Full text of "Past and present of the City of Decatur and Macon County, Illinois"

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LIBRA RY

OF THE

UN IVERS ITY

Of ILLINOIS

977 356

^op 3

ILL. HIST. SURVEY

^ "^ ,■*"'

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PAST AND PRESENT

OF THE

City of Decatur and Macon County

ILLINOIS

ILLUSTRATED

A people that take no pride in the noble achievements of remote ancestors will never
achieve anything worthy to be remembered with pride by
remote generations. " — Macaulay.

CHICAGO
THE S. J. CLARKE PUBLISHING CO.

1903

Historical and Biographical

^? s^

,.<L.

-3

preface:.

HE publishers take great pleasure in presenting this volume to the public. For
the general history of the county we are indebted to Hon. J. G. Keller and for
the history of the public schools of Decatur to Prof. E. A. Gastman, both being
well qualified for the work. The greatest of English historians, Macaulay, and
one of the most brilliant writers of the age, has said: "The history of a country is best
told in a record of the lives of its people." In conformity with this idea, the biographical
department of this work has been prepared, our corps of writers going to the people, the
men and women who have, by their enterprise and industry, brought the county to a rank
second to none among those comprising this great and noble State, and frbm their lips have
the story of their life struggles. No more interesting or instructive matter could be pre-
sented to an intelligent public. In this volume will be found a record of many whose lives
are worthy the imitation of coming generations. It tells- how some, commencing life in
poverty, by industry and economy have accumulated wealth. It tells how others, with lim-
- ited advantages for securing an education, have become learned men and women, with an
influence extending throughout the length and breadth of the land. It tells of men who
have risen from the lower walks of life to eminence as statesmen, and whose names have
become famous. It tells of those in every walk in life who have striven to succeed,
and records how that success has usually crov/ned their efforts. It tells also of many, very
many, who, not seeking the applause of the world, have pursued the " even tenor of their
way," content to have it said of them, as Christ said of the woman performing a deed of
mercy — " They have done what they could." It tells how many, in the pride and strength
of young manhood, left the plow and the anvil, the lawyer's office and the counting-room,
left every trade and profession, and at their country's call went forth valiantly " to do or
die," and how through their efforts the Union was restored and peace once more reigned
in the land. In the life of every man and of every woman is a lesson that should not be
lost upon those who follow after.

Coming generations will appreciate this volume and preserve it as a sacred treasure,

from the fact that it contains so much that would never find its way into public records,

and which would otherwise be inaccessible. Great care has been taken in the compilation

of the work, and every opportunity possible given to those represented to insure correct-

^ ness in what has been written ; and the publishers flatter themselves that they give to their

? readers a work with few errors of consequence. In addition to biographical sketches, por-

^'traits of a number of representative citizens are given.

The faces of some, and biographical sketches of many, will be missed in this volume.
? For this the publishers are not to blame. Not having a proper conception of the work, some
^34"efused to give the information necessary to compile a sketch, while others were indifferent.
-^Occasionally some member of the family would oppose the enterprise, and on account of
'\ such opposition the support of the interested one would be withheld. In a few instances
I'men never could be found, though repeated calls were made at their residence or place of
^ business.
■J December, 1903. The S. J. Clarke Publishing Co.

TABLE OF CONTENTS.

HISTORICA.L

Geographical •>

Early Settlement 1-t

The White Settler 15

County Government ~0

County Officers ~7

Agriculture 28

Railroads 39

lilack Hawk War '. 31

Mexican War 31

Civil War 33

Villages 68

Schools 7-2

School Lands 75

Parochial Schools 76

The James Millikin University 77

llie Church 78

City of Decatur 83

The Free Public Library S3

The Woman's Club 83

Powers' Grand Opera House 84

The Anna R. Millikin Home 84

St. Mary's Hospital 84

The Wabash Hospital 85

Goodman's Band 85

The Decatur Club 85

The Country Club of Decatur 85

Parks 86

I'olice Department 87

b'ire Department 87

Water Works 87

Greenwood Cemetery 87

Things for which Decatur is noted.. 88

Societies 88

Banks 90

Decatur Traction & Electric Com-
pany 01

^lanufactorics and Corporations.... 91

Bench and Bar 109

Our Honored Dead 118

Christmas Reminiscences 121

Public Schools of Decatur 123

BIOGRAPHICAL

Abbott, Mrum 810

.\dams, Charles 802

.\dams. O. C 833

Albert, G. F 818

Alexander, James H 769

Allen, D. S 822

.\llman, Edward 386

Allsup, Miner R 310

Archer, H. L 876

Armstrong, J. H 548

Armstrong, William 453

Armstrong, W. C 868

Arnold, Hiram 676

Baker, H. S 815

Baker, N. M 770

Baker, R. N 429

Baldwin, James S 236

Banton, H. J 806

Barbey, L. D 379

Barnes, Dr. Ira N 273

Barnes, Dr. W. A 225

Barron, John 013

Barth, Jacob W 442

Bassey, Edward C 383

I'.atchelder, David B 831

Batcheldcr, John C 663

Batchelder, J. J.., 471

Batchelder, Moses E 439

Bauer, C. R 284

Baum, William 601

Beall, Hillory 826

■Bean, C. H .534

Berkler, Henry 506

Betzer, George W 834

Bctzer, Peter 433

Betzer, Reuben 190

Bi.xby, J. G 552

Black, John H 733

Blank. William 487

Boggs, Dr. William R 193

Bommersbach, Nicholas 546

Bottrell, J. n 549

Boyce, J. C 395

Boyd, James P 561

Boyer, Melvin F 575

Bramble, W. H 618

Brett, David E 441

Brewer, A. D 710

Brookshier, William F 655

Brown, Charles H 670

Brown, Henry H 668

Brown, James E 624

Brown, Dr. Josiah 673

Brown, J. V/ ...427

Brown, Travis 830

Huflmeyer, J. S 684

Bundy, W. M 347

Burgess, Sullivan 869

Busber, W. F 303

Butzien, Frederick 377

Ci -mean, W. H 726

Carr, Dr. E. D 386

Carter, J. W 185

Chamberlain, W. D 257

Chenowt.*h, Dr. W. J 735

Childs. J. S 390

Clark, J. B 746

Clark, William 268

Clipston. Joseph K 850

Combs, labei T 435

Connaghan, Charles 777

Connard, Charles E 228

Connard, Martin E 229

Conover, George 582

Cooper, W. T 456

Cowen, Charles C. H 433

Crahb, Frank A 875

Crane, J. W 203

Crary, John M - 309

Crawford, W. M 342

Crocker, John 184

Crocker, John H 189

Crow, E. W 833

Crow, O. T 374

Culver, J. H 339

Cussins, Dr. J. S. C 263

1 >aggctt, Albion 555

Dammeier, Christian 791

Danzeisen, George J 345

Davidson, A. H 556

Davis, Byrd L 862

Davis, Jerome B 607

Davis, Thomas 281

Davis, Rev. W. H 359

Dectz, Charles H .837

Dclahunty, Walter 498

I >cmpsey, Michael 690

Denipsey, P. J 644

Denise, D. E 276

Dennis, Andrew 525

Dewein, Victor 499

Dickey, H. E 223

Dickson, Adam 599

Dinneen, Daniel 565

Do.'ike, Thomas B 545

TAI'.l.I'. Ol'" CONTENTS.

Downey, Charles U S53

Downing, T. E "*'

Downing, VV. T 846

Drake, J. I '^"

Drury, Dr. G. W 180

Uukcr, C. K '!■'

Dunston, .\. J •■*•*"

Isberly. U. L 8=8

lihrharl, Joscpli li 819

Klwood, Casper C '^^

Kwing, Charles A 1^9

Kwing. F. X ■^S*

Kwing, Mrs. Sarah .\nn 784

Kyman. J. A 380

I'aith, Charles II '-^'^

Faith, George ^^"^

Karies, Robert 1*'

Fitzgerald, J. K j<"

Fletcher, J. W S*-!

I'oulke, Edward •• '^^'^

FonlUe, W. L 603

Frank, John 2^**

l''rceman, James 8.8

I'Veeman, Mrs. Margaret .\ 416

Cage, Wilson S ''■'^

Carver, William S *--

Gastman, E. A ^87

Gepford, S. R J*^

Oerber, Samuel -*'

Gilman, G. Fred 756

Given, J. F :....807

Glore, Capt. J. 11 ?82

Gogcrty, John ^''7

Goodc, 1^ R *"

Gorin, Jerome R 173

Gorin. O. B 207

Graves, J. W 249

Gray, Dr. James L 803

Green, Joslma 713

Greene, O. Z 311

Griffith, James G 591

Grimm, Samuel 6»^

Gushard, William 827

Guthridge, C. K SIO

Iladwin, James 84i

Hagan, Henry 850

Haines, Frank W 88"

Hamman, John W 592

Hamnian, IMiilip 1* 741

Hammer, W. 1 871

Uamshcr, William 396

Hankins. Charles S 849

Hardy, J. K 643

Harpstrite, Augustus 875

Harpstrite, Edward 650

Hartley, C. J 694

Hays, Charles 402

Heckler, Anthony 856

Hcnard, J. R 579

Hendricks, Jacob C 792

Henshic, David 841

Highly. H. 1 820

IliKlit. John R 533

Hight, Robert W 306

Hilbrant, S. 109

llildebrandt, Theodore 503

Hill, Douglas D 867

Hill, H. W 255

Hilvety, W. F 836

Hobbs, Rev. James 505

Hodge, II. D. M 635

Holiday, Harry L 434

Hollinger, James 805

Holmail, Carey L 648

Hooper, W. J 811

Hosteller, George F 244

Housley, Mrs. N. J 789

Hoy, Simon P 703

Hunter, W. li 269

Hurst, C. M 821

Imboden, C. M 626

Imboden, J. G 739

Jacobsen, Henning 813

Jimison, G. A...., 641

Johns, Dr. H. C 700

Johnson, Milton 1 219

Johnston, William 842

Jones, Charles 840

Jones, Thomas B 707

Jones, William O 649

Jones, Yong P 825

Jostes, Henry 667

Joynt, J. J 566

Kaylor, G. W S54

Keck, John A 351

Keister, John F 631

Keller, John G 623

Kemmerly, J. F 857

Kepler, ilrs. Fannie 745

Kile, Isaac W 662

Kincaid, Robert F 283

Knouff, A. S 447

Koehler, Louis .790

Kohr, Jacob W 691

Kraschel, Frederick 661

Kreher, Adam 724

Kreidler, Henry 860

Kretzer, David 512

Krone, N. L 459

Kuhns, Henry B 494

Lanham, Benjamin F 400

l.aux, Charles 765

Leavitt, T. N 724

Leffingwell, L. B. C 614

I.el'"orgee, C. C S3S

Lehman, Frank P 713

Lehn, F. W 294

Lehn, George W 367

Lehn, John P ."26

Lewis, Charles 409

I^ewis, Dwight F 41.')

Lonergnn, Dr. M. V 403

Love, Joseph 354

Lowe, G. F 335

Lowry, Francis M 334

Lowry, John M 491

Ludwig, Charles 845

Lunn, Henry 858

Lyon, George S 241

Lytic, K. P 327

McCune, George 564

McDonald, E. S 357

Mc Evoy, John 593

McLean, Dr. C. A 300

McLean, Dr. W. T 515

Magce, William J 767

Major, Jacob 454

Malone, Jones 708

Matthew, Dr. John B 479

Matthew, John L 528

.Ma.xon, May wood 782

-May, Dr. S. R. 48T>

Melton, Dr. W. .\ 210

.Melvin, L. A 462

-Meridith, F. M 386

.Merris, E. M 365

.\Iettlen, Alexander T 465

Meyers, Mrs. Lovina 170

-Miller, John R 718

-Vlillikin, James 637

MilU, A. H 221

Mills, Joseph 397

Mills, L. A 275

Mittan, Dr. F. J 761

Moffctt, W. T 729

Montgomery, A. R 371

Montgomery, James H 533

Moore, Josiah A 798

Alowry, H. C 197

Mueller, Hieronymus 799

Murphey, Martin P 717

Myers, Dr. N. D 270

Nelson, William E 11)5

Nesbitt, A. S 839

Newell, William B 843

Nicholls, R. A 816

Nichols, J. E 709

Nottclmann, J. H 392

Uren, John H 081

Osborne, T. E 877

Outten, G. C 573

Owen, H. M 527

Packard, Silas liiT

Parker, Benjamin 368

Parker, James H 264

Parker, J. P 421

Parker, Dr. O. V 401

Patterson, David 329

Pedicord, J. J 864

I'ersinger, J. M ■ 410

Pfister, Charles C 734

Pharo, Isaac F 771

Phclan, Mr. and Mrs. Michael. .. .778

Pickle, Newton F 089

Pitner, Thomas W 570

Pollock, Dr. M. D 697

Pope, Walter 440

Porter. Dr. D. W 389

Powers, Orlando 165

Powers, Samuel 201

TAIU.I". OF t OX HINTS.

IViwcr:t, 'I'lioma*...
I 'rail, I'rank M. ■ . .
I'ricc. lacob R....
I'rilclicll, Waller..,
I'rttvo^i. I- R

Uucrry. Iiaiali

(Ju«T>. Titus

.'1.1

.'tin

H.'U

..SOS

Race. Jamc. W . . "'•

Katulolpli, I' I . . '"'•■

Katololph, «;iiy .\ ■'■'•'•

K«ora, J. II '"»

Kiichic, Mr.. C. M.... ••'»

KiIitIkc. Samuel '"'"

Kobcri.t. Kdwin J '•'•"'

K..»M:ri.. T. T :<>"

Kot.>. K. II •>•»

Kogcr». I.. K "*•''

KollifuM, Andrew. •'•&

Kuchl. CharlM I' -'"^

Kilhriiull. ILirry -5S

SamftMin, Jamc N "'*

Schcnck. Will "•

Schrrrr, Nichola* **'-'

Sclirocdcr. Irol K . -'•"

Schr..cdcr. Rudolpli II SS4

Sclir.Kdcr. \V. R 7*0

Scnlt. Owen 785

Scrugip.. \V. R »«

Shanklin. }. G 780

Micllabarncr. D. S a03

Shctlcl. II. A 1«1

Shoemaker. Andrew 029

Short. (korBc D 2»'

Sibley. Or. B. F asS

Siminon, Butler ■>*<>

Singleton, Iliiiton ""S

Smith, Mrv Mary E 550

Smith. S. K «7»

Smith, Will L »5*

Smilh. W S tSS

S|iani;li-r. Ju-*e|ili. . . .
Spence. Uanicl f. . .

Silencer. Read

Spiiler. lienrgc U. . .
S|»ttlcr. Fred.
S|MK»ner, I'. I > .

Springer. T. T

St. I'»trick\ Chureli

Stare, tieorisc

Stare. William II. . .

Starr, W. II

Stein. Mckliar<lt l' . .

Slerretl. U. I

Stewart. Franc i-
Stolier. John ( '.
Stoiier. I)r. .\. .1
Sloncr. T. C. .

Sti>okey, Daniel

StunlenlMjrotiKlt. G, S

Stuntenliorough, J. B

Stoiitenboroitgh. ,1. II
SloulenlMirough. J. I.

Stoutenlmrough, J. I'

Stuart, J. T

.711
.504
. .571
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. .N4:i
..511
. . «U3
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. .515

.. .MO
. . . 705

, . .:i,-io

...Mil

. , .074
...348

Stuart. Oliver L «4S

Swain. Dr. S. II 481

raKgart, Robert ..:i:il

Tail. F. B 781

Thalchcr, Charles P S»4

Thomas. l)r. E. II 24.1

Thompson. A. J 010

Thompson. Capt Oorge W S86

Tomlin*on, Thomas W 832

Torrcncc. Frank I) 748

lowne. F. P 242

Trimmer. .Xbrah.im 202

Trimmer, .\ndrcw J 201

Trimmer. Daniel \V 280

Trimmer. John F 204

Trimmer, Joseph F 2*3

Troutman., Jacob 703

Tucker. Cyrus J 502

Tucker. Joseph I '•^«

Tupi>er, Col. An*el 475

Tupper. Col. N. W 445

Tyler. Barton S SIO

I'lery. E. S
Underwood. James It

\*an Deventer. C. J.

\'all C.nlltlv. T. 0. . .

W.vlr. I..l«.ird

Walker. J. W

WiiUacc. William A..

Uiillcr. Koliert

\\ alters, Clement C. .

.^11

;(0S

.824
.883

llOH
-HI
:I85
.■JV9

W arburion. Joseph 531

Ward. J. T 844

Washburn. S. G

Weaver. Samuel

Webb, S. T

Welge. Henry

Wells. F. P

Whitmer, F. II. .
Wilkinson, Mrs. I.jimir:i

X\.llard. J, G

Williams. A. J

Williams, J. C

SOO
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s7ll

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.81.1
.333
.700
.700
.053
,851

WillKims. J. W 874

Williams, Robert T 002

Willi.ims. W. H 461

W illianisun, Solomon 480

Willougbby. W. H 482

Wilson, James A 700

Wilson. R. 1) 175

Wise. H. H 0.12

Woo<lcock. Harold R 202

Woodcock. R. H 201

Womls. Robert 60(1

Yohc. J. E.

Past and Present of Macon County

By John G. Keller.

In llu' geographical center of the state,
midway between Chicago and St. Louis,
the leading cities in the Northern Missis-
sippi X'alley, lies Macon county. It is one
of the banner counties in the famous corn
belt of Illinois; bounded on the north by
Dc\\'itt. on the east by Piatt and Moultrie,
on the south by Moultrie, Shelby and
Christian, on the west by Christian and
.Sangamon counties.

Its extreme length is twenty-seven miles
and its width is twenty-five miles, contain-
ing an area of five hundred and se\'enty-
seven sections or three hundred sixty-nine
tliousand two hundred eighty acres which
is divided into seventeen townships as fol-
lows : .\ustin 36 sections. Friends Creek
4S, Hickory Point 36, Xiantic Jij. lilue
.Mounil 32. Mt. Zion 39, Pleasant \ie\v 30,
Oakley Jji. .Milam 24, Maroa, 42, \\'liit-
more 3f), Ulini 3'). llarristown 3(^1, .South
Wheatland 30, .South Macon 36. Decatur
29. Long Creek 38i.

iUn a few^ years ago, nuich (if the ])rairie
land was used for grazing purposes only ;
at present no wild lands are to be found.
Its physical geography differs but little
from that of its immediate neighbors. The
surface, generally, is undulating containing
more prairie than timbered lands.

Originally much of the prairie was verj'
low and level, making it unfit for cultiva-
tion. This land, which lies in the south,
east and north parts of the county, was
known as swamp land, and sold by the
United States Government at twenty-five
cents per acre. These localities now pro-

duce more corn than any other in the coun-
ty, and command a very high price.

No locality has better drainage. "The
Ridge," as it is familiarly called, extends
from Maroa west to the low lands of Aus-
tin township and culminates in a round-
top in section seven, known as the ]3avid
Davis farm; this point has an altitude of
over seven hundred feet above that of the
.^angamon river where it leaves the county.
.\ ridge extending almost due south from
this ])oint forms a mound of about the same
altitude as that of the Davis ridge, tw'O
miles northeast of Warrensburg on the
Powers' farm; extending south to the ex-
tremes of the county another mound of sim-
ilar altitude is left as its ])arting farewelJ.
This ridge extending the entire length of
the county north and south forms the water
shed of the county, the Sangamon river be-
ing the only stream large enough to break
through. The ridge affords an enchanting
vieW' of the surrounding country ; for this
reason and from the fact that this land
could be cultivated witiiout artificial drain-
age, the early settlers, who ventured away
from the timber's edge located along this
elevation.

The Sangamon river with Priends creek
and Stephens creek as tributaries from the
north, Findley creek and Sand creek from
the south, enters the county on the east
within seven miles of its northern boundary,
trends toward the southwest passing be-
tween Whitmore 'and Oakley townships,
through Decatur, llarristown and Blue
Mound townships, leaves the county within

PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.

eleven miles of its southern boundary ; its
exit being the southern boundary of Niantic
township ; the drainage of the entire county
is eventually eiTected by the Sangamon
river. Comparatively few springs remain
since the advent of underground tile drain-
age, which has almost entirely eliminated
the surface water, the source of the spring
and the shallow well. Some of the old land
marks as the Imboden Springs in the south
part of Decatur, those in Fairview Park,
the Boiling Springs near Bearsdale, the Sul-
phur Springs near Mt. Zion, and the Dan-
town Springs remain. The Sangamon
river, including its tributaries, is bordered
by rugged timber lands, among whose bluffs
are found the only remaining springs of
the early settler. The supply of water on
the farms comes from deep wells, averaging
at least a hundred feet in depth.

The village dwellers generally depend
upon private wells, with the exception of
ilaroa, Macon and Blue 3iIound, which
have water works, the supply coming from
deep wells. Decatur's water supply is taken
from the Sangamon river.

Some peculiar conditions have been dis-
covered in sinking wells. In the Westfield
schoolyard, located about three and a half
miles southeast of Niantic, at a depth of
twelve feet, a stratum of well preserved
drift wood was encountered. In the Major
schoolyard, two niiles south of Warrens-
burg, a similar stratum was encountered at
about the same depth.

The soil is of diluvial origin, the whole
county at some remote period having been
covered with a rich alluvial deposit. The
prairie soils are extremely productive, very
deep and free from rocks. They produce
abundantly, year after year, without arti-
ficial fertilizing, luxuriant crops of corn,
hay and oats. The soil in the timbered por-
tion is lighter in color and not so deep, but
it is better adapted to the production of

tame grasses and wheat ; here, too, is the
native heath of the far-famed blue grass.

In the bluff's along the streams, and espe-
cially the Sangamon near Decatur, are
scores of seemingly inexhaustible banks
of sand and gravel. Not only the entire
supply for building in the county, including
street paving, street car tracks, and about
seventy-five miles of graveled roads has
been taken from these, but hundreds of car
loads have been shipped to outside points.
It is said that section eleven in Austin town-
ship contains enough gravel, at a depth of
six or seven feet, to gravel all the roads in
the township.

A superior quality of brick and tile clay
is found here, which has resulted in large
investments in equipments for the manu-
facture of the same. Coal, at a depth rang-
ing from three to seven hundred feet under-
lies the county ; four mines are in operation,
three of which are in Decatur and one in
Xiantic ; while a shaft is being sunk in Blue
Mound.

Discussing the coal deposit leads us back
to a history of Macon county beyond even
the time of the pioneer, the Indian or the
Mound Builder. This history is held sacred
by those who can, in reality, claim priority
by right of possession ; these are the rocks.
Xo traces of the early geological revolu-
tions that are so remarkable in the moun-
tainous localities have here been noticed.
While the Rockies and Alleghanies and the
heights of land were standing as the nuclei
of the North American continent, this coun-
ty with the rest of central Illinois was,
probably, the bed of a seething, rushing tor-
rent.

The work of the drift or glacial period is
more in evidence ; that being the time when
the entire North American continent north
of thirty-nine degrees seems to have been
overburdened with accumulations of snow
and ice, which in its movement southward
carried with it soil and surface material de-

PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.

positing it as the temperature of the cHmate
melted the ice. In this way we account for
the large boulders as well as the clay, sand
and pebbles in this region.

The following is a list of plants growing
spontaneously in this county. Plants are
an index to the producing quality of a lo-
cality. Prairie, timber, low lands and high
each has its peculiarity of productions. We
give the family and one example of each :

Family.

Crowfoot

Custard-apple

Moonseed

Barberry

Water-lily

Poppy

Fumitory

Mustard

Violet

Pink

Purslane

Mallow

Linden

Flax

Geranium

Rue

Cashew

\'ine

Buckthorn

StafT-tree

Soap-berry '

Pulse

Rose

Saxifrage

Evening primrose

Parsley

Gcnseng

Dogwood

Honeysuckle

Madder

Composite

Lobelia

Campanula

Primrose

Example.

larkspur.

paw paw

moonsced.

May-apple.

pond-lily.

bloodroot.

Dutchman's breeches.

black mustard.

blue violet.

catch fly.

common purslane.

rose-mallow.

bass-wood.

common flax.

touch-me-not.

prickly ash.

poison ivy.

grape.

buckthorn.

burning-bush.

buckey.

clover.

black-berry.

goose-berry.

enchanters nightshade

carrot.

spikenard.

silky cornel.

black-haw.

butter-bush.

sunflower.

Indian tobacco.

Venus looking glass.

cowslip.

Begonia

Ebony

Plantain

Figvvort

\"prvian

Mint

Polemonium

Convolvulus

Night shade

Dogbane

Milkweed

Olive

Birthwort

Goose foot

Buckwheat

Laurel

Nettle

Spurge

Plane tree

W'alnut

Oak

Willow

Pine

Arum

Cat-tail

Water-plantain

Orchis

Amaryllis

Iris

^'am

Smilax

Lily

Spiderwort

Sedge

Grass

Fern

trumpet creeper.

persimmon.

common plantain.

mullein.

nettle-leaved vervian.

catnip.

wild sweet-William.

morning-glory.

common night shade.

Indian hemp.

common milkweed.

white ash.

wild ginger.

lambs quarter.

water smartweed.

sassafras.

the elm.

three-seeded mercury.

sycamore.

black walnut.

white oak.

weeping willow.

cedar.

Jack-in-the-pulpit.

cat-tail.

arrow-head.

showy-orchis.

star-grass.

blue flag.

wild yam-root.

greenbrier.

tiger lily.

spiderwort.

bulrush.

timothy.

fern.

It is to be regretted that not more of our
people incline toward a knowledge of ani-
mal life. Many look upon the study of in-
sects and animal life in general as mere
pastime; the sooner, however, that we ac-
cjuaint ourselves with nature the better will
we be prepared to utilize her donations and
r.eccive the benefits derived from meeting
difficulties with nature's means.

PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.

Some years ago the potato bug became
such a pest that, it was almost impossible
to grow a crop of potatoes. But just at this
juncture a small insect made its appearance
and attacked the ranks of the potato bug
with such energy that the bug is now al-
most extinct in tliis locality.

The lady-bug and squash-bug destroy in
riumerable eggs and young beetles, it migiit
be possible to aid these insects in the de-
struction of their more predatory neighbors
ii we thoroughly understood their habits.
Ihe State Agricultural Department has dis-
covered a method of causing a fungus
growth to attack the chinch bug, which in .
a very short time destroys it. The quail,
the swallow, and many other kinds of birds
are instrumental in the destruction of mill-
ions of destructive insects.

The snake, the most despicable of all liv-
ing things, is constantly waging war upon
the mice, grub-worms and many kinds of in-
sects that persist in injuring the growing
crops. The rattle-snake is really the only
poison snake in the county ; the viper cop-
per-head and adder, sometimes so consid-
ered, are not capable of inserting poison
into a wound.

When the Indian claimed this country as
his undisputed hunting ground, the buf-
falo, the black bear, the \'irginia deer, the
badger, the Canada lynx and the wild boar
were found in abundance, but at present
are not in evidence. The following are
some of the leading animals found : the
wolf, fox, weasel, mink, otter, skunk, rac-
coon, bat, mole, squirrel, chipmunk, gopher,
woodchuck, rat, mouse, rabbit, opossum.

There are so many kinds of birds that it
will require too much space for their enu-
meration. Some of these pass through to
the north or south in their migrations,
stopping but a few days for food, others
rear their young, later departing for the
south to spend the winter. While some are
with us all the year. The following are the

names of some of our most common birds :
the robin, thrush, mocking-bird, cat bird, tit-
mouse, nut-hatch, house-wren, lark, scarlet
tanager, swallow, martin, wax-wing, shrike,
wild canar}', gold finch, snow bird, bunting,
indigo bird, bobolink, cow-bird, black bird,
meadow lark, oriole, crow, blue-jay, king
bird, pewee, fly-catcher, whippoorwill, night
hawk, swift, humming bird, king fisher, tur-
key buzzard, pigeon, dove, grouse, wood-
pecker, owl, hawk, prairie hen, quail, plover,
woodcock, snipe, sandpiper, heron, bittern,
crane, brant, goose, duck and grebe.

A few only of the lower class of animals
have been identified. There are three tur-
tles : the snapping turtle, the soft-shelled
turtle and the mud-turtle. We have no
lizards ; the salamander is, however, usually
called a lizard. The glass or joint snake is
a nearer approach to the lizard. The snakes
are: the black, blue racer, fox, milk, garter,
rattle and moccasin. The Batrachia are: the
salamander, frog, toad, and mud-puppy. In
fish the following are noted: catfish, buffalo,
sun-fish, bass, pike, gar-pike, perch and
carp. Many other species exist, but little
in the way of investigation of fishes has
been done.

Among the destructive insects is the Col-
orado potato bug, propagated in the wild
potato region of the Rocky mountains,
which made its appearance about 1854. The
wild potato bug comes occasionally, doing
but little harm. The cabbage butter fly is
a great pest to cabbage growers. The cut
worm is the larva of a little gray moth ; an-
other is the larva of a beetle called the June
bug or Ala}' beetle. The army worm is the
larva of a small gray moth, which appeared
about 1844. The chinch bug, which came
about 1845, 's the most destructive of any
that has yet made its appearance. It not
only destroys the wheat fields but also the
acljoining oat, timothy and corn fields.

Alacon county is part of the territorj' ex-
plored and taken possession of by Mar-

PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.

c|iiettc, Juliet and LaSallc about 1678. Pre-
vious to that it was included in a grant by
King James I, known as the Virginia Com-
pany, which evolved the settlement of the
Virginia colony, of which Macon county
was, for the time, a part. The treaty of
1763 at the close of the French and Indian
war decided that it really was English ter-
ritory and part of the \'irginia colony.

]>y the ordinance of 1787 it became, de-
tached from N'irginia. and formed part of
the Northwest Territory. In 1800 it became
part of Indiana territory- ; in 1809 it became
part of Illinois territory and in 1818 it be-
came part of the state of Illinois.

Previous to the meeting of the state legis-
lature, in 1829, Benjamin R. Austin, Andrew
^V. Smith and John Ward were appointed
a committee to go to \'andalia, the state
capital, and secure the passage of a bill
providing for the formation of a new county
from the north part of Shelby county. The
bill passed and the result was a new county,
which took the name of the Honorable Na-
thaniel ;\Iacon.

Originally Macon county included all of
DeWitt county, except its north tier of
townships ; all of Piatt county, except Blue
Ridge township, and all of that part of
Moultrie county lying north of the exten-
sion of the southern line of Macon county.

On the first day of March, 1839, DeWitt
county was formed; next day a bill passed
adding Niantic township to Macon on the
west. At this time what is now known as
Maroa, Austin and Friends Creek townships
was offered to DeW'itt county, but she re-
fused the land, on the score that the terri-
tory was worthless except for grazing, and
but a small portion of that was accessible at
a late season after the drying up of the
spring and summer rains.

After the detachment of DeWitt county,
Niantic township was added on the west
in order to place Decatur as near the center
of the territor\' as possible. This was done

to defeat Mnrphreysboro, platted in l-'riends
Creek township on section seven, township
seventeen, range four east, and championed
as the county seat by James A. Piatt, from
the territory now Piatt countw who served
as conunissioner from 1834 to 1839. Mnr-
phreysboro was platted on land now known
as the Volgamot farm a few miles south
of Newburg.

After the defeat of Mnrphreysboro, the
people of the locality represented by Mr.
Piatt went before the legislature with a
petition praying for its detachment from
;Macon county, which was granted in Janu-
ary, 1841 ; the countv assumed the name of
its champion.

In ]'"cbruary, 1843. Moultrie county was
formed, leaving Macon as it now appears.

According to the provisions of the bill
Ijroviding for the organization of Macon
county, a committee, consisting of John
Fleming, Jesse Rhodes and Eaton Whitton
was appointed April 10, 1829, to locate De-
catur as the county seat. This committee
reported January 19, 1829, the location of
said county seat on the southeast quarter
of the northeast quarter of section fifteen,
township sixteen, range two east.

The town of Decatur was laid ofT in lots,
after the form of Shelbyville as ordered by
the court, by Benjamin R. Austin, county
surveyor of Macon county. The old town
of Decatur consisted of twenty acres, bound-
ed by Prairie street on the north, Water
street on the east, Wood street on the south
and Church street on the west. It was di-
vided by a main street extending east and
w-est, known as East and West Main, and
a main street extending north and south,
known as North and South Main. The land
upon which the commissioners located the
seat of justice was, by the act creating the
county, donated to the county.

The same act ordered, "That a sale of
lots take place in the town of Decatur, in
this county, on the loth day of July, 1829,

PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.

on the following- terms: A credit of twelve
months will be given, and note with ap-
proved security will be required, and that
the clerk of this court will be required to
advertise the sale in the paper printed in
Vandalia, until the day of the sale."

At this sale the first lot sold was lot No.
2, in block No. 3, where the new Decatur
Hotel now stands, being a corner lot, was
bought by Jolm Alanley for $53.50. The
second lot sold was lot No. 6 in block No. i,
where Quinn & Seeforth are, the price was
$12.

The first house in town was built by Reu-
ben Miller on lot No. 3, block No. 3, the next
lot north of the Arcade building. This was
sold to James Renshaw and was the first
store room in Decatur.. The second house
was built by Philip D. Williams on lot No.
4, block No. I, the present site of the old
Griswold hardware store.

The purchasers of these lots were given
a bond for a deed, since the land had, at
this time, not been entered from the gov-
ernment. Later, Parmen,ius Smallwood,
Eaton Whitton and Charles Prentice en-
tered it and made a deed to the county com-
missioners on the 8th day of October, 1831.

The following orders will be interesting
relics of taxation : "Ordered, that for the
purpose of raising a revenue to defray ex-
penses of the county for the year 1829, that
a tax of one-half per cent be levied upon the
following personal property, to-wit : On
slaves and indentured or registered negro or
mulatto servants ; on pleasure carriages ; on
distilleries ; on stock in trade ; on all horses,
mules, and meat cattle over three years old ;
and on watches, with their appendages;
and on all other personal property except
the lawful fire-arms of each individual."
This tax when collected amounted to
$109.32^.

At the same term of court, the tavern
rates were fixed as follows : "Ordered that
tl'.e tavern rates of this county shall here-

after be as follows, to-wit: For breakfast
and horse fed, 37^ cents ; keeping man and
horse each, night, the man to have supper
and lodging, 62^ cents ; dinner and horse
f^d 37^ cents ; brandy, rum, gin, wine or
cordial, 25 cents per half pint ; whisky or
cider brandy, 12^ cents per half pint."

Under the act passed February 17, 1851,
authorizing counties to adopt the system of
township organization, upon the petition
and vote of the citizens of the county, the
court appointed in December, 1859, David
Carver, James' Dingman and William Can-
trell as commissioners to divide the county
into townships.

The county was divided, as the report
made to the court January 14, i860, shows,
into the following fourteen townships :
Friends Creek, Maroa, Montgomery, now
Austin, Bull Point, since then changed to
Hickory and later to Hickory Point, De-
catur, Long Creek, Whitmore, Oakley, Har-
ris, since changed to Harristown, Wilson,
changed to Mt. Zion, South Wheatland,
South Macon, ]\ladison, changed to Blue
Mound, Niantic ; Illini, Milam and Pleas-
ant View were formed later from parts of
other townships.

Early Settlement.

When 'in 1492 Columbus discovered this
continent, the country was populated with
roaming tribes of Indians, who lived off
the game of their immediate localities; they
were not cultivators of the soil in the strict
sense of agriculturists, yet, the women did
raise some corn, potatoes and tobacco,
which were all new products to the white
people. All of these are now considered
staples in this country, and there is not a
civilized country in the world that does
not consume large quantities of them.

The Algonquins were the earliest inhabi-
tants of Macon county, of which we have
any knowledge ; next in succession, the Illi-
nois Confederacy, descendants of the for-
mer; they were known as the Illini, from

PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.

which our state takes it name. The term
signifies "Superior Men,"' which seems to
have been verified by tlicir rugged i)hys-
iquo.

About the close of the sevcnleenlh cen-
tury, the Illinois, composed of the Tama-
roas, Michagamies, Kaskaskies, Cahokies
and Peorias. were driven out, by the Potto-
watamies, who in turn, were succeeded by
the Kickapoos. These Indians were fierct
warriors, but they were more civilized than
any of the preceding tribes, and they were
the immediate predecessors of the white set-
tlers.

The White Settler.

"The youthful eye of the pioneer saw
bluer skies and greener trees than the aged
eye now sees ; the luxuriant grasses waved
to gentler breezes ; cooler, clearer water
from rippling brook or refreshing spring
laved his heated brow, or quenched his ar-
dent thirst ; his quickened ear caught sweet-
er strains in the nesting-songs of the feath-
ered tribe, and when twilight closed tlie
busy day he was lulled into pleasant dreams
by happy toil. Such is some of the glamour
which jouth sheds over the good old times."

But when we look into the early history
of the county we see that those by-gone
times were not all poetry. The pioneer was
comjH'lled to face the stern and practical
side, rather than the poetic side of life ;
hardships and trials fell to the lot of each
home.

"P>ut interwoven with this life of simple
pleasures, primitive joys, of alternate smiler
and tears, of undiminished labor, there are
many life lessons which we, of later days
should enshrine in our hearts. Lured on
by whispered tales of abundant resources
and future greatness of the new states, the
first settlers of this country left their forest
homes in the east and drifted with the tide
of immigration into the great Prairie Sea."

Reared under the whispering forest
boughs of their native states, they were, as

by instinct, guided to the timbered land
for their new homes. It was thought for a
long lime, after the first settlers came, that
the ])rairie soil was unfit for successful cul-
lixation. W'e find b'nited States surveyors
making such notes as these : "Level or un-
dulating prairie ; may be useful at some time
in the future for grazing purposes."

In 1S33 Peter Cartwright, then a member
of the House of Representatives of the state
of Illinois, was appointed chairman of a
committee, whose duty it was to investigate
and bring about some plan or method by
which the prairie lands of the state might
be used for agricultural purposes.

When we consider the sacrifice of home
comforts that obtained in the eastern
states, we need not wonder at the persistent
energy and the indomitable will of the
pioneer, because none but those imbued
with unlimited energ}^ dared to make the
sacrifice of the parental home for the cabin
in the wilderness.

When the prospective settler reached the
desired spot, a tent was pitched, and the
necessary logs were cut for the construction
of a cabin. Everybody within reasonable
distance was present at the raising of this
cabin ; this occasion marked an epoch in the
staid mein of pioneer times. In fact this
was the only event that afforded an oppor-
tunity for the assembling of the neighbors,
whereby they might become more closely
bound together for the general good and
protection of the settlements.

The size of these cabins was from four-
teen to twenty feet. They were usually
built in the following manner : First large
logs were laid in position as sills ; on these
were placed strong sleepers, and on the
sleepers were laid the rough-hewed punch-
eons whicli were to serve as floors. The
logs were then built up until the proper
height for the eaves was reached; then on
the ends of the building were placed poles,
longer than the end logs, which projected

PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.

some ciglitcen inches over the sides, and
were called the butting-pole sleepers ; on
the projecting ends of these were placed the
butting-poles, which served to give the lines
to the first row of clapboards. These were,
as a matter of course, split, and as the
gables of the cabin were built up, were so
laid as to lap a third of their length. They
were often kept in place by the weight of
a heavy pole which was laid across the roof
parallel to the ridge pole. The house was
then chinked and daubed with coarse mor-
tar. In the first cabins of the county huge
fire-places, occupying nearly the entire
room, were built.

"At these fire-places our mothers cooked,
and our fathers say that the bread from the
Dutcli-oven, the corn bread from the Pone-
board, the venison from above the coals,
and the potatoes from out the ashes, were
sweeter by far and formed more delicious
food than any of the dishes of modern de-
vice."

But one door and one window served the
inmates of these primitive homes ; the win-
dow pane was, usually, a sheet of greased
paper. The furniture was home-made; a
single puncheon board, with four legs on the
under side, served as a table; blocks of
wood on three legs were the chairs. The
bedstead consisted of two poles joined at
right angles, and projecting into the side and
end of the room,- boards placed upon this
frame completed the bed.

In these times of simple wants, true,
genuine hospitality was developed to a re-
markable degree. This was due largely to
the fact that, the requirements of want and
deprivation are each calculated to make one
feel kind to all. While the wants of pio-
neer life are simple, j^et their gratification
is, nevertheless exacting. The pioneer of
this country was governed by the same law
and cherished the same generosity that
prompts the human heart under similar con-
ditions, everywhere.

In passing from the pioneer times to the
present regime, many of the customs, then
prevalent were lost ; much of the hospital-
ity, them so generously bestowed, is lost
sight of. Less of the neighborly feeling now
exists.

There was such simplicity of demeanor
and moral integrity in the character of the
pioneer, that but few disputes arose which
could not be settled by his good-natured
judgment. No distance, be it ever so far,
would shut out help in time of sickness,
neither rain nor cold dampened their neigh-
borly ardor. Each mans implements were
every man's implements. The refusal, either
to lend or to borrow, was considered a
breach of neighborly etiqviette.

Oxen served, as the reindeer of Russia,
for beasts of burden, doing all the field and
road work, besides supplying the settler
with meat, to supplement the wild game.
The plows used by the eastern farmer, and
brought here by the early settler were not
adapted to breaking the prairie soil. Even
after it was satisfactorily demonstrated that
the prairie soil was as well adapted to the
production of corn as the timber soil the
matter of an efficient plow retarded the
rapid development of the prairie land for
quite a number of years.

The settlers secured their lumber from the
saw mills along the Wabash river. On the
banks of this river and in Sangamon county
were the nearest stores and grist mills for
a number of years. What grain was not fed
w^as hauled to Chicago and Beardstown and
exchanged for goods. The people, coming
to make a new settlement, brought supplies
of groceries and breadstuft's to last until a
crop was grown.

Johnny-cake and pone, made of corn meal,
which was the staple article of food, were
relished for breakfast and dinner, while
mush-and-milk or hasty pudding was the
supper dish. All kinds of wild fruits grew
in great abundance. \\'ild honey was very

PAST AN'n iMvM->^i-\T ni- M \(^n\ rnrvTV

l)lcntiliil ami mai)lc siijjar \va> i.\uiim\c1}
luailc by ihc settler. \\ iUl turkey, rabbit,
squirrel and deer supplied them very gen-
erously with meat.

The days of ready made cioliiiuy and
medium priced cloth had not yet been ush-
ered in ; thus necessitatinjj tlie home manu-
facture of " IJndsey-woolsey " and " Jeans "
in order to sujiply wearing apparel for the
family. I5ed clothing was also a production
of home manufacture. Liradually. the set-
tlers pushed out from the timber, opening
ditches and draining the land which was
originally so swampy that it was absolutely
dangerous to attempt to ride over it on
horse-back. Thousands of acres of this
swamp land have recently been ilrcdgc
ditched and tiletl. which has so enhanced
their value that nothing less than $100 per
acre will be considered as a fair selling
price.

The law compelling the people to fence
stock out instead of in, proved detrimental
to many would-be settlers, since the cost
of fencing freiiuently exceeded the cost of
the land, .\nother detriment was the hold-
ings of non-residents, who retarded the gen-
eral development by refusing to improve
the lands. One large body, in the hands of
a person so disposed could, in a wet district,
keep hunilreds of acres from becoming val-
uable in an agricultural sense, by simply re-
fusing to ))ermit ditches to be run nn his
holdings.

The government ]inci' ol laiui, m the
earlier <lays was fixed at $i.-;5 per acre. .\s
soon as the moneyed men of the east began
to suspect that these lands had any real
value, the country was frequented by specu-
lators who bought the land for speculative
purposes only, never intending to become
settlers. It was not uncommon for men
who ha<l exhausted their means in reaching
the country, and who liad worked hard, and
mulergone untold privations in i>reparing a
comfortable home and other essential im-

piiiv ciiuiit.s. and liatl. po.-N.sildy, a lew acres
under cultivation, when they had e\ entually,
secured, by rigid economy, or perhaps, by
borrowing enough to buy from the go\ern-
ment. their small farm, foimd that some
speculator had preceded them and entered
the land. It seems that in many instances
of this kind the hard earned improvements
were, in some mysterious way capable of
transferring themselves to another farm near
by.

The first lanil ever enteretl in .Macon
county was the west half of the northeast
(|uarter of section thirty-one in township
sixteen north, range two east of the 3rd 1'.
M. This was entered by Lewis B. W'arrl,
November 9th, 1827. owned by him until
the fall of iS/t), at which time it was sold
to Hartley G. Henry. During the year 1827
about eight humlred acres of land was en-
tered in the county. The first house built
in the limits of the county was at a trading
post, about eight miles northeast of Decatur,
on land owned by W. C. Johns; it was a
log house, built by the Lortons in 1816.

The second house was built by William
Downing, in 1820. near the present site of
the Capt. D. L. .\llen"s residence on the hill,
just south of the county bridge. This was
really the first permanent residence, since
the house at the trailing post remained, only
while the Indian traffic lasted. In the fall of
1824, .Mr. Downing sold his improvements
to John \\ ard.

The third house was built by I'luel
.Stephens, in 1822. near Stephens' creek,
about three miles northeast of Decatur.
This locality was soon kn<3wn as the
Stephens' creek settlement, and that south
of the .Sangamon as the Ward settlement,
these being the only settlements in the coun-
ty until 1828, after which they began to lo-
cate both up and down the river.

The first mill was built on .Stephens'
creek, by William King in 1826; it was

PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.

sold to James Reiisliaw and known as the
Renshaw mill.

As long as our cattle were driven to the
eastern markets and onr hogs to Chicago
and St. Louis, there was but little encour-
agement to engage very extensively in farm-
ing and general stock-raising.

The real progress of Macon county dates
from the completion in 1854, of the Illinois
Central and Wabash railroads. This marks
the beginning of immigration ; of manufac-
turing ; and of the city of Decatur.

There are but four men now living who
came to the county previous to 1842, they
are: Silas Packard, M. L. Krone, Henry
B. Cassell and William Evans. These men
well remember when business was practical-
ly all dpne by barter, there being no money ;
the man who came in possession of the large
aggregate of $20 was almost a local money
king. No local markets existed for anything
but corn, which was sold in the shock to
cattle feeders or fed by the grower; cattle
were marketed by some leading man in the
neighborhood who drove them to market
and brought back the money for his neigh-
bors. No matches w^ere in use at this time,
the above named gentlemen well remember
when borrowing fire from your neighbors
was the common mode of procedure.

In order to give you a faint idea of the
rapid strides made by the county we append
the following data: In 1830 the population
was 1,112; in 1850 it was 3,998; in 1870 it
was 26,481. In 1876 there was yet over
111,000 acres of unimproved land in the
county ; to-day every acre of prairie land is
under cultivation and, is excelled in pro-
duction bv no other location in the United
States.

Every one abhorred debts and as a result
as few as possible were made. When it
became necessary to make a debt a man's
word was as good as his note, and it is true
that men would sacrifice every animal on
the farm in order to meet these promises.

Merchants, on account of the scarcity of
money were compelled to do a large credit
business ; they bought on long time and
sold on a margin that justified them in do-
ing a credit business.

These early settlers had, not only the
financial and social problems to solve, but
the miasmic and climatic conditions as well.
In the spring and fall of each year the great
majority of them shook with chills or burned
with fever, alternating at regular intervals,
during at least six months in the year. Very
often there were not a sufficient number free
from the ague to care for those who were
afflicted with it. The country, at that time
was subject to more radical climatic
changes, as evidenced by the deep snow of
1830 and '31. Early in the season, the snow
began to fall and continued at intervals
through the entire winter. Occasional sleet
alternating in layers with the snow formed
a bed of snow and ice from three to four
feet deep. The weather continuing ex-
tremely cold the snow remained until
spring. It was drifted and packed so that
heavily loaded wagons were driven over
the top of stake and rider fences. Wild
game was so tame from want of food that
all'kinds was very easily caught. The deer,
wild turkey, prairie chicken and squirrel
were very scarce for some years after the
snow. This was the deepest snow within
the last hundred and fifty years. According
to Indian traditions from fifty to seventy-
five years before the white man came, a
snow swept away the vast herds of deer, elk
and buffalo, which then roamed the prairie
of Illinois. This tradition seems to be veri-
fied by the large quantities of bones found
on our prairies by the early explorers.

Abraham Lincoln lived, at this time about
a mile east of the Bend school house, or
about three miles south and one and a half
mile west of Harristown. The farm on
which he lived is now owned by Hostetler
and Pegram. Late in the winter Mr. Lin-

PAST AND TRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.

colli and John Hanks, his consin, went
across tlie river lo a horse mill owned by
Robert Smith, five miles southwest of De-
catur. When they arrived Mr. Smith was
gathering corn in this manner: After open-
ing a road lo the field, the oxen, attached
to a sleil were driven along the side of the
field ami the corn that was exposed above
the snow was gathered in baskets and car-
ried to the sled. When Mr. Lincoln was
asked whether he labored under liie same
disadvantage on his side of the river, he
replied : " Yes, wc have to do worse than
that, for we have used up all of our corn,
and now have to go to our neighbors for
assistance."

When spring came and melted this glacier
of snow and ice, the country was almost in-
undated, and for weeks the streams were
swollen and the prairies a vast sea of water,
retarding travel as much or more than the
snow had done.

The Sudden Freeze, which was accom-
panied by great loss of life to both man and
beast, occurred in January, 1836. Just be-
fore the storm a fall of snow had been con-
verted into slush by terminating in rain.
The storm came from the northwest, its
general aspect approaching that of the pres-
ent blizzard. The air seemed filled with par-
ticles of frozen mist and the moment it
struck the unsheltered person he was in-
stantly chilled through and through ; the
particles of ice froze to the eye-lashes so
that in a remarkably short time he was
blinded and unable to keep his bearing. In
a very short time the slush was frozen so
as to bear up a horse. Cattle that were
not under shelter, were frozen fast in the
slush and had to be cut out. Ducks and
geese were caught in the same manner.

The life of a pioneer was interspersed
with but few diversions from the constant
struggle for subsistence, so that whenever
anything out of the ordinary routine took
place every one, within rcastmable distance,

attended. The annual court, the arrival of
the mails, and the approach of the stage-
coach, each in succession, marked an epoch.
Court answered the purpose of the circus
where old friends could meet, at least once
a year, to be entertaiiiod and for renewal
of acquaintanceship.

After court had aiijinimcd for the day,
the judge, lawyers and citizens betook them-
selves to the bar rooms of the taverns,
where the evenings were spent in general
conversation and story telling. That some
good resulted from these gatherings can not
be doubted when we consider the social
status given by such men as Lincoln, Logan,
Douglas, Emerson, Davis and others who
have since beco)iic leaders in uiir national
alTairs.

it was tluii, customary for lawyers to
follow the judge on his circuit, travel being
on horse-back, with saddle-bags thrown
across the saddle, containing all the neces-
sary adjuncts of a journey. This migratory
life of the lawyer is said to have been the
means by which Lincoln collected his al-
most unlimited fund of stories, which in
after life made him famous.

The arrival of the mails was akvays
cagerl)- anticipated, but immediately follow-
ing a state or national election or some
other important event new zest was added
to the expectancy. The mails consisted
principally of letters, which were more ex-
])ensive, however, than the present day 2-
cent ones, the postage being twenty-five
cents; sometimes the letters would lie in
the postoffice quite a while awaiting the
funds to meet the government requirements.
The postal laws permitted the postage to be
paid at cither end ; as a rule the writer con-
sidered that his contribution was sufficient
to balance the quarter at the other end,
thus giving the pleasure of the postage to
the recipient. A letter was often weeks
and even months in transit. The mails
were carried on horse-back, subject to many

PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.

dcla_vs, making iheni very irregular and un-
certain. They came once a week, from one
direction, and from Shelbyville only. That
place was our point of distribution. Later
the mails were carried by stage, an improve-
ment both in regularity and in frequency.
In 1851, \\e were receiving mail as follows:
From Springfield on Monday, Wednesday
and Friday ; from Covington, Indiana, on
Wednesday. Friday and Sunday; from
Bloomington on Friday; from Charleston
on Thursday ; from Paris on Thursday ;
from Edwarclsville on Wednesday.

The arri\al of the stage with its passen-
gers and mail was a greater attraction than'
the arrival of the mail carrier. The tavern
was the stage depot, and considerable local
interest attached to it. The stage driver was
considerably looked up to and accorded priv-
ileges not allowed others. He had a pecu-
liar swagger and handling of lines and whip
that was the env)- of the small boy. When
you met him on the road you turned out
and he drove on oblivious of your presence.
The arrival of the stage created more cur-
iosity than the President's chartered train
of to-day.

The stage was so constructed that it kept
up a continual rocking motion, which is
likened unto the movement of the camel or
the motion of a ship in a storm. A boot,
almost as large as the stage itself, extended
back from the stage body for the storage of
baggage.

The advent of railroads has relegated the
stage to the mountains or to sparsely settled
districts and given us instead means of
transportation that will convey us from
ocean to ocean, in less time than the journey
from Ohio to Illinois formerly consumed.

County Government.

In the early history of the county its

affairs were administered by the county

commissioner's court, composed of three

men ; usually selected with regard for their

inherent qualifications for the place. This
court assumed jurisdiction upon all manner
of subjects, except the judicial. This court
was established under an act passed March
22, 1819. The following is a complete list
of the Commissioners :

1829-30 — Benjamin Wilson, Elisha Free-
man, James Miller; 1830-31 — Elisha Free-
man, James Miller, I. C. Pugh ; 1831-32 —
James Miller, I. C. Pugh, David Davis;
1832-33 — James Miller, 1. C. Pugh, David
Davis; 1833-34 — Elisha Freeman, Hugh
Bolls, Philip D. Williams; 1834-35 — James
A. Piatt, William I\Iuirhead, Benjamin Wil-
son ; 1835-36 — James A. Piatt, William
Aluirhead, Benjamin Wilson; 1836-37 —
James A. Piatt, William Aluirhead, Benja-
min Wilson; 1837-38 — James A. Piatt, W'il-
liam Muirhead, Josiah Clifton; 1838-39 —
\\'illiam Muirhead, James A. Piatt, Abram
Chapin.

Under an act passed by the legislature
]\Iarch 1st, the term of the County Com-
missioner was fixed at three years, one to be
elected each year.

The terms of the three following mem-
bers were fixed by the county clerk.

1839-40 — Elisha Freeman, 3 yrs., Benja-
min Wilson, 2 yrs., Hiram Chapin, i yr. ;
1840-41 — Elisha Freeman, Benjamin "Wil-
son, John Rucker; 1841-42 — -Elisha Free-
man, John Rucker, Abraham H. Keller;
1842-43 — John Rucker, Abraham H. Keller,
Leonard Ashton; 1843-44 — ^John Rucker,
Leonard Ashton, Andrew W. Smith ; 1844-
45 — Jolin Rucker, Andrew W. Smith, James
D. Tait; 1845-46— Andrew W. Smith,
James D. Tait, Elisha Freeman; 1846-47—
Elisha Freeman, Samuel Rea, James D.
Campbell ; 1847-48 — Elisha Freeman, Sam-
uel Rea, Jaines D. Campbell ; 1848-49 —
Elisha Freeman, Samuel Rea, James D.
Campbell.

By the approval of an act of the legis-
lature, February 12, 1849, the county court
was established in -lieu of the commission-

PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY

er's court. The provisions of this act re-
quired the election of a county judge and
two associate justices of the peace, who were
to sit with the count)' judge as members
of the court, in the transaction of all county
business.

William Prather, county judge; Jacob
ilostetlor, as.sociate justice and John
Ruckcr, associate justice, served in their
respective capacities as follows : The for-
mer until 1857, the latter two until 1858.
John Ricketts succeeded ^^'illiam Prather
as county judge and served to i860, Jacob
Spangler and M. G. Cameron served as as-
sociate justices from 1858 to i860.

The county being divided into townships
in i860 in obedience to an act of the legis-
lature passed February 17, 1851 ; it imme-
diately went into " Townsliip Organiza-
tion," which required a representative from
each township, who was known as super-
visor. The following is the first I'lOard of
Supervisors of ]\lacon county :

Hickory Point, J. Y. Braden : Austin,
James Parker; Maroa. William Crawford;
Friends Creek, D. K. Wilson ; Decatur,
H. B. Durfee; Niantic, J. H. Hughes; S.
Wheatland, I. S. Boardman ; Blue Mound,
J. C. Armstrong ; Oakley, J. W. Forest ;
Long Creek, John Rucker ; Whitmore, Jas.
Lichtcnberger ; Harristown, Abraham E}'-
man ; Decatur, John W^. Koehler, Asst. ;
Mt. Zion, W. C. Meyer; S. i\racon, W. D.
Hamilton. The above Board was elected
in i860.

1861.

Decatur, H. B. Durfee; Friends Creek,
D. K. Wilson; Maroa, W. F. Crawford;
Hickory Point, J. Y. Braden ; Niantic, J.
H. Hughes ; Oakley, G. W. Forest ; Long
Creek. J- C. Rucker ; Decatur. John W.
Koehler, Asst. ^ Blue Mound, W. T. Mof-
fett; Mt. Zion, W. C. Meyers; S. Wheat-
land, I. S. Boardman ; Harristown, J. IL
Pickerell; S. Macon, L. M. Clement; Whit-
more, Henry Rhodes; Austin, J. .'^. Parker.

1862.
Harristown, J. B- Hanks, Whitmore, Jas.
Lichtcnberger; Long Creek, J. C. Ruckcr;
Niantic, J. A. Pritchett; S. Wheatland, L
S. Boardman; S. -Macon, ^\. H. Martin;
Decatur, John \\ . Koehler; Hickory Point,
J. Y. Braden ; .Maroa, W. F. Crawford; Mt,
Zion, B. W. Davidson ; Friends Creek,
Comely Lukins ; Blue Mound, F. A. Brown ;
Decatur, FL B. Durfee; Austin, A. Emery;
Oaklev, Laban Cli;imbers.

1863.
iiarrisiovvn, M. G. Cameron; Whitmore,
John Gill: Long Creek, John S. Kiser;
Nianlic. J. W. Corbett ; S. Wheatland, L S,
Boardman; S. Macon, W. W'. Bean; De-
catur, li. F. Dillehunt; Hickory Point, J.
Y. Braden; Maroa, W. F. Crawford; Mt.
Zion, B. W. Davidson ; Friends Creek, An-
drew Dickey; I'.lue .Mound, F. A. Brown;
Decatur, 11. P>. Durfee; .\uslin, J. S. Par-
ker; < )akley. J. H. McCoy.

1864.
Hickory Point, J. Y. Braden ; Whitmore,
Charles Wooster; Niantic, J. W. Corbett;
Decatur, J. E. Roberts; S. Macon, l""rank
Babcock; Maroa, W. V. Crawford; Mt.
Zion, John Scott; Pdue .Mound, W. T. Mof-
fett; mini. J. H. Pickerell; Austin, J. S.
Parker; S. Wheatland, 1. S. Boardman;
Decatur, David Morgan ; Oakley, J. H. Mc-
Co)- ; Friends Creek, Comely Lukins ; Long
Creek, John W. Tyler; 1 larristown, M. G.
Cameron.

1865.
Hickory Point, J. Y. Braden; Whitmore,
Joshua Green; Niantic, J. W. Corbett; De-
catur. O. W. Jones ; Maroa, Anderson
Franklin; S. Macon, Frank Babcock; Mt.
Zion, John Scott ; Blue Mound, W. T. Mof-
fett; mini, John S. Childs; Austin, J. S.
Parker; S. Wheatland. L S. Boardman ; De-
catur, David Morgan; Oakley, O. J. Doyle;

PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.

Friends Creek, D. K. Wilson; Long Creek,
John W. Tyler; Harristown, M. G. Cam-
eron.

1866.
Hickory Point, \V. F. Montgomery;
Whitniore, Joshua Green ; Niantic, J. W.
Corbett ; Decatur, H. B. Durfee ; Maroa,
John Crocker; S. Macon, N. Faling; Mt.
Zion, John A. Henry; Blue Mound, W. T.
Moft'ett; mini, John S. Childs; Austin, C.

F. Emery; S. Wheatland, John Montgom-
er}^ Decatur, W. A. Barnes; Oakley, O.
J. Doyle ; Friends Creek, William Daves ;
Long Creek, John W. Tyler; Harristown,
'SI. G. Cameron.

1867.
Decatur, H. B. Durfee ; Whitmore, Jas.
Lichtenberger ; S. Macon, R. Gra}-; Nian-
tic, A. W. Pritchett; S. Macon, N. Faling;
Mt. Zion, J. A. Henry; Illini John S.
Childs; Harristown, M. G. Cameron; De-
catur, W. A. Barnes; Friends Creek, Wil-
liam Daves; Austin, C. F. Emery; Blue
Mound, W. T. Aloffett; S. Wheatland, L
S. Boardman ; Long Creek, J. S. Kiser;
Oakley, E. Rhodes; Hickory Point, W. F.
Montgomery.

1868.
Decatur, H. B. Durfee ; WHiitmore, J.

G. Harnsbarger; S. ]\Iacon, Joel T. W^al-
ker; Niantic, Sheldon Parks; S. ^lacon,
John Lyon; Mt. Zion, J. A. Henry; Illini,
J. C. Tucker; Harristown, M. G. Cameron;
Decatur, M. Forstmeyer; Friends Creek,
S. Payne ; Austin, T. B. Campbell ; Blue
Mound, W. T. IMoffett; S. Wheatland, L
S. Boardman ; Long Creek, Joseph Spang-
ler; Oakley, E. Rhodes; Hickor}^ Point, H.
S. Mannon.

1869.
Decatur, James Millikin ; Whitmore, J.
G. Harnsbarger; S. Macon, Joel T. Wal-
ker; Niantic, Shaw Pease; Maroa, John T.
Lyon; Mt. Zion, R. M. Foster; Illini. J.
J. Batchelder; Harristown, M. G. Cameron;

Decatur, M. Forstmeyer; Friends Creek,
S. Payne and F. Swantes ; Austin, Robert T.
.Morris; Blue Mound, W. T. Moffett; S.
Wheatland, I. S. Boardman; Long Creek,
Samuel Gillispie ; Oakley, Read Spencer;
Hickory Point, A. McBride ; Pleasant View,
D. Powles.

1870.

Decatur, Ruben Betzer; Wliitmore, Jas.
Lichtenberger; Niantic, Thomas Acom;
Maroa, John T. Lyon ; Mt. Zion, R. M.
Foster; Illini, J. J. Batchelder ; Harristown,
M. G. Cameron; Pleasant \^iew, D. Powles;
S. Macon, J. T. Walker ; Decatur, M. Forst-
meyer ; Friends Creek, F. Swantes, J. H.
Barr; Austin, Peter Bennett; Blue Alound,
R. H. Hill ; Long Creek, J. B. Meyer ; Oak-
ley, Read Spencer; Hickory Point, A. Mc-
Bride; Milam, J. B. Gleason; S. Wheat-
land, I. S. Boardman.

1871.

Milam, G. A. Bartlett; Mt. Zion, William
Davis; Decatur, AI. Forstmeyer; Whitmore,
Joshua Green ; !Maroa, Samuel Lowe ;
Long Creek, J. B. IMeyers ; Pleasant View,
D. Powles ; Illini, J. C. Tucker ; S. ^lacon,
J. T. Walker; Harristown, !M. G. Cameron;
Austin, C. F. Emery ; Decatur, Joseph !MiI-
ler; Blue Mound,' R. H. Hill; Friends
Creek, John Marsh ; Hickory Point, A. Mc-
Bride ; Oakley, E. Rhodes; S. Wheatland,
Hiram Ward ; Niantic, S. Parks.

1872.
Harristown, M. G. Cameron ; Whitmore,
Joshua Green; Decatur, H. Hummell;
Hickory Point, A. IMcBride; I\It. Zion, G.
A. Smith ; Long Creek, A. T. Davis ; Aus-
tin, D. Patterson ; S. Wheatland, Hiram
Ward ; Pleasant View, John Hatfield ; S.
r^Iacon, N. Faling; Friends Creek, John
Gordy; Decatur, Jacob Spangler; Maroa,
Jason Rogers ; Oakley, Read Spencer ; Ni-
antic, S. Parks ; Illini, J. C. Tucker ; Mi-
lam. G. A. Bartlett; Blue Mound, D. F.
Barber.

PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.

i«73-

llarrislown, I\I. G. Cameron; Blue
Mound, Frank Coleman; ]Mt. Zion, \Villiam
Davis; S. Macon, N. Faling; Hickory
Point, H. Lehman; Maroa, John Orr;
Friends Creek, R. H. Park; \\'hitniore, j.
C. Ruddock ; Decatur, Jacolj Spangler ;
Oakley, Dr. S. Cooper; Long Creek, A. T.
Davis; Niantic, James Dingman ; Decatur,
David S. Hughes; Illini, L. R. Morse; Aus-
tin, D. Patterson; Milam, J. W. Rogers;

S. Wheatland, ; Pleasant View,

E. House.

1874.

Harristown, ^L G. Cameron ; Blue
Mound, Frank Coleman ; Niantic, James
Dingman ; S. Macon, W. S. Gage ; Decatur,
Jacob Spangler; Pleasant View, E. House;
Hickory Point, A. McBride ; Friends
Creek, J. C. Ruddock; S. Wheatland, Hiram
Ward; W hitmorc. R. H. Park; Oakley, Dr.
S. Cooper ; Mt. Zion, ^\'illiaIn Davis ; Oak-
ley, William Grason ; Decatur. David S.
Hughes; Decatur, H. Hummell; Austin,
Robert Morris; Maroa, John Orr; Milaiu,
J. ^\'. Rogers; Long Creek, Samuel (iil-
lispie.

1875-

Blue Mound, Frank Coleman; \\'hitmore,
J. C. Ruddock; Decatur, H. B. Durfee ;
Oakley, William Grason ; Long Creek,
Samuel Gillispie; Mt. Zion, J. A. Henry;
Austin, Robert Morris; Illini, L. R. Morse;
Friends Creek, J. \V. Brown; Niantic,
James Dingman; Harristown, M. G. Cam-
eron; Decatur, M. Forstmcyer; Decatur,
Jacob Spangler ; S. Macon, W. S. Gage ;
Pleasant View, E. House ; Milam, W. E.
Kyker; Hickory Point, A. McBride; Maroa,
John Orr; S. Wheatland, Hiram Ward.

1876.

Decatur, Samuel Powers; Decatur, M.

Forstmcyer; Pleasant View, E. House;

Oakley, William Oason ; Hickory Point,

H. Lehman: Illini, L. R. Morse; Harris-

town, M. G. Cameron ; Mt. Zion, W. H.
Wallace; Blue -Mound, W. T. Moflfett; Aus-
tin, Andrew Hawkyard; Decatur, David S.
Hughes; Milam, \\'. F.. Kyker; Maroa,
John Longstreet ; .">. Wheatland, Hiram
Ward; Whitmore, J. C. Ruddock; Long
Creek. 11. W. Davis; Niantic, A. C. Ed-
gar; I'rieiuls Creek, J. W. Brown; S.
-Macon, R. 11. Woodcock.

1877.

-•\ustin, A. Flawkyard ; Blue Mound, W.
T. Moffett; Decatur, Samuel Powers, H.
W. Waggoner, D. L. Hughes ; Friends
Creek, J. W. l^rown ; Harristown, H. M.
Cameron; Hickory Point, Henry Lehman;
Illini, E. J. Roberts; Long Creek, H. W.
Davis; Maroa, John Longstreet; .Milam,
W. 1-:. Kyker; Mt. Zion, W\ H. Wallace;
Niantic, -V. C. Edgar ; (Jakley, William
(Jrason; Pleasant View, E. Flouse; South
Macon, R. H. W'oodcock ; South Wheat-
land, Hiram Ward: Whitmore, J. C. Rud-
dock.

1878.

Austin. .\. Hawkyard; Blue Mound, R.
II. ilill: Decatur, Samuel Powers, E. Mc-
.\'al)l), 1). S. Shellabarger; Friends Creek,
J. W. r.rown; Harristown, J. N. Hoyt;
Hickory Point, P. F. Lehman; Illini, E. J.
Roberts ; Long Creek, A. T. Davis ; Maroa,
Ji)hn Longstreet; Milam, John VanGundy;
-Ml. Zion, W. H. Wallace; Niantic, A. C.
Edgar; Oakley, H. J. .Manecke; Pleasant
\'iew, E. House; South Macon, R. H.
Woodcock; South Wheatland, Hiram
Ward: \yhitm<:)rc, C. H. Garver.

1879.
-Vustin, A. Hawkyard; Blue Mound, H.
H. Rosengrantz; Decatur, H. W. Wag-
goner, Jason Rogers, D. L. Hughes, W.
B. Chambers ; Friends Creek, W. A. Van-
Leer; Harristown, J. N. Hoyt; Hickory
Point, P. F. Lehman: Illini, E. J. Roberts;
Long Creek, H. W. Davis; Maroa, John

PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.

