred road horses that are a feature of his stock breeding operations. The stallions "Village Boy," No. 39,000, "Galberta," No. 34,342, "Martin Lee" MACOUPIN COUNTY. 425 and "Belta Boy," which compose his stud, are splendid animals, extremely valuable, and with few equals. He also gives a great deal of attention to the raising of Jersey and Durham cattle of the very best strain, and is noted for his thoroughbred Plymouth Rock poultry. Mr. Scroggins also pays atten- tion to modern dairying and places a butter product upon the market that is unexcelled. Mr. Scroggins was married October 23, 1888, to Nancy Olive, who was born on the present farm. April 2. 1864. and they have a family of five interesting and intelligent children: Jesse E., born September 19, 1889; John H. O., born December 9, 1891 ; ^lyrtle ^L., born March 5, 1894; Mabel v.. born November 14. 1896; and Marion E., born September 6, 1899. Mrs. Scroggins is a member of the Christian Church. Fraternally he is a Mason. Mrs. Scroggins belongs also to one of the old pioneer families of Illi- nois. Jesse Olive, her father, was born November 27, 1820, in Trigg County, Kentucky, and was about nine years old, when his parents settled in Illinois. He died May i, 18S1, in Macoupin County, on the present home farm of our subject and wife, which he had entered and operated as a stock farm for years. In 1843. Jesse Olive married Margaret Keown, who was born September 7. 1826, and died March 12, 1887. They had a family of 12 children, the four survivors being: Elizabeth, wife of J. T. Crowder, of St. Louis, Missouri ; Malvina, v.ife of H. J. Crowder of New Douglas, Mad- ison County: \\'illiam. of Dorchester township. Macoupin County; and Nancy (Mrs. Scroggins). In politics. Air. Olive was a Democrat. He was frequently called upon to hold local office and was considered one of the rep- resentative and substantial men of his township. SAMUEL J. WILLIAMS. Samuel J. \\'illiams, one of the most prominent citizens and substan- tial farmers of Macoupin County, owning a well improved farm of 160 acres, situated in section i. Gillespie township, was born March 3. 1824, in Knox County, Tennessee. He is a son of Samuel Williams, who was also a native of Knox Countv. 426 BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD 111 1836 Samuel Williams came as a pioneer lo Illinois, entering a farm of 160 acres in the vicinity of Bunker lliil, Macoupin County. This he suc- cessfully operated a number of years, dying there at the age of 60 years. lie was the father of a large family, 15 chiKlreii reaching maturity. The lliree who still survive are: i\Irs. Mary Deck, of Kansas; Elihu, a retired farmer of Litchfield, Illinois; and Samuel J., of this sketch. Samuel J. Williams may be considered as one of the early settlers of Gillespie township for he entered his present farm in section i in 1845. ^^^ was then but 21 years of age, full of energy and ambition and the task ot clearing 160 acres of land was not so formidable a job to him as it prob- ably woukl be to many young men of to-day. All of the fine improvements on the projjcrty have been made by Mr. Williams, incluiling three l;irge barns and an unusually commodious and comfortable residence, in addition to many other improvements which serve to make this one of the most valuable prop- erties in the township. His barns now shelter modern machinery of vari- ous kinds, but Mr. Williams broke every part of his farm and placed it under cultivation with an ox team. l*"or a long time his markets for produce and stock were as far away as Alton and St. Louis, Gillespie not being settled at that time. The few dwellings in the neighborhood were all of hewed logs, and as no sawmills had yet been built in the vicinity the early school houses and churches were constructed of similrn- material. Mr. Williams has de- voted attention to general farming, wheat and com being his leading crops, has raised both horses and mules and now has a large henl of Durham cattle and many Poland-China hogs. For 12 years, beginning about 1847, Mr. Williams served his neighborhood as postmaster, the olhce located on his farm being kneen one of the most progressive agriculturists of his section and his farm indicates that its management has been done with careful and systematic methods. In i860, Mr. ^\'hitfield married Mourning Clark, who was born April 30, 1840, in Macoupin County, Illinois, and is a daughter of Randall and Lucy (Gray) Clark, the former a native of South Carolina, and the latter, of Virginia. Their four children are: Henrietta, wife of John Luttenberger, residing in St. Louis, Missouri ; William M., now operating his father's farm, w^ho married Mary Snyder who at death left three children — Henrietta, Mary and Maude; James L., of Honey Point township, who married Clara Coffee and has seven children — Flora, William, Harry, Edith, Lucilla. James and "Baby;" and J. Thomas, of Gillespie township, who married Cora Vanatta and has two children — Everett and Esther. In politics Mr. Whitfield is a supporter of the Requblican party and he has. on various occasions, been called upon to accept local offices. He has been township supervisor, has been justice of the peace for a long period and has shown his interest in educational matters by serving as school director. During his term as highway commissioner many needed improvements were MACOUPIN COUNTY. - 455 made and others inaugurated. He is a man very highly esteemed in Gillespie township and a worthy representative of one of the old families of the countv. MRS. MARY BLEY DRIPPS. Mrs. Mary Bley Dripps, widow of the late Dr. Calvin Todd Dripps, and one of the most highly esteemed residents of Staunton, Macoupin County, was born at Rock Island, Illinois, June 10, 1859. She is a daughter of Dr. George and Elizabeth W. Bley. Mrs. Dripps has been a resident of Staunton ever since she was two years of age, and was educated in the schools of this city. On May 15, 1889, she was united in marriage with the late Dr. Calvin Todd Dripps, whose death, on August 22, 1902, was felt to be almost a public sorrow to the citizens of Staunton, so great was the esteem in which he was held. One daughter, Edna Isabella, survives. The late Dr. Calvin Todd Dripps was born in Staunton township, Macoupin County, Illinois, October 19, 1850, and was one of a family of seven children born to Thomas and Mary A. (Patterson) Dripps. He at- tended the country schools and aided his father on the farm until he entered Monmouth College at IMonmouth, Illinois, where he was gradu- ated with honors, in 1875, receiving the degree of A. M. He then entered Rush Medical College, at Chicago, where he re- ceived his medical diploma in 1880, later taking a post-graduate course in New York. Dr. Dripps located at Staunton and bought the prac- tice of Dr. R. E. Bley, becoming a partner of Dr. D. L. Bley, in June, 1888, with whom he was associated until his death. He enjoyed a very large prac- titce and followed the profession with enthusiasm, devoting every energy to the scientific solving of its complex problems and to discovering newer and better methods of combating disease. His death was a great loss to the medical profession. To the hundreds who depended upon his skill for relief and cure, and to those who were bound to him by ties of kindred and warm friendship, his death came as a crushing blow. Dr. Dripps was a valued member of a number of fraternal organizations. 456 BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD In Masonic circles he was past master of Staunton Lodge, Xo. 177, A. F. & A. IM., and a member of St. Omar Commandery, K. T., of Litchfield. He was also a member of Staunton Lodge, No. 685, I. O. O. F.. and took an active interest in the benevolent aims of other associations. Both he and his wife contributed liberally to the support of the work of the Presbyterian Church, of which his wife is a consistent member. While the Doctor was not a member of any church at the time of his death, he was a good, conscientious Christian gentleman. He -won esteem and affection and his hospitable home was always open to the visits of the younger generation, who frequently took advantage of the welcome they felt sure of receiving. It would be im- possible for a man of the high character and genial personality of the late Dr. Dripps to be forgotten in Staunton as long as the present generation survives. Mrs. Dripps, with her daughter and her mother, occupy the beauti- ful home, which is one of the finest residences in Staunton. HENRY M. COFFEE. Henry M. Coffee, one of the largest land-owners and most successful farmers and stock raisers of Hilyard township, Macoupin County, where he owns and operates a farm of 208 acres, situated in sections 33 and 34, was born in Macoupin County, Illinois, October 2, 1846. He is a son of Daniel and Eliza (Culp) Coffee. James Coffee, the grandfather of our subject, came from Ireland and settled in Livingston County, New York, wdiere he reared these children : Eliza, Clarissa, IMatilda, John, Frank, Katherine and Daniel. Daniel Coffee, father of Henry M., was born in 1816 in Livingston County. New York, in the vicinity of Dansville, and died in Hilyard town- ship. Macoupin County, at the age of 49 years. He came here a young man. seeking employment and was engaged by the month by Vernon King, with whom he remained until his marriage, when he bought the present farm of our subject. He broke prairie with an old wooden plough and did much hard work in the cultivating of land in this country with no assistance from im- proved machinery. He was a man of ability and judgment and at various MACOUPIN COUNTY. 457 times held local oltice. In politics he was a Democrat. He married Eliza Culp, who was born near Memphis, Tennessee, and was a daughter of Amos and Jane (Davis) Culp, who came to Illinois in 1820 and settled near Wood- bum. Macoupin County. Mrs. Coffee died here in 1898, aged "ji years. Their children were: Mrs. Katherine Smith, of Decatur, Illinois; James A., deceased; Henry ^I., of this sketch; Margaret F., Edward, Elizabeth and Martha, who died young; William E., who died at the age of 28 years; and Jolin W., of Doans, Texas. Henry M. Coffee was educated in the local schools and has been in- terested in farming ever since he can remember. He has always had land under cultivation but has not permitted actitvity in this direction to absorb all his energies. For some 12 years he acted as the traveling representative for several leading business firms — Garr, Scott & Company, of Richmond, Indiana, threshing machines and engines; and the Pitts Agricultural Works, at Buffalo, New York. That Mr. Coffee's ideas about agricultural ma- chinery are verj' practical has been demonstrated by his invention of a straw stacker, which he had patented in 1882, and which has proved of great selling value. In addition to his fine farm of 208 acres in Hilyard township, where he engages in general farming and stock raising, he has a cotton and stock ranch of 1,280 acres in \\'ilbarger County, Texas, and 640 acres in Buchanan Comity, Virginia. This aggregates 2,128 acres of valuable land and when it is remembered that ^Ir. Coffee has accumulated this large property through his own efforts, an estimate may be made as to his industry and business ability. Although at present his whole time is taken up in looking after his large farming interests, he has been a ven,- useful citizen and has done much toward the development of his township. As a man of intelligence and broad views, his connection of 25 years with the schools of the township have resulted in benefiting them greatly. He served four years as supervisor of Hilyard township, from 1898 to 1902, has been foreman