Longstreet; Milam, John VanGundy; Mt.
Zion, S. Mahaiinah ; Niantic, A. C. Edgar;
Oakley, H. J. Manecke ; Pleasant View, E.
House; South Macon, 'R. H. Woodcock;
South Wheatland, Hiram ^\'ard ; \\'hit-
more, Richard Kirby.

iS8o.

.\ustin, A. Hawkyard ; Blue Mound, H.
H. Rosengrantz; Decatur, D. L. Hughes,
Jason Rogers, W. B. Chambers; Friends
Creek, W. A. VanLeer; Harristown, J. N.
Hoyt ; Hickory Point, H. C. Mowrey ;
mini, E. J. Roberts ; Long Creek, H. W.
Davis: ^laroa, John Longstreet; Milam,
John \"anGundy; Mt. Zion, S. Mahannah ;
Niantic, A. C. Edgar; Oakley, H. J. Man-

ecke ; Pleasant View, ^ ; South

Macon, R. H. ^^'oodcock ; South Wheat-
land. Plirani AX'ard ; \\'hitmore, Richard
Kirbv.

1881.

Austin, A. Llawkyard ; Blue Mound, H.
irl. Rosengrantz; Decatur, Joseph Michaels,
James Freeman, B. O. McRcynolds, A. T.
Hill; Friends Creek, W. A. VanLeer; Har-
ristown, J. N. Hoyt : Hickory Point, H. C.
Mowrey ; Illini, J. S. Childs ; Long Creek,
II. W. Davis; Maroa, John Marsh; ]\Iilam,
John VanGundy; Mt. Zion, S. Mahannah;
Niantic, A. C. Edgar; Whitmore, C. H. Car-
ver; South Wheatland, Hiram Ward;
South Macon, C. A. Turner ; Pleasant
View. W. S. Gage ; Oakley, H. J. Manecke.

1S82.
.\ustin, John Johnston; Blue Mound, H.
H. Rosengrantz ; Decatur, A. T. Hill, Jos-
eph Michaels, James Freeman, B. O. Mc-
Rcynolds; Friends Creek, W. A. VanLeer;
Harristown, J. N. Hoyt ; Hickory Point,
J. R. Hayes ; Illini, J. S. Childs ; Long
Creek, S. C. Davis; ]\Iaroa, ]\L P. Funk;
Milam, John VanGundy; Mt, Zion, S. Ma-
hannah; Niantic, H. N. Clark; Oakley, H.
J. Manecke ; Pleasant View, W. J. Evans ;

South Macon, C. A. Turner; South Wheat-
land, Hiram Ward; Whitmore, C. H. Car-
ver.

1883.

Austin, John Johnston; Blue ^lound, 11.
H. Rosengrantz ; Decatur, A. T. Hill, B.
O. McReynolds, Joseph Michaels, James
Freeman; Friends Creek; W. A. VanLeer;
Harristown, J. N. Hoyt; Hickory Point,
J. R. Ha3'es ; Illini, Joseph Brown ; Long
Creek, S. C. Davis; Maroa, ]\I. P. Funk;
Alilam, John VanGundy; Mt. Zion, G. T.
Outten ; Niantic, Patrick Graham ; Oakley,
H. J. Alanecke ; Pleasant View, W. J.
Evans; South "Macon, C. A. Turner;
South Wheatland, Hiram Ward ; W'hitmore,
C. H. Garver.

1884.

Austin, C. L. Hadley; Blue Mound, H.
H. Rosengrantz ; Decatur, A. T. Hill, Jos-
eph Michaels, John Giblin, James Free-
man; Friends Creek, W. H. Wikoff; Har-
ristown, W. E. Gouge ; Hickory Point, J.
R. Hayes ; Illini, Joseph Brown ; Long
Creek, S. C. Davis; ]Maroa, 'SI. P. Funk;
Milam, C. W. Freeland ; Mt. Zion, G. T.
Outten ; Niantic, Patrick Graham ; Oakley,
H. J. Manecke ; Pleasant View, W. J.
Evans ; South Macon, J. L. Hight ; South
WHieatland, Hiram Ward; Whitmore, C.
H. Garver.

1885.

.Austin, C. L. Hadley; Blue Mound, H.
H. Rosengrantz ; Decatur, Joseph Mich-
aels. James Freeman, A. T. Hill, John Gib-
lin ; Friends Creek, \V. H. Wikoff; Har-
ristown, W. E. Gouge; Hickory Point. J.
R. Hayes; Illini, J. C. Tucker; Long Creek,
S. C. Davis; Maroa, :M. P. Funk; Milam,
C. W. Freeland; .Mt. Zion, W\ S. Smith;
Niantic, Elias Ford ; Oakley, H. J. Manecke ;
Pleasant View, J. D. Seiberling; South
Macon, R. H. Woodcock ; South Wheat-
land, Hiram Ward; Whitmore, C. H. Gar-
ver.

PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.

1886.

Austin, H. E. Pcverly ; Blue Mound, R.
H. Hill: Decatur, A. f. Hill, James Free-
man, C. M. Imbodeii, H. M. Davis; Friends
Creek, D. K. \\'ilson ; Harristown, AV. E.
Gouge; Hickory Point, Jacob Hanes; lllini,
J. J. Batchelder; Long Creek, S. C. Davis;
Maroa, D. J. Aloyer; Milam, C. \\'. Free-
land; Mt. Zion, \V. S. Smith; Niantic, II.
N.Clark; Oakley, H. J, Manecke; Pleasant
View, J. D. Seiberling; South Macon, R.
H. \\'oodcock ; South Wheatland, Hiram
Ward : \\hitmore, C. II. Carver.

1887.

.\ustin, II. ]•;. Peverly: Blue Mound, R.
Hill; Decatur, A. T. Hill, C. M. Imboden,
James Freeman, H. W. Davis ; PViends
Creek, J. W. Brown ; Harristown, W. E.
Gouge; Hickory Point, Jacob llanos; Iliini,
J. J. Batchelder ; Long Creek, S. C. Davis ;
Maroa, D. J. ^loyer; ]\lilam, C. W. Free-
land; Pleasant \'iew, J. W. K. McClure ;
Mt. Zion, W. S. Smith; Niantic, H. N.
Clark; Oakley-, H. J. Manecke; South
Macon, R. H. Woodcock ; South Wheat-
land, D. 11. Stickle; Whitmore, C. H. Car-
ver.

1888.

Austin, H. E. Peverly ; Blue Mound, E.
R. Moffett; Decatur, ^A. T. Hill, J. W.
Butman, J. A. Merriweather, W. TT. Acuff,
Isaac Rogan, 1 1. F. May, C. Ammann ;
Friends Creek, J. W. Brown; Harristown,
L. F. Hauck; Hickory Point, Jacob Planes;
lllini, J. J. Batchelder; Long Creek, John
S.Jones; ^Maroa, T. N. Leavett ; Milam, C.
W. Freeland; .Mt. Zion. W. S. Smith;
Niantic, John Wacker ; Oakley. H. J. Man-
ecke; Pleasant View, J. W. K. McClure;
South Macon. H. C. Montgomery; South
Wheatland, John II. Miller; Whitmore, R.
M. Machan.

1889.

Austin. John Johnston ; Blue Mound, W.
P. Sleeter ; Decatur. James Freeman, II. F.

May, Isaac Rogan, C, Ammann, D. L.
Hughes, H. \V. Waggoner, Hiram Johnson;
Friends Creek, J. W. Brown ; Harristown,
L. F. Hauck: Hickory Point, Hezikiah
Hayes; lllini, F. J. Roberts; Long Creek,
John S. Jones; Maroa, W. M. Phares; Mi-
lam, W. H. Murphey; .Mt. Zion, W. S.
Smith; Niantic, C. B. Richardson; Oak-
ley, T. M. Keller; Pleasant View, J. W. K.
McClure; South Macon, H. C. Montgom-
ery; South Wheatland, John H. Miller;
Whitmore, R. M. ^Machan.

1 890.

Austin, C. E. Albert ; Blue Mound, W. P.
Sleeter; Decatur, H. F. May, C. Ammann,
G. F. Bell, James Freeman, R. A. Newell,
T. A. Ouinn, Isaac R. Rogan ; Friends
Creek, Samuel Gerber; Harristown, W. L.
Whitley; Hickory Point, Hezikiah Hayes;
lllini, E. J. Roberts; Long Creek, John A.
Meyers; Maroa, J. II. Parker; Milam, F.
D. Bromley; Mt. Zion, W. S. Smith; Nian-
tic, W. R.' Kiscr; Oakley, W. C. Burley;
Pleasant View, J. W. K. McClure; South
;\Iacon. H. C. }klontgomery ; South Wheat-
land, John H. Miller: Whitmore. C. H.
Garver.

1891.

Austin, C. E. Albert ; Blue :\Iound, W. P.
Sleeter ; Decatur, H. F. May, Hiram John-
son, Hugh Singleton, C. Ammann, James
Freeman, R. A. Newell, G. F. Bell; Friends
Creek, Samuel Gerber ; Harristown, W. L.
Whitley; Hickory Point, Volney Barber;
mini, K. J. Roberts; Long Creek, John A.
Meyers; Maroa, J. H. Parker; Milam,
.\rchie Dickson; Mt. Zion, W. B. Hunter;
Niantic, W. R. Kiser; Oakley, W. C. Bur-
ley; Pleasant View. J, W. K. McClure;
South ]Macon, O. H. Draper; South Wheat-
land, John H. Miller; Whitmore, C. H. Car-
ver.

1892.

.Vustin, J. B. Nowlin ; Blue Mound, W. P.
Sleeter; Decatur, W. IT. .'■llarr, T. A. Ouinn,

PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.

A. H. Cope, H. v. N[ay, Hiram Jolinson,
Hugh Singleton, C. Animann ; Friends
Creek, H. C. Griffin; Harristown, W. L.
Whitley ; Hickory Point, Volney Barber ;
mini, E. j. Roberts ; Long Creek, S. C.
Davis; Maroa, J. H. Parker; Milam, Wil-
liam Jiest; Mt. Zion, W. B. Hunter; Nian-
tic, J. A. Cussins; Oakley, \\". C. Burley;
Pleasant View, W. H. llean ; South Ma-
con, O. H Draper; South \Mieatlaiul. John
H. iMiller ; Whitmore, C. H. Carver.

1893.
Austin, J. B. Nowlin ; Blue .Mound, W.
P. Sleeter; Decatur, H. F. I\lay, Daniel
Halleck, J. P. Nicholson, C. Amniann,
George Lowrey, D. Brintlinger, Hugh
Singleton ; Friends Creek, H. C. Griffin ;
Harristown, J. L. Connelly ; Hickor}^
Point, C. A. Thrift; Illini, C. W. French;
Long Creek, S. C. Davis ; Maroa, J. H.
Parker; Milam, Archie Dickson ; Mt. Zion,
D. C. Davidson ; Niantic, J. A. Cussins ;
Oakley, ^V. C. Burley ; Pleasant View, W.
H. Bean; South Macon, O. H. Draper;
South Wheatland, M. A. Connard ; Whit-
more, C. H. Garver.

1894.

.\ustin, J. B. Nowlin; Blue Mound. W.
T. ]\Ioftett ; Decatur, Hiram Johnson, James
Hollinger, J. A. Davidson, H. F. :\Iay, D.
Brintlinger, C. Ammann, D. Halleck ;
Friends Creek, H. C. Griffin ; Harristown,
F. P. Town ; Hickory Point, C. A. Thrift ;
Illini, J. C. Tucker; Long Creek, S. C.
Davis; Maroa, J. PL Parker; Milam, C. W.
Freeland ; Mt. Zion, D. C. Davidson ; Nian-
tic, M. E. Lockhart; Oakley, John ^^■. Wal-
ker ; Pleasant View, W, H. Bean ; South
]\Iacon, H. R. \Voodcock; South Wheat-
land, .M. A. Connard; Whitmore, Ross
Hockadav.

1895.

Austin, J. B. Nowlin ; Blue Mound. W. T.
Mofifett; Decatur. H. F. .May, ^\■. H.

Spence, F. W. Kipp, Jacob Hanes, J. B. Bul-
lard, G. W. Stoy, \\'. J. Magee; Friends
Creek, H. C. Griffin ; Harristown, J. F.
.Muirhead; Hickory Point, C. A. Thrift;
Illini, C. \V. French; Long Creek, S. C.
Davis ; Maroa, David Weilepp ; Milam,
.■\rchie Dickson; Mt. Zion, C. H. Scott;
Niantic, M. E. Lockhart; Oakley, John
\\ . Walker; Pleasant View, W. H. Bean;
South Macon, O. H. Draper ; South Wheat-
land, M. A. Connard ; Whitmore, Ross
Hockaday.

1896.
Austin, W. L. Gaines ; Blue Mound, J.
W. Turner; Decatur, J. A. Davidson, James
Hollinger, W. J. Magee, J. B. Bullard, H. F.
May, Jacob Hanes, W. H. Spence, F. W.
Kipp, G. W. Stoy; Friends Creek, J. N.
Orr ; Harristown, J. F. Muirhead ; Hickory-
Point, C. A. Thrift; Illini, C. W. French;
Long Creek, J. E. Rucker; Maroa, David
Weilepp; Milam. Archie Dickson; Mt.
Zion, C. H. Scott; Niantic, J. J. Graves;
Oakley, M. A. Nickey; Pleasant View, W.
H. Bean; South Macon, O. H. Draper;
South Wheatland, ^M. A. Connard; AVhit-
more, Ross Hockaday.

1897.
Austin, ^^^ L. Gaines ; Blue Mound,
George Loewer; Decatur, John Allen, J.
A. Davidson, J. H. Record, James Hollinger,
F. ^^■. Kipp, "W. J. ^lagee, PI. F. May, W.
H. Spence, George W. Stoy ; Friends Creek,
J. N. Orr ; Harristown, Jacob Lebo ; Hick-
ory Point, H. Hayes; Illini, C. J. Tucker;
Long Creek, J. E. Rucker; Maroa, David
Weilepp; :\lilam, W. Best; :Mt. Zion, W.
L. Riber; Niantic, J. J. Graves; Oakley,
M. A. Nickey ; Pleasant View, W. H. Bean ;
South ^[acon, O. H. Draper; South Wheat-
land, J. H. Miller; Whitmore, Ross Hock-
aday.

1898.

Austin, Z. B. Wooley ; Blue Mound, C.
W. .Sleeter; Decatur, John Allen, Jacob

PAST AXD PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.

Hanes, James Hollinger, O. iJ. Gorin, F. W.
Kipp, ^^^ J. Magee, J. H. Record, G. ^^^
StOY, J. \\ . W'cigand; Friends Creek, J. X.
Orr; Harristown, Jacob Lebo ; Hickory
Point, H. Hayes; Long Creek, J. E.
Rucker; Maroa, David \Veilepp; Milam,
W. Best; Mi. Zion. W. L. Riber ; Xiantic,
J.J. Graves; Oakley, M. A. Nickey; Pleas-
ant \'ie\v, W. H. Bean : South IMacon, O.
H. Draper; Souili WliL^ailand. J. II. .Miller;
Whilmore, Ross Hockaday.

1899.

Austin, Z. B. Wooley ; Blue Mound, C.
W. Slceter; Decatur, John Allen, Jacob
Hanes, James Hollinger, J. .\. Davidson, F.
W. Kipp, W. J. Magee, J. II. Record, G.
W. Stoy, J. W. Weigand ; Friends Creek,
J. N. Orr; Harristown, R. O. VanGilder;
Hickory Point, H. Hayes ; lllini, C. J.
Tucker; Long Creek, J. E. Rucker; Maroa,
David Weilepp; .Milam, W. Best; Mt.
Zion, W. L. Riber; Xiantic, J. J. Graves;
Oakley, M. A. Xickey; Pleasant View, W.
H. Bean; South Macon, H. R. Woodcock;
South Wheatland, Jnhn ^^'ard ; Whitniore,
Ross Hockaday.

I goo.

Austin, C. PL Giffin ; Blue Mound, E. W.
Jokisch ; Decatur, J. A. Davidson, H. A.
Aldridge, John .\llen, James Hollinger, F.
W. Kipp, W. J. Magee, J. PL Record, G.
W. Stoy, j. W. Weigand; Friends Creek,
F. R. Querrey ; Harristown, R. O. Van-
Gilder; Plickory Point, IL Hayes; lllini,
C. J. Tucker; Long Creek, E. B. Chapman;
Maroa, David Weilepp; Milam, W. Best;
Mt. Zion, W. L. Riber; Xiantic, J. A. Cus-
sins; Oakley, ^L A. Xickey; Pleasant View,
W. H. Bean; South Macon, IL R. Wood-
cock; South WJieatland, John Ward; Whit-
more, (I. W. Reynolds.

1 901.
Austin, George Johnston; Blue Mound,
E. W. Jokisch ; Decatur, J. PL Record, H.

A. Aldridge, John P.arron, James Henson,
James Hollinger, F. W. Kipp, W. J. Magee,
W. Xeidermeyir, J. W. Weigand; Friends
Creek, F. R. Ouerrey ; Harristown, R. O.
\^anGilder; Hickory Point, H. Hayes;
lllini, C. J. Tucker; Long Creek, E. B.
Chajmian ; Maroa, C. G. Persinger ; Milam,
W. I'.est; Mt. Zion, E. R. Hurlburt; Xian-
tic. J. A. Cussins; Oakley, M. A. Xickey;
Pleasant \'ie\v, W. II. Bean; South Macon,
H. R. \V'oodcock; South Wheatland, John
Ward; Whitmore, G. W. Reynolds.

County Officers.

The following is a list of county officers:

Circuit Judge — S. D. Lockwood, S. T. Lo-
gan, William Brown, Jesse B. Thomas, S.
H. Treat, David Davis, Charles Emerson,
A. J. Gallagher, C. B. Smith, W. E. Nelson,
E. P. Vail, W. C. Johns.

Judge of Probate — D. McCall, Charles
Emerson.

Probate Justice — Kirby Benedict, John
G. Spear, Thomas PL Reed.

County Jiulge — William Prather, John
Ricketts, S. F. Greer, W. E. Nelson, W. L.
Hammer, O. W. Smith.

State's Attorney — John H. Pugh, 1). H.
Campbell, Josiah Lamborn, John A. McDu-
gall, David Campbell, Elam Rust, J. R.
Eden, James P. Boyd, D. L. Bunn, M. B.
Thomas, C. C. McComas, I. .\. Bucking-
ham, VV. C. Johns, E. P. \-ail, 1. R. Mills,
W. E. Redmon.

SheriiT— William \Varnick, John McMen-
namy, James Stephens, William Warnick,
William Wheeler, Samuel Rea, William
Wheeler, Samuel Whitehouse, E. McClel-
lan, W. Wheeler, George Goodman, John
W. Bear, A. A. Murry, John E. Jones,
James Travis, George M. Wood, L D. Jen-
nings, M. Forstmeyer, W. W. Foster, John
H. Mauzy, Peter Pearl, J. P. Nicholson,
G. W. Lehman, Charles Thrift.

County Superintendent of Schools — Will-
iam S. Crissey, C. C. Burroughs, Edwin

PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.

Park, O. F. McKim, John Trainer, T. L.
Fvans, J. N. Donehay, John G. Keller, A.
A. Jones.

Master in Chancer}- — I. C. Pugh, William
A. Barnes, R. H. Merriweather, John A.
Brown, J. J. Finn.

Circuit Clerk— D. McCall, H. M. Gorin,
W. W. Peddecord, William Prather, J. Q.
A. Oder, W. L. Hammer, E. McClellan, D.
L. Foster, John Allen.

County Clerk— D. McCall, H. M. Gorin,
W. W. Peddecord, E. B. Hall, W. W. Ogles-
by, Samuel Rea, I. C. Pugh, H. W. Wag-
goner, George P. Hardy, James M. Dodd.

County Treasurer — B. R. Austin, John
Miller, B. R. Austip, James Johnson, Joseph
Hostetler, Joseph Stephens, J. Renshaw,
Henry Snyder, Thomas H. Reed, George
W. Powers, S. C. Allen, I. C. Pugh, William
Cantrell, Ira B. Curtis, William M. Boyd,
R. H. Park, George M. Wood, George R.
Steel, Clay ' Montgomery, Charles Patter-
son, Joseph Miller, E. R. Moffett.

Agriculture.

"When the county was first settled the
rank grasses retarded the evaporation, the
result being a moist climate, that gave too
luxuriant a growth to wheat and oats. This
caused the lodging of the latter and pro-
duced rust in the former, but culture and
pasturage have modified these conditions
so that the latter is becoming one of our
great staples." On account of the chinch
bug spring wheat has entirely disappeared
and the acreage of fall wheat is not what
it was in an earlier day. While we produce
rye, wheat, oats, timothy, clover, millet and
bluegrass, corn is the main crop; not less
than two-thirds of the tillable land in the
county is each year planted to corn. For-
merly it was thought that corn could not,
safely, be cribbed in the fall, consequently
it remained in the field until spring. Much
corn was cut and shocked for cattle feeding,
in fact, the entire crop, except that which

was kept for the farmer's use in producing
the next year's crop. It was no unusual
thing to see farmers husking corn and at the
same time cultivating the ground for the
next crop.

All kinds of vegetables are produced in
abundance. Fruit, such as strawberries,
raspberries, blackberries, currants and
gooseberries, also cherries, pears, plums,
quinces, apples and peaches grow and yield
well ; our extensive nurseries verify the fact
that this is a fruit county.

Stock raising assumes no mean propor-
tions as compared with other localities both
in number and in grade produced. The
grade of cattle, hogs, horses, sheep and even
poultry is constantly improving.

The cattle are of beef and dairy grades,
the former are represented by the Short-
horn, Galloway and Hereford, while the
latter are represented by the Jersey, Guern-
sey and Holstein.

The hogs now in favor are : Berkshire,
Poland-China, Chester White, Jersey-red
and Yorkshire.

The horses are of three grades, the draft,
the coach and the roadster.

Every farmer grows stock to some extent,
hogs are grown more extensively than
horses and cattle owing to the short time re-
quired for their maturity ; at the age of nine
months a hog will weigh from one hundred
and fifty to two hundred pounds, while it
requires several years for horses and cattle
to develop into "shippers."

Since Decatur contains more than half
the population of ]\Iacon count}^ not half
the inhabitants of the county are engaged
in agricultural ])ursuits. This afifords a good
local market for vegetables, dairy products
and fruit ; none of the above are produced
in sufficient quantities to suppl}' the de-
mands of the county; carloads of vegetables,
potatoes especially, cheese and all kinds of
fruit are shipped in every year.

Hav, oats and corn are also in great de-

PAST AXD PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.

niaiul ; Macon county docs not yield much
more than lialf tlie amount of hay consumed
within the county ; our flour mills afford an
excellent market for all of our wheat and
our cereal mills can grind all the corn raised
in the county.

i'.ut if we do not see fit to sell here, we
have railroads entering the county from
twelve different directions, making Decatur
one of the greatest railroad centers in the
state, thus afl'ording ready access to the
eastern and the southern markets of the
United States.

The Illinois Central Railroad.

In 1850 an act passed by Congress granlcil
lands to the state of Illinois for the purpose
of building a railroad through central Illi-
nois. In 1851 the legislature of Illinois in-
corporated the Illinois Central Railroad and
transferred to this company the lands held
in trust by the state upon a compliance of
the company with the conditions embodied
in the charter. >

Work began at the north end of the road
and in 1854 was completed through Deca-
tur, and in a short time was opened for
traffic through its entire length. A senator
from Macon county was the first one to in-
troduce and carry through the legislature
a resolution urging our senators and repre-
sentatives in Congress to secure the re-
quisite aid from the national government.

Senator Stephen A. Douglas, acting upon
the resolution, secured the passage of the
law giving to the state for the use of the
railroad each alternate section for a distance
of six miles upon each side of the right-of-
way ; providing, that had some of this land
been previously granted to private parties,
the company be permitted to go as far as
twenty miles out in order to secure the re-
quired amount of land.

The power of peneration into the future,
possessed by Mr. Douglas, is well estab-
lished by his persistence and final victory in

compelling the construction from Cairo to
Chicago and Dunleith, which in a remark-
ably short time developed the most fertile
lands in the state. He lived to see his pre-
dictions verified and his expectations fully
realized.

An effori was made to carry the road, in
Macon county, across the Sangamon river
at the "Cut Off" six miles west of Decatur ;
this would, in all probability have doomed
Decatur to remain a village. But through
the efforts of the citizens of Decatur, led by
E. O. Smith, the present route was selected.

The charter of this road provided that
seven per cent of its gross earnings be paid
into the state treasury. Since 1854 it has
paid a total of $20,000,000 to the state ; it
pays now yearly about $800,000. The com-
pany operates over 4,000 miles of road,
which reaches from New Orleans to Omaha
and through Chicago to St. Paul ; numer-
ous small roads cross it at various points
along the line of the main tracks. This
road is the gateway to the south from which
a large export trade is now made. This
road affords two direct rapid routes to Chi-
cago, either by way of Champaign or by
way of Clinton. The Peoria, Decatur and
Evansville Railroad, now the Peoria Divi-
sion of the Illinois Central, extends from
Peoria to Evansville, from northwest to
southeast, through the most productive part
of Illinois. Through the favorable connec-
tions made at its terminals, with through
lines, it is enabled to do a large amount of
through business.

The Illinois Central has done much to de-
velop Decatur and in fact, all of Macon
county. Recently it has erected a hand-
some depot at an outlay of $65,000; the
building is 290 feet long and is built of
stone and yellow pressed brick, surmounted
by a neat tower; the central part of the
building is two stories, the rest of the build-
ing is but one story; the entire roof is of red
tile. The style of the structure is the Eng-

PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.

lish ,t;;olliic; the walls are frescoed, a very
handsome tint being selected ; the appoint-
ments both inside and out are modern and
are arranged with a view to symmetry and
convenience.

The road originally known as the Decatur,
Monticello and Champaign is now part of
the Illinois Central, making a convenient
connection between the two original
branches of the road.

The Vandalia Railroad.
The Terrc Haute and Peoria division of
the \'andalia passes through this city and
joins the main line at Terre Haute. The
Vandalia line with 700 miles of track is
part of the Pennsylvania system which
gives us direct communication with the
eastern trunk lines. This was originally the
Illinois Alidland, which, until thrown into
the hands of a receiver, who placed it on a
paying basis, had a continued struggle for an
existence.

The Indiana, Decatur and Western Rail-
road.

The Indiana, Decatur and Western ter-
minates at Indianapolis on the east and
Springfield on the west ; the extension from
Decatur to Springfield was completed in
1902. The entire length of the road is now
about two hundred miles. The road is part
of the Cincinnati, Plamilton and Dayton
system. It carries large quantities of east-
ern merchandise and western farm products
as well as being a very popular passenger
route.

The Wabash Railroad.

To give a history of this railroad it be-
comes necessary to begin with the enact-
ment of the legislature in 1835 and 1836,
known as The Internal Improvement
Scheme. In this scheme was included the
Northern Cross Railroad extending from
Ouincy to Danville, chartered in 1837. The
first locomotive engine in the state ran over

this road from Mcredosia to Jacksonville,
in 1839. The road was completed to Spring-
field in 1842. This road was constructed
of wooden rails, faced with strips of strap-
iron. The cars made three round trips per
week from Springfield to the Illinois river.
The track finally became so insecure that
the engine was taken off and mules sub-
stituted for motive power. Eventuall}- the
road became so utterly dilapidated that the
expense overran the income ; the state then
disposed of it for a mere song.

In 1854 the road was reconstructed and
extended through Decatur and Danville,
over the original route, to Toledo, under the
name of the Great Western Railroad. The
cars entered Decatur in 1854. The advent
of the railroad gave new life and impetus
to Decatur and the surrounding country.
Instead of carrying goods to Chicago and
St. Louis in the old-fashioned broad-tired
wagon with the proverbial tar bucket
swung beneath its axle, we received our
consignments by freight, new and fresh, in
a few days after ordering.

Much objection, that now seems peculiar,
was urged against railroads when first pro-
posed. Some argued that the horses would
be so frightened by the cars that the lands
near the roads could not be cultivated;
that the ranges would be rendered useless
and the poor people would be compelled
to keep up their stock ; that the game would
all be driven away by the whistling of the
engines.

The name of this road was soon after
changed to The Toledo, Wabash and West-
ern Railroad. In 1876 this road operated
473 miles of track between Toledo and
Ouincy; no miles between St. Louis and
Decatur ; the Keokuk branch of 41 miles
and the Naples branch of 3 miles ; a total of
627 miles.

In 1877 the name w-as changed to The
Wabash Railroad, wdiich name it still re-
tains. This road now operates over two

r.\Sr AXl) PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.

tliousaiul miles of track and is a through
hue from Kansas City to IJuiTalo with
through passenger trains to Now ^'ork City.
It has a line to Kansas City via Hannibal
and Ouincy : another via St. Louis, and a
third to Chicago, a fourth lo Dctniit and
the east.

Decatur is the central point ihrough
which all this enormous traffic must pass.
It is an aggressive road, having recently
acipiired a large number of feeders, which
penetrate some of the most remote regions
of the middle west.

Decatur is the home of the Middle Divi-
sion of the \\'abash. .Superintendent .\.
Robertson and the .Middle Division officials
reside here, the largest force of dispatchers
in the country is located here; the car shops
employ between 200 and 300 men : a branch
of the locomotive shojis employs a number
of men ; arid most of the train men live here;
not less than 1,200 men connected with the
Wabash live in Decatur. The pav rolls ap-
proximate $900,000 per year on the Middle
Division.

The new A\'abash station, just west of the
north end of the Central station, with which
its platform connects, is one of the hand-
somest stations on the Wabash system. It
is 230 feet long, two stories high, built of
yellow brick and trimmed with stone and
terra cotta. The architecture is colonial,
excejit the tower; the main portion is two
stories, while the mail, baggage and express
rooms are but one story. The interior is
finished in tile floors, marble wainscoting,
frescoed ceiling and walls ; lending a charm-
ing eiYcct. The cost of the building ap-
proximates sevent}- thousand dollars.

Black Hawk War.

Muster roll of Captain Johnson's com-
pany of mounted volunteers belonging to
the Fifth Regiment, commanded by James
Johnson ot the brigade of mounted volun-

teers of Illinois Militia, ct)nnnaiuled by Brig-
adier General Samuel Whiteside.

Mustered out of the service of the United
States at the mouth of the Fox river, Illi-
nois May i-j, 1832. Date of enlistment, .\pril
24. 1S32; term of enlistment, 35 days.

James Johnson, captain, promoted to colo-
nel May 16, 1S32; William Warnick, first
lieutenant, absent with leave; I. C. Pugh,
second lieutenant, promoted to captain May
16, 1832; J. 1). Wright, first sergeant, ab-
sent on extra duly : James A. Ward, second
sergeant, promoted to second lieutenant ;
Walter Bowls, third sergeant, absent with
leave : Joseph Hanks, fourth sergeant ;
Henry M. Gorin, first corporal; S. R. Shep-
ard, second corporal ; G. Coppenbarger,
third corporal, absent with leave ; James
Milton, fourth corporal, killed in battle.

Privates — .Vsher Simpson, Abram Black,
D. McCall. D. H. Stewart, Elisha Butler,
G. D. Smallwood, John Hanks, Jacob Lane,
John Henderson, James Querrej', James
Miller, John Manley, James Ennis, John
Clifton, Jesse Dickey, John W^illiams, John
Murphey, John Black, James Herrod, Kin-
ian Ingram, C. Hooper, Robert Smith, S. B.
Dewees, S. Miller, S. Troxel, Thomas Dev-
enport, William Hanks, William Adams,
W'illiam Miller, William Hooper, William
Cox, Joseph Clifton.

There was also a company of rangers or-
ganized during the summer of 1832, com-
manded by Captain William Warnick. They
went as far as Kickapoo, a town on Big
Vermilion river, but finding no Indians,
soon returned.

Mexican War.

War was declared with Mexico in .May,
1846. Under the call for volunteers Illinois
was entitled to three regiments. Under
proclamation of Governor Ford, the sheriff
of Macon county calling for volunteers.
Company C, afterwards forming part of the
Fourth Regiment, was raised, consisting of

PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.

seventy-eight men. Thirty companies had
reported wlien Company C reached Spring-
field ; in all three full regiments. E. D.
Baker, a prominent Illinois man, asked
President Polk for permission to raise a
fourth regiment, and in this were the Ma-
con county men. Baker was elected colonel.
Lieutenant Governor Morris was elected
lieutenant colonel, Thomas Harris major
general, I. C. Pugh was elected captain of
Company C, Senator R. J. Oglesby first
lieutenant, Anderson Froman second lieu-
tenant, John P. Post third lieutenant, Ste-
phen Osburn first sergeant, G. W. Galbreath
second sergeant, B. F. Oglesby third ser-
gent, B. L. Martin first corporal, James
Hollingsworth second corporal, W. J. Usrey
third corporal, G. W. Nelson fourth cor-
poral.

List of Volunteers.

Madison Bradshaw, P. T. Bebee, G. M.
Braden, A. Botkin, W. W. Chapman, G.
W. Church, Laban Chambers, George Car-
ver, J. B. Case, J. M. Dickey, G. W. Dillow,
W. Dean, W. P. Davidson, Daniel Davis,
A. Greenfield, James Greenfield, David
Hufifman, Sterne Helm, J. Horner, D. How-
ell, S. K. Harrell, Williams Hawks, M. M.
Henry, W. D. B. Henry, Levi Hite, John
Henry, L Inman, T. Johnson, J. A. Lowrie,
J. C. Leadbetter, H. Lord, Thomas Lord,
A. B. Lee, J. C. Malson, G. J. Malson, Ben-
jamin :\Iartin, L Martin, H. ]\Iartin, Will-
iam McDaniel, Chris. Mayers, Charles Nel-
son, W'illiam Nesbit, J. S. Post, J. Perry-
man, S. Rice, James Rea, William Robinson,
E. Rice, J. Sheppard, Jason Sprague, R. H.
Stewart, D. G. Stephens, W. E. Lee, Daniel
Spangler, J. A. Shepley, T. Souther, J.
Saunders, James Turner, F. E. Travis, J. B.
Travis, J. D. Travis, T. D. Turney, William
Wheeler, W. R. Wheeler, Lewis Ward, B.
E. Wells, W. E. Warnick, J. W. White, B.
White, Robert Warnick, James Freeman, J.
M. Arwood, Richard Barnwell, Miles Bos-
worth, Jesse Butler, David Bailer.

Company C marched from Decatur to
Springfield about the middle of June, 1846,
where the regiment was formed. After a
time they moved to Alton, where arms were
in store which were procured by Colonel
Baker and Captain J. S. Post; Colonel J. J.
Hardin protested against this and a warfare
of words followed between him and Baker,
nearly ending in a duel. From Alton the
regiment was sent to Jefferson Barracks,
where Colonel Churchill, the commandant,
took charge, giving them thorough disci-
pline and drill.

July 20 the regiment was mustered -into
■service by Colonel Crogan, of Ft. Meigs
notoriety ; after a few days the}' embarked
for New Orleans thence to Brazos, Santiago
Bay on the Rio Grande river, where they
disembarked. They next marched up the
Rio Grande eight miles, where the first
death occurred, that of Second Sergeant
George Galbreath.

A squad of twelve Macon county men un-
der Colonel Baker were detailed to bury
the body; on their return to camp they
heard a disturbance near by on a steamboat
and on going there found that an Irish com-
pany, in a drunken melee, had driven the
Kenesaw Rangers from the boat. Colonel
Baker ordered his men on board to settle
the trouble, when a hand to hand encounter
ensued in which the Colonel and his little
band were soon overpowered. Colonel Ba-
ker received a rapier thrust. Captain Post
wounded in breast and rib broken ; Charles
Dillow, killed ; R. H. Stewart, bayonetted
in thigh, and seven others were more or less
injured. Orders were now received to move
to Matamoras on the ^lexican side; a few
days later they moved on to Camargo, where
many of the boys took sick.

Returning to Matamoras they proceeded
to \'ictoria, thence to Tampico early in
June, 1847, where preparations were made
for an attack on Vera Cruz. About the mid-
dle of February Company C assisted in the

PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.

construction of batteries and also in the
bombardment of the city, which surrendered
March 29.

General Scott's army marched from here
to the City of Mexico, meeting on the way
General Santa Anna at a mountain pass of
Cerro Gordo, where a battle ensued April
18; Company C had forty-eight men in this
engagement; two were killed and ten
wounded. J. C. Malson and George Nelson
were killed. Santa Anna came near being
captured in this battle ; in his effort to es-
cape he left $25,000 in silver and his cork
leg, in his carriage, which articles were cap-
tured by Company C.

After the battle General Scott went on
to Jalapa; Company C remained here a
month. When time of enlistment expired,
the company returned to St. Louis, reach-
ing home June i, 1847, carrying the banner
given them when they left.

But four ^lexican war \eterans are now
living in Macon county. The list is: Rob-
ert Warnick, living near Boody; Madison
Bradshaw, living near Harristown ; David
Blalock, of Mt. Zion. and Walter Elworthy,
of Decatur.

Civil War.

The Seventh Illinois Cavalry was organ-
ized at Camp Butler, Illinois, and mustered
into service October 13, 1861. Companies
A, C, I, and G were ordered to Bird's Point,
Missouri, the other eight companies arrived
December 25. In January all excepting
Companies B, C, I, and L moved to Cape
Girardeau, Missouri, Company I engaged
in scouting during the winter. At New Ma-
drid the regiment again united. They next
met at Island No. 10, from which place they
moved to Hamburg Landing in Tennessee,
thence toward Corinth, which movement in-
volved them in a battle at Tuka and at Cor-
inth October 23. 1864.

November 23 seven companies engaged
Richardson near Somerville ; December i
the Seventh was assigned to Col. Dickey's

command ; they participated in the battle
of Holly Springs, were compelled to retreat
followed by Price to Coffeeville, from west-
ern Tennessee; April 17 they started on
Grierson"s raid to Baton Rouge ; December
26 the regiment fought Forest, also had an
engagement at Aloscow, Tennessee ; went
ne.xt to Decatur, Alabama, then returned to
Nashville ; from this point to Camp Butler,
Illinois, at which place they Were mustered
out, paid and discharged November 17,
1865.

SbAENTH CA\ AI.UN ROSTER.
Company L

Colonels— \\'. P. Kellogg, Sept. 8, 1861,
resigned June i, 1862; Edward Prince, June
1. 1862, term expired Oct. 15, 1864, was lieu-
tenant colonel; John M. Graham, March i,
1865, mustered out Nov. 4, 1865, was major.

Lieutenant Colonels — W. D. Blackburn,
Feb. 10, 1863, died of wounds May 17, 1863;
George W. Trafton, March 17, 1863, dis-
missed Nov. 4, 1864; II. C. Forbes, March
I, 1865, mustered out Nov. 4, 1865, was
major.

Majors — Cyrus Hall, Sept. 21, 1861, re-
signed for promotion Feb. 9, 1862 ; James
Rawalt, Sept. 21, 1861, resigned June 10,
1862; Z. Applington, Nov. 13, 1861, killed in
battle May 15, 1862; Henry Case, Feb. i,
1862, resigned April 4, 1862; FI. C. Nelson,
.April 24, 1862, resigned June 22, 1863; A.
P. Koehler, March 15, 1862, resigned May

14, 1863; A. W. McDonald, June 22, 1863,
mustered out Nov. 4, 1865; George A. Root,
May 15, 1865, mustered out Nov. 4, 1865,
was adjutant; M. G. Wiley, May 10, 1865,
mustered out Nov. 4, 1865.

Adjutants — Henry Stockdale, Jan. 30,
1862. mustered out May 5, 1862; Allen W.
Held, May 10, 1865.

Battalion Adjutants — George Bestor, Jan.

15, 1861, mustered out in 1862; Charles
Wills, Jan. 15, 1861, mustered out in 1862.

Ouairtermasters — W. A. Dickerson, Oct.

PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.

25. 1S61. mustered out May 26, 1862; J. R.
\V. Hinchiiian. Oct. 28, 1862, mustered out
Nov., 1865.

Battalion Ouartormasters — James T.
Meyers, Dec. 26, 1862, mustered out 1862;
John W. Resor, Dec. 25, 1861. mustered out
May 26, 1S62.

Surgeons — C. D. Rankin, Oct. 28, 1861,
resigned Jan. i, 1862; Daniel Stahl, Sept.
9, 1862, discharged Sept. 9, 1864; Thomas
J. Riggs, Sept. 16, 1864, mustered out Nov.
4, 1865, was first assistant.

Firsf Assistant Surgeons — Charles H.
Novel, April 3. 1865. mustered out Nov. 4,
1865.

Second Assistant Surgeons — A. G. tjil-
bert, May 29, 1863, discharged Sept. 9, 1864;
M. W. Nesmith, April 16, 1865, mustered
out Nov. 4, 1865.

Chaplain — Sinion G. Meinor, Oct. 3, 1861,
term expired Oct. 5, 1864.

Commissaries — H. F. Barker, Oct. i, 1862,
term expired Oct. 15. 1864; Daniel F. Rob-
bins, Oct. 4, 1864. mustered out Nov. 4,
1865.

Captains — A. J. Gallagher, Aug. 19, 1861,
resigned June 20, 1862; William .\shmead,
June 20, 1862, term expired Oct. 15, 1864,
was second lieutenant ; Byron T. Tuller,
March 28, 1865, mustered out Nov. 4, 1865.

First Lieutenants — William H. Straton,
Aug. 19. 1861, term expired Oct. 15, 1865;
Horace K. Rice, March 28, 1865 : mustered
out Nov. 4, 1865.

Second Lieutenants — S. G. Washburn,
June 20, 1862, mustered out Oct., 1864; O.
L. Kendall, March 28, 1865, mustered out
Nov. 4, 1865.

First Sergeant — William F. Clark. Sept.
3, 1861, killed in action March 3, 1862.

Quartermaster Sergeant — George Flat-
tery, Sept. 3, 1861, mustered out Oct. 15,
1864, as private.

Sergeants — John W. Haworth, Sept. 3,
1861. discharged Oct. 15, 1862; Afathew
Ruby, Sept. 3, 1861, mustered out Oct. 15,

1864; (Jeorge H. Gardner, Sept. 3, 1861;
mustered out Oct. 15, 1864; S. G. Washburn,
Sept. 3, 1861, promoted to second lieutenant.
Corporals — Archibald Dickson, Sept. 3,
1861, re-enlisted as veteran; Daniel M. Dun-
bar, Sept. 3, 1861, mustered out Oct. 15.
1864; George W. Kaylor, Sept. 3, 186I;
killed in action May i, 1862; Marion Ash-
mead, Sept. 3, 1861, killed in action May 30.
1862; W. D. McComas, Sept. 3, 1861, dis-
charged Dec. I, 1862; Abner H. Jorden.
Sept. 3, 1861, killed in action June 30, 1862;
William Hilt, Sept. 3, 1861, mustered out
Sept. 8, 1864; Thaddeus P. \'arney, Sept. 3>
1861, mustered out Oct. 15, 1864, as private.
Buglers — Davis T. King, Sept. 3, 1861,
promoted chief bugler ; J. J. Strong, Sept.,
1861, promoted chief bugler.

Farrier — Argyle W. Furr, Sept. 3, 1861.
mustered out Oct. 15, 1864.

Blacksmith — George Fornof, Sept. 3,
1861, mustered out Oct. 15, 1864.

\\'agoner — William Deal, Sept. 3. 1861,
mustered out Oct. 15, 1864, as private.

Privates — John O. Adams, Sept. 3, 1861,
re-enlisted as veteran ; John Bohrer, Sept.
3, 1861, mustered out Oct. 15. 1864; C. 'SI.
Belknap, .Sept. 3, 1861, re-enlisted as veter-
an ; mustered out Nov. 4, 1865, as sergeant ;
Robert Barlett, Sept. 3, 1861 ; Luther Beals,
Sept. 3, 1861, discharged Oct. 15, 1862;
Webster Calhoun, Sept. 3, 1861, mustered
out Oct. 15, 1864; David Calhoun; Isaac P.
Cornwell, Sept. 3, 1861, re-enlisted as a vet-
eran, mustered out Nov. 4, 1865 ; George
Clark, Sept. 3, 1861 ; re-enlisted as a veteran,
mustered out Nov. 4, 1865; Charles Du-
gan, Sept. 3, 1861, re-enlisted as a veteran,
mustered out Nov. 4. 1865: William A.
Dugger, Sept. 3. 1861, mustered out Oct. 15,
1864; William H. Doner, Sept. 3, 1861, re-
enlisted as veteran; E. B. Dawson, Sept. 3,
1861, mustered out Oct. 15, 1864, as ser-
geant; George Dickson, Sept. 3, 1861, mus-
tered out Oct. 15. 1864; Walter Earles,
Sept. 3, 1861 ; George W. Fletcher, Sept. 3,

PAST Ai\D PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.

3.'

1861, discharged May 8, 1863. as corporal;
Ed. M. Gibbs, Sept. 3, 1861, mustered out
Oct. 15, 1864, as sergeant; Cliarles Goff,
Sept. 3, 1861, discharged April 4, 1862; Will-
iam Grove, Sept. 3, 1861, re-enlisted as a
veteran, mustered out Nov. 4, 1865; Henry
Grady, Sejit. 3, 1861, mustered out Oct. 15,
i8t)5; John P. Ilartman, Sept. 3, 1861, dis-
charged July. 1862; Charles P. Hopkins,
Sept. 3, i8()i : John Hayes, Sept. 3, 1861,
mustered out Oct. 15, 1864; .\lahlon Ha-
worth, Sept. 3, 1861, died at Andersonville
Aug. 10. 1864; James Hafrau, Sept. 3. i86t,
died at Andersonville July 23, 1864; James
M. Jones, Sept. 3, 1861, mustered out Oct.
15, 1864; John .S. Jones, Sept. 3, 1861, mus-
tered out Oct. 15, 1864; O. L. Kendall,
Sept. 3, 1861, re-enlisted as a veteran, was
private, sergeant and lieutenant; Henry
Knipple, Sept. 3, 1861, re-enlisted as a vet-
eran, mustered out as corporal Nov. 4, 1865 ;
James C. I-edbetter. Sept. 3, 1861, dis-
charged July, 1862; William Martin, Sept.
3, 1861, re-enlisted as a veteran, mustered
out Nov. 4, 1865; Henry Martin, Sept. 3,
1861, discharged Oct., 1862; Marion May,
Sept. 3, 1861, discharged Dec, 1862; Henry
Meyers, Sept. 3, 1861, transferred to Com-
pany M ; Samuel C. McKay, Sept. 3, 1861,
mustered out Oct. 15, 1864, as corporal;
Edward Melville, Sept. 3, 1861 ; Lawrence
Miller, Sept. 3, 1861, re-enlisted as a veter-
an, mustered out Nov. 4, 1865, as corporal ;
James McElroy, Sept. 3, 1861, died of
wounds received in camp ; J. R. McDougal,
Sept. 3, 1861, discharged April 6, 1863;
Thomas McCoy, Sept. 3, 1861 ; James Nich-
olson, Sept. 3, 1861, re-enlisted as a veteran,
mustered out Nov. 4, 1865; J. P. Nicholson,
Sept. 3, 1861, discharged May, 1862; John
Powers, Sept. 3, 1861, died of wounds Dec.
5, 1862; Michael Powers, Sept. 3, 1861, re-
enlisted as a veteran, mustered out Nov. 4,
1865: Robert S. Paine, Sept. 3, 1861, mus-
tered out Oct. 15, 1864; William Riley, Sept.
3, 1861, mustered out Oct. 15. 1864; Henry

Rul)y, Sept. 3, 1801, re-enlisted as a veteran,
nuistcred out Nov. 4, 1865, as corporal;
Horace K. Rice, Sept. 3, 1861, promoted
sergeant, then first lieutenant; M. Sullivan,
Sept. 3, 1861, mustered out Nov. 4, 1865, as
corporal; Cyrus B. Smith, Sept. 3, 1861, dis-
charged January, 1862; John A. Stookey,
Sept. 3, 1861, died Feb. 11, 1862; Charles
F. Sniythe, Sept. 3, 1861, mustered out Sept.
20. 1865; ;\lichael Sullivan, Sept. 3, 1861,
re-enlisted as a veteran; P.yron H. Tuller,
Sept. 3, 1861, promoted to captain; Pulaski
L. Temple, Sept. 3, 1861, discharged Sept.,
1862; Henry Tooter, Sept. 3, 1861, dis-
charged April 16, 1863 ; Augustus A. Taber,
.Sei)t. 3. i8()i, promoted hospital steward;
John R. Thomas, Sept. 3, 1861, mustered
out Aug. 29, 1864; John D. Vancourt, Sept.
3, 1861, discharged April 18, 1862, as cor-
poral; W. D. Weatherby, Sept. 3, i86i, dis-
charged July, 1862; Charles Williams, Sept.
3, 1861, discharged July, 1862; George W.
Wood, Sept. 3, 1861, mustered out Oct. 15,
1864; Edward S. Webb, Sept. 3, 1861, dis-
charged Sept., 1862; Charles Westfall, Sept.
3, 1861, discharged ^lay, 1862; James L.
Walters, Sept. 3, 1861, discharged March 4,
1862 ; Simon Yopes, Sept. 3, 1861, mustered
out Sept. 8, 1864.

Recruits — John H. Arbuckle, .\ug. 6,
1862, mustered out July 12, 1862; David
Adams, Dec. 22, 1863, mustered out Nov. 4,
1865: Dempsey Able, Dec. 15, 1863, mus-
tered out Nov. 4, 1865 ; William H. Ater,
Sept. 3, 1861, died Nov. 14, 1862; Jacob An-
derson, Aug. 12, 1862; Worth R. Bradley,
Feb. 2, 1864, mustered out Nov. 4, 1865 ;
D. S. Brock way, Jan. 24, 1864, mustered out
Nov. 4, 1865 ; Robert Boddy, Dec. 14, 1863,
mustered out Nov. 4, 1865; Robert Car-
mean, Dec. 14, 1863, mustered out Nov. 4,
1865; G. W. Carmean, Dec. 18, 1863, mus-
tered out Nov. 4, 1865 ; Thomas Clark, Jan.
18, 1864, mustered out Nov. 4, 1865; James
\\'. Daniels, Jan. 29, 1864, mustered out
Nov. 4> 1865, as sergeant; J. O. Dunston,

3i;

PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.

Jan. 4, i8()4, inustcrcd out Nov. 4, 1865;
John Daik-y, March 18, 1864, mustered out
Nov. 4, 1865 ; Charles Dunston, Jan. 4, 1864,
died of wounds at LaGrange, Tenn., July 14,
1864; Edward Earles, Jan. 30, 1864, mus-
tered out Nov. 4, 1865; Jerome Emerson,
Feb. 7, 1865, mustered out Nov. 4, 1865 ;
John Gregerty, Jan. 27, 1864, mustered out
Aug. 31, 1865; James A. Gibbs, Jan. 15,
1864, mustered out Nov. 4, 1864, as cor-
poral; Eugene Hall, Dec. 10, 1863, mustered
out Nov. 4, 1865 ; William Holman, Jan. 26,
1864, mustered out Nov. 4, 1865; Peter
Hoffman, Jan. 19, 1864, mustered out Nov. ■
4, 1865, as corporal; Andrew J. Holman,
Feb. 9, 1864, died at Memphis, Tenn., June
9, 1864; Taylor Lawson, Jan. 16, 1864, mus-
tered out Nov. 4, 1865; Wilson Lehn, April
16, 1864, mustered out June 5, 1865 ; Henry
Martin, Dec. 15, 1863, mustered out Nov.
4, 1865 ; John R. McDougal, Jan. 4, 1864,
mustered out Nov. 4, 1865; Martin McCune,
Dec. 19, 1863, mustered out Nov. 4, 1865;
Theodore 'May, Dec. 19, 1863, mustered out
Nov. 4, 1865 ; Robert Pate, April 7, 1864,
mustered out Nov. 4, 1865 ; Horace S. Ruby,
Jan. 30, 1864, mustered out Nov. 4, 1865 ;
John T. Rea, Jan. i, 1864; mustered out
Nov. 4, 1865; Elhannan Reed, April i, 1864,
mustered out Nov. 4, 1865 ; James A. Reedy,
Jan. 26, 1864; William F. Scott, Dec. 31,

1863, mustered out Nov. 4, 1865, as corporal ;
A. T. Shinneman, Feb. 13, 1864, mustered
out Nov. 4, 1865; H. L. Stookey, Jan. 30,

1864, mustered out Nov. 4, 1865; William
Smith, Dec. 11, 1863, sick, absent at mus-
tering out of regiment ; William C. Stewart,
March 20, 1864, sick, absent at mustering
out of regiment ; James Wood, April 16,
1864; Charles Williams, Jan. 25, 1864, vet-
eran, mustered out Nov. 11, 1865; Philip
Webber, Feb. i, 1864; George W. Wood,
Feb. 9, 1865, mustered out Oct. 19, 1865;
George Young, March 24, 1864, mustered
out Nov. 4, 1865.

Unassigned Recruits — James Dorris, Jan.

26, 1864; James Daniels, l'"eb. 12, 1864;
Charles ^V. Earles, April 7, 1864, rejected;
^Monzo M. Glove, Jan. 27, 1864, discharged
May 10, 1864; Forest Saunders, Jan. 25,
1864, discharged July 2, 1864; William F.
Scott, Dec. 21, 1863; William H. Wilson,
March 9, 1865, discharged July 11, 1865;
A\'illiain D. White, Alarch 7, 1865.

EIGHTH ILLINOIS INFANTRY.

The Eighth Illinois Infantry was organ-
ized April 25, 1861, for three months' serv-
ice ; Colonel R. J. Oglesby in command, was
stationed at Cairo until mustered out at
close of term. They immediately reorgan-
ized for three years' service, then moved to
Bird's Point, ^lissouri. They embarked
February 2, 1862, for Tennessee, where they
were in the engagements of Ft. Henry and
Ft. Donelson. A heavy loss was sustained
and Major John P. Post was taken prisoner.

They next engaged in the battle of Shiloh
also at the siege of Corinth, where Colonel
R. J. Oglesby was dangerously wounded.
There was also an encounter at Raymond,
after which the regiment was sent to Camp
Butler on a veteran furlough ; this was in
1864. Later they were in western Tennes-
see, Mississippi and Louisiana. They were
mustered otit at Baton Rouge ^lay 4, 1866;
ordered to Springfield for final payment and
discharge, which took place May 4, 1866.

Roster Eighth Illinois Infantry.
For Three Months.

Colonel — R. J. Oglesby, May 3, 1861, re-
enlisted for three years.

Lieutenant Colonel — Frank L. Rhodes,
May 3, 1861, re-enlisted for three years.

Majors — John P. Post, May 3, 1861, re-
enlisted for three years; Herman Leib, Oct.
7, 1862, promoted colonel Ninth Infantry
(colored).

Captain, Company A — I. C. Pugh, .April
23, 1861, re-enlisted for three years, colonel
Fortv-first Regiment.

PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.

First Lieutenant — G. M. Bruce, April 23,
1861, re-enlisted for three years.

Second Lieutenant — L X. .Martin, .\pril
23, 1861.

Captain, Company B — IL P. Westerfield,
April 30, 1861 ; John P. Post.

First Lieuteant — John 'SI. Lowery, April
25, 1861, resigned Sept. 3, 1862.

Second Lieutenant — Thomas Goodman,
April 25. 1861. resigned July 25, 1861.

Roster Eighth Illinois Infantry,
For Three Years.

Colonels — R. J. Oglesby, April 26, 1861,
promoted brigadier general .\pril i, 1862,
to major general Nov. 9, 1862 ; F. L. Rhodes,
.April I, 1862, resigned Oct. 7, 1862; John
P. Post, Oct. 7, 1862, resigned Sept. 28,
1863; Josiah A. Shictz, Sept. 23, 1863, pro-
moted brevet brigadier general Nov. 25,
1865, resigned Feb. 9, 1866; Loyd Wheaton,
Feb. 9, 1864, mustered out May 4, 1866.

Lieutenant Colonels — R. TI. Sturges, Oct.
7. 1862, resigned July 25, 1863; Noah Denni-
son, Nov. 8, 1862, mustered out May 4, 1866.

Majors — Herman Lieb, Oct. 7, 1862, pro-
moted colonel of Ninth Louisiana (colored) ;
Daniel Sayers, March 8, 1862, mustered out
June 25, 1866.

.Adjutants— W. C. Clark, Jan. 25, 1861,
resigned June 25, 1862; B. F. Monroe, June
25. 1862, promoted Captain Company I ;
Fred A. King, July 25, 1864, resigned Oct.
9. 1864; William W. Carver, Oct. 9, 1864;
Leander A. Sheets, Nov. 25, 1865 ; mus-
tered out ]\[ay 4, 1866.

Quartermasters — Samuel Rhodes, Jan.
25, 1861, resigned Dec. 9, 1861 ; H. N. Pearse,
Dec. 10, 1861, resigned Aug. i, 1863; R. T.
Mercer, .Aug. i, 1863. mustered out May 4.
1866.

Surgeons — S. T. Trowbridge, .April 25,
1861, mustered out July 27, 1864; C. N. Den-
nison, Julv 27, 1864. mustered out May 4,
1866.

First Assistant .'burgeons — John M.

Phipi», .April 25, 1861, resigned Feb. 16,
1863; W. F. Buck, Nov. 28, 1863, mustered
out May 4, 1866.

Second .Assistant Surgeons — C. M.
-Spaulding, May 27, 1865, mustered out May
4, 1866.

Chaplain — Samuel Day, Jan. 28, 1864,
mustered out Jan. 29, 1865.

Captains — G. M. Price, July 25, 1861, re-
signed Feb. 5. 1862: Frank Leeper, Feb. 5,
1862; killed in battle, was first lieutenant;
George S. Durfee, May 14, 1863, mustered
out May 4, 1866, was first lieutenant.

First Lieutenants — W. J. Taylor, Feb. 5,
1862, resigned Jan. 28, 1863; \V. A. Albert,
May 14, 1863. term expired Jan. 27, 1864;
Samuel Nicholson, Jan. 27, 1864, mustered
out May 4, 1866.

Second Lieutenants — J. D. Rcavis, Jan.
28, 1864, mustered out May 4, 1866.

Sergeants— Benjamin F. Monroe, July 25,
1861, promoted second lieutenant; D. W.
Grcenwalt, July 25, 1861, died at Birds'
Point, Missouri, Nov. i, 1861..

Corporals — Juan Dinibar, July 25, 1861,
re-enlisted as veteran, promoted, mustered
out May 4, 1866; Michael Mathews, July
25, 1861, killed at Ft. Donclson Feb. 15,
1862; William M. Bullard, July 25, 1861,
died at Cincinnati, Ohio, .March 4, 1862, of
wounds received at Ft. Donelson ; Robert
.A. Florey, July 25, 1861, discharged July 24,
1864; Charles Henderson, July 25, 1861,
died IMarch 12, 1862, of wounds; George S.
Leach, July 25, 1861, killed at Ft. Donelson
Feb. 15, 1862; John B. Lowell, July 25,
1861, died at Bird's Point, Missouri, Nov. i,
1861 ; Marcellus Warner. July 25, 1861,
killed at Raymond, Mississippi, May 12,
1863.

Privates — Abijah J. Baker, July 25, 1861,
l)romoted sergeant, died of wounds received
at Vicksburg June 4, 1863; G. D. Bashford,
July 25, 1861, promoted sergeant; John H.
Bacon, July 25, 1861, mustered out May 24,
t866; Henry Cochrane, July 25, 1861, killed

TAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.

at Shiloh April 6, 1862; Alvin E. Cook,
July 25, 1861, re-enlisted as veteran; James
W. Dunn, July 25, 1861, mustered out July
30, 1864; William Dcnniston, July 25, 1861,
killed at Shiloh April 6, 1862; Joseph S.
Dudley, Jul)- 25, 1861, promoted corporal,
mustered out May 4, 1866; .'\ndrew J. Flo-
rey, July 25, 1861, discharged Aug. 15, 1862,
wounded ; Joseph Pouch, July 25. 1861, pro-
moted sergeant, discharged July 10, 1865.-
wounded; B. F. Greer, July 25, 1861, re-
enlisted ; A. H. Hugart, July 25, 1861 ; pro-
moted corporal, mustered out May 4, 1866;
L. Helm, July 25, 1861, promoted sergeant,
discharged Jan. 2'j, 1866; Joseph Hess, July
25, 1861, discharged June 22, 1862, wounded
at Ft. Donelson : James Hudson, July 25,
1861, killed at Raymond, Miss., May 12,
1863 ; Robert Idell, July 25, 1861, mustered
out JMay 4, 1866; W. J. Jefferson. July 25,
1861, killed at Ft. Donelson Feb. 15, 1862;
George W. James, July 25, 1861, promoted
corporal, killed at Champion Hill May 16,
1863; Andrew Jones, July 25, 1861, killed
at Ft. Donelson Feb. 15, 1862; M. C. Living-
ston, July 25, 1861, mustered out July 30,
1864; James Leach, July 25, 1861, mustered
out July 30, 1864 ; James H. Leland, July
25, 1861 ; T. J. :\Iuirhead, July 25, 1861, killed
at Shiloh April 4, 1862; J. C. McDaniels,
July 25, 1861 ; Ellis :Maskell, July 25, 1861,
mustered out May 28, 1866; Abel O'Neil,
July 25, 1861, discharged April i, 1865, dis-
abilitjs George S. Pope, July 25, 1861, killed
at Shiloh .'\pril 6, 1862; James W. Reavis,
July 25, 1861, promoted second lieutenant;
Joseph H. Rock. July 25. 1861, mustered
out May 4, 1866; H. C. Shively, July 25,
1861, mustered out July 30, 1864; Joseph
W. Smith, July 25, 1861, mustered out July
30. 1864; H. Whitbeck, July 25. 1861. killed
at Ft. Donelson Feb. 15, 1862.

Recruits — William A. Albert. Aug. 15.
1861, promoted lieutenant; Joseph Ault.
Dec. II, 1863, promoted sergeant, mustered
out May 4, 1866; J. A. Bradbury, Aug. 15,

1861,. promoted sergeant, killed at Shiloh
April 6, 1862; Robert W. Craine, Aug. 5,
1861, discharged Dec. 27, 1861 ; James Chaf-
fin, Aug. 5, 1861, re-enlisted as veteran; W.
C. Dunnivan, .\iig. 15, 1861, promoted, dis-
charged Aug. 15, 1862, of wounds received
at Ft. Donelson ; George S. Durfee, Aug. 15,
1861, promoted; John F. Greer, Aug. 10,
1861, killed at Raymond, Miss., ]May 12,
1863: John A. Harvey, Aug. 10, 1861, re-
enlisted as veteran, mustered out May 15,
18G6; Irwin Helpman, Aug. 15, 1861, re-
enlisted as veteran; Ernest Holtz, Aug. 15,
1861, discharged July 22, 1862, of wounds
at Ft. Donelson ; William Hatchett, Aug.
15, 1861, discharged Aug. 14, 1864; James
Haggard, Aug. 16, 1861, died at Decatur,
111., April II, 1862; B. F. James, Aug. 15,
1861, killed at Ft. Donelson Feb. 15, 1862;
J. H. Kunkleman, Aug. 10, 1861, re-enlisted
as veteran ; \Mlliam W. Estes, Aug. 5, 1861,
died April 20, 1862, of wounds ; Nathaniel
Harris, Sept. i, 1861, discharged April 22,
1862: Lander Hughart, Dec. 30, 1863, mus-
tered out May 4, 1866; Patrick McArty,
Aug. 5, 1 861, died at Carthage, La., of
wounds received on steamer Moderator ;
Peter ]\Ia.sh, Dec. 15, 1861, mustered out
May, 1866; Charles W. ?kIosher, mustered
out ;\Iay 4, 1866; W. A. McKinley, Aug. 10,
1861, died at ^lempliis, Tenn.. March 10,
1863; John H. Norris, Aug. 5, 1861, dis-
charged Feb. 19, 1863; Samuel Nicholson,
Aug. 5, 1861, promoted second lieutenant
July I, 1863; J. R. Nicholson, Aug. 15, 1861,
mustered out May 4, 1866; J. Nicholson,
Aug. 15, 1861, discharged Aug. 14, 1864,
term expired; R. T. Paine, Aug. 5, 1861,
transferred to Ninth Regiment Louisiana
Infantry, May 5, 1863; Irwin Pearce, Aug.
25, 1861, discharged Dec. 25, 1861 ; William
F. Pope, Jan. i, 1862, promoted captain, dis-
charged Oct. 31, 1865, for disability; John
W. Rector, Dec. 15, 1862, died in hospital
at \'icksburg July 2, 1863, of sickness; W.
B. Stevenson, Aug. 2, 1861, transferred, dis-

PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.

charged Feb. 2, 1866, of wounds at Jackson,
Miss.; George W. Squire, Aug. 15, 1861,
died at Memphis, Tenn., Sept. 9, 1863;
James F. Steel, Aug. 15, 1861, discharged
Aug. 14, 1864, term expired.

Drafts and I'lecruits — J. B. Bosworth,
Sept. 26, 1864, mustered out Sept. 26, 1865.

Company B.

Captains — H. Lcib, Jan. J5, 1801, pro-
moted major; Peter Schlosser, Oct. 7, 1862,
term expired Jan. 27, 1864; H. A. Miller,
Jan. 28, 1864, mustered out I\Iay 4, 1866.

First Lieutenants — B. Zick, Oct. 7, 1862,
term expired Jan. 28, 1864; Thomas McGur-
ra)', Jan. 28, 1864, mustered out May, 1866.

Second Lieutenants— H. J. Marsh, Jan.
25, 1861, killed at Ft. Donelson, Feb. 16,
1862; John Colmer, Oct. 7, 1862, term ex-
pired July 28, 1864.

First Sergeant — H. C. Oglesby, July 25,
1861, reduced to rank Sept. 15. 1863, then
retired from service.

Sergeants — B. F. Snow, July 25. 1861,
discharged Sept. 22, 1862, for wounds re-
ceived at Ft. Donelson ; W. F. Gardenhire,
July 25. 1S61, discharged May 2, 1862, dis-
abled: Charles Albert, July 25. i8fii. mus-
tered out July 30, 1864.

Corporals — John Colmer, July 25. 1861,
promoted second lieutenant ; C. 1'. .\. ( Jod-
dard. July 25. 1861, died Oct. i. 1863;
Charles Fechner. July 25, 1861, killed at
Shiloh April 6, 1862: John Smith. July 25.
1861, nuistercd out July 30. 1864; Thomas
Scanllin. July 25, 1861, transferred to non-
commissioned staff as commissary sergeant;
Charles W. Leies, July 25, 1861. reduced to
rank Dec. 6, 1861.

Privates— W. H. Athons, July 25, 1861;
George .Vlbin, July 25, 1861, died April 8,
1864, of wounds received at Raymond,
Miss.; James IT. Bech, July 25, 1861, dis-
charged Sept. 8, 1862, for wounds at Ft.
Donelson; F. Batim, July 25, 1861. mus-
tered out July 30. 1864; J. G. Baslcr, July 25,

1801, mustered out July 20. 1864; \\'illiam
Becher, July 25, 1861, died at \^ick^burg
June 30, 1863; John I^runer. July 25, 1861,
died May 2^. 1863, of wounds received at
Champion Hill: D. M. Berlin, Jidy 25, 1861,
mustered out July i, 1865; J. D. Rruner,
July 25. 1861, transferred to Company C;
Jacob Baner, July 25, 1861, mustered out
July 30. 1864: W. r.reitsprecher, July 25,
1861, mustered out July 30, 1864; John Cul-
ligan, July 25, 1861, mustered out July 30,
1864; S. B. Cunningham, July 25, 1861 ;
John E. Campbell, July 25, 1861, mustered
out May, 1864; F. Durant, July 25, 1861,
accidentally killed May 25, 1862; Charles
Dutcher, July 25, i86r, discharged Oct. 14,
t86i ; .-Xmos Dunham, July 25, 1861, killed
at I't. Donelson Feb. 15, 1862; J. C. Fver-
nian, July 25, 1861, mustered out Aug. 6,
1864: Joseph Elliot, July 25. 1861, died at
Cairo, Illinois; Jasper Flora, July 25. 1861,
discharged July 25, 1862, order of Grant ;
J. M. Gardenhire, July 25, 1861, discharged
May 2, 1862, order of Grant : August Gemer,
July 25, 1861, died .^ug. 14. 1861', August
Genert. July 25, 1861 ; N. Geswinder, July
25, 1861, mustered out ^farch 21, 1866;
George Gardenhire. July 25. 1861, killed at
Ft. Donel.son Feb. 15, 1862 ; J. A. Humphrey,
July 25. 1861. retired Oct. 29, 1863; Joshua
Jameson, July 25. 1861, absent at muster-
ing out; Moses Johnson, July 25, 1861, dis-
charged Oct. 14, 1861 ; Charles Krebs, July
2e,. 1861, discharged July 24, 1862, wounded
at Donelson and Shiloh ; Jacob Keller, July
25, 1861. killed at Ft. Donelson Feb. 15.
1862; John Kellcy, July 25. 1861, murdered,
Xorf'ilk. Mo., Sept. 17, 1S61 ; James Lynch,
July 25, 1861, mustered out July 30, 1864;
William Leeper, July 25, 1861, transferred
to N. C. S. as Mu.s. ; F.'c. Miller. July 25.
1861, killed at Ft. Donelson Feb. 15, 1862;
H. .'\. Miller. July 25, 1861, promoted cap-
tain July 14, 1864; H. Manchon. July 25,
1861, discharged July 10. 1863. disabled;
Peter O'Brien, July 25. 1861 ; John O'Neil,

PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.