of the grand jury and has held other offices of honor and responsibility. Mr. Coffee was married in 1872, to Katherine Elliman, who was bom July 28, 185 1, near London, England, and was brought to America by her parents when three years of age. She is a daughter of William and Mary A. (Lo^•ette) Elliman, who settled on a farm in ^lacoupin County, where both died. Mr. and Mrs. Coffee have had six children, viz: Edward, who 458 BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD died in infancy ; Daniel, who operates the ranch in Texas — he has one child, Bessie Kathrine; Mary E., who married Dr. C. H. Moore of Shipman, Ma- coupin County, and has one child — Thirsa ; Rosa Nell, who is at home ; John E., a traveling man of Peoria, Illinois, who has one son — Lockland A.; and William H., who is at home. The religious connection of the family is with the Baptist Church. In politics, Mr. Coffee is identified with the Democratic party and has served as a delegate to its various conventions, and on its important committees in this county. Fraternally he is both a Mason and a member of the Modern Woodmen of America. Mr. Coffee is one of the enterprising and progressive men who not only better their own fortunes through their enterprises, but reflect credit upon their communities. He is one of Hilyard township's representative citizens and is highly esteemed by all who know him, not only as a business man, but also as a friend and neighbor. SAMUEL GILL. The city of Girard, Macoupin County, is a center of commercial activity, and its large enterprises are in the hands of energetic and capable men. One of the important business houses is the large grocery, queensware and hard- ware establishment, which was founded and is managed by Samuel Gill, one of the city's progressive young men. Mr. Gill was bom in Girard, July 17, 1879, 2"d is a son of John H. and Elizabeth (England) Gill. John H. Gill was born in j\Iacoupin County, Illinois, and his business was that of traveling representative for various business firms. He mar- ried Elizabeth England, who was a daughter of the late Samuel England, who was born February 22, 1820, in Morgan County, Tennessee. His grand- father, Samuel England, came to Macoupin County in 1830 and died here. John England, father of Samuel England, was born in Virginia and was reared in Tennessee, where he married Lina Hall, who died in 1841, he died in 1858. The grandmother of our subject was Louisa C. Smith. The Eng- land family was a prominent one in the Episcopal Church and Samuel Eng- land was one of the leading agriculturists of Macoupin County. MACOUPIN COUNTY. 459 Our subject, Samuel Gill, was educated at Girard and all his business experience has been in this city. After satisfactorily filling a clerical posi- tion, he was made manager of the Ernke Mercantile Company, of Girard, when 17 years of age, and held the position until 1903, when he entered business for himself, as a partner in the firm of Bock Sc Gill. This continued until August, 1903. when he opened up his present business. He is the youngest merchant on the Square and carries an immense stock of care- fully selected goods, having the largest establishment of its kind in Girard. He stands high both in business and in social circles. In November 1901, Mr. Gill married Winnifred HufT, who is a daughter of Edwin J. Huff, one of Macoupin County's most substantial citizens, and owner of the Girard telephone plant. Pohtically our subject is identified with the Republican part)-. Fraternally he is both a ^Mason and an Odd Fellow. JERO.ME B. BALDWIN. Jerome B. Baldwin, one of the prominent citizens of \'irden, who for many years has been identified with the agricultural development of the southeastern section of Macoupin Count)', was bom on a farm near Craw- fordsville, Indiana, April 22, 1843. and is a son of A\'illiam C. and Cyrena (Dalton) Baldwin. William C. Baldwin was bom in Butler Count)', Ohio, where he re- mained until he attained his majorit)-, when he removed to Indiana. At that time few settlements had been made in Montgomer)' County, Indiana, where he purchased a large tract of heavily timbered land, erected a log cabin, and settled as one of the pioneers. He cleared a portion of this land but never completed it, disposing of it in 1852 and removing to Illinois. The family- lived for a time in Greene County, but later settled permanently in Macou- pin Count), buying a tract of land in the vicinit)- of Virden. Here the mother of our subject died July 31, 1880; his father survived until 1888. They led useful, honorable lives, enduring many of the hardships of pioneer life, but their last days were spent in comfort. Although not bom in Illinois, Jerome B. Baldwin has been a resident of this State since the age of nine vears and his children have been bom and 46o BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD reared here and all the interests of his life have centered here. His boyhood was spent in assisting his father in the latter's farming operations and in attending school whenever possible, although those were not the days of well built, comfortable school houses, a log building usually being made use of. He grew to manhood, however, a well informed, practical farmer, capable of developing the natural resources of the rich soil and acquainted with the best methods of raising good stock. After his marriage he settled on a farm situ- ated some two miles from the village of Virden, which he continued to operate for the succeeding 14 years. This property, which belongs to our subject's wife, is held at a high value, being one of the best cultivated and finely im- proved farms in the township. Since 1884 Mr. Baldwin has resided in Vir- den, where he built one of the most comfortable homes in the place. Mr. Baldwin is a member in good standing of the Central Baptist Church of Springfield, Illinois. On September i, 1870, Mr. Baldwin was married to Mary E. Gates, and they have one son, John. Mrs. Baldwin, like her husband, comes of sturdy pioneer stock. She was born March 25, 1844, in Sangamon County, Illinois, and is a daughter of Andrew and Lucinda (Wood) Gates. Her father was born in Muhlenberg County, Kentucky, and her mother in Madi- son County, Illinois. Mr. Gates came to Illinois in 1831 and married in 1833. He settled on the line of Sangamon and Macoupin counties and later entered land both in Auburn township, Sangamon County, where he made his home, and in Virden township, Macoupin County. Mrs. Baldwin's ma- ternal grandparents were William and Polly (Cox) Wood, the former of whom was born in Tennessee, and the latter in Kentucky, a member of a distinguished old family of South Carolina. The mother of Mrs. Baldwin was a true type of pioneer womanhood, skilled in all housewifely expedients. Her children were reared to habits of usefulness and Mrs. Baldwin has, in her excellent housekeeping, reflected credit upon her early training. The family is one very highly esteemed in Virden. WILLIAM 'ANDERSON. William Anderson, one of the successful farmers, prominent citizens and self made men of Macoupin County, residing on his finely improved farm of 240 acres, situated in section 5, Cahokia township, was born February ' MACOUPIN COUXTY. 461 14, 1S32, in Putnam County, Indiana, and is a son of Thomas and Mary (Scott) Anderson. Thomas Anderson was the oldest son of James Anderson, a native of Virginia, who removed to Indiana, took part in the Black Hawk War, fol- lowed farming and died aged 80 years. Thomas was born in Tennessee, accompanied his parents to Indiana in boyhood, lived there until 1834, when he came among the pioneers to Macoupin County, where he died aged 35 years, having entered 160 acres of land in Honey Point township. He mar- ried Marj- Scott, who was a daughter of Robert Scott, a pioneer of 1833, and their four children were: William; James M., of Terre Huate, Indiana; Jesse F., of Portland, Oregon; and Joseph M., who died three years since in Missouri. \\'illiam Anderson became a resident of Macoupin County at the age of two years, coming here with his parents in the spring of 1834, and has resided on his present farm since 1874. Mr. Anderson's earliest recollections of the neighborhood are of miles of uncultivated prairie land, lonely and un- settled, with few roads, school houses or churches, and with almost no chances for a boy, orphaned at the age of 10 years, to make his way except through the hardest kind of farm work. He found employment first on farms and later in sawmills, working for nine years in mills on Honey Creek. He then bought 80 acres of land which was the beginning of a very successful agricultural career, soon after becoming the owner of 100 acres in section 35, Brushy Mound township. This farm he improved and occupied 19 years. He now owns 240 acres in Cahokia township, and 40 acres in section 20, Honey Point township. This property has been finely improved, substantial build- ings erected and orchards set out, all by Mr. Anderson's own thrift and in- dustrj-. He has devoted much attention to the raising of high grade cattle and stock and has realized an ample fortune by his good management. Al- though practically retired, he still enjoys overlooking the various improve- ments under way and in recalling the changes which have taken place as the result of his enterprise and perseverance. In 1856 Mr. Anderson married Lydia J. Huddleston, who was born in Brushy Mound township, Macoupin County. Illinois, and they have six chil- dren, viz : John, of Honey Point township, Macoupin County, who has one child — Edna; Samuel, of Cahokia township, who has four children — Hazel, Audrey. George and Owen: Clara, who is the home housekeeper; William 26 462 BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD Luther, of Montgomery County. Illinois, who has seven children; Mrs. Ida ]\IcRevnolds, of Honey Point township, Macoupin County, who has three children — William H., John M. and May; and Charles, the home farmer, who married Tena Walschleger. Politically Mr. Anderson upholds the principles of the Populist party. He has most capably held a number of township offices and for 25 years was a school director. He was a friend of the Grange movement and for a number of years was master of the local body. He is a member of the L^nited Baptist Church. EUGENE DAVID WURTZ. D. M. D. Et'GENE D.wiD WcRTZ, D. M. D., One of the leading professional men of Staunton, Macoupin County, was born December 25, 1875, at Staunton, and is a son of David C. and Ellen (Bley) \\'urtz, and a nephew of Dr. Bley of Staunton. The W'urtz family is of Dutch descent, but has been located in America for generations. The grandfather of Dr. \\'urtz was a pioneer in Ohio and probably assisted in the laying out of Lockport. Later he came to Illinois, accompanied by his son, Da\iil C, who was born in Ohio, January 29, 1837. The latter began life's work as a stone cutter, but has been an archi- tect for many years and is still engaged in that profession, at Fort Smith, Arkansas. He served all through the Civil War, as a member of Company C, 3rd Reg., Illinois Vol. Cav., under the command of General Carr. Form- erly a Republican, he now supports the Prohibition party. He married Ellen Bley, who was born in Philadelphia, September 16, 1847, and is a daughter of Dr. George Bley, and they reared four children, namely: George B., lo- cated at Escanaba, Michigan, who is a clerk of the \\'eather Bureau ; Marv S., a teacher in the Jerseyville (Illinois) schools; Eugene David, of tliis sketch; and Martha W., who lives at home. Dr. Wurtz's parents removed to Alton in 1880 and to Jerseyville in 1883. and there he completed his course in the high school, subsequently spending a year in the College of Physicians and Surgeons at St. Louis. He then entered the dental department of Washington University, at St. ^lACOUPIX COUXTY. 