July 25, 1861, discharged July 25, 1864;
term expired; John \V. Priest, July 25, 1861,
killed at Ft. Donelson Feb. 15, 1862; Frank
Peters, July 25, 1861, mustered out May 4,
1864; John Robinet, July 25, 1861, mus-
tered out May 4, 1864; George W. Rouse,
July 25, 1861 ; M. N. Rust, July 25, 1861,
transferred to Twelfth Illinois Infantry ; H.
Schnerderyan, July 25, 1861, veteran, mus-
tered out May 4, 1866; John M. Switzer,
July 25, 1861, promoted sergeant; Button
Staines, July 25, 1861, promoted corporal,
discharged Sept. 24, 1862; E. O. Steward,
July 25, 1861, discharged Oct. 14, 1861 ; John
C. Seiter, July 25, 1861, mustered out May
4. 1866; V. G. Tanse)^ July 25, 1861, dis-
charged Oct. 14, 1861 ; H. Wardner, July
25, 1861, transferred to Inv. Corps Sept. 15,
1862; J. Warren, July 25, 1861, discharged
Nov. 8, 1863, wounds at \"icksburg; Andrew
Wills, July 25, 1861, discharged Feb. 17,
1862, wounds at Ft. Donelson.

Recruits, Drafts and Substitutes — Jo-
sephus Athons, April 5, 1864. promoted cor-
poral, mustered out ^[ay 4, 1866; Antoine
Andrish, Aug. 17, 1861, killed at Shiloh
April 6, 1862; Peter Baker, Aug. 17, 1861,
discharged Sept. 9, 1862, wounds at Shiloh :
Henry Brown, Aug. 29, 1861, discharged
Dec. 5, 1862, wounds at Shiloh ; Dayton
Dunham, Aug. 16, 1861, discharged April 11,
1862, wounds at Ft. Donelson ; John Denz,
Aug. 29, 1861, mustered out May 4, 1865;
Peter Frank, Sept. 7, 1861 ; August Fluke,
Aug. 29, 1862, discharged Oct. 11, 1863;
Jacob Grosh, Aug. 17, 1861, mustered out
Sept. 5, 1864; Jacob Gross, Aug. 22, 1861 ;
Hugo Gunter, Nov. 27. 1861, mustered out
March 2, 1866; John J. Grob, Jan. 5, 1864,
mustered out May, 1866; Isaac Hatchly,
Nov. 26, 1861, discharged May i, 1862,
wounds at Shiloh ; John D. Hawley, Sept.
9, 1861 ; R. F. Jones, mustered out May 14.
1866; M. Kepler, Sept, 7, 1861, discharged
Dec, 15, 1862, wounds at Shiloh; Jacob
Lehman, Aug, 8, 1861, discharged Aug, 7,

1864; August Langheld, Aug. 5, 1861, dis-
charged Aug. 8, 1863, wounds at Raymond,
Miss.; Robert Lynn, Aug. 29, 1861, died
Oct. 30, 1861 ; Charles Lentz, veteran, killed
at Jackson, Miss., July 7, 1864; Jacob Lan-
kerman, Jan. i, 1862, mustered out May 4,
1866; William Mossman.Dec. 18, 1863, mus-
tered out May 4, 1866; John S. Magee, April
28, 1864, mustered out May 4, 1866; John
Mathys, April 16, 1864, mustered out May
4, 1866; Thomas McGorr\-, Dec. i, 1861,
promoted first lieutenant ; J. H. O'Conner,
Aug. 13, 1861 ; Thomas Preston, Aug. 23,
1861, discharged Oct. 15, 1863, wounds at
Vicksburg; Frank Pfeift'er, April 15, 1864,
mustered out July i, 1865; Leonard Reister,
Sept. 2, 1861 ; Michael Walker, Aug. 13,
1861, mustered out May 4, 1866; Charles
Webber, Sept. 28, 1861, killed at Charles-
ton, Mo., Oct. 16, 1861 ; John Zimm, April
28, 1864, mustered out ilay 4, 1866.

TWENTY-FIRST ILLINOIS REGULAR
INFANTRY.

The Twenty-first Illinois Regular Infan-
tr)^ was mustered into service in June, 1861,
U. S. Grant in command. Went to fronton,
]\[o., then in battle at Perrysville and Chap-
lin Hill, skirmish at Knob Gap. Engaged
in battle near ^Murfreesboro, Tenn., with
Gen. Rosecrans" army ; next went to Chat-
tanooga. Engaged in skirmish at Liberty
Gap, June 25. 1863 ; in battle at Chicka-
mauga Sept. 19, 1863. Then tarried three
months at Bridgeport, Ala., mustered out
Dec. 16, 1865, at San Antonio, Tex. Ar-
rived at Camp Butler Jan. 18, 1866, for dis-
charge.

Roster Twenty-first Infantry.

Colonels — U. S, Grant, June 16, 1861, pro-
moted brigadier general Aug, 5, 1861, major
general Feb. 16, 1862 ; J. W. Alexander,
Aug. 23, 1861, killed in battle Sept. 20, 1862;
James E. Calloway, May 11, 1865, mustered
out Dec. 16, 1865 ; William H. Jamison,
July 13, 1865, mustered out Dec. 16, 1865.

PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.

Lieutenant Colonels — George \V. Peck,
Sept. 2, 1861, discharged Sept. 19, 1862, ill
health: W. E. McMaken, Sept. 19. 1862,
term expired Xo\-. 16, 18(14.

Major — John L. \\ il,>iun, Jinu- 2, 1865,
mustered out Dec. 16, 1865.

Adjutants — Charles B. Steele, Sept. 6,

1861. resigned July, 1864; J. R. Duncan,
JuU 20, 1864, promoted captain, mustered
out IJec. 16, 1865; John A. Pierce. Aug. 21,
1865; nnistered out Dec. 16, 1865.

Quartermasters — John E. Jones, May 15,
1863. mustered out Aug. 18. 1864; Simeon
I'atldleford. Aug. 18, 1864, mustered out
Dec. 16, 1865.

Surgeons — Eden M. Scelej-, Aug. 21, 1862,
resigned May 21, 1864; James J. Reat, May
21. 1864, mustered out Dec. 26, 1865.

Chaplain— E. D. Wilkins. Oct. 12. i8r,i.
resigned July 9. 1864.

Company A.

Captains — S. S. (loodc. .May 7, 1861. slate
service Tenth Regiment ; George H. Dun-
ning. May 17, 1861, resigned Oct. 24, 1862:
George F. Eaton, Oct. 24, 1862, mustered
out July 5, 1864.

l-"irst Lieutcna,nt — E. D. Coxe, Oct. 24,

1862, mustered out July 5. 1864; B. F. Os-
borne, July 5, 1864; J. R. Shepard, Aug. 21.
1865. mustered out Dec. 16. 1865.

Second Lieutenant — J. L. Bowman. May
7. 1861, resigned April 14, 1862: Josejjh C.
Alvord. Oct. 24, 1862, killed in battle Dec.
31, 1S62: Thomas Gross, June i, 1863, re-
signed May 12, 1865; Alvin Calmus, Dec.
16, 1865, mustered out Dec. 16, 1865.

First Sergeant — Edward D. Coxe, June
15, 1861, promoted first lieutenant.

Second Sergeant — Charles Disbrow. June
15, 1861. Discharged Aug. 10, 1862; disa-
bility.

Corporals — Elijah Smith. June 15, 1861.
killed at Stone River. Dec. 30, 1862 ; William
1\. Wheeler, June 15. 1861. discharged Sept.
I, 1863: Benjamin F. Osborne. June 15,

i8()i, re-enlisted as veteran, promoted first
lieutenant; Joseph Wagoner, June 15, i86r,
discharged April 23, 1863; G. W. Stephens,
June 15, 1861, re-enlisted as veteran, mus-
tered out Dec. 16, 1865.

Musician — J. D. L. Meeks, June 15, 1861,
mustered out Jul}- 5, 1864.

Wagoner — John Hanks, Jmie 15, 1861,
nuistered out July 5. 1864.

Privates — Joseph Barber, June 2^, 1861,
re-enlisted as veteran, mustered out Dec.
I'), 1865; James T. l>aker, June 15, 1861,
discharged Sept. 15, 1862; Mugh Bacon,
June 15, 1861, killed Stone River, Dec. 31,
1862; Philii) Blo.-^, June 15. 1861, died. An-
dersonville, June 15. 18O4; Jacob Conouft",
June 15. 1861, killed. Stone River, Dec. 30,
1862: William II. Clepson. June 15. 1861,
re-enlisted as veteran, mustered out July 13,
1865, ]3risoner of war; James Clark, June
21 , 1861, re-enlisted as veteran, transferred
to engineering corps .\ug. 2. 1864; Henry
Cruise, June 21, 1861. discharged Aug. 10,
1862; l)a\id Crawford. July 26. 1861. re-
enlisted as veteran, mustered out July 13,
1865. prisoner of war; Frank Ernest, July
13. 1861, discharged Aug. 10, 1862, disabil-
ity; F. H. Fanuuer. June 15, 1861, died at
.\ndersonville June 20. 1864; H. F. Fletcher,
June 15, 1861, nnistered out July 5, 1864;
Daniel I-'oiey. June 15, iSCii, killed at Chicka-
mauga Sept. 19. 1863; Joseph E. Hobson,
June 15, 1861, mustered cml July 5, 1864;
Jasi)iT H. Hixson, June 13. 1861, discharged
March 11, 1864, disabled; William II. Hig-
gins, June 24, 1861, killed at Stone River,
Dec. 30, 1862; Orlando Hogan, June 24,

1861. mustered out Aug. 16, 1864; William
Johnson, June 25, 1861, discharged Oct. 7.
1861 ; Thomas E. Jefferson. June 25, iS^i,
mustered out July 5. 1864; James B. Ken-
nedy. June 25, 1861. discharged Sept. 9,

1862, wounds; John B. Lambacli, June 25,
1861, transferred to Inv. Corps Aug. 5, 1864;
Jolin Leigh, June 24, 1861, mustered out
July 3. 1864; William Mcl'horson. June 15,

PAST AND PRESENT OP MACON COUNTY.

]86i; John IMcAvoj-, June 15, 1861, re-en-
listed as veteran, mustered out July 13,
1865, prisoner of war; Abraham McKitrick,
June 2;^, 1861, discharged April 30, 1862,
disability; William McGrath, June 15. 1861,
discharged Oct. 7, 1861 ; H. B. F. Martin,
June 15, 1861, re-enlisted as veteran, died
Oct. 30, 1864; L. D. ^lorgan, June 2t„ 1861,.
mustered out July 5, 1864: C. M. Pope,
June 15, 1861, mustered out "ul}- 5, 1864;
William PL Ross, June 25, 1 .61, mustered
out July 5, 1864; C. Rosenbarger, June 15,
i86r, mustered out July 5, 1864, as corporal;
Daniel Shutter, June 23, 1861 ; Peter Shelt,
June 15, 1861, re-enlisted as veteran, mus-
tered out Dec. 16, 1865 ; George S. Stuart,
June 15, 1861, died at x^nnapolis, Md., Nov.,
1864; Harvey C. Stuart, June 15, 1861, re-
enlisted as veteran, mustered out Dec. 16,
1865; Edward Stockton, June 15, 1861 ;
Joseph Shepard, June 15, 1861, nothing
known; John Smith, June 15, 1861,
mustered out July 5, 1864; John Street, June

15, 1861, re-enlisted as vet jran, mustered
out Dec. 16, 1865, as corporal ; Patrick Shan-
non, June 15, 1861, discharged to re-enlist
in 15th U. S. Infantry, Dec. 24, 1862; James
Shepherd, June 22, 1861, re-enlisted as vet-
eran, promoted to first lieutenant ; William
H. Stewart, June 23, 1861, mustered out
Dec. 16, 1865; Martin Tibbett, June 15, 1861,
mustered out June 30, 1864; John Thute,
June 21, 1861, re-enlisted as veteran, mus-
tered out Dec. 16, 1865; John L. Whitten,
June 15, 1861, discharged Aug. 18, 1863,
disability; Benjamin F. Witts, June 22,
1861, died Jan. 7, 1863, wounds ; William H.
Witts, June 24, 1861, mustered out July 7,
1864; Rudolph Zorger, June 22, 1861, died
Jan. 7, 1863, wounds; George W^. Stephens,
re-enlisted as veteran, mustered out Dec.

16, 1865.

Recruits — John Cram, Oct. 12, 1861, died
Nov. ID, 1862; John Eckart, Jan. 22, 1862,
mustered out Jan. 28, 1865; Martin Fitz-
])atrick, Oct., 1861, mustered out Feb. 2,

1865; Taylor Florey, Oct. 12, 1861. mus-
tered out April 27, i'865 ; Albert Fovvkes,
Oct. 12, 1861; Silas W. West, Aug. 13,
1861, died Feb. I, 1862, disability.

Company K.

Captains — A. AL Peterson, May 16, 1861,
resigned Nov. 21, 1862; John L. Wilson,
Nov. 21, 1862, promoted to major; Sydney
B. Wade, July 18, 1865, mustered out Dec.
16, 1865.

Second Lieutenant — John F. W^eitzel,
Jan. 31, 1863, killed at Chickamauga Sept.
19, 1863.

Privates — Patrick S. Curtis, June 14,
1861 ; George i\L Short, June 24, 1861, died
March 25, 1863, of wounds.

Unassigned — John Barrett, Dec. 19, 1863.

THIRTY FIFTH ILLINOIS
IIv PANTRY.
The Thirty-fiith Illinois Infantry was
organized in Decitur July 3, 1861, and ac-
cepted by the secretary of war on the 23d
of the month, with G. A. Smith as colonel.
The regiment left Decatur Aug. 4, arriving
at Jefiferson Barr;'cks on the 5th ; thence
to Marine Hospital at St. Louis; next to
JefYerson City, Mu., to Otterville and Se-
dalia, where it joined General Siegel's ad-
vance on Springfield, reaching that place on
the 26th, then to Rollo, returning to Spring-
field, Feb. 13, 1862. Col. G. A. Smith was
badly wounded in an engagement at Pea
Ridge. This regiment took part at Rocky-
ford Ridge, Resaca, Dallas, Mud Creek,
Kenesaw, Perryville Stone River and Chick-
amauga ; was mustored out at Springfield,
111., Sept. 27, 1864.

Roster of Thiity-fifth Regiment.
Colonels — G. A. Smith, July 2, 1861, pro-
moted brigadier general Sept. 39, 1862, dis-
charged Sept. 22, 1863; W. B. Chandler,
Sept. 22, 1863, term expired Sept. 27, 1864,
was lieutenant colonel.

PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.

Major — John Mclhvaiii, Jul)- 3, 1861,
killed at Kcncsaw June 22, 1864.

Atljutants — \\'. J. Usrey, Sept. i, 1861, re-
signed April 15, 1862; Uriah Fox, April 15,
1862. resigned Nov. 17, 1863; Samuel W.
r.ird, Now 17, 1863, term expired Sept. 27,
1864.

yuartermaster — John M. Miles, July 3,
1861, term expired Sept. 27, 1864.

Surgeon.s — W. J. Chenoweth, Sept. 25,

1861, resigned Dec. 14, 1862; S. B. Hawley,
Dec. 9, 1862, term expired Sept. 27, 1864.

First Assistant Surgeon — D. C. Tidball,
Sept. 25, 1861, term expired Sept. 27, 1864.

Second Assistant Surgeon — Johnathan
^^'ylie, Dec. 8, 1862, term expired Sept. 27,
1864.

Chaplains — P. D. Hammond, July 3, 1861,
resigned 'May, 1862; R. E. Harris, i\Iay 12,

1862, left at Florence, Ala., Aug. 18, 1862.

Non-Commissioned Staff.

Sergeant Major — George B. Peake, July
3, 1861, promoted second lieutenant, then
captani of Company A.

Hospital Steward — Joseph T. DeWatney,
July 3. 1861, reduced and retired to Com-
pany A.

Musicians — Newlin B. Davis, July 3,
1861; Archibald Monroe, July 3, 1861, pro-
moted to prin. musician.

Second Class Musicians — Joseph Rick-
etts, July 3, I861.

Company A.

Captains — B. M. Tables, July 3, 1861, re-
signed Dec. 20, 1861 ; Pierre W. Thomas,
Dec. 25, 1861, resigned Jan. 31, 1864; George
B. Peake, Jan. 31, 1864, mustered out Sept.
27, 1864.

First Lieutenant — George F. Deitz, Dec.
25, 1861, died July 8, 1863; John W. Peed,
Jan. 31, 1864, term expired Sept. 27, 1864.

Second Lieutenant — James Shoaf, July
3, 1861, resigned Feb. 3, 1862.

Privates — Augusta Glotz, July 3. 1861,
discharged Aug. 9, 1862, wounds; Conover

Hatfield. July 3. 1861, discharged Dec. 12,
1861, disal^iliiy ; William C. Stewart, dis-
charged June 15, 1862, disability; Andrew
Stewart, July 3, )86i, mustered out Sept.
22. i8()4, wounded; Jos^-ph .McMullen, July
3, i8()i ; John 1). .Mc l'";i(l(len, July 3, 1861;
John 1 lager, July 3, 1861 ; Curtis Austin,
July 3, 1861, transferred to 59th Regiment;
Frank Rea, July 3, iSji.

Company F.
N. L. F. Monroe, July 3, 1861, discharged
March 24, 1863, disability.

FORTY-FIRST ILLINOIS INFANTRY,
ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS.
The Forty-first Infantry, Illinois Volun-
teers, was organized in Decatur, Illinois,
in August, 1861, by Col. Isaac C. Pugh.
The regiment went to St. Louis, Aug. 7,
Bird's Point, Mo., on the 29th ; was assigned
to the command of General Prentiss Sept.
8, moved to Paducah, Ky., where it was as-
signed to Gen. B. F Smith; Feb. 5, 1862,
the regiment went to Ft. Henry, on the nth
to Ft. Donelson, was engaged in the siege
on the 13th, 14th and 15th under Colonel
Mc.\rthur. Reached Pittsburg Landing on
tlic i6th; engaged mi battle of Shiloh April
6 and 7, 1862, also sk'ge of Corinth, arriving
at Mcmpliis July ir, staying here until Sept.
6, then to Bolivar, to LaGrange, Nov. 3, to
Memphis, Tenn., March 10, 1863, next to
Henando, Miss., had an engagement at Cold-
water, thence retired to Memphis; moved
to Vicksburg May 12; finally consolidated
with Fifty-third Regiment.

Roster Forty first Illinois Infantry.
.Adjutants — B. G. Pugh, Dec. 12, 1861, re-
Colonel— I. C. Pugh, July 27, 1861, mus-
tered out Aug. ;:o, 1864.

Lieutenant Colonels — Ansel Tupper, July
27, 1861, killed at Pittsburg Landing .April
6, 1862; John Warner, April 8, 1862, dis-
charged Nov. 26, 1862; John H. Nale, mus-
tered out .\ug. 2, 1864.

PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.

Majors — F. M. Long, kilk-d in action July
12, 1863; R. H. McFaddcn, Irausfcrred to
field staff as consolidated.

Adjutants — B. G. I'ugh. Dec. 12, 1861, re-
signed June 9, 1862; William (lillespie, mus-
tered out Aug. 20, 1864.

Quartermasters — H. C. Bradsby, July 27,
1861, resigned June 9, 1862; I. R. Pugh,
Sept. 30, 1862, resigned Aug. i, 1863; John
Boughnian, mustered out Aug. 20, 1864.

Surgeons — William M. Gray, mustered
out March 29, 1862; Charles Carle, mus-
tered out Aug. 20, 1864.

First Assistant Surgeons — George W.
.Short, July 27, 1861, resigned; O. M. War-
moth, April 12, 1862, transferred to field
staff as consolidated.

Second Assistant Surgeon — John W'.
Coleman, Sept. 30, 1862, term expired 1866.

Captains — John H. Nale, July 27, 1861,
promoted; M. F. Kanan, April 8, 1862,
transferred to Company A.

First Lieutenants — George R. Steele,
April 8, 1862, resigned Aug. 3, 1863; Roland
Bell, April 8, 1862, promoted from second
lieutenant, mustered out Aug. 20, 1864.

Non-Commissioned Staff.

Sergeant Major — Bartley G. Pugh, Aug.
5, 1861, promoted adjutant.

Quartermaster Sergeant — Alonzo Bur-
gess, Aug. 5, iSCii, mustered out -Aug. 20,
1864.

Hospital .Stewards — John Luttrell, Aug.
5. 1861, died: James VV. Routh, Aug. 5, 1861,
mustered out Aug. 20, 1864, was corporal.

First Sergeant — Lewis B. Morton, Aug.
5, 1861, died at Paducah, Ky., Sept. 19, 1861.

Sergeants — Roland Bell, Aug. 5, 1861,
promoted second lieutenant ; Bryant Kel-
sey, Aug. 5, 1861, died June 20, 1863,
wounded; W'. E. Winholtz, Aug. 5, 1861,
mustered out Aug. 20, 1864, as first ser-
geant, wounded ; David S. Morse, Aug. 5,
1 861, died at Moscow, Tenn., Jan. 23, 1863.

Corporals — W'illiam PL Hecocks, Aug. 5,

1861, killed at Jackson, Miss., July 12, 1863,
was sergeant; Moses A. Stare, Aug. 5, 1861 ;
Henry C. Payne, Aug. 5, 1861, mustered out
Aug. 20, 1864: 11. M. Strcver, Aug. 5, 1861,
mustered out -Vug. 20, 1864, as sergeant;
John W. Shepard, Aug. 5, i86i, discharged
Nov. 15, 1862; Fred O. Spooner, Aug. 5,
1861, killed at Shiloh .-\pril 4, 1862; Horace
W. Clark, Aug. 5, 1861.

Privates — James W'. Anderson, Aug. 5,
1861, mustered out -Aug. 20, 1864; Robert
Asher, Aug. 5, 1861, mustered rmt Aug. 20,
1864; John Albert, Aug. 5, 1861, mustered
out Aug. 20, 1864; James Bryant, Aug. 5,
1861, mustered out Aug. 20, 1864; John
Boring, Aug. 5, 1861, musteied out Aug. 20,
1864; Marion Bcamer, Any,. 5, 1861, mus-
tered out Aug. 20, 1864; ;Vlonzo Burgess,
Aug. 5, 1 861, promoted qiiartermaster ser-
geant ; George W. Betzer, Aug. 5, 1861,
discharged Sept. 28, 1862, wounds; Albert
Bell, Aug. 5, 1861, mustered out Aug. 20,
1864; Samuel A\'. Brindli man, Aug. 5, 1861,
mustered out .\ug. 20, 1864; Samuel W.
Bear. .\ug. 5, 1861, discharged Oct. 18, 1862,
disability; Marion Biancet, .A.ug. 5, 1861,
mustered out Aug. 2C, 1864; Latham Buck,
Aug. 5, 1861, re-enlijted as veteran, trans-
ferred to Company A, veteran battalion ;
Aaron Cole, Aug. 5, 1861, re-enlisted as
veteran, wounded ; Henry Chambers, Aug.
5, 1861, discharged June 10, 1862, disability;
Henry C. Colladay, Aug. 5, 1861, discharged
for disability; Chris Crandall, Aug. 5, 1861,
mustered out .\ug. 20, 1864 ; Henry G.
Clark, Aug. 5, 1861, died November, 1861 ;
L. L. Culver, Aug. 5, 1861, mustered out
Aug. 20, 1864; James S. Cox. .A.ug. 5, 1861,
killed at Shiloh April 6, 1862; J. B. Dren-
nan. .\ug. 5, 1861, killed at Donelson Feb.
15, 1862: M. C. Dubois, Aug. 5. 1861, died
at home Sept. 2^, 1863, wounds ; Elijah De-
laney, Aug. 5, 1861, mustered out Aug. 20,
1864; George W. Davis, Aug. 5, 1861, mus-
tered out -Vug. 20, 1864; John ]\L Davis,
.A.ug. 15, 1861, discharged Nov. 24, 1861,

PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.

disability; J. \\ . Edmondson, Aug. 5. 1861,
mustered out Aug. 20, 1864: Adam Ebord.
Aug. 5, 1861, mustered out Aug. 20, 1864,
wounded; Henry Puller, Aug. 5, 1861 ; John
Fikc, Aug. 5, 18O1, mustered out Aug. 20,
1864; Elijah B. Fcnncr, Aug. 5, 1861, mus-
tered out Aug. 20, 1864; John L. I'orin.
Aug. 5, 1861, mustered out .\ug. 20, 18O4;
I'.noch D. Greene, Aug. 5, i86t, mustered
out Aug. 20, 1864; ^lichael Giblin, Aug. 5.
1861 ; R. W. (ilassie, Aug. 5, 18(31, mustered
out Aug. 20, 1864; Richard Gathored, Aug.
5, i8()i, mustered out Aug. 20, 1864; Will-
iam H. Greene, Aug. 5, 1861, mustered out
Aug. 20, 1864, corporal; John Hayes, Aug.

5, 1861, discharged Aug. 6, 1861, by writ
of habeas corpus ; John R. Hull, Aug. 5,
i8()i. discharged .\pril 8. 1863, as corporal,
disability ; James E. Hull. Aug. 5. I861, died
in enemies' hands, wounded; Thomas J.
Barter, .Aug. 5, 1861, discharged Dec. 5,
1862, wounds; Walter P). Huston, Aug. 5,
1861, mustered out Aug. 20, 1864; Norville
Huston, Aug. 5, 1861, killed at Shiloh April

6, 1862; Thomas Hackne\', Aug. 5, 1861,
discharged Sept. 19, 1862, wounds; T. X.
Jordan, Aug. 5, 1861, wounded at Shiloh,
killed at Vicksburg, June 7. 1863; George
Jimison, .\ug. 5, 1861, captured, paroled;
Oscar A. Kelse, Aug. 5, i86i, w^ounded at
Donelson, discharged Oct. 2^, 1863, as cor-
poral ; Isaac W. Kile, Aug. 5, 1861, mustered
out Aug. 20, 1864, as corporal ; J. W. Cumis-
son, Aug. 5, 1861, mustered out Aug. 20,
1864; C. Longabaugh, Aug. 5, 1861, re-en-
listed as veteran, transferred to Com])any
A, veteran battalion ; R. Longabaugh, Aug.
5. 1861, transferred to Inv. Corps, Sept. 15,
1863: Williaiu M. Morlan, Aug. 5, 1861, dis-
charged No. 7. 1862, wounds; George Man-
derville, -Vug. 5, 1861, mustered out Aug. 20,
1864; James W. Moore, Aug. 5. t86i, died
at Paducah, Ky., Feb. 7, 1862; Hugh Mc-
Donald. Aug. 5. i86i ; J. AT. Monohon. .\ug.
5, \S.Ui. died at Paducah, Ky.. Dec. 28. 1861 ;
William Parr. .Aug. t. i86[. mustcrefl out

.\ug. 20, 1864, veteran battalion: Joseph
Ray, Aug. 5, 1861, wounded at Shiloh, re-en-
listed as veteran, transferred to Company
A ; .Aaron Sniick, .Aug. 5, 1861, mustered out
-Vug. 20, 1864, sergeant, wounded; James M.
Sides. -Aug. 5, 1861, mustered out Aug. 20,
18(14; 11. ],. Stookey, Aug. 5, 1861, dis-
charged .\ug. 2, 1862, wounded; William H.
Stookey, Aug. 5, 1861, died at Alexandria,
\'a.. April 17, 1864; Thomas B. Strope, Aug.
5, iSoi, discharged .\pril 2/. 1862, disa-
bility; William W. Smith, .Aug. 5, 1861, dis-
charged SejJt. Mj, 1862, wounds; Michael
Sweet, .Aug. 5, i86i ; Bartley G. Pugh, Aug.
5, 1861. promoted sergeant major and adju-
tant; Daniel Senseman, Aug. 5, 1861, dis-
charged .Aug. 20, 1863, as corporal ; Will-
iam 11. Smith, .Aug. 5, 1861, 'sergeant, died
Aliril H). 1862, wounds; William T. Short,
.\ug. 5. 1861, discharged Feb. 2j, 1863, dis-
ability ; David Spainhower, Aug. 5, 1861,
discharged Sept. 18, 1862; James S. Stew-
art, Aug. 5, 1861, mustered out Aug. 20,
1864, wounded; James B. Troxel, Aug. 5,

1861, discharged Aug. 20, 1864, wounded;
George E. Todd, Aug. 5, 1861, discharged
-April 7, 1862, disability; George Tuttle,
Aug. 5, 1861, killed at Shiloh April 6, 1862;
(j. W. Thompson, .Aug. 5, 1861. discharged
Nov. 17, 1862, disability; S. H. 'fimmons,
.\ug. 5, 1861, mustered out -Aug. 20, 1864;
-M. F. Timmons, Aug. 5, 1861, died at
Natchez Oct. 20, 1863, wounds; Alexander
W. Tansjs Aug. 5, 1861, discharged Nov. 25,

1862, disability; William D. A^aughn. Aug.
5, i86r, discharged Aug. 4, 1862, disability;
W. H. VVestcoat, Aug. 5, 1861, mustered out
Aug. 20, 1864; John R. WHiite, .Aug. 5. 1861,
re-enlisted as veteran, transferred to Com-
])aiiy .\, veteran battalion; Andrew Will-
iams, -Aug. 5, 1861. transferred to invalid
corps Sept. 15, 1863; John 1'.. Williams, .Aug.
5, 1861, died at Jackson, Tcnn. ; Hiram R.
^\'ilson, Aug. 5, 1861, discharged .Aug. 2,
1862, wounds; John J. Ward, -Aug. 5, 1861,
mustered out .Aug. 20, 1864; William H.

PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.

Whitesell, Aug. 5, 1861, mustered out Aug.
20, 1864.

Recruits- — James H. Crain, died at home
Oct. 2"/, 1863 ; Joel Hull, mustered out Aug.
27, 1863 ; Samuel A. McDonald ; Kilburn H.
Roby, mustered out Nov. 24, 1861, disabil-
ity; George B. Schroll, discharged Sept. 18,
1862, disability ; William Wheeler, Aug. 25,
1862, mustered out May 3, 1866.

Company B.

Captains — A. B. Lee, July 27, 1861, re-
signed Aug. II, 1863; John H. Davis, Aug.
15, 1863, term expired Aug. 20, 1864, was
first lieutenant.

First Lieutenants-William H. Palmer,
Aug. 15, 1863, transferred to Company B
as consolidated.

Second Lieutenant — Jackson H. Aldridge,
July 27, 1861, died at Mound City }\Iarch
I, 1862.

Private — ^John C. Good, Jan. 3, 1864,
transferred to Company B, veteran battal-
ion, transferred to Company G, 53d Regi-
ment.

Company E.

Captains — John L. Armstrong, July 27,
1861, died Dec. 11, 1861 ; W. S. Oglesby,
Dec. 12, 1861, killed in action April 6, 1862,
first lieutenant; Oscar Strait, Sept. i, 1S62,
term expired Aug. 20, 1864.

First Lieutenants — Robert Warnick, Dec.
12, 1861, relieved as second lieutenant Janu-
ary, 1862; James A. Wilson, April 18, 1862,
term expired Aug. 20, 1864.

Second Lieutenants — James M. Taylor,
Dec. 12, 1861, resigned April 26, 1862, was
sergeant; S. R. Appleton, Sept. 30, 1862, re-
signed Nov. 17, 1862; Joseph Catherwood,
Nov. 18, 1862, term expired Aug. 20, 1864.

Sergeants — Buckner H. Pasley, Aug. 5,
1861, mustered out Aug. 20, 1864; James A.
Wilson, Aug. 5, 1861, mustered out Aug.
20, 1864; Joseph Yick. Aug. 5, 1861, died
April 8, 1862, wounds.

Corporals — Albert D. Rose, Aug. 5, 1861,

discharged Sept. 6, 1862, disability; John
H. Bennet, Aug. 5, 1861, discharged April
15, 1862; Oscar Strait, Aug. 5, 1861, pro-
moted to sergeant, then captain; James ^L
Stevens, Aug. 5, 1861, mustered out Aug.
20, 1864; Henry Stevens, Aug. 5, 1861, mus-
tered out Aug. 20, 1864, as private; Harri-
son Graham, Aug. 5, 1861, drowned, De-
catur, June 19, 1862; James W. Burke, Aug.

5, 1861, discharged Oct. 9, 1862 ; Jacob Gra-
ham, Aug. 5, 1861, killed at Shiloh April

6, 1862.

Privates — T. J. Armstrong, Aug. 5, 1861,
mustered out Aug. 20, 1864; Edmiston
Austin, Aug. 5, 1861, mustered out x\ug. 20,
1864; William D. Botts, Aug. 5, 1861, dis-
charged Sept. 19, 1862, disability ; Jesse R.
Berry, Aug. 5, 1861, died Nov. 11, 1863, dis-
ability; John P. Bassell, Aug. 5, 1861, dis-
charged March 2, 1863, disability ; William
Bennett, .A.ug. 5, 1861, mustered out Aug.
20, 1864; William Blair, Aug. 5, 1861, re-
enlisted as veteran, transferred to Company
A, veteran battalion ; James Blair, Aug. 5,
1861 ; John Beshle, Aug. 5, 1861, died Aug.
6, 1862, wounds; Benjamin Berry, Aug. 5,
1861, sergeant, died at Keokuk Jul}' i, 1862;
J. P. Brookshire, Aug. 5, 1861, discharged
March 10, 1863, disability ; C. S. Barker,
Aug. 5, 1861 ; Charles Bentley, Aug. 5, 1861,
re-enlisted as veteran, transferred to Com-
pany A, veteran battalion ; H. J. Brewing-
ton, Aug. 5, 1861, re-enlisted as veteran,
transferred to Company A, veteran battal-
ion ; Benjamin Clark. Aug. 5, 1861, in ma-
rine service; Martin Clark, Aug. 5, 1861,
mustered out Aug. 20, 1864; Alexander
Crouch, Aug. 3, 1861, re-enlisted as veteran,
transferred to Company A, veteran battal-
ion ; Pearson Carmean. Aug. 5, 1861, dis-
charged Dec. 7, 1861, disability: David ^L
Davis, Aug. 5, 1861, killed at Shiloh April
2, 1862; Edward Douglas, Aug. 5, 1861, re-
enlisted as veteran ; Job A. Dillon, Aug. 5,
1861, mustered out Aug. 20, 1864; Robert
Evans, Aug. 5, 1861, discharged June 19,

PAST AND I'RKSENT OF MACON COUNTY.

1862, disability; William J. riraliaiu, Aug.
5, i8<>i. died at .\iulcrsunvillc .\\\^. -'3, iSC>4;
Levi (irilTco, Aug. 5, t8<.)i, discharged Jan.
8, i8C)2, disability; John Z. Gall, .\ug. 5,
i8<ji. died at .Mbany, Ind.. June «> i8<jj;
Henry Henistead, .\ug. 5, 1801 ; Thomas
Herring, Aug. 5, 1861, sergeant, died July
18. l.Sdj, disability; Henry Jostes, Aug. 5,
1861, mustered out .\ug. 20, 18(14; William
Jostes, .\ug. 5, 1861, mustered out .\ug. 20,
1W14: David Jones, .\ug. 5, 1801, discharged
June 17, 1862, disability; William Kir-
baugh, .\ug. 5, 1861, re-enlisted as veteran;
D. H. Krone, .\ng. 5. 1861, re-enlisted as
veteran; S. Langdon, .\ng. 5, 1861, dieil at
Taducah, Ky., Dec. 2, 1861 ; James W.
Long, .\ug. 5, 18^)1, died July i, 18*13,
wounds; James W. l-ittle, .\ug. 5, i8(>i,
mustered out .\ug. 2U, 18^)4; John Lultrcll,
.\ug. 5. i8()i, died at Columbus, Ky., Dec.

4. i8<>2; James .McQuality, .\ug. 5, 1861,
discharged Nov. 25, 1862, disability; I'erry
Malone, .\ug. 3. i8(>i, re-cnlistcd as vet-
eran: Charles Nevins, .\ug. 5, 1861; J. N.
.\ichol.>on. .\ug. 5, i8()i, mustered out .\ug.
20, i8<)4; Henry C. Odor, .\ug. 5. i8(.i. miss-
ing since Feb. 10, 1862; Lewis Ordleb, .\ug.

5, i8<)i ; George .\. I'eck. .\ug. 5, 18O1, ser-
geant, died at ^^ound City March 8, 1862;
Joseph .\. Fasley. .\ng. 3, iSTu. mustered
out .\ug. 20, K%4; .M. L. Pasley, .Aug. 5,
1861, died at Blue Mound, 111., Feb. 8, 1862;
John I'ope, -\ug. 3, iSTu, transferred to Inv.
Corps Dec. i, 18/^3; John Read, .\ug. 5.
1861. killed at Donelson Feb. 15, 1862;
George W. Ralls, Aug. 3, iS^n. mustered
out .\ug. 20, 1*34; Thomas C. I'hilbrick,
.\ug. 3, 1861, transferred to Inv. Corps Nov.
10. i8<>2; James J. I'asley, Aug. 3. 18/.1. died
at I'aducah, Ky., Dec. 4, iWu ; \\ iiliani C.
Rose. .\ug. 5, 1861, died April 18, 1862,
wonmls; John Scott, .\ug. 3, i8^>i, mustered
out in field; John Shortel, .\ug. 3, i8r>i ;
Joseph F. Stephens, Aug. 3, 1861, discharged
Dec. 20, i^M, disability; George W. Stich,
.\ug. 3. i8«'.i. killed at Shiloh April 4. '•'^•^:

ilenjamin I'. Sinnard, .\ug. 5, 1861, dis-
charged Feb. 14, i8<j3. disability; Simon
D. Smith, .\ug. 5, 1801, discharged Sept. 1,
i8t>2, as corporal, disability; Charles Ul-
mer, .\ug. 5, i8()i, nnistered out Aug. 20,
18(^14; John Ward, .\ug. 3, 18O1, mustered
out .\ug. 3, i8(ji, mustered out Aug. 20,
i8<>4, as sergeant, wounded.

Recruits — .\Ie.\ander .Mlsbury, re-eidist-
c<l as veteran ; .\aron G. Green, mustered
out .\ug. 20, 18(14, first sergeant; Patrick
.Murray, transferred to Company A, veteran
battalion; James T. I'urdue, Dec. 22, 1862,
discharged Dec. 23, 1863, disability; F. .M.
Stevens, mustered out .\ug. 20, 18(14; John
1). Stevens, mustered out .\ug. 20. 1864, as
sergeant; Joseph Smith, died at .Memphis,
Tenn.. .\pril 3, 1863; Joseph L. Walker,
Jan. 3, i8<)4, transferretl to Company A,
veteran battalion; .\mlrew M. WMieeler,
mustered out May 29, 18O3; Charles Nevins,
re-enlisted as veteran.

Company F.

Captains — David P. Brown, July 27, 1861,
resignetl .March 28, 1862; J. C. Lewis,
.Marcii 28. i8(J2, resigned C)ct. 16, 1862, was
first and second lieutenant; Jesse F. Har-
old, October \f>, 1862, term e.xpired .\ug.
20. 1864, was first lieutenant.

l"irst Lieutenants — H. C. McCook, July
2j, i8(ji, promoted to chaplain; Henry
Hevis, Oct. I, 1861, resigned Feb. 10, 1862;
W illiam H. Taylor, Oct. 16, 1862, term cx-
|)ired .\ug. 20, 1864, was second lieutenant.

Second Lieutenant — Va\ C. Sackett. Oct.
1(1, 1862, term expired .\ug. 20, 18(14.

Privates — Solomon Petry, .'\ug. 20, i8tii,
mustered out .Aug. 20, 18(14; Levi 11.
Rouse, July 27, 1861, discharged May 5,
1862, disability; Henry Rogers, Aug. 7,
1861, re-enlisted as veteran, transferred to
Company B, veteran battalion.

Company G.

Captains — I-rancis M. Lung, July 2~, 1861,
|ir<inii -iiil 111 iii.iiiir Il;mi(! K Ilall, Sept. 1,

PAST .\\1) l'Rl£Si:XT UF AlACOxX COUNTY

1862, promoted l)y president May 26, 1864,
was first lieutenant; T. J. Anderson, May
2"/, 1864. term expired Aug. 20, 1864, was
second lieutenant.

First Lieutenants — John B. Butler, Sept.
I, 1862, resigned June 18, 1863, was second
lieutenant: Charles G. Young, May 27, 1864,
term expired Aug. 20, 1864.

Second Lieutenant — John C. Cox, July z"],
1861, died -April 9, 1862, wounds at Pitts-
burg Landing.

Privates — William H. Ready, July 26,

1861, killed at Shiloh April 6, 1862; John
W. Ready, Oct. 5, i86x, discharged Sept.
18, 1862, disability. .

Company H.

Captains — H. Blackstone, July 2"/, 1861,
resigned June 28, 1862 ; John H. Huffner,
Jan. 28, 1862, killed in battle April 6, 1862,
was first lieutenant ; Luther H. Wilber,
April 7, 1862, died April 28, 1862, was first
lieutenant ; William F. Turney, April 29,

1862, term expired Aug. 20, 1864, was sec-
ond lieutenant.

First Lieutenants — James S. Steen, July
27, 1861, resigned Dec. 21, 1861 ; D. AL
Turne)', Ai)ril 29, 1862, term expired Aug.
20, 1864.

Second Lieutenants — H. H. Hardy, Dec.
25, 1861, resigned May 22, 1862; Chris Cor-
neley, May 22, 1862, killed in action July
12, 1863.

Privates — Patrick Kenny, Aug. 5, 1861,
died of wounds received at Ft. Donelson ;
Isaac R. Pugh, Aug. 5, 1861, promoted regi-
mental quartermaster.

Company I.

Captains — Benjamin B. Bacon, July 27,
1861, resigned March 4, 1862; F. Al. Green,
March 5, 1862, term expired Aug. 20, 1864,
was second lieutenant.

First Lieutenants — R. R. Parrish, July 27,
1861, resigned Sept. 28, 1862, was second
lieutenant ; Leander Green, Nov. 5, 1862^

term expired Aug. 20, 1864, was second
lieutenant.

Second Lieutenant — P. J. Frederick, Sept.
28, 1864, term expired Aug. 20, 1864.

Privates — John T. Carmon, Aiig. 5, 1861,
promoted to commissarj- sergeant Samuel
E. Gross, Aug. 5, 1861, discharged Aug.
16, 1861 ; George Jacobs, Aug. 5, 1861, mus-
tered out Aug. 20, 1864; Elijah Wells, Aug.
5, 1861. mustered out .Aug. 20, 1864; Flenry
White, Aug. 5, 1861, died of wounds Sept.
13, 1862; Peter Welhouse, Aug. 5, 1861,
mustered out Aug. 20, 1864.

A'eterans — Edward Conrad, Jan. 21, 1864,
transferred to Company A, veteran battal-
ion ; Benjamin F". Frazee, Dec. 18, 1863,
transferred to veteran battalion ; James
Jones, Jan. 5, 1864, transferred to veteran
battalion; Henry Snyder, Dec. 18, 1863,
transferred to veteran battalion ; V\'illiam
H. Smith, Dec. 18, 1863, transferred to vet-
eran battalion ; Samuel Woodward, Feb. 10,
1864, transferred to veteran battalion ;
Joseph Davidson, April 5, 1864; Alaxwell
Gaines, Oct. 31, 1863; Daniel Stingley, Jan.
15, 1864; Alfred A. Shartzer, Aug. 5, 1861,
transferred to Company B, veteran battal-

SIXTY-THIRD ILLINOIS INFANTRY,
VOLUNTEER REGIMENT.

The Sixlj'-third Illinois Infantry was or-
ganized at Camp Dubois Anna, Illinois, in
December, 1861, by Colonel Francis Mors,
and was mustered into service April 10,
1862. Was ordered to Cairo, April 27, to
Henderson, Ky., July 12, returning to Cairo
July 22, moved to Jackson, Tenn., August
4; was then assigned to Fourth Brigade,
Seventh Division, Seventeenth Army Corps,
under Colonel John D. Stephenson, Seventh
Missouri Infantry, commanding brigadier
and brigadier general.

John A. Logan, commanding division,
moved to LaGrange Nov. 10; on 28th moved
against Pemberton and back to LaGrange

PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.

4i)

Jan. |(», i8<>3. C)rtlcrcd to \ icksburg, .Miss.,
.May lo, i8t>3; did picket tliity al Youngs
l'i>int nntii .May 21; was tlien assigncil \.a
.Mowers Brijiadc and moved to .Millikin's
Itend June ". .After an engagement al Rich-
mond, l.a., returned to \'oung's Point,
then to \ icksburg: Jidy 5. iS'ij, moved to
Helena, .\rk. ; to .Mempliis July JS ; then
toward C liickamauga ; to liriilgeport, Ala..
Nov. 10; Chattanooga. .Nov. 20; in battle
at .Mission Ridge .\ov. J3 and 24. i8<)3; went
into winter quarters at Huntsville, .\la.,
l)ec. Jf^: orileretl to Illinois on veteran's
lurlougli .\pril 3; rcturnetl to Huntsville
.May ji. 18^14; moved to Kingston June 2J ;
ordered to join (.ieneral Sherman, arrived at
."savannah Dec. 10, 1864; moved to .Miles
.*>tation on (iulf Railroad, thence on a trip
through the Carolinas, returning to Savan-
nah ; engaged in battle of Bentonville, \. C,
.March 21 ; entered (ioldsborough .March 24,
i8'>5: then to Raleigh ; .\pril 2<j moved from
Raleigh to Richmond, arriving .May 10;
then to .Mexandria ; took part in general
review at Washington May 24 ; moved to
Parkershurg on Ohio river: thence to
Louisville, Kj-. ; were mustered out of ser-
vice July 13, liVt^. and departed for Camp
P.utler, III., reaching that i><iint July \Ci.
1W.3.

Roster Sixty-third Illinois Infantry.

Colonels — I-'rancis Moro, Dec. 1, 1861, re-
signed Sept. 2Q. |W>2: Joseph 1!. McCown,
.Sept. 21), iHitj. mustere<l out .\pril 9, iW>5,
was lieutenant colonel: James Isaminger,
July I.'. iS<«5, mustered out July 13. i>^>5.
was lieutenant colonel.

Lieutenant Colonel — Henry Glaze, Sept.
2>). |8'>J, resigned June 30, i8^>3, was major.

.Majors — Joseph K. Lemen, ."sept. 2ij, li^^2,
mustered out .\pril 9, 1865; J. R. Stanford,
June 14. iS'>3, mustered out Jidy 7, 1865.

.\dJMtant.s — C. S. Chambers, ,\pril 10.
i8<)2. resigned Dec. 16. 1862; W. P. Richard-
son, Oec. I''), 18^)2, mustered out .Vjiril 9,

1805; Theodore Mlfes, Juiii- '' '^i-- mn---
tered out July 13, iiM>^.

Ouariermaster.s — John .M. .\lari>, leiiru-
ary 28. i8()2, mustered out .\pril 9, 1805;
Penjamin Robertson, June <>, i8()5, mus-
tered out Jul\- 13, i8<i5.

.'^urgeons — William .M. Gray, May 2Ct,
i8<i2. resigne<l Sept. 12, i8<>2; J. \\ . Mc-
Kimiey, .^ept. 15, i8<)2, mustered out .\pril
9, i8<>5: .Mexander .\. Lodge, June (>. iW»5,
mustereil out July 13, iW\S, was first assist-
ant, also seconil assistant.

l"irst .\s.sistant Surgeon — Lyman Hall,
.\pril 10, i8^)2, resigned Dec. 31, i8(»2.

Chajjlaiiis — Stephen Plair, .\pril 10. 1862,
dieil ; John Cilaze, Vvh. 2, i8()3, commission
cancelled; Cieorge Comjiton, .May 22. ii^>i,
mustered out July 13, 18^)3.

Company H.

Ca])tain.s — S, G. I'arker. .\pril 10, iW)2,
honorably discharged Jidy 14, i8<)3: John
.M. Davis, July 14, i8<>3, discharged .\pril
30, iW)4, was first lieutenant; (ieorgc VV.
Baxter, July 12, 18^13, mustered out Jidy
12, i8(»3, was first livutenant.

I'irst Lieutenants — Wilson I"". Cox, July
14, i8()3, mustered out May 24, i8r>3, was
second lieutenant: .\. J. liixler. July 12,
|8<>3: mustered out July 13, i8^>3.

Second Lieutenants — James 1 lonselinan,
April 10. i8'>2. discharged Dec. 7, i8f>2;
Thomas .Xbernethy, July 12, i8()3. mustered
out July 13. 18/13.

l'"irsl Serir<nnt -Daniel D. Snider. Dec.
16, 18^)1.

.Sergeants- \\ il.son ]■. Cox, Dec. K), 1861,
])romoled to first lieutenant; George W.
Baxter. Dec. 16, 1861, re-enlisted as veteran;
R. J. I'reeman, F")ec. 16, 1861, re-enlisted as
veteran ; James C. .Mtltlin. Dec 1. i.^Vii rv-
cnlisted as veteran.

Corporals — Josejih .Mc'Juay, Dec. i(»,
i8^)i ; J. M. n. Patterson, Dec. i, i8f}i ; D.
L. Dawson, Dec. if^. 1861, died Jackson.
Teim.. Sept. 14. l8r>2; Ilavid Robinson, Dec.

PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.

i6, 1861, died Jackson, Teiin., Sept. 14, 1862;
Samuel L. Kohr, Dec. 16, 1861, re-enlisted
as veteran ; Y. P. Lawrence, Dec. 16, 1861,
mustered out April 4, 1865 ; Joel Hill, Dec.
16, 1861 ; W. H. Holmes, Dec. 16, 1861, dis-
charged Nov. 14, 1862, disability.

^\'agoner — Absolom Rowe, Dec. 16, 1861,
discharged Nov. 14, 1862, disability.

Privates — Daniel C. Ayers, Dec. 16, 1861,
re-enlisted as veteran, mustered out July
13, 1865; S. A. Armstrong, Dec. 16, 1861,
died at Cairo May 12, 1862; Josiah Abbott,
Dec. 16, 1861, mustered out July 13, 1865;
Thomas Abernethy, Dec. 16, 1861, re-en-
listed as veteran, mustered out July 13, 1865,
as sergeant; Levi Alsbury, Dec. 16, 1861,
re-enlisted as veteran; William H. Barnes,
Dec. 16, 1861, re-enlisted as veteran ; Alonzo
Brockway, Dec. 16, 1861, re-enlisted as vet-
eran; D. L. Brockway, Dec. 16, 1861, dis-
charged Nov. 14, 1862, disability; A. J. Bix-
ler, Dec. 16, 1861, re-enlisted as veteran,
mustered out July 13, 1865, as first lieuten-
ant; Franklin Bruce, Dec. 16, 1861, mustered
out May 31, 1865; Godfrey Brower, Dec.
16, 1861 ; John S. Bozarth, Dec. 16, 1861,
re-enlisted as veteran, mustered out July 13,
1865; George Burch, Dec. 16, 1861, re-en-
listed as veteran, mustered out July 13,
1865; Jacob Earnhardt, Dec. 16, 1861, died
at Anna, 111., April 2-j, 1862 ; Samuel Beaty,
Dec. 16, 1861, discharged June 28, 1864; Eli
Crawford, Dec. 16, 1861 ; William Craw-
ford, Dec. 16, 1861, re-enlisted as veteran,
mustered out July 15, 1865; Smith Craw-
ford, Dec. 16, 1 861, discharged Nov. 14,
1862, disability; S. M. Culver, Dec. 16, 1861,
mustered out April 9, 1865; S. D. Campbell,
Dec. 16, 1861, died at Nashville, Tenn., Jan.
3, 1864; A. Cadwalladcr. Dec. 16, 1861, re-
enlisted as veteran, mustered out July 13,
1865; George Church, Dec. 16, 1861 ; Simon
Cline, Dec. 16, 1861, discharged Nov. 14,
1862, disability, William H, Crigler, Dec.
16, 1861 ; J. L, Doolen, Dec. 16, 1861 ; Rich-
ard Day, Dec. 16, 1861, mustered out April

9. 1865; Joshua Earls, Dec. 16, 1861, dis-
charged Sept. 19, 1862, disability; Booker
Earls, Dec. 16, 1861, re-enlisted as veteran;
John J. Ebbert, Dec. 16, 1861 ; William C.
Ford, Dec. 16, 1861, re-enlisted as veteran,
John Flaherty, Dec. 16, 1861 ; John Harri-
gan, Dec. 16, 1861, re-enlisted at veteran,
mustered out July 12, 1865 ; Michael Holly,
Dec. 16, 1861 ; Jesse Harman, Dec. 16, 1861,
re-enlisted as veteran ; John Hogan, Deg.
16, i8C)i, re-enlisted as veteran, mustered
out July 15, 1865; James H. Jones, Dec. 16,
1861 ; Alyter Linch, Dec. 16, 1861, mustered
out April 9, 1865 ; John LaCost, Dec. 16,
1861 ; mustered out July 13, 1865; Andrew
Lord, Dec. 16, 1861, mustered out April 9,
1865; B. Middleton, Dec. 16, 1861 ; John
Moore, Dec. 16, 1861 ;■ Samuel Morgan, Dec.
16, 1861; H. McWilliams, Dec. 16, 1861;
William Newton, Dec. 16, 1861, mustered
out April II, 1865; Phineas Piatt, Dec. 16,
1861 ; William Querrey, Dec. 16, 1861, re-
enlisted as veteran, mustered out July 15,
1865; Joseph Roberts, Dec. 16, 1861 ;
Andrew Sparling, Dec. 16, 1861 ; Joseph
Sheets, Dec. 16, 1861 ; Isaiah Sheets, Dec.
16, 1861 ; James Smith, Dec. 16, 1861 ;
George Smith, Dec. 16, 1861, died at Mound
City May 20, 1862; Isaac Sparlin, Dec. 16,
1861, re-enlisted as veteran, mustered out
July 13, 1865; Jacob Schreck, Dec. 16, 1861,
re-enlisted as veteran ; Oren S. Sullivan,
Dec. 16, 1861, re-enlisted as veteran, mus-
tered out July 13, 1865; Charles F. Umbert,
Dec. 16, 1S61, re-enlisted as veteran; Sin-
clair Wimmer, Dec. 16, 1861, mustered out
April 9, 1865; W. A. ^^'ilson, Dec. 16, 1861,
discharged July 19. 1862, disability; John B.
^^'iIson, Dec. 16, 1861, mustered out April
9, 1865; Harrison Wright, Dec. 16, 1861, re-
enlisted as veteran, mustered out July 13,
1865; Joel Watkins, Dec. 16, 1861 ; Eli
Walker, Dec. 16, 1861 ; Isaac W^eiver, Dec.
16, 1861, re-enlisted as veteran; Thomas
Waggoner, Dec. 16, 1861 ; R. Waggoner,
Dec. 16, 1861 ; George Young, Dec. 16, 1861,

PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.

discharged July _'j, iS^u: laims 1'.. Voiin^'.
re-cnlistcd as veteran.

Recruits — Isaiah Al>hi)ti, Dec. lO, 1801,
mustered out July 13, i)<<>5; llarmoii Beach,
Feb. 2T, 1864. mustered out July 13. 1865;
.Mien Davis, Eel). 27. iS<>4, niustercil out
July 13. 1SC.5.

ONE lll'NDRED FIFTEENTH ILLI-
NOIS INFANTRY, ILLINOIS
XOLUNTEERS.

The regiment left Camp I'.utler Oct. 4,
1862; reported at Cincinnati Oct. 6, crossed
into Kentucky and reported to Brigadier-
General .\. J. Smith; was assigned to the
second brigade, second division, of the
Army of Kentucky ; then went to Rich-
mond, Ky.. remaining there two months ;
Dec. 21 reached Danville, Ky., next Louis-
ville, then Nashville, going into camp at
Franklin. Lender Baird and .\tkins they
helped to drive VanDorn across Duck river,
afterward returning to camp, where they
remained until June i, i.%3; next went to
Triune, Tenn., and on the 24th of June,
with .\rmy of the Cumberland, drove Gen-
eral liragg across the Tennessee river;
went into camp at Tullahoma; after march-
ing toward Chattan<x)ga across the Cum-
berland mountains to Rossville, Ga., they
engaged the enemy at Chickamauga on the
19th and 20th of September; five from
Macon county lost their lives in this battle ;
next marched against Dalton, Ga., then re-
turned to camp near Cleveland, Tenn.,
where they remained until May 3, when
they joined Sherman's army on the .At-
lanta campaign.

This regiment led the charge at Tunnel
Hill, Ga., and on May 15 and 16, 1864, en-
gaged in battle at Resaca, Ga. ; in Novem-
ber and December, 1864, the regiment took
an active part in the engagements which
resulted in the flcstruction of Bragg's old
veteran army, known as the Army of the
Tennessee, commanded by General Hood.

rile n5th was for nearly two years a part
i>f the "iron Brigade;" Col. J. H. Moore, of
the 113111 Illinois, was in command of this
brigade, of which the 115th was a part, on
the 23d of December, i8(>4, while following
Hood from Nashville. He remained com-
mnntlcr until the regiment was mustered
iiul ai the close of the war. The regiment
went into camp at Hunlsville, .Ma., Jan. 6,
i8(>5. On .March 14 moved into East Ten-
nessee, then to Nashville, where it was mus-
tered out of service at the close of the war,
June 1 1, i8<'>5. On June 16 arrived at Camp
P>utler, III., where it was discharged June 23.

ONE HCNDRED EIFTEENIII ILLI-
NOIS INFANTRY, ROSTER.

Colonel— Jesse H. .Moore, Sept. 13, 1862,
promoted brigadier general May 15, 1865,
mustered out June 11, 1865.

Lieutenant Colonels — William Kinman,
Sept. 13, 1862, killed in'battlc Sept. 20, 18O3;
George .\. Poteet, Sept. 20, 1863, mustered
out June II, 1865, was major.

Major — J. \V. Laphan, Sept. 20, 1863,
mustered out June 11, 1865, was captain of
Company \.

.■\djutant.s — John H. Woods, Sept. 13,
1862, resigned .April 10, 1863; A. Lichtcn-
bergcr, .April 10, 1863, resigned Oct. 26,
1863; W. W. Peddecord, Oct. 26, 1863,
mustered out June 11, 1865.

Quartermasters — B. F. Farley, Sept. 13,
1862, resigned April i, 1863; Charles W.
Jerome, .April i, 1863, mustered out June 11,
1865.

Surgeons— Enoch W. Moore, Oct. 4, 1862,
resigned -April 7, 1863; Charles W. Higgins,
June 8, 1863, declined commission; Garner
1 1. Bai\e, June 17, 1863. mustered out June
II, 1865.

First Assistant Surgeons — N. G. Blalock,
Sept. 13. 1862, resigned July 27, 1863; Clark
E. Loomis, .Aug. 17, 18/14. mustered out June
II. 1865.

Second .Assistant .Surgon — James A.

PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.

Jones, Oct. 3, 1862. murdered by guerrillas
at Tunnel Hill, Ga.. June 11, 1864.

Chaplains — Arthur Jiradshaw, Sept. 23,

1862, resigned Dec. 30, 1862; Richard Hold-
ing, Jan. I, 1863, declined commission ; W'ill-
iam S. Crissey. July 20, 1863, mustered out
June II, iSCi^.

Company A.

Captain — Jesse Hannon. Sept. 20, 1863,
promoted major, mustered out June 11, 1865,
was first and second lieutenant.

First Lieutenants — A. C. Bankson, Sept.
13, 1862, resigned Dec. 30, 1862; Joseph B.
Gore, Sept. 20, 1863, mustered out June 11,

1863. was second lieutenant.

Private in Company B — William Reese,
Aug. II, 1862, died at Nashville, Tenn., Oct.
12. 1863, wounds.

Company E.

Captains — John M. Lane, Sept. 13, 1862,
resigned ]\Iay 11, 1863; James A. Whitaker,
May II, 1863, mustered out June 11, 1865,
was first lieutenant.

First Lieutenants — David S. Moffett,
Sept. 15. 1862. resigned March 3, 1863; Jesse
F. Hedges, ^lay 11, 1863, mustered out June
II. 1865, was second lieutenant.

Second Lieutenants — Adam C. Allison,
Sept. 13, 1862, resigned Feb. 28, 1863; L H.
C. Royse, May 11, 1863, mustered out June
II, 1865, was second lieutenant.

Privates — F. M. Abrams, Aug. 13, 1862,
mustered out June 11, 1865; J. A. Arm-
strong, Aug. 13, 1862, mustered out June 11,
1865; M. S. Armstrong, Aug. 13, 1862, died
at Nashville. Tenn., Sept. 3, 1863; M. J.
.\shmead, Ai:g. 15, 1862, killed at Chicka-
niauga. Sept. 20, 1863; John Anslex, Aug.
22, 1862, discharged June 20, 1863, disa-
bility; Alexander Biddle, Aug. 22, 1862,
transferred to V. R. C. April 30, 1864: John
M. Rreeden, Aug. 13, 1862, discharged Jan.
5, 1863, disability; C. M. Breeden, Aug. 13,
1862, mustered out June 11, 1865, as cor-

poral: John A. Barnes, .\ug. 13, 1862, mus-
tered out June u, 1865, as corporal; Robert
Bivens, Aug. 15, 1862, discharged March
23, 1865, wounds ; D. T. Clements, Aug. 13,
1862, missing in action Sept. 20, 1863; M. H.
Clements, Aug. 15, 1862, discharged Dec.
14, 1862. disabilities; Philip Clements, Aug.
13. 1862, mustered out June 11, 1865, as
corporal; E. T. Clements, Aug. 13, 1862,
mustered out June 11, 1865, as sergeant;
James Cummings, Aug. 11, 1862, absent,
sick at muster out ; J. H. Cummings, Aug.
22, 1862, mustered out June 11. 1865; G. W.
Crocks, Aug. II, 1862, died in Christian
county. 111., Nov. 6, 1862; John Crafton,
Aug. 22, 1862, died at Nashville, Tenn.,
March 4, 1863 ; A. C. Douglas, Aug. 13, 1862,
promoted to hospital steward ; John O. Dar-
ner, Aug. 15, 1862, discharged May 15, 1865,
wounds; William C. Darner, Aug. 15, 1862,
mustered out July i, 1865, was prisoner;
A. H. DeAtley, Aug. 13, 1862, died at Nash-
ville, Tenn., ]\Iarch 3, 1863; David H. Gay,
Aug. 13, 1862, discharged April 13, 1863,
disability ; James L. Right, Aug. 13, 1862,
corporal, transferred to V. R. C. April 3,
1864; Jesse T. Hedges, Aug. 13, 1863, first
sergeant, promoted to second lieutenant
1863: James Johnson, Aug. 11, 1862, cor-
poral, killed at Chickamauga Sept. 20;
James C. Jacobs, Aug. 22, 1862, mustered
out June II, 1865; W. A. Markwell, Aug.
13. 1862, mustered out June 11, 1865; John
\\'. Meyers, Aug. 15, 1862, mustered out
June II, 1865: James M. jMartin, Aug. 13,
1862. mustered out June 11, 1865; Zach-
ariah Pope, Aug. 13, 1862, died at Lexing-
ton, Ky., Nov. 10, 1862; James M. Pope,
/Vug. 13, 1862, died at Danville, Ky.. Dec.
31, 1862: Samuel W. Quick, Aug. 13, 1862,
mustered out June 11, 1865; James H. Rob-
erson, Aug. 13, 1862, transferred to engi-
neer's corps Aug. II, 1864; Henry Ruby,
Aug. 13, 1862, killed at Chickamauga Sept.
20, 1863 ; John V. Rose. .-^ug. 13, 1862, died
Resaca, Ga.. May 20, 1864; James A. Ruby,

PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.

Aug. 13. |8<>J, muslircd oiil June 11, \^>S',
Samuel KurIi, Aug. i.v i8<jj. mustered out
June II, i8<)5; Newell Wood. -Vug. 13, 1862,
mustered out June 11. i8()5; Levi \\ liile,
Aug. 13. 1862. discharged .\ug. 6, i8<)3, dis-
ability; <i. .\. Waterman, .\ug. 13. i8<u.

Recruits — Joseph A. De.Xtley, Jan. 22,
i8<>3. transferred to Co. .\, Jist 111. Inf.;
William \\ Elder, Jan. 2S, i8«>3. discharged
Jan. 2, i8'>5. wounds; John lluglc li'-'
Nashville, Tenn.. Sept. 14. 18^)3.

Company A.

Captains — E.L.Hayes. Sept. 13, i8<)2, pro-
moted by President to major and paymaster
April i>, 18*^14; Charles (iriflith. April 7.
i8()4, musteretl out June 11. i8<(4.

First Lieutenant — James .Smith, .Sept.
13. i8()2, resigned l-'eb. 6, 18O3; Mat. I'ree-
man, i-'eb. (t. 18(13, discharged .March 30.
i8')3. was first lieutenant : William F. Slo-
cum. .March 30, 18^13, resigned Nov. 28,
i8'>3, was first lieutenant; Jacob Porter.
Nov. 28, i8r>3. killed .May 16, 1864; (iordon
W. .Mills, May 13. i8f>4, resigned I'eb. 14.
i8<i5; C. C. .McComas. March 13. iW>3.
mustered out June 11. iS<>5.

Second Lieutenant — l)a\iil Reed, .March
30, l8'>3. died Sept. 2y. i8(>3. wounds.

Privates— James F. Carter. .\ug. 7, 1862,
mustered out July 12. iW>5; .\le.\ander Lu-
trell. .Aug. 12, iSTu. killed, Chickaniauga,
Sept. 30, 18(13; Charles (joodman, .\ug.
If). iS<>2, mustered out June 11. i8f>3 ; I'd-
ward .Moore, .August 18, 18/12, discharged
.Aug, 16, 1863, disability; J. t). Sander.son.
Aug. 21, i8<>2. mustered out June 11. 18*15;
.Andrew t'line, Aug. (>, i8<i2, discharg<-(l June
30. i8f>3, di.sability : William L. Chew. Aug.
'.V ^^W- discharged .April i, 18/13; ( i. C.
I'reeland. .\ug. 12, i8/>2. mustered out June
II. 1865. as corporal; .Abraham M. Garver,
.Aug. 14. i8r)j. mustered out June 11, 1865;
C. M. Imboden, .Aug. 6, 1862, discharged
Feb. 9, 18^14, wounds; Elias Kramer, Aug.
6, i8'»2, disabled Oct. 4, i8/>2, and di.s-

chargeil ; .\ndrew Kepler, .\ug. 11, 1802,
mustered out June 11, 1805; L S. Kaufman.
.Aug. 12, i8/)2. mustered out June 11. 1865,
as corporal; M. .S. Kaufman, -Aug. 11, 1862,
mustered out Jm\e 11, 18/15, as cor])oral ;
William 11. Kolji, .Aug., i8()2. promoted
princi])al musician; Theodore Lutrell, .Aug.
(1. i8()2. discharged Dec. lO, i8()3, disability;
.\lliert .Moore, .Aug. d, 18(12. mustereil out
June II, i8/>5, sergeant; James W'. .Mere-
dith, .\ug. 7, i8<i2, mustered out June li,
18/15; C, E, Oglcsby, Aug. 11. 18/12, mus-
tered out June II, 18/^15; John Priest, .^e])t.
/i. 18/12. mustered out June 11, 18/15; Will-
iam W. Pierce, -Aug. 11, 18/12, mustered out
Jime II. 18/15. as sergeant; 1 1. L. Roe, .Aug.
II. i8<i2, died at Franklin, Tenn., .April 6,
^^^i' Joseph Ross, .Aug. 15, 1862, dis-
charged .April 14, 18/13, disability; Richard
J. Roberts, .Aug. ij. 18(12, dischargeil Jan.
22. 18/13, di.sability ; .Alfred ."^hively, -Aug.
11, 18(12, killed at Chickaniauga, Sept. 20,
18/13. was sergeant ; Richard W. Shull, .Aug.
II. 18/12. mustered out June 11. 18/15.