463 Louis, where he was graduated in April. 1899. Locating then at Staunton, he has been engaged in practice ever since. Dr. \\'urtz has met with the success which may be expected by a skilled and trained operator, in combina- tion with a pleasant personality and courteous manner. He is \er)- con- Aeniently located and makes use of all modem methods of dental surgerj'. Dr. W'urtz takes only a citizen's interest in politics, but votes with the Republican party. Fraternally he is a Pilaster ilason, being a member of Staunton Lodge. Xo. 177, A. F. & A. iL He is a member of the Presby- terian Church. ABRA.M C. GISH. The death of Abram C. Gish, on March 13, 1899, removed from Virden, ilacoupin County, one of the citj-'s pioneer merchants, who had been honor- ably engaged in business here for a period of 30 years. Mr. Gish was bora in Virginia, in December, 1829. and was a son of George and Sarah (Wrightsman) Gish. The Gish family is an old one in the Old Dominion, and many repre- sentatives of it still reside there. The father of the late Mr. Gish was a large planter there and was of prominence in his communitj". He reared a family of 10 children. The late Mr. Gish grew up in his old home and was educated in the local schools. In young manhood he learned the drug business and carried this on through life. For a period of five years he was also engaged in the dry goods and grain business at Aubtirn. During his whole business life of more than a quarter century in \'irden, he was noted for his integrity, for his public spirit and for all the qualities which go to make a good and useful citizen. On September 4. 1858. Mr. Gish was married to Martha A. Lewis, who is a daughter of Eddin Lewis, a member of an old and prominent family of Kentuck}-. Besides Mrs. Gish, two children survive: Charles L., who married Philomelia Everet of Virden; and .Arab M., who married Her- mone R. Goette, a jeweler of \'irden, and has one daughter — Martha Rogers. In Mr. Gish's death the Presbyterian Church at Virden lost a liberal sup- 464 BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD porter. The family has long been one of the representative ones of the place, and the pleasant home has been the scene of much hospitality and social life. The death of a good citizen is always a loss to a community, and men like the late Abram C. Gish are sincerely mourned. HERBERT A. JONES. Herbert A. Jones, one of the most prosperous and enterprising busi- ness citizens of Staunton, Macoupin County, conducts a well established general store and receives the patronage of many well-to-do residents of the city and vicinity. He was born in Iowa near Keokuk, October 15, 1840, and is a son of Henry and Lizzie (Brown) Jones. Henry Jones, who was one of a family of four children and the only one that came to America, was a native of Scotland, coming to America when 20 years of age. He located in the New England States, where he lived alone for five years, engaged in the pursuits of general farming. Later he removed to Iowa and again engaged in farming with very successful results. Mr. Jones was a man of refined habits and of a mild temperament. He was a member of the Whig party. He was married to Lizzie Brown, a native of Rhode Island, and they were the parents of four children, namely : Henry, who followed the occupation of a farmer and died at Keokuk, Iowa; John, who assisted his brother Henry in his farming operations and also died at Keokuk, Iowa; Herbert A., our subject; and Lucy, who died at Keokuk, Iowa. Mr. Jone's death occurred in 1856, at the age of 59 years. Herbert A. Jones was reared on a farm near Keokuk, Iowa, and when 17 years of age went to St. Louis, Missouri, where he remained until 1861, when he came to Illinois. Although he received but a common school educa- tion, he gained his present position in business circles through his energy, toil and perseverance. While residing in St. Louis he clerked in tlie dry goods store of Henry Ferguson and there gained considerable knowledge of the methods of that branch of business. In 1862 he located at Litchfield, Illinois, where he entered the employ of a dry goods firm of that place, and ^lACOUPIX COUNTY. 465 continued there until 18S0. In that year he removed to Staunton, Ilhnois, where the following spring he opened a dry goods store with John H. Gabay under the firm style of Gabay & Jones. After establishing a good trade in the drs- goods line, they put in a stock of various kinds of merchandise and opened a general store, continuing their business until 1884, when they dis- solved partnership. Mr. Jones then associated himself with Fred Newman and J. C. Panhorst under the firm name of Jones. Nev.man & Company, and the business was conducted by these three gentlemen for two years. The business then came under the control of ^Ir. Jones, who has since conducted it verj- successfully. Mr. Jones is prominently identified with many business concerns of his city, among the most prominent being the Staunton Loan & Building Association and the Staunton Home & Building Association, of which associations he is a director, and is a prominent member of the Mer- chants" Business Association. ^Ir. Jones was married in 1867 to Matilda Brooks, who was bora in Illinois in August, 1854. They are the parents of two children — Maude, who resides with her parents, and Ellie, who is the wife of Robert L. -Forest, of Chicago, Illinois. Mr. Jones is a Democrat, and a master mason of Staunton Lodge, No. 177, A. F. & A. M., and a charter member of the Knights and Ladies of Honor. RICHARD .W. PURDY. Richard M. Purdy^ contractor and builder, and one of the leading men in his line, in ^Macoupin County, has been identified with the interests of Staunton for a number of years. Mr. Purdy was born April 26, 1859, in Dorchester township, Macoupin County, and is a son of John H. and Malitta (Parisher) Purdy. John H. Purdy was bom in 181 6 in North Carolina, and died in a hospital at Edwardsville, Illinois, in 1865, from the exposures incident to a service of three years in the Civil War. He was a son of William Purdy, who was a teamster between St. Louis, ^lissouri, and Springfield, Illinois, when but one house stood on the way. Although William Purdy was a \ery 466 BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD acti\e and capable business man, and reared a family of nine children, he was small of stature and weighed about loo pounds. His children were: John H.; William C, of Staunton, who served in the Mexican War; Josiah, who died in a Confederate prison in Alabama during the Civil War; James, who died prior to the Rebellion; and Samuel, George, Nancy, Mary and Celia, deceased. Our subject's grandfather died in Dorchester township, Macoupin County, in 1882, aged 96 years. John H. Purdy was a small boy when his parents came to Illinois and settled in Dorchester township, Macoupin County. He served in the Mex- ican War and in 1861 enlisted for the Civil War, in the 3rd Reg., Illinois Vol. Cav., under Captain Sparks and took part in many of the leading battles, including that of Shiloh, and escaped both wounds and imprisonment, but died as stated above. He was a brave soldier. In 1851 he crossed the plains to California with an ox team, and mined for gold for five years, mak- ing the home trip by way of the Isthmus of Panama. Soon after, he went to Pike's Peak, and then returned to the home farm shortly before the out- break of the Rebellion. He married Malitta Parisher, who was bom in South Carolina and died in 1881 at Staunton, aged 55 years. Their children were: John :\1. P., born October 30, 1848, deceased February 3. 1888; Mrs. Anna Maria Walker, born January 30, 1850, deceased May 6, 1877; Mrs. Ida Isabella Small, of Litchfield, Illinois; Richard M., of this sketch; Emma J., of Worden, Illinois ; and Elias E., of Worden. Our subject lost his father when six years of age and he lived with his widowed mother and his brother on the farm until 1874, and then was en- gaged at various occupations in Staunton for a year. After one year spent working at the carpenter's trade in Northern Louisiana, he returned to Staunton, where he worked by the day until 1880, and then worked a year in a coal mine, ran an engine for one year in a flouring mill and then returned to mine work, a strike throwing him out of employment. All this was fine experience, each kind of work teaching him things desirable for a first class builder and contractor to know. Since then Mr. Purdy has worked at the carpenter's trade and has engaged extensively in house and bridge con- tracting and building. During the past two years he has completed 25 dwell- ings and has done considerable bridge work, all of the bridges over the various streams for a radius of 20 miles being of his construction. In 1901 he erected his own handsome residence, one of the finest in the citv. MACOUPIN COUNTY. 467 On October 9, 1893, Mr. Purely married Flora Handley, who was born October 11, 1873. '" Montgomery County, Illinois, and is a daughter of Edward G. and Emily Handley, and they have one daughter — Dorcas. In politics, Mr. Purdy is a Democrat. He is a member of the fraternal order of \\'oodmen. WILLIAM COLLINS PURDY. \\'iLLiAM Collins Purdy, one of the most highly esteemed residents of Dorchester township. Macoupin County, a veteran and pensioner of the Mexican War, was born Alarch 30, 1827, near Collinsville, Illinois, .and cameto Macoupin County with his parents, William C. and Ann (Kinney) Purdy, in 1831. The father of our subject, whose parents were natives of Ireland, was born December 17. 1789. in a house which stood on the dividing line be- tween North and South Carolina, and his death took place February 28, 1882, in Dorchester township, ilacoupin County. His boyhood and youth were spent in Alabama and Tennessee and in the former State he learned the trade of brick mason. In 1818 he came to Illinois and settled in St. Clair County, where he followed his trade and farmed, later becoming a teamster during the Indian wars. In St. Clair County, he married Ann Kinney, who was born in 1802 in a blockhouse in that county, and died in Dorchester township, Macoupin County, aged 66 years. They had nine children : Samuel, who died aged 12 years; John H., who died in a hospital in Edwardsville, Illinois; William Collins, of this sketch; Mrs. Nancy Best, deceased; James, deceased ; George, who died aged eight years ; Josiah, deceased, w-ho was taken prisoner in the Civil War; Mrs. Polly Best; and Mrs. Celia Webb Clark. Two members of the above family died on account of loyal service to their country. John H. Purdy was a volunteer in Company L, 3rd Illinois Vol. Cav., and served two years and then came home and died. Josiah Purdy served three years and died in a Confederate prison in Alabama. Both were true and brave soldiers. The family was a loyal one, the issues of the Civil War making the father change his political views from Democracy to Republicanism. 