Company H.

Cajitains — Henry Pratt, Sept. 13. 1862,
resigned .\pril i(», 18/^13; J. ( ). Rcardon,
.\])ril 24, 18/13, mustered out June 11. i8ri5,
was first and second lieutenant.

First Licutcnant.s — Silas Parker, .^ejit. 13.
18/12, resigne<l .March 12. 18(13; Joseph J.

.*^laughter, .April 24. iWi? nuwlcnd nut Imu-

11, 18/15.

.Second Lieutenant — .">. R. llatlielil. .\l.ircli

12, 18/13, mustered out June 11, 18/15.
Privates — .Alvis H. Hoze. .Aug. 15, 1862,

discharged March 31, 18/^13. disability; .A.
Li/enberger, July (>. 1862, promoted com-
missary sergeant ; W. W. Peddecord. .Aug.
5, 18/12, promoted sergeant major; John
Quinlan, .Aug. 7, 18/12, discharged .March 20.
i8/>3. disability; W. H. Weathcrford, .Aug.

13, 1862. mustered out June 11, 1865, as cor-
poral.

PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.

Company K.

Captains — James Steele, Sept. 13, 1862,
discliarged March 3, 1863; Alanson Pierce,
March 3, 1863, resigned Sept. 24, 1864;
PhiHp Riley, Sept. 24, 1864, mustered out
June II, 1865, was first and second lieuten-
ant.

First Lieutenants — Sylvester Bailey, Sept.
13, 1862, resigned Dec. 28, 1863; Samuel
Alexander, Sept. 24, 1864, mustered out
June II, 1865.

Private- — J. \V. Throckmorton

ONE HUNDRED SIXTEENTH ILLI-
NOIS INFANTRY, ILLINOIS
VOLUNTEERS.

The One Hundred Sixteenth Illinois In-
fantry Regiment was made up principally
from Macon county. About the middle of
August, 1862, the company began to go
into camp in the Fair Ground near Decatur.
They were sworn into service September
the 6th, but as ranks were not full were
only mustered as a battalion ; were mus-
tered as a regiment Sept. 30. They left
Decatur Nov. 8, arriving at Cairo next day,
left same day for Memphis where they re-
mained imtil Nov. 26. In the mean-
time the Fifteenth Army Corps was organ-
ized under command of W. T. Sherman and
assigned to First Brigade, Second Division.

This division was under command of
Major General Morgan L. Smith, the
brigade commander being General Giles A.
Smith. Tallahatchie was reached on Dec.
13; started down the Mississippi on 20th;
entered Yazoo river the 26th, and landed
fifteen miles above the mouth of the Yazoo
river. Th.e first engagement of the regi-
ment was the battle of Chickamauga which
began on the 27th and continued until the
30th. On the first of the new year they
passed down the Yazoo, sailed up the Miss-
issippi and Arkansas rivers to Arkansas
Post where was fought the second battle
Jan. ID and 11. Landed at Young's Point,

La., opposite Vicksburg on 22(1. During
winter attemptetl by various means to
get around \'icksburg; crossed the river
in the spring near Port (jibson ; were under
fire at Black river and Champion Hills and
engaged in the cliarges on works in rear of
Vicksburg, May 18 and 22, and were pres-
ent when Vicksburg surrendered on the 4th
of July.

Next morning started after General John-
ston who was near Black river, fol-
lowed him to Jackson, Miss., where he took
refuge, after several engagements drove him
beyond Pearl river. July 25 went into camp
near Black river, this camp was called Camp
Sherman. The regiment stayed here until
October then moved to Vicksburg, sailed to
Memphis ; then went to Corinth ; marched
to Chattanooga, reached latter place Nov.
21. At night on Nov. 23 the ii6th, together
with the 6th Missouri, got into pontoon
boats, floated down the Tennessee river
and landed at mouth of Chickamauga
creek a short distance from the enemy's
entrenchments on Missionary Ridge, keep-
ing this position until the remainder of the
corps arrived, then captured all of Bragg's
pickets,, marched to foot of ridge on even-
ing of 24th, were in skirmish in which
General Giles A. Smith was wounded at
which the command devolved upon Colonel
Tupper.

Was present at storming of Missionary
Ridge on 25th. The regiment was then
marched to the relief of Knoxville and
moved constantly until Jan. 9, 1864, when
it went into winter quarters at Likinsville,
Ala. ; remained here until May 16, then
took part in the charge and capture of Re-
saca, was at battle of Dallas, May 25 to
28 ; at Big Shanty ; then at Kenesaw Mount-
ain, June 27; crossed the Chattahoochie
and fought battle of Stone Mountain, drove
the enemy close to Atlanta re-capturing the
works, after the enemy had taken them
from us in the battle of June 22. Fought

PAST AND PRESKNT OF MACON COUNTY

battle of Kzra Cliapcl on j8th of June, in
which enemy was Uefeatcil and driven back ;
moved on toward Atlanta ; Aur. 3, en-
gaged in the siege of Atlanta fighting the
closing battle of the siege at Jonesboro,
Aug. 14. After which went into camp at
Atlanta until ordereil to break camp and
begin Sherman's march to the sea. .\ided
in capture of Ft. Mc.Mlister, Dec. 13. Regi-
ment entered Savanah Dec. 21, where it
went into camp ; next sailed for Beaufort,

5. C. ; marched to Pocatalaga ; fought bat-
tle ; gtiing on to Cohmibia, burned the latter
city and went into camp ; moved from here
to Bcntonville, N. C where was fought a
severe battle ; went into camp then moved
to Raleigh which surremlered ; ordered from
here to Washington where it camped until
sent home and mustered out Jime 7, 1865.

One Hundred Sixteenth Regiment Roster.

Colonels — X. W . Tn]>per. .^e])t. 30. iS(>j,
died at Decatur. March 10. 1864; John l-^.
Maddox, June 7. 1864, mustered out June 7,
1865, was lieutenant colonel.

Lieutenant Colonels — J. P. Boyd, Sept.

6, 18/12, resigned Jan. 2S. 1864: .Anderson
Froman. Jan. 28. 18^14. died Jime 15, 1864,
was major: John S. Windsor, May 15.
1863, mustered out Jtme 7. 1865, was major.

M.ijor — .\nstin McClurg. Jan. 28. 1864.
resigned Sept. 26, 1864; Nicholas Ge-
schwind. June 7, 1864, mustered out June 7,
18^)5. was corporal Co F.

.Adjutants — Charles H. F'ullcr. Sept. 30.
1862, resigned June 27, 1863; William E.
Crissey. J>ine 27. iW)3, discharged Jan. 30.
1865: Myron 1 lolcomb, Jan. 30. if<'>; <iiu^-
tered out June 7, 1865.

Quartermasters — I.yman King, .^epl. 3,
1862, resigned March 2, 1863; Charles F.
Emery, March 2. 1862, promoted by Presi-
dent. January 9, 18^14; John TI. Porter. Jan.
9, 1864, mustered out June 7, 1865.

Surgeon — Ira N. Barnes, March 26, 1863,
mustered out June 7, iS/');.

I'irst Assistant .burgeon — J. .\. llccklc-
man, Sept. 17, 1862, mustered out June 7,
1865.

Second .Assistant Surgeon — J. .\. \\ . lios-
tetler. Oct. 1, 18(12, mustered out June 7,
i».5.

Chai)lain — N. .M. Baker, Sept. 30, 1862,
mustered out Jtme 7. 18(15.

Non-Commissioned Staff.

Sergeant Major — R. C. Crocker, .\ug. 7,
i8(i2, transferred to Co. D; Myron Hol-
comb, .Aug. 2, 1862, promoted adjutant;
Thomas J. Ward, Aug. 9, 1862, mustered
out June 7. 1865, was prisoner.

Ouartermaster Sergeants — John j. I'nrter,
jiromoted regimental quartermaster; .Allen
]•". Hopkins, .Aug. 9, 1862, mustered out
June 7. 18^)5.

Commissary Sergeant — William V.. Cris-
sey. .Aug. 9. 1862, ]iromoted to adjutant; I.
I). Jennings, .Aug. 7. 1862, mustered out
June 7, 1863.

Hospital Steward — Edward Lukens. Aug.
13. i8r)2, mustered out June 7, 18/15

Musicians — Martin L. Barrett. Au';. 14,
1862. prin. musician, mustered out June 7,
1863; Francis Hennebry, .Aug. 7, 1862, prin.
musician, mustered ruit June 7, 1863.

Company A.

Captains — W. J. I'lrown, Sept. 6, 1862, re-
signed .April 20, i8<>3; (iustin F. Hardy,
.April 20. 1863, died June 12, i8f)3, was sec-
ond lieutenant : William (irason, June 12,
18/13, mustered out June 7. l8/')5. was first
lieutenant.

I'irst Lieutenants — Jt)lin B. Purdue, Sept.
(.. 1862. died .March 27. 1863; J. L. Shella-
barger, June 12, 18(13, niustered out June
7. 18/15, was second lieutenant.

."^econd Lieutenant — James Pioswell, June
7, i8''i3, mustered out June 7, 1865.

Sergeant — James Boswcll, July 26, 1862,
mustered out June 7, i8/)3 ; ,A. C. Stephens,

PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.

Aug. 4, 1862, mustered out June 7. 1865;
George R. Farrow. Aug. 4, 1862.

Corporals — ^\'. R. Harrington, Aug. 9,
1862, discharged Feb. 26, 1863. disability;
Jerome A. Cox, Aug. 8, 1862, mustered out
May 20. 1865 : James Stine, Aug. 6, 1862,
discharged Feb. 2, 1865, was sergeant;
James Eads, Aug. 6, 1862, mustered out
June 7, 18G5; Samuel Beaty, Aug. 6,
1862, killed at Mcksburg May 19, 1863;
AMlliam M. Purdue, Aug. 4, 1862, mustered
out June 7, 1865.

Musicians — James H. \\'idick, Aug. 6,
1862, mustered out June 7, 1865; George
W. Lyons, Aug. 7, 1862.

Wagoner — William ^1. Steel, Aug. 4,
1862, discharged March 4, 1863, disability.
Privates — Monathan Agan, Aug. 8, 1862,
mustered out June 7, 1865; Elisha Allen,
Aug. 2, 1862, died, Avounds received at Ar-
kansas Post January 11. 1863: Alexander
H. Balch, July 26, 1862, died at Van Buren,
Ark., June i, 1863; William Bear, Aug. 6,
1862, died at Young's Point March 5, 1863;
Henry C. Bear, Aug. 9, 1862, absent,
wounded at mustering out of regiment :
Jacob E. Beamer, Aug. 21. 1862, died at
Memphis Sept. 23, 1863'; George Bilby,
.\ug. 14, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865 ;
Daniel Bowen, Aug. 9, 1862, mustered oflt
June 7, 1865 ; William Bowdle, Aug. 6,
1862, mustered out Dec. 21, 1864, wounds;
Solomon E. Bowman, Aug. 6, 1862, trans-
ferred to V. R. C. Jan. 10. 1865; Eli Brack-
nej-, Aug. 4, 1862; Wesley M. Brown. Aug.
6, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865; Thomas
W. Pirown. Aug. 13, 1862, transferred to
invalid corps Aug. 8. 1863; Hardin Bundy,
Aug. 9, 1862, died at Benton Barracks, July
17, 1863: Thomas F. Burke, Aug. 6, 1862,
mustered out June 7, 1865. as sergeant ;
.\lbert Calk, .A.ug. 9. 1862, died in An-
dersonville prison April 9. 1865: .\lonzo
Cheek, July 26, 1862, died at Young's
Point, La.: George W. Davis, Aug. 2, 1862,
sergeant, killed at .Atlanta, Ga., July 22,

1864: Michael Green, .\ug. 6. 1862, mus-
tered out June 7, 1865; William Glaze,
July 26, 1862, absent, sick at mustering out;
Nathaniel Gufify, Aug. 6, 1862, absent, sick
at mustering out ; Jacob Guffy, Aug. 14,
1862, transferred to invalid corps Aug. 16,
1863: William Hickman. Aug. 6, 1892, mus-
tered out June 7, 1865. as corporal; J. H.
Hollandsworth, Aug. 6, 1862, died at
Young's Point April 19, 1863 ; John House-
man, Aug. 6, 1862, mustered out June 7,
1865; Nelson Houseman. .\ug. 21, 1862, ab-
sent, sick at mustering out ; William
Houseman, Aug. 6, 1862, transferred to V.
R. C. Aug. 10. 1864; James T. Jabine, Aug.
12, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865, as
corporal; T. M. Littleton. Aug. 26, 1862,
mustered out June 7, 1865 ; James Long,
Aug. 6, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865;
Thomas AL Long, Aug. 14, 1862. transferred
to invalid corps Sept. i. 1863; Andrew
McKee, Aug. 7, 1862, mustered out June 7,
1865 : Horace Mackey, Aug. 8, 1862, mus-
tered out June 26. 1865; Samuel D. Alarsh,
Aug. 22. 1862, died at St. Louis, April 29,
1863; J. A. Alichner. .\ug. 6, 1862, died.
Camp Butler, 111.. Jan. 4. 1864; Daniel Mill-
er, Aug. 24. 1862. died. Young's Point March
4. 1863; Lewis Morris. Aug. 5, 1862, ser-
geant, wounded, transferred to invalid corps
Feb. 15, 1864; ^^'illiam T. Morris, Aug. 8,
1862, died, ^Marietta, Ga.. wounds, Aug. 3,
1863: Charles McCurdy, Aug. 7, 1862, died
at ^Memphis June 26, 1863; Samuel Nelson,
July 30. 1862. discharged March 16. 1863,
disability; John J. Neyhard. .\ug. 6, 1862,
mustered out July 7. 1865; John ^^■. Nich-
ols, Aug. 6, 1862. discharged Feb. 6. 1864,
wounds; Joel F. Purdue, Aug. 9, 1862, ab-
sent, sick, at mustering out ; Moses B. Page,
Aug. 21, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865;
John Peck, Aug. 21, 1862, sergeant, died at
home Sept. 28, 1863; Jacob Peck. July 24,
1862, mustered out June 7. 1865; Arthur
Pasley, Aug. 6, 1862, transferred to In v.
corps, Dec. i, 1863; Joseph V. Palmer. Aug.

PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.

8. 1862, died June 4. i8t>3, woiiiulcd ; Jolin
M. I'orter, Aug. 20. i8<)2, promoted qiiarter-
iiiastir siTKiant : William J. Reason. Aug.
6. i8<>2, nuisieritl out June 7. i8(>5; Henry
M. Rimmell. .\ug. 9, 1862, died, Memphis,
'i'enn.. January 1. i8(^>3; John .M. Ritter.
.\ug. II. i8«i2. mustered out June 7. iWj5.
sergeant : Elijah T. Rose. .Vug. 7. i8<)2, died
May 22. i8<^>3. wounded at siege of X'icks-
burg: Charles \\ . Rundle. Aug. (>. 1862.
mustered out June 7, 18(15; John \\ .
Rogers. Aug. <>. l8<)2. killed. Kingsinn \.

C. .March 8. i8<>5: K. W . Scheer, .\ug. 23.
1862, mustered out June 7, 18(15; John R.
Skinner, .\ug. <>, i8<^>2. discharged Sept. lO.
i8()3, wounds: Nel.son . Stafford, .\ug. 0,
1862, mustered out June 7. 18(15; David
Stajip. .\ug. (1. i8(>2. died. Lawson Hos-
pital. .May 5. 18^)3; Thomas C. Stewart,
.\ug. 6. i8<>2. mustered out June 7, ■1865,
was prisoner: Henry Walker. .\ug. 11,
1862. died Memphis. Tenn.. .\]>ril 8, 1864;
Peter Walker, Aug. 9, i8<>2. mustered out
June 7. i8'>5, wounded; Jonathan Wear.
.•\ug. (1, i8*>2. mustered out June 7. i8<'>5. as
cor])oral ; (ieorge Wilson. .\ug. '>, i8(^2. ab-
sent, sick at mu.stering out ; C. E. Wright,
Aug. 6, 1802. died. Jefferson P.arracks, July
2. i8<.3.

Recruits— Joseph E. .\Ioffett. Feb. 1. 1864.
transferred to Co. H. 55th 111. Infantry;
William J. Walters. l"eb. 1, i8<>4. dieil. Ken-
e.saw Mt.. June 27, i8<)4; .Stephen Johns<in,
Marcli 2»>. 18(14. transferred to Co. H. 55th
ill. Inf.: John Eeslie. Jan. 26, i8(t4. died of
wounds received at Kenesaw Mt., June 2~,
i8r>4: Joseph Itlylhe. Jan. 28, i8(>4, wounded
at Kenesaw Mt.. June 2-. i8(>4: W. H. Clay.
Jan. 28. 18(14, wounded at Et. Mc.Mlister;
John W. .Steward. Jan. 28. i8r>4, <licd in
hospital; John W. Slavens. Jan. 28, i8()4.
transferred to Co. H, 55th 111. Inf.; Josiah

D. Steward. Jan. 28. i8(^>4, killed at Jones-
boro .\ug. 13; J. M. I'.etzer. Jan. 28. i8()4,
transferred to 55th 111. Inf.; James Peck,
Jan. 28. 18*14. transferred to 55th III. Inf.;

Jnhii .\IcKee. Jan. 28, \9(^, transferred to
55th III. Inf.: James McKee. Jan. 28, 1864,
transferred to 55th 111. Inf.; W. J. Walters,
l-'eb. 1, 18O4, died, Kene>;aw .Mt., June 2"^ ,
1804.

Company B.

Captains — .Austin .Met lurg, Sept. 6, 1862,
promoted major: C. Reibsame, Jan. 28,
18*14. mustereil mn June 7. 18(15, was first
lieutenant.

1-irst Lieutenants — John S. Taylor. Sept.
o. i8(.2, killed Jan. 8, 18(13; Charles E. I'.oles.
Jan. 8, i8')4, was second lieutenant ; Juhn
II. .Miller, Jan. 28, 18^14, musterc<l out Juiu
7, i8()5. was second lieutenant.

Second Lieutenant — .\. J. Williams. Sept.

6, 1862, resigned March 17, 18(13,

l'"irst Lieutenant — 1. 1). Jenning.s. .\ug. 7,
18^)2, promoted commissary sergeant.

Sergeants — John II. Miller. -Aug. 7, i8(j2,
promoted second lieutenant ; W. T. Me-
naugh, .\ug. 7, 1802. absent, sick at muster-
ing out : John .-\. Songer. .\ug. 9. 1862, mus-
UTcd out July 10. i8<)5; .\ndiniron Songer,
.\ug. 9, i8*j2.

Corporals — K. .\. I'.rown. Aug. 7. i8()2,
mustered out June 7, 18(15: William I-"unk.
.\ug. 8. 1862, mustered out June 7, 18(15;
Reuben Rogers, .Aug. 9, 1862, mustered out
June 7, 1865; Cieorge W, Shirey, .Aug. 9,
i8(>2, absent, sick at mustering out ; Charles
I'lidwell, .Aug. 9, 18(12, mustered otit June

7. 18(15, was sergeant: J. W. Troutman,
.\ug. 9. i8C)2, mustered out July 7, 18(^5;
.Samuel Troutman, .\ug. 9, 1862, mustered
out June 7, 18(15; Isaac B. Jordan. Aug. 9,
18(12. mustered out June 7. 18(15.

.Musicians — H. W. Carter, .\ug. 8, 1862.
di.scharged Jan. 28. i8()3; J. E. (ioodman,
.\ug. 11, 18(12, discharged .Sept. 20. i8ri3;
(ieorge II. Welty. Aug. 12, l8(j2, nnistered
out June 7, 18(15.

Privates — James .\dams. .\ug. 5. 18(12.
mustered out June 7, 1805: J. I!. .Andrews,
,Aiig. 9, i8(>2. ab.scnt, sick at mustering out:
Charles E. ISoIcs, .Aug. 13. 18(^12, mustered

PAST AND PRESENT OF .AIACON COUNTY.

out June 7, 1865, as sergeant, commissioned
lieutenant; Milton Billings, Aug. 8, 1862,
mustered out June 7, 1865 ; John M. Bear,
Aug. 6, 1862, absent, sick at mustering out;
John E. Braden, Aug. 11, 1862, mustered
out June 7, 1865; T. J. Burgess, Aug. 25,
1862; John \V. Bailey, Aug. 15, 1862, mus-
tered out June 13, 1865, as corporal; Will-
iam Beck, Aug. 15, 1862, absent, wounded
at mustering out ; R. Bills, Jr., Aug. 14.
1862, killed at Arkansas Post Jan. 11, 1863;
S. R. Braden, Aug. 12, 1862, absent, wound-
ed at mustering out ; S. C. Bradshaw, Aug.
9, 1862, died Young's Point, La., April 3,
1863; Patrick Burke, Aug. 7, 1862, died
Young's Point, La., April 8, 1863 ; William
Burke, Aug. 7, 1862, mustered out June 7,
1865; Charles V. Bell, Aug. 15, 1862, died in
Mississippi March 23, 1863; James Dilliner,
Aug. 7, 1862, absent, sick at mustering out ;
Austin Daily, Aug. 19, 1862, mustered out
June 7, 1865; Lewis Disbrow, Aug. 14, 1862,
sergeant, died at Young's Point, La., April
15, 1863; Michael Dugan, Aug. 14, 1862,
mustered out June 12, 1865; Stephen Earls,
July 19, 1862, absent, sick at mustering out ;
E. Enterline, Aug. 19, 1862, discharged
March 14, 1863; Thomas Enos, Aug. 9, 1862,
died Young's Point, La., Feb. 11, 1863; Con-
rad Enterline,' Aug. 9, 1862, discharged
March 20, 1864; David A. Ellis, Aug. 4,
1862, transferred to \'. R. C. Sept. i, 1863;
S. G. Frank, Aug. 6, 1862, died at St. Louis
April II, 1863; John W^ Foster, Aug. 20,
1862, mustered out July 7, 1865; Amos Fry,
July 19, 1862, mustered out July 19, 1865 ;
Fred Fuller, Aug. 7, 1862, mustered out
June 7, 1865; John Gill, Aug. 9, 1862, mus-
tered out June 7, 1865; F. M. Garver, Aug.
9, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865, as cor-
poral ; C. M. Garver, Aug. 14, 1862, died at
St. Louis Ma}'- 17, 1863 ; Lewis Hauck, Aug.
9, 1862, nuistered out June 7, 1865 : J. H.
Higgins, Aug. 14, 1862, mustered out June
7, 1865; R. S. Henson, Aug^ 9, 1862, mus-
tered out June 7, 1865: George L. Hauck,

Aug. 9, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865;
Thompson Hayes, Aug. 7, 1862, mustered
out June 7, 1865; Francis Henley, Aug. 7,
1862, promoted principal mr.sician ; John G.
Hayes, Aug. 7, 1862, discharged Aug. 27,
1863; John S. Hough, Aug. 9, 1862, absent,
sick at mustering out ; John W. Jprdon,
Aug. 8, 1862, died. Young's Point, La., b'eb.
8, 1863: William H. Jordon, Aug. 8, 1862.
mustered oiit June 7, 1865 ; Jeremiah Jor-
ion, Aug. 9, 1862, died at Young's Point,
La., Feb. 11, 1863; Michael Kelley, Aug. 15,
1862, mustered out June 7, 1865; T. H.
Larkin, Aug. 7, 1862, mustered out June 7,
1865; Edward Maher, Aug.' 15, 1862, mus-
tered out June 7, 1865; John Mc"Whinney,
July 30, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865.
as corporal; William Meyer, Aug. 2, 1862;
R. [McDonald, July 17, 1862, died at Mem-
phis, Tenn., Oct. 4, 1863; Patrick Nolan,
Aug. 21, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865;
William H. Nix, Aug. 7, 1862, absent, sick
at mustering out; H. W. Nesbit, Aug. 11,
1862, died at Keokuk, Iowa, Jan. 27, 1863;
George W. Olney, Aug. 11, 1862, died at
[Memphis, Tenn., [March 17, 1863; Aaron
Pricer, Aug. 9, 1862, mustered out June 7,
1865 ; John W. Parker, Aug. 8, 1862, absent.
wounded at mustering out ; A. Patterson,
Aug. 9, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865 ;
G. W. Patterson, Aug. 20, 1862, killed at
Kenesaw Mountain June 27, 1864; S. Ouack-
enbush. July 30, 1862, mustered out July

10, 1865 : R. A. Rogers, Aug. 9. 1862, ab-
sent, sick at mustering out; C. Reibsame,
Aug. II, 1862, promoted sergeant, then first
lieutenant ; G. W. Rutherford, Aug. 8, 1862,
mustered out June 7, 1865; Benjamin F.
Smoot, Aug. 9, 1862, died at Young's Point,
La., Feb. 15, 1863; James D. Sherman, Aug.
20, 1862. died on steamer City of [Memphis,
of wounds, [May 25, 1863; Wesley Street,
Aug. 15, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865;
John A. Stains, Aug. 8, 1862. died at Young's
Point [March 4, 1863 ; Martin Shelton, Aug.

11, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865; J. H.

PAST AND TRKSKXT Ol" MACON COLXIV.

5!>

Shfplicrd, Aug. y, 1862, mustered out June
7, 1865; J. \V. Sickafousc, Aug. 15. 186-'.
nuistercd out June 7, i^/js; A. Shepherd,
Aug. 8, 1862, killed at Arkansas Post Jan.
II, i8<)3: Haiiiel SluitttT. .\ug. 9, 1862, mus-
tered out June 7, 18*^5; Cyrus X. Tolles,
Aug. 8, i8t>2, mustered out June 7, 18(^5;
Richard Wall. Aujj. 14. i8<^)2, mustered out
June 7, i8<)5; John Widick, .\ug. 9, 1862,
mustered cut June 7, 1865; Samuel Weikel,
.\ug. 15, i8()2, absent, sick at mustering out ;
J. \V. Westfall, July 30, 1862, mustered out
June 7, 1865, as sergeant ; Amos Wheeler,
Aug. II, 1862, absent, sick at mustering out;
\V. C. Warnick, Aug. 15, k%2, absent, sick
at mustering out ; .\. J. Wheeler, .^ug. 12,
1862, mustered out June 7, 1865.

Recruits — Henry Seits, Teb. 25, 1864,
transferred to Co. F, 55th 111. Inf.-intry;
Felix Shutter, Feb. 25, 1864, transferred to
Co. F, 35th III. Infantry; James K. West-
fall, .Xpril 13. i8<>4, transferred to Co. F,
55th 111. Inlantry.

Company C.

Captains — Thomas White, Sept. 6, 1862,
kilhd in battle May 26, 1NJ4 ; K. M. Foster,
June 7, i8<i4, mustered out Jiiiic 7, iS*');. was
first and second lieutenant.

First Lieutenants — James M. Wallace,
Sept. 6, 1862, resigned March 2, 1863; Z. R.
Prather, .\pril 20, 1865, mustered out June
7, i8«">5, was second lieutenant.

Second Lieutenant — Jacob I?. Schroll,
June 7, i8<')4, mustered out June 7, 186s.

First Sergeant — John W. Fllis, Aug. 9,
1862, died at Young's Point, La., Feb. 23.
1863.

Sergeants — .Abe Mctzler. .\ug. 13, 1862,
wounded at mustering out ; W. P. Camp,
.'\ug. 9, 1862, died at .Millikin Bend June
23. ^^^i- 1- Montgomery, -Aug. 9, 1862,
transferred to V. R. C. Feb. i. 1864; John
B. Davidson, .\ug. 9, 1862, die<l at Young's
Point Feb. 8, 1863.

Corporals— Elias Dunbar. .\ug. 9, 1S62.

mustered out June 11, i8t)5; J. W. Kdwards,
.\ug. i). i8'>2, (lischarge<l .April 13, 1863, dis-
ability ; I'hilo S. l-enton, .\ug. 13, i8<)2,
wounded at mustering out ; Samuel X.
.\laeyers. .\ug. (j, i8<>2, nuistered out J\ino
7. 18(15, ''s sergeant; James II. Jones, .\ug.

13, i8()2, discharged Feb., 1863, wounds;
Israel W. Markel, .\ug. 9, 1862. died at
.\Uinphis Jan. 30, 1863; Z. R. I'rather, .\ug.
9, 1862, promoted second lieutenant ; R. G.
Warnick, -Aug. 9, i8(')2, died at Memphis
.May 22, 1863.

Musicians — D. C. llelpman, .Aug. 9, 1862,
mustered out June 12, 1865, was prisoner;
W. v.. Wallace, Sept. 6, 1862, died on steam-
er D. .\. January, .March 7, 1863.

Wagoner — Erastus .Xiles, Sept. 6, 1862,
nuistercd out June 11, 1863.

PriN-ates — James L. .Aaron, .Aug. 9, 1862,
mustered out June 11, 1865; James W. .AI-
lum, .Aug. 13, i8<ji-, died at Young's Point
.May 12. 18^)3; Wdliam A. Akcrs, Aug. 18,
1862, died at Youngs Point Feb. 10. 1863;
Robert M. Black. .Aug. 9. 18^)2, discharged
June 3, i8r>3, di.sability ; James P. P.eedles,
Aug. 9, 1862, died at .Memphis March 16,
1863; John W. P.ohrer. .Aug. 9. iSr)2, mus-
tered out junc II, i8(>5; George W. Bohrcr,
Aug. 9, 1862, discharged Jan. 9, 1863, dis-
ability ; .A. P>. Champion, .Aug. 9, 1862, mus-
tered out June II, 1865, as sergeant; James
A. Cochran, Aug. 9, 1862, mustered out June

14, 1865, as corporal; I-"lijah Coomb, .Aug. 9,
i8<J2, mustered out June 7, 18^)5; Joseph De-
vore. .Aug. 9, i8(')2, . discharged April 25,
i8f)4; John P.. Dickey, .Aug. 9, 1862, irans-
firred to Signal Corps June 7, 1864; James
C. Davidson, Aug. 9, 1862, discharged
.Sept. 5, i8r>3. disability; 1). L. David-
son, .Aug. 13, i8<i2, mustered out Junc
14, 18^15, |irisuner; William Davis, .Aug.
9, i8/i2, mustered out June ", 18^15; R. L.
Davidson. .Aug. 9, 1862. died at home Dec.
5, i8(.3; .Ale.xander Davidson, .Aug. 13, 1862,
mustered out June 7, 1865; D. P. Davidson,
.Aug. 13. iW>2, mustered out June 7, 1865;

PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.

'I". I\. l)a\'i(Lsuii, Aug. 15, 1862, killed at
Jonesboro, Ga., Aug. 31, 1865; James A.
EUis, Aug. 9, 1862, mustered out June 7,
1865 ; David Gregory, Aug. 9, 1862, died in
Louisiana April 12, 1863; Charles Grennel,
Aug. 9, 1862, died at Mound City Dec. 15,
1863; Edward L. Goff, Aug. 9, 1862, died at
Mound City Nov. 2, 1863; Leonard J.' Goff,
Aug. 9, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865, as
wagoner ; John M. Gault, Aug. 9, 1862,
wounded at mustering out; A. F. Hopkins,
i\.ug. 9, 1862, promoted sergeant then quar-
termaster sergeant ; Joshua F. Hill, Aug. 9,
1862, died of wounds July 23, 1863, as pris-
oner; D. J. Herrington, Aug. 11, 1862, mus-
tered out June 7, 1865, as musician; E. J.
Howell, Aug. II, 1862, died at Richmond,
Va., Feb. 15, 1865, as prisoner; Hugh Jones,
Aug. 13, 1862, died at Memphis, Tenn., Dec.
24, 1862; Jacob Krone, Sept. 15, 1862, died
at Paducah, Ky., Feb. 20, 1864; John Mc-
llheran, Aug. 9, 1862, wounded, prisoner of
war at mustering out ; John Alaeyers, Aug.
9, 1862, died at Andersonville Prison June
7, 1864; Eli Montgomer}-, Aug, 9, 1862, died
at Mound City Dec. 7, 1864; S, B. McCon-
naught}-, died at Walnut Hill, Miss., May
-3- 1863, wounds; William J. Meyers, Aug.
13, 1862, discharged Jan. 24. 1863, disabil-
ity; Henry F. May, Aug. 13, 1862, dis-
charged March 20, 1863, disability ; J. L. Mc-
Murtry, Aug. 13, 1862, mustered out May
22. 1865, was prisoner; D. K. Pound, Aug.
13, 1862, mustered out June 7, '1865; E, D.
Riber, Aug. 13, 1862, mustered out as ser-
geant, was prisoner ; John H. Stoner, Aug.
9, 1862, mustered out May 27, 1865; John
R. Smith, Aug. 9, 1862, discharged Feb, 6,
18^)4. disability; Joseph P, Smith, Aug. 9,
]8()2, discharged Aug. 8, 1863, disability;
Samuel W, Snyder, Aug. g, 1862, mustered
out June 7, 1865; Hiram S, Stine, Aug. 9,
1862, discharged Jul}- 7, 1863, disability;
James T, Scott, Aug, 9, 1862, discharged
Jan,, 1863; Henry C, Scott, Aug, 9, 1862,
died at Memphis July 8, 1863, wounds; Ja-

cob B, Schroll, Aug. 9, 1862, mustered out
June 7, 1865, as commissary sergeant, sec-
ond lieutenant, prisoner ; J. A, Spalding,
Aug, 9, 1862, died at Camp Sherman, Miss,,
Aug, 3, 1863; Beechem Turpin, Aug, 9, 1862,
mustered out June 7, 1865; William
Thomas, Aug. 9, 1862, died at Richmond,
Va., Feb, 10, 1864, prisoner; R, S, Traugh-
ber, Aug, 9, 1862, died on steamer City of
Memphis Feb. 8, 1863 ; J. D. C, Travis, Aug.
13, 1862, discharged Feb, 16, 1863, disabil-
ity; Isaac W. Travis, Aug, 13, 1862, died
at St, Louis Sept, 2, 1863 ; Samuel H. Travis,
Aug, 13, 1S62, died on steamer Planet Jan.
5, 1863; U, D, Travis, Aug, 13, 1862, died in
Louisiana April 27, 1863; Ephraim Tim-
mons, Aug, 12, 1862, discharged Feb. 25,
1863, disability ; Lemuel Timmons, Aug.
13, 1862, died at Memphis March 16, 1863;
H. C, Traughber, Aug, 18, 1862, mustered
out June 7, 1865 ; John Urbain, Aug, 9, 1862,
discharged Sept. 5, 1863, disability; Amos
W, Vliet, Aug, 9, 1862, mustered out June
7, 1862; William Wallace, Aug, 9, 1862,
discharged April, 1863, disability; Thomas
J. \\'ard, Aug. 9, 1862, sergeant, promoted
sergeant major, was prisoner; Robert D,
Wilson, Aug. 9, 1862, mustered out June 7,
1865; Lewis Webber, Aug, 18, 1862, died
at Richmond, Va,, March 16, 1864,

Recruits — John C, Aaron, Feb, 11, 1864,
transferred to Co, F, 55th Illinois Infantry;
N. M. Baker; Benjamin S, Devore, trans-
ferred to Co, K before mustering in ; John
Dulaney, Afarch 29, 1864, transferred to
Co, F, 55th Illinois Infantry; W, H. John-
son, Feb, 27, 1864. transferred to Co. F, 55th
Illinois Infantry; John A, Kimberlin, trans-
ferred to Co, K before mustering in ; Sam-
uel Kitt, transferred to Co. F before mus-
tering in ; George Deboy, transferred to Co.
K before mustering in.

Company D.
Captains — Joseph Lingle, Sept, 6, 1862, re-
signed Feb. 29, 1864; George A, Milmine,

PAST \.\li ru l'.M-..\ 1 * >1- .\IAl.(»\ t I )l .\ 1 \

«1

Feb. 29, 1864. discliargeil Jan. 30, 1805. was
first aiul second lieutenant.

First Lieutenants — James 1\. I'.riyys,
Sept. 6. iSi>2, resigned .Xpril 6, 18(13 ; Tlia<l-
deus Collins, l-'eh. J<>, iW>4, nuistereil out
June 7, i8()5, was second lieutenant.

.'second Lieutenant — Hujjli .\. Lyon.s,
June ~. i8(>5, mustered out June 7, i8ri5, as
serj^eant.

I-irst .'^erJJeant — J. W. (icorge, .\ug. 13.
i8<>2. discharged Aug. 3. iS<>3. disability.

Sergeants — J. F. iloagland, .\ug. 7, iS'.iJ,
discharged June 12, i8<)4. disability; ("■. W .
Williams, .\ug. q. 18^)2. died on steamer
City of Memphis Feb. 18, i8()3; Thaddeus
Collins, .-\ug. 7, 1862, promoted first lieu-
tenant : Hugh .\. Lyons, .Vug. 13, i8('»2, mus-
tered out June 7, i8<)5, as second lieutenant.

Cori)orals — D. T. Armstrong, Aug. 13,
1862, sergeant, died at St. Louis .Vpril 7.
l8()3; John F. Bowser, .\ug. 9, 1862, dieil at
Chattanooga May 21. 1864, wounds; David
Ciill, .\ug. 9, 1862, died at Chickasaw Bayou
Dec. 3, 1862; A. J. Watson, .Aug. 9, i8()2,
mustered out June, i8(>5; J. B. Streever,
.\ug., i8<>2. died at .Annapolis, Md., Nov.
I, 1863; Scth F. Spore, .Aug. 9, i8<')2, trans-
ferred to Co. F, 55th Illinois Infantry; N.
W. Slifer, -Aug. 9, i8C>2, mustered out June
7. 1S65, as sergeant ; J. (i. Long, .Aug. 9.
i8(>2, died at Richmond, Aa., Feb. 20, 1864.

Musicians — Flias Barger, .Aug. 9, i8r)2,
mustered out June 7, 1865; Amos Robert-
son, .Aug. 13, 1862, mustered out June 7,
1865. as corporal.

Wagoner — C. F. Fmery. .Aug. 8, i8<i2.
discharged March 2, 1863.

Privates — John .\rmstrong, .Aug. 15, 1862;
.Andrew .Adams, .Aug. 11, 1862, corporal,
rjied at Richmond, \'a., Jan. 2J, 18(^)4, pris-
oner; B. I". .Antrim. .Aug. 7, 1862, mustered
nut June 7, 1865, as sergeant; Philip Locke,
.\ng. 27, 1862, mustered out June 7, 18^)3;
H. 1). McKeever. .Aug. 13, 1862, mustered
out June 7. 18^)3 : John Miller, .Aug. 13, 18(12,
mustered out June 7, i8()3. as prisoner;

Clarke -Miller, .Aug. 13, i8(>2, mustered out
June 7, 1805; F.. K. Milmiue, .Aug. <>, i8(»2,
mustered out June 7. 18(13; Robert .Martin,
.Aug. 13, i8(>2. mustered out June 7, 18(15;
Barney O'.Neal. .\ug. 13, i8()2. di.scharged
Sept. 2, i8')3; Richard Pope, .Aug. 2^, i8(>2,
discharged Sept. 2~. 18(13; .Sanford Payne.
.\ug. 13. 18(12, discharged .March 12, 18(13;
li. J. Plater, .Aug. 7, 18(12, sergeant, died at
Memphis .April 4, 18(13; Jauies (Juerrey,
.\ug. 13. l8()2, musleretl out June 7, l8(>3.
prisoner; hlri (Juerrey, .\ug. 18, 18(12, mus-
tered out June 7, 18(15; .Alouzo Ray, .Aug. 8,
18(12. iliscliarged Jan. 19 i8r)3; William
Rhinchart, -Aug. 13. 18(12. died at Camp But-
ler. 111.. .March 19, 1864; Squire Reed, .Aug.
7. iSr>_». mustered out June 7, 18(15; Joseph
Ryan, .Aug. 7, 18(12. mustered out June 7,
18(15; W. <i. Shannon, .Aug. 22, i8fi2, mus-
tered out June 7, 18(15; Pi. W. ."^chenck,
.Aug. 7. 18(12. mustered out June 7, 18(15, as
corjioral ; William Schenk, .Aug. 7, 1862,
mustered out June 7, 1865, as corjioral ; Ja-
cob .^purling. .Aug. 9, 18(12, mustered out
June 7, 1865, as sergeant; Fred Smith, .Aug.
<;, i8(>2, sergeant, died at Cleveland, Tenn.,
Jan. 28, 18(15; David Scott, .Aug. 7, 1862.
mustered <iut June 7, 1865, as ])risoner ;
Peter Sellers, .Aug. 18. 18(12, discharged
.Aug. 12, 1863; J. W. Salters, .Aug. 9. 18(12,
mustered out June 7, 18(15; John .Shannon,
.Aug. 9, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865;
Fdward Sandy, .Aug. 9, 18(12, discharged
l"eb. (1. 18(14; Thomas Thornburg, .Aug. 7,
1862, mustered out June 7, 18(15; William
Towers. .Aug. 9, 1862, mustered out June
7, 18(15; Charles Tooley, -Aug. •>, i8(>2, mus-
tered out June 7, 1865, as corporal; J. L.
.Allen, .Aug. 9, 1862, mustcre<l out June 7,
18(15; William Amber, Aug. 9, 1862, died
at A'liung's Point Jan. 20. 1863; 11. .\mber,
.Aug. 9, 1862, died at N'icksljurg July 25.
18(13; Joel B. .Adams, .Aug. 9, 18(12, unistered
out May 18, 1865; J. 1. Arbuckle, Aug. 9.
i8(i.j, mustered out June 7. 18^15, as corporal ;
Samuel .Alexander, Aup. <). 18(12; William

PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.

Briggs, Aug. 9, 1862, died at home Dec. 21,
1863; R. A. Bclford, Aug. 12, 1862, dis-
charged Feb. I, 1863; John A. Chism, Aug.
8. 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865 ; L. N.
Chapman, Aug. 9, 1862, mustered out June
7, 1865, as corporal; Arthur Cory, Aug. 15,
1862, mustered out June 7, 1865, prisoner;
N. Cooper, Aug. 13, 1862, died at Memphis,
Tenn., March 6, 1863; John Craft, Aug. 15,
1862, died at St. Louis April 5, 1864; A. F.
Corn, Aug. 9, 1862, died on steamer City of
Memphis Feb. 18, 1863 ; R. C. Crocker, Aug.
7, 1862, promoted sergeant major; E. H.
Davidson, Aug. 9, 1862, absent, sick at mus-
tering out ; William Daves, Aug. 9, 1862,
mustered out June 7, 1865, as sergeant ; An-
drew Evans, Aug. 13, 1862; George Emer-
ick, Aug. 7, 1862, corporal, died at Annapo-
lis, Md., Aug. 25, 1863 ; J. W. Elliott, Aug.
15. 1862; Isaac Fesler, Aug. 9, 1862, dis-
charged April 3, 1863; John W. Fenner,
Aug. 9, 1862, killed at Vicksburg, Miss., May
19, 1863; Larkin Fesler, Aug. 15, 1862, mus-
tered out June 7, 1865; H. B. Cast, Aug. 9,
1862, mustered out June 7, 1865 ; James
Huckabey, Aug. 7, 1862, mustered out June
7, 1865, as corporal; John Kline, Aug. 15,
1862, discharged Jan. 19, 1863; John Ken-
nedy, Aug. 13, 1862 ; Edward Lukins, Aug.
13, 1862, promoted hospital steward; Will-
iam F. Lukins, Aug. 13, 1862, died in Missis-
sippi June 22, 1863, J. E. Liston, Aug. 13,
1862, killed at Atlanta, Ga., July 22, 1864;
William A. VanLeir, Aug. 5, 1862, dis-
charged Jan. 16, 1863 ; S. N. VanVoorhees,
Aug. 9, 1862, discharged Jan., 1863 ; A. G.
Williams, Aug. 11, 1862, died at Richmond,
Va., March 5, 1864, prisoner; M. J. Will-
iams, Aug. II, 1862, died at St. Louis March
26, 1863; Alexander Withers, Aug. 9, 1862,
died at Young's Point J^Iarch 3, 1863 ; Ira
Withers, Aug. 9, 1862, died at ^Nlillikin's
Bend April 27, 1863; A. J. Wright, Aug. 12,
1862, died at Young's Point Feb. 17, 1863 ;
Jacob Zinn, Aug. 15, 1862, mustered out
June 7, 1865.

Recruits — Alexander Briggs, Oct. i, 1862,
died on steamer Planet Jan. 20, 1863 ; Will-
iam H. H. Gill ; E. Harris.

Company E.

Captains — Lewis J. Eyman, Sept., 1862,
killed Jan. 11, 1863; J. S. Windsor, Jan. 31,
1863, promoted major; R. M. Hamilton,
Sept. 26, 1864, mustered out June 7, 1865,
was first lieutenant.

First Lieutenants — S. H. Varney, Sept. 6,
1862, resigned March 5, 1863; James D.
Noon, ]March 5, 1863, died June 18, 1863 ;
\\'ill!am H. Streeter, June 3, 1863, resigned
May 27, 1864; Samuel J. Varney, Sept. 26,
1864; died of smallpox Feb. 13, 1865; Will-
iam H. Dickerson, April 20, 1865, mustered
out June 7, 1865.

Second Lieutenants — W. L. Harris, Sept.
6, 1862, resigned June 28, 1863; Amzi H.
Baker, Tune 7, 1865, mustered out June 7,
186.5.

Sergeants— L. J. Mackey, Aug. 15, 1862,
absent, sick at mustering out ; R. M. Ham-
ilton, Aug. 15, 1862, promoted first lieuten-
ant; Joseph D. Noon, Aug. 6, 1862, died at
Memphis June 18, 1863; Amzi H. Baker,
Aug. 6, 1S62, mustered out June 7, 1865,
as second lieutenant.

Corporals — Ed. C. Eyman, Aug. 6, 1862,
died at Alillikin's Bend April 26, 1863 ; E. H.
Boyd, Aug. 2, 1862, died at Young's Point
Feb. 23, 1863; Jeremiah Gepford, Aug. 2,
1862, mustered out June 2, 1865 ; Joel Rhine-
hart, Aug. 2, 1862, mustered out June 7,
1865 ; John Eyman, Aug. 6, 1862, transferred
to V. R. C. Jan. 15, 1864; John Danley, Aug.
6, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865 ; Andrew
Parr, Aug. 7, 1862, mustered out June 7,
1865; George Goodman, Aug. 7, 1862, mus-
tered out June 7, 1865.

]\Iusicians— Robert G. Kitch, Aug. 6, 1862,
mustered out June 7, 1865; Silas Gepford,
Aug. 10, 1862.

Wagoner— H. B. Nicholson, Aug. 6, 1862,
mustered out June 7, 1865.

PAST AND rRKSKXT OF MACON COUNTY.

«;3

IVivatcs— William (i. Allen. Aug. 8, 1862,
mustered out June 7, 18O5, James 11. lioytl,
Aufj. J, i8<)J, absent, sick at nuistering out ;
C liarles F. lienton, Aug. O, 18O2, absent, sick
at mustering out; Ci. W. I'.rewer. Aug. 6,
i8^}j, nmstercd out June 7, 18(15: Charles
.^. llullanl. Aug. 0, 1862, absent, sick at
mustering out : Joel r>ruce, Aug. 8, 1862,
(lied at Young's I'oint l-'eb. 9, 18O3: dcorgo
W. r.ruce. Aug. <>. \S(>2, died at Decatur
Aug. .^1. iS'>3; I'. L. F.enton, .\ug.
8, i8<ij. ilied on bos|)ital boat March
18, i8<>3; J. IJarnhart. Aug. 10. 1XO2,
mustered out June 7, iSt)^. prisoner; Silas
r.urt, Aug. J. iSt>2. mustered out June 7,
i8<)5: Ira F. Clark. Aug. 0, iSJjj. died Deca-
tur, 111., Nov. 6. 1862; John W. Corn, Aug.

6, i8(>2, mustered out June 7, iS*);; Jacob
Cross, Aug. 6, i8<^)2, nuistered out June 7,
1865; Charles H. Clark, Aug. 6, 1862, mus-
tered out June 7. 18*35; ^'- Carver. Aug. 7,
|8<>2. died at Youngs Point Feb. 11, 1863;
John H. Cox. Aug. 7, 1862, discharged at
St. I.ouis; Israel .M. Cross, Aug. <). 1862,
dietl at Young's Point March 26, 1863; \V,
II. Dickerson. Aug. 2, 1862, promoted cor-
|)oral, sergeant and second lieutenant; Jcihn
Downey, Aug. 6. 1862, mustered out June

7, 1865; F. M. Danlcy, Aug. 6, 1862, died at
Yoinig's I'oint March 3, 1863: S. A. Doug-
las, .\ug. C>. 18^12, mustered out June 7.
i8<)5; I., n. Dunham. Aug. 13, 18G2, trans-
ferred to \'. R. C. May 16, 1864; Michael
Faton, Aug. 8, 1862, discharged Nov. 25,
1863; IT. \V. French, Aug. 2, 1862, trans-
ferred to Inv. Corps Sept. 30, 1863; M. A.
I'arnam. Aug. 2. 1862, mustered out June
7, 1865; Stephen Farnam, Aug. 2, 1862, mus-
tered out June 7, 1865, as sergeant; Chester
Farnam. Auf^. 6, 18^12, killed at Rcsaca, Ga..
May 14. i8<j4: David Farnam. .\ug. 6. 1862,
mustered out June 7, 1865 ; Lindsay Far-
nam, .\ug. 6, 1862. absent, sick at muster-
ing out ; James Free, Aug. 6, 1862, mustered
out June 7, 1865; J. W. Fowler, Aug. 6.
i8<j2, killed at Walnut Hill May 19, 1863;

James Goodin, Aug. 6, 1862, mustered out
June 7, 18(15; .M. tireclcy, Aug. 6, 1862, mus-
tered out June 7, 1865, as corporal; Thomas
Graham, Aug. 7, 1862, mustered out June 7,
i8(>5; E. M. Grass, Sept. 29, 1862, died at
Memiihis Oct. 21, 1863; W. H. Gepford,
Sept. 16, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865,
as corporal ; S. C. llornback, Sept. 18, 1862,
musteretl out June 7, 1865; George W.
llouser, Sept. 18, 1862, mustered out June
7. i8<i5; William Houston, Aug. 2, 1862,
killed al Atlanta, lia., July 22, 1864; William
Hunt, Aug. 2, 1862, mustered out June 7,
18(15 ; liyron llolcomb, Aug. 2, 1862, pro-
moted sergeant major; James M. Hawk,
Aug. I), \8(}2, nuistered out June 7, 1865, as
corporal; Jacob J. Hobbs, Aug. 6, 1862, ser-
geant, died July 30, 1864, wounds; Jacob
Havener, Aug. 6, 1862, mustered out June
7, 1865; Benjamin Harrison, Aug. 6, 1862,
died al Camp Butler Feb. 24, 1864; John H.
Halchelt, Aug. 6, i8(j2, mustered out June
7, 1865, sergeant; Young P. Jones, Aug. 7,
1862; F. M. Johnson, Aug. 6, 1862; William
G. Jones, Aug. 7, i8(J2, absent, sick at mus-
tering out; E. M. Johnson, Aug. 7, 1862,
died al Decatur Oct. 5, 1863; J. L. James,
Aug. 8. 1862, discharged June 14, 1863; Solo-
mon Kitch, Aug. 6, 1862, mustered out June
7, 1865, as corporal; l'"dward M. Kile, Aug.

6, 1862, mustered out June 7, 18O5; Harper
Kelsey, Aug. 13, 1862, died at Memphis Aug.
5. 1863; John W. Kile, Aug., 1862, mustered
out June 7, 1865; Moses Land, Aug. 6, 1862,
died at Cherry Grove, 111., Nov. 25. 1863;
l"li XeKson, Aug. 7, 1862, discharged Feb.
18, 18(35, disability; Cieorge Petlit, Aug. 6,
1862, died at Dallas, Ga., May 31, 1864;
James II. Parr, Aug. 6, iHCt2, died at Young's
Point March 2, 1863; I. W. Rittenhouse,
.Aug. 6, 1862, corporal, dietl at Decatur, 111.,
Sept. 29, 1864, wounds; W'illiain II. Roger,
Aug. 8, 1862, musteretl out June 7, 1865;
A. Shartzer, Aug. 2, 1862, mustered out June

7. 18(15; James H. Sprague, Aug. 2, 1862,
mustered out June 7, 18(15; R. M. Stockton,

PAST AXD PRESENT UE MACOX COUNTY.

Aug. 2, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865,
as sergeant; G. R. Sollar.s, Aug. 6, 1862;
discharged Sept. 16, 1864; Leonard Stout,
Aug. 6, 1862, discharged JMarch 28, 1864;
Nat. Sprague, Aug. 5, 1862, mustered out
June 7. 1865, as corporal; Allen Smalley,
Aug. (). 1862. died at Camp Sherman, Miss.,
Aug. 31, 1863; Thomas A. Snyder, Aug. 18,
1862, died at St. Louis July 3, 1863; George
\'anGundy, Aug. 6, 1862, died at Young's
Point March 16, 1863; Samuel J. Varney,
Aug. 14, 1862, sergeant, first lieutenant, died
at Annapolis Feb. 3, 1863 ; Larkin Wheeler,
Aug. 2, 1862; Lewis E. White, Aug. 2, 1862,
discharged Aug. 14. 1863; Basil Wood, Aug.
6, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865 ; Joseph
H. Young, Aug. 6, 1862, died at Memphis
April 13, 1863.

Recruits — William P. Benton, died at
Memphis Jan., 1863.

Company F.

Captains — Samuel N. Bishop, Sept. 6,
1862, resigned April 12, 1863; N. Gesch-
wind, April 12, 1863, promoted major; Will-
iam P. Goodner, June 7, 1865, mustered out
June 7, 1865.

First Lieutenants — John B. Tutt, Sept.

6, 1862, died Jan. 26, 1863 ; S.'R. Riggs, April
12, 1863, resigned Dec. 11, 1864; John A.
Cochran, June 7. 1865, mustered out Jime

7, 1865.

Second Lieutenants — E. R. Pratt, Sept.
30, 1862, died March 30, 1863; J. C. Stans-
bur}', April 28, 1863, died April 9, 1865 ; John
P. Lewis, June 7. 1865, mustered out June
7- 1865.

Privates — Benjamin Lourish, Sept. 5,
1862, died at Young's Point Feb. 15, 1863;
David Lourish, Aug. 11, 1862, discharged
March 20, 1863 ; George E. Young, Sept.
14, 1862, absent, sick at mustering out.

Company G.
Captains — Alonzo B. Davis, Sept. 30,
1862, died Sept. 22, 1863; Harvey j\fahan-

nah, Dec. 22, 1862, mustered out June 7,
1865, was first lieutenant.

First Lieutenant — James P. Barnett, Dec.
22, 1863, mustered out June 7, 1865.

Second Lieutenants — Lafayette Helm,
Sept. 30. 1862, died Feb. 16, 1863; Byron
Barnett, March 15, 1863. mustered out June
7, 1865.

First Sergeant — James i'. Barnett, Aug.

11, 1862, promoted first lieutenant.
Sergeants — D. B. Landis, Aug. 18, 1862,

wounded, transferred to ^^ R. C. Sept. 15,
1863; William B. Davis, Aug. 18, 1862;
Michael Doyle, Aug. 9, 1862. mustered out
June 7, 1865; Z. C. Burdick, Aug. 12, 1862,
mustered out June 7, 1865.

Corporals — ^Vi!liam Smith, Aug. 11, 1862,
mustered out June 7, 1865, as sergeant ;
Oren S. Rouse, Aug. 12, 1862, mustered out
June 7, 1865, as sergeant; A. Kittrick, Aug.
14, 1862, mustered out June 7. 1865 ; John
E. Bragg, Aug. 12, 1862, mustered out June
7, 1865.

Musician — David Rea, Aug. 12. 1862,
mustered out June 7, 1865.

Wagoner — A\'illiam H. Horton, Aug. 12,
1862.

Privates — Elijah Andrews, Sept. 28, 1862;
Elias Andrews, Sept. 28, 1862; M. L. Bar-
rett, Aug. 14, 1862, promoted principal mu-
sician ; Charles Barrett, Sept. 14, 1862, died
at Young's Point Feb. 22, 1863 ; William
Brooks, Aug. 12, 1862; Joseph C. Baird,
Aug. 12, 1862, discharged ^larch 31, 1863;
Thomas Cotterell, Aug. 12, 1862, mustered
out June 7. 1865 ; \\'illiam E. Crissey, Aug.

12, 1862, promoted commissar}- sergeant;
William A\'. Dickey, Aug. 15, 1862, killed at
Atlanta, Ga., July 22, 1864; D. A. Dickey,
Sept. 9. 1862, corporal, killed at Atlanta,
July 22, 1864; William Fry, Sept. 9, 1862;
Lafayette Fuller, Aug. 29, 1862, absent, sick
at mustering out; Jackson Grant, Sept. 11,
1862, died at Memphis, Q>nn., Oct. 10, 1863;
John T. Higgins, Aug. 14, 1862, detached
at mustering out of regiment; Brice Howell,

PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.

Any. 1-'. iS(>_'; Lewis llowcll, Any;. 15, iS<>j;
AU'xamler Hoots. .\ug. 12. i8t>J. imisUTcil
out June 7, iJV)^. as corporal : John S. llilin,
Aug. iS, i8<)2, imistcroil out June 7, 1.^15;
C. K. Harper. Aug. 11, 1862. died Jan. IJ.
i8<)5. wounds: William C. Hooker, .\ug. 15.
iS>._>. died at Memphis. Tenn.. March 30,
i8<.3: .Servantus Huston, .\ug. 13. \><t>2. mus-
tered out June 7, i8<>5; C. E. Hunsley. .\ug.

14. iS*>j: mustered out June 7. J8<)5; J. Hen-
.son. .\ug. JO. i}V>2. mustered out June 7.
i.%5: Duham Hanks, Aug. IJ, i8<)J; Isaac
Kemp. .\ug. IJ, i8()j; Philip Kemp. .\ug.

15, iSdJ, mustered out June 7. i8<>5, as ser-
geant; William Lyons, .\ug. IJ, I.%J. ab-
sent, sick at mustering out; Ci. W. Lickliter.
Aug. Jt> iS<>J. died at .Memphis .May 1.
1863; John Lukins, .\ug. 14, 1862, mustered
out lune 7, if^>3, wounded; Henry Latham.
.\ug. J, i8^>2, mustered out Jime 7, iS^>5;
David MiX)re, .Vug. Jo. i8<)2, mustered out
June 7. 1W15; William Moore, Aug. 15. 1862;
II. .Mahannah, .\ug. 11. i8C)J. mustered out
June 7, 18^)5; George W. Mott, Sept. 11,
i8*'.2. discharged Feb. 18, 18^)5, as sergeant,
wountled; S. W. Rosa. .\ug. 12, i8(.j;
William 11. Rhodes, Sept. 18, i86j, dis-
charge.l March 11, 1863; .\. L. Smith, .\ug.
ij. i8^>J. di.scharged Sept. 18. i8<tj; William
C. Smith. .\ug. 21, 1862; died at Young's
Point Jan. 2-. 18^)3; .Samuel Shui)p. Aug. 26,
i86j, tirst sergeant, ab.sent. sick at muster-
ing out : William E. Shastid, .\ug. 14, iSfu.
<lied at Young's Point l-'eb. 20, 18^)3; T. W.
Smith. .\ug. II, i8<)2, mustered out June
7, iSTij; L. Startsman, .\ug. 18, 1862, mus-
tered out June 7, 18^*3; William Sccrist,
.•\ug. 12. i86j, died at Mound City, 111., .\ug.
I. 18^.3; John W. Smith. Sept. 18, 1862. dis-
charged Sept. 12, iW«3; M. Schmitz, Sept.
13. 1862. mustered out June 7. 1W.3; William
Spear, .\ug. 14, i8<)2, discharged March 3,
1863: John .\. Troxell. .\ug. 14. i8^)2. trans-
ferred to \'. R. C. June 13, i8<j3; James L.
Willett. .\ug. 12. i8r>J. mu.stcred out June 7,
1863, as corporal; L. A. Williams, .\ug. 17,

i8()j. transferred to \ . K. C. Dec. 15, 18(33;
Wesley Wheeler, .Aug. 12, 1862, discharged
June (\ i8<)3.

Company H.

Cajjlains — J. L. Dnhxin. .'-iepl. 30, i8f>2,
resigned June 13, i8(>3; John P. Lamb. June
13, 18^)3. resigned Dec. 2J. 18(14; Charles P.
Essick, .\i)ril jo, i8(>3. niustere<l nut June
7. i8«.3.

I'irst Lienliiiaiits — Isom .^iinnmns, .\pril
j8, 1803. killed Dec. JJ, 18^)4; James Ciood-
wiii, April JO, iSlt-,. mustered out June 7,
i8f)3.

SecontI Litutenants — Theodore Short,
Sept. 20, 1862, died Feb. 6. i8<'.3; William
W. Winn. June 7. 18(15. mustered out June
7. 1805.

Musician — James Robinson. Sept. 18,
iS(>j. transferred tn Inv. Cor|)S Dec. 17.
i8(.3.

Private — Charles Sollers, Sept. 10, 1862.

Recruit — George W. liacon. I'eb. .24. 1864,
transferred tn Cti. I'". 53th Illiiiiiis Infantry.

Company L

Captains — Uriah P. lorbes, Sejit. 30, 1862,
resigned .\pril 23, 1803; John !•". P.ishof,
April 23. i8()3, resigned March 30. i8r)4, waj;
tirst lieutenant; Isaac .\. Martin. March 13,
1864, mustered out June 7. 18(13, was first
lieutenant.

I'irst Lieutenant — l-red Schwab, .March
13, 1864, mustered out June 7, 1865,

.^eciMul Lieutenant.s — Irwin Miller, Sept.
30. i8(j2, discharged Dec. 19, iSCi^; Joshua
K. Carr, June 7, 1863. mustered out June 7,
1865.

Sergeants — F. .M. Shepjjard, .\ug. 13, i8(>2,
mustered out June 7, 1865, was first ser-
geant an<l second lieutenant; I'". Workhiser,
.Aug. 14, 1862, mustered out June 7, 18^)5;
W. H. Phillips. .Aug. 22, 1862, detached at
mustering out.

Corporals — M. X'ermillion. .\ug. 14. 1862.
died at Larkinsville. -Ala,, Feb. 4. 18^.4; J.
E. Carter, .Aug. 8, i8r>4, mustered out June

PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.

7, 1865; George Martin, Aug. 12, 1862, mus-
tered out June 7, 1865, as sergeant; J. H.
Hammond, Aug. 14, 1862, mustered out
June 7, 1805; Peter Schut, Aug. 13, 1862,
mustered out June 7, 1865 ; Asa Kingsbury,
Aug. 8, 1862, absent, sick at mustering out ;
John Scott, Aug. 14, 1862, mustered out
June 7, 1S65 ; G. W. Mendenhall, Aug. 8,
1862, mustered out June 7, 1865, prisoner.

Musician — Henry Wheelan, Aug. 22,
1862, mustered out June 7, 1865.

Privates — Joseph .\rt, Aug. 12, 1862, died
on hospital boat March 15, 1863; Jacob
Barth, Aug. 22, 1862, died on hospital '
boat March 15, 1863; Jacob Bratz, Aug. 14,
1862, died at Young's Point, La., Feb. 22,
1863; G. C. Bailey, Aug. 18, 1862, mustered
out June 7, 1865 ; Samuel Barnett, .Sept. 22,
1862, mustered out June 7, 1865 ; M. C. Con-
nolly, Aug. 13, 1862, mustered out June 7,
1865; E. R. Collins, Aug. 8, 1862, mustered
out June 7, 1865, as corporal ; Henry Cline,
Aug. 15, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865,
as sergeant; Cors. Corthen, Aug. 14, 1862,
mustered out June 7, 1865; George W.
Church, Aug. 11, 1862, transferred to Co. A,
55th Illinois Infantry; Joseph Drain, Aug.
22, 1862, discharged May 5, 1865, disability;
John Q. Enkie, Aug. 14, 1862, discharged
April 8, 1863, disability ; Henry Ebert, Aug.
14, 1862, sergeant, sick at mustering out ;
Michael Fry, Aug. 8, 1862, mustered out
June 7, 1865, as corporal ; J. J. Flaherty,
Aug. 3, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865;
Henry Fulk, Aug. 16, 1862, absent, sick at
mustering out ; John W. Fulk, Aug. 22,
1862, died at Young's Point Jan. 29, 1863;
John I'ory, Aug, 22, 1862, transferred to Co.
A, 55th Illinois Infantry; David Guthrie,
Aug. 14, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865 ;
William S. Guthrie, Aug. 14, 1862, died at
Young's Point Feb. 9, 1863 ; Fred Gehr,
Aug. 21, 1862, absent, sick at mustering out;
Daniel H. Garver, Sept. 19, 1862 ; Michael
Gloden, Aug. 14, 1862, mustered out June
7, 1865, as corporal ; J. Goodpasture, Aug. 9,

1862, discharged Oct, 9, 1862; T, R, Ham-
luond, -Vug, 9, 1862, nuistcred out June 7,
1865, as sergeant ; Michael Holif, .Vug, 9,
1862, mustered out June 7, 1865, as corporal;.
Harvey Harris, Aug, 22, 1862, mustered out
June 7, 1865: Andrew Heinold, Aug, 12,
1862, died Ouincy, III., March 25, 1865; O.
Herrindeen, Sept. 27, 1862, died on hospital
bo^t March 13, 1863; S. T. Jenkins, Sept.
ID, 1862, discharged Jan. 24, 1863, disability;
Mathias Keller, Aug. 9, 1862, died at Quincy,
111., Oct. 25, 1863; J. B. Kitchen, Aug. 12,
1862, discharged March 27, 1863, disability ;
Ernest Koehler, Aug. 12, 1862, died at Chat-
tanooga, Tenn., Feb. 19, 1864; J. Latch, Jr.,
Aug. 8, 1862; George B. Latch, Aug. 8,
1862; Theodore R. Latch, Aug. 8, 1862; J.
Morganthall, Aug. 8, 1862, absent, sick at
mustering out; John Martin, Aug. 14, 1862;
Alexander Miller, Aug. 9, 1862, killed at
Resaca, Ga., May 14, 1864; Samuel Miles,
Aug. 13, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865;
John Mang, Sept. 20, 1862, discharged Sept.
2, 1863, disability; Henry S. Miller, Aug. 9,
1862, mustered out June 7, 1865; Andrew
Morrel, Aug, 14, 1862, killed at Arkansas
Post Jan, II, 1863; H. Mendenhall, Aug.
20, 1862, discharged March 6, 1863, dis-
ability; Fred Nier, Aug. 12, 1862, mustered
out June 7, 1865 ; William Odle, Aug. 12,
1862, discharged March 11, 1863, disability;
S. V. Reynolds, Aug. 13, 1862, died at De-
catur Oct. 8. 1862 ; Valentine Smith, Aug.
14, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865 ; M. A.
Smoot, Aug. 14, 1862, died on steamer
Planet Feb. 18, 1863 ; Joseph Strickland,
Aug. 15, 1862, died at Evansville Jan. 10,
1865 ; H. Shinnaman, Aug. ig, 1862, died at
St. Louis March 4, 1863 ; John Stumpff, .^ug.
19, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865; Fred
Smith, Aug. 22, 1862 ; E. Smith, Sept. 13,
1862, as corporal; George Tool, Aug. 22,
1862 ; Philip A. Vogle, Aug. 14, 1862, trans-
ferred to V. R. C. May i, 1864; David Veail,
Aug. 13, 1865, discharged May 25, 1863, dis-
ability ; Michael Witt, mustered out June 7,

PAST AND PRESENT OF iMACON COUNTY.

1865; H. W'esterhavcr, Aug. 8, 1862, wag-
oner, sick at niiislering out ; Josiah Younger,
.Aug. 12, i8/)2, corporal, killed at X'icksburg,
July J, 1863; J. O. Younger, .\ug. 14, i8<.i.',
discharged March 28, 1863, disability ; Will-
iam Young, .\ug. 12. iS()2, corporal, sick
at mustering out.

Recruit — William 11. .Miller, .-\ug. 12,
1862, transferred to Co. A, Illinois Infantry.

Company K.

Captains — John E. Maddo.x, Sept. 30,
1862, promoted lieutenant colonel ; James
H. Glore, June 15, 1864, mustered out June
7, i8<>5, was first and second lieutenant.