468 BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD Our esteemed subject was reared under conditions which prevented any great amount of schooHng, and, in fact, he has educated himself. The greater part of his Hfe has been spent in Madison, Montgomery and Macoupin counties, and he lias been engaged in various occupations — has operated a livery, has run a sawmill, and for a time was engaged in a butchering busi- nes at Staunton. In 1872 he took a contract which he held for 16 years to supply the mine operators at Staunton and vicinity with their lumber. He has been an extensive buyer and seller of land and has owned a large acreage himself. A farm of 120 acres in Paradise township, Rooks County, Kansas, he traded for his present home, receiving in addition the sum of $1,800. He has retained 25 acres in section 12, Dorchester township, having given farms to his three children. As stated, Mr. Purdy is a survivor of the Mexican War, in which he took an active part. He enlisted in June, 1846, in Company E, 4th Reg., Illinois Vol. Inf., under Col. E. D. Baker and Capt. Daniel Newcomb, which was recruited at Staunton and mustered in at Alton. At Jefferson Barracks, Missouri, the company was drilled and was then sent, by way of New Orleans, to Point Isabella, at the mouth of the Rio Grande River. Mr. Purdy took part in the siege of Vera Cruz, and accompanied his regiment to Matamoras, Victoria, and took part in the great fight at Cerro Gordo. He was discharged about a month later at New Orleans. Although he saw hard service, Mr. Purdy was anxious to again give his country still further proof of his patriotism at the outbreak of the Civil War, but impaired health prevented. Since i860 he has been a Republican in his political sentiments. On February 8, 1849, Mr. Purdy was married to Susan M. Best, who Avas born October 20, 1828, in Macoupin County, and is a daughter of James and Annie (Tatum) Best, natives of North Carolina and Tennessee, re- spectively. The Bests owned farming land about three miles south of Staun- ton, where Mr. Best died, aged 81 years, and Mrs. Best died aged 66 years. Mr. and Mrs. Purdy have had nine children, three of whom died in infancy, the survivors being: William Collins, Jr., who is living at home; Mrs. Sarah Hushing, of Litchfield, Illinois, who has four children ; Luella, wife of J. M. Cox; Wesley B., of Mount Olive township, Macoupin County, who has six children; Edward, of Dorchester township, Macoupin County, who has six children; and Dora (Mrs. Piper), of Worden, Illinois, who has two children. Mr. and Mrs. Purdy have four great-grandchildren. They have thus been CHRISTOPHER C. ARMSTRONG. MACOUPIX COUNTY. 471 permitted not only to enjoy each other's affection and companionship for 55 years, but can renew tlieir youth in their descendants. Both are well and widely known. The family and its connections represent some of the best citizenship of the county and the name is one held in respect wherever found. Hospitality reigns in this home and many friends hope for continued years and many blessings for this worthy couple. CHRISTOPHER C. ARMSTRONG. Christopher C. Armstrong, whose portrait accompanies this sketch, is classed among the retired business men of Girard who have been most active in advancing the city's material interests, by reason of the fact that for many years he sucessfully conducted a general store here, and also aided in the administration of public affairs. He is a fine representative of one of the old pioneer families of Illinois, and is himself a native of this State, born on a farm near Fielden, Jersey County, January 2, 1S37. Our subject's father, Maurice Armstrong, was a native of Kentucky, a son of one of its early pioneers, Joshua Armstrong, who was a Pennsyl- vanian by birth. The last named was also a pioneer of this State during territorial days, migrating from Kentucky with teams in 1810, and being one of the first to settle in what is now ^Madison County. At that time there were but few white settlers in Illinois, and the Indians, who were often hostile, still held possession of their ancient hunting grounds. The few whites who had boldly ventured within their domain, to avail themselves of the advantages afforded by the rich virgin soil, built blockhouses in which to live when the Indians were on the war-path, and they always went armed into the fields. The grandfather of our subject, after spending several years in Madison County, removed to Jersey County, and there died in the fullness of time. His wife bore the maiden name of Sarah Morris, and she was born in Vir- ginia, of French ancestry. The father of our subject was young when the family came to Illinois, and he grew to a stalwart, vigorous manhood in the wilds of Madison Countj', 472 BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD When he started out in Hfe on his own account he bought in that county a tract of land with a few improvements, and lived upon it until 1833, when he sold that place, and took up his abode in what is now Jersey County, where he bought a tract of timber land and built the log house in which his son, of whom we write, was Iwrn. He rived shingles for the roof, and made the house in tiie primitive manner common in the construction of dwellings in those days. After lie had his family comfortably domiciled, he commenced to evolve a farm from the wilderness. He had not the conveniences of modern machinery to aid him in his work, and there were no railways to bring the markets within easy access, so that whenever he needed supplies or wished to dispose of his produce, he had to go to Alton with a team, that being the nearest city. His wife, who was an adept at the old-fashioned arts of carding, spinning and weaving, used to manufacture the cloth with which she clothed her children, and she cooked their meals before the fire in the rude open fireplace of the olden days. In 1854 Maurice Armstrong sold his place in Jersey County, and going to JMontgomery County settled on land he had entered from the government. He built upon it and resided there one year, after which he rented it and, removing to Girard, bought a home in the town, in which he lived quietly until his life was rounded out by death. In early manhood he married Eliza- beth Sims, a native of Kentucky. She died at a venerable age at Girard. She was the mother of 12 children: Aholla, James, Eveline. Mary Adeline, William, Thomas, Andrew, Jane, Christopher C, Benjamin F.. Maurice and Elizabeth. Christopher C. Armstrong was reared under pioneer influences, and obtained his education in the primitive schools of Jersey County, that were taught in log school-hooues, furnished with slab benches without backs and with wooden pins for legs. There were no desks in front of the seats. The light was admitted by a log being cut out of the wall, and a row of glass inserted into the aperture thus made. Our subject can well remember the wild condition of the country in which he passed his boyhood, when deer, wolves and other kinds of wild game were plentiful. Before he attained his majority he left his home with its familiar scenes, and in 1855 moved with his folks to Girard, then a small but flourishing village, and opening a general store, he soon became one of its most enterprising merchants. In 1870 he established himself in the drug trade, and until recently carried it on very MACOUPIX COUNTY. 473 prosperously, having a neat and well equipped store, fully stocked with every- thing usually found in such an establishment. Mr. Armstrong sold this busi- ness in June, 1902, and in September, 1903, with his son Byron, opened a large and well appointed drug store in Jacksonville. Illinois, operating vmder the firm st}-le of Armstrong & Armstrong. Their stock, which is complete and up-to-date in ever)- respect, is valued at $10,000. They make a specialty of physicians' supplies. Mr. Armstrong was married in 1862 to Fanny D. Weed, and they have made their home the center of a charming hospitalit)-. Six children have been bom to them, of whom four are now living : Herbert, Paul, Byron and Irene. ilr. Armstrong is justly held to be one of the county's citizens, for his private life is irreproachable and in ever}- public position he has held he has alw-ays acted for the best interests of the city and county. His fellow citi- zens, appreciating his worth, his sound business instincts, and his genuine integrity- of character, have often called upon him to fill responsible offices. He has represented Girard as a member of the Count)- Board of Super- visors several terms; he has ser\-ed as a member of the Citj- Council of Girard, and also as a member of the School Board. He belongs to Girard Lodge Xo. 171, A. F. and A. M. ; Girard Chapter. Xo. 132. R. A. M. ; St. Omar Commander}-, X'o. 30, K. T. : and Macoupin Council. R. and S. il. Politically, he is a Democrat, and has always stood firmly by his party. Aside from his private business, our subject is identified with the financial interests of the city, — as treasurer of the Girard Building and Loan Association, and as president of the Girard Coal Company, he has contributed gp-eatly to their success and imponance. MRS. EMMA LLKER. Mrs. Emma Luker, widow of the late Henr}- M'. Luker, and mother of George H. Luker, one of the prominent citizens of Staunton, Illinois and supervisor of Staunton township, is one of the most highly esteemed ladies of this cit}-. Mrs. Luker was born December 8, 1854. in Switzerland, her maiden name being Miller. 474 BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD Mrs. Luker was brought to America by her parents when a child of three months. Her father died shortly afterward, and she was reared by her widowed mother on the farm at Highland. Madison County, Illinois. In August, 1874, she was united in marriage with the late Henry W. Luker, at Alhambra, Illinois, and these children were born to them: Emma, wife of F. E. Shumacher, of Staunton, Macoupin County; George H., senior mem- ber of the firm of Luker Brothers of the Staunton Bottling Works; Edward C. of Staunton; Dora; Paul; Robert; John; and Anna and Charles, deceased. The late Henry W. Luker came to America from Germany at the age of 16 years, accompanying his widowed mother. He learned the painting business in St. Louis and worked at that trade until 1887, when he estab- lished the wholesale beer and bottling business, which his sons still carry on. Mr. Luker died at Staunton in 1897, aged 43 years. When he left Germany, he had very little capital and had little more when he married, but through his fine business ability and the help of his cheerful, capable wife, he made rapid headway, and, although he died comparatively a young man, he left a large estate. He was very prominent in Democratic circles and took much interest in the improvement and development of Staunton. Mrs. Luker, like her late husband, belongs to the German Lutheran Church. She resides in a very pleasant, attractive home in Staunton, and has a wide circle of warm friends. JOSEPH A. DODDS. Joseph A. Dodds, a well known young business man of Girard, Illi- nois, is a member of the undertaking firm of J. F. Dodds & Company. He was bom in Sangamon County, Illinois, October 25, 1869, and is a son of James W. and Minervia J. (Easley) Dodds. His father was a well-to-do farmer of Sangamon County. Mr. Dodds was reared in Sangamon County, and after finishing his education in the schools there, was variously engaged for a number of years and traveled extensively in this country and in Europe. In 1898 he en- listed in Company I, 40th Regiment, Illinois Infantry, U. S. Volunteers, served two years in the Philippines, and received his discharge June 24, MACOUPIN COUNTY. 