First Lieutenants — John S. Windsor,
Sept. 30, 1862, promoted Captain Co. E;
Joseph D. Mackey, June 15, 1864, mustered
out June 7, 1865.

Sccontl Lieutenants — X. W. Wheeler,
Sept. 30, 1862, killed March 19, 1863, siege
of \'icksburg; IT. G. Eppler, Juitc 7, 1865,
mustered out June 7, 18*35.

Sergeants — G. W. Green. July 17, 1862,
absent, sick at mustering out; Thomas .Mc-
Cann, died at Millikins Bend, La., May 8,
1863 ; James Dermot, July 9, 1862, dis-
charged March 20, 1864.

Corporals — William L. Tcdroe, July 26,
1862, mustered out June 7, 1865, was pris-
oner; John Stackhouse, Aug. 6, 1862, mus-
tered out June 7, 1865; John Ruthroff, July
29, 1862, died at Mount City Sept. 7, 18C3;
J. J. 11. Young, July 14, 1862, discharged
.April II, 1863; M. V. Harbour, Aug. 14,
1862, sergeant, sick at mustering out ; Will-
iam Thompson, Aug. 14, 1862, absent, sick
at mustering out; John Ilcrrin, .Aug. 14,
1862, died at Young's Point May 24, 1863;
William T. Griffin, .Aug. 6, 1862.

Musicians — Daniel Mclntyrc, Aug. 15,
1»J2. discharged July 3, 18/.4 : P,. C. Rar-
rackman, .Aug. 19, 1862.

Wagoner — W illiam Young, -Aug. 6. 1862,
absent, sick at mustering out.

Privates— (leorge .\ter, .Aug. 7. 1862,
transferred to Inv. Corps Sept. i, 1863; J.
W. Ashberry, .\ng. 24. 1862, corporal, died
at Rome, (Ja.. Sept. 9. i8<4: William J.
Prewer, .Aug. 14, 1862, mustered out June
7. i8<.5; C. W. Burt, Aug. 15. 1862, trans-
ferred to Inv. Corps Jan. 17, i8<J4; C. M.
liaird, July 25, 18^)2, died at Young's Point
I'eh. 23. 18(33; James Hadgcr. July 22, 1862,
absent, sick at mustering out ; Jasper
r.rooks, .Aug. 24, i8(.2. died at Young's Point
l-"el). 3. 1863: R. K. Brooks, .Aug. 24. 1862,
mustered out June 7, 1865. as sergeant;
James Cliafin, .\ug. 15, 1802; .Adam Cole-
man, Aug. 15. 1862. died at .Memphis .March
^3- J»>3: -Michael Clark, Aug. 28, 1862, died
at Memphis Jan. 31, 1863; Clark Carr, Aug.
22, 1862; William Clay, Aug. 2, 1862; Na-
man Collins, Aug. 8, 1862, mustered out
June 7, 1865, as sergeant; N. T. Cook. July
15. i8(j2, mustered out June 7, 1865; Hugh
Clark, July 22. 1862, mustered out June 7,
1863: Jerome Cox, Aug. 8, 1862, discharged
July I, 1863; Joseph Chafin, .Aug. 25, 1862;
George Deboy, Aug\ 13, 1862, died at At-
lanta, Ga., July 25, 1864, wounded; Benja-
min Dcvore, .Aug. 9, 1862, died at Decatur
Nov. 18, 1863: B. Eldridge, .Aug. 19, 1862,
absent, sick at mustering out ; Hiram Epler,
mustered out June 7, 1865. as sergeant;
Levi Follis, .Aug. 11, 1862, mustered out
June 7, 1865; Alexander Follis, Aug. 11,
1862, died on hospital boat May 23, 1863;
Jesse Fry, .Aug. 7, 1862, discharged Jan. 8,
1865; Andrew (lingle, -Aug. 6, 1862, missing
since -May 31, 1865, supposed insane; J. S.
Hunter, .Aug. 15, 1862, discharged .M.-iy 6,
i8')5. as corporal; Richard Hix, .Aug. 27,
1862, died on hospital boat Jan. 31, 1863;
William Hamsher, Aug. 22, i8<)2, absent,
sick at mustering out; J. A. Hcrrold, Aug.
22, 1862, transferred to Inv. Corps Sept. 30,
1863; II. I lager, Aug. 28. 1862, died at Big
.^^lianty June 23, 1864: John Heck, .Aug. 2,

€S

PAST AND i'RESEXT OF AlACOX COLXTY

1862. imistcred out June 7, 1865; William
Holder, Aug. i, 1862, died at Chattanooga
June 14, 1864; Jacob James. Aug. 11, 1862,
killed at Atlanta, Ga., July 22, 1864; David
James, Aug. 11. 1862, died at St. Louis July
20, 1863 ; John Johnson, Aug. 25, 1862, died
at Decatur Nov. 25, 1862: J. Jones, Aug. 2,
1862, mustered out June 7, 1865; J. A. Kim-
berland, 'Aug. 15. 1862. mustered out June

7, 1865: William Luster, Aug. n. 1862:
mustered out June 7. 1865; G. W. Leigh,
Aug. 2. 1862, died at Memphis Xov. 26,
1862; Maley Mattox, Aug. 14, 1862,, cor-
poral, died at Young's Point Feb. i, 1863;
M. McGlanghlin, Aug. 6, 1862, mustered out
June 7, 1865; Patrick Murphy, Aug. 20,
1862, discharged Dec. 4. 1863; Owen Mc-
Cantus, Aug. 22, 1862 : Jacob Maples, .\ug.
15, 1862, absent, sick at mustering out;
William ^McCune, Aug. 22, 1862, absent, sick
at mustering out: S. Royner, Aug. 16, 1862,
died at Pana, 111., June 20, 1864; David
Burkey, Aug. 7, 1862, transferred to Inv.
Corps Sept. i, 1863; James Ryan, Aug. 15,
1862, sergeant, died at Big Shanty, Ga.,
July 17. 1864, wounded; J. W. Reed, Aug.

8, 1862. died at Keokuk, Iowa, Oct. 5, 1863 ;
T. J. Reed, Aug. 22, 1862 ; died at Young's
Point Feb. 11, 1863; Daniel Staines, Aug.
15, 1862. died at Y'oung's Point Feb. 7, 1863;
John Shields, Aug. 15, 1862, mustered out
June 7, 1865; David Shoemaker, Aug. 8,
1862. mustered out June 7, 1865 ; Henry
Shaw, July 15, 1862, discharged April 15,
1863; C. R. Smith. July 25, 1862, mustered
out June 7, 1865 ; William See, Aug. 27,
1862, discharged .A.pril 10, 1863; David B.
Terril, Aug. 9, 1862, mustered out Jvme 7,
1865, as corporal; Tolliver West, July 17,
J862, commissioned in second Mississippi
Colored Infantry ; James W. Warnell, Aug.

9, 1862, mustered out June 7, 1865; David
W^allace, Aug. 12, 1862, mustered out June
7, 1865: James W. Wood, .Aug. i, 1862, died
at Young's Point Jan. 1, 1863.

VILLAGES OF .MACoX eol'XTY.

Blue Mound.
.After the completion, in 1886. of the East
-St. Louis Railroad, now the Wabash, this
town was established. The town was platted
■ through the influence of Doctor (ioltra, who
owned the land upon which the town is lo-
cated. It takes its name from two large
mounds lying west of it. There are in the
town four grocery stores, two bakeries and
restaurants, one hardware store, one furni-
ture and implement store, two elevators,
three hotels, two blacksmith shops, two
drug stores, two clothing and shoe stores,
one shoe store, one general store, two dry
goods stores, one harness shop, two meat
markets, three barber shops, one tailor shop,
one photograph gallery, one implement
house, two millinery stores, one paper, the
Blue Mound Leader, also five doctors and
one dentist. There is a public system of
water works, the water coming from deep
wells ; also a private electric light plant.

The town was incorporated in 1876; the
population is about 800. The following
churches are located within its boundaries:
Alethodist, Christian, Cumberland Presby-
terian, and in addition to this there is a good
four- room school house. It is situated about
ten miles southwest of Decatur, in Pleas-
ant \'iew township, one of the great corn
producing localities of Macon county; it
is a thriving town and is making a steady,
substantial growth. Lodges : I. O. O. F.,
A. F. & A. ^1., K. of P., M. W.

Oreana.

Oreana was platted in 1872 on land owned
by H. C. Bower. Two general stores, two
elevators, a blacksmith shop and a substan-
tial modern school house are located in the
village. A Christian church, a Baptist
church, a Modern ^^'oodmen lodge and a
Knights of Pvthias lodge are here located.
The population is about 150. But one doc-
tor. C. A. Mallorv. It is situated about seven

PAST AND PRESENT OF MACOX COl'NTY

«!♦

milc.s ii.irilua>i ul Di'caiur in ilic midst of
fine prtxiiictivc rolliiij^ prairie lands.

Oakley.
Oakley was i)latteil in 1856011 lam! owned
by William Rea. Two general stores, two
elevators, and one blacksmith shop consti-
tute the business of the village. A .Modern
Woodmen lodge, a I'nitcd Brethren church
and a modern school house are locateil here.
'I'lie population is 200. It is situaleil tive
miles east of Decatur on the Wabash Rail-
road.

Elwin.

I'^lwin, originally W'heallanil, changctl to
its present name on account of a Wheatland
in Will county, was ])latted in 1859 on land
owned by William .Martin and Daniel 11.
Elwood. The village has a general store,
an clevattjr. a blacksmith shop, one tloctor,
Joseph Leslie, a Methodist church and a
well arranged school house; population
about 100. It is locatetl five miles south of
Decatur on the Illinois Central Railroa<l
in South \\"heatland township in a very fer-
tile prairie corn and oats (iroducing spot.

Boody.

I'lOody is on the .St. Louis i)ranch of the
Wabash Railroad about four miles .south-
west of Decatur in I'lue .Moun<l township,
in a fine corn and wheat producing locality.
It was platted in 1870 on land owned by
l-'rederick .Neintker. who entered it from
the government in i85(). It has two gen-
eral storc-s, one elevator, one blacksmith
shop, one .shoe store, one United I'.rethren
church, one town hall, a two-room school
house; two doctors. The secret societies
are: The Fraternal .\rmy. The Mo<lern
Woodtuen and The Home tircle. Popula-
tion 300.

Macon.

Macon was platted in \H~,u on land owned
by the Illinois Central Railroad; it was in-
corporated .\pril 19, 1869. The first store

room was built in i85<> by Charles Williams
and Charles .Seanu-ns. The first tlwelling
house was erected by A. J. Harris in 1859,
he bcgiiiniug the work on .Sunday.

riure are at ])resent two general stores,
two hartlware stores, one furniture store, one
drug sti>re, two shoe stores. o)ie millinery
store, two banks, two implenient houses,
one hnnher yard, two elevators, two barber
shops, one meat market, three restaurants,
one bakery, two blacksmith shops, two liv-
ery stables, one .sale stable, two hotels, two
veterinary surgeons, two doctors, one in-
surance office, one newsi)a|)er. The Macon
Record, a L'atholic churcii. a Presbyterian
church an<l a Methodist church.

In lodges they haVe : .\ Masonic, an ( )dd
I'ellows. and a Supreme Court of Honor.
It also has a six-room school, one of the
best frame houses in the county, which
occui)ies a central location. The population
is 800. It is about nine miles south of De-
catur in South .Macon township in a fine
farming comnuniity. It has a system of
|)id)lic water works, the water coming from
a deep well.

Forsyth.
This village was platted in i8()4 on l.iml
owned by Edward ( ). .Smith, and named
after Robert Forsyth, the general freight
agent of the Illinois Central Railroad. It
contains at jiresent two general stocks of
giKxIs, one blacksmith shop, one elevator,
one Methodist church, a one-room school
house, a Modern Woodmen lodge, a Knights
of Pythias lodge and an Odd I'ellows lodge.
The population is 200. It is located six
miles north of Decatur in a very productive
coiunumity.

Hcrvcy City.
Ilervey City was platted in 1872 on land
owned by P. S. Outten. located four miles
southeast of Mt. Zion, in Mt. Zion township.
The postoffice at this place is known by the
government as Outten Postoffice. The vil-

PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.

lage contains one store and two elevators.
The population is about sixty-five. The
surrounding country is typical Macon coun-
ty land.

Hight.
In 1900 an elevator was erected about
three-fourths of a mile southeast of Hervey
City on the Jesse Vowel land ; C. A. Hight
of Dalton City being one of the owners of
the elevator gave the station the name of
Hight. The place now has an excellent
school house and a dwelling house, also a
small depot.

Mt. Zion.

This village was platted on land owned
by S. K. Smith between 1825 and 1830. It
was called Wilson Postoffice, but in 1830 a
Cumberland Presbyterian church was erect-
ed there and named Mt. Zion church ; the
name of the town was at once changed to
Mt. Zion. The first house in town was built
by Andrew Wilson near the present site of
John Scott's house.

The village contains three general stores,
one implement house, one harness shop, one
lumber yard, one blacksmith shop, one bar-
ber shop, one elevator, two doctors, a Cum-
berland Presbyterian church, a Methodist
church and a two-room school house. The
school house was built for a college and
was used for that purpose until the school
was removed to Lincoln, Illinois. The popu-
lation is about 300. It is situated about five
miles southeast of Decatur in Mt. Zion
township.

Harristown.

This village was platted on land owned
by J. H. Burkey. It was named Summit,
because it is the highest point between Indi-
anapolis and Springfield, but when the rail-
road was completed it was changed to Har-
ristown in honor of a railroad official in
Springfield. It contains a general store, a
blacksmith shop, an elevaior, a restaurant,
a Methodist church, a Church of Christ,

and a two-room school house. It has a
population of 150. It is situated about eight
miles west of Decatur in Harristown town-
ship; the surrounding country is beauti-
fully mululating and very fertile.

Maroa.

This city was platted in 1854 on land
owned by the "Associated Land Company"
and the Illinois Central Railroad Company.
It was incorporated as a city in 1867. The
first house was built by G. J. Schenk in
1855. The "Prairie Hotel" was built by
William Greer in 1858; in the same year
the first school house was built, and Robert
Collins was the first teacher.

The city contains two dry goods stores,
four grocery stores, two drug stores, three
blacksmith shops, two implement houses,
one furniture store, two hardware stores,
three restaurants, two barber shops, two
millinery stores, two hotels, two meat shops,
two lumber yards, two banks, three saloons,
one harness shop, one livery stable, two ele-
vators, a Methodist church, a Christian
church, a Presbyterian church, two school
houses, one of two and the other of six
rooms. Lodges: Masonic, Odd Fellows,
Knights of Pythias, and JNIodern Woodmen,
Rebekah, Rathbone Sisters and Eastern
Star. One lawyer and three doctors are lo-
cated there. Population, 2,000. It has a
system of water works owned by the city;
its water supply coming from a deep well.
There is also a private electric light plant
which supplies the city both as to city and
private use.

Warrensburg.

This village was platted in 1872 on land
owned by J. K. Warren ; town assumed his
name. There are in the village three gen-
eral stores, one drug store, two restaurants,
two hotels, one lumber yard, two elevators,
one harness shop, two livery barns, one bar-
ber shop, one paper, "The Warrensburg
Times,"' a Methodist church, a Congrega-

PAST \\M PRESENT OF MACOX •(U-MV.

tioiial clnircli, a Cliiirch ui Uod, also a four-
room scliool house. The population is 600.
The village is located eight miles north-
west of Decatur on a ridge overlooking the
country to the north and norihwust for
many miles. For a picturest|ue site there
is none in the county its equal. The village

supports twn dootnr-i.

Argenta.

The village of .\rgoiua was platted on
land owned by Russell B. Rogers in 1873,
when the Decatur, Monticello & Champaign
Railroad, now a branch of the Illinois Cen-
tral, was constructed. The fortieth parallel
passes through this place tlividing it almost
equally.

The first house was built by Cieorge M.
< ieorge in the northeast j>art of town. The
lirst store room was built by William Ellis;
it was destroyed by fire, then replaced by
the one now owned by William Kidder.
The village contains two general stores, two
hardware stores, one furniture store, two
barber shops, one harness shop, two res-
taurants, one hotel, one meat market, two
elevators, one bank, one lumber yard, one
livery barn, one paper. "The .\rgeiita
Hustler." a Methodist church, a Cumber-
land Presbyterian church, a I'niletl Pirelli-
ren church, ami a Christian cinirch. also a
four-rooni scIiddI house; two doctors and
one dentist are located there.

Niantic.

This village was platted about iS5_^ on
land owned by Jesse Lockhart. < )riginally
the inhabitants named the place Long Point,
the railroad called it Prairie City and the
postal department knew it as Lockhart.
Later these tliree elements united in nam-
ing it Xiantic in honor of .some town in
Connecticut bearing the name of some In-
dian tribe.'

Cieorge \Vree built the first house in Xian-.
tic. now occupied by Dr. A. Hall as an of-

fice. The l)U>inc.ss is as follows: 1 hrec
general stores, one drug store, five grocery
stores, one meat market, one shoe store, two
restaurants, two bakeries, three barber
sh<)|)s. two confectioneries, one harness
shop, three blacksmith shoi)s, one real estate
tirm. two hotels, one coal shaft, three grain
dealers and implement houses, one lumber
yard, one hardware store, one bank, two
doctors, a lioman I'atbolic church, a Chris-
tian church, a Methodist chnrch. Lodges:
Odd Fellows, Knights of Pythias, Modern
Woodmen, .\ncicnt Order of Ignited Work-
men. Fraternal Crystal Light, Royal Circle,
rVaternal Army, Yeomen of .\merica ; also
a modern four-room school house as good as
any you will find in a village of its size.

liearsdale was established when the P.,
1). & K. Railway was built, and is located
in the west part of Hickory Point township,
taking the name of the original settlers,
Pear. It has two grain elevators, two
stores, a blacksmith shop and a postoffice.

Prairie Hall was established soon after
the Vandalia was built ; it lies in the east
part of Mt. Zion township. A general store,
two grain elevators and a postoffice are lo-
cated there.

Ileman. formerly Rullardsville, was estab-
lished on the P.. D. & K. Railway a few
miles west of Warrensburg, some time after
the building of the railroad. It has an ele-
vator, a store and a postoffice.

Walker, locate<l in the s<iuth part of South
Macon township, was estal>lished soon after
the building of the Illinois Central Railway.
It has two elevators, a store and a post-
office.

Emery, located in the south part of Maroa
township, was established soon after the
construction of the Illinois Central Rail-
road. It has two grain elevators, a store
and a postoffice.

Sangamtn. locate«l in the west part of
.Sangamon township, was established soon
after the building of the Wabash Railroad.

PAST AND PRESEXT OE MACoX COl'X'l'V

J I lias two stores, a grain elevator, a black-
smith siiop and a ])Ostoffice.

\\ ykles, about three miles west of Deca-
tur was established Init a few years ago.
It contains an elevator and a postoffice.

The Lost Towns of Macon County.

Jn 1836 John and Thomas Moffett platted
tlie town of ^ladison where the Madison
school house now stands. The town grew
for a while but was finally abandoned.

The town of ]\lurphreysboro was platted
in 1839 '^'^ what is known as the \''olgamot
farm south of Xewburg in Friends Creek
townsliip. It was for a time a rival of De-
catur, but eventually lost its prestige.

The town of West Danville, better known
as "Dantown," just east of Xewburg, was
platted by Daniel Conklin about 1838. It
grew for a number of years making quite a
conspicuous village, but finally succumbed
to decay ; nothing remains but one residence
and the old distillery to tell of its halcyon
days.

The Schools.

The educational facilities of Macon coun-
ty have kept apace with those of any of the
adjacent counties.

Durmg its first decade the houses were
few and far between : these houses were
built by donations of material and labor,
and the teacher was dependent upon the
parents for his pay, which was sometimes
as low as ten dollars per month : he boarded
around, day or week about, thus securing
his board free. A\^ood was furnished by the
parents and chopped by the large boys ; the
house was swept once a day by the large
girls.

During this formative period the teachers
were divided into the following classes :
The school teacher who taught the school ;
the school master who mastered the school,
and the school keeper who kept others from
getting the school. There were, however,
some excellent teachers in those days, who

were conscientious and well prepared. This
class, in consetpience of the meager stipend
could not long remain in the profession,
thus necessitating constant recruits, who
were, not infrequently, penniless adven-
turers exploring the west, trying to turn a
dollar b\- teaching. The pioneer teacher
being examined by the board of directors,
needed really but two qualifications — a
rugged physique and an -aptness in the fun-
damentals of arithmetic, as the following
question put at a prospective teacher who
taught the school in the Carver settlement
demonstrates. Question: What will be the
cost of sixty bushels of wheat at a dollar per
bushel? The teacher's ready answer
promptly closed the examination and se-
cured to him the authority to take charge
of the school. It is true, nevertheless, that
the teacher was plied with all kinds of
knotty problems, which did not in any event
in\-olve very intricate manipulations in their
solutions, vet they were so considered by
the patrons, and woe tnito the teacher who
could not solve them as bv* magic.

The teacher by the aid of the board of
directors usually formulated a set of rules
which were tacked upon the wall and re-
viewed every morning as part of the day's
task. The government was administered
by the rod or intimidation, and b}' courting
the favor of the older boys and girls. There
was an unwritten law, not included in the
directors" rules, permitting the pupils to
bar out the teacher in order to compel him
to treat; the teacher was often subjected
to very rough and unwarranted treatment
on these occasions. This custom, we are
glad to say, is now obsolete.

The methods of teaching were quite dif-
ferent from those of the present. The
books in use did not follow the lines of
least resistance, as our psychologists advo-
cate, but on the contrary, seemed to follow
the lines presenting most friction. A care-
ful inspection of the following list of books

PAST AN1> I'RKSKXT OF MACON' COUNTY

will ciiabk- _m«ii to tk-ciiU- ilii> lor _\ «uii.'-cii :
Kiaikr. ail grades. New Testament ; speller,
Webster's Elementary ; arillimetic, Smily.
'I'liis practically completed the list. Web-
ster's Elementary .Speller, which was cer-
tainly very comi)rehensive and edifying to
the heijiimer, was used in the first five years
of the chihl's school life to the exclusion of
everything else.

The single rule of three <.)r single propor-
tion, was the climax in arithmetical att;iin-
nteiit. i'he methods of recitation in all the
l)ranches were purely mechanical, no
thought work being attempted.

It was customary to study aloud ; one im-
accustomed to it could not distinguish the
study from the recitation. If the singing
of the chij) is an index to the ability of the
chopper how gratifying to the teacher must
tliis tingling and tintinnabulating. risiiig and
ebbing of the voices have been.

The school houses were, likewise, worlhv
of mention :they were almost invariably of
logs, and were chinked and daubed.

.'^ome of them had no floors, and those
that <lid have were floored with puncheon
hewed out upon one side, smoothed by the
children sliding back and forth on them.
The school house was heated by a large
fire-place locate<l at one end of the room.
These fire-places were very large, being a
receptacle for sticks of wood cut into cord
lengths. The chimneys were made of wood
and clay. .\s you would naturally sujipose.
most of the heat from the fire-place went up
the huge chimney ; instead of warming the
riwn> it warmed the outsi<le. The windows
were usually made by cutting out a log
upon one side of the house, making the
windows rather wide but not very high. No
supply of glass being accessible for these
first houses, these openings in the wall that
have been described were covered over with
greased paper: the object in greasing the
paper as a gla/ing process was to make it
more transparent and also tougher .so as to

\\ It ii>i.iini ilic >ioini'- oi wind .iiid rain. It
must have been an esthetic light that was
admitted through these tallow di])ped win-
dow |)anes : whatever the result may have
been, it was the only make-shift until glass
could be secured.

The seats in those old scIiooIIiohm-s
would prove a nightmare to this generation,
riiey. too. were made of slabs, hewn
upon one side, with no la/y-back attach-
ment. The little fellows were placed side
by side on these rough-hewn benches, six,
eight or ten in a row, scarcely any of them
able to reach the floor with their feet. Legs
were driven into these slabs from the lower
side. These were not always of the same
length, so that at times the benches wonhl
rock from side to side, greatly to the an-
noyance of the children percheil ui)on them.
"The writing desks were made of s])lit logs,
and at a later date of planks, which were
arranged around the sides of the room,
usually under the windows; |)ins were
driven into the walls and the slabs or planks
laid upon them : they were not of that gilt-
edged and varnished type of to-day, but
were <|uite substantial. These are the desks
that the boys took such a vicious delight in
defacing with their jack-knives: they cut
upon them all sorts of hieroglyphical char-
acters, checkerboards and representations
of human beings ami otherwise."

The first school-house in the county was
built in iSj5 on the old Widick farm, now
owned by the 1'. .M. WikofF estate, located
three an<l a half miles southwest of De-
catur. 'The second was built in 1S28 on the
W. C. Smith land, .\braham Lincoln at-
tended singing and spelling school in this
house.

'The ni'MHi.i >chool is the outgrowth of
the free-school law i)assed by the Illinois
legislature in 1855. Like all laws it has un-
dergone many changes since its enactment,
most of which have resulted in good.

We are, at jjresent. in need of changes

PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.

in order to place llie school law on a par
with the advanced condition of our present
schools.

The result of the school law has heen a
better and a more iniiform system of work
throughout the coimly and state. The coun-
try schools of this county have forged
ahead of other counties of the state by
adopting and following "The State Course
of Study," which originated in Macon
county and has here, practically, been de-
veloped to its present state of efficiency.
It has ushered in the alternation of work,
whereby the school carries the even num-
bered grades : one, two, four, six, eight and
ten one year and the odd numbered grades :
one, two, three, five, seven and nine the
next year. This reduces the number of
classes and gives, in addition, two years
of high school work. The high school work,
also music and drawing, have for the last
six years been very creditably done. The
above work has in a large measure been
responsible for better scholarship in the
teacher.

Another result of this law is a careful sys-
tem of taxation for the support of the
schools, which gives a longer term, now an
average of eight months each year, and a
more professional trend to the teacher; one
who has prepared especially for the work,
by attending a good normal school after
completing from two to four years of high
school work ; the compensation is so much
better that teachers are justified in pre-
paring for and in entering teaching for a
life work.

The school-house has in a sense kept in
touch with the private residence as to mod-
ern appearances and conveniences. Outside
of Decatur there are twenty-three brick
and one hundred and nine frame houses;
many of these are modern in the manner
of arrangement, light, heat and furniture —
numbers of them are heated by furnaces.
The board of directors, teachers, pupils

and patrons have united with the county
superintendent of schools to make the
school surroundings, out of doors as well
as in, attractive and habitable. Most school
yards are fenced and contain shade trees ;
the houses are painted inside and out, the
walls are decorated with pictures and neatly
papered. The schools in most districts are
supplied with muiierous reference books in
addition to a library for general reading —
maps, globes, charts and other needed ap-
paratus are in evidence.

The teachers employed in the county
during the year numbered about two hun-
dred and seventy-five, a large majority be-
ing ladies. The average salary is between
fifty and fifty-five dollars per month.

The average number of pupils in a dis-
trict in the county schools is about twent-
five, making the cost per pupil about two
dollars per month.

Outside- of the village the school tax in
some districts is as low as one and a half
per cent, in the village it reaches two and
a half per cent, which is the limit for gen-
eral school purposes.

Some of the schools, especially where the
farms are large, as in Milam township, are
smaller, thus making the rate per capita
much higher. In these communities it
would be much cheaper if the schools were
consolidated and a house large enough to
accommodate all built in the center of the
township.

In addition to the library books already
mentioned, the country schools of this
county have quite a large circulating
library, belonging to the schools individu-
ally, in sets of ten volumes each.

The plan of which is this: Each school
that buys a set becomes a member of the
librarv association. After the owner of
the library has read it then it is exchanged,
through the county superintendent's office,
for one brought in by some other school.
There being about thirty-five original sets

PAST AXU PRESENT UE MACOX CULXTV.

cuiituining no duplicate books llic schools
will have fresh reading material lor some
years. In order to supply all the schools
wanting libraries it became necessary to
duplicate all of these libraries. It is believed
that these libraries have been the source
of more real development and genuine good
than any one thing done for the children.

A large number of reading books of the
various grades are loaned to the teachers
through the county superintendent's office,
these arc used for supplementing the read-
ers owned by the pupils. This has also
proven very satisfactory to both teacher
and pupil.

The teachers also have a county library,
which contains, in the main, professional
works.

School Lands.
W'lien the state of Illinois was admitted
to the Union it was decided that section
number sixteen of each township should
be set aside for the use of the public schools
of that township.

There being no law at the time permitting
the trustees or any one in authority to lease
or rent the same most of these lands were
sold at from twenty-five cents to twelve
and a half dollars per acre. By the way,
there is but one section in Macon county
that it not sold — this belongs to township
eighteen, range one, east, which is the polit-
ical township of Austin in the northwest
part of the county. The land is not for
sale, but is valued at one hundred dollars
per acre. It is divided into three farms,
two of one hundred and sixty acres each
and one of three hundred and twenty acres.
Each farm has a good set of buildings
which, including the fences, are kept in
good repair. The rentals aggregate three
thousand dollars per year, paying nearly the
entire expense of maintaining the schools
of the township. There are three reasons
why this sectiort of land was never sold:
The first is that it was under water until

September of each year ; the second is that
after it emergeil from the water so as to
be visible the greater part of the year land
in that locality was still very cheap, it be-
ing classed as swamp land, but notwith-
standing, some of the inhabitants of that
townshij) thought the lime ripe for the ilis-
piisal of the land, and accordingly circulated
a peliiiun to that elTecl, securing a n\ajority
of the legal voters in the township. Now
the third reason appears: James Parker,
who owned land in the east part of the
township, refused to sign the petition, and
at once circulated a counter petition oppos-
ing the sale of the land and, at the same
lime, agreeing to go to the legislature to
urge the passage of a bill permitting the
leasing of school lands by the board of trus-
tees. He was successful in securing the
requisite number of signatures to his peti-
tion and later in getting a law for renting
school lands, thereby retaining the land for
the use of future posterity.

Thus the foresight of one man has given
.\uslin township a permanent net income,
since school property is not taxable, of not
less than three thousand dollars per year,
which practically defrays the school ex-
penses of the entire township.
. Had every township of Macon county
foreseen this condition the schools outside
of the city and villages would be self-sup-
porting.

In lyoo .\ustin township leased, for a
term of ninety-nine years, from the school
tru.stees, one acre for a town-hall site.

The laws of Illinois place the manage-
ment of a school district in control of a
board of three directors, one to be selected
each year. This board has absolute control
of the affairs of the district. The teacher
is employed by them, the expenses of the
school are computed by them and the levy,
which cannot exceed two and one-half per
cent for general school purposes and two
and one-half per cent for building, is re-

PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.

ported to tlio county clerk, who extends the
same on tlie property vahialit)n of the dis-
trict.

The money raised for school purposes
comes, principally, from direct taxation,
fines and forfeitures in state cases, interest
on the permanent township and county
funds, the interest on the state school fund
and a portion of the seven per cent dividend
from the gross earnings of the Illinois Cen-
tral Railroad.

From 1854 to 1902 the Illinois Central
has paid into the state treasury over twenty
million dollars. Last year it paid about
eight hundred thousand dollars to the state.

The dislributioii from the state and
county, made by the county superintendent
of schools, is about ten thousand dollars
per year.

THE MACON COUNTY SONG.
Decatur, Illinois, Aug. 15, 1902.
Since we have a state song, "Illinois,"
and a national anthem, "America," it seems
to me we are entitled to the county song,
"Macon," which I hereby submit and take
pleasure in dedicating to the children of
Macon county. JOHN G. KELLER,

Countv Superintendent of Schools.

Macon.

Air: My Own Native Land.
John G. Keller.

1. Oh the prairies of Macon,

How dear to our heart.
Where once gleamed the watch-fires
alone,
Where our fathers kept guard o'er the
dear ones they loved
^^■hile they builded the pioneer home.

Chorus.
Home, home, home, happy home ;
We love our Macon home.

2. In the cabins of Macon

Knelt mothers in prayer,

They prayed and they worked and they

wept ;
The grasses have grown long ago o'er

their graves.
Pint the homes that they made we have

kept.

3. When the brave sons of Macon

Heard Lincoln's first call,
. They answered so loyal and true.

They followed the flag and they of-
fered their lives
^\'hik• they fought for their hciines and
for you.

4. In the rich fields of Macon

Wave harvests of gold ;
There's plenty for all and to spare,

Prosperity reigns and sweet peace once
again
Fills the homes of our Macon so fair.

5. How we love our dear Macon

On Sangamon's shore.
God grant that it ever may be

The birth-place of heroes, the good
and the great,
Horn in homes that are happ}- and free.

Parochial Schools.

In 1875 the members of St. Patrick's
Roman Catholic church established St.
Theresa's Academy in a three-story brick
building on East Eldorado street, where all
the English branches included in a collegi-
ate course are taught, besides book-keep-
ing, vocal and instrumental music.

For some time a boys' school and a girls'
school were carried on, but of late years
both boys and girls are admitted to the
same class.

At present the school is incorporated and
is in charge of the Ursuline Sisters. About
four hundred pupils are in attendance.

The St. James German Catholic school
on East Clay street is domiciled in a good

PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY,

frame building, containing ilinc school
ruonl^. a largo auilitoriuni and a club room.
Till' bnilding is modern tbroiigboiit, con-
taining its own lighting and heating plant.

Kiv. I'atlur l.aninuTi and Rev. i'atluT
Teppe wore instrumental in revising the
sciiool system of the parish and making it
possiiile to reap the i)resent beneficial re-
sults. .\i)out 'ine hundred and fifty pupils
are now in atlen<lance.

St. Pauls Evangelical tlerman Lutheran
school, on East Prairie street, was estab-
lished in iS~o.

.\11 the branches taught in the wanl
schools are taught in both l-^nglish and Ger-
man, in addition to this the chiltlren are
instructed in the Lutheran tatechistn and
biblical history.

.\I)out seventy-live children are in atten<l-
ance in this school.

St. Johannes' German Lutheran school,
on the corner of ( irchard and Lowber
streets, founded in 1888, is <lomiciled in a
three-story brick house of six rooms.

This bnihling was erected in 189S at an
expense of $<),ooo. The course of study is
practically the same as that of the ward
schools, while in addition, reading, writing,
the Lutheran Catechism and bil.li.-.il history
arc taught in German.

I'rown's Decatur lUisine.-<s College, lo-
cated in the Columbia Block, on North
Water street, is the only business college in
the city and does as effective work as any
in the state. Its enrollment is constantly
on the increase and its re|>utation is spreatl-
ing over a very large territory.

.Martyn H. f )\ven !•< the principal <>f the
school.

The James Millikin University.
This university, located in the west part
of the city, occupying the ( )akland Park
site, is destined to do more for the city
than any other institution yet promoted in
imparting to it a literary status. It will af-

ford opportunities for tin m'uhl; ih>i|.ii i..
jnirsue courses in jjraclical training in in-
dustrial lines that will prepare them for
active business: an opportunity that cer-
tainly adds much t<j Decatur's educational
facilities.

It has been James Millikin's desire im .1
number uf years to establish for Decatur
an industrial school whereby young people
who are inclined toward the industrial
rather than the literary could receive a spe-
cial education.

About two jears ago he otYered the citi-
zens of Decatur a donation of $200,000 ami
Oakland Park, worth $25,000, toward erect-
ing a odlege building, provided thai the cit-
izens raise $100,000.

Later it was suggested that Lincoln I'ni-
versiiy. of Lincoln. III., be consolidated
with the Decatur sclmol, thereby benefiting
both schools, Lincoln working under a
charier of a kind that cannot be granted
now.

The Lincoln L'niversity being managed
by the Cumberland I'resbyterian church it
was ])ropused that if the union could be
made the church should raise $100,000 for
the common fimd.

.Mr. .Millikin accepted this proijosition
and further offered the Lincoln L'niversity
$50.0(x) on condition that the peo|)le of that
community raise $25,000. Later he ]iTo-
posed that in the event that all of the money
be raised and the two schools consolidated
and established as ])laimcd, to transfer to
the college commission of the Cnmberlanil
Presbyterian church, properly that would
yield in the neighborhood of $20,000 a year
|)erpetually.

In addition to the foregoing Mr. .Millikin
has endowed the university with $i5o.cxx),
with the |)rovision that the Cumberland
Presbyterian church add $50,000 to this.

He has furthermore assured the college
$20,000 amiually of his income during his
lifetime, and after his death the entire in-

PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.

come of his estate shall be at the disposal
of the school.

The college building is an up-to-date
structure, elaborate in its architecture,
grounds, arrangements and furnishings ;
sufficiently large to accommodate several
thotisand students.

The university was dedicated June 4,
1903, by Theodore Roosevelt, president of
the United States. The ceremonies were
very largely attended and graced by num-
bers of persons who stand high in the
church, city, state and in the nation. The
school, without doubt, has an auspicious
future before it, and it is to be hoped that
it will be permitted to maintain the unusu-
ally high standard with which it is ushered
into its field of usefulness.

The school opened September, 1903, with
President A. R. Taylor in charge.

The Church.

The history of nations demonstrates the
fact that none are thoroughly civilized until,
in the fullest sense, christianized.

The efficacy of our flag is constantly eulo-
gized, and it well deserves it, but its in-
debtedness to the christian influence which
enshrines it must not be overlooked.

While there are many denominations of
the church it does not follow that any one
of these is the church. Each advocates a
different dogma, yet all are engaged in the
same laudable work — that of developing the
moral side of human nature.

The pioneer is not to be classed with the
idolater who has not even the remotest idea
of Christianity ; those inhabitating benighted
countries do not possess an educated con-
science, while on the contrary, the settlers
of a new country have decided religious pro-
clivities formed in childhood. Many de-
nominations are represented, requiring only
the organizing ability of capable ministers
to bring into existence the various churches.

The pioneer preacher was, of necessity.

a man who could readily adjust himself to
his environment. If it became necessary,
which it frequently did, that he should,
through his own efTorts, add to his salary,
he could lay hands on anything that pre-
sented itself. When it required a more
forcible argument than that given by word
of mouth, he was usually ready with an
alternative. The country at that time was
not blessed with stained glass and cushion
pew churches ; private houses seated the
worshipers. The ministers held service on
any day in the week, the announcements
being made days, and even weeks, ahead.
The neighbors for miles around looked for-
ward to those meetings with the greatest
expectancy; everybody who was able to at-
tend was present on these occasions.

These sermons were not of the thirty-
minute palatable variety, but were of sev-
eral hours' duration, filled with the vigor
and the zeal of pioneer interpretations, of
eternal pleasure or everlasting punishment.
As civilization and the general development
of the country progressed the environments
brought about a revolution in the demands
of the ministry which eventually did away
with the emergency minister, placing in his
stead a cultured, college-bred man, who is
in sympathy with the prevailing customs,
ministering to his flock by virtue of the
orthodox system of faith worked out by
modern theological institutions. This
change brought with it our modern church-
house, which is a model of neatness, com-
fort and adaptability.

Decatur, for its size, has as many good
church buidings as any city in the state. A
few years ago a period of rebuilding and
remodeling came in vogue, which has made
the churches convenient, modern and beau-
tiful.

A meager statement regarding the organ-
ization and promulgation of the churches
and their work, including church buildings,
seems advisable at this place.

PASr AM) I'RESF.NT OF MACON COLNTV.

Tlie I'irsi lYcslntcrian church was uryaii-
izcil in the house of SaimR-I Towers, on tlic
ist of May. 185.'. by Rev. Robert H. Lilly.
David Hopkins was installed first ruling
elder: Rev. .\ugustus l'". I'ratt i)reachetl
for them one year; Rev. David .Manford,
D. U., took the charge until 1854. ami Rev.
Krasliis W. Thayer succeeded him. holding
the work until 1857. The congregation first
worshippeil in the old court house, then in
the old acailemy. and in several other build-
ings previous to erecting the church edi-
fice on the corner of Church street and
Prairie avenue. This building is of gray
stone, costing about $83,000. The capacity
of the auditoriinn is 800, and by throwing
the Sabbath-school room open 1,200 may
be accommodated. Its membership is nearly
900. Dr. \\'. H. l^enhallegan is pastor. He
has served the church very satisfactorily
for a number of years.

The St. Jolin's Episcopal church was or-
ganized in 1856. The first rector was Rev.
S. R. Childs. This congregation occupies
a church building at the corner of Church
and I'.ldorado streets, which is antique in
architecture and symmetrical in outline. It
is constructed of gray hewn stone, costing
S60.000. Its appointments are not sur-
passed by any. and the seating capacity is
spacious, accommodating nearly 300. Its
rector is Rev. C". R. Birnbach.

The Congregational church is locatcfl just
across the street west of .St. John's. It is
built of red pressed brick, laid upon a foun-
dation of cobble stones. The tower is also
of cobble stones. Tt w-as erected in iS<)o.
through the untiring efforts of Rev. W. C.
Miller, at a cost of $20,000. Its capacity
has been increased by half by an addition
which, including the pipe organ, has neces-
sitated an outlay of Si8,ooo. Rev. Horace
I.. Strain, the present pastor, was instru-
mental in bringing about this improvement.

The Salem church, five miles southwest of
Decatur, was organized in 1846. The ceme-

tery at this church, the oldest in the comity,
was established in 1829. Mr. Maugrin ami
his wife were the first buried there, being
the first deaths of the county.

The first sermon preacheil for the C"um-
liirland Presbyterian church was by Rev.
John Herry, in an old log school-house,
three and a half miles southwest of De-
catur, on the P. M. WikolT farm.

The .Mt. Zion t'. P. church, the oldest
church organization of any denomination
in the county, was established April 24,
1830, at the house of Rev. David Foster,
who was its first pastor. The first Sabbath
school in the county was organized by Rev.
David I'oster, at this place, in 1831. The
first superintendent was James .Scott : his
assistant was .\ndrew 'Wilson. This con-
gregation has recently erected the finest
and most connnodious church in the county
outside of Decatur.

The North Fork C. P. church was organ-
ized in .\pril, 1833, by Rev. John C. Smith,
at the Emerson school-house, now the l-'x-
celsior.

The first Sabbath school in the neighbor-
hood was organized by Charlotte Emerson,
sister of the late Judge Emerson, she be-
ing its first superintendent. The organi-
zation was effected in her father's yard in
the year 1840.

The P.ethlehcm church was organized in
1830 by Rev. John C. Smith.

The Madison church was organized in
1834 by Rev. John C. Smith.

The First C. P. church of Decatur, at the
corner of Monroe and West Eldorado
streets, erected in 1897, through the
efforts of the late Rev, A. W. Hawkins, at
a cost of $20,000. is one of the most modern
church houses in the city. It is constructed
of red pressed brick and trimmed in gray
stone. Its capacity is about 1,000: its mem-
bership is 30f), Rc\ T W \T(-r). >?inl'l Is its
pastor.

There is also a C. P. church at .Xrgenta.

PAST AND I'RF.SEXT OF MACOX COUNTY.

which was ortjaiiized in the early forties,
which now has a modern church building,
erected upon a lot donated by the late Dr.
R. F. Carr. This was the first church or-
ganized in Friends Creek township.

The Baptist church of Decatur was organ-
ized Sept. 14, 1843. at No. 442 North Water
street, known as the J- C. Lake property.
Tiiis was the first two-story frame dwelling
house built in Macon county. At the time
of organization this was the home of David
L. Allen, one of the chief movers in the
organization of the church. Rev. H. W.
Dodge was moderator during the organiz-
ing of the church. The first officials were:
Lemuel Allen, deacon ; Thomas H. Read,
M. D., treasurer; S. C. Allen, clerk; D. L.
Allen. David Brett, Thomas H. Read. M.
D., Edward L. Maddock and S. C. Allen,
trustees.

Services were held at the home of David
L. Allen, the court house, then a frame
building, on the present site of the Wo-
man's Club. From 1843 ^o 1848 they used
this building. At the latter date they bought
the adjoining room for $350. In 1853 the
building w-as sold for $1,000. A tempor-
ary house was now^ built and occupied until
1856. A building was then erected at the
corner of North Water and East Williams
streets, which was occupied until 1876, when
the present church building at the corner
of North Water and East North streets
was dedicated. The dedicatory sermon was
preached by Rev. G.' J. Johnson. The
church property in its present condition is
valued at $65,000.

March 21, 1856, thirteen members were
dismissed to form a church in the Carver
settlement. May 30, 1862, a church w-as
organized at Harristown ; Argenta also has
a strong church.

In 1890 the East Park Chapel was built
by the Ladies' Aid Society. A Sabbath
school w'as organized at about the same
time that the church was organized, which

has grown to very large proportions. Among
the workers in the school appear the names
of M. Y. Givler, David C. Allen, G. F. Wes-
sel, O. N. Bramble, F. W. Anderson, J. E.
Saxton, ^\^ J. Wayne and E. A. Gastman.

The present home of the congregation
is built of red pressed brick, trimmed in
stone. The auditorium is spacious and
furnished with opera chairs ; its appoint-
ments throughout are modern. Its music
is supplied by one of the most expensive
pipe organs in the city. Its membership
is 800. The present pastor is Rev. S. H.
Boyer.

St. Patrick's Roman Catholic church was
organized in 1854. The present church
building was erected in 1863, which at that
time was the most expensive church house
in the county. This church, located on
East North street, was thoroughly over-
hauled, refurnished and provided with a
new bell. Its membership is about 3,000.
The first dean was Rev. Father Hickey ;
the present dean is Rev. Father Murphy.

The St. James German Catholic church,
on East Clay street, is an up-to-date build-
ing which, in connection with the adjacent
school, has its own heating and lighting
plant ; the congregation comprises about
500; its seating capacity is ample for the
membership.' This church was organized
by Rev. Father Lammert, in 1877. Rev.
Father A. Teppe is in charge and his work
has resulted in much good.

St. Paul's German Lutheran church, cor-
ner of West Wood and Edward streets, is
a good brick building, which has just been
thoroughly remodeled and newly painted
on the inside ; the seating capacity is about
300 ; its membership is about the same. The
present pastor is Rev. M. A. A\'agoner.

In 1891 the congregation of St. Paul's
church was divided. The members living
in the northeast part of town built the St.
Johannes' German church on East Orchard
street. This is a handsome brick, with a

:• vSr AND rRKSKXT OV MACOX COUNTY

sealing capacity .if S;(i. Tlic pastor is Rc\.
Williaiu llcyiu

The I'irst l-l\aii};i lual l.iitluraii cliuich.
at tlK- corner oi Main ami \\ iliiam streets,
is a good, well constructed brick l)iiililing,
witli a seating capacity of jtxj. This build-
ing cost $25,000; the membership is about
200. Rev. H. IVters is the pastor.

'i"he Christian church was organized ui
1830. by Klder Joseph Hosteller. The place
of organization was the old log court house,
which stood in the west side of the old
square ; it niay now be seen in the southwest
corner of Fairlawn Park. The pastor was
Jose|)h Mi>stetler. Us Sunday school was
organizetl in 1855, by E. M. Xabb, who was
its first superintendent, .\iuong its list of
su|)erinteudenls may be found the names of
\V. K. Nelson and W. L. Hammer, both
ex-county judges of Macon county. The
Kdward Street Christian churcli is among
the oldest churches in the city. It is in an
excellent residence section and is on a sound
financial basis. The pastor is Rev. l". \\ .
Iturnham.

The Tabernacle Christian church, on
North Church street, was built thnnigh the
efforts of Rev. Cicorgc W. Mall. It is a
large frame building, recentl)' remodeled at
a cost of $4,000; its seating capacity is
1,800. The pastor is Rev. F. I>. Jones.

The Rdward Street church was vacated
after the completion of the Tabernacle ;
soon after, however, the congregation was
divided and one of the organizations ac-
cupied the Kdward Street church.

The first sermon preached in this iimhun
by a Cniteil I'lrethren minister was delivered
by Rev. James Parks, in the spring of 1848,
at tiie house of Rev. M. T. Chew, five miles
soutliwest of Decatur. The first class con-
sisted of Mrs. and Rev. M. T. Chew. The
first church in Decatur was organized in
i85<>. in the old Masonic hall, by Rev. M.
.\mbrose. In 1857 a church was built on
the corner of Cerro Gordo and North Main

streets. In 1873 the church bought lots
at a cost of $2,350 on the corner of .North
ISroadway and Fast Fldora<lo streets, upon
which was erected a neat frame building.
This is known as the Centenary L'nited
llrethreu church : it has a large membership
;ni<l a llourishing Sabbath school.

riie Church of God was organized in
.May. 1857. by FIder .\. J. I'enton, with
eleven members. The Church of God
Mcthel, at 565 North \\ ater street, is one
of the old churches o( the city ; it is a well
preserved frame building of fair size and
presenting a good appearance. The pastor
is Rev. J. liernard.

The L'niversalisi clnircli was organized
in 1854 by Rev. D. P. Itunn. The early
members were Joseph Si)angler, Jr.; Joseph
Spangler. Sr. ; Jacol) Spangler, J. H. Hanks
and wife, John Ricketts and wife. John
L'a])ps and wife. The first minister. Rev.
D. P. IJunn. served fourteen years.

( )ther churches are : Fdward Street
cliai)cl, 405 Fast l.eafland avenue; Fast
Park chapel, corner Third and Prairie ave-
nue; -Ml Augels Fpiscopal church, 1256
Fast FIdorado street ; I'niver.salist church,
141 Fast Prairie street ; l'nited I'relhren
.Mission. 1J04 South Colfax street; .\ntioch
liaptist, colored, 610 Spring avenue; Hroail-
way ISajitist, colored. 414 .So\ith Mroadway;
St. Peter's .\frican Methodist l4)iscopal,
5,V^ Spring avenue; (ierman l'.a])tist, corner
Pugh and North Main streets; .Sergeant
Chapel, .\l. F., 892 .South P.roadway ; Wes-
ley Chapel, .M. F., 1807 North Church
street; College .Street Presbyterian Chapel,
a neat structure just com])Iete(l, 1075 Nortli
College street ; Westminster Chapel, corner
Macon street and Haworth avenue. In ad-
dition, the city has the Christian Science
organization; the Railway Y. M. C. .\.
organization, which owns an elegant build-
ing on the Wabash right of way, near the
depots; the Central Y. M. C. A. organiza-
tion; the W. C r r organization.

PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.

CITY OF DECATUR.

The following is a list of prt'sidents and
clerks of the city of Decatur during its
government by a board of trustees:

1836-8, R. J. Oglesby, president; Andrew
Love, clerk. 1838-9, Joseph Williams and
Henry Sn3fder, presidents; Edmiston .Mc-
Clelland, clerk. 1839-40, Kirby Benedict,
president; H. J\I. Gorin, clerk. 1840-1,
Joseph King, president; H. \l. Gorin, clerk.
1841-46, Thomas P. Rodgers, president; J.
P. Post, clerk; 1846-7, D. Krone, president;
Nathaniel P. West, clerk. 1847-8, J. H. El-
liot, president; X. P. West, clerk. 1848-50,
Joseph Kaufman, president : N. P. West,
clerk. 1850-51, Berry H. Cassell, clerk;
■1851-2, J. H. Elliott, president; Berry H.
Cassell, clerk, 1852-3, W. T. Stamper, presi-
dent; Berry H. Cassell, clerk. 1853-4, W.
Prather, president ; Berry H. Cassell, clerk,
1854-6, Thomas H. Wingate, president;
Berry H. Cassell, clerk.

Presidents and clerks of Decatur during
its government by city council :

1856-7, John P. Post, mayor; C. C. Post,
clerk. 1857-8, William A. Barnes, mayor;
J. P. Boyd, clerk and attorney; 1858-9,
James Shoaf, mayor; S. S. Goode, clerk and
attorney. 1859-60, A. T. Hill, mayor; S. S.
Goode, clerk and attorney; 1860-1, Sheridan
Wait, mayor; J. R. Gorin, clerk and attor-
ney; 1861-2, E. O. Smith, mayor; J. R. Gor-
in, clerk and attorney. 1862-3, Thomas O.
Smith, mayor ; J. R. Gorin, clerk and attor-
ney. 1863-4, J. J. Peddecord, mayor ; J. R.
Gorin. clerk and attorney. 1864-5, J- J-
Peddecord, mayor; K. H. Roby, clerk and
attorney. 1865-6, Franklin Priest, mayor ;
K. H. Roby, clerk and attorney. 1866-7,
Franklin Priest, mayor; A. B. Warren,
clerk and attorney. 1867-8, John K. War-
ren, mayor; C. H. Fuller, registrar. 1868-9,
I. C. Pugh, mayor; C. H. Fuller, registrar.
1869-70, William L. Hammer, mayor; C.
H. Fuller, registrar. 1870-1, Franklin
Priest, mayor; C. H. Fuller, registrar.

1871-2, E. M. Misncr, mayor; C. II. Fuller,
registrar. 1872-3. 1). S. Shellabarger,
mayor; George P. Hardy, registrar. 1873-4,
Martin Forstmeyer, mayor; George P. Har-
d\-, registrar. 1874-5, Franklin Priest,
mayor; George P. Hardy, registrar. 1875-6,
R. H. Merriweather, mayor ; George P.
Hardy, registrar. 1876-8, W. B. Chambers,
mayor ; George P. Hardy, registrar. 1875-6,
Franklin Priest, mayor; George P. Hardy,
registrar. 1879-80, L. L. Haworth, mayor;
George P. Hardy, registrar. 1880-3, H. W.
Waggoner, mayor; George P. Hardy, clerk.
1883-5, W. B. Chambers, mayor; C. M.
Durfee, clerk. 1885-91, M. F. Kanan,
mayor; F. C. Betzer, clerk. 1891-3, W. B.
Chambers, mayor; L. F. Skellcy, clerk.
1893-5, David C. IMoffitt, mayor; L. F. Skel-
ley, clerk. 1895-7, D. H. Conklin, mayor;

F. L. Hayes, clerk. 1897-9, B. Z. Taylor,
mayor; John A. Reeve, clerk. 1899-1901,
George A. Stadler, mayor; Mont E. Peni-
well, clerk. 1901-3, C. F. Shilling, mayor;
Mont E. Peniwell, clerk.

The Free Public Library.

The history of the library really begins
with the presentation to the city council
of a petition, signed by the ladies of the
Ladies* Library Association and the De-
catur Reading Room Association, asking
for the establishment of a free public li-
brary. The petition being granted the
library was established Aug. 10, 1875.

The first library board consisted of Joseph
Mills, president; J. L. Peak, William A.
Barnes, Mrs. C. .A.. Ewing, Airs. Judge
Greer, Airs. B. F. Sibley. ^^^ H. Enni"s, W.
^^'. Foster and W. L. Hammer

Richard L. Evans was appointed first
librarian and held that position until his
death, Nov. 17, 1881. His wife, Alice

G. Evans, was appointed his successor, and
still continues to hold the position.

The library remained on the second floor
of the Schroeder building, on East Prairie

PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY

street, wlicrc it was when turned over to
the city, Oct. 5, 1S81. It was next housed
in tlic Orlando Powers building, over
the Linn & Scruggs store. In i88y it was
moved to its new t|uarters, in the build-
ing erected by Roberts and Greene, known
as the Library lilock, on North Main
street. l*eb. 2, 1892, the building was
destroyed by fire and 4,3CX) books, together
with ail of the furniture and fixtures, also
the records of the Ladies' Library anil the
Decatur Reading Room associations.

Temporary quarters were secured in the
old Presbyterian church until October of
the same year, when the library was moved
into the old quarters in the Library Block.
t)n the nth of .May, 1898, it was moved
into the fifth story of the Orlando Powers
block, where it remained until May. 1903,
when it was transferred to its present home
in the Carnegie Library Building. This
structure was erected at an expense of $60,-
000, donated, in 1901, to the city of De-
catur, by .\ndrew Carnegie, on the condi-
tions that the city agrees to appropriate a
stipulated sum of money, o.nch year, to the
support of the library.

The building is a neat, modern, light
stone, admirably equipped with all the latest
facilities for handling an up-to-date library.
Its location is on North Main street, op-
posite the Public linililin.^' ii'^iil fi ir \\\c Dr-
catur postoffice.

.\bout twenty-five thousand volumes are
in the library ^t present, and each year
about two thousand volumes are added.
Over six thousand persons have cards as
patrons of the library. The total number
of visitors during the past year was over
twenty-five thousand : these people bor-
rowed over ninety-seven thousand books.

Our library is alive to the best interests
of its patrons as to management and as to
the acquisition of all the latest books when
first placed upon the market.

The librarian attends all the meetings of

the .National Library .Associ.iiinii m onlcr
to keep abreast of the times in adjusting
the library to the public needs. This, judg-
ing from the patronage, the management
has certainly accomplished. No pains arc
spared in rendering a.ssistancc to individ-
uals, clubs or societies pursuing some spe-
cial sidjject ; on request, lists of books or
magazine articles are gladly classified and
prepared.

It is the aim. in the selection of new
books, to cover as wide a field as possible
with the money at the disposal of the
boanl, each year, and at the same lime not
to overlook any of the various subjects.

Much new fiction is ]ilaced in the library
to satisfy the jiopular taste, yet constant
watch is kept for new treatises on science,
history, literature and art that may become
classic, thereby giving permanence to the
reference department.

The reading room is the most widely used
l)art of the library; one hundred and thirty-
five publications are on file. One hundred
and thirty thousand persons visited this
room during the past year.

The papers consist of the leading daily
and weekly ])a]>ers adapted to this locality
and about seventy-five monthlies.

The money for the support of the library
is raised by a taxation of two mills on the
dollar, which last year amounted to $7,449.

The surplus above the runnings expenses
is used in the purchase of new books.

The Woman's Club.

I'he Woman's Club of Decatur has as
large a membershi]) as any outside of Chi-
cago. It was organized seventeen years ago
and has a membership of three hundred.
The club house on the corner of North Park
and Franklin streets is owned by a stock
company composed entirely of club women,
and was one of the first club houses in the
state built for women.

The members of the club pursue a varied

J^4

PAST AND I'RESENT OF MACON COUNTY.

line of work, which is delineated by the
following: ]\Insic, Art, Sorosis. Psalenias,
Literature, Shakespeare ami Child Study
divisions. In addition to these the club con-
siders many other subjects: educational,
philanthropical, municipal, legal and social.
The Art Class is the oldest division, hav-
ing organized twenty years ago.

Powers' Grand Opera House.

The Powers' Crand Opera House, built
in 1889, by Orlando Powers, and now
owned by his heirs, is the only opera house
in the city. Until its destruction by fire
Nov. 4, 1895, it was very successfully
managed by Frank W. Haines. In less
than three months after its destruction the
building was again ready for use and
was re-opened Feb. 10, 1896, under the
management of J. F. Given, who is still
in charge. The opera house, in the 100
block on South Water street, has its
main entrance on this street. It contains
a large lobby and reception hall, a par-
quet and dress circle on the first floor ; a
balcony and a gallery above; in all seating
about sixteen hundred people.

There are twelve dressing rooms, artisti-
cally furnished for the actors. The house
is heated with steam and lighted through-
out with gas and electricity. Very few
houses, outside of Chicago, surpass it in
beauty and harmon}' of decoration, attrac-
tiveness of appointments and convenience
of arrangement.

The Anna B. Millikin Home.
The Anna B. Millikin Home for old
ladies and children is located just across
the street east of the James IMillikin Uni-
versity in a beautiful grove of forest trees.
This is an outgrowth of the original home
in the east part of the city, given to the city
by Mr. and I\lrs. Millikin. By and by the
building became too small and so crowded

that .Mr. .Millikin gave them three acres
of land, where the new building now stands,
and agreed to give $10,000 if the directors
of the home succeeded in securing $10,000
more. The directors raised the money and
the result is a tine modern structure of red
brick, trimined with white stone.

The basement contains the kitchen, pan-
tr3% pla\- room, boiler room, fuel room,
laimdry and drying rooms ; on the first floor
are dining hall, assembly room, library, ma-
tron's room and a number of bed rooms. On
the second floor is a large girls' dormitory
and sixteen bed rooms : on the third floor
are the boys' dormitory and bed rooms.
There are large open fire-places on both
floors ; the stairways and hallways are spa-
cious and the entire building is well ventil-
ated. The building is lighted and heated
by up-to-date apparatus and will accommo-
date one hundred inmates.

The home is an asylum for babies, boys
under eight years, girls to the age of twenty
and old ladies ; those who have money for
their support are expected to pay what they
can afford, while those who have no means
are maintained by the home. Who would
cherish a monument other than this : "By
Our Acts Shall ^^'e Be Judged."

St. Mary's Hospital.

St. .Mary's Hospital, at the corner of East
\\ ood and South Webster streets, was es-
tablished over twenty years ago. It is a
fine stone building, with a frontage of
eighty feet on Webster street and one hun-
dred and twenty feet on East Wood street;
three stories high. It is modern in all its
appointments. There are over forty rooms
for the sick, several operating rooms, bath
rooms and a chapel.

Sisters who are experienced nurses are in
charge of the patients. The institution is
in the entire charge of the Roman Catholic;
church, but persons of all denominations

I'AST WI^ I'RI'^I'VT OF .MAc'oV ( i il •\••|•^•.

?<;»

arc cared lor; lliosc wlin arc al>lc Iiikiiki.i11_\
arc cliartri'I. wliilc cliaritx is cxtcndotl to
the poor

I'lic lio.-|iital 1^ lucninini^ more and more
popular amoiifj those who can pay to have
tlieir fricnils cared for at a hospital, and
the f^reat maji>rity of tlie physicians highly
rei'iimmeiid it.

The Wabash Hospital.
The W'aha.sli ho.-pilal. in the \\'ai;:}joner
niock. on Warren street, Iniilt by the em-
ployes of the Wahash Railroad, is one of
the finest linildin.i;s in the city. It is bnilt
of stone to the first floor, then of yellow
terra cotta trimmcil with stone; it is three
stories high, and with its beantifidly laid
out prouufls occupies half of the block.

The manaijement of the huildinij is in the
hands of tlie Wabash officials and is devoted
to the use of their employes. The buildinp
is perfectly modern in all its ap]-)ointmcnts,
heated by steam and lighted by pas and
electricity. The money for the construction
of the hnildinp was given by the employes
of the Wabash Railroad ; raised by a small
monthly assessment upon each one con-
nected with the road: the running expenses
will largely be kept )ip by the same method.
This entitles each and every employe of
the road to free medical services.

Goodman's Band.

The Goodman Ranrl. organized in 1857,
at once ingratiated itself into the hearts of
the people and has constantly grown in
favor, not only with the Decatur people,
but with every one who has been privilegeil
to hear it.

It is one of the best bands in the state,
both as to the excellent musical education
of its members and the rare ability of mas-
tering everything new. either popular or
classical, as fast as presented by the musical
world. The most intricate classical music
is rendereil with skillful and pleasing cflTect.

This chis.N ot music has been largely re-
sponsible for its po|)ularity ; no band out-
si<le of a concert band can claim pre-emi-
nence.

■ Kobert Walter, the leailer anil instructor,
is not suri>assed as a band master by any-
one. Through his efforts the band has ac-
(|uired a very high grade of ])roficiency.
The aggregation is constantly strengthened
by adding expert musicians to the various
parts: about fi)rty members are in active
service at the present time. It is always
the favorite at the numerous band tourna-
ments held by groups of bands through
Indiana and Illinois. Recently it has been
taken into military service as the l''ourth
Regiment Rand.

The Decatur Club.
The Decatur L'iub, one of the oldest social
organizations in the city, was instituted
May 22. i88jt- ' li>-> meiubership is made
up of our leading business and professional
men. numbering about one huu<lred and
fifty. The club rooms, located in the Ila-
worih Rlock, on .Vorth Water street, arc
among the finest in the state. The apart-
ments of the club consist of card rooms,
reading rooms, billiard and pool rooms, of-
fice, dining ronm and kitchen.

The Country Club of Decatur.
The C'ountry L'lub of Decatur, organized
in |S<;(^ with a membershii) of about sixty,
is located southeast of the city, adjoining
Riversi<le park. The grounds ctmtain one
hundred and twenty acres of land jutting up
against the .'^angamon river, l-'inely located
golf links are connected with it. The build-
ings were erected an«l the grounds im-
proved at a cost of about eight thousand
dollars. The house contains a reading
room, a reception room, a dining ro»im, a
smoking an<I card room, a dance hall and a
kitchen. The grounds arc well laid out,
fenced and kept in elegant condition.

PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.

Fairlawn Park.

This park, consisting of forty acres, lies
a mile and a half west of the city. Some
years ago when the county fair was an
annual attraction the county, through the
board of supervisors, purchased this tract
for a fair ground. Not only the county
fair, but also the state fair graced these
grounds.

Later the fairs were abandoned and the
park leased to the city for a period of thirty
years. The terms of the lease were as fol-
lows : One hundred dollars per year for
the first ten years, two hundred dollars per
years for the next ten years, and three
hundred dollars per year for the next ten
years. This lease took effect in 1890, and
in 1903, seventeen years before the termin-
ation of the contract, the board of super-
visors voted it to the city, the county receiv-
ing therefor the sum of eight thousand
dollars.

The tract is square, the center being level,
is surrounded by low, heavily timbered hills,
giving it the appearance of an amphitheater.
A commodious pavilion, of pressed brick,
occupies the center of the park, while two
large, bristling siege guns guard its gate-
ways. This is one of the beauty spots of
Decatur, and is not surpassed by any for
natural scenery.

By grading, laying out drives and walks,
arranging flower beds, clusters of shrub-
bery, walling the springs, building bridges
and carrying water to all parts, much of
an artistic nature as well as convenience
has been added.

The traction company has extended its
line, practically uniting the park with the
city, thus enhancing its value as a pleasure
resort many fold.

Central Park.

Central Park is a large block in the bus-
iness part of the city, filled with well kept
forest trees, and covered with velvet lawn ;

with a fountain in the center spraying in
glittering sheen the mirroring pool below.
Bordering the pool is a circular, cement
walk, which (Hrects its rays to all the
cardinal and intermediate points of the com-
]3ass. Artistic flower beds please the eye;
ornamental, refrioerated drinking foun-
tains quench the thirst ; arc lights guide
your footsteps and two mortars, presented
by the government, protect you during your
sojourn within its enchanting environments.

Riverside Park.

The Riverside Park, while the private
property of D. A. Maffitt and W. H. Starr,
has been for a number of years a very popu-
lar resort.

It is a tract of about thirty acres, lying
south of the city, along the banks of the
Sangamon river ; is sparsely covered with
forest trees and sufficiently rolling to make
it picturesque; a site for a park that for
natural rugged scenery is seldom sur-
passed.

The traction company has leased this
park and erected a pavilion for summer
theaters and amusements of various kinds.

It contains a natatorium ; also a boat-
house on the landing is supplied with a
number of boats for those who enjoy row-
ing.

The Decatur Trotting Park.

The trotting park is owned by the De-
catur Trotting Association, organized in
1890. It lies northeast of the city along
the I. C. railroad tracks, and contains about
fifty acres. It has an oval mile track, said
to be the fastest in the west.

There is an amphitheater that will seat
4,500 people, and a barn that will stable 200
horses, on the west side of the tracks.

This park is not only used for the race
meets, held once a year, but is fast be-
coming popular as an athletic field. Inter-
scholastic contests, foot ball, base ball and

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RKCOKD.

bicycle races are given to large ami ai^ire-
ciative audiences.

The annual band festival, given by the
Guoilniau baiul and its neighboring bands.
can find no other place so well adapted to
its needs.

The Police Department,
liie city of Decatur boasts of a police
force, metropolitan in system, well officered
and effective in administration. The total
number of men on the force, including mer-
chant police, is twenty-four.

The headquarters are in the court house
and the city prison is in the basement of
the budding; Short street also has a station
for emergency calls. There is a night and
a day shift, thus giving the city a constant
service. .\ fine patrol wagon is in readiness
day and night for use in case of accident or
arrest. .\ burglar alarm at headquarters is
connected with the banks antl many other
leading business houses of the city. .V
rogue's gallery and a complete record of all
arrests and accidents is kept by the de])art-
ment for future reference.

The Fire Department.

Decatur is justly |>roud of her S|)lcndidly
equipped and well manned fire department;
it has a fire-fighting record that no city need
be ashamed of.

There are three hose houses, one located
on West Main in the loo block, one on
North Morgan street near the manufactur-
ing district, and one. recently erected, in llic
1400 block on North Main street.

There are two steam engines, two cluni-
icals. four hose wagons, one hook and ladder
truck and one chiefs wagon ; about eighteen
trained horses and 5,000 feet of hose: about
twenty-five men are employed. W. C. De-
vore is chief; he has been in the department
since 1878 an<! its chief since 1884.

Recently a system of fire alarms has been
instituted with stations in all parts of the
city.

The Water Works.

1 he water works plant is in keeping with
ili.it of most cities the size of Decatur. The
supply of water has always been ecjual to the
demand, even in the greatest emergencies.
Four i>uiiips are installed in the plant, two
doing the work, except in case of fire, when
11 sometimes beconus ueci'ss.irv lo use
more.