475 1901. He has been a resident of Girard since 1901, being a member of the firm of J. F. Dodds & Company, his brotlier, J. F. Dodds, being senior member of the firm. In 1903 he pursued a course in the Chicago College of Embalming. The business of J. F. Dodds & Company is now undoubt- edly the largest of its kind in iMacoupin County. They carry a stock that is valued at $5,000 and use three hearses. i\Ir. Dodds was married to Mrs. N. E. Page, whose maiden name was Nana E. ]\Iann, and who by her first marriage was the mother of one child, Anna E. Page. j\lr. Dodds and family are members of the Christian Church. Our subject is a member of the Republican party, and in fraternal circles is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Fra- ternal Order of Eagles. GEORGE H. LUKER. George H. LukeRj one of the prominent citizens of Staunton, Macoupin County, supervisor of Staunton township, senior member of the firm of Luker Brothers, of the Staunton Bottling Works, and agent for the Excelsior Brewery of St. Louis, was born September 3, 1877, in Madison County, Illinois. He is a son of the late Henry W. and Emma (Miller) Luker. The Luker family was established in f'lmois by the grandfather of our subject, who came to this State from Germany, when Henry W. was 16 years of age. The latter was born in Germany and died at Staunton in 1897, at the age of 43 years. He followed the trade of painter until 1887, when he established the wholesale beer and bottling business which his sons still carry on. Henry Luker was a succesful business man, and was a prominent Demo- crat of this section. He married Emma Miller, who was born in Switzerland, and was brought to Highland, Madison County, Illinois, in infancy, and now resides at Staunton. The children of this marriage were as follows Emma, wife of F. E. Schumacher, of Staunton; George H., of this sketch; Edwanl C, of Staunton ; Anna, who died in infancy ; Dora ; Cliarles, deceased ; Paul ; Robert and John. George H. Luker was brought to Staunton at the age of 10 days, so that he may almost be represented as a native of this city, which has been his home 4/6 BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD ever since. He was educated in the Staunton schools. His father died when he was i8 years of age, after establishing a good business, and our subject and his next younger brother assumed charge of it and have successfully con- ducted it ever since. Both brothers are members of the Business ]\Ien's Asso- ciation and take an active part in the city's business life. In 1900 Mr. Luker was married, at St. Louis, Missouri, to Laura Damniann, who was born at Tarrytown, New York, and is a daughter of Adolph Dammann. Like his father, Mr. Luker is a stanch Democrat and has taken a verv lilvely interest in city, township and county affairs. He was township col- lector in 1900, and in 1903 was elected township supervisor, performing the duties of the ofifice to the complete satisfaction of all concerned. He is usually sent as a delegate to party conventions and is recognized as a very- able party worker, and at present is a central committeeman. He belongs to the Staunton Home Association and in every way shows commendable public spirit. Fraternally he belongs to the Odd Fellows, the Knights of Pythias, the Knights and Ladies of Honor, the Elks (at Litchfield), and the Eagles (at St. Louis). ROBERT CLARK. Robert ClarKj who is serving as highway commissioner of Mount Olive township, is a prominent and successful farmer, and a highly esteemed citizen of Macoupin County, where he owns and cultivates a farm of 80 acres, situated in section 6, Mount Olive township. He was born in Staun- ton township, Macoupin County, Illinois, October 6, 1852, and is a son of William and Eliza (Little) Clark. William Clark was born in County Derry. Ireland, and immigrated to America about 1840 with his wife and three children, settling in Staunton township, where he took up the occupation of farming, at which he continued his entire life. Mr. Clark was a home loving man and took a great interest in his family and home. He was a man well liked and was of high standing in his community. His wife, Eliza Little, was a native of County Derry, Ireland. Nine children were born to them, namely : William, of Johnson MACOUPIN COUNTY. 477 County. ^Missouri ; Eliza (Bruce), of Staunton township, Macoupin County; Samuel, of Staunton township, Macoupin County; James, of Madison County, Illinois; John; Mary Ann, who died when 16 years of age; Robert, our subject; Henry, of Spangle, Washington, and Isabelle, who died when seven years of age. Mr. Clark died in Staunton township. January 17, 1878, having reached the age of 70 years. The death of his wife followed iii. September, 1894, she having attained the age of "/"j years. ^^Ir. and Mrs. Clark were members of the Presbyterian Church. Robert Clark has always been engaged in the pursuits of general farming and has met with unusual success in his operations. He recently sold three acres of his farm to the railroad for right-of-way and has sold the coal right to a large mining company. His farm is situated near the new town of Benld. Mr. Clark located on his present farm in the spring of 1 88 1 and immediately began the cultivation of the place, having at present one of the best tilled farms to be found for many miles. Politically, Mr. Clark is a Republican and has held several school offices in the past. In fraternal circles he is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America. On ]\Iarch 7, 1877, Mr. Clark was united in marriage to Britanni.i Sawyer, a native of Mount Olive township and a daughter of Ebern and ]\Iary A. (Best) Sawyer. ]Mr. and jNIrs. Clark are the parents of nine chil- dren, eight of whom are living, namely : Edward, LeRoy, Ethel May, Erbie Irene, William Robinson, Archie, Florence and Bertha. The deceased child is Frank, who died when four years of age. GEORGE F. BOOSINGER. George F. Boosinger, one of the substantial farmers and stock rais- ers of Macoupin County, owning a fine, well improved farm of 207 acres, situated in sections 17 and 18, Cahokia township, was born in what was then Portage County, Ohio, now included in Summit County, January 28, 1825, and is a son of George and Mary (Workinger) Boosinger. The grandfather of our subject came to America from Germany prior to the Revolutionary War, in which he took part, later removing to \'ir- 478 BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD ginia, in which State the father of our subject was born. The latter became a pioneer in Oiiio, but later moved to Missouri, where he fell under the in- fluence of Joseph Smith, the Morman prophet. He became a preacher of the faith but finally left that body on account of the belief in plural mar- riages to which he could not give assent. In payment for his services in the War of 1 812 he received from the government a pension and a tract of 160 acres of land in Montgomery County, Illinois. He died in Cahokia town- ship, Macoupin County in 1861, aged ^l years. He was twice married, five children being born to his first union, and six to the second. His second wife, Mary Workinger, who was of German parents, after leaving her na- tive land first settled at Halifax, Nova Scotia, and later in Ohio. She died in 1859, aged 65 years, leaving six children: Mrs. Mary A. Pettengill, of Bunker Hill, Macoupin County; George F., of this sketch; John Wesley, deceased; Nathan, who was accidentally killed in boyhood; Mrs. Christiann Rice, deceased; and Mrs. Charlotte Peter, of Oregon. George F. Boosinger accompanied his father from Ohio to Ray County, Missouri, in 1836, remaining there until March, 1839, when he came to Illinois and lived one year at Smooth Prairie, in 1840 settling in Cahokia township, Macoupin County, where he has lived ever since with the excep- tion of the year 1850, which he spent in gold mining in California. His brother had crossed the plains in 1849, but our subject made the trip by way of New Orleans and the Isthmus of Panama, and they returned to- gether. In 1 85 1 Mr. Boosinger bought his present farm and settled on it the following year. He has lately disposed of 20 acres of land to the new rail- road that is now being built and he also sold a portion to the "Big Four" Railroad. Some 20 years ago he sold the coal which underlies his farm to the McKinney & Young Coal Company. He deems it probable that he will be obliged to sell more railroad rights-of-way, his land lying in the path of projected railroad extensions. When he first came here and the country was but unbroken prairie, he bought 160 acres of his farm for $10 per acre, and the remainder for $35 per acre; its \'a!ue has in the intervening years mucli more than trebled. He has passed through all the hardships which attended the path of the early settlers, and in an interesting way recalls the times when he made trips of 30 miles to the nearest mill at Alton, and to St. Louis to reach a market. Mr. Boosinger has engaged in general farming, raising wheat, corn, oats and hay and has- made a specialty of high grade cattle and MACOUPIN COUNTY. 479 swine. His land is all highly improved and he has some o£ the finest or- chards in his section. In 1 85 1 Mr. Boosinger married Marie Edwards, who was born in Michigan, removed with her parents to Ohio, and later came to Macoupin County. They have two children: Mrs. Carrie Clark of Gillespie, Macou- pin County; and Frank S., who operates the homestead farm. Frank S. Boosinger married Lulu Brown and they have three children — Mark, Mae and Edwin R. The subject of this sketch is a musician and for eight years was presi- dent of the Gillespie Brass Band, making many trips with the organization through this State and Missouri, playing cornet, clarinet and violin. For 40 years his services were in request at local entertainments. In politics Mr. Boosinger is a Republican and for a number of years was a member of the township central committee. For nine years he was highway commisioner and under his direction the greater number of the excellent highways of the locality were laid out. He has done much for the advancement of educa- tional facilities in his neighborhood and served as school director for 42 years. When the farmers organized, he was active in support of the enter- prise and became a valued member of the Farmers' Alliance. He is a mem- ber of the Farmers' Mutual Benefit Association, and for many years was active in the Gillespie lodge of Odd Fellows, No. 220. For some years Mr. Boosinger has been much interested in the study of Spiritualism. This venerable citizen of the township is held in very high esteem. He has been prominently identified with almost everything which has promoted the growth and development of the township and few men are more widely known. He belongs to a band that is but too rapidly pasing away, and with its last member will go much of that sturdy perseverance and indomitable courage which made possible the subjugation of Nature and the building of the happy homes of the present. ♦ «» MRS. KISSIAH SCROGGINS. In the lady whose name opens this sketcii is found one of the most highly esteemed residents of Staunton, Illinois, a member of one of the pioneer families of Macoupin County. She was born November 28, :833, 27 -fc ^ . v^v.v.l 48o BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD near Staunton, and is a daughter of James and Lurenda (Spence) Simmons, long deceased. About 1825 James Simmons and wile left their home in North Caro- lina, their household goods and small children packed in a one-horse wagon, their destination being the rich farming lands of IMacoupin County, Illinois. The older members of the family walked the whole distance, a feat of endur- ance of no slight character. Mr. Simmons died prior to the birth of Mrs. Scroggins and the mother was left with eight children to support. Her subse- quent success reflected the greatest credit upon her industry and estimable character. At a later date she married Obcdiah I\Iize, the one child of this union being :\lrs. Minervia Latham, of Bunker Hill, Macoupin County. The six children of her first marriage who lived to maturity were: John, Mrs. Eliza Lyons and Polly, all deceased; Snowden W., a farmer of :Macoupin County; Asbury A., who served in the Civil War and was never heard from after the war was over; and Mrs. Scroggins. The late William Scroggins, who died February 18, 18S4, at Staunton, was born ISIay 31, 1828, in Macoupin County, Illinois, and was a son of Prior and Mary (Tatum) Scroggins, natives of Tennessee. Prior Scrog- gins died in Alton, Illinois, with cholera, during the Black Hawk W'ar, in 1833- William Scroggins was one of a famil}' of nine children. His life was spent in Macoupin County, with the exception of 18 months when he ser\-ed in the !