The cajjacity is .'iboul lo.ooo.ouo gallons,
2,000,000 gallons being the average daily
consumption. The filter plant alone cost
$40,000. The entire expenditure will ap-
proximate $400,000.

There arc two principal water mains, a
twelve-inch main extends north on South
-Main street to Lincoln Square where it con-
nects with a sixteen-inch main that extends
to the north part of the city: the other, a
sixteen-inch main, exteiuls' on Hroadway to
Orchard street; smaller ramifications from
these sujiply the entire city.

The water is pnmi)ed from the river ; pass-
ing through a filter it reaches the reservoir,
from which it is pumped into the mains.

.About a dozen men are emphwed ; these
arc subject to the directions of the chief
engineer.

Greenwood Cemetery.

This cemetery is located south of the city,
on tile blulT skirling the river, and for nat-
ural adaptation, it is as pretty a burying
grounil as can be found anywhere. The
plat, originally small, now contains about
forty acres. It is almost imi)ossible to buy
a lot near the entrance, the few that are left
are very high in price.

The Cemetery Association was org.inizcd
March 3, 1857. .Ml persons who own lots
in the cemetery arc entitled to vote in the
election of officers, which consist of a presi-
dent, a secretary, a treasurer and a board
of directors, all of which serve but one year
each. The receipts of the association last
year were $4,844; the expenditures were

PAST AND PRESENT OF AIACON COUNTY.

$4,141. The l):ilancc at the eiul of each year
is placed in a fund which is used to buy
more land and to improve the cemetery.

J. E. Bendure is now entering upon his
twenty-fifth year as custodian. During the
quarter of a century in which he has had
charge he has seldom failed to be present
when duty called. ( )ver 10,000 bodies re-
pose here, almost half as many as there are
inhabitants in the city of Decatur.

Things for Which Decatur is N"oted.

The first G. A. R. lodge was organized in
Decatur.

The first slot machine, "The Fairest
Wheel," was made in Decatur.

The first cereal mill was built in Decatur.

The first corn oil mill was built in De-
catur.

The first hog ring was made in Decatur.

The first check-rower was made in De-
catur.

The first wire mat was made in Decatur.

The first three-row corn planter was made
in Decatur.

The first burial slipper was made in De-
catur.

The first cattle dehorner was made in
Decatur.

The first patent "fly killer" was made in
Decatur.

Masonic.

Macon Lodge No. 8, A. F. & A. M., was
chartered October 5, 1841, by the Grand
Lodge of the state of Illinois. Its charter
members were : George A. Patterson, Jo-
seph King, William Laforgee, Henry
Prather, Elijah League, Leonard Ashton,
and James Ashton.

The officers were: George A. Patterson,
W.' M.; Joseph King, S. W. ; William La-
forgee, J. ^^'. This lodge owns the building
in which it is domiciled. Its membership
is verj- large.

Ionic Lodge No. 312, A. F. & A. M., was
chartered October. 1859, by the Grand

Lodge of the state of Illinois. Its charter
members were: A. li. Bunn, George R.
Moffett, W. C. Hardy, S. S. Good, Jo-
seph Lowenstein, J. .M. Lowrey, and George
Goodman. This lodge has quarters in the
Loeb Time Block on North Water street;
it also has a very large membership.

iMacon Chapter No. 21 was organized
September 29, 1855, by the Grand Chapter
of the state of Illinois. Its offtcers were:

D. P. Bunn, H. P. ; J. R. Gorin, king; Henry
Prather, scribe; Josiah Hunt, C. H. ; W. W.
Oglesby, P. S. ; Joseph King, R. A. C. ; J. C.
Weaver, M. 3rd V.; J. J. Peddecord, I\l. 2nd
\'. ; W. H. Funis, M. ist V.

Beaumanoir Commandery No. 9, K. T.,
was organized November 3, 1859, by the
Grand Commandery of the state of Illinois.
The charter members were : Robert Green,
S. T. Greer, I. C. Pugh, C. H. Fuller, John
N. Fuller, George W. Bright, J. R. Gorin,
Henry Hummel, William Dewees, William
Martin. The officers were: A. A. Alurry,

E. C. ; D. P. Elwood, generalissimo ; W. M.
Camp, C. G. ; J. H. Babbitt, S. W. ; J. N.
Baker. J. ^^■. ; W. L. Hammer, T. ; J. S.
Hand, recorder; J. T. Barnett, standard
bearer: W. J \\a\ne. sword bearer; C. M.
Imboden, warden ; William Towling, C.
of G.

Decatur Council No. 16, R. & S. M., is
also a Masonic organization.

Decatur Chapter No. in, O. E. S., is the
ladies Masonic organization.

Decatur Lodge No. 17, A. F. & .A.. M.

St. Francis Court No. 11.

Odd Fellows.

Decatur Lodge No. 65. I. O. of O. F., was
organized July, 1850, by the Grand Lodge of
the state of Illinois. The charter members
were: S. K. Thompson, FI. Hummel, J. R.
Turner, B. F. Oglesby and John Koehler.

Celestial Lodge No. 186, I. O. of O. F.,
was organized October 12. 1855, by the
Grand Lodge of the state of Illinois. The

PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.

81)

charier iminbers were: W . W . C*glesby,
P. D. Cline, S. K. Thompson, Henry P.
Elliott, R. I-". Joiics, Joseph King, James
ShoalT. J. L. Peak, A. J. Wolf, C. H. Eiiller,
George W. Baker, P.. II. Cassell, anil John
J. Bailentinc.

Decatur Encampment No. 37, I. O. of O.
E., was organized December, 1856, by the
authority of the State Encampment. The
charter members were: G. A. Smith, H.
Kain, 15. E. McCoy. William T. Peak, Ste-
phen lirimes, Peter Terrell, and Alonzo
I'ierce.

There is also Canton No. 19. I. ' '. of O. F.,
located in Decatur.

Progress Lodge No. 141, J), ui R. is the
women's adjunct of tlie < )dd Eellow's organ-
ization.

Knights of Pythias.

Coeur dc Lcuii Lodge No. 17, K. ut P.

Chevalier Bayard Lodge No. 189, K. of P.

En Ami Lodge No. 593, K. of P.

Myrtle Temple No. 2, Rathbone Sisters.

Fern Leaf Temple No. 18. Rathbone Sis-
ters.

Decatur Division .\o. 36, L'. R. K. of P.

Ladies' Assembly No. i, Decatur Divi-
sion, U. R.. K. of P.

Section 184. E. R.. K. of P.

Section 2028, K. R., K. of P.

Other Secret Societies of Decatur.

Ancient Order of Pyramids, Decatur
Council No. loi.

Benev»»lent and i'roteclive ( )rder of EJks,
Decatur Lodge No. 401.

Court of Honor, Decnuir District Court
No. 39.

Fraternal Crystal Light, Hoyland Lodge
No. 108.

Fraternal Tribe, H(imc Tribe No. 13.

Grand .\rmy of the Republic, Dunham
Post No. 141.

Woman's Relief Corps No. 4.

Sons of Veterans, Col. I. C. Pugh Camp
No. 14.

Ladies' .\id Society, Auxiliary to Sons of
\eterans.

Home Forum Bcnetil Order, Forum No.
jfo.

Indepemlent C)rder of Foresters. Decatur
Court No. 3168.

Indeiiendent Order of Good 1 emplars,
Decatur Lodge No. 3O4.

I-aiihful Lodge No. 419, Junior Templars
No. 180.

Independent Order of .Mutual Aid, Cen-
tral Lodge No. 8.

Royal Templars of Temperance, Decatur
Council No. 12, Ha worth Council No. 56.

Knights of Honor, Decatur Lodge No.
687.

Knights of the .Maccabees, Decatur Tent
.\o. 130.

Fraternal Army of .America, Post No. 6;
R. B. Clary Post .\o. 142.

.Modern W^oodmcn, Decatur Cam]) No.
144. Easterly Camp No. 1626; \V. C. Rowe
Cam]) No. 7201 ; Royal Neighbors of .Amer-
ica, Bay Leaf Camp No. 29, Golden Crown
Camp No. 129, Olive Branch Camp No.
218.

National Linion. W. T. Sherman Council
No. 472.

Patriotic Sons of .America, Washington
Camp No. 57.

Princes of the Orient, Lucullus Council
No. I.

Royal Circle. Decatur Circle No. 17.

Royal League, Decatur Council No. 92.

Tribe of Ben Ilur. Triumph Court No. 17.

.Ancient Or<ler of Hil)crnians, Divisfon
No. I.

Catholic Knights of .America, No. 464.

.American Home Circle, Decatur Circle
No. 49.

Iiulependenl ( )rder of Red Men, Sanga-
mon 'Tribe No. 145.

Knight^ •■'' '^"lumbus, Decatur Council
No. 577.

Knights of Friendship, Lodge No. i.

PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.

Ladies of the ]Maccabees, Decatur Hive
No. 172.

Knights of the .Modern Maccabees, Lin-
coln Tent No. 1039.

Loyal Americans, Decatur Lodge No. 8.

Modern American Fraternal Order, Deca-
tur Lodge No. 48.

Mutual Protective League, Decatur Coun-
cil No. 465.

Mystic Workers of the World, Decatur
Lodge No. 443.

Order of the White Cross, J. L. Deck
Council No. 28.

Royal Arcanum No. 1432.

Royal League, Decatur Council No. 92.

Washington League, Decatur Council.

Yeomen of America, Decatur Council No.
121.

Catholic Order of Foresters No. 27.

Citizens' National Bank.

This bank was incorporated in 1891 ; capi-
talized for $100,000. The surplus is $31,000.
The officers are : President, Harry Shlaud-
eman ; vice-president, W. H. Starr; cashier,
Milton Johnson ; assistant cashier, J. N.
Baker. Including the above oiificers with
the following named gentlemen we have the
board of directors : J. D. Good, J. B. Bul-
lard, G. J. Danzeisen, and F. M. Gaddis.

The domicile of this bank is a fine modern
three-story brick building on the corner
of Merchant and Prairie streets. Its busi-
ness has made very rapid increase in the last
few years ; in fact its per cent of increase has
been larger than that of any other bank in
the city.

The Millikin National Bank.
The private banking firm of J. Millikin
& Co. was founded by James Millikin in
i860, and has established the reputation of
being one of the strongest banks in the
state outside of Chicago. The Millikin Na-
tional Bank, incorporated in 1897, is the suc-
cessor of the above named bank or firm ; its

capital is 8200,000. Its surplus and un-
divided profits aggregate $290,000; the de-
posits at present foot up $3,000,000.

This bank occupies the lower floor of the
Millikin Building, corner East 'Slam and
^\'ater streets ; this building is seven stories
high and is one of the most handsome, con-
venient and modern in the city. The offi-
cers are: James ^lillikin, president; O. B.
Gorin, vice-president ; J. M. Brownback,
cashier; S. E. Walker, assistant cashier.

The National Bank of Decatur.

The bank occupies the Ulrich Block at the
corner of North ^^'ater and East Prairie
streets. A substantial, three-story brick
building. Recently this bank has made a
complete change in the interior appoint-
ments, giving it furnishings entirely modern
in every department of its business. Its
capitalization is $100,000; the undivided
profits and surplus are $125,000. Its de-
posits are very heavy. The officers are K.
H. Roby, president; D. S. Shellabarger,
vice-president; B. O. McReynolds, cashier;
George A\'. Bright, assistant cashier.

L. Burrows & Co. Bank.

In 1852, when Peddecord & Burrows were
conducting a general store in Decatur, they
had a safe, the only one in town, in which
the farmers deposited their money in sacks.
The firm being custodian of much of the
money of the community, quite an extensive
exchange business was carried on through
it. This finally resulted in the establish-
ment of a bank under the firm name of Ped-
decord & Burrows. In July, 1899, at the
death of ;\Ir. Peddecord, the name of the
bank was changed to L. Burrows & Co.
It is one of the oldest enterprises in the
city, yet has lost none of its original pres-
tige. The officers are: L. Burrows, presi-
dent ; L. L. Burrows, cashier. This bank
occupies the first floor of the three-story
brick building at the corner of South Park
and North \yater streets.

PAST AND l'Ri:Sl£NT OF MACON COUNTY.

(♦1

The Decatur Traction & Electric Company.
The first street railways in Decatur were
e(iiii|)]>e<l with small cars with benches for
passenj^ers alunfj the side. Horses or mules,
equipped with warninjjf i)ells, furnisiied the
nioti\c power. The manaj;ement. however,
becoming too pro}jressive for these condi-
tions, was the first in the state to adopt
electricity as its motor.

The people doubted the feasibility of the
plan and when the initiatory trial was made,
at the old square, a large crowd assembled
to witness the start. The trial was success-
ful, but some thought there was danger of
receiving shocks, others that the motorman
would lose control, and still others that the
current would stop the watches of the pas-
sengers. But soon these illusions were dis-
pelled and everybody rode. The manage-
ment (leserves unstinted praise for the pres-
ent efficiency of the road.

While the name of the comjiauy iias not
always been the same, yet it has never
really been out of the hands of the original
promoters until July, 1903, when it was sold
to the Interurban Company. The company
has recently been incorporated for $225,000,
the greater portion being used in laying the
tracks and erecting and Cijiiippiiiir a new
power plant.

The com]>any now has about tillecn miles
of track, thirty cars, a first-class jxnvcr
house, a spacious, well equipped car barn
and a handsome transfer station. The cars
are of the latest patterns with electric heat-
ers, electric lights, electric signal bells, illu-
minated signs, cross seats and vestibules.
Each car is propelled bv a twenlvTur horse
power motor.

The power station, cii>ling $40.(^00, is a
large substantial brick building, modern in
all its appointments. It contains two three
hundred and fifty horse power Bates Corliss
engines, two two hundred and fifty Kilowatt
general electric generators, two three hun-
dred and fifty Sterling water-tube boilers.

•and suflicient space in the buildini; to dupli-
cate its equipments.

The transfer station, located (MI Lincoln
.^(juare. the center of the original town of
Decatur, is a feature of the system that is
nut found in any other city of the state. In
surveying the crossing of the two main
streets, a square was cut out of the corner
of each of the four adjacent blocks, forming
tjuite a large square ; this in early times was
used by the farmers for a hitching i)Iace for
teams, also for a show ground and a general
loafing or gathering place ; it finally de-
veloped into a nuisance, which was event-
ually supplanted by an octagonal stone
structure, fashioned after a Chinese jiagoda.
The first lloor contains a waiting room and
the company's office, over this is a band
room ; the roof extends sufficiently to pro-
tect the passengers from the sun and rain ;
surrounding the building is a wide, circular
walk 01 granitoid.

All in all you will find no better system
in any town the size of Decatur, and it is
doubtful whether any in the state surpass it.

MA\"L'FACT()Rli:S .\ND INCORPO-
RATIONS.
The 1 )ecatur Coffin Company, corner
-North and Morgan streets, was established
in 1872, being one of the oldest com-
panies in the city carried on continuously
under the same management. This com-
pany was incoriiorated in 1882. It has con-
stantly lived up to its reputation of carefid,
successfid, honorable, businesslike dealing.
The comjiany makes burial caskets, burial
robes and wholesale undertakers' supplies.
Its salesmen visit and sell goods in all the
leading cities of the l'nite<l States. It takes
the lead in burial garments, and is consid-
ered the most important of its kind in the
coimtry. It made some new departures in
this line recently, which changed the mate-
rial and manner of making burial garments,
thus giving the company a place at the head

PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.

of the country's trade. A large number of
skilled mechanics and experienced dress-
makers constitute the working force. The
officers are: O. Z. Greene, president;
George iL. Moeller, vice-president ; T. T.
Roberts, secretary and treasurer.

The F. B. Tait Manufacturing Company,
located on East Cerro Gordo street, occu-
pies an entire block of ground 260 by 150
feet. It fronts Cerro Gordo street and also
skirts the Wabash right-of-way which af-
fords excellent transfer facilities. The main
building, containing offices, sample rooms
and warehouse, has four stories and a base-
ment ; this was opened in March, 1902, and
is one of the most handsome business
houses in central Illinois. The machine
shop, foundry and blacksmith shop are of
brick and well equipped with all the neces-
sary machinery.

From eighty to one hundred men are em-
ployed b}' this company, eight traveling
men are constantly in the field. They man-
ufacture the Decatur corn planter, the three
row corn planter, land rollers, steel-frame
lever harrows and gate seeders, shoveling
boards, surface cultivators, the New Deca-
tur and Easy corn sheller, Tait check row-
ers, Buckej-e harrow and pulverizer, stalk
rakes, wagon seats and single-tongue sweep
rakes. They also handle buggies, carriages,
wagons, general farm implements and gas-
oline engines.

The F. B. Tait Companj- has a capital
stock of $100,000, and was organized in
1897 to succeed F. B. Tait & Company,
which firm was organized in 1882. The
officers are: F. B. Tait, president and
treasurer; D. B. Tait, vice-president; E. C.
Bassey, secretar)-.

The plant of the Decatur Lumber and
^lanufacturing Company, on North Water
street, occupies eight lots of space skirting
the Wabash Railroad. They manufacture
all kinds of interior finish for stores, resi-
dences and office-fittings, sash, doors.

moulding and stair work in all kinds of
wood, including mahogany, walnut, cherry,
quarter-sawed oak and cypress. In bank
and store fixtures they both make and fit,
employing first-class workmen in that line
of work. The factory and planing mill is
a four-story brick building 6a by 80 feet,
equipped with all of the latest and best
machinery. This company handles a full
line of lumber in all of the woods usually
found in a first-class lumber yard, also lath
and shingles. The company started in
business in 1880 with a capital of $50,000,
and in 1892 increased the stock to $100,000.
The officers are : Thomas V. Jones, presi-
dent ; J. B. Good, vice-president ; H. M.
Prescott, treasurer; A. S. Knouft", secre-
tar}-.

The Haworth and Sons ^lanufacturing
Company is the oldest plant of its kind in
Decatur, having had its origin in 1870, then
known as Haworth & Sons. The present
management was inaugurated two years
ago. They make corn planters, check row-
ers, grain drills and scoop-boards, and also
do a jobbing business in buggies and
wagons. They own the patents on most of
the machiner}' which thej'^ make. The check
rower is the only cross-wire rower made,
it being the invention of George D. Haw-
orth, and the first ever patented. This
plant was built in 1872, and is located at
the corner of East Cerro Gordo and Eldo-
rado streets, extending back to the Wabash
tracks covering a block of ground, making
a large railroad frontage which affords fine
shipping facilities. The building contains
three stories and a basement and is mod-
ern in all its furnishings. The number of
men employed is from seventy-five to one
hundred, a number of traveling men are
always on the road.

The Decatur Monument Company, or-
ganized by John H. Culver, was, in 1896,
changed to the firm of Brown & Son, now
located in the 400 block on North ]Main

PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.

S»3

street. Tliis firm keeps in stock a full line
of monuments both in style ami quality.
Wisconsin, Minnesota, .Missouri, Massa-
chusetts and Scotcli granites, as well as the
leading varieties of marble are carried. The
territory covered by their sales includes
Decatur and its atljacent country. X. F.
Urown, the senior partner of the lirni, is an
old resident of this covmly, having settled
near IJoody in 1S59.

The I'alace of Sweets, located in the Fred
Wilson building in the 300 block on North
Main street, was established by J. W'.
Keckley in August, 190J. It was capital-
ized for $2,500; for the purpose of manufac-
turing a general line of confectionery and
ice cream, inchiiliiiir a jnbbiiig business in
the same.

The Union Irtui \\ urks was instituted in
1864 by James .Millikin and C. C. Burrows.
It was devoted largely to building engines
up to 1880. Engines and mill machinery
were its entire products until 1875. The
company was incorporated in 1882, the
stock being held by James .Millikin, A. K.
Montgomery and Mrs. .\. R. Montgomery.
The management is principally in the hands
of .\. R. Montgomery, who has shown
marked business ability in establishing its
enviable reputation. The trade grew from
milling machinery to elevator supplies, this
led to the corn sheller, which proved a for-
tune to the firm. They have furnished the
major part of the shelling machinery of
the United States ; this firm has more shel-
lers in operation in warehouses than all
other makes combined ; in 1875 everything
but elevator supplies was abandoned. Dur-
ing the last decade they have won a repu-
tation on their portable corn sheller that
has made them leaders in that line ; their
territory not only covers the United States,
but reaches over into Mexico and Canada.
.•\ general machine shop and foundry is also
profitably carried on. Over a hundred men
find employment here the year round, and

every branch retjuiu^ >Killed labor for
which high jjrices are paid. The jjlant
burned August 5, 1895; twenty-four days
later the factory was rebuilt, larger and bet-
ter than before, taking on an increased num-
ber of workmen. Since then a large addi-
tion has been built, making it the largest
foundry in the city. James Millikin is pres-
itlent and A. R. Montgomery is secretary,
treasurer and general manager.

The jdant of the Satley Manufacturing
Company, located on the Wabash Railroad
between Jasper and North Lowber streets,
is the foundry department of the above
uameil company which is in Springfield.
The business of the ])lant is to make the
gray and malleable in.in castings used by
the Sjjringfield company, and to do a gen-
eral line of job work. From the time the
fountlry was open for business it was
crowded with orders. The majority of the
manufactories in the city, especially those
making implements, found it convenient
and profitable to have their malleable iron
castings made by this firm ; many orders
from the outside arc constantly coming in.
At the start but fifty men were needed,
while at present over two hundred are em-
ployed during the busy season. Its capac-
ity has been increased at short intervals
during the last three years by building
more annealing ovens, placing larger en-
gines, building additional rooms and by
numerous other improvements. It has
done much good for Decatur by reestab-
lishing business in an abandoned locality
and furnishing labor for a large number of
idle men. C. A. Ilackelt is the local man-
ager.

The Decatur Coal Company is one of the
largest employers of labor in the city ; the
company has two shafts, known as the ol<l
and the new. The mine, at first, was oper-
ated by private parties and had hut the old
shaft. In 1882 the Decatur Coal Company
was incorporated, and a new shaft opened.

PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.

The olil shafl is on the Wabash, and the
new is on the Central ; the mines are con-
nected under ground. An excellent quality
of bituminous coal is produced, which is
not only sold in the local market, but at
numerous points outside. Over three hun-
dred men are employed ; the mines have a
capacity of about 1,200 tons per day of eight
hours each. This company also owns a
mine in Niantic, in which machinery for
mining coal is used. The officers of the
company are : H. W. Hill, president ; O. B.
Gorin, secretary and treasurer ; W. C. Arm-
strong, general manager.

The John A. Keck Company, corner West
Wood and South Church street, manufac-
tures cigar and paper boxes. The firm was
established in 1881. It is managed and
principally owned by John A. Keck. Its
saws, planes and presses are kept in con-
tinual use by its employes, who number
about seventeen the year round. Paper
boxes for the local trade and cigar boxes
for both local and outside manufacturers
are made. This establishment has been
very successful in securing and maintain-
ing a lucrative business.

The Chambers, Bering & Quinlau Com-
pany, among the oldest manufactories in
the city, located on Jasper street and front-
ing the Wabash Railroad, makes corn
planters, check rowers, hay loaders, side
delivery rakes and other farm machinery.
The firm sprung into existence in 1876 by
the partnership entered into on the part of
William B. Chambers, J. E. Bering and
William J. Quinlan. A few years ago W.
B. Chambers retired and Wilson M. Bering
took his place. This company manufac-
tured the first wire check rower, which has
proven an entire success, both as a mechan-
ical device and as a money maker. A short
time ago the plant was destroyed by fire,
but out of the ashes sprung a building of
newer design with all the modern conven-
iences and the latest and best machinery.

Prom seventy-five to one hundred men find
work here. The officers are: J. E. Ber-
ing, president; William M. Bering, vice-
president ; William J. Quinlan, secretary
and treasurer.

The F. H. Bushway Flavoring Extract
Company, located at 949-51 North Water
street, was incorporated in 1893. The
plant occupies three floors and manufac-
tures all kinds of flavoring extracts. The
firm also handles teas and coiTees on a large
scale. They employ sixteen workmen the
year round. The members of the firm are
J. O. Henry and J. B. Henry. Their goods
are reliable and are shipped to many outside
points.

The firm of W. H. Grindol & Son, corner
of East Main and Franklin streets, was es-
tablished in 1865 by W. H. Grindol. In
1890 John Grindol became a member of the
firm. The work turned out at present is
made by machinery, consisting of a pol-
isher, a cutter, a pneumatic hammer and
other accessory tools. All light carving,
cutting and engraving is executed with a
pneumatic hammer. The granite is all
worked from the rough and is received in
car-load lots. Ten men are continuously
employed. The firm owns the buildings,
and grounds occupied by the plant.

The Frank Curtis Company is the oldest
firm in the state that manufactures, whole-
sales and retails jewelry. The firm was es-
tablished thirty years ago as Otto E. Cur-
tis & Company, and was later known as
Otto E. Curtis & Brother. At the death of
Otto E. Curtis the business was managed
by Frank Curtis. In 1899 a corporation
was formed known as the Frank Curtis
Company. The stockholders are Frank
Curtis, Mrs. A. T. Curtis, Mrs. J. T. Dur-
fee and Miss Mabel Durfee. The incorpo-
rate stock is $30,000. This business has
been carried on in the same rooms since it
was organized. They do a wholesale as
well as a retail business in diamonds.

PAST AND rKKSKNT Ul" MACON COUNTY.

9r.

watches, chicks ami all kiiuls of jewelry.
The groun<l floor at 150 Kast Main street is
tlevoted entirely to the jewelry business,
the second lloor is used for the china ware,
the basement is used for storage and the
third lloor is used for manufacturing and
repairing work. They employ twelve per-
sons and do all their own repairing and
difficult job work which most jewelers send
to tile large cities. The otticers are : I'rank
Curtis, president: .Miss .Mabel A. Durfee,
secretary and treasurer.

The (. . J. Hartley Company, located at
the corner of l-'ranklin and Decatur streets
on the Illinois Central Railroad, was known
as the Warren & Durfee Comjiany from
1X85 to iHy", when it was transferred to C.
J. Hartley and his son Arthur Hartley. The
main building is 30 by (10 feel and is two
stories high ; the wing to this is 40 by 100
feet : the warehouse 30 by <>o feet. This
firm manufactures wagon and buggy jacks,
also the C. J. Hartley grain- weigher, on
which the firm owns the patents, lieneral
contract work is done, ami in the machine
shop rej)airing and rebuilding engines is
made a specialty. This ci>m])any was in-
corporated March 17, iyo2, for $8,000. The
officers are : Joseph Stocks, president ; C.
J. Hartley, secretary ami treasurer; .\rthur
Hartley, superintendent.

The Wayne Sulkyctte Company, located
at the corner of East Prairie and North
I-°ranklin streets, has done much to adver-
tise Decatur abroad. The company manu-
factures high grade fire ap|)aratus, police
patrol wagons, hose wagons, chemical en-
gines, combined chemical and hose wagons,
hook and lachler trucks, antl rubber tired
vehicles of all kinds, including racing carts,
road wagons, buggies and pony carts and
wagons. This company was awarded a
medal at the World's Columbian Kxposi-
lion for the finest police patrol wagons and
otlier vehicles. The hook and ladder truck
and hose wagons of the Decatur fire depart-

ment were built by this company, as was
also the police patrol wagon. The officers
are: D. W'. Brennaman, president; W'. J.
Wayne, vice-president and general man-
ager; W'. P. Shade, secretary and treasurer.

The Decatur Cornice and Koofing
Works, located on North .Main street, just
south ol the W abash Railroad, was estab-
lished by W. II Stewart in 188.;. The steady
growth of the business has enabled the
firm to gain a foothold in most of the lead-
ing cities of the country. "Perfect" is the
trade mark under which all the leading
specialties are manufactured. .Ml the job-
bing houses carry, regularly, on their cata-
logues the "Perfect" radiator and register
shield, .\mong the specialties made by
them arc copper and zinc caskets, slate an<l
steel roofing, furnaces, sheet metal statu-
ary, sky-lights, tar, gravel and asphalt roof-
ing. They also do general contract work
on metal work, roofing and cornice. The
sheet-metal, slate and tile roofing and cop-
])er work on the new Wabash depot was
done by them.

The Decatur Novelty Works, located at
the corner of Morgan and William streets,
owned ami managed by William L. Oakes,
manufactures steam engines, gas engines,
oil engines, steam boilers, steam pumps
and feed-water heaters. A large stock of
general sujiplies for steam users is carried
by the firm. The trade is princi]>ally local.
Thirty-five persons arc furnished employ-
ment. The business was established in
1878.

'Hie Decatur P.rewing Company is one of
the earliest established institutions of the
city; it was started by John Gaus, in the
latter part of the fifties, who was succeeded
in the business by B. 15. Richanls, Mark
Simpson and Nicholas Weber, who in turn
solrl the brewery to V.. Harpstrite and H.
.Sblandeman in 1862, by whom it was con-
ducted for twenty-two years. In 1884 H.
Shiaudeman bought his partner's interest

PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.

and, with the co-operation of his sons, has
successfully carried on the business since
then. The plant is located at 604 East Cen-
tral street. The main building is 100 by
135 feet; part of it is three stories and part
is five stories. There is a malting capacity
of 15,000 barrels of beer annually. In the
manufacture of beer the best Minnesota
barley and New York and Pacific Coast
hops only, are used. The cellars are cooled
with a consolidated Ice Company machine,
the capacity of which is ten tons per day,
and a Westinghous'e machine, having a
capacity of twenty-five tons. The build-
ings are lighted by the company's electric
light plant. Glass-enameled steel casks are
used in the vacuum process of aging and
ripening the beer. A number of deep wells
have been sunk, affording an abundance of
pure water for brewing. The plant is
equipped throughout with the newest and
best appurtenances. This firm sells beer
all over the state, and seven-eighths of the
beer used in Decatur is of this company's
make. The bottling works, which is a part
of the plant, is a two-story brick structure
25 by 75 feet. Twenty-one men are em-
ploj'ed in the brewery and twelve in the
bottling works. The ofificers are: Henry
Shlaudeman, president ; Frank Shlaudeman,
vice-president ; Harrj- Shlaudeman, secre-
tary and treasurer.

The Stuart Dry Goods Company was or-
ganized in 1897. This store is located in
the two hundred block on North Water
street, in an elegant three-story brick build-
ing, by Mr. Fenton, adapted to the especial
needs of this company. Besides handling a
regular dry goods business, dress making,
cloak making and remodeling of fur gar-
ments is also carried on. All the members
of this firm are experienced dry goods men,
having come up from clerkships ; the suc-
cess of the business reflects the ability of
its promoters. About forty persons are
employed in this store. An extensive stock

of well selected millinery has also been car-
ried in store by the firm for the last few
years.

The Decatur Lime and Cement Com-
pany, at the old David Martin stand, 600
North Morgan street, the oldest lime house
in central Illinois, is now owned and man-
aged by Dan Macnet. He carries lime, ce-
ment, flue-linings, wall-copings, fire-brick,
fire-clay, sewer-pipe, hard and soft coal.
The trade is about equally divided between
local and outside territory, reaching fifty
miles in every direction from Decatur.

The Electric Supply and Fixture Com-
pany was incorporated Mzy 31, 1898, cap-
ital stock, $2,500. This company does
general contracting work; jobbing in dyna-
mos, motors, watchmen's time detectors,
and manufactures electrical specialties.
The offices are in the Powers' building. The
officers are: E. E. Gibson, president and
treasurer; E. T. Coleman, vice-president;
M. M. Holmes, secretary.

The Standard Manufacturing Company,
located in the Columbia Building, on North
Main street, was incorporated in July, 1901 ;
capitalized for $12,000. It manufactures
and wholesales flavoring extracts, perfumes
and toilet preparations. The ofificers are:
F. A. Bushway, president ; C. AI. Goltra,
vice-president; J. ^NI. Eaton, secretary; C.
W. Hastings, treasurer and manager.

The J. L. Drake Hardware store, the
former site of the Griswold store, at the
corner of South Water and East Main
streets, the oldest hardware stand in De-
catur, carries a general line of hardware,
paints and sporting goods. He manufac-
tures special lines of metal work.

The F. H. Cole Shoe Company is located
in the 100 block on East Main street. They
carry a full line of men's, ladies' and chil-
dren's shoes, also a complete line of rub-
ber goods usually carried with a well se-
lected stock of this magnitude. Their stock
has thus far assured them a remunerative

PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.

l)usiiicss. 'llie ofticiTs an.-; Jii^fpli l,ap-
hani, prcsiileiit ; L. K. Lapliain, vicc-prcsi-
dciit; CliarUs E. Martin, secretary; Cliarlcs
D. Jones, trcasiinr.

J. i'. ICcklcs & Company, located at 222
North Main street, carries hardware, tin-
ware, paints and oils and nianiifactiires spe-
ciahies in sheet metals.

C. J. Fiirgcson, located at 054-C58, car-
ries a general line of hardware and furni-
ture, and :d-^i) iii.uiiifacturis tinner's sup-
plies.

B. M. Dennis, located at Oil Xurlli \\ ater
street, carries on a general hardware busi-
ness, and manufactures sheet metal sup-
plies.

A. F. Gcbhart, located at 1135-1139 North
Water street, does a general hardware bus-
iness, and manufactures special supplies for
the trade.

Michael Fahay, located at 1102-1106 East
Eldorado, does a general hardware busi-
ness, and manufactures his supplemental
supplies.

The Decatur Gas and Electric Company
supplies the citizens of Decatur with elec-
tric and gas light, also electric power and
fuel gas. The first plant was instituted in
1868; it was originally known as the Deca-
tur Gas, Light and Coke Company, and
later as the Decatur Light, Heat and Power
Company. When purchased by Messrs.
Danforth and McCoy and united with the
Culver Electric Light Plant, it assumed its
present cognomen, and was incorporated
for $400,000. In iS*)() an eastern syndicate
bought the plant. The officers of the com-
pany are: J. Manchester Hayncs, of .'\u-
gusta. Maine, president ; George E. Macom-
bcr, of Augusta, Maine, treasurer; W^. A.
Rixby, manager. Since going into the
hands of these parties many thousands of
dollars have been expended in its better-
ment. The lower water gas system has
been introduced, and the plant on East
Wood street has been increased to the

I .ip.uily (i| 4( K(,m)< ) ciiliK' url iil yas. About
twenty-live miles of gas mains are in use.
A storage capacity of 300,000 cubic feet and
a daily manufacturing capacity of 4CXj,ooo
cubic feet.

The electric plant at the corner of West
Cerro Ciordo and North Edward streets, is
practically new and cntirel}- moilern in
every respect. Most of this plant is in
duplicate and protected against accidents
nf all kinds. The linn has about forty per-
sons in its employ regularly, besides the
force on construction and rejjair work.

William Hold's machine shop, located on
State street, is three stories high and covers
a space 120 by 70 feel. .\11 kinds of spe-
cial machinery, hydraulic elevators, boilers
and steam pumps are hantlled; repair work
is also done. Six men are employed con-
titnially. William I'old, who has been in
the business for eighteen years, is the sole
owner and manager of the plant.

The firm of George S. Lyon & Sons, lo-
cated at 546 East Cerro Gordo street, was
started by George S. Lyon on the same
corner about twenty years ago. He had
the first planing mill in the city, and the
other lumber yards brought him their lum-
ber to dress. A few years ago the building
was destroyed liy lire. Not daunted, how-
ever, the firm erected a large two story
brick bnildmg, 286 by 134 feet, extending
to the Wabash Railroad, facing both North
r.roadway and East Cerro Gordo streets ;
since that time the entire yard has been en-
closed by a brick wall the height of one
story. The firm docs a general lumber and
planing business, manufacturing sashes,
doors, door and window-casings, and fur-
nishings for stores and public buildings ;
all kinds of fitiishing lumber known to
the trade are kept in stock. The plant is
equipped with the latest make of machinery
throughout, and employs fifty men nearly
all the year ; five wagons are continually
in use. The officers arc: Clyde R. Lyon,

PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.

president ; James C. Sullivan, secretary ; J.
B. Robertson, treasurer.

The lumber firm of Colby Brothers, at
419 W'abash avenue, was organized in 1891
on the same site occupied by a lumber yard
for the past thirty years. They do an out
and out lumber business ; handling all kinds
of wood usually kept in stock for this mar-
ket. They also manufacture doors, sashes,
window and door casings, furnishings for
stores and public buildings; all kinds of
finishing lumber carried. The- plant is ad-
mirably equipped for their \aried work.
They employ from si.x to ten men. The
firm is composed of C. L. Colby, H. D. Col-
by and L. S. Colby.

The Mills Lumber Company, located at
763 East Eldorado street, is one of the old
lumber yards of the city. This company
carries all grades and all woods in the gen-
eral market such as white pine, yellow pine,
chestmit, cypress, sycamore, walnut, cherry
and quarter-sawed oak. They turn out mill
work of all kinds ; doors, sashes exterior
and interior finishings, office fixtures, stairs
and furnishings for public buildings. Jo-
seph Mills, the founder of the enterprise,
has been in the lumber business over fifty
years ; more than twenty years of this
time has been devoted to the interests of
this company. The officers are : Joseph
Mills, president; Edgar Shellabarger, sec-
retary and treasurer.

Irwin, Kirkland & Company, manufac-
turing pharmacists, located at 128-32 West
William street, occupy two . entire build-
ings, giving a frontage on both William
and Main streets ; both buildings are well
built attractive brick; the one facing Main
street has just recently been completed.
This business, established in 1886 by Smith,
Hubbard & Company, was purchased by
the present owners in 1892. They manu-
facture non-secret preparations, fluid ex-
tracts, elixirs, medicated syrups and com-
pressed tablets. They have their own heat-

ing plant, do their own grinding and print-
ing, giving employment to eighteen per-
sons in the laboratories. From five to eight
people are on the road, and they cover ter-
ritory from Minneapolis to New Orleans,
west as far as Denver and east as far as
eastern Indiana.

V. H. Park & Son, on North Main street,
next to the Wabash Railroad, occupy a half
block at this point. V. H. Park has prob-
ably been in acti\e business in Decatur
longer than any other man; in 1852 he en-
gaged in the livery business, ne.xt in the
implement business until 1887, he then pur-
chased his present business. They are en-
gaged more cxtensi\'ely in the lime busi-
eess than any other firm in central Illinois.
They handle limes, cements, sewer-pipes,
fire-clay goods, as well as operating an ex-
tensive plant for the manufacture of this
product. They have this year erected a
connnodious brick building for the storage
of hard plaster. They purchased, a few
years ago, the transfer and storage business
of another firm, which has brought them an
extensive storage business ; they are well
equipped for this line, having four large
warehouses. They are also distributors for
a half dozen manufacturers of agricultural
implements ; these are sent, by car-load lots,
to all points within a radius of seventy
miles of Decatur.

The Neisler-Burwell Drug Company, at
the corner of North Main and William
streets, does a wholesale and retail drug
business. The firm carries a complete line
of drugs, chemicals and physicians' sup-
plies, surgical instruments, also a fine line
of photographers' supplies ; extra pharma-
ceutical preparations are also manufac-
tured. Their traveling men make all the
leading towns in northern and central Illi-
nois. The company consists of W. F. Neis-
ler and Dr. E. A. Burwell.

The Globe Cornice Works, at 224-26
West Wood street, occupies two rooms.

PAST AND PRESENT OE MACON COUNTY.

The tinn has done nuicli of the tin ami gal-
vanized iron work on the buildings of the
city since its organization some years ago.
They manufacture galvanized iron corn-
ices, skylights, metal ceilings ; put on
slate, tin and gravel rooting; sell and set
hot air furnaces. Quite an extensive busi-
ness lias been built up outside of the city.

The Decatur Brick Coin|)any was organ-
ized in Eebruary, 1898, by combining the
several brick companies then in existence ;
thus involving a capital of ^125,000. The
brick industry has grown to very large pro-
portions in this place. The brick for all the
street paving and lor nearly all the walks
are of home make, and a very large per
cent of the brick used in the construction
of Decatur's brick buildings also comes from
home manufacture. Since its organization
much improvement in both paving and
building brick has been made. The com-
pany has live plants, two west and three
cast of the city, with a capacity of 25,000,-
000 brick per annum ; with only part of the
plants in use, the company furnishes work
for about 120 skilled workmen, with a pay-
roll of about $1,000 per week. .\ very re-
munerative trade has been built up outside
of the city, even outside the state. They
make a specialty of re-pressed paving brick,
glazed side-walk brick, side-cut building
brick ; also end-cut building brick. The
officers are: J. F. Mattes, president; Marry
A. Shiaudcman, vice-president; S. A. Tut-
tlc, secretary and treasurer; K. D. Mattes,
general superintendent.

The Decatur bakery of the National Bis-
cuit Company, was organized about a dozen
years ago, and has done a paying business
from the start. It uses four floors on the
cast side of the Library block ; it runs day
and night the year round, furnishing em-
ployment for forty men. A full line of
crackers and fine buscuits arc turned out,
no different kinds of goods are made at
this bakery. The bread is baked at night.

while the cakes and sweet g(.>ods are baked
in the daytime. Shipments are made to
325 towns in Illinois and to about twenty-
five in Indiana and at the same time a very
large local trade is supplied. The plant has
at all times since its origin been kept run-
ning to its full capacity. Its business
reaches the surprising sum of $200,000 per
year. A. W. Conklin is its manager.

The L'nited States Wire .Mat Company
is one of the iinicjue institutions of the city.
Its goods have attracted the attention of the
civilized world. The factory, located at
341-43 Wabash avenue, was incorporated in
i8y2 with a capital stock of $20,000. The
capacity of the plant is 500 feet of matting
per day. The United States government is
an extensive patron of this firm ; with the
exception of the recently constructed boats,
every man-of-war in the navy is fitted out
with wire matting from this factory. The
battle ship Texas has $1,000 worth of this
malting lying upon her decks. The pro-
duct of this factory goes to South .America,
South Africa, .\ustralia, Russia, England
and the continent. Tlie olTicers are: C. M.
Hurst, secretary; 1'. 1'. Wills, ire.isurer ; J.
L. Bennett, manager.

The Wliitmer heating plant covers seven
blocks of the city; has 15,000 feet of mains
and 50,000 feet of radiators. Seven boilers,
with a total cajiacily of 740 liorse-])ower,
are used. Ordinarily, only five boilers arc
in use, two being held in reserve for emer-
gencies. There are two Oakes 100 horse-
power fire-tube boilers and two Babcock
and Wilcox water-tube boilers of 150 horse-
power each ; the average pressure carried is
from 100 to 115 pounds. The plant was es-
tablished in 1892 with a Ck) horse-power
boiler. The business developed so rapi<lly
that in 1894 the two large boilers were put
in. It requires the use of four large pumps
to supply the boilers with water; two teams
are constantly hauling coal, the plant using
thirty tons per day. .'\ double system is

100

PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.

used so in case any part of the plant is in
need of repairs the other can be brought
into vise ; there are four regular firemen and
one extra employed. The boilers are four-
teen feet below the street grade line. F. H.
Whitmer is the manager.

The R. S. Bohon Company was incorpo-
rated about six years ago with a capital
stock of $25,000. The firm is located at the
corner ot North Broadway and East Eldo-
rado streets, in one of the best arranged
three storj' business blocks in Decatur.
Three rooms, a large basement and a bal-
cony are used for their stock, which in-
cludes clothing, dry goods, notions, hats,
caps and carpets. The officers are : R. S.
Bohon, president ; S. C. Bohon, vice-presi-
dent ; F. P. Roach, secretary and treasurer ;
R. S. Bohon, manager.

The Race Clothing Manufacturing Com-
pany, established in 1856, located over the
Race clothing store, makes farmers' and
mechanics' shirts, overalls, jackets, duck
coats and covert coats. Over one hundred
power machines are constantly running in
this factory and over one hundred persons
are employed ; seven salesmen are kept on
the road. They not only supply the home
demand, but ship goods to Colorado, Ne-
braska, Kansas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, In-
dian Territory, as far east as Indiana and as
far north as Michigan. The officers are:
J. W. Race, president and treasurer; Frank
Elwood, secretary. Directors, L. L. Race,
Frank Elwood and James W. Race.

The Decatur Extract Company, located
at 243-47 South Water street, manufactures
flavoring extracts, baking powder, perfume
and toilet articles. The products are sold
directly to the customers through local
agents. The company was established
over six years ago at 725 North Water
street, but in 1898, on account of the grow-
ing business, they moved to larger quarters
and better shipping facilities. The busi-
ness has shown such a flattering increase

that a few years ago they were compelled
to build a large two story brick structure in
addition to the spacious one already occu-
pied. The officers are: C. W. Hastings,
president ; C. AI. Goltra, secretary and
treasurer. Capitalization, $10,000.

The Decatur Packing & Provision Com-
pany, formerly the Levy Packing Com-
pany, was incorporated in June, 1900. They
have a modern slaughter and packing house
located south of the city. They carry
dressed meats, lard, tallow and other meat
products and manufacture sausages, and
deal in hides. The company is incorporated
for $10,000. The ofificers are : A. Wait,
president ; M. Levy, vice-president ; C. A.
Wait, secretary and treasurer. The board
of directors are: A. AA'ait, AI. Levy, C. A.
Wait. .Arthur AA'ait. and Felix Levy.

The Decatur Refrigerator and Manufac-
turing Company occupies a block of ground
bounded by the AVabash Railroad, Morgan
street, Wabash avenue and North Broad-
way. This company was organized in
1901 ; it manufactures butchers' coolers,
blocks, racks, show cases and fixtures. In
the latter they make all kinds of store and
bank fixtures. Their goods are shipped in
car-load lots to the jobbers, covering a very
large territory. The officers are: Robert
Faries, president ; W. E. Surface, vice-pres-
ident ; E. P. Irving, secretary and treas-
urer; John Schweinbold, manager and
superintendent.

The .'N.kers and AVilson Furniture Com-
pany, consisting of a system of stores, lo-
cated in the following towns: Decatur,
Clinton, Lincoln, Bloomington, Streator,
Pontiac, Canton, Champaign, and Alattoon,
has been in business during the past twelve
years. The Decatur store is located in the
300 block on North Main street and carries
a complete stock of house furnishing
goods. From one store, judiciously man-
aged, has sprung this vast volume of busi-
ness. From the time the first outside store

PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.

101

was starltil, the linn has iiraclically atUlcil
a store each year. Tlic officers arc : C. E.
Akers ami A. G. Wilson, who arc the sole
owners and general manasiers of the entire
system of stores.

The P.railley l?rulhers' Dry liooils Store
is among the largest stores in the city in
this line of bnsincss. Two Hoors and the
basement of the two-story liriek building
at the corner of William and North Water
streets, known as the Fenton building, are
occupied by this stock of goods. In addi-
tion to a general stock of dry goods they
carry on a very elaborate dressmaking de-
partment, also as large and fine an assort-
ment of millinery stock as yon will find in
the city. The domestic goods department
is in the basement, the main sales room is
on the first floor and the dressmaking de-
partment on the second floor. The build-
ing is e(|ni])ped with all the latest furnish-
ings, and contains toilet rooms and rest
ri.x»ms for ladies and employes. The firm
has a large mail order business ; three de-
livery wagons are kept busy early and late
and ninety people arc employed all the
year. IJernard Bradley and Dennis Brad-
ley are the proprietors.

William ( iusiiard & Company have one
of the most enterprising dry goods stores
in the city ; it is located at 207 North
Water street. It was established in 1895
when it was thought that the competition
in that line was too strong to admit of an-
other slock of dry goods ; yet this business
was a success from the start. The firm,
practically occupies the entire building; a
general line of dry goods with a well-as-
sorted line of millinery and domestic goods
is carried ; also a well-equipped dressmak-
ing department is maintained. It now en-
joys a very large city trade besides a large
patronage from the surrounding country
and nearby towns and villages.

The Charles T. Johnston Dry Goods
Store on North Water street is thoroughly

modern in all its ilcpartments. The busi-
ness occupies two floors and comprises the
manufacture of ladies' cloaks, suits and fur
garments in connection with a general
stock of dry goods. Dressmaking is also
extensively carried on as well as a finely
eijuipped, u])-to-dale millinery establish-
ment. This store soon outgrew its original
(juarters and it became necessary to seek
nmre commodious apartments, which were
furnished by remodeling the Funis build-
ing of three floors, making as fine quarters
as that of any of its size in Decatur. Forty-
five people are in the employ of this firm
from one year's entl to the other.

The Decatur Milling Company, on the
corner of East Main and South Broadway,
was incorporated in 1888. For a number
of years previous to this it was known as
the Hatfield mill, at which time the late
David Carver, one of the pioneers of Ma-
con county, was largely interested. It is a
large brick building fully equipped with
modern machinery adapted to the manu-
facture of flour, meal and brewers' grits.
Tlu' mill consumes one thousand bushels
of wheat and about two thousand bushels
of corn per day. The products of the mill
are sold in the general markets as well as
tn the home trade. ,\bout twenty men are
continuously employed. The officers are:
Frank .Shlaudeman. president ; O. B.
Ciorin, vice-president ; J. W^ Carter, secre-
tary ; W. C. .\rm strong, treasurer and
manager.

The Danzeiscn Packing Company, lo-
cated on the Illinois Central Railroad on
South Main street, in one of the most ex-
tensive brick houses in the city adapted to
that purpose; it is modern in every detail.
Tliis company does a general pork and
beef packing business, besides a wholesale
and retail line. Tn addition they manufac-
ture and sell ice. This company was or-
ganized in May, 1903. The capitalization
is $50,000, of which the following persons

102

PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.

hold: George J. Danzeisen, $37,000; Wil-
liam Danzeisen, $5,000; Oscar J. Danzei-
sen, $5,000; Alfred J. Danzeisen, $3,000.
These four gentlemen are named as the
directors of the company.

The Linn and Scruggs Dry Goods and
Carpet Company, occupying three floors in
a half block of the Orlando Powers build-
ing, is the largest and best equipped store
in the state outside of Chicago. The city
of Decatur may well feel proud of the ele-
gance and vastness of the stock and the
completeness and convenience of its ap-
pointments. While Chicago has much
larger stocks of goods, it has few stores
that surpass it in the equipments, number
of departments, cash carriers and modern
facilities for displaying goods nor in the
adaptation of its varied stock to the wants
of the trade. William PI. Linn and Wil-
liam R. Scruggs founded the business in
1869; it was prosperous from the start and
has constantly increased until to-day any
one of these great floors is equal in floor
space to a half dozen ordinary stores. The
store is metropolitan in its management,
being separated into thirty separate de-
partments, eacli under a superintendent
who is its sole manager. The management
of each department is as vigorously prose-
cuted as though it were an individual store.
An electric passenger elevator, a Bostedo
pneumatic tube cash carrier with twenty-
one stations is installed in the store. They
have retiring and rest rooms for the cus-
tomers and employes, separate lockers for
each employe, convenient workrooms for
the mechanics and porters ; large marking
rooms for marking new goods, sample
rooms for display of goods by traveling
men, and numerous other conveniences for
their employes and customers. Not less
than 160 persons are on its pay rolls.

The Moorehouse & Wells Company, at
134-40 on East Main street, was estab-
lished by Messrs. Moorehouse and Wells

in 1859 on the present site of their build-
ing, and is one oi the oldest firms in the
city. The present quarters consist of a
six-story building including a basement,
built of brick with a brown stone' front; it
contains all the modern appliances and
conveniences necessary to accommodate
their rapidly increasing business. This
building was erected in 1896 at a cost of
$80,000. They have in stock everything
known to the modern hardware trade, and
do an enormous wholesale as well as retail
trade. Their business territory covers Il-
linois and part of Indiana, Iowa, and Mis-
souri. They handle house furnishing goods,
glass, stoves, mantels, paints, varnishes,
ammunition, sheet metals, tinplate, iron,
mechanics' tools and builders' hardware.
Twenty-five men are employed.

Bixby, Pitner & Company organized in
1895, Joseph G. Bixby and Frank S. Pitner
holding the majority of the stock ; at the
death of Frank S. Pitner, which occurred
in 1902 Thomas Pitner took his place in the
firm. The company manufactures a patent
burial slipper and the Dilt's patent Com-
bination Shade Roller and Curtain Pole
Fixture. The plant making the burial slip-
per is on the second floor of the Stoner
building ; it employs about twenty-five
men and girls. These goods are sold to the
wholesale trade only ; their market extends
even beyond the United States. The origi-
nality of design and neatness of adjustment
commends them to the trade. They also
make a shade roller and curtain pole fix-
ture : the fixture is known to the trade as
the " Itsa " Fixture. This article is in its
infancy but seems to be growing very rap-
idlv. It is very simple compared with the
ordinary fixtures used for this purpose, re-
quiring no taking out of screws when re-
moval is necessary. Its simplicity com-
mends itself to the public.

The Pratt Cereal Oil Mill Company was
organized in 1902. with a cajiital stock of

PAST AiND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.

103

$450,000, lor the purpose of extracting oil
from corn. The plant consists of five large
buildings, locateil in the east part of the
city witli a frontage of 450 feet on the
W'abasli Railroad; next to the Millikin
University it is tlie largest grou|) of Imiid-
ings in Decatur. 'l"liis is the first and only
mill of its kind in the world. Tiie surface
covered hy these buildings is ecpial to
about two blocks in the city. ( >ne hundre<l
cars of machinery were place<l into the
plant. Two miles of pipe and four hundred
and fifty valves were used. Storage room
for 600,000 gallons of oil. and 100,000 gal-
lons of naphtha is provided. The output
daily is 25,000 gallons of oil and 300 tons of
feed. The process with its accompanying
result has retjuired seven years for its |>er-
fection. .Mr. Pratt is largely res|)onsible
for its evolvement. The raw material used
is the waste from the hominy mills; the
hominy chops and the germ of the grain.
The hominy chop is about leu |)er cent oil
and the germ is about twenty-four per cent
oil. .\bout 300 tons or ten carloads of raw
material is consumed every twenty-four
hours. The oil is extracted from the corn
by first grinding it, then steeping it in :i
solvent that assimilates the corn oil; then
drawing the solution oft' at the bottom of
the percolating tanks. The corn oil is then
separated from the solution by <listillation.
The solvent is condensed and stored for
future use. while tile corn oil is passed
through filter ))res.scs to remove starch or
any foreign substances that may remain
after which it is ready for the market. This
oil is usee! for painting, for soapmaking, to
give botly to varnish, also in making salads.
The officers are: V. M. Pratt, president,
treasurer and manager; C. Krisman, secre-
tary; R. F'". Pratt, vice-president.

The Macon County Telephone Conij)any
is owned and o|)erated by local ca))ital and
is ](urely a home enterprise. It occupies
the front half of the third floor of the Ar-

cade building with its offices and exchange
and shops; eight rooms are used. It has a
switch board of nine hundred drops and
stalls, bourteen operators employed ; five
men are given regular employment, while
fre(|uently a large number u{ extra men are
used. The company has nine hundred sub-
scribers; two huiulred and forty loll line
conned ions, covering :dl the central i)art of
the slate. .\II the business part of the city
from the \\ abash to Wood street and from
Church street to liroadway is being sup-
])lied with an underground system, at an
exjiense of about ijiio.ooo. The company
manufactures all its own telephones and
controls a number of important patents.
All its instruments and appliances of all
kinds are of the latest approved patterns.
This company connects with the business
and professional men as well as the farmers
throughout the localities which it traverses.
This comi)any was organized in 1894 and
cai)italized for $200,000. The officers arc :
C. S. Mankins, presi<lenl ; .M. .\. llankins,
secretary. The directors are: C. S. llan-
kins. .M. .\. Hankins and W. P. Shade.

The business of (ieorge R. Bacon & Com-
l)any was organized December, 1881, then
known as the Itacon & Saxton Comjiany,
but later Mr. Saxton droiijied out of the
firm and it assumed its present name. The
present firm bought the land and erected
the two-story brick buibling, located at the
corner of North Main and I-lldorado streets,
in which the btisiness is now conducted.
They carry a large slock of stationery,
wrapping pai>er and bags, twines and a
varied assortment of showcase articles such
as are usually displayed in retail stores of
all grades. A wholesale jobbing business
with the general merchant is the work <lonc
by this firm. A jirinting eslablisiiment is
conducted in conjunction with their other
line. The territory covered by them prac-
tically includes all of central Illinois, or it
is the adjacent locality within a radius of

104

PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.

a Inindred miles of Decatur. When this
business house was built it was the only
business house on North Main street ex-
cept the one on Prairie street, now used by
the American Express Company. During
the last ten years this kind of business has
undergone a great change ; the qualities of
paper have become so varied and numerous
that it requires a very large stock to ac-
commodate the custom. Ball twine only
was then used ; now ball, cone and tube
must be in stock ; while in wrapping paper
the colors in vogue necessitate carrying an
extensive stock.

The Leader Iron Works, incorporated by
William C. Field, William A. Shorb and
\\'. T. Delahunty in July, 1903, for $40,000,
succeeds the Leader Manufacturing Com-
pany, which was organized in 1895. The
plant, consisting of a substantial brick
building covering an area of over 14,000
feet of floor space, is located one mile west
of Lincoln Square and adjacent to Fair
Mew Park. The firm makes a complete
list of brick-making machinery and con-
templates making and repairing of boilers
and engines. Leader machinery is well and
favorably known throughout the United
States and even in South and Central
American countries. The mechanical con-
struction of the machinery is under the
supervision of H. J. Votaw, who has been
with the company since its organization.

The Suffern & Hunt Company was or-
ganized under the laws of the state of Il-
linois December, 1892 ; incorporators, Wil-
liam H. SufTern and Robert I. Hunt ; capi-
tal stock, $50,000. They are exporters and
manufacturers of kiln dried white corn
goods, and jobbers and exporters of corn
and oats. They operate one mill of 10,000
bushels capacity in Decatur and one of
4.000 bushels capacit}- in Lafayette, Ind.
Their plants are thoroughly equipped with
the latest machinery known to the millers'
trade. Any innovation tending to better

their product or economize time or labor
finds a ready trial by them and, if success-
ful, is immediately installed. Their excel-
lent manufactured goods find a ready mar-
ket in the United States, England, Scot-
land, Ireland, Denmark, Holland, Norway,
Sweden, and South Africa. They export
large quantities of corn and oats to
continental Europe, shipping principally
through the port of New Orleans, and in
all do an aggregate business of about
$4,000,000 per year. They employ seventy-
five people in their plants, forty-two being
in the Decatur mill. The company has re-
cently transformed the mill in this city
from a frame to a complete brick structure,
spending $20,000 in improvements, which
increased its capacity from 7,000 to 10,000
bushels per day. They are the largest in-
dependent corn millers in the United
States. The officers are : William H. Suf-
fern, president; Robert I. Hunt, secretary
and treasurer.

The H. H. Brown Manufacturing Com-
pany, located at 320-24 East Main street,
dates from the 70s as " H. H. Brown &
Co." In 1893 it was incorporated under its
present name and capitalized at $20,000.
The company manufactures a patent fas-
tener for caskets and a cattle de-horner.
The casket fastener is sold direct to all
coffin manufacturers in the country. The
de-horner is sold throughout the United
States, and all the cattle-growing sections
of South America, Africa, Australia, New
Zealand, Mexico, Scotland, and Cuba. In
the United States the sales are made
through jobbers ; in the outside countries
are sold through their New York corre-
spondent. Their advertising catalogue
reaches every cattle country in the civilized
world. The manager and principal owner
of this company is C. H. Brown ; the other
stockholders are members of his family.

J. G. Starr & Son (W. H. Starr, pro-
prietor; C. .-\. Starr, manager). No. 113-117

PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.

lt»f

South Main street. Lincoln .St|narc. J. li.
Starr & Son Harness Company was in-
corporatid iS«M. W. II. Starr, president :
E. .\l. Starr, vice-president ; Hahlwin Starr,
secretary. Located No. 801-805 North
liroadway, wholesale manufacturers of
harmss and .saddlery. Tiie largest mail
order harness house (to dealers only) in
the Tnited Stales. The Starr trademark
is a synonym of excellence. This house
was founded by Joseph (1. Starr nearly
fifty years ajjo. and has continuously
occupied the same location. They carry a
fully line of harness an<l vehicles. This
firm is so well known in .Macon and a<ljoin-
iny ■•iiiiiitii-. that Starr's harness leads them
all

The .\.-l>ur\ L.xiracl Company, localeil
on North Water street, just north of the
\\ ahash railroad, was organized in 1898.
The firm manufactures a full line of ex-
tracts, |)ancake Hours, shoe i)olish : als<i
crushed fruits for soda fountains. Its prod-
ucts are wholesaled to the jobber and re-
tailer throusihout Illinois, Mis.s«juri and In-
iliana. A. A. Hunter is sole owner and
manager.

The Hosteller IVintin};; House was es-
tablished Novcniber 1. 1900. It is located
at ill) ami 221 South Tark street. W. J.
Hosteller is its manager an<l pr<i|)rietnr.
He does a line of commercial printing,
b<H)kbinding, compiling of catalogues, and
manufactures a general line of commercial
blank books and office sui>plies.

The Decatur Tent & Awning Company,
located at 1 18 b'ast William street, was or-
ganized by W. D. I'hamberlain in iS8(). for
the manufacUire of tents, awnings and mat-
tresses. The present company is composeil
of W. 1). Chamberlain ancl H. W. .\veretl.
Sales are made tlirough traveling men
throiigiiout Illinois.

Downey & Son. located at 344 North
Water street, established in business Octo-
ber. i<>ii. Thev carry on a retail business

in marble ami granite moniunents. Their
trade is principally local.

C-Neal Manufacturing Company was es-
tal)lished July. Mpi, for the manufacture of
a skirt and waist holder. Alice II. I'arber
is its manager.

E. \\ . \\ Doil .Manufacturing riiarmacv,
located at 214 and Ji8 West .Main street,
was established 1-ebruary 10, i8<yi, by
I'anglu & I'lint : on the 10th of .\pril. i8»>o,
.Mr. I'aught sold his interest to 1"!. W.
\\ ood. They make bulk goods for ]>hysi-
cians : such as tluids. tablets, ointments,
and |)owders. \\\\\k goods are also sold to
smaller manufacturers.

( )sgood & Heiner .Manufacturing Com-
pany, located at 5i() and 520 Towers build-
ing, was established .\ugust, njoi. for the
manufacture of ladies' petticoats and night
dresses. Since its organization the busi-
ness has more than <loul)le<l itself and is
still increasing so that ihe company con-
tem|)latcs adding more room and machin-
ery at once. Their goods are sold by trav-
eling salesmen in the following territory :
Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, North Dakota,
.Mimusota. and to some extent in many
other adjoining states.

Herman Speis' Hookbindery, located at
127 South Water street, was established
( )ctober, 1885. He does a large local busi-
ness in bookbinding and in the manufac-
ture of commercial blank books.

The Heall Improvement Company, lo-
cated at C\\U and TnS .Millikin building, was
organized in nx^o for the purpose of manu-
facturing corn and Hour milling machinery.
Ihe factory is located at 316 East Decatur
street. Their goods are sold through
agents Iocate<l at different points through-
out the country: an agent is maintained at
Liverpool, b'ngland, one in Ontario, Can-
ada, and others throtighout the United
States and in Mexico anri South ,\merica.
The officers are: C. D. White, secretary
anil manager: Hugh Crea, president.

lot!

PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.

The Decatur Trunk Factory, located at
308 North Water street, was estabhshed in
1890 as a stock company, but at the end of
the lirst year was sold to J. R. Aloore, who
has since conducted the business as a pri-
vate enterprise. He manufactures trunks,
suit cases, telescopes, sample cases, and
other lines of smaller articles. His sales
are to the local trade as well as the follow-
ing outside territory: Illinois, Indiana, Mis-
souri, Kansas, and in specialties much con-
tiguous territory, worked by traveling
salesmen.

The Review Publishing Company, lo-
cated at 365 North Main street, was incor-
porated September 28, 1887. Capital stock,
at present, $100,000. Officers: Howard C.
Schaub, president ; Inez J- Bender, vice-
president ; Jerry Donahue, secretary ; J. P.
Drennan, treasurer and manager. This
company publishes the dail}-, weekly, and
Sunday Review.

The Review Printing and Stationery
Company, located at 365 North Main street,
was incorporated September 4, 1895. Of-
ficers : Howard C. Schaub, president ; V.
W. Henley, vice-president ; J. P. Drennan,
treasurer; E. \^ Huston, secretary; C. E.
Uhler, manager. This company does a
general line of job printing and bookbind-
ing and manufactures a staple line of com-
mercial blank books and office supplies.

The Herald-Dispatch Company, located
at 222 East Main street, was incorporated
in March, 1890. It was capitalized for
$26,000. Officers: W. F. Calhoun, presi-
dent; C. N. Wagenseller, vice-president;
B. K. Hamsher, secretary ; Owen Scott,
treasurer and manager. This company
publishes the Daily and Semi-Weekly
Herald.

The Herald Printing and Stationery
Company, located at 222 East iNIain street,
was incorporated November 20, 1899. It
was capitalized for $15,000. Officers: W.
F. Calhoun, president; Owen Scott, secre-

tary- and treasurer; B. K. Hamsher, vice-
president and manager. This company
does a general line of printing and book-
binding and manufactures a full line of
commercial blank books and office supplies.

The Baker Company, at 905 West Main
street, was established in 1900. They man-
ufacture Baker's Cascara Pepsin Tablets
and Baker's Lotion.

The Cerrodine Company, located at 141
East Main street, established in 1890, man-
ufactures the Cerrodine LaGrippe Cure, Ca-
tarrh Cure, Headache Cure, and Laxation
Tonic ; also a specialty for Albaugh Broth-
ers, Dove & Company. These goods are
made from formulas owned and controlled
by S. H. Jameson.

C. F. Savage, wholesale and jobbing, es-
tablished in 1894, located at 258 North
Park street. A general wholesale grocery
business is carried on.

The Mueller, Piatt & Wheeland Com-
pany, located at 326 and 328 North Water
street, was incorporated in August, 1896,
capitalized for $70,000. E. M. Piatt, presi-
dent ; C. E. Wheeland, vice-president ; C. M.
Luling, secretary and treasurer ; G. W.
^lueller, manager. This company does a
wholesale grocer}- and grocery fixture busi-
ness, over a territory embracing a radius of
about seventy-five miles.

Bachman Bros. & Martin Company, lo-
cated at 359 and 363 North \\'ater street,
was incorporated in 1892. Capital stock,
$20,000. Officers: W. G. Bachman, presi-
dent ; Charles F. Bachman, treasurer ;
Luther F. Martin, secretary. This com-
pany handles a general line of furniture and
house furnishing goods. Their territory
covers a very large radius about Decatur.

The Henry Bachrach Company, at 100
and 104 Merchant street, was incorporated
in March, 1902. Capital stock, $30,000.
Henry Bachrach, president; Albert* Bach-
rach. vice-president and secretarj- ; Mrs.
Tillie Bachrach. treasurer. The firm car-

PAST AXD PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.

rics a lull line of clothing and gentlemen's
furnishing goods.

The Central .Malleable Iron Company,
located at (i<>5 North I.owber street, was
incoriKirated in H)02. Capital stock, $(x),-
CXK). This company manufactures malle-
able and gray iron castings.

The Cidver lilectric Company, in the
i<X) block on East .North street, was incor-
porated in January, 1S93. Capital stock,
$25,(.K)0. Officers: John H. Culver, presi-
dent and treasurer; Florence 11. Culver,
secretary. This compSiny does general con-
tracting for electric light and water works
]>lants.

The lihrman Laundrj* Company, located
at IJJ and IJ4 West Prairie street, was in-
corporated in n)oo. Capital stock, $3,500.
Officers: 1. W. Khrman, president and
manager: Harry l'\ Khrman, secretary and
treasurer. This company docs a general
laundry business.

The Decatur Bridge Com|)any, located at
the corner of I%ldora(lo and C. H. & D. Ry.,
was incorporated October, 1902. Capital
stock, $30,000. Officers: Thomas I-. Black-
burn, president ; George .\. Caldwell, vice-
president and superintendent ; William
Melville Wood, treasurer and chief engi-
neer ; Fdgar B. Tyler, secretary and gen-
eral manager. This company manufactures
and contracts steel bridge supplies.

The Decatur lillevator Company, located
at 257 North Main street, was incorporated
in F-'ebruary, KXJ3. r)fficers : D. S. Shella-
barger, president; B. G. Iludnut, vice-pres-
ident; Oscar N. East, treasurer; Charles
W. Cooper, secretary and general man-
ager. Tin's company owns a line of ele-
vators and carries on a general grain busi-
ness. Their elevators are located in central
Illinois.