\Iexican War, during which time he crossed the plains to Santa Fe. He never accepted a pension, but it has been given his widow. His life was mainly devoted to agriculture, farming, teaming and stock trading. In busi- ness he was a very practical, successful man. From the time of John C. Fre- mont, Mr. Scroggins was identified with the Republican paity. The death of Mr. Scroggins left many friends to mourn his loss and a widow and family who had the sympathy of the whole community. His children Avere : Lurenda, who married John Jacobs of Gillespie, Macoupin County, now deceased, who has three children ; Mary K.. who married George Bird of Staunton township. Macoupin County and has one child ; Sarah Ann. who married M. A. Smith, and has three children: Malinda. a teacher in the Staunton schools for the past 18 years, who resides with her mother; and INIartha E., who married Hon. Hampton W. Wall, of Staun- ton, Macoupin County, now deceased, and has three children. The late ]\Ir. Scroggins belonged to the Christian Church. MACOUPIN COUNTY. 481 JAiWES FAITH, M. D. James Faith, -M. D., one of the prominent and much appreciated physicians of Palmyra, Macoupin County, and a member of one of the old pioneer families of the State, was born May 6, 1841, at Louisville, Ken- tucky, and is a son of William and Rachel (Helfeinstein) Faith. The parents of Dr. Faith came to Illinois in 1845, locating at Peters- burg, the county seat of r^Ienard County, where the father died December 1 5, 1858, and the mother, January 16, 1862. William Faith was a teacher by profession and was employed as an instructor in the public schools. In poli- tics he was identified with the Democratic party. Of his eight children, four still survive, namely: ^Margaret L., who married Lorenzo D. Chapman; George W., a resident of Greenfield, Illinois; James, our subject ; and ]Mrs. Rebecca Jane Baker, of Salem, Oregon. James Faith had the early advantages of intellectual home training and after he completed the public school course at Petersburg he secured as a private tutor Mintor Graham, who had been engaged in the same way by Abraham Lincoln, in the days when that ambitious boy, who had no means with which to secure either teachers or books, scoured the country, borrow- ing literature from any one who would lend. Mr. Lincoln always felt much indebted to Mr. Graham. Under the latter's instruction, our subject was prepared for college, and in October, 1864, he entered the Eclectic Medical Institute, of Cincinnati, where he was graduated with credit, February 9. 1869. For two years Dr. Faith practiced his profession at Petersburg, and then located at Palmyra, where he has continued ever since. Dr. Faith en- joys .1 large and lucrative practice, and is considered one of the most re- liable practitioners of the locality. He has met with much success in hand- ling many special cases, and is noted for his charitable work. Dr. Faith has been twice married. In 1871 he married Sarah Jane Fuller, who died the following year. He married as his second wife Martha Elizabeth Brown, who is a daughter of James Brown, a farmer of Greene County, Illinois. They have reared three children, namely : Virgie, who married Elmer R. Bramley. the leading grocer and druggist of Palmyra, Jklacoupin County, and has two children — Mary and Karl ; Inez, who mar- ried John ^^^ Costley and died July 17. 1902, leaving two children — Faith and Pauline; and Jessie, the wife of Ira N. King, an expert electrician, who has charge of the electric light plant at Cairo, Illinois. 482 BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD Dr. Faith is a Republican in his political views. He is a member of the Christian Church. Both personally and profesionally, he is held in the highest esteem by the good people of Palmyra. He has always taken a pub- lic spirited interest in local enterprises, and from the view point of his pro- fesion has been able to give useful advice on many occasions. ROBERT BROWN, ESQ. Robert Brown, Esq., who has oiificiated as justice of the peace at Gillespie, Macoupin County, since April, 1871, is one of the leading citizens of Gillespie township. He was born November 8, 1833, in County Mona- ghan, Ireland, and is a son of Thomas Brown, whose whole life was passed in his native countr3\ Robert Brown was one of a family of nine children and the only one to come to the United States; two brothers, Butler and William, located in Canada. Our subject was 17 years of age when he took passage in the sail- ing ship "Ocomoco," bound for New Orleans, which city he reached early in 1850, after a passage of 1 1 weeks and three days. Having worked in his father's tailoring establishment from the age of 10 years, he was equipped with a good trade and this he followed for two years at New Orleans and then gradually made his way north, working two years at St. Louis, and reaching Bunker Hill, Macoupin County, Illinois, in 1854. There he worked for two years longer, then married and removed to Gillespie, and this place has been his home ever since, with the exception of one year spent in army service during the Civil War. In 1862 Mr. Brown enlisted in Company A, 97th Reg., Illinois Vol. Inf., 1 6th Army Corps, and served in the Army of the W'est under General Grant, General McCann and Capt. W. H. Willard. On account of being taken sick, he participated only in the skirmish at Arkansas Post, being discharged before Vicksburg, in February, 1863. Upon his return to Gilles- pie, he opened a tailoring establishment which he conducted until 1893. Since 1873 he has been in the public scales office and for the past 35 years MACOUPIN COUNTY. 483 has been the village clerk and since 1871 has been a notarj- public and justice of the peace. Although a Democrat in his political sentiment, his personal popularit)- is such tliat both parties unite in keeping him in his present posi- tions, where his integrity and impartiality have never been questioned. On April i, 1S56, Mr. Brown was married to Mary Drennan, who was bom in Tennessee, and is one of the two children of James Drennan, an early pioneer of ^lacoupin County. The five children of this union are : Delos M., who follows a blacksmith business at Gillespie; Robert D., a coal miner of the vicinity; Mrs. Annie Knouse, a resident of Gillespie, who has five children; Mrs. Emma Schmulback, of Tennessee; and Mrs. May Duffy, of Gillespie. Fraternally Mr. Brown is a Mason and formerly was associated also with the Odd Fellows. For many years he has been an active member of the Christian Church and has ser\'ed both as trustee and as treasurer. Few men of his section are better known or more thoroughlv esteemed. DAVIS L. SPAULDING, M. D. Davis L. Spauldixg, ^I. D., an eminent physician and surgeon of Macoupin Count}-, Illinois, and a leading practitioner of Mrden, is also a most highly valued citizen. He was born in \'ermont, November 14. 1834, and is one of a family of three children born to his parents, Hiram and Elizabeth (Hawkins) Spaulding, farming people in Vermont. Dr. Spaulding attended the local schools and Fort Edward University (New York) and entered upon the study of medicine in early manhood, completing his medical course at the Universitj' of Nashville, Tennessee, where he received his degree in 1864. In 1856 he became a resident of Vir- den. At the outbreak of the Civil War, he enlisted for service, entering the 19th Regiment, Illinois \'ol. Inf., as a private. Soon after he was ap- pointed surgeon and was with the 4th Regiment, Ohio Vol. Cav., about nine months, when he was assigned to hospital work, in which he served about two years. He helped to organize the first military hospital at Camp Yates, Springfield, and served there during the three month service. 484 BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD After the close of the war, Dr. Spaulding returned to Virden and has made this pleasant little city his home ever since. He commands a large practice and has built up a most gratifying practice that extends over the county, having devoted many years of his life to the earnest practice of his profession. Dr. Spaulding married Louisa Freeman, who is a daughter of a sub- stantial farmer of North Otter township, Macoupin County, and the three children born to them are: Lauretta E., who is the wife of J. Hall, a mer- chant of Kansas ; Charles H. ; and Clarence Edgar, who is an employee of Marshall Field & Company. Chicago. Charles H. Spaulding is also a prominent member of the medical fraternity, a graduate of Rush Medical College of Chicago, and is now chief physician at Johannesburg, South Africa, for a large gold mining company. In politics Dr. Spaulding is a Republican but is not enough of a politi- cian to consent to accept political preferment. He belongs to the various medical associations and is held in the highest regard by the public and by his brother practitioners. Dr. and Mrs. Spaulding have a pleasant home in Virden and enjoy social life. They are valued members of the Christian Church. MRS. HENRIETTA E. (DYSON) VIRDEN. Mrs. Henrietta E. (Dyson) V^irden, one of the most highly es- teemed residents of \^irden, is a most worthy representative of one of the old and honored pioneer families of the State. Mrs. Virden was born Janu- ary 8, 1827, in Montgomery County, Maryland, and is a daughter of Will- iam and Annie (Darnall) Dyson, and is the widow of the late Archibald L. Virden. The Dyson family is of English extraction, although it has long been established in Maryland, where both the father and grandfather of Mrs. Virden were born. In 1842 William Dyson, with his seven motherless children, left the old home, where his wife had died in 1836, and started for Christian County. Illinois, Mrs. Virden being then a maiden of 15 years. She vividly recalls the overland trip and the pioneer conditions which they MACOUPIN COUNTY. 485 found, when her father settled on a tract of land which he had purchased near Taylorxille. The family, however, had scarcely become accustomed to the hardships which were doubly hard after the comforts of their former home, when the beloved father was stricken with illness and soon passed away, his death occurring in 1845. On August 18, 1844, Henrietta E. Dyson was united in marriage with Archibald L. Virden, who is recalled to the residents of Virden with feelings of sincere esteem. Mr. Virden was born in Ross County, Ohio, October 2-j, 1823, and was a son of Isaac and Amelia (Saddler) Virden, the former of whom was born in Maryland, and the latter in Ohio, where the name is recorded among the earliest pioneers of the Buckeye State. When Archi- bald was about 16 years of age, the family came to Illinois and settled in Christian County, where the father bought and improved a farm, with the assistance of his 10 sons. Archibald remained at home until his marriage, but shortly after removed to Sangamon County, and two years later pur- chased a property near Auburn. Mr. and Mrs. \"irden were early settlers in the village which bears their name, so called in honor of Mr. Virden's brother John, who had laid it out and was an early benefactor of the little hamlet. From 1852 when Archi- bald L. \^irden located at Virden, until his lamented death on April 8, 1880, he was a prominent factor in its commercial, social and public life. The surrounding country, although yet unsettled, was rich in agricultural possi- bilities, and it was with rare good judgment and foresight, that Mr. Virden acquired considerable land and became one of the earliest business men. For some years he engaged in the grocery business, but later embarked in the drtig business, with which he was associated until his decease. His business career was always marked w'ith success and he was ranked with the capi- talists of the locality. He was missed in almost every circle, belonging as he did to the public spirited class of citizens in whose hands rests the develop- ment of the communities in which they live. He was a man of the highest integrity. In his home he was beloved, in his neighborhood he was esteemed and in the city he was respected, and in all places he was mourned. He was a consistent member of the Presbyterian Church, to which he was a liberal giver, but his benefactions were not confined to this religious body. Charit- able organizations and worthy enterprises benefited by his gifts. Mr. Virden is survived by his widow and by two children, Annie M. 486 BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD • and Edgar L., and seven grandchildren. Annie M. is the widow of Otho Williams, and has four children : Mariel, who is the widow of Harry Colean, who died at his mother's home in Jerseyville, Illinois, leaving one child — Edwin Williams; Archibald Virden; Lamira; and Genevieve. Edgar L. married Jennie Piper, and they reside in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The death of the second son, William, in December, 1882, was a second severe bereavement to Mrs. Virden. He was born in 1852 and married Sarah Wilcox, by whom he is survived, with three children — Homer W., Henrietta E. and Archibald L. Mrs. Virden has been the witness of many wonderful changes in Virden, and has been permitted to see the results produced by the helpful, useful lives of herself and husband. Her home has always been one of genuine hospitality and many of the prominent visitors to this locality, in the early (lays, have been her guests. With her husband, she assisted in the founding of the Presbyterian Church here, in which she has ever been a tireless worker. She is the center of a loving family circle and is interesting to the stranger, both on account of her representing the old pioneer families, which are held in the highest esteem, and also for her interesting conversation and gracious hospitality. WALTER D. FISK. Prominent among the enterprising and inlluential business men of Ma- coupin County, is the gentleman whose name heads this narrative, who is engaged in the lumber business at Shipman. He was born in Shipman town- ship, Macoupin County, Illinois, in 1876, and is a son of Frank and Frances (Sayer) Fisk. Frank Fisk was born in ^Michigan and came to Illinois as a railroad employee of the Chicago & Alton railway in 1874. Later he engaged in the lumber business at which he proved very sucessful and became one of the leading men of his section. Still later he purchased a farm in section 26, Shipman township. Macoupin County, where he engaged extensively in the raising of Xorman and Clydesdale horses. After the death of Mr. Fisk, which occurred in 1898, our subject rented the farm to a tenant and succeeded S. HUFFMAN. M. D. MACOUPIN COUNTY. 489 his father in the kimber business. Mrs. Frances (Sayer) Fisk, the mother of our subject, died in 1S90. at the age of 47 years. Walter D. Fisk received his education in the district schools of Ship- man township and in 1897 engaged in the lumber business with his father, which business he still continues with remarkable efficiency. He is a Demo- crat in politics. S. HUFFMAN, M. D. S. HuFFjiAX, M. D., a prominent physician and the leading druggist of Chesterfield, Alacoupin County, whose portrait accompanies this sketch, was bom in Pike Coimty, Illinois, in 1873, ^"-orked at coopering and butchering and was apt enough to turn his hand to almost anything. In 1856 he left his home with the intention of settling in Illinois. The vessel on which he sailed landed him in Texas, whence he made his way to New Orleans, where he found opportunity to work for his passage to Cincinnati. From that city he worked his way until he reached Girard and soon found employment here, doing general work in the grist mill of Howard & Bride. Although the mill changed hands, Mr. Bock made himself too useful to have his services dispensed with and he re- mained until the chance came for him to rent the mill for $25 a month. By 1867 he had acumulated enough capital to buy the mill, and he operated it successfully until it was destroyed by fire. This disaster visited him three times, each time the mill being rebuilt, and then ^Ir. Bock admitted Harris Bridges to partnership. For the fourth time fire destroyed the mill and Mr. Bock again rebuilt and conducted it until he finally sold the property. He has always lived a very busy life and, in addition to other lines of business, has spent about 30 years working, at various times, in the coal mines. Wher- ever he has been, he has shown the same tenacity of purpose and persevering industr}-. which has resulted in making him one of the city's moneyed men. 31 550 BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD iMr. Bock married Catherine Morris, who died February 22, 1896. They had a family of 13 children, of whom 10 are now living, namely: Henry W., bom October 22, 1863; Augusta, born December 16, 1864; Charles, born April 10, 1866; .\nna ]\I., born June 28, 1868; Birdie K., born January 11, 1871 ; Lena, bom July 24, 1872; Nora A., born April i, 1876; Clara A., born April I. 1877; Minnie S., born December 12, 1878, and Fred W. A., Jr., bom July 12, 1880. Those deceased are: Oscar A., who died September 8, 1S82; Sophia, who died July 27, 1869; and Amelia, who died May 8, 1874. The surviving children all reside at home, a happy, united household. In politics, Mr. Bock has affiliated with the Democratic party ever since he was naturalized. He has been called upon on numerous occasions to serve in public office at Girard, and for a number of years was a city alderman. For four years he served most efficiently as street inspector and his administra- tion is remembered with satisfaction by the tax-payers and those most in- terested. He has been connected with the Masonic fraternity for a long period and belongs to the Girard lodge. Like his late brother, he is a repre- sentative German-American of the northeastern section of Macoupin County, and is held in very high regard by the citizens of Girard. SIGEL CAPEL. SiGEL C.^PEL,* who is held in high repute by the citizens of Mount Olive, is one of the city's prominent and successful attorneys. He was born in Illinois on September 8, 1870, and is one of a family of four children bom to John I. and Mary E. (Nolan) Capel. John I. Capel was born in Tennessee in 1845 and after reaching the years of manhood took up the occupation of farming and now resides in Illinois. Sigel Capel received his preliminary educational training in the public schools of Saline County. Illinois, and later attended the schools at Hay- wood. Wa}Tie County, Illinois, completing his school education at the high school of that county. He then studied law under W. H. Boyer of Harris- burg. Illinois and G. M. Milley of the same place. In 1893 he was admitted to the bar at Blount Vernon, Illinois, and began the practice of his profession MACOUPIN COUNTY. 551 at Harrisburg, continuing with such success that in December 1900 he was elected States attorney. In 1903 he located in Mount Olive and has continued in the practice of his profession e\er since with much success. In political circles, Mr. Capel is a member of the Republican party and in fraternal circles he is a member of the Knights of Pythias, Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Masons. Mr. Capel was united in marriage to Janie Parks, a daughter of Rufus Parks, and they are the parents of one son, Hobart P.. who was born in June, 1896. Our subject and family are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. HON. J. F. HUSTON. Hon. J. F. Huston,* mayor of Virden, and senior member of the busi- ness house of J. F. Huston & Son, successors to J. F. Huston, is one of the leading business men of this progressive little city. He was born in Greene County, Ohio, and is a son of Hiram and Eliza (Haverstick) Huston, who still reside in Ohio, where the father is an extensive farmer. Mr. Huston grew up on his father's farm and obtained his education in the common schools of his neighborhood, and at Xenia, Ohio. At the beginning of the Civil War, he enlisted at Yellow Springs, Ohio, in the 184th Regiment. Ohio Vol. Inf., under Colonel Monney, and served with faithful- ness and honor until the close of the war. He then returned to Xenia, where he remained in business until he came to Macoupin County in 1868. In 1881 he located in Virden and organized the business which has developed into one of large proportions. His son, Frank D., is associated with him as junior member of the firm. They are licensed embalmers and funeral directors and deal in hardware, stoves, tinware, furniture, undertaker's goods, farm imple- ments, bicycles and sundries. The company's stock is valued at more than $10,000. while the annual business foots up to some $30,000. His trade covers the whole of Macoupin County. Mr. Huston has been actively interested in politics and is recognized as one of the most public spirited citizens of Virden. The esteem in which he is universally held has been shown on many occasions by his fellow citi- 552 BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD zens, who have placed hini in responsible positions. He has served four years as alderman and two years as city treasurer. In 1886 he was first elected mayor and served in that capacity for 10 consecutive years — rather a remark- able record. In the spring of 1903 he was again called to the city's highest official position, and his administration has been marked with improvements and reforms which have met with the approval of his constituents, irrespective of party lines. Mr. Huston married Mary L. Deer, who is a daughter of Daniel Deer, and their two children are Frank D. and Mina L. All members of the family belong to the Presbyterian Church. Fraternally, our subject belongs to the Masons, the Odd Fellows, the Knights of Pythias and the Woodmen. BOYER BROTHERS COMPANY. BoYER Brothers Company,* the leading livery firm of Carlinville, Macoupin County, is composed of George S. and Albert Boyer, sons of Sam- uel and Mary E. (Seaman) Boyer. Samuel Boyer, who was Ijorn in England, came to the United States in early manhood, and settled at Carlinville, Illinois, where he engaged in the manufacture of brick for some years. Finally he sold his plant and spent the rest of his active life following his trade of brick laying and contracting. He married Mary E. Seaman, and they had these children : Sarah, Mary, Emma, George S., Edward, Albert and one deceased. Mrs. Boyer still survives and resides with her sons in Carlinville. George S. Boyer was born October 3, 1863, and was educated in the public schools of Carlinville. He found his first business opening as a liv- ery hand in the stables of George J. Castle, with whom he remained for 25 years. In 1900, in partnership with his brother, Albert, he purchased these stables and the business has since been carried on by Boyer Brothers Company. The stables are located on West street and are probably the best equipped ones in Macoupin County. The company has 15 horses which are kept in fine condition for livery use, and any kind of vehicle can be obtained. This company controls the larger part of the livery business of the section, the MACOL'PIX COUNTY. 