The Decatur Furniture Company, located
at the corner of Franklin and East William
streets, was incorporated in 1882. Capital-
ized at $100,000. Officers : J. Bering Bur-

rows, vicc-presi<lent ; John B. Priestley,
secretary and treasurer. i'his company
was organized for the purpose of manufac-
turing a special line of furnilure.

ihe Decatur Harrow Works, located at
1459 and 1461 East Eldorado street, was in-
corporated in Novend>er, 1902. Capital
stock, $12,000. C. A. Wilson, ])resident ;
O. K. Oppen, vice-president ; C. P. Thatch-
er, secretary and treasurer. This company
was organized for the purpose of Muuiufac-
luring a patent harrow.

The Decatur Model Laundry, located at
147 South Water street, was incorporated
in 1899. Capital stock, $2,500. E. C. Stein,
president; Lulu Whitmcr, vice-president;
I'raiik 11. Whitmer, secretary and treas-
urer. This company does a general laun-
dry business in and about Decatur.

The Decatur Phnnbing and Heating
Company, located at 300 North Water
street, was incorporated June 3, 1896. Cap-
ital stock, $20,000. W. H. Elwood, presi-
dent; J. B. Bullard, vice-president; H. E.
Kizer, secretary and treasurer ; W. E.
.\dams, general superintendent. This com-
pany does a general line of contract and
repair work and carries a full line of plumb-
ers' goods.

The Decatur, .^|)ringlield and St. L(.)uis
liailway Company, Inlerurban, was incor-
])orated in .May, i<A\V f'lr the purjjose of
ojustrucling an inlerurban railway from
Decatur to St. Louis. Officers: W. B.
.McKiidey. jiresident ; W. .\. Bixby, local
manager.

The Field & Shorb Cc^mpany, located at
213 North Main street, was incorporated
.\pril 2J, 1902. Capital stock, $25,000.
William C Field, president; W. T. Dila-
hunty, vice-president ; William .\. .Shorb,
treasurer: Wilbur R. Batchelder, secretary.
This company does a general line of con-
tracting and repair work and carries a full
line of plumbers' goods.

The Harrington-Monnett Company, 9 to

108

PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.

12 Columbia block, was incorporated in
January, 1903. Capital stock, $60,000.
Walter Harrington, president ; Jasper J.
Monnett, vice-president: John C. F. Har-
rington, secretary and business manager
and treasurer. This company does a gen-
eral line of manufacturing and wholesale
jewelry.

The Macon County Title and Trust
Company, at 148 South Water street, was
incorporated May 14, 1902, for the purpose
of carrying on a general abstract business
in Macon county. Capital stock, $50,000.
W. C. Outten, president ; John Crocker,
vice-president ; B. O. ]McReynolds, treas-
urer ; Thomas B. Jack, secretary ; Charles
T. Kellum, manager ; S. E. Kenne}-, assist-
ant manager.

The Manufacturers' and Consumers' Coal
Company, office 248 North Water street,
was incorporated 1901. Capital stock,
$100,000. Officers: D. S. Shellabarger,
])residcnt : J. F. Mattes, vice-president ;
Robert I. Hunt, secretary: B. O. McRey-
nolds, treasurer ; S. A. Tuttle, general man-
ager.

The J. M. Miller Broom Manufacturing
Compan}-, 213 East Marietta street, was in-
corporated in February, 1903. Capital
stock, $10,000. H. H. Crea, president ;
James M. Miller, vice-president and gen-
eral manager ; W. Frank Godwin, secretary
and treasurer. This company does a large
business in the manufacture of brooms and
wholesaling and retailing the same.

The Ryan Clothing Company, 239 North
Water street, was incorporated in 1898
with a capital stock of $7,500. M. Ryan,
president ; Jerome B. Longeni, secretary
and treasurer. This company carries on a
clothing and gentlemen's furnishing supply
house.

The Scovill Company, corner North Park
and Water streets, was incorporated in
1898. Capital stock. $15,000. George ,\\'.
Scovill, president; Guy N. Scovill. vice-

president ; J. J. Scovill, treasurer ; E. A.
Scovill-Carpenlcr, secretary. This company
carries on a general trade in furniture an'd
house furnishing goods.

The B. Stine ' Clothing Compan}^ 102
East Main street, was incorporated in 1890.
Capital stock, $32,000. Officers: B. Stine,
])resident : Leo G. Heilburn, secretary and
treasurer. This company carries a general
line of gent's furnishing goods and ready
made clothing.

B. S. Tyler & Company, 108 East Wil-
liam street, was incorporated in January,
1897. Capital stock, $15,000. Officers:
T. A. Bone, president and treasurer; Frank
L. Evans, secretary and general manager.
This company does a general grain busi-
ness : they own a line of grain elevators in
central Illinois.

D. W. Brenneman & Company, 148 and
152 North Franklin street, was established
thirty years ago, and reorganized in 1892
with D. W. Brenneman, M. G. Brenneman
and \^^ P. Shade as owners. This company
is engaged in the wholesaling of liquors
throughout Illinois and Indiana.

The American Hominy Company, of
which the Shellabarger Mill and Elevator
Company and The Pratt Cereal Mill Com-
pany form a part, was incorporated in May,
Tgo2. Capitalization, $3,500,000. The daily
capacity of their combined plants is 85,000
bushels of corn. The capacity of the two
Decatur plants is 22,000 bushels. This
company makes corn meal and flour, hom-
iny, grits, cerealine flakes, flaked hominy
and corn oil. Their territory is America,
Europe, Africa, Australia, China and Japan.

The Riddell, Stadler and McClelland
Company, 140 and 146 North Franklin
streets, was established in 1902. J. Sher-
man McClelland is its manager. This com-
jiany does a wholesale grocery and grocers'
fixtures business covering an adjacent ter-
ritory of about 100 miles in radius.

The ^^'illiams Manufacturing Company,

PAST AXU TRKSKNT OF MACON COUNTY.

W.I

icpi NDrlli Main street, inamifacturcs ci>rii-
pliiDliTs .iiiil iLjraiii weighers ; also floes a
general repairing business.

Teiiney i"t Sikking, 147 and i'>,s .^^muli
.Main street, niannfaclure shoveling hoards
and handle farm injplenients.

The .Maris Candy Company maiiuiac
tiires the latest novelties in candies as well
as the staple brands. John .M. .Maris is its
manager.

ihe Home .Manufacturing L'ompany, yoi
Kast Kldorado street, makes ladies' wrap-
pers, sunbonnets, dressing sac(pies, and
mittens. Charles M. .Mlison is the pro-
prietor.

The Decatur .Mattress Factory, 629 East
I-".ldorado street, confines itself to the man-
ufacture of mattresses.

riie .MafHit & .McCorrey Ice Company,
200 and J04 North r.roadway. manufac-
tures artificial ice and handles natural ice.

The Combination rountain Company,
70J Fast Division street, manufactures soda
fountains and refrigerators.

The Northwestern Feed Mill, 539 West
fireen street, manufactures and handles all

kinds of mill >' ' i;,.. ,rgc ,'^. I. yon-; is

proprietor.

I'he Decatur Hard i'laster Company, 341
and 343 Wabash avenue, manufactures
wall i>laster, and tleals in cement, lime,
|)laster paris, fire brick, and roofing gravel.
John 11. Uren, proprietor.

r.rucc S. Woodruff, 786 East Cantrell
street, manufactures cigar boxes.

Ammann i^- Company, composed of \\ .
< i. .\mmaiin, Martin ( iahring and l*"retl
Hlack. do a general line of brickmaking for
the outside as well as the local trade.

James II. Hall, i-,<) East -Main, carries
on a general gent's furnishing and ready
maile clothing establishment. His line is
complete and up-to-date.

.\aron Kaufman, 245 to 249 North Water
street, docs a general line of business in

the gent's furnishing and ready made cUnli-
iiig. He carries a large stock.

( itteiiheimer & Company, 258 to 260
.N'orih Water, carries a stock of clothing
anil gent's furnishing goods. His stock is
large ami select.

Josejih C. .^ummerlielii, 147 I'.asl .Main,
carries an assorted stock of gent's furnish-
ing goods and clotliing.

THE BENCH AND BAR.
The Bench.

The lirsi L'ircuit Court held in Decatur
was in .May. 1830, S. I). Fockwood of the
!~^ui)reme Court presiding. In 1835 a l:iw
was i)assed by the State Legislature separ-
ating the Circuit Court from the Supreme
Court.

Judge Lock wood came to Illinois in an
early day and was (|uite a factor in its early
history. He presided as Circuit Judge from
1830 to 1835. In the same year the Slate
Legislature elected Stephen T. Logan of
Springfield, Illinois, to succeed Mr. Lock-
wood as Circuit Judge. This county then
formed jiart of the First Judicial District.
Judge Logan resigned his position in 1.S37
and William Brown of Jacksonville was ap-
pointed by Covernor Duncan to fill the
vacancy. He was followed by Jesse 1!.
Thomas, who in a very short time was suc-
ceeded by S. H. Treat, who held the office
from 1839 to 1848. David Davis of lUoom-
ington succeeded him and held the position
from 1849 to 1853. In 1854 Charles Ivmer-
son of Macon county became his successor,
and held the j)osition until 18(17. wluii he
was succeeded by .\rtluir j. ( iallagher, who
served until 1873.

C. B. Smith was elected Circuit Judge in
1873 to succeed .\. J. (iallagher. He was re-
elected in 1879, his term ending in 1889.

In the meantime another judgeship was
create<l in this judicial district, to which

110

PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.

W. E. Nelson was elected in 1877 and
served two years in the position.

E. ]'. \'ail was elected as successor to
C. B. Smith in 1889 and held the position
until 1903.

In 1903 W. C. Johns was elected to suc-
ceed E. P. Vail. Mr. Johns is the present
incumbent.

The Bar.

The following is a list of the lawyers who
have at various times practiced law in Ma-
con county, including the present members
of the Macon County Bar :

Sheridan Wait, member of the firm of
Gallagher, Wait & Oglesby, cafne to De-
catur in 1852. He was General Oglesby's
adjutant general in the Civil war.

Colonel Nathan W. Tupper of Washing-
ton, New York, removed to Decatur in 1854
for the purpose of practicing law. In 1862
Mr. Tupper was commissioned as colonel
of the ii6th regiment of Illinois Volunteers.
Colonel Tupper died at Decatur, from ex-
posure and hardships of army life, I\Tarch
10, 1864.

George W. Powers was admitted to the
bar in 1843 and died in 1848.

Kirby Benedict, from the state of Con-
necticut, located in Decatur in 1836, he
being the second resident lawyer in the
county, Charles Emerson being the first.

James B. Boyd, a native of Ohio, came to
this county in 1855 and was shortly after
elected county surveyor. In i860 he was
elected prosecuting attorney, serving until
1862, when he resigned to accept the posi-
tion as lieutenant colonel of the ii6th
regiment of Illinois A^olunteers. He was
wounded at the siege of Vicksburg, from
the effects of which he died in 1869.

The Hon. John R. Eden of Sullivan prac-
ticed in Macon county a short time.

Captain Joel S. Post was born in Wayne
county April 27, 1816. In 1839 't^ removed
to Decatur and the next vear entered the

office of Charles Emerson as a law student.
He was admitted to the bar in 1841.

In 1846 he became a soldier in the Mexi-
can war, a member of the 4tli regiment of
Illinois Volunteers, commanded by Col.
E. D. Baker. In 1856 he was elected to the
state Senate, serving two terms. While a
legislator he championed the bill establish-
ing the State Normal University at Normal,
Illinois.

John W. Smith was born in this county
in February, 1843. ^^ graduated at Al-
bany Law School in New York, beginning
the practice of law here as a member of the
firm of Emerson & Smith. He is the author
of a history of Macon county ; he now re-
sides in Chicago.

A. B. Bunn, a native of Ohio, settled at
Mt. Pulaski in 1844. In July, 1850, he lo-
cated in Decatur, entering the office of Joel
S. Post, being admitted to the bar in 1851.
He was elected to the state Legislature in
1866. He held the office of assessor of in-
ternal revenue and also served as city clerk
and attorney of the city of Decatur.

S. G. Malone, a native of Ohio, was ad-
mitted to the bar in Indiana in 1848. He
came to Decatur in 1856, entering the firm
of W. S. Freese and Judge Prather.

Hon. Richard J. Oglesby was born in
Kentucky in 1824. He came to Decatur
with his uncle, Willis Oglesby, in 1836. In
1844 he began the study of law in Spring-
field and was admitted to practice in 1845.
He opened an office in Sullivan and re-
mained there until 1846. He then enlisted
for the Mexican war, being commissioned
first lieutenant of Company C, 4th regiment
of Illinois Volunteers. On his return home
he again took up his practice, locating at
Decatur. In 1849 ^^ took a trip to Cali-
fornia as a result of the " gold fever." Re-
turning in 1852 he again resumed his law
practice. In 1856 he made a tour of Europe,
Asia and Africa; returning he entered the

PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.

law linn ut Ciallayhcr, Wail & ( )glcsl)y. In
i8<o lie was clcclcil stale senator. In 1861
lie was elected colonel of the 8th Illinois
Infantry. At the battle of I'ort Donelson
he was in command of a brigade. .\l Cor-
inth he was wounded, lie had been pro-
moted brigadier general in .\pril. .\fter
partial recovery he was promoted to major
general, for bravery. His commission dated
from November, 1862. Owing t<i inability,
on account of his wound to ilo field work,
he lentlered his resignation, which was not
acceptetl, howexer, and he was detailed on
court martial duty at Washington. In May,
i8()4, on his return home, he was elected
governor of Illinois. In 187J he was re-
elected to that office, but resigned to accept
the United States senatorship in 1873. In
1882 he was again elected governor of Il-
linois, this being the last pidilic position
heltl by him.

Samuel F. (irecr. a native of Ohio, was
electeil county judge in i8<'ii. lie came to
Decatur in 1854. brinu' admitted to the bar
in iSiij

Tluimas Lie, a native of County Limer-
ick, Ireland, came to .\merica in 1855. He
graduated from the Springfield high school,
studied law in Decatur with S. F. Murphy,
and in .\ugust. 1869. was admitted to the
bar.

Charles A. Emerson was born in Ken-
tucky, but came to Illinois in 1850. He
graduated from the .Mbgny Law School in
i860. The same year he began the practice
of law in Decatur, being a member of the
firm of Crea, Ewing & Walker.

1'-. K. Eldridge, a native of Inrliana, came
to Ta/ewell county, Illinois, in 1856. Grad-
uating from Eureka College in i8<i9, he re-
moved to Decatur in May. 1870, and became
a member of the Macon County Bar.

I. D. Walker, a native of Ohio, came to
Illinois in 1861. He graduated from the
nioonnngton Law School in 1875, this being

its first graduating class. Coming tu De-
catur in i87(), he formed a partnership with
Thomas Lee, later entering the firm of Crea,
I-lwing & Walker.

Judge .\nthony Thornton was born in
Kentucky in 1815. He graduated from the
.Miami College in Ohio in 1835. He studied
law' at Paris, Kentucky, and w;as granted his
license by the Court of .\ppcals in 1836.

In 1837 he removed to Shelby County,
Illinois. He was appointed a member of
the Constitutional Convention of Illinois in
1848. In 1850 he was elected to the state
Legislature. In ]Sfi^ Mr. Thornton was
elected to the Thirty-ninth Congress. In
July, 1870. he was elected to the Supreme
Court of this state and served until the
first Monday in June, 1873, when he re-
signed. He removed to Decatur in 1879.

James T. Whitley, born in Macon county,
Illinois, March 19, 1871. His primary edu-
cation was acquired in the public schools of
Nevada, Missouri. After completing the
ward and high school curriculum at this
place he completctl a course at the Kansas
State Normal College at Ft. Scott, grad-
uating in 1889. He began reading law in
1891 with Buckingham & Schroll, being ad-
mitted to the bar in August, 1893.

.Marshall C. Criffin was born and reared
in .\rgent;'.. He finished the public school
course in .\rgcnta in 1888. Graduating
from the Indiana State Normal School in
1891, he taught school in Sanganum and
in Oakley for several years during which
time he pusucd the stiuly of law, being ad-
mitted to the bar in November, 1897. In
1898 he entered the office of Lee & Le-
Forgee. Three years later he went into
business for himself.

James M. Gray was born in Fayette coun-
ty June I, 1862. After finishing the coun-
try school and high school cotirsc he grad-
uated from the Indiana .State Normal School
at Valparaiso, receiving the degrees of B. S.

112

PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.

and L.L. B. In 1890 he located in Decatur
for the practice of law. He is now a mem-
ber of the state Legislature, having been
twice elected to that position from the
Twenty-eighth senatorial district.

W. E. Redmon was born on a farm in
Jasper county, where he grew to manhood.
He attended the country schools and later
the Normal University at Carbondale, Il-
linois. He taught school in Cumberland,
Richland and Jasper counties, at the same
time jnirsuing the stud)' of law, being ad-
mitted to the bar in March, 1888: After
practicing four years in Logan county he
located in Decatur in 1893. He was elected
to the states attorneyship in November,
1900, which office he now holds.

I. R. JMills was born September 5, 1853,
and reared on a farm near Magnolia, Put-
nam county, Illinois, acquiring his prelim-
inar}' education in the country schools. He
graduated from the Lincoln University in
1876. He went to Chicago and pursued the
study of law three years, being admitted to
the bar at Chicago in 1879, and during the
same year he established a law office in
Decatur. He served as city attorney from
1886 to 1889, was appointed state attorney
by the board of supervisors, to fill the unex-
pired term of E. P. Vail, who was elected
circuit judge in 1888. He served in this
capacity until 1900. In May, 1901, Mr. Mills
was appointed internal revenue collector,
which office he now fills. Mr. Mills is a
member of the board of managers of the
Millikin University. For eighteen years he
has been in partnership with his brother,
A. H. Mills, under the firm name of Mills
Brothers.

John .1. Montgomery is a native of Ohio
and was educated in Philadelphia. Fie
graduated from the law department of the
Michigan University at Ann Arbor, in 1900.
Since that time he has been engaged in the
practice of law in Decatm".

D. L. Bunn is a native of McLean coun-

ty, Illinois. In 1844 he, with his parents,
removed to Macon county. His education
was completed in Lombard College, Gales-
burg. In 1855, on coming to Decatur, he
secured a position in the public schools of
the cily which he held until 1859. ^^ read
law with J. S. Post and was admitted to
the bar in the fall of 1862. In the same year
ho was appointed states attorney by Rich-
ard Yates, father of the present governor,
serving under that appointment two years.
In 1864 he was elected state's attorney and
served four years. At the beginning of the
Civil war he was appointed collector of in-
ternal revenue by Abraham Lincoln.

Edwin Park, a native of New York, came
to Bellville in 1856. He was admitted to
the bar at Bellville the same year he came
to Illinois, but taught school several years
before entering upon his practice. After
coming to Decatur he was engaged as
teacher in its public schools for four years
and was then elected superintendent of the
Macon county schools, filling that office
from 1863 to 1869. In 1870 he took up the
])ractice of law, continuing until 1876 when
he formed a partnership with D. L. Bunn
which still exists.

O. W. Smith was born and grew to man-
hood in Jasper county, Illinois. After com-
pleting the country school course he took
up the profession of teaching. During the
intervals of his teaching he attended Mc-
Kendree College at Lebanon, from which
he graduated in June, 1891, in the law de-
partment. He practiced law in Newton
two years before coming to Decatur. He
was elected county judge in 1902, which
office he now holds.

J. R. Fitzgerald was born in Moultrie
county. Illinois. He received his early edu-
cation in the schools of Bethany, from
which he graduated in 1890, after which he
attended Lincoln University and also the
University of Illinois. He read law with
W. G. Cochran, and completed his law

PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.

course in llic L'nivcrsiiy oi Micliigan, grad-
iiating in i8*;5. He then came to Decatur
and entered tlic law office of Mills ilroiliers,
witli whom he remained until May, i8i)<>,
after which he formed a partnership with
L. A. Mills.

James ). I'inn located in Decaliir in 1S71.
I'ifteen years ago he w'as apj)oiiited master
in chancery, having just hecn succeeded by
\\ . 11. Klack. lie has recently fi>rmed a
partnership with Alexander .Mcintosh for
the practice of law.

John t". Lee is a nati\e of Macon county.
His early education was acquired in the
.Macon county schools, later attending the
Indiana Slate .Normal School at \ 'al])araiso.
lie taught school a few years, after which
he read law with l*"inn, McDonald iS: l.e-
I'"orgec, being admitted to the bar in iSt>2.
He formed a partnershi)) with C. C. 1-e-
P'orgee which continued five years; at the
exj)iration of this time a partnershi]) with
David Ilutchin.son. Recently he has formed
a partnership with his brother, Morris Lee.

William l". Johns was born in Ohio, but
when two years old his parents removed to
I'iatt county, ami in i8-y locate<l in the city
of Decatur. He was educated in the De-
catur schi^ols an<l in the I'niversity of Mich-
igan, from which he graduated in iS(x) and
from the .Mbany. New York, School of Law
in 1870. He was admitted to the bar of New
York in 1S70, and to the bar of Illinois in
September of the same year, at once enter-
ing upon his chosen profession in this city.
In 18.S0 he was elected states attorney; he
also served as state senator from 1S87 to
i8<>i. In ic/o.^ lie was elected circuit judge
to succeed Judge L. I'. \'ail. which office he
now holds.

L. H. .Shelley was born in .Maroa town-
ship of this coimty and educated in the
schools of this city, graduating from the
Decatur high school in i88_v He gra<luated
from the law clepartment of the I'niversity
of Minnesota in 1894 and was admitted to

the bar of Illinois in the same year. He is
a member of the law firm of Shelley
lirolhers.

W. W. Shelley was born in Maroa town-
ship and educated in this city, graduating
ir'im the Decatur high school in 1889. .\fter
rea<ling law both in Decatur and in St.
Louis he was admitted to the bar of Illinois
in i8<)5. He is a member of the law firm of
Shelley Hmthers.

W. (.'. < lutten was born in Cass countv,
Illinois. In iW)^ his i>areiUs moved to
.Macon county. He attende<l the country
schools, later the W esleyan L"niversily at
I'llooirington and Ann .\rbor. Michigan,
graduating from the latter in 1875. In the
same year Mr. < )utten located in Decatur
and began tin- |)ractice of law. He is a
member of the firm of < )utten & Roby.
brank C. R<jby is a native of Decatur.
.\fter completing the curriculum of the De-
catur schools he attended Harvard College
from which he holds a degree. He prac-
ticed several years in Chicago before locat-
ing permanently in Decatur. He is a mem-
ber of the firm of ( )utten & Roby.

.\. 11. Mills was born in Putnam county,
Illinois, ( )ctober 5, 1851. In his boyhood he
.•itteiuled the country schools, later entering
the Lincoln I'niversity, from which he
graduated in 1875, receiving the degree of
.\. P. Two years later at the termination
of a ])ost-graduate course he added the de-
gree of A. M. b'or two years he remained
as instructor in his alma mater. The next
three years were spent as superintendent
of the Waverly schtiols, in .Morgan county.
During this time he also read law, being ad-
mitted to the bar in 1881. In the same year
he formed a partnershi]) with his brother
Isaac R. .Mills, the firm name being Mills
Prothers. l-rom 1888 to 1900 he was assist-
ant states attorney for Macon county.

William !•". Nelson w;<; born in White
county. Tennessee. Jmie 4, 1824. Remain-
ing in the county of his birth until coming

114

PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.

to Decatur in 1857, his education was ac-
quired in subscription schools. At the age
of sixteen he began the study of law with
his father. In August, 1844, he was ad-
mitted to the bar in his native state. In
1857 he opened a law office in Decatur and
has ever since been an active practitioner,
irie was appointed a member of the Consti-
tutional Committee for the revision of the
statutes; was also elected a memTier of the
Twenty-seventh General Assembly of II-
Imois, which convened immediately after
the adoption of the Constitution of 1870.
He was elected circuit judge of the Four-
teenth circuit in June. 1877, filling the office
one term. He was, in 1886, elected county
judge, serving in that capacity during eight
years.

Felix B. Tait was born in Macon county
November 29, 1850. He attended the dis-
trict schools until maturity, when he en-
tered the Normal University at Normal,
Illinois, from which he graduated in 1873.
He was a teacher in Woodstock Seminary
tlie year following his graduation. On his
return to Decatur he took up the study of
law with Smith & Clokey, being admitted
to the bar in 1876. He was associated with
John A. Brown for the practice of law but
on account of failing health he abandoned
the practice in 1880, turning his attention to
the manufacture of check-rowers and corn-
planters.

John A. Brown was born July 32, 1843, in
Abington, ^Massachusetts. At an early age
he removed with his parents to Vermont,
then to Ohio, where he remained until 1857.
In that year he came to Hannibal, Missouri,
where he completed his education in the
])nhlic schools. He started out for himself
at the age of sixteen. Later he was em-
ployed as ticket agent for the Hannibal &
St. Joseph Railway at Chillicothe, Missouri.
He was thus emplo3'ed when the war broke
out. In 1861 he resigned his position and
rvent to Jacksonville, Illinois, where for four

years he engaged in teaching. In the spring
of 1865 he drove a span of horses to De-
catur, where he has since resided. For a
number of years he was connected with the
newspapers of Decatur. Being admitted to
the bar in 1875 he entered into a partner-
ship with F. B. Tait for the practice of law.
In 1875 he was appointed master in chan-
cery of Macon county by Judge C. B. Smith.
This position he held for fifteen years.

Henry P. Page was a native of Massa-
chusetts, spending the first thirteen years of
his life in the state of his birth and in its
public schools, where he acquired his pri-
mary education. After removing to ;\Iichl-
gan he became a student at Ann Arbor in
the University of Michigan, from which he
graduated in 1883. Immediately afterward
he came to Decatur and taught in the De-
catur high school for four years.' \Miile
teaching he pursued the study of law, being
admitted to the bar in 1887. Mr. Page was
a member of the law firm of Outten & Page.

Josiah M. Clokey is a native of Ohio who
in i860 came to Aledo. Mercer county, Il-
linois. He read law in Springfield, Ohio,
and attended law lectures at the University
of Michigan, being admitted to the bar in
March, 1868. In September, 1873, he be-
came a member of the Macon County Bar.

J. C. Hostetler is a native of Indiana,
coming to Decatur in 1857. He graduated
from Union College, New York, in the class
of 1 87 1. He read law with Eden & Odor in
this place and was admitted to the bar in
1875. He formed a partnership with E. K.
Eldridge for the practice of law.

Albert G. Webber is of German extrac-
tion, being a native of Wurtemburg, and
coming to America in 1863. He read law
four years at Keokuk, Iowa, and was ad-
mitted to the bar in 1879. He has since
practiced his profession in Decatur.

D. C. Corley received his education at the
Wesleyan University of Bloomington. Il-
linois, from which he holds a diploma of

PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.

ii:*

graduation. Eor a time he read law in Sliel-
byvillc afterward completing liis reading
witli A. r>. Uunn of this place. He was ad-
mitted to tlie bar in June. iS<)(). and lias since
practiced in Decatur.

Harvey Pasco became a resilient ui De-
catur in i80J. He is a graduate of tlic L'ni-
v.!rsity of Michigan, class of 1871. He was
admitted to the bar on his diploma. Soon
after he opened an office in Decatur and
has since been a regular practitioner of this
place.

Charles M. Rorchcrs was born in Lock-
ville, I'airficld county, (Jliio, November 18,
1869. After completing the schools of Ma-
con county he took up the profession of
teaching, which he ])ursue(l for eight years,
while at the same time he at his leisure
studiously applied himself to the study of
law, being admitted to the bar in February,
1897. The g"-cater part of the last year, pre-
vious to his admittance to the bar. he read
in the office of A. G. Webber. During the
last si.x years he has practiced at the Macon
county bar.

L harles .\. I-'wing, Jr., was born in De-
catur, .\pril 18, 1878. He graduated at Lake
I-'orest .\cademy at Lake Forest, then at-
tended Princeton for a lime, after which he
entered the law department of the Wes-
leyan University at Rloomington. Illinois,
at the same time reading with James Mw-
ing of Bloomington. He was admitted to
the bar ^^^y 7, 1903. He is associated with
William G. McCullough for the practice of
law.

William G. McCullough was born on a
farm near Wayncsville, DeWitt county, Il-
linois, graduating from the Wcsleyan Uni-
versity in 1901 and from the law depart-
ment in 190.V He was admitted to the bar
May 7, 1903. In September he associated
himself with Charles A. Ewing for the prac-
tice of law.

Maurice Lee, born August 23, 1865. in
Sangamon county, Illinois, received his

primary education in the country schools,
after which he graduated from the \'al-
paraiso Normal of Indiana in 189a He read
law with Thomas Lee in Decatur anil was
admitted to the bar in 1890. He practiced
law in Omaha and in Pender, Nebraska, for
a time, but hps recently formed a partner-
ship with his brother. John C. Leo. in the
practice of law.

K. H. Roby was Ijurn in Xcw Hampshire
and came to Illinois in 185S. first locating
at Salem, in Marion county, where he
studied law with llryon & Shaffer. Com-
ing to Decatur in \Hr<o. he continued the
study of law with Tupper & Nel.son, being
admitted to the bar in 1862. .After .Mr.
Tnpper's withdrawal from the firm Mr.
Roby remained as a partner of .Mr. Nel-
son's. Mr. Roby is at present engaged in
the banking business, being the president of
the Decatur National P.ank.

Edward P. \'ail was born in this state,
read law at Rushville in 1868-9, being ad-
mitted to the bar in 1870. He practiced
seven years in Rushville, during four years
of which he was state's attorney of Schuy-
ler county. In 1877 he located in Macon
county, and in 1889 he was elected circuit
judge, which place he held until 1903. .After
the close of his extended term of office he
removed to Chicago, where he is now pur-
suing the practice of law

William II. Black was born in Chicago,
Illinois. He was educated in the common
schools of Champaign county, afterward
pursuing a select literary course in Chad-
wick College at Quincy, Illinois, and the
Wesleyan University of Bloomington. He
graduated from the law department of
the Wcsleyan University in Jtme, 1892,
He came to Decatur June 18 of the
same year for the practice of his profession.
He was elected chairman of the Macon
County Republican Central Committee in
i')oj. He was appointed master in chan-

lie.

PAST AXJ) J'RESENT OF MACON COUNTY.

cen- of Macon county October 5, 1903, by
the circuit judge, W. C. Johns.

lames S. ilaUiwin was born September
14. 1^74- After completing the common
school course he entered the New Albany
high school, from which he graduateil in
18^3. ITe graduated from the law depart-
ment of the University of Michigan in 1896.
He located in Decatur January, 1897, in
l)artnership with l^dward Wilson for the
practice of law. In September, 1897, he
withdrew from the firm and practiced alone
until October i, 1898, when he formed a
partnership with Frank Ewing until Janu-
arj- I, 1903, when this firm was dissolved.
Since then he has been alone. He is at
present secretary of the Macon County Re-
publican Central Committee.

Louis A. Mills was born October 15, 1864,
in Magnolia, Putnam county, Illinois. He
was educated in the common schools of
Putnam county, the high school of Deca-
tur and Lincoln University. He read law
with Mills Brothers, being admitted in May,
1890. He remained with Mills Brothers
three years after he was admitted. The
three years following this he was a member
of the Columbia Manufacturing Company
of Decatur. In Way. 1896, he formed a
partnership with J. R. Fitzgerald for the
practice of law, of which firm he is now a
member.

Robert E. Gray was born August 29,
i860, on a farm in Fayette county, near
Ramsey. Illinois. Fie completed the com-
mon schools of his county, also the high
school at Ramsey, later attending the
Southern Normal at Carbondale. He taught
school one year after which he took a course
at Valparaiso, Indiana, from which he grad-
uated in 1 891. Fie next read law with
Farmer & Brown of Vandalia, four years
after which he took a law course in the
same school. He was admitted to the bar
in 1896 immediately establishing an office
in Decatur for the practice of law.

W. Xay Boggess was born February 20,
1873. in Marion county. West Virginia, and
educated at the West Virginia Academy
and the Decatur high school. He read law
with the law firm of Mills Brothers of this
city and was admitted to the bar May 3,
1894, at once entering upon the ])ractice of
his profession.

John J. Hogan was born near Mt. Zion,
Illinois, in Macon county, .\.])ril 19, 1875.
He obtained his literary education in the
University of Notre Dame and his legal
education in the .Xortlnvestorn L'niversity,
graduating from the latter in 1896, at which
time he was admitted to the bar and prac-
ticed in Chicago two years. In 1898, on
coming to Decatur, he formed a partner-
ship with W. E. Redmon. When Mr. Red-
mon was elected state's attorney in 1900
Mr. Hogan became assistant state's attor-
ney, which position he now holds.

Brice I. Sterrett was born in Pennsyl-
vania and secured his literary education at
Dickenson College, Carlisle, from which
school he graduated in the class of 1867.
In the same year he took up the study of
law at Carlisle, but a few months after he
came to Decatur where he continued his
studies with the firm of Emerson & Smith,
being admitted to the bar in August, 1868.

David Hutchinson was brought up at
Andover, Massachusetts, and prepared for
college at Philips' University of that place,
graduating from the Albany Law School of
that place May 15. 1877. On July 25 of the
same year he came to Decatur, when he be-
gan the practice of law in Macon county.

Robert P. Vail was born November 13,
1877, at Frederick, Illinois. After securing
his primary education in the Decatur
schools he attended Harvard College. He
then entered his father's law office as a law
student, where he remained for four years.
During these four years of reading he held
the position of court stenographer of ATacon
county. He was admitted to the bar in

PAST AM) rRI'.Sl'.NT OF MACOX COIXIA.

117

May. I0O2, since wliicli time lu- lias luiii
i-nj;aj;eil in tlic ])racticc of law in lliis city.

John !'.. Moffcit was born and reared in
.M:icon county. After coniplctinjj his pri-
mary education he attended the Lincoln
I'niversity and tlie University of Illinois,
wiiere he secured his literary education.
Later he attcmled the law department of
the W'esleyan I'niversity at lUoominpton
and the Albany Law .^cliool at Albany,
New York, rrraduating from the latter in
1SS4, and admitted to the bar in 18S5. Fn m
1885 to 1892 he was located in Dodge City,
Kansas, and from 1892 to 1897 was in King-
fisher, ( )kIahoma. While there he served as
prosccutintj attorney one term. I le opened
an office in Decatur in 189S where he is now
located.

I--dmund S. ^[cDonaId'was born in Wood
county. West Virginia, September 2, 1851.
He was educated in the common schools of
Macon I'ounty. Illinois, obtaining his liter-
ary education in the Northwestern I'ni-
versity at I-lvanston, Illinois. lie read law
three years with Nelson & Roby and two
years with trea &• lowing, being admitted
to the bar in the Centennial class of 1876.
lie opened an (tifice in Decatur in 1878 for
the ))ractice of law. He has since practiced
continuously in this city, lie was elected
city attorney in i88(> and re-elected in iS<)i,
serving two terms. In 181)2 he was ad-
mit terl to the bar of the .*^upreme Court of
the United States, in which he has since
hail a good practice.

Clement C. Walter^ w.i- born near
Lafayette. Indiana, .September 22. i8<)7. lie
was educated in th" common schools, after
which he took up teaching for several years.
During this ])eriod of teaching he attended
Hnshncll C'ollegc at intervals; he also read
law with ( )utten i1- Page, anri later with
( >utten & Kobey : altogether two years rcail-
ing. He was admitted to the bar June 10,

i8</>. He was elected city attorney of De-
catur May I. i8<>8. and re-elected May
I. \i)02. serving two terms. He formed a
partnership with Jacob Latham < )ctober 15,
HKX3. which parlnership still exists.

Hugh W. Housum was born .March 25,
1878, in Decatur, llliiu)is. .\fter comiilet-
ing the city schools of Decatur, graduating
from the, high sclun)l in June, i8t>3, he com-
|)leled a business course at I'.rown's Busi-
ness College of Decatur in June. i8(/j. He
studied law with Judge W . L'. Johns from
September 1. 1896, to September i, 1901.
The year following he finished the course of
reading with the Hon. Hugh Crea, being
admitted to the bar by the .'^uitreine Court
I if Illinois December (). 1902.

I )ouglas D. Hill was born in I'lark cmm-
ly, .Missouri, near .Mexandria, September 5,
|W)0. He secured his primary education in
the common schools and later enlarged u])on
this by attending the Valparaiso Normal of
Indiana. He read law at Robinson, Illinois,
with Callahan & Jones, being admitted to
the I)ar .n 188(1.

He taught school two years before enter-
ing the Normal at \'alpar;iiso, after which
he taught four more years, all of which was
in Crawford county. Illinois. The same
year in which he was admitted to the bar
he became a member of the firm of Max-
well i\: Hill at Robinson. This partnershi])
continued until 1892. During his practice
he served as city attorney of Robinson tw'o
years. In 1892 he located in Decatur where
he liPs established a very successful i)rac-
tice.

C. C Lel-'orgee was born in Decatur, Il-
linois, July 7, \Stt~. He recei\ed his liter-
ary education in the city schools of De-
catur, and completed a law course in the
Northwestern University, graduating from
that school in i88<j. He |)racticed law with
.Mason l^rothcrs in Chicago the year fol-

lis

1'y\ST and -present OE MACUN CUUxXTY.

lowing his graduation. He then, in 1890,
associated himself with E. S. McDonald in
Decatur, Illinois, for the practice of law.
After dissolving this partnership he was
alone for a time, when he entered into part-
nership with J. C. Lee. This was after a
time also dissolved, and since 1897 he has
been alone in his practice.

C. E. Schroll was born Uctober 5, 1863,
in Macon county, Illinois. Graduated from
the Decatur schools in 1885, carrying the
honors of his class through the entire four
years of the course, tie secured his higher
literary and law education in Harvard Uni-
\ersity from which he was admitted to the
bar August 30, 1889. In September of the
same year he became a member of the firm
of Buckingham & Schroll for the practice
of law. This partnership was dissolved at
the end of six years, since which time he
has practiced alone.

Benjamin F. Shipley was born near Van-
dalia in Fayette county, Illinois, February
14, 1850. After completing the V'andalia
schools he took up the study of Jaw. While
pursuing his law studies he was elected
county superintendent of schools of Fay-
ette county, Illinois, which position he held
ten years. In 1886 he came to Maroa and
was elected superintendent of the Maroa
schools, holding the position seven years.
In 1893 he began the practice of law in
Aiaroa, having been admitted to the bar in
1889.

Hugh Crea is one of the oldest practition-
ers in Decatur, and one of the most success-
ful. For a number of years he was a mem-
ber of the firm of Crea, Ewing & Walker.
While he has never held office he has al-
ways been considered safe counsel in a po-
litical campaign. H. H. Crea is a son of
Hugh Crea and is also well estalalishcd in
his practice. Some time after he took up
the jiractice of law he located in Monticello,
where he remained for some years, but a
few years ago he re-located in Decatur.

OUR HONORED DEAD.

Macon county was favorably represented
in the Civil war, as the appended list of
brave soldiers, who never survived the or-
deal so silently testify. The name of Our
Abraham Lincoln, who was among us in
his youth and early manhood and whose
early law practice as well was also among
us, will naturally head its list, in 1832 he
was chosen captain of his company in the
Black Hawk war. In 1834 he was honored
by being elected to the Illinois Legislature.
By his successive elections he served in the
House continually until 1842. He next
served as representative in the Thirteenth
Congress from 1847 to 1849. ••■" ^^^° '^^
was elected President of the United States
and re-elected in 18O4.

Richard J. Uglesby was commissioned
lieutenant ot the Fourth Regiment Illinois
Volunteers and served through the Mexican
war, taking part in the battles of Vera Cruz
and Cerro bordo. In i860 he was elected
to the state Senate but resigned to accept
the colonelcy of the Eighth Illinois Volun-
teers. Ihrough gallantry at Ft. Henry, Ft.
Donelson and Corinth, he rose to be major
general, being wounded at the latter place.
He resigned his commission on account of
disability in May, 1864, and the following
November was elected governor oi Illinois,
in 1872 he was re-elected governor, but two
weeks after his inauguration he resigned to
accept a seat m the United States Senate,
to which he was elected by the State Legis-
lature in 1873. In 1884 he was elected gov-
ernor for the third time, being the only man
in the history of the state who was thus
honored.

1. C. Pugh served as captain in the Black
Hawk war. He was captain of Company C
in the Mexican war, taking part in the bat-
tles of Vera Cruz and Cerro Gordo; his
company captured Santa Anna's cork leg.
He was colonel of the Forty-first regiment

TAST AXIJ PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.

1 I!)

ill the Civil war aiul lor bravery was [)ro-
niotcil to brigadier general.

Joel S. Post in 1846 entered the service
as a Mexican soldier and was niaile (]uarter-
niasler witb the rank of captain, l-'roni 1S50
to i860 he was a representative in the state
Lcpislattire from Macon county.

.Arthur |. ( iallai,'luT was a soldier in ilic
Mexican war. in the command of Colonel
Bissell, later governor of Illinois. He par-
ticipated in the battle of Buena Vista. In
1862 he raised a company of cavalry for the
Civil war, remaining in the army one year.
In 1869 he was elected circuit judge of the
old Sixteenth circuit, which position he held
until 1873.

William Cirason enlisteil in the army in
1S62 and was elected sergeant of Company
A, One Hundred and Sixteenth Illinois In-
fantry. The regiment formed part of the
Second Division, Fifth Army Corps, under
General Sherman. He was engaged in the
battle of Tallehoochee. was in the first at-
tack on \'icksburg and the siege of the city;
also at .\rkansas Post. In the charge at
Ft. Hill he was shot in the left lung. He
was in the charge at \'icksburg May 19
which almost annihilated his company, hut
thirteen of them returning from the charge.
He was again wounded at Joncshoro, .Ma-
bama. He was in the " March to the Sea."
taking part in the grand review at Wash-
ington. He was made lieutenant .April 28,
i86_^, and mustered out captain lunc 7,
1865.

William H. Shorb entered the army in
t86i from Green Castle, Pennsylvania. He
was at once made orderly sergeant of Com-
pany C, Second Pennsylvania Regiment,
which he himself had raised. He took part
in the Ranks expedition. During his serv-
ice he was made sergeant major; later sec-
ond lieutenant, and soon after first lieuten-
ant. He was wounded in front of Peters-
burg by the explosion of a shell. Being dis-

abled for duty Ik- \\.i> made i|ii;u U r-iiia?-ur,
serving in this position until his discharge.
Ansel Tujjper enteretl the army in 1861
and was made licuten:int colonel of the
h'orty-lirsl Illinois Infantry. In the same
ycjir he took |);»rt in llie b:ittli-s of l'"t.
Henry, h't. Donelson, and Pittsburg Laud-
ing, losing his life at the latter jdace. April
fi, iSd.'.

Jesse H. Moore entered the service in
i8r)2 as colonel of the ( )ne Hundred and Fif-
teenth Regiment Infantry. He was in the
battles of luka, Chickamauga, charge at
Tunnel Hill, Georgia; Resaca, Georgia. His
regiment Iuli)ed drive General Bragg's
army, then in command of Hood, out of the
valley of the Cumberland. In 1805 he wa«
promoted brevet brigadier general.

.\'. W. Tu])per enlisted in the army in
i8()2, was made colonel of the ( )ne Hun-
dred and .Sixteenth Infantry. He was en-
gaged in the battles of Chickasaw. .Arkansas
Post, the charge at \'ickslnirg. and was
present at its surrender ; was at Jackson,
Mississippi: Missionary Ridge, Resaca,
Georgia; Dallas, Big Shanty, Kenesaw
Mountain. Stone Mountain, Ezra Chapel,
Atlanta. Jonesboro, " Sherman's March to
the Sea," Ft. McAllister, Pocatalgo, and
Bentonvillc. North Carolina. The citizens
of Macon county have erected in Green-
wood cemetery a monument to the memory
of the two Colonels Tupper's patriotic serv-
ice.

George R. .Steele went into the army as
lieutenant of the r-'orty-first and was pro-
moted to major on General McPherson's
staff.

W. D. Blackburn was promoted lieuten-
ant colonel in iSTi^ : he took part in the bat-
tles of luka and Corinth.

Z. Appleton. promoted to major in 1861 ;
killefl in battle, 1861.

W. F. Clark, ^rst sergeant- Willed n bat-
tle in 18^2.

120 PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.

George W. Kavlor, corporal ; killed in bat- Jackson A. Alelick, second lieutenant;

tie in 1862. died at Mound City in 1862.

Marion Ashniead. corjioral ; killeil in hat- W. S. Oglesby, captain ; killed in battle

tic in 1862. in 1862.

Abner H. lordon. corporal: killed in bat- Joseph Yick, sergeant; died in 1862.

tie in 1862. Jacob Graham, corporal : killed at Shiloh

Frank Leeper. captain ; first man from in 1862.

Macon county killed in battle. John C. Co.x, second lieutenant; died in

D. ^^'. Greenwalt, sergeant ; died at Bird's 1862.

Point, Missouri, in 1861. |ohn H. Huffner, captain; killed in battle

Michael Mathews, corporal: killed at Ft. j,^ 1862.

Donelson in 1862. Chris Cornelly, second lieutenant ; killed

George S. Leach, corporal : killed at Ft. j„ ij^ttle in 1863.
Donelson in 1862. y },I b. Peterson, corporal ; died at Jack-
John B. Lowell, corporal ; died at Bird's g^,^^ Tennessee, in 1862.
Point, Missouri, in 1861. David Robinson, corporal; died at Jack-

^larcellus Warner, corporal : killed at ^^^^^ Tennessee, in 1862.

Raymond, Mississippi, in 1863. William Kinman, lieutenant colonel;

H. J. Marsh, second lieutenant: killed at ^.jjj^^, -^^ ,3^^^^^ j,^ ^^^^

I-"t. Donelson in 1862. j ^ Jones, second assistant surgeon;

C. P. A. Goddard. corporal; died in 1863. j.^jj^^ bv" guerrillas. Tunnel Hill. Georgia,

Charles Fechner, corporal; killed at j,^ 186-I

Shiloh in 1862. y^^^^ Freeman, first lieutenant: died in

T. W. Alexandre, colonel : killed in battle „,

1863.

'" ^^^- Jacob Porter, first lieutenant: killed in

Joseph C. Alvord. second lieutenant \ , ' , ■ or

.,;,,. „^ battle m 1864.
killed m battle m 1862.

David Reed, second lieutenant ; died in

1862.

Anderson Froman. lieutenant colonel;

„, died in 1864.

amauga in 1803. ^, t- i r 1 ^ • i- 1 • -.or ,

T , ,. T • ■ I -11 J . T^ Guston F. Hardv, captam ; died in 1863.

John Alclwain. major: killed at Kenesaw ,, ^^ , ' ,- ,• , ^ j- 1 •

. . „, ' John B. Perdue, first lieutenant; died in

Mountain in 1864. ■'

Elijah Smith, corporal : killed at Stone
River in 1862.

John F. Weitzel. captain : killed at Chick-

George F. Deitz. first lieutenant ; died in

1863.

Of- " Samuel Baty. corporal : killed at \ icks-

F. M. Long, major: killed in battle in ''"''§ '" ^^3-

1863.

John S. Taylor, first lieutenant : killed in

Lewis P>. Morton, first sergeant; died at ^"'^3-

Paducah. Kentucky, in 1861. Thomas ^^•hite. captain ; killed in battle

Brvant Kelsey, sergeant; died in 1863. '" I063.

David S. Morse, sergeant; died at Mos- J"lin W. Ellis, first sergeant; died at

cow, Tennessee, in 1863. Young's Point in 1863.

William H. Hecock, corporal; killed at W. P. Camp, sergeant; died at Millikin's

Jackson. Mississippi, in 1863. Bend in 1863.

Fred O. Spooner, corporal ; killed at Shi- John B. Davidson, sergeant : died at

loh in 1862. Young's Point in 1863.

PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.

I'JI

Israel W . Markcl. corporal: dioi.1 at Mcni-
pliis in 1803.

k. G. \\ aniick, corporal; died al Mem-
piiis in 1803.

G. \V . Williams, sergeant ; died on
steamer City of Memphis in 1803.

D. E. Armstrong, corporal ; died al St.
Louis in 1803.

John E. Bowser, corporal; died at Cliai-
lanooga in 18O4.

David Gill, corporal; died at Chickasaw
Bayou in 186.2.

J. B. btrecver, corporal; died al Annap-
olis in 1803.

J. G. Long, corporal; died at Richmond,
a prisoner oi war, in 18O4.

Lewis J. Eyman, captain; died Jvuie, 18O3.

Joseph D. Moon, lirst lieutenant; died in
1805.

John l>. lull, iii>i lieutenant; died in
18O3.

E. R. I'ratt, second lieutenant; died in
18O3.

J. C. Stanbury. second lieutenant; died in
1803.

.\lonzo B. Davis, captain; died in 1803.

Lafayette Helm, second lieutenant; died
in 1803.

Isom Simmons, first lieutenant ; died in

J864-

Thetxlore Sln,>rt, second lieutenant ; died

in i8«.)3.

X. W . Wheeler, secLind lieulenani ; killed
at siege of \icksburg in i8<j3.

Thomas McCann, sergeant; died at Milli-
kins Bend in i8^>3.

John I'urtroff, corpor:iI li. ■! it .Mound
City in 1863.

John Herrin, corporal; died at Young's
Point in 1803.

I'.y referring to the roster of the com-
panies raised in Maom county, you will
find over two hundre<l others out of tlie two
thousand and over from Macon, who never
wore the stripes, that gave uj) their lives

lor their country and their homes, that we,
their descendants, might enjoy the blessings
of peace and prosperity.

FORTY YEARS AGO.
1892.
Christmas Reminiscences for the Young
People.
It is just forty years ago this blessed day
since the writer lirst set foot in the town of
Decatur. On the 6th day of December, 1852.
with a corps of eighteen men, wc set out
from ."Springfield, Illinois, to make a survey
tor the Wabash (^then called the Great
Western) Railroad, and reached Decatur
on Christmas day, which was then a little
hamlet containing scarcely five hundred
souls. The country was sparsely settled
and after leaving the .Sangamon river at
Riverton (then called "Jim-town"), a
trackless, treeless, houseless prairie pre-
sented itself as far as the eye could reach,
save to the south where the sangamou tim-
ber skirted above the horizon to relieve the
monotony of the scene, and to a yotmg man
fresh from the hills of Xew England the
pros])ect was one of intense interest and
awftd grandeur. The country abounded
with deer, wolf and countless thousands of
geese, duck and prairie chickens. The deer
were so tame that we frequently approached
them near enough to see their large and
beautiful eyes. The weather was quite mild,
similar to the winter weather we have been
having recently, so wc suffered little from
cold. The party was composed of young
men full of ambition and enthusiasm and,
at times, we made the lonely prairie ring
with shouts, laughter, and song. .Sometimes
we were troublcti to get enough to eat, for,
being dependent upon the settlers along the
timber, who were very " few and far be-
tween." and though the)- were very hos-
pitable and never turned us away, they were

122

PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.

not always prepared to entertain so many
hungry men, but did the best they could to
appease our appetites and make us com-
fortable for the night. There was so little
change in the natural features of the coun-
try that but few incidents occurred to break
the monotony of the scenery. When we
reached the site wdiere Illiopolis is located
we found some stakes that had been set
there more than fifteen years before, for the
purpose of marking out the ground for the
state capital — that point having been de-
cided upon b}^ some enterprising specula-
tors as being the geographical center of the
state of Illinois, and, therefore, the proper
place to locate the capital. A little further
east and we were on the land of the future
"King of Xiantic," Jesse Lockhart, Esq.,
and, although a long way off, "the King"
spied us and hastened to see who it was
bold enough to invade his domain without
his royal permission. ^Ve informed him
that the construction of a railroad through
his kingdom was contemplated, and that
we were engaged in making a survey for
that purpose ; but the king was wroth and
declared that he wanted no railroad through
his ground, and that if we set stakes on his
ground for that purpose he would pro-
ceed to pull them up. A\'e replied that
although the railroad company had the
right to make the survey, it was liable
for an\- damage done, and hoped he
would not disturb the stakes. But Jesse
was inexorable and said the railroads would
ruin the country by scaring away the stock
and destroying the range ; that he had just
left a country which was all fenced in (Ken-
tucky) to come to a country where there
was plenty of room. But as we had no time
to argue that point, we left "the King" to
act as he thought best. But on our return
over the line a short time after, sure enough
we found that the stakes had been removed,
and went to Jesse's cabin and there saw
them lying in a pile near his door. We

again expostulated with him, saying the
stakes certainly could do no harm. So
finally, Jesse became ashamed of his con-
duct and helped replace them, and ever
afterward was a good friend of the road.
\\'hen we reached the place where Niantic
now is, it was growing dark. A light snow
had fallen during the day and the ground
was covered, ^^'here we were to stay that
night we knew not. Nothing to be seen
so far as the eye could reach but the "beau-
tiful." Our only refuge was to "break for the
timber" four miles south of us, which we
reached in about an hour, striking " Ding-
man's Point " where we met Mr. Dingman.
We informed him who we were and what
we wanted. He cordially invited us into
his house, where we for the first time saw
the genial countenance of our since illus-
trious townsman, Richard J. Oglesby, who
was on his way home from Springfield,
horseback, and had stopped with Dingman
to feed his horse and get his supper. Of
course when " Dick " found out what our
business was, he. as well as ^Ir. Dingman,
became much interested in us. ]\Ir. Ding-
man's famih^ was sick and though he could
not entertain us at his house, he supplied us
with bread, ham and potatoes, and directed
us to an inioccupied cabin, a short distance
away, in wliich was a large fire-place, and
with plenty of wood and straw we cooked
our supper and made our beds, thus pass-
ing a very comfortable night. On Christ-
mas day we got near enough to Decatur
to make the town our headquarters, and
therefore marched in with the whole outfit ;
the arrival of the Great Western Railroad
Engineering Corps into the village was soon
noised about, and the villagers were at once
astir, for it was not only a very unusual
event, but marked a very important epoch in
the history and progress of the little town.
\\"e quartered with Landlady Harrell, who
kept the hotel called " Social Hall," which
stood on the site now occupied by the St.

PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.

J 28

Nicliolas. She was a- very woriliy woman
and knew how to keep a hotel. We were
lliat nijjhl t^iven a reception, hall and snp-
per. The late James .SlioatT, Esq., publisher
of Shoaff's Ciazctte, was the leading spirit
of the occasion. The ball was held in the
old court house, which stood in the south-
east corner of the square (now Lincoln
Park) and was torn down about twenty-live
years ago. Some of the peculiar features
of the ball were that the gentlemen wore
heavy boots with pants inside the legs of
them ; and that the music consisted of one
fiddle played by Matt Johnson, who was a
character in those days. Me disdained to
wear a coat, and sitting in a chair with a
■■ little brown jug" by his side, at the close
of each " cotillion " he would regale him-
self from the contents of the jug. .Among
the citizens jircsent at the reception were
Col. Pngh, Sheriff Wheeler, Henry Prather,
Wni. Caulrall, Col. Carter, S. K. Thomp-
son, all of whom are long since dead; lion.
J. J. Pcdicord. Gov. Oglesby and perhaps
a few others still living were also present.
These men were the active business men of
those days, men, each of whom, in their
respective calling, did their ])art to make the
city of Decatur what it now is. They were
the pioneers and laid the foundation u]ion
which the city now stands, antl to them
much is due for its present atid future ])ros-
pcrity. We found here. 1oo, in advance of
us the Illinois Central R. R. Co., resident
engineers, the late II. C. Plant and C. A.
Tnttle and their assistants, who met ns cor-
dially and with professional etiipiette ten-
dered us the use of their office, which was
gladly accepted, and they also gave us much
valuable information.

In the spring of 1854 the cars were run-
ning on the Wabash to NVylie's Switch
(now called Troutman), an<l got into De-
catur in the fall of the same year and haided
the iron for the Illinois Central from the
Illinois river to lav its track south : the

latter road got into Decatur the following
winter from the north. To the casual reader
there may not ajipear anything of much in-
terest or imi>ortance in the simiile narrative
by one ol the pioneers in railroad construc-
tion in this state, but when considered in
its connection with the beginning of a great
system 01 railroads that has made the de-
velojiment of the resources of the great and
powerful state of Illinois |)ossibIe, and has
been the prime cause of bringing millions
of pei>ple from all i)arts of the civilized
world within her borders, with the count-
less millions of wealth these people have
create<l. and who arc the most prosperous,
most intelligent and haiipiest people on
earth, and have made Illinois the ICmpire
.*^tate of the great West, and which will
soon be the first state in the Union, as its
great metropolis on the lakes of the north
is destined to become the greatest and most
imiiortant city in .\merica, and one of the
greatest in the world; a city about to give
unto all the people of the earth the grandest
exhibition as a result of labor, art, science
and literature that man has ever looked
upon. When considered in this connection
it becomes a matter of nuich importance to
all interested in the history and progress
of the state of Illinois, and of all the United
.'^tales of America.

i^ullivan Kurgess.
Decatur. 111.. Dec. J^. iS(j2.

THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS OF
DECATUR.
By Enoch A. Gastman.
riu- early settlers of central Illinois were
not able to give much attention to popular
education. They were busy in i)roviding
food and shelter for their wives and chil-
dren. Hut as soon as the immediate neces-
sities of life were provided, the jiarents be-
gan to seek ways to secure at least the ele-
ments of an education for their children.
.\t first this was done through ]>rivate

121

PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.

schools. A subscription paper would be
circulated in the neighborhood and if
enough money was promised to pay the
teacher a very moderate salary the school
would be opened. The teacher generally
boarded around among tlie families, stay-
ing a week or longer in each household, ac-
cording to the number of pupils which it
furnished to the school. If the teacher had
a home of his own he would be paid a
somewhat better salary, but he would be
expected to receive in payment butter,
eggs, pork, potatoes, and such other arti-
cles as he could use in his own family.
ThQse schools usually continued in session
but a few months in each year. Often they
were so inefficient that but little was ac-
complished during the term.

Reading, writing, spelling, and arithmetic
made up the course of stud}'. The rod was
freely used not only to correct the infrac-
tions of the rules of good behavior but to
induce the better preparation of assigned
lessons.

Early in the history of the state men be-
gan to see that these schools could not pro-
duce an intelligent citizenship and dilTerent
bills were introduced into the Legislature
to provide for a system of free public
schools.

The present school law of Illinois is based
upon an act of the General Assembly ap-
proved February 15, 1855. The essential
feature of that act was that of taxing all of
the property of the state for the education
of all the children of the state. It also
made it obligatory upon all districts to
maintain schools free to all the children for
at least six months in the year. A law
passed in 1849 allowed the people to vote
that .a tax should be levied upon the prop-
erty of the district for the support of free
public schools. Comparatively few districts
in the state took advantage of this permis-
sion. But Decatur earlv organized under

the provisions of that act. The following
is on file in the office of the county clerk:

At a meeting of the inhabitants, legal vot-
ers, of school district No. i, in township 16,
N. R. 2 E., in Macon county, held at the
court house in Decatur, on the 26th day of
July, A. D. 1851, in pursuance of legal no-
tice given b}'^ the directors of said school
district for the purpose of voting for or
against levj^ing a tax for school purposes.
It is certified by the chairman and secre-
tary of said meeting to the directors of said
district that at said meeting there was cast
for levying a tax of ten cents on the one
hundred dollars worth of taxable property
in said district for the repairs of the * brick
school house and furnishing same 30 votes,
and against levying said tax 12 votes and
that the following is a list of the resident
tax payers in said district :

One hundred seventy names are given.
Wm. Prather, Clerk. (Seal.)

The collector's book for 1851 is lost and
it is impossible to say that the tax was ex-
tended and collected, but the probability is
that the wish of the voters was carried out.
It is believed that this is the first school
tax that was paid in Decatur. No school
tax seems to have been levied in 1852, or in
1853. but the collector's book of 1854 shows
that such a tax was collected.

The following is on file in the county
clerk's -office :

We the undersigned president and clerk
of the board of directors for district number
one in township 16 N., R. 2 E., in the coun-
ty of Macon and state of Illinois, do hereby
certify that the said board have estimated
and required to be levied for the year 1855,
the rate of fiftv cents on each one hundred

* It is believed that this refers to the old Masonic
hall which stood at the corner of North Water and
North Park streets. It was erected in the earlv '40s
by an arrangement between the citizens and the
Masons. It was probably the first school house in
the city

PAST AND rRESENT OF MACON COl'NTY.

125

dollars valuation of all the taxable property
in said district for the purpose of building
a school house, and the rate of five cents
on each hundred dollars valuation of tax-
able property in the said district for general
expenses connected with schools in said dis-
trict. Given under our hands this 30th day
of June, 1855. Daniel Barnes, Pres.

E. G. Falconer, Clerk.

Total value of all property in Decatur
district, $445,716. Great Western R. R. ex-
cepted.

The money received from the tirst part
of the above levy was probably used in
building the front part of the Church street
school.

The law of 1855 gave the township trus-
tees power to levy taxes for general school
purposes and the following is on file :

We the undersigned board of trustees of
township number 16 north, range 2 east, in
the county of Macon and state of Illinois,
do hereby certify that as a board of trus-
tees we have estimated and required to be
levied for the year 1855, for general school
purposes and extending terms of schools
the rate of three mills on each dollar's valu-
ation of taxable property in said township.
Given under our hands this 30th day of
April, A. D. 1855.

I. C. Pugh.
Wm. S. Crissey,

Trustees.

On the 28th of April, 1856, the .same of-
ficers certify that the same levy is required
as in 1855.

On the 19th of June, 1855, Elisha D. Car-
ter and Christiana his wife, conveyed lots
one, two, three, four, and five, in block
eight, of Piandy's addition, to the school
trustees of town 16, for the use of district
number one, for the sum of eight hundred
dollars. This is the site of the present
Church street school and it is believed to

be the first purchase of real estate for the
use of schools in the city.

On the 14th day of April, 1856, David L.
Allen and Julia, liis wife, Thomas H. Read
and Elizabeth, his wife, conveyed to the
trustee of schools of town 16 in trust for the
benefit of the inhabitants of school district
number one and for the use of schools there-
in, for the sum of five dollars, all of lot
number one in block throe of .\llen, Mc-
Rcynolds & Co.'s addition to the town of
Decatur, and ten feet off of the west side
of lot four in the same block. This is the
corner where the Scovill furniture company
is now located. So far as is known this
was the first and the only gift that has ever
been made to the public schools of the city.

On the second day of December, 1856,
this property was conveyed to Macon
Lodge No. 8, .\. 1'". and --\. M., for one thou-
sand dollars.

In 1856, the directors, Jasper J. Peddc-
cord, Edward O. Smith, and Philip B.
Shepherd, commenced the building of the
south part of the Church street school.
There are no records of the elections that
must have been held before the directors
could have purchased the site or levied the
taxes for its erection. The plan of the
building was somewhat peculiar. The up-
per story was in one large room with two
small recitation rooms which now make
the hall in the center of the house. About
140 pupils could be seated at double desks
in the assembly room. Recitations were
held in the three rooms. The lower story
furnished two good-sized school rooins with
a recitation room adjoining each. Each
school had a principal and an assistant who
took charge of the recitation room. Seven
teachers were employed in the building.
Since that time two school rooms have been
added and six teachers take care of the
pupils in the whole house.

Simeon Wright, a noted school man in
the northern jiart of the state and the gen-

126

PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.

tleniaii for vvhoni the W'righlonian society
in tJK' State Normal University was named,
said that he visited Decatur when the found-
ation walls of the new school building were
just ready for the first tier of joists. He
was invited by one of the directors to visit
the building. After looking over the founda-
tion walls and admiring their strength he
inquired what would be the arrangement of
the school rooms. The director replied,
" ]Mr. Wright, there are none of us who
know anything about the proper arrange-
ment of a schoo.l house and we have de-
termined to put up the outside walls and
then get some good school man to come and
divide the building into rooms for us."

The following note is taken from the
second volume of the Illinois Teacher, pub-
lished in Peoria. Under date of February
25, 1856, Daniel AVilkins of Bloomington,
writes : " A few days since I visited De-
catur, the county seat of ]Macon, containing
two thousand five hundred inhabitants.
They are making arrangements to put up a
large brick building ne.xt summer for the
use of a graded school. J. H. Remsberg and
lady have charge of a flourishing institute
with one hundred forty pupils, while the
high school, one hundred eighty pupils, is
taught by John W. Coleman, assisted by his
wife and Miss Ela. There is also a female
seminary under the care of Mrs. A. A. Pow-
ers, and a school taught by Miss Gillespie."

The new building was opened in the fall
of 1857 with J. H. Remsberg as principal
and David L. Bunn and Miss Helen E. Par-
sons assistants up stairs. No record has
been found of the other assistant nor of the
enrollment of pupils.

On July 3, 1857, Jasper J. Peddecord and
Edward O. Smith, directors, certify to the
county clerk that they require a levy of
sixty cents on each one hundred dollars of
taxable property for general purposes, and
forty cents for paying teachers and extend-
ing schools. They submit a list of 704 tax

payers in the district. The clerk endorses
on the back of the certificate tJiat this levy
will raise $9,775.96.

The records of the board of directors are
not complete. The first meeting of which
the minutes have been preserved was held
November 30, 1858, and the members pres-
ent were Messrs. Alexander T. Hill and
James P. Boyd. It was determined to open
a school in the lower room of the Masonic
building. The teacher. Miss Mary C. Bas-
sett of Maroa, was to be paid $35 per month,
but she was to build the fires and keep the
room in order.

On the 2d day of December, 1858, the
same directors filed the earliest report of
the enrollment in the schools that is known
to exist :

Scholars.

First Ward — D. L, Bunn 140

First Ward — Miss M. C. Bassett 27

Second Ward — J. A. Johnson 150

Second Ward — x\ssistant. Miss Sarah

Wilder 80

Second Ward — .\ssistant, Miss Ela... 105
Pourth W^ard — Miss Juliet M. Bradley 30
Second Ward — Miss Roe, sick and un-
able to be in school.

At the close of the schools in the spring
of 1859, the directors, Alexander T. Hill,
Samuel K. Swingley and James P. Boyd,
published a report of the schools showing
an expenditure of $2,780.50 for the year, of
district No. i, town 16, 2 East.

On August 27, 1859, the following order
was passed by the directors, A. T, Hill,
S. K. Swingley, and James P. Boyd.

We hereby certify that we require the
rate of 3 mills to be levied for school pur-
poses on all the taxable property of our
district for the year 1859-60. Also i mill
on each dollar for fvirnishing fuel and other
incidental expenses.

The valuation of property in the district
is $89,960.70 as furnished by the clerk.

September 7, 1859, A. T. Hill, S. K.

PAST AND I'RKSKN T OF MACON COUNTY.

IL'7

Swinglcy. aiul l^r. \'.. \V. .Moore w^rc
elided directors for the terms of one, two,
and three years, respectively.

l_)n the 20th of .\iigust. iS<xi, the follow-
ing teachers were elected :

Large Brick (Now torn down) — J. K.
I'ickett. princiiial: .Mrs. J. K. 1 ickitt, as-
sistant: .Miss 1-Iorence \'.. Daniels.

Intermediate Department — D. .\. Taw'
ne\. principal; .Miss .Mary J. Jordan, assist-
ant.

Primary Department — K. .\. Gastman,
principal: .Miss May Thomas, assistant.

• .Marble Shop — John E. Kinney, princi-
pal : .Miss Lucy K. C.reene, assistant; Miss
Sallie Taylor, assistant.

Masonic Hall (Scovills Store) — .\ndre\v
.M. Heath, principal; .Miss Mattie .Miller, as-
sistant.

Hoiick House (Present P.. D. i^;: E. freight
depot) — Joseph R. Mosser, principal.

Risdon House (Western part of city) —
Edwin Park, principal.

It was agreed to rent of Captain David
I.. Allen his two-story frame hnilding situ-
ated to the west of Jasper J. Peddecord's
residence (where the Woman's chili hnild-
ing stands now) for six months for $ioo,
the said Allen tit make all necessary repairs
and to have the house reails ><u llu- lotli
of September, i860.

.\ levy of 4 mills on the dollar was or-
dered levied oil a reported valuation of
$1.0-1.168.

The following text books wtr alopt- '
for use in the schools: \\ ebstcrs Ele-
mentary Sjielling Rook, McdufTcy's New
Series of Readers, Wells's English (iram-
mar. Mitchell's I'irst Lessons, Primary, and
Conmion School Geographies. Lossing's
Primary anrt Picti>rial History of the I'nitcd
States. Payton. Dunton and Scribner's
System of Penmanship.

*Tlifsf teaclHTs »ero tr.insfcrrcd to thi.s liiiildiii);
.iiid tlic marble sluip aban<lr>iu'(l.

.\fter calling an election on the first .Mon-
day in September, i8()0, to choose three di-
lectors to serve for one, two, and three
xears, all the members resigned.