553 accommodating spirit and honest methods of its members gaining them the full confidence of the public. George S. Boyer is a very prominent Macoupin County Republican and has been the efficient tax collector of Carlinville township, an office which re- quires a bond of $83,000, succeeding his brother Albert, who held the office in 1889. Both young men are personally popular and own a business which promises to make them very substantial citizens. Albert Boyer is a member of the Ancient Order of United Workman, and George S., of the Fraternal Order of Eagles and Modern Woodmen of America. Frank, genial, accom- modating, they are the very men to give the visitor a good opinion of the type of citizen to be met with in this locality, and few men are better posted on current values and business possibilities and attractions. They are well known all through the county and are considered among the leading busi- ness men of Carlinville. HON. DAVID E. KEEFE. Hon. David E. Keefe*, formerly county judge of Macoupin County, is now a resident of East St. Louis, Illinois, where he enjoys a large and lucra- tice law practice. He was torn in Madison County, Illinois. December 13. 1863, and is a son of John and Honora (Runlan) Keefe. John Keefe was born in Ireland and there grew to manhood. In 1848 he migrated to America and first settled in St. Louis, IMissouri, where he' remained imtil 1855. In tlie latter year he moved to IMadison County, Illinois, where he engaged in farming and lived the remainder of his days, dying in 1893, at the age of 83 years. His widow is still living at the ad- vanced age of 87 years. Of a family of 10 children born to them, five are now living, namely: ^lary; Patrick H. ; Catherine; John; and David E., subject of this biography. David E. Keefe received a preliminary education in the public schools of Madison County, which was supplemented by a course of study in the Northern Illinois Normal School. After leaving the latter institution, he engaged in teaching for some four years and in the meantime pursued the study of the law. He was admitted to the bar in May, 1890, and the follow- 554 BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD ing July opened an office for practice at Bunker Hill, where he met with almost immediate success. He was elected to the office of city attorney of Bunker Hill in 1893, ^"^ served a term of two years. In October, 1896, he removed to Carlinville, the county seat, where he became associated with the law firm of Peebles & Peebles, the style and title of the firm being changed to that of Peebles, Keefe & Peebles. They commanded an exten- sive practice throughout the county, and were recognized as one of the strongest combinations of legal talent in this section of the State. Judge Keefe became his party's choice for county judge of Macoupin County in 1898, and was elected for a term of four years. Upon the expiration of his term, he resumed practice as senior member of the firm of Keefe & Peebles. Both on the bench and in private practice. Judge Keefe has displayed marked ability; although his election to office came at the hands of the Dem- ocratic party, those of different political views never had cause to complain of the treatment accorded them. He was utterly impartial in all the decisions rendered by him, and was equally popular with Democrats and Republicans. He has been a constant student of his profession, possesses a discriminating mind and retentive memory, and few members of the bar are as well posted on the statutes of the State. On November 29, 1893, Judge Keefe was joined in marriage with Jennie C. Chire of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, and four children have blessed their home, namely : J. Robert ; May H. ; Virginia ; and Agnes A. INDKX. PAGE Adams, Francis M .231 Adams, Giles 158 Ahrens, John F 289 Allen, Frank D 303 Anderson, John C 42 Anderson, Randolph P 104 Anderson, W. E. P 21 Anderson, William 460 Arkebauer, Meint 361 Armstrong, Christopher C 471 Armstrong, John W 427 Ash, John R., M. D .189 Baker, Thomas S 218 Baldwin, Jerome B 459 Barnes, Asaph H., D. D. S 299 Barnett, William T 89 Bartel, Mrs. Lena 541 Bates, Atison 69 Bauer, Frank E 531 Bechtold, Jacob Z 178 Becker, John George 356 Becker, Lewis F 340 Beerup, Neville B 542 Behrens, W. H 52 Benner, J. George 212 Binney, John, M. D 408 Bird, Joseph S 407 Bleuler, E. Alfred, M. D 220 Bley, David L., M. D 321 Bley, Robert E 84 Bock, Fred B 191 Bock, Frederick W. D 549 Bock, Henry 172 Bodka, William C 378 PAGE Boosinger, George F 477 Boston, Jefferson W 431 Boswell, Mrs. Hannah M 522 Boyer Brothers Company 552 Boyer, John H., M. D 493 Brandenburger, John 156 Brautigan, Ernest 275 Bray ford, Henry 405 Brown, Benjamin H 48 Brown, Leonard G 532 Brown, Robert, Esq 482 Bruce, Wallace A 412 Buchterkirchen, H. C 421 Budd, Harry R 138 Burke, B. M 197 Burton, James M 428 Cain, Thomas 15 Callaway, James L 228 Campbell, James 543 Capel, Sigel 550 Carmody, Stephen T 293 Carter, Archie L 320 Castle, Capt. George J 77 Cavender, John R 521 Caveny, John 30 Chapman, Maj. Fletcher H 201 Chappell, Israel 145 Cherry, Thomas H 515 Clark, Mark W 535 Clark, Robert 476 Clayton, William H 534 Coffee; Henry M 456 Cole, John T 81 Conlee, Hon. William T 545 556 INDEX. FACE Cooper, Frank W 544 Corr, Albert C, A. M., M. D 151 Corr, Lucinda H., M. D 151 Cordum, Louis E 374 Costley, Andrew 59 Coultas, Horace W 53° Covvell, George 124 Cowan, Robert S., M. B 295 Cox, James Madison 528 Cox, John C 358 Culp, Benjamin F 445 Culp, William N I55 Crawford, Alexander W 362 Dalby, Nathaniel 165 Davis, Clinton 137 Davis, Mrs. D. Cornelia 221 Deck, Lewis C IQS Denby, Frank R 46 Dey, Rhuliff 533 Dickerson, Edward N 187 Dickie, William P 144 Dilliard, Rev. Luke 498 Dingerson, Henry P 430 Dodds, Joseph A ^74 Donahue, William J., M. D 300 Dooley, Enoch 140 Doraey, Howell M 297 Dorsey, Plutarch H 225 Dripps, Mrs. Mary Bley 455 Drennan, William M 417 Duckies, Edward G 57 Duckies, Henry Clay 245 Duckies, John H 255 Dufner, Joseph 184 Dufner, Joseph J 175 Dugger, Capt. W. B 13 Drum, William 331 Edwards, T. H 310 England, John J 319 England, Samuel 335 English. Robert W 219 Elliman, Thomas E 343 Etter, Elmo 74 Etter, Scott 341 Fahrengrog, Mrs. Fredericka 182 Fahrenkrog, William J. H 196 rAGE Faith, James, M. D 481 Fenton, George 410 Fischer, C. J. C, M. D 47 Fisk, Walter D 486 Fletcher, Mrs. Helen 159 Flood, Hon. Philip 210 Floreth, Gustave A., M. D 547 For wood, Thomas B 386 Francis, Richard D 39' Funderburk, David 392 Fundcrburk, Isaac A 313 Gardner, L. W 29 Gehner, Henry J., Jr 409 George, William Robinson 439 German, Mrs. Ida M 537 Gibson, Zacliariah J 253 Gill, Samuel 458 Gish, Abram C 463 Godfrey, Cornelius 525 Godfrey, Elvin Ellet 517 Godfrey, Mrs. Mary Jane 503 Gore, Forrest D 79 Gray, Samuel 347 Grccnhalgh, Samuel 548 Griffel, Henry 141 Grimmctt, Clarence 294 Grimmett, William T 234 Gross. William M., M. D 257 Hacke, August 85 Hackman, Charles F 512 Hackman, William F 509 Hall, Jackson 103 Hamilton, George W 233 Hamilton, Henry C 387 Harris, F. L 148 Harris, Fitzhugh Lee 399 Hart, John E 419 Hart, William J 107 Hartley, O. C 200 Hayes, Edgar W 70 Hayward, Cyrus Tolman .-194 Head, Martin H., M. D 214 Heironymus, William 413 Hill, Green E., M. D 276 Hilliard, George W 246 Holme, Edward S 449 Hounslcy, William W 43 INDEX. 557 P^GE Hoxsey, John C, V. S 444 Huber, Henry S 538 Huddleston, Mrs. Rachel 279 Huffman, S., M. D 489 Hulse, W. R 40 Huson, William M 62 Huston, Hon. J. F 551 Isaacs, Abraham 441 Isaacs, Richard 539 Jarman, Robert 100 Jencks, James 261 Johnson, Gabriel Willard 92 Johnson, Mrs. Geske M 414 Johnston, John W 88 Jones, Emery C, M. D m Jones, Herbert A 464 Keefe, Hon. David E 553 Kennedy, John O 443 Keplinger, James Thomas 207 Keplinger, Mrs. Sarah E 207 Kessinger, Manning M 32 Kitzmiller, Rev. Martin V 248 Klein, Jacob 401 Knotts, Hon. Edward C 288 Koch, Hon. Theodore H 411 Kruse, Henry 368 Lancaster, Mrs. Emma J 216 Lancaster, Joseph 179 Leach, Frank B 360 Leach, John J 388 Lee, George 181 Lippoldt, John G 188 Lobb, Richard W 369 Loper, Gideon B 353 Lott, Henry C 91 Loveless, Alexander B 72 Loveless, Cyrus Otis 209 Loveless, Hugh F 302 Lowis, John, Jr .326 Luker, Mrs. Emma 473 Luker, George H 475 Malone, !Micajah C 371 Martin, Eugene 61 Matthews, John Pitt, M. D 16 P.\GE Maxeiner, Philip W 492 Mayo, Walter S 139 Metcalf, James D., Jr 510 Metcalfe, Thomas 598 Meyer, William H 390 Miller, Henry 527 Milton, Edwin S., M. D 166 Mitchell, Asa Clinton 120 Mitchell, Milton 271 Mitchell, Robert J., M. D 286 Mitchell, Mrs. Sarah J 286 Mitchell, Travis Moore 437 Mize, Benjamin 238 Montgomery, Joseph, Jr 51 Morgan, Corbin S 263 Morrison, George 170 Morrison, Henry 199 Morse, Theodore 28 Mounts, Hon. W. L 115 McBrien, William Lincoln, M. D 519 McElvain, Jason N 324 McKnight, Robert Wade 229 McKnight, Col. Sargeant 265 Neimeyer, William 366 Niemann, Edward F 323 Niemann, John C 337 Niemann, William L 317 Otwell, William B 334 Owen, Walter D. and Arthur A 127 Palmer, Hon. John McAuIey 133 Patrick, William 496 Patton, John F., D. D. S m Peebles, Hon L. P 233 Pennington, Joseph 109 Perrine, John Harrison 403 Perrine, William H 98 Pettengill, Mrs. Mary Ann 243 Phelps, John F ^ 504 Pinkerton, David W 315 Purdy, Richard M 465 Purdy, William Collins 467 Quade, Otto E 355 Quigley, Robert D 270 Reichmann, John 102 558 INDEX. FACE Reno, James William 328 Rice, E. T 169 Richmond, Walter B 307 Richer, Christopher . 97 Rieher, Mrs. Lena S 97 Rinaker, Gen. John 1 11 Roach, John 393 Robinson, George C 451 Robley, Richard T 44 Ronksley, William 106 Ross, Mahlon 349 Sanner, Samuel P 125 Sargent, Jacob T 118 Sawtell, Charles H 14 Sawyer, Mrs. Mary Ann 372 Schelb, William, Sr 305 Scheldt, Henry C 147 Schelm, William H 352 Schmidt, John S 491 Schoenemann, Henry no Schroeder, Thomas F 142 Schultz, Frederick 351 Scroggins, Horace Edward 424 Scroggins, Mrs. Kissiah 479 Seehausen, W. C 27 Sells, William H 25 SIftle Brick & Tile Works, The 251 Sheppard, Benjamin F 230 Shirley, Hon. Robert B 67 Shriver, William A., M. D 365 Simmons, Albert H., M. D 282 Simmons, Col. John H 153 Simpson, George A 423 Skelton, Andrew N 318 Smith, Charles E 402 Smith, Charles Edward, M. D 284 Smith, Haney V 163 Smith, Nathan R 281 Smith, S. Owen 375 Smith, Vincent 161 Snodgrass, William 447 Spaulding, Davis L., M. D 483 Staats, Henry 64 Steinmeyer, William H 23 Stiver, Rev. Samuel L 121 Storz, Frederick G . 268 Stowe, John J 237 Stutzman, Joseph 273 lAGE Taylor, Mrs. Susan C 240 Taylor, William E 117 Terry, Charles C 500 Thompson, David M 448 Tietjen, John H 24 Tietsort, James L 176 Titchenal, John 119 Trabue, William B 129 Travers, William L 507 Tucker, Frank L., D. D. S 508 Utt, W. H 36 Vancil, Mrs. Elizabeth R 383 Vancil, Imri B 383 Van Wormer, William W., M. D 274 Vaughn, Hon. J. B 39 Virden, Mrs. Henrietta E. (Dyson) ... .484 Vollentine, Joseph S 501 Wall, Charles R 3-29 Wall, Hon. Hampton W 338 Wall, William P 357 Walker, John H .395 Walton, John Edward, M. D 516 Wash. George A., M. D 364 Wellenbrink, William 363 Welton, Samuel M 63 Westlake, George H., D. D. S 5" Whitehouse, William H 397 Whitcley, Robert, Sr 34 Whitfield, William H 453 Williams, Samuel J 425 Williamson, John 432 Willson, George W 87 Wolf, Henry 18 Wood, Alfred C 49 Wood, Capt. Reuben 290 Woodman, Elijah F 53 Woods, Benjamin 33 Wurtz, Eugene David, D. M. D 462 Wyckofl, John James 490 Yancey, Hon. A. N 130 York, Charles W 112 Young, Henry K 304 Zabel, Rev. Francis H 192 Zaepflfel, Augustus 83 I I 1 ,. uiiiuiriiiilii ,i,\|l»|ifil\l\|lll ^%l!iU 025346203