The new board of <lirectors consisted of
.Messrs. Lowber Burrows, president, David
L. Muun. clerk, and William h". Nelson. It
IS a remarkable fact that at the end of
forty-three years these three men are still
active in the affairs of this city. These gen-
tlemen served for one year when they re-
signed and Enos M. llenkle, Henry P.. Dur-
fee and David L. Punii were chosen to suc-
ceed them. ( >n the 25th of .September,
1861, Mr. r.umi resigned, and in \Xiij. .Mr.
.■saimiel Ray, then county clerk, was elected
to lill the vacancy. Mr. llenkle acted as
president and Mr. Durfee as clerk. These
three men contiiuied to serve until the elec-
tion of the board of education, .\pril 4, i8(}5.
There was a tacit agreement among them
that Mr. Rea should not be called uiion to
attend the meetings unless Messrs. llenkle
and Durfee could not agree.

There was but one school building in the
district and as the ]iopulation was ra|>idly
increasing the directors found it very dif-
licull to secure rooms in which to open
sclunds. The basements of the Methodist,
Presbyterian, and the Baptist churches were
rented and a few rooms were secured in
')ther parts of the city. They were wln)lly
unsuitable for school rooms, but as nothing
better could be found the teachers had to
get along the best way they could.

In the fall of i8(.i, D. C. .McCloir took
charge as principal of the liig Brick scIkkjI.
He was a very fine gentleman liut not a very
successful school master. There was a
good deal of di.sordcr alxmt the school. It
fre<iuenlly haj>penerl that when the bell was
rung at the close of the recess in the after-
noon most of the boys would go off skating
for the remainder of the day. ( )n account
of this lack of governing power on the part
of the principal, the directors received a

128

i'AST AND I'RESENT Ui" MACUN COUNTY.

good many complaints from dissatisfied
parents. When they attempted to nnprove
matters by caUing upon the teachers in the
lower rooms to help him in maintaining dis-
ci])Hne they were met with the statement
that these teachers did not regard them-
selves as under the jurisdiction of " the man
up stairs." A little examination of the rec-
ords showed that the several departments
had always been treated as independent
schools and that, therefore, the teachers
were right in their contention. The direct-
ors determined to have a different organiza-
tion the next year.

( )n the 1 2th of June, 1862, an election was
held at the court house at which it was or-
dered that a site for a school house should
be purchased in the Third ward and that a
special levy of 25 cents on the $100 should
be made to build it. Plans were secured
for a two-room, one-story house from G. P.
Randall, architect, of Chicago, at a cost of
fifty dollars, and the contract for building
the same was awarded to Messrs. Mills and
Shockley. These men are still doing busi-
ness in Decatur. But on the 30th of July
following the directors voted, " that in view
of the present unsettled state of the coun-
try, it is ordered that the levy of the tax
for building a school house as authorized
by vote be postponed for the present year
and the building of the house be sus-
pended until such times as it may be
deemed more expedient to make the levy
authorized. But that we may secure a de-
sirable location for building said house when
more prosperous times shall again visit our
land, it is ordered that the treasurer, John
F. Miles, procure a clear title to lots num-
bers ID and II in block number 10 in the
Western addition to Decatur, in the name
of the township trustees for the use of dis-
trict number one, and that he be authorized
to pay therefor the sum of one hundred fifty
dollars in currency, to procure which he is
authorized to sell coin belonging to the dis-

trict to the best advantage, giving the dis-
trict credit with the premium."

The house was erected the next year by
Mills & Shockley. It is the two lower rooms
on the east side of the Wood street school.
The president of the board of directors, Mr.
E.M. Henkle, believed that no school house
should be more than one story high and
that the front entrance should be right at
the sidewalk so that when the children
came out they could at once disperse to their
homes. The house was erected to conform
to his ideas, but .both have been discarded
for many 3''ears.

At a meeting held on the 12th day of July,

1862, it was determined to elect " a principal
for all the schools " who should also be the
principal of the high school which was to
be organized. Enoch A. Gastman was elect-
ed to fill the position at a salary of $80 per
month for the school year of six months.
Miss Frances A. Peterson, a teacher in the
State Normal University, was elected his
assistant at a salary of $30 per month. She
did a large part of the work of organizing
and teaching in the high school during the
first year of its history. She died the fol-
lowing Februar}' within two weeks of the
close of the year.

At an election held on the 8th of July,

1863, one hundred twenty-nine votes were
cast in favor of having nine months of
school and six votes against the proposition.

On November 23, 1863, the electors
authorized the directors to erect a school
house near the residence of E. A. Jones,
north of the city.

At a meeting of the directors held March
23, 1863, it was ordered that Messrs. Mills
and Shockley proceed with the building of
the school house in the Third ward upon
the contract and that they be allowed in
addition the advance on material and labor
as per liills furnished and specifications and
plans. Said Mills and Shockley to keep ac-
curate account of any alterations or addi-

PAST AND I*RHSi:\T oF M \("( >\ Col'XTV

l-_",i

tioilS and ilcdlicl Iit (Miiism>iii> ;ihu liiaryc
tor additiims in strict pro]X)rlii)n to tlic
original hills furnished the board.

t)n the same ilato the followin;^ note was
cntereil on the record after a list of teach-
ers appointed. " The above appoininu-nts
are made from the teachers of last term on
account of their success and apparent
earnestness in their vocation.

On the "th of April, i8<)4. a petition,
signed by all the teachers in the schools,
was presented to the board respectfully ask-
ing for an increase of salary in view of the
great advance in the price of all things. An
addition of five dollars per month for the
present term was allowed to all the teach-
ers. The name of E. A. Gastman appears
as clerk for the first time on the records of
this meeting.

June 14. 1804, the electors voted for or
against a nine-months school. One hundred
sixty-seven votes were cast for and twenty-
five against the proposition.

On June j8, iX(<4, the directors resolved
that the teachers would not be appointed
to any particular position but that they
would be i)laced wherever the interest of
the schools might demand when it should
he known who would he the teachers for
the coming year.

On February 18, i8<J5, the teachers sent a
committee requesting the directors to meet
them at the basement of the I'aptist church
at the corner of Water and William streets.
.\ conimittee appointed at a previous meet-
ing of the teachers reported that owing to
the advance in prices it was impossible for
them to make a living. They respectfully
asked that the directors make such an ad-
dition to their salaries as the financial con-
dition of the treasury would allow. After
a full interchange of opinions, it was or-
dered that an addition of 30 per cent be
made to all salaries un<ler S40 per month,
and 25 per cent to all above that amount.

.\bout this time it became evident to the

mri(.i'ii> iiMi liie p<i\\er> wind) the}' were
given by the state law for the management
of the schools of a rural district were not
sufficient to enable them to carry on ef-
licieiitly the schools of a rapidly growing
city. It was difficult often to purchase a
desirable school site because the owners
were unwilling to have it publicly adver-
tised that they would sell i)ropert)' to be
used for a i)ublic school because it might
injure the sale of other adjacent property.
Another class of owners were anxious to
have a school house erected near their ad-
ditions because it would attract the atten-
tion of desirable jjurchasers to their lots. A
|)ublic election gave such persons an excel-
lent op|>ortunity to work for the advance-
ment of their private interests. .Again, the
directors had no power to borrow money
and this made it very difficult to erect need-
ed school buildings, .\fter a good deal of
discussion and inquiry it was decided to
request the F.egislaturc to grant the district
a sjjecial charter. The honorable Xcwton
liatcman, state superintendent, was asked
to recommen<l a charter that was in satis-
factory use in the state that the board
might use as a model. He recommended
the one granted to the Rock Island school
district in 1857. It was carefidly examined
and such amendments made as would adapt
it to the wants of this district, .\lmost the
only (|uestiou that caused any discussion
related t<i the amount of territory to be in-
cluded in the new district. Director Hen-
kle favored the idea of luaking the bound-
aries conterminous with the city but Di-
rector Durfee thought that the people liv-
ing in the present district and outside of the
city limits might be put to serious trouble
in fin<ling convenient school accommoda-
tions for their children if they were cut off
from the privilege of attending the Decatur
scIkmiIs. I'inally, it was decided to adopt
the boinidarics of tlistrict one as then ex-
isting. This embraced a territory three

130

PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.

miles wide and three and tliree-(|uarters
miles long. It is described as follows :

.\11 of sections one, two, three, eleven,
Iwche, thirteen, fourteen, fifteen, and the
north half of sections twenty-two, twenty-
three and twenty-four ; and also the north
half of the south half of said sections twen-
tv-two, twenty-three and twcnt}--four. all in
township number sixteen north, of range
number two east of the third principal me-
ridian, is hereby constituted a school dis-
trict to be known as " Decatur School Dis-
trict."

The bill was introduced in the house of
representatives by (ieneral Isaac C. Pugh,
the member from this city. It passed
through the Legislature with very little op-
position and was approved by Governor
Oglesby, February 16, 1865. See volume
2, Private Laws of Illinois, 1865, pages 314-
321, and City Code, 1886, pages 146-159. It
was amended in 1867 and again in [869.
Through a blunder on the part of some one
section ten was omitted trom the act as
finally passed by the Legislature.

On June 15, 1865, General I. C. Pugh and
others petitioned the board of education to
receive into the Decatur school district all
that portion of section 10, which is not in-
cluded within the corporate limits of the
city of Decatur. The prayer of the jietition
was unanimously granted. The territory of
the district remained the same until No-
vember I, 1895, when Salona place was re-
ceived by a petition signed by Johnson
Ende and others.

In 1891 the territory- lying between Oak-
land avenue and the Wabash railroad south
of Decatur street was annexed to the city
and thereby became a part of the school
district.

In 1896 the' territory between Fairview
avenue and the Wabash railroad was re-
ceived on petition of J. W. P.arber and
others.

Directors from 1855 to 1865.
Daniel Barnes, Enoch G. h'alconer, Jas-
per J. Peddecord, Edward ( ). Smith, Philip
B. Shepherd, Alexander T. Hill, James P.
Boyd, Sanniel K. Swingley, Enoch W.
Moore, Lowber Burrows, David L. Bunn,
William E. Nelson, Enos M. Henkle, Henry
B. Durfec. and Samuel Rea.

Note. — It is probable that the first di-
rectors were elected in 1850 or T851, but it
has been impossible to secure the names of
any before 1855. Mr. Ebenezer McNabb
came here in the spring of 1855 and he be-
lieves that Joel S. Post was a director at
that time. ;\lr. Lowell Krohn thinks that
Dr. Benjamin V. A\'est, General Isaac C.
Pugh, and ^\'illiam Prather were among
the early directors. Mr. James Carter
thinks that Dr. Ira B. Curtis was a director
about 1856.

The following is a list of teachers who
taught in the public schools previous to the
organization of the Board of Education. It
is probable that there are a number of omis-
sions and errors owing to the imperfect con-
dition of the early records — corrections will
be thankfully received. — E. A. G.

Mary E. Alderman. Sarah E. Allen, Lu-
cinda Babcock, Mary E. Baker, Mary C.
Bassett. Mattie Beman, David Bigelow,
Juliet ;\I. Bradley, Elizabeth M. Brown,
David L. Bunn, Nellie Bunn, Anna E.
Buttz, Mary A. Clampit, John W. Coleman,
Mrs. John W. Coleman, Florence E. Dan-
iels, Matilda E. Davis, Maria Ela, Margaret
Ellis, Mrs. A. Everts, Jennie A. Frazier,
Mary A. Fuller, M. E. Fullenwider, Enoch
A. Gastman, Frances A. Gastman, ^liss M.
M. Gillespie, Ellen Giles,* Lucy R. Greene,
Anna P. Grennell, Helen F. Grennell, Helen
F. Hale, Homer Hatch, Andrew 'SI. Heath,
J. A. Johnson, Mary J. Jourdan. G. W. Kin-
solving, Mrs. C. S. Kendall, John E. Kin-
ney, John H. Leidigh, Elizabeth Leeper,
Margaret Leeper, Hannah Mackey (Car-
many), D. C. McCloir, Mattie ]\Iiller, Eliza-

PAST AND PRESKNT OF MACON COUNTY

181

beth J. Mitclull. OUoria Moellcr, Joseph K.
Mosscr, .Mrs. .\mia E. Muri)liy, II. N'aiiman,
.Mary E. I'ark, KiKvin Park, Helen K. Par-
sons, .Mrs. J. K. Pickett, J. K. Pickett, John
N. Raiulall. .Mattie L. Kee.ler. .Mrs. J. H.
Kemshery, J. 11. Kenisberg, .Miss L". E. Roe,
Lucrctia J. Rooker, Josie J. Robinson, liiiza-
betli Sabm, Caroline S. Sargent, Isailore
Sheldon, Joseph Shellabargcr, J. H. R. Sher-
rick, David \. Tawney, Sallie J. Taylor,
I)avid M. Traver, May Thomas. .Mattie 1..
Weils. .Sarah E. Winholtz, Sarah 1). Wilder,
Mary Wilder, Prances Wylic, .M. A.. Wylie,
Kate 15. Zorgcr.

Board of Education.
The charter {)rovidiHl that an election
should be held on .\pril 4, 1865. The di-
rectors gave notice of this meeting but they
positively refused to become candidates for
members of the board of education. Un
.-\pril 10, 1865, a meeting was held in the
courtroom of the old court house which
stood in the southeast corner of the old
square. The hillowing is a copy of the min-
utes of the first meeting of the board of
cilucation of the Decatur school district:

Decatur, 111., .\pril 10, iS<>5.

The oath of office was duly administered
to the members by John K. Warren, Notary
Public. ( )n motion David P. P.uun was
unanimously elected i)resident of the board
and I-'noch A. Gastman, clerk.

( )n motion, ]>roceeded to draw lots for the
respective terms of (iffin-. wliirli rc-iilicd
as follows:

William I,. Hammer drew the term ol
three years. ^

David P. I'unn drew the term of two
years.

Caleb C. P.nrroughs drew the term of one
year.

On motion, Jerome R. Gorin was unani-
mously elected treasurer of the board. The
amount of his bond was fixed at $^5,000,
and his salary at one and one-half per

centum on all moneys received and dis-
bursed.

On moti<^in. the clerk was instructed to
look for a room to be used for the meetings
of this board, ami as an office for the super-
intendent of i)ul)lic schools.

( )n motion, atljourned to meet next
Thursday evening ;it the office of W'ni. L.
Ilainiiur. cKik nf the circuit court.

D, P. BUNN, Pres.

1:. .\, (,,.\SI .MAX. Clerk.

The folk)wing extracts from the minutes
of dirt'erent meetings will show that the
new board entered with vigor upon the so-
lution of the ))rol)lem of providing better
school accommodations for the children and
teachers of the city of Decatur:

May 6, 1865. Ordered that the teachers
be j)aid at the end of each month insteati
of the end of the term as heretofore.

.\ petition was received from J. B. R.
Shcrrick and others asking for a school
house in the Ftuirth ward. It was discussed
and laid over for future action.

.\pril 20, 1865. The first office of the
board was rented of ticorge W. Baker for
$50 i)er year. It was the front upstairs
room, number 144 East Main street. .Mr.
I'aker had a real estate office in the same
room. 'J'his arrangement did not prove sat-
isfactory and early in lS^>7 the board rented
the rear room of the second story of the
I . .M. I )viatt building, 149 East .Main street,
where the office, remained until it was re-
moved to the new high srli.w il lniilillnL' in
the fall of 1869.

June 20, iH/tS. Messrs. Jacobs and Slain.^,
representing the members of the colored
.M. E.. church, petitioned the board to give
them a school, an<l tendered the use of the
basement of their church for that purpose.
Eloquent speeches were made by the two
gentlemen and the board took the matter
under advisement. In iW)8. $122.53 ^^'^^
spent in repairing and fitting up this room.

June 20. 1865, plans and specifications

131

PAST AXL) PRRSEXT OF MACON COL'XTV.

were received from G. P. Randall, Chicago,
for a new school house to be erected in the
First ward. Ordered that bids for erecting
the same be received until July i, 1865. It
was also agreed to purchase lots i, 3, and
5, in block i, of Oglesby & \Vait"s addition,
for $600, to be used for a school site in the
Fourth ward. W. L. Hammer was appoint-
ed a committee to see if money could be
borrowed to build the house.

Tuly 5. W. L. Hammer reported that he
could not find any person willing to loan
money to the district and the following was
unanimously passed :

Resolved. That for the want of funds and
in view of the exorbitant prices of labor and
materials this board deems it inexpedient to
build this year.

July 25, 1865. The question of erecting
a school house in the Fourth ward was dis-
cussed but it was finally decided to repair
the one room building now occupied.

August 12, 1865. Resolved, That a col-
ored grade of school be established to which
all persons of African descent shall be ad-
mitted. The right was reserved to close
the school and dismiss the teacher when-
ever it might be thought best. Mrs. J. H.
Roell was appointed the teacher of the
school at a salarj^ of $25 per month.

October 3, 1865, it was ordered that the
regidar meetings of the teachers be held
once each month instead of twice as had
been the practice heretofore.

On the 17th of October the following was
unanimously passed :

Resolved, That in cases of suspensions
from the schools all appeals from the de-
cision of the superintendent shall be heard
and determined at a meeting of the board.
This action was taken because the son of a
prominent citizen had been suspended for
absence as the rule of the board provided ;
the father, to whom the superintendent was
■' per.sona non grata " determined not to ask
the officer to reinstate the boy but finding

two memoers of the board in a private office
appealed directly to them. Without think-
ing what effect their action would have
upon the authority of the superintendent
they reinstated the pupil. When their at-
tention was called to the matter, the above
rule was at once passed. It is, perhaps,
fair to say that this is the only instance, in
thirty-eight years, where there has been any
difference between the board and the super-
intendent concerning his duties.

Early in 1866 the superintendent was
authorized to buy ink for the use of the
schools and to spend not exceeding five dol-
lars in the purchase of books for poor chil-
dren. He was also directed to purchase
five globes for the schools at a cost of not
more than $12 each.

The duty of beautifying the school
grounds was early recognized by the board
and in the spring of 1866 a number of " sil-
ver maples " were purchased at 60c each of
one Smith, a Bloomington man. which he
set around the Church street school. C. D.
Humphreys was paid the same price for
boxing them.

On June 5, 1866, Caleb C. Burroughs was
re-elected a member of the board for three
years.

On the twenty-first of June, 1866, the
board accepted the plans prepared by
Ebenezer McNabb for a two-room school
house in the Fourth ward and ordered that
bids should be received imtil July 7th for
its erection.

Bids were received from Messrs. Whit-
mer and Campbell, and E. I\Ic>iabb to
whom the contract was awarded for the
sum of $3,876.96.

August 6, 1866, ordered that the board
purchase of Messrs. Durfee & Warren lots
II and 12, of the re-survey of block 7, of
Read & Co.'s addition, for the sum of
$2,400. Also lot 10 of the same block of
Thomas H. Read for $1,000. The high
school stands upon these lots.

PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.

133

September 14, i8()6. A petition was pre-
sented asking that German be made a part
111' tlie ctiurse of study in all the ward
scliDols. The question was fully discussed
and it was decided that it was not practica-
ble to tlo this. This question was finally
settletl in 1874, when Miss S. Alice Judd
was appointed a teacher in the high school
with the understanding that one-half of her
tune would be given to the teaching of Ger-
man. This has proved to be a very satis-
factory solution of this question. The Ger-
mans are pleased and the district has been
saved the expense of trying to introilucc
another subject into the grades.

( Ictober j8, iSltCt. ( )n the request of .Miss
Mary V.. I'.aker, assistant principal of the
high school, the superintendent was directed
to purchase a table for the reference books
and a case lor geological specimens. This
was the beginning of the collection of speci-
mens of natural history for the illustration
of the statements made in the te.xt books.
The case is still in use in the front hall of
the high school.

It was also ordered that the rent re-
ceived from a circus companj' for the use
of the lots purchased for a site for a high
school be expended in securing hooks for
the use of poor children.

( )n January i, 1867, the superintendent
was auth(3ri/ed to introduce I'nited States
history into the u|)per grades of the gram-
mar schools. He was also directed to
change the exercises in the jirimary depart-
ment of the Church street school — Miss
Mattie I'eeman, teacher — so that half the
children would attend school in the forenoon
ami the other half in the afternoon. This
was the beginning of the half-day system in
the first primary departments of our
schools. It met with considerable ojiposi-
tion at first but for many years no com-
plaints have been heard against the plan
from thoughtful parents.

On the sixteenth of April, 1S67, the clerk

was directed to have one hundred blank
bonds printed — forty for $500 each, and
thirty for S250 each, and thirty for $100
each. He was also directed to have a bond
book made and to register in it all bonds
tliat might be issued. The bonds were
printetl and the book made by the late Wil-
liam J. L'srey. It is in the safe in the office.
It contains a fidl history of every bond ever
issued by the board.

May 3, 18^)7, the sui)erintendent was di-
rected to introduce at the beginning of the
fall term Millard's readers in place of Mc-
tiuffey's. if the teachers favored the change,
and if it could be done without expense to
parents and children. It has always been
the policy of the board to make changes in
text books only when the teachers who were
using such books favored a change.

Mav 7, 1867. bids were received for m cl-
ing a school house in the I-irsl ward accord-
ing to plans and specifications prepared by
G. 1*. Randall of Chicago, in i8<>5. The con-
tract was awarded to 11. M. Whitmer on
condition that he give a bond for $5,000
with good security and that he forfeit $25
|)er day for every day after September i
that the house remained unfinished. He
declined to comply with the conditions and
the contract was awarded to McNabb &
I'.ishop, who filed a bond and contract con-
ditioned as above.

May _»9. 18A7. ordered liial the boar<l pur-
enase of Henry 1!. 1 )iirfee lots 3, 4, 5, 6, 7,
8, 9. and 10 in block 3 of Durfee & King's
addition for $2,400. and that bon<ls bearing
10% and maturing in 10 years be issued to
l>ay for the same. The present Marietta
street school is erected on a part of this pur-
chase. No use was made of the lots for
seventeen years.

On the twentieth day of June, 1867, the
first class graduated from the high school,
having comidetcd a three years* course.
The following is the programme :

13i

I'AST AND i'RESENT OF MACON COUNTY.

PROGRAMME.

Prayer By Rev. W. C. Dawson

Music.
Essay — " The Two Hemispheres,"'

^liss Rachel Hummell

Essay — " The Works of Nature,"

Aliss Emmaretta ^Villiams

Music.
Essay — " The Fountain of Youth,"

Miss Emma Hummell

Essay — " Decatur and the State House,"

Miss Alice Roberts

Music.
Address and Awarding Diplomas,

Rev. D. P. Bunn, Pres. Board of Edu-
cation.

Music.
Benediction Rev. F. G. Thearle

On June ii, 1867, President David P.
Bunn retired from the board after having
refused to be a candidate at the election held
on the 4th instant. Henry B. Durfee took
his place in the board. The following was
' passed by the old board before adjourn-
ment :

Whereas, a great amount of extra labor
has been required of the members of the
board of education for the last two years —
owing to the selection of and purchase of
suitable grounds upon which to erect the
necessary school houses as well as to super-
intend the erection of the same — also the
fencing of said lots of ground, and

Whereas, The charter of the Decatur
school district provides that the board of
education maj^ vote themselves reasonable
compensation for such extra labor per-
formed by them. Therefore be it

Resolved, That the sum of fifty dollars be
allowed each member of the board as a
compensation for extra services during the
past two years.

William E. Hammer was unanimously
elected president of the new board and
E. A. Gastman, clerk.

Jul}- 4, 1867, bids were opened for erect-
ing an addition of four rooms to the school
house in the Third ward according to. plans
and specifications prepared for the same by
Joseph Aiills: The contract was awarded
to D. C. Shockley and he filed the required
contract and bond on July 16, 1867.

July 25, 1867, ordered that bonds num-
bered seventeen to thirty-six, inclusive, for
$500 each and bearing 10% semi-annual in-
terest, payable in two years from August i,
1867, be issued and placed in the hands of
J. L. ^Mansfield for sale with instructions
that the}- must net at least 96 cents. Mr.
JNIansfield took these bonds to New York
and offered them for sale. The brokers
laughed at him and offered fifty cents for
them. He finally found W. P. Hazelton,
who agreed to give 9Sc for them. The board
accepted his offer and he furnished all the
money the board wished to borrow up to
the time of his deatli, about 1890.

C)n April 16, 1868, the board examined
tracings of plans for a high school building.
The clerk was directed to inform the archi-
tect, G. P. Randall, of Chicago, of the
changes desired.

May 18, 1868, Mr. C. C. Burroughs ten-
dered his resignation to take effect when his
successor was elected. At an election held
on June 2. 1867, Samuel F. Greer was elected
for one year and Wm. L. Hammer for three
years.

On June 13, 1868, bids were submitted for
the erection of the high school. The con-
tract was awarded to D. C. Shockley, it
being understood that the plastering and
painting were not included in his bid. The
building was first occupied by the school in
September, 1869.

September 8. 1868, the superintendent
was authorized to purchase such books as
might be necessary to furnish indigent chil-
dren in a proper manner.

The Rev. Soule was employed to teach
vocal music in the high school at $1 per

PAST AND I'KKSENT Ob" MACON COUNTY.

135

lesson and two lessons i)cr week. This was
the beginning of musical instruction in the
schi>uls. The pupils were not supplied with
properly graded books and the exiuiiincut
was not very successful.

Xoveuiber 14, i><^^. the conirael lor plas-
tering the high school building was award-
ed to Messrs. Soilars & Hanks for $850.
They were the lowest of five bidders. It
is but proper credit for work well done to
say that not one dollar has ever been spent
for repairs on the plastering of the old part
of the building and it is now (,1903) appar-
ently as good as when it was first done.
This applies to the blackboards as well as
to the walls and ceilings.

( )n the jy\ of January. iS(k>, the board
contracted with \\ . A. I'ennell & Co., of
Normal, to deliver an<l sui)erintentl the set-
ting of four of llawleys No. 4 air w\-irniers
in the new high school for $2,000, the board
agreeing to |)ay for the brick work and
the actual expenses of the superintendent.

.\l)ril Jtj, i8<H), the following was unani-
mously passed: Ordered, that the clerk of
this board go to New York, taking with
him the S43.OCO worth of bond ordered to
be issued .March J9. iS<n). and that be settle
with W. I'. Ila/leton. taking uj) the bonds
now held by saitl llazelton against the dis-
trict amounting to $24,500; also tiie bonds
of the City of Decatur amounting to $1 j.ooo,
paying any interest which may Ijc right fully
due on said bonds an<l receiving the l)alance
in cash, which balance he shall de|)osit to
the credit of J. .Millikin iS; Co.. in the .Metro-
]»olitan National Hank, of New York, this
being in accordance with the written in-
structions of the treasurer. J. K. < inrin.

It was onlered that the board buy lot 9,
block 7. Reed & (.o.'s addition, for $820.
This purchase comjdeted the high school
grounds as they are now.

June 3. lS6(). the contract for painting the
high school was awarded to M. .\. Myer
for $1,322.

June 5, i8(Kj. the followinj,' entr\- .ippears
on the records :

( Irdereil. that Sallie Rue. Ijiiuui Keeme,
Carrie Hubbard, Katie Jones, llallie buller,
and l-'rank L. llrooks be allowed to grad-
uate frt>m the high school, they ha\ ing com-
pleted the course of study in a satisfactory
manner. Fhis seems to be the first time
that the board authorized the graduation of
a class from the high school. The other two
classes were graduated by a vole of the
teachers.

( )n June I. i8<j«;, Samuel F. Greer re-
ceived 350 votes and Joseph Mills 26" votes
Inr member of the board of education.

June 21, i8<>9. the ])resident and clerk
were ajjpointed a committee to secure furni-
ture for the high school. It was also or-
dered that an addition of two rooms be l)uilt
to the l-'ourth ward school house, provided,
parties can be found to do the woik and
take the bonds of the board in payment;
))rcivided, also, that the cost shall not exceed
$4,500. The matter was left with the presi-
dent with directions to report bis actions
to the board. < )n the 14th of July follow-
ing he rei)orted that he had let the contract
to .Messrs. .Myer i*t I'.randt for a sum not
to exceed $4,500, they agreeing to take
bonds in payment. This is the north front
ad<lition to the ])reseut Jackson street
school.

During the summer <>f 1S69 the Second
war<l school house was thomughly repaired.
The large up])er room was divided into two
modern school rooms. A new foundation
was built under the central ])artition and
the whole building was replastered and
jiainted throughout The work was done by
McNabb & Bishop and .Soilars & Hanks.
The expense amounted to about $2,000.

.\ugust 14. 1869. it was ordered that
Ciuyot's geographies be introduced in place
of MitcheH's. provided, the publishers
would exchange book for book during the
school vear, so that the text b(5oks used

13G

PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.

should all be Guyot's ; all books to be taken
that were fit to be used by the pupils.

The superintendent was directed to buy
pens and holders for the use of the children
in the schools.

November 9, 1869, it was ordered that
the physical apparatus used in the Decatur
seminar)' be purchased for the use of the
high school and that an order for $150 be
issued to the estate of Henry Prather in
payment.

On Januarjr 11, 1870, the clerk was di-
rected to meet with the treasurer, J. R.
Gorin, and to destroy all orders which had
been paid bj' him during the preceding six
months and to mark the word paid upon the
record of the issuance of such order in the
journal. This was continued for several
years but later it was so modified as to pro-
vide that the treasurer should return month-
ly to the clerk the orders paid by him and
that the journal should be marked at the
regular monthly meeting of the board. This
is still the custom.

On the 8th of February, 1870, Samuel S.
Jack was elected the principal of the high
school at a salary of $1,500. He took charge
of the school at the beginning of the spring
term. On February 10, 1871. he resigned
to go into business.

May 10, 1870, it was ordered that a bond
of $800 be issued to Edward Sweeny in
payment of lot 14, block 5, in Plant & Tut-
tle's addition. This lot adjoins the site of
the First ward school house. For some rea-
son Mr. Sweeny declined to complete the
transfer but on May 22, 1875, he conveyed
the same lot for $650. The board sold the
dwelling house on the lot for $100 to Mr.
Hughes.

October 26, 1871, the treasurer, J. R.
Gorin, agreed to furnish all overdrafts that
the board might wish to make at 8 per cent.
It is believed that is the first time that the
board could negotiate .short loans for less
than 10 per cent.

March 12, 1872, it was ordered that Black-
mer's graded songs be used in the schools.
This was the first text book in vocal music
introduced. The president was authorized
to have the city water brought into the high
school.

May 16, 1872, Messrs. Hamsher and Mos-
ser asked that they be furnished with a
copy of the proceedings of the board to be
published in the columns of the daily Repub-
lican. The clerk was directed to comply
with the request.

On January 14, 1873, the following reso-
lutions were unanimous!}- adopted :

Whereas, It has pleased God to remove
from this board our worthy friend and fel-
low-laborer, James G. Roach, therefore,

Resolved, That we feel that in his death
the cause of education has lost a true and
considerate friend and the board of educa-
tion an active and earnest member.

Resolved, That we hereby tender to the
familv of the deceased our deepest sym-
pathy,

Resolved, That these resolutions be spread
upon our records and a copy, properly at-
tested, furnished the bereaved family.

Dr. Enoch W. Moore was unanimously
elected to fill the vacancy in the board
caused by the death of Mr. Roach until the
time of the regular school election in June
next.

June 12, 1873, a committee of the board
reported in favor of building an addition of
two rooms to the First ward school house
and on June 19th the contract was awarded
to D. C. Shockley on his bid of $4,362.62.

On July 25, 1873, the following was
passed :

Ordered, That the proposition of Captain
Ira Harris. Jr., to sell a plat of land in the
Fifth ward for a school house site for the
sum of $1,500 be accepted and that bonds
for $1,000 and $500 be issued in payment;
the second payable February i, 1874. and
the first April I, 1876. Both bonds to bear

r\ST wn TRESENT OF ^r Acov rni-vTv

iiitiTi'st at lo per cciii jicr aiiiuim bill ihc
iiitiTcst till tlu- first is nut to CDmnu'iici- hi'-
f«iri> April Hfxt.

( )n Aiifiiist S. iSj,^ the prisiticiU .uul
ikrk wtTc ilircctcil to certify to the coum\-
clerk tliat the lioani rec|iiiretl that the sum
• >f S45,<X)0 l)e levied as a s|)ecial schnol tax
ill the Decatur school district. Heretofore
the hoard had requircil that a certain per
cent he levied but a chanije in the state law
made the present action necessary.

Early in 1874. Messrs. Lowber lUirrows
anil others asked that they be relieved from
the payment of certain school taxes which
hatl been levied iijioii an erroneous asscs.s-
mcnt. On .\|)ril 14. 1874. Hon. .Arthur J.
( lallaijher reported that the board had n.>
power to relieve any one from the ])ayment
ol taxes which had been turned over to the
projier officer for collection.

.May iS, 1S74. it was ordered that the city
water should be supplied to the schools in
the ."second and Third wards.

( )n June <). 1874, \Vm. L. Hammer retired
after servinp nine years as a member and
seven years as president of the board. Ik-
was succeeded by \\ 111. C Johns.

.Aujjust 27. 1875, the (piestion of adopting
Krusi's drawing; books for use in the schools
was carefully discussed and laid over for
future action. This seems to have been the
first time that it was seriously proposed ti>
introduce tlrawinjj as a rejjular study in the
scluxils. The board was not ready to take
that step!

Sept. 17. 1S75. J. K. (Iiiriii was elected
treasurer on condition that he pay 3 ])er
cent interest on daily balances in his hands.
The payment amounted to $161.4^1 for the
fiscal year and it was the first ever matle
to the board. The treasurer now pays 2
per cent on ilaily balances.

( )n November o, 1875. it was ordered that
the Hiijh School Hymn an»l Tunc liook be
used by such pujiils as were williuK to |)ur-
chase it.

Jan. 11. i.S7(,. .\lr. K. K. IJuricc .staled
that he had paid a school lax of $17.03 which
had been wroiifrfully assessed a^^ainst his
pni])erty and askeil that it be refunded. The
matter was referred to W. ( ". Johns. Escj.,
for investif^ation. .\t the next meeting he
reported that the amount oujjht to be re-
turned to Mr. Durfee and it was done.

J. 11. .Maiizy aiitl others askeil the board,
.March 15. |87<>. to build a high board fence
amund the 3rd ward school yard to prevent
persons from assembling there at night and
ilistiirbing the neighborhood by <lisorderly
conduct. The ])etition was read and placed
on file, where it still remains.

( »ii March 15. 1876. the superintendent
was directed to purchase writing pai>er for
future examinations so tiiat the pu])ils
might have constant practice with pen and
ink, instead of using pencils as had been
the practice pre\iousiy. IK- was also direct-
ed to keep the account of the recei|)ts and
expeiKlitures of the tuition fuml in the regu-
lar journal and ledger of the board.

President William .\. Marnes and the
clerk were directed. December II, 1876, to
see what would be the cost of common
tables and chairs for use in the basement
of the high school building. This was the
beginning of the discussion which led to the
establishment of the high school labora-
tory. Xotliing was done until the fall of
1877 when alxjut Si 50 was ap]iro|)riated to
secure furniture and fit up the room now
userl for coal on the west side of ilu- iinttr
part of the building.

On .May 8, 1877. Regent John .M. ( ircgory
of the Industrial L'liivcrsity at L'rbana. 111.,
proposed a system of examinations which,
it was Iioj)ed, would bring the high schools
I if the state into closer connection with the
university. The clerk was directed to in-
form him that the board would co-operate
willingly with him in bringing alxnit so de-
sirable a result. This was the Ijeginning
">l the >vstfni (if " accrediteil biifh schoiils"

138

PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.

which has been a powerful influence in
causing boys and girls to attend the higher
institutions of learning.

On the 9th of October, 1877, Lovvber
Burrows was elected the second treasurer
of the board of education. He succeeded
Jerome R. Gorin who had been treasurer
ever since the organization in April, 1865.

Messrs. Volney Barber and Edmiston
McClellan asked permission, November 24,
1877, to send their children to tlie high
school without payment of tuition, although
they lived outside of the school district, be-
cause they owned property and paid taxes
in the Decatur district. It was agreed that
the question should be submitted to the state
superintendent of public instruction. In a
somewhat lengthy opinion, which is filed
among the " valuable papers " in the office,
he held that the payment of taxes did not
entitle persons to enjoy the benefits of the
schools unless he had a bona fide residence
in that district.

On the same date it was agreed that the
district schools might be closed at four
o'clock in the afternoon from November ist
to February ist, instead of 4:30 o'clock as
in the past.

April 9, 1878, on the retjuest of the high
school Alumni association, it was agreed to
hold the graduating exercises on Thursday
evening so that the association might hold
the annual reunion on Friday evening.

May 21, 1878. On motion of H. B. Dur-
fee, it was agreed that in the future, all
teachers must secure certificates from the
county superintendent of schools. This ac-
tion was taken because the supreme court
liad held, in a case involving the right of
boards of education acting under the gen-
eral laws to issue certificates, that the lan-
guage employed did not give- them the
power to dispense with the certificate of
the county superintendent, but simply
granted the power to hold any additional
examinations that thev might deem desir-

able. As the language used in our special
charter is almost identical with that em-
]jloyed in the state law, it was thought not
to be wise to rely upon it for authority to
issue certificates in the place of those grant-
ed by the county supermtendent.

Dec. ID, 1878, Messrs. E. McNabb, Wm.
B. Harry and Michael Troutman presented
the following report which was received
and ordered published :

To the honorable board of education :
Your committee appointed to examine the
second ward school house, beg leave to re-
port that on examination we find that the
building has been so repaired that we con-
sider it as safe as other school buildings
m the city.

The following are the minutes of a meet-
ing held Jan. 20, 1879; present, Messrs.
Barnes, Ullrich and the clerk :

The president states that this meeting
was called to consider what disposition
should be made of the bonded debt, all of
which would become due April i, next.

After a full discussion it was decided that
$5,000 should be paid April i, 1879. It was
further ordered that the remaining $15,000
should be refunded and that $3,000 should
be made payable five years from April i,
1879, and $3,000 on the first day of April
every year thereafter until all the debt is
paid. The president was directed to re-
ceive propositions to take the new bonds
until March i, when they will be issued to
the parties offering to take them at the low-
est rate of interest ; the bonds to be issued
in sums to suit purchasers, provided that
no bond be for a less sum than one hundred
dollars. On March 11, 1879, these bonds
were sold to \\\ P. Hazelton, of New York
City, at par and 6 per cent interest, pay-
able semi-annually at the hanking house of
Laidlaw & Co.. in New York. The lowest
rate of interest heretofore paid on bonds was
9 ])cr cent.

July 8, 1879. the bid of Harrison S. Baker

PAST AND PRESFiNT OF MACOX CoLXTV.

l:51t

to build an addition of two rooms on the
north sitlc of the second ward scliool liouse
according to plans and specifications pre-
])ared l)> <i. I'. Randall, of Ciiicago, for
tile sum of $^,735. was accepted and his
bond approved.

Sept. 1, 1879, it was agreed to buy of
the Champion Iron Fence Company, Ken-
ton, C)hio, one hundred tifty-three feet 01
Xo. 14, two rail, -)ij inch round picket fence
for $.259 to be set up on the cast and south
sides of the third ward school.

.\ proposition was received from the
Western Cnion Telegraph Company lo
put telephones into five schools at an annual
rental of $156. It was laid over for future
consideration.

Oct. 14. 1879, the thanks of the boaril
were voted to Dr. Silas T. Trowbridge, of
\'cra Cruz, Mexico, for his present to the
high school of thirteen beautiful photo-
graphs of ancient ruins in the states of Yu-
catan anil Chiopas. The suiierintcndent was
directed to have them framed, marked
with the name of the donor and hung in
the high school building.

Henry 1'. Durfee, ])resident of the board
of education, ilied March 17, 1880, after an
illness of about two weeks. He was elected
a school director in .\ugust, iSTn, and con-
tinued in that position until the organiza-
tion of the board of education in April,
18^)5. ( )n June 4, 1867, he was elected a
nuMidjer of the board of education and re-
elected in June. 1870. He declined a re-
election in 1873, but in June, 1877, he was
elected lor another term and he became
president of the board in 1879. The special
charter of the Decatur school district was
obtained largely by his efforts. He was
always an earnest and efficient worker for
the interests of the schools.

( >n Feb. Ii, 1881, the superintendent was
directed to see on what terms a thoroughly
com]>etent teacher of drawing couhl be se-
cured f'"- •'"■ remainfl-'' "'' ''"■ -••■''■"■! \-onr.

In .\pril following, he reported that he
could not secure ;i good teacher for a part
of the year.

September 2. 1882, the Woman's Chris-
tian Tem|}erance L'nion was granted per-
mission to place Kichanlson's Manual of
Tem])erance on the teachers' desks. This
was the beginning of the teaching of sci-
entific temperance in the schools.

Oct. II, 1882, the following was unani-
mously adoj)ted :

Whereas. The 6th and 7th grailes in the
first ward are greatly crowded, while the
same grades in the fourth ward are not
full ; therefore

Resolved, That the superintendent is
hereby directed to send all pupils in said
grades who live south of Eldorado and cast
of Jackson streets from the first ward to
the fourth ward school.

This tpiestion of the proi)cr assignment of
the ])upils to the various schools continues
to be one of the most perplexing problems
of the board and the superintendent. It
causes more dissatisfaction every year to
parents and ])upils than anything else con-
nectefl with the management of the schools.

May 19. 1882, it was determined to erect
a four room school house on the lots in
the fifth ward purchased some time ago of
Ira ll;irris, Jr.

July 17. ordered th.it the contract for
building the above house be aw-arded to
.Meixille (1. Patterson on his bid of $().7oo,
;ind Win. P.. Chambers was appointed su-
])erintenilent of the building.

( )n ( )ctober II, 1882, the contract for
seating the building was awarded to \. II,
Andrews i*t C'o., C'hicago, at an average
price of $2.38 for single ilcsks set up in the
rooms ready for use.

.\]>ril 16," 1883, the contract for heating
was awardetl to Messrs. Ko^ni'v.-r .V
O'Xcill for the .sum of $1,372.

July 9, 1883. the city was requested to
put •li'wii a brick sidewalk around the high

140

PAST AND PRESENT OF MACOX COUNTY.

school lot ill place of the board walk now
in use.

It was ordered, Sepiember 13, 1883, that
the president and clerk execute a convey-
ance to John M. Rainey for the sum of
$212.50 for the following described lot of
land: Commencing 211 feet west of the
southeast corner of block number ten in
the Western addition to the city of Decatur,
thence north to the north line of the south
half of said block, thence west to the east
of the grounds belonging to the said John
yi. Rainey. eight and one-half feet more or
less, thence south to the south line of said
block, thence east to the place of beginning,
being a part of lot number nine of said
block; provided that the said Rainey shall
build a good, tight board fence at least five
feet high between said land and the yard of
the third ward school.

Nov. 22. 1883. the superintendent was au-
thorized to employ an assistant teacher in
one or two of the primary rooms where the
schools were greatly crowded if satisfactory
arrangements could be made ; also to intro-
duce drawing into the schools at the be-
ginning of the next term if the publishers
will give satisfactory terms for the intro-
ductory books.

Jan. 8. 1884, the superintendent was di-
rected to have telephones placed in the
schools in the first, second and fifth wards.

Feb. 12, 1884. Prof. Demorest asked per-
mission to teach classes in music in the
school houses after the close of the schools
in the afternoon. The pupils to pay for the
instruction. The permission was not
granted.

Aug. 14, 1884. the superintendent reported
that he believed it best to introduce the
fir.st, second and third readers of the Mod-
ern series, and the fourth and fifth readers
of the Franklin series in the place of Hil-
lard's now in use. The report was adopted
and the introduction ordered. The books

are still used in the schools but ought to be
changed for better ones.

Sept. 9, 1884, it was agreed to purchase of
Mary E. W'ortmaii lot one, block three in
Durfee & King's addition for $2,500. It was
ordered that the lots owned b}^ the board in
the west half of block three be offered for
sale ; also the buildings now standing on
the lot purchased of Mary E. Wortman.
The frame house was later sold to Hanson
C. Stultz for three hundred dollars and the
brick house to David C. Moffitt for one
hundred and twenty-five dollars.

Sept. 22, 1884, the contract for building
the east four rooms of the I^Iarietta street
school according to plans prepared by him
was awarded to ilelville G. Patterson on
his bid of $8,990, it being the lowest of five
submitted. It was ordered that the house
should be heated by steam.

.\ugust 18, 1885. ordered that the school
houses be known as follows :

First ward. Sangamon street school : sec-
ond ward. Church street school : third
ward, ^Vood street school : fourth ward,
Jackson street school: fifth ward. Jasper
street school, and the new building the
Marietta street school.

Alarch 26, 1886, the superintendent was
directed to invite the president of the Uni-
versity of Michigan to send a committee to
examine our high school with a view to ad-
mitting our graduates to the university
upon their diplomas.

June 21. 1886. Ordered that the assem-
bly room in the high school be changed so
that the teachers' platform should be on the
south side of the room. Also that bay win-
dows be put in the four old rooms in the
Sangamon street school for the purpose of
securing better light.

Feb. 9, 1887. It was ordered that addi-
tions of two rooms each be built at the Jack-
son and ^^^:)od street schools and that four
rooms be added to the Marietta street
school.

PAST AM) l'ki:SK\T OF MACDN' a.>L'NTV

141

Mav .'4. 1S87. the contract (or huililing
tlio two rooms at the Wood street school
was awarded t<> Harrison S. liaker for
:?4,5So; the two rooms at the Jackson street
schtK)! to J. J. Wilson lor $5,845. and the
four rooms at the Marietta street school to
Melville < 1. Patterson for $8.i><>o.

M\^:. J}. 1S87. The superintendent was
tlirected to introduce Pran^j's drawing books
at the heijinninr; of the schools in Septem-
ber next.

Nov. ^2, t8i<7. A committee of the li. .\.
K. asked that the board would consider the
cases of worthy t>M soldiers when there
should be any vacancies among the jani-
tors in the schools. Aildresses were deliv-
ered bv Messrs. K. H. Koliy and ( ieo. S.
Durfee.

March i<). 1S8S. .Samuel Dickinson jire-
sented a tax receipt showing,' that he had
been assessed in Decatur school district
when he lived in district No. 4. town i'>, 3
east. He asked that $4.34 be returned to
him. The request was not granted as the
board had no power to correct erroneous
assessments.

The superintendent was directed to noti-
fy all parents who have chililren of |>roper
age who have ntjt attended any school since
September last that if they were not sent to
school at the beginning of the next term.
March 2<>, that the parents would be lial>le
to a line under the provisions of the com-
indsory education law. This was the first
action taken by the boanl on this subject.

July 5. 1888, it was determined to put bay
wnxlows into the four front rooms of the
\\ ood street school to improve the lighting
and to put a grate into each rot>m to im-
prove the ventilation.

I"eb. 17. 18S8. The supeniiiiMniem w.is
directed to furnish ()racticc paper for draw-
ing the same as other supplies.

Xov. 13. 1888. It was ordere<l that the
wells be closed at all the schools, except
Jackson street, and that water from the

city water works be introduced into that
schcx)l as soon as it can be done.

Dec. 18. 1888. Misses Judsoii, I'.yman and
Anderson subniitted a statement recom-
mending the adojjtion of the Normal or
Holt system of vocal music, i'laced on
hie.

Jan. ij. i8S(j. Contract for digging a cel-
lar under the (."liurch street school was
awarded to John Williamson at 30c per
cubic yard, $1.50 per day for laborers, and
$2 per day for himself. Henry Lunn was
engaged to do the brick work at $4 per day
for masons and $1.75 per day for helpers.
It was also agreed to engage .Mr. l-A-ans
to do the cari)enter work.

( )n Jan. <>, i8t/), .Mr. R. H. Johnson was
appointe<l the first truant officer in the dis-
trict at a salary of $1.50 jier day.

.March 11. 1890. the board agreed to buy
<pf William T. and Sarah !•". Smith for
82.357. lot 2 in block 3 of Lake & Co.'s ad-
dition of out lots on Warren street for a
school site

( )n May 29. i8i;o, the contract for build-
ing a four room school house on W arren
street according to the modified plans of
.Messrs. Kramer iS; Zoll, I'"inillay, ( )liio, was
awarded to John J. Wilson for $11,915, his
bid being the lowest of five submitted.

The board directed the superintendent,
August 25. i8(/"), to corresp<ind with .Mrs.
I,. L. Miller, of Mloomington, and see on
what terms she would teach drawing in the
schools for four or five months.

.Se|)t. 3. i8<>o. The following was read
and ordered placed on file. No action has
ever been taken on it by the board :
.Mr. ]•.. A. (iastman. Supt. Public Schools,
Dear Sir: '

tould not the board of e<hicatioii lure be
induced to open night sch«iols for the bene-
fit of the large number of young men and
women who are compelled to leave the dav
schools at an early period of their history
to earn a living? It seems to me this ele-

142

PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.

meat of our population should be afforded
an opportunity by the establishment of
night schools to complete their public
school course.

Respectfully,

J. G. Badenhausen.

Oct. 29, 1890, ordered that lot 9, block i,
cf Powers' second addition be purchased
of Mrs. Caroline M. Powers for $1,252.50.
It contains 1.67 acres.

It was also ordered that the pupils pur-
chase the musical readers the same as other
text books.

Jan. 19, 1891, Mrs. L. L. Miller was em-
ployed to teach drawing for the remainder
of the year.

Tulv 7, 1891, the contract for deepening
the cellar and heating and ventilating the
Sangamon street school was let to the
Smead Warming & Ven. Co. for $i,S47-

July 22, 1891. The superintendent was
directed to secure a good teacher of draw-
ing; also to confer with Miss Elizabeth
Kneiper concerning the teaching of vocal
music.

Aug. 20, 1891, the rules were amended so
as to read as follows :

Pupils shall attend school in that division
of the district in which they reside, except
when transferred by the superintendent of
schools. The following will be considered
sufficient grounds to warrant a transfer:

1. From a school which is crowded to
a. school which has vacant seats.

2. In case of injury to health from
greater distance traveled, the injury to be
determined by the certificate of some well
accredited physician.

3. When in the judgment of the super-
intendent it may be for the interest of the
pupil or the school that the transfer be
made.

On October 21. 1891, the superintendent
was directed to purchase such flags for the
schools as would enable the teachers to

comply with the provisions of the flag law
lately passed by the legislature.

The board directed the superintendent,
April 28, 1892, to use his judgment about
closing the schools on circus day for an
hour to allow the pupils to see the parade.
The superintendent has struggled with this
question ever since and he is not sure now
what ought to be done. Most of the parents
and teachers and all of the pupils are in
favor of closing to see the show,
few of the parents are very much opposed
to the practice. At this writing, the s iper-
intendent is inclined to the belief that the
schools should not be closed and that the
parents should determine whether their
children shall go to school or to see the
circus.

May 3, 1892, the contract for building
an addition to the front of the high school
house, according to plans and specifications
prepared by Melville G. Patterson, was let
to Harrison S. Baker for $16,484.

The contract for building a new school
house at the corner of E. Herkimer and N.
Jasper streets, according to plans and speci-
fications prepared by Elah Terrill & Co.,
Columbus, Ohio, was let to White Bros., of
Springfield, Illinois, for $12,000.

May 19, 1892, it was voted that the con-
tracts for building two room additions to
the Jasper and Jackson street schools, ac-
cording to plans and specifications prepared
for the same by Melville G. Patterson, be
let to Messrs. Krentel & Lyon according
to their bids of $6,325 and $3,925, respec-
tively.

July ,5, 1892, it was voted unanimously on
the motion of John K. Warren that the new
school house be known as the H. B. Durfee
school in memory of the late Henry B.
Durfee.

August I, 1892, it was ordered that forty-
five ten-twenty year five per cent bonds for
Si, 000 each be is.sued to E. H. Rollins &
Sons on their bid, the highest of ten, of

PAST AMI PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.

14.!

S4(>,IJ5. Uetun- ilic boiuls were tlclivcrcd,
Messrs. E. H. Rollins & Sons conveyed
their interests to .Messrs. N. W. Harris &
Co., of New York, and the bonds were is-
sued in tlie name of the latter firm.

.\pril 13, i8<>3, it was decided that in view
i>f the fact that the programmes of recita-
tii>ns and studies were all arranged for the
present term, it was not wise to attemjn to
introduce physical cidture into the schools
at this time — this was adopted as an answer
to a commimication received from the De-
catur Turn X'erein.

The hoard ordered, June 5, 1893. that the
contract for erecting a ftiur room addition
on the north side of the Warren street
school he awarded to Messrs. Lyon & Will-
iams for S7.400. The plans and specifica-
tions as i)reparcd by Mellville G. Patterson
were adopted.

June 18, 1804. the contract for building
a two room atldition to the Jasper street
school, according to jjlans prepared by Mell-
ville ( i. Patterson, was awarded to Thomas
I.. Antrim for $2,276. It is believed that this
is the smallest amount ever paid for two
school rooms in this city.

May 2. 1895. it was ordercil tiiai jots 19,
20, 21, block 2, of P. II. lirueck's adtlition
be [)urchascd.of Edward A. Denz for $2,000.
and that lots 17 and iS in the same block
be purchased of P.. I,. Roscbraugh for
$2,525.

May (>, lSr)5, it was ordereil tiial the new
school house to be built at the corner of
N. .Monroe and Pugh streets, be known as
the Pugh school in grateful recognition of
the military and civil servicer •''' '''• '■■•'•
(ien. Isaac C. Pugh.

It was voted May 22, 1895, to i>>ue to
N. W. Harris & Co.. New York, forty
twenty-year four per cent bonds of Si. 000
each on their bid of 99 and accrued inter-
est.

May 20, 1895. '''*■ contract for building
an addition of six rooms at the north end

of the high school, according to the i)lans
and specifications prepared by I. D. Stine,
was awarded to William 1". <iebhart on his
bid of $i5,3tK).

The contract for building the Pugh school,
according to the plans and s|)ecifications
l)rei)ared by .Melville G. Patterson, was
awarded to Thomas I.. Antrim on his bid
of S10.590.

November 14, i8<)5. it was ordered that
the superintendent be authorized to hire
substitute teachers in case of the sickness
of the regidar teachers and to pay such sal-
aries as their experience might warrant but
m no case to exceed $2.50 per day.

The clerk was directed to pay Miss Clara
E. Eymau lur regtdar salary for one-half
of the time she was kept out of school by
order of the board of health on account of
the death of her niece from diphtheria.

Dec. 12, 1895, the supen'ntendcnt reported
that several parents in the southwest part
of the city had asked that the board con-
sider the matter of closing the Wood street
school on accoimt of the prevalence of diph-
theria in that part of the city. He also
stated that he had held a conference this
morning with the mayor, D. II. Conklin,
and Dr. Cass Chcnoweth. a mcmbei; of the
board of health, and that it was the opinion
of both these gentlemen that but little if
any good could come from closing the
schools. .After a long and careful di.scus-
sion of the subject, the superintendent was
directed to use all possible care to keep out
children who might be in danger of com-
municating the disease to others and to re-
i|uire a written permit from Dr. Ira N.
IJarnes, chairman of the board of health,
before admitting chihlren from families
where the disease had prevailc<l.

On March 13. 1896, .Mrs. Elizabeth Ilar-
wood asked that a uniform flag salute be
adopted for use in the schools. The teach-
ers were requested to use such a drill in
their schools as often as they might deem

144

PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTS'.

it desirable. Jlic supcriiUeudcnl was di-
rected to try diistless oils upon the school
room floors.

On the 161I1 uf .\pril, 1896, the contract
tor huildint;- llie t)akland school according
ti^> tile i)lans and specifications prepared by
Melville ( i. I'atterson was awarded to
Messrs. Iluniphrey & Brooks for the sum
of $11,498, their bid l)eing the lowest of
seven submitted.

June 9. 1896, the following report on a
drawing exhibit made by the schools was
ordered published;

We found our task an unenviable one and
it was only after hours of conscientious
work that we allowetl the ribbons to be
placed in their respective places.

In many cases we found more than two
admirable drawings representing the same
class of work, but as it was deemed advis-
able to honor a few only, we could by no
means recognize all good work, but select-
ed those which ct)ntained the greatest num-
ber of excellencies from an artistic stand-
point. This being true, we wish not alone
to encourage the fortunate few, bvit others
who have shown work full of expression
and meaning, and which show talent on the
right road to development.

We believe these exhibitions do much to-
ward stimulating art education in the
schools, and Ibis we believe is the surest
and simplest way of bringing the people to
that state of development where they can
appreciate and enjoy great art.

Some one has truly said that a nation as
such can best comprehend and express its
worthiest ideals in art form, and the first
practical way of arousing universal inter-
est in' works of art and cf discovering abil-
ity that, once developed, will produce such
work is by making art education as com-
pulsory as the more common lines of work.
Only a few years have passed since art
education was a privilege of the rich, but
this exhibition alone proves it otherwise

now. We must endeavor to make art a
genuine thing, in no sense an affectation —
a fad. it affords an order of enjoyment
and growth whicli mathematics and ath-
letics cannot furnish, and a nation cannot
reach the highest state of civilization with-
out a great existing art.

Mrs. Florence Stookcy Lutz,

L. Crunelle, and

K. (). Rosen,

Committee.

The thanks of the board were tendered
to the members of the committee for their
valuable report ; also to the Woman's Club
for the free use of its elegant apartments,
for the exhibit and for the helpful interest
its members have manifested in the educa-
tional affairs of the city.

.August 13, 1896, it was ordered that the
system of vertical penmanship published by
Messrs. Silver, Burdette & Co. be used in
the schools for the coming year.

October 15, 1896, the petition of J. \\'.
Barber and others asking that certain de-
scribed territory west of Oakland avenue i^e
received into the district was granted by a
unanimous vote of the board and the clerk
was directed to notify the county clerk.

August 12, 1897, the following was read:
Decatur, 111., Aug. 10, 1897.
To the Board of Education :

Owing to the uncertainty of my return
to Decatur to reside permanently, and feel-
ing that the duties of the office require the
attendance of a full board, I hereby resign
my position as a member of the board of
education.

Yours very truly,

Mary E. Haworth.

On motion, the resignation was accepted
and .Mrs. .Minnie P. Hostetler was elected
to fill the vacancy until the regular election
June 7. 1898.

'i'lu' fiillnwing were unanimously adopt-
ed:

PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.

1-ii

\\ hcrcas, 1 he removal to aiunhcr city
lias necessitated the resignation of Mrs.
.Mary E. Haworth from this board, and

Whereas, In her withdrawal the board
feels that it has lost a very wise and efficient
member, therefore be it

Resolved, That in tribute to her wise
counsel, faithful interest, and never weary-
ing labors as a member of the board we ex-
press our sincercst regrets in her resigna-
tion, and wisli for her in lier new home a
hap])y contimiation of her interest and
labors in liehalf of education.

Xo\eniber ii. 1897. the following com-
nnniication was read:

To the Pioard of Education: — The
Wcnuan's Club of Decatur hereby petition
vour iinniirable body to incor])orate jshysical
cnltm-e in the public schools. W'c beg you
will in\-estigatc this matter and give it your
aUenlinn, as the niendiers of the clul) con-
sider it desirable. This subject is presented
to you only after mature consideration, as
we appreciate the difficulties to be. over-
come, but we feel that the welfare of the
children demands that some efforts be made
to overcome the effects of such continued
mental work with so little jihysical relaxa-
tion.

Ida \\'. r.ak-er.
Carrie E. Clokey,
Susan H. Abel,

Committee.

It was ordered that the re(|uest be re-
ceived and laid over for future considera-
tion. The opinion prevailed that the course
of study in the schools was already crowded
and that jnipils and teachers found it diffi-
cult to secure sufficient time in which to
jiroperly do the work. It was also believed
that satisfactory results in physical train-
ing could not be secured withiiut the em-
ploj-ment ot a special teacher and the cdii-
dition of the treasurv would not warrant

the l)oaru in incurring this additional ex-
pense at the present time.

July .21. 1898, the contract for making im-
provements at the Jasper street school ac-
cording to plans prepared by R. O. Rosen,
architect, was let to Harrison S. iiaker for
!|52,540. There were six bidders.

October 13, 1898, the superintendent was
directed to prepare a circular and send it
to the parents ha\-ing children in the public
schools and ask iliein to fa\or ihe hoard
with their wishes concer.iing physical cul-
ture in the schools. On ('ctobcr 251'] the
superintendent reported the form of ll^e cir-
cular sent to the parents and th.' answers
which had been recei\cd. Twenty-one hun-
dred se\enty-four circulars were sent out.
I'lnir huiulred eighteen were not returned,
SIX hundred and thirty-eight voted against
and eleven lutndred eighteen in favor of
ha\ing the subject taught in tlu- schools.

December 8, 1898. Mrs. Jumelte L. Tyler
was appointed teacher of jjhysical culture.

On June 23, 1899, t'le contract for build-
ing a two-room addition to the H. B. Dur-
fee school according to the plans of M. G.
Patterson, architect, was awarded to Har-
rison S. Baker for the sum of $3,628.

At the January, 1900, meeting of the
board, Mr. Frank Plamsher, principal of the
high school, asked permission to change the
hours of study and recitation in the school.
The plan was adopted, but he was directed
to send lite following ballot to the jiarents :

Decatur High School, Jan. 15, 1900.
To the parents of the pupils of the Decatur
High School :

.\ccording to the ineseni arrangements
the program of the lligh School is as fol-
lows: .Morning session 9 a. m. to 12:05
p. m.. htnch 12:05 to 12:30; afternoon ses-
sion 12 :3o to 2:30.

I-"or a long time it has been felt that the
present ])lan in regard to lunch is unsatis-
factorv. A few pupils go home to dimier.

146

PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.

a large number have no lunch at all, sonic
bring a lunch, and some bring money and
buy their lunch — a lunch for the most part
of such articles as pickles, cheese and pie.
That present conditions are unsatisfactory
is indicated by the large number of re-
quests we receive from parents and physi-
cians that special privileges in regard to
lunch time be granted this or that pupil.

To remedy this condition various plans
have been considered, ^^'e submit th'e fol-
lowing as the most satisfactory :

8:00 a. m. 8:40 a. m. first hour recitation.

8 :40 a. m. 8 145 a. m. recess.

8 :45 a. m. 9 105 a. m. opening exercises and
singing.

9 :05 a. m. 9 145 a. m. second hour.

9:45 a. m. 10:25 a. m. third hour.

10:25 a. m. II :o5 a. ni. fourth hour.

II :o5 a. m. 11 :i3 a. m. physical culture.

II :i5 a. m. 11 :55 a. m. fifth hour.

11 :55 a. m. 12:35 P- ™- si>^th hour

12 :35 p. m. i :I5 p. m. seventh hour.
According to this plan only those need

come at eight who have a recitation at that
hour; others need not be present mitil 8:45.
Those who come at eight may be excused
at 12:35. Those who came at 8:45 may be
excused at i :i5. In the afternoon of cer-
tain days the teachers \vill be at the build-
ing, at which time the pupil may be required
to return for consultation, or to make up
back work.

The number of classes in each subject
enables us to require only those to come at
eight o'clock who prefer to come, at that
time.

By beginning earlier and gaining the time
of the noon recess, we are enabled to have
more time for actual school work and yet
dismiss an hour and fifteen minutes sooner
than by the old plan.

By the new plan 500 children may be at
home before one o'clock, and the other 150
soon after 1:15.

If by your votes you approve of this plan.

it will be adopted. If after a fair trial it
proxes an unwise change, the former order
will be resumed.

E. A. Gastman, Supt. of Schools.

Frank Hamsher, Prin. High School.

Please write your name on the line that
indicates your \ole.
For \gainsl

Over four hundred voted for it and less
than forty against it.

June 18, 1900. .Miss Mora B. Smith was
elected director of primar}- methods in the
first, second, third and fourth grades.

May 9, 1901, the Athletic Association of
the high school asked that Prof. Charles
Kent be excused from his class duties on
the loth instant so that he might attend
and act as judge at the meet in Lincoln,
Illinois. ""The team will be greatly encour-
aged and the chance of winning the pennant
increased by his presence." The request
was unanimously granted. This is the first
time the board formally recognized athletics
in the high school.

On the 27th of :May, 1901. Mr. M. G. Pat-
terson, architect, was directed to prepare
plans for an addition of two rooms to be
built on the southeast corner of the H. B.
Durfee school. On June 13 five bids were
received for erecting the same, and the con-
tract was awarded to Mr. A. H. Humphrey
for $4,694.

Januar}' 16, 1902, a contract was made
with a company. Chicago, for apparatus and
material with which to thoroughly fumigate
the school rooms in cases of contagious dis-
eases. The cost was $122.50. Such action
had never before been taken by the board.

The annual election of teachers w^as held
on the i6th of June, 1902, and the salaries
of the grade teachers were advanced $25
each. Fifty dollars was added to the sal-
ary of each janitor upon the understanding
that they would cut the grass and look after
the yards during the vacations.

I'AST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.

147

The superintendent was directed, Aug-
ust 21, 1902, to post notices in all the school
rooms that persons damaging the property
of the district would be prosecuted to the
full extent of the law.

On September 9, 1902, the superintend-
ent reported that the 6th and "th grades
in the Marietta and the Warren street
schools were greatly crowded and thai the
same rooms in the H. B. Durfee school
were not full. He was ordered to transfer
pupils living on or east of Morgan street
to the H. B. Durfee school and to transfer
enough pupils living east of North Edward
street and north of West Edmond street to
the Warren street school to equalize, as
nearly as may be, the number of pupils
in the sixth and seventh grades of the Mari-
etta and the Warren street schools.

Messrs. Goodman and Maynard peti-
tioned the circuit court for a writ of man-
damus to compel the board to allow their
children to remain in the Warren street
school. The case never was heard by the
court. Something over a year later the
petition was dismissed by the complainants.

In December, 1902, a discussion was com-
menced as to the desirability of tearing
down the Church street school, the oldest
public school in the city, and building a
larger and better edifice. On January 15,
1903, the following was offered by Mr.
James F. Roach and unanimously adopted :

Resolved, That we erect on the present
Church street school ground a school house
containing ten or eleven rooms. The build-
ing to be two stories with a basement, and
an attic of sufficient size to be used as an
auditorium, to seat not less than 600 per-
sons, and that we receive from various ar-
chitects sketches for floor plans and eleva-
tions to be used as a basis for final plans to
be adopted later.

At a meeting January 26, 1903, sketches
were received from architects.

Some six or eight meetings were held to

consider these sketches and the discussions
were frequently continued until nearly mid-
night. I'inally the plans of .M. G. Patter-
son were adopted at 1 1 40 p. m., February
17, 1903. He was elected superintendent of
construction March 18. t)n .\pril 14,
1903, by a unanimous vote, it was ordered
that the building be named the E. A. Gast-
nian Schixil.

The contract was awarded to Swisher &
Jjrooks for $42,448.88, but this amount does
not include the heating and ventilating, the
gas pipes, the electric wiring nor the con-
crete floors in the basement. It is estimated
that the total cost will be some fifty-five or
sixty thousand dollars.

On April 15, 1903, R. O. Rosen was di-
rected to prepare plans for an addition of
two rooms to be built on the south end of'
the Jackson street school. He was directed
to provide for using as much of the old ma-
terial from the Church street house as could
be utilized. Bids were invited for tearing
down the old Church street school.

.\t a meeting held .\pril 24, 1903, a con-
tract was made with Messrs. Swisher &
Brooks to tear down the old building, as no
bids had been received to do it. They com-
menced the work the next day, and the total
cost was $965.98. Old material was sold to
the amount of $180.40.

The Church street school building was the
oldest public school house in the city. It
was erected in 1856-7 by the directors, Ed-
ward O. Smith, Jasper J. Pcdicord, and
Philip B. Shepherd. An addition of two
rooms was made to it in 1879. No record
of the cost of the original house has been
found, but tradition says it was about $6-,
000. The addition cost $2,883.75.

On July 8, 1903, the contract for building
an addition of two rooms to the Jackson
street school was awarded to Wm. F. Geb-
hart for $8,547.

At a meeting held on July 14, 1903, it
was ordered that the Ward system of teach-

PAST A.\h i'Ki':>i':\'r of macon colwty.

iiig reading' be adoplcd in the lirst and sec-
ond grades in all tiie schools, il having been
tested in the Warren and Chnrch street
schools for the past two years.

It was also ordered that the new Hyde
books, one and two, in English, be adopted
for nse in the fmirlh, tifth. sixth ami sev-
entli grades and that the third, fonrth and
fifth readers of the (iraded Literature series
he useil in llie third, fourth and fifth grades.
This is the third change of readers in the
Decatur schools since 1850.

A LIST OF TEACHERS

employed in the public schools from the or-
ganization of tlic board of education.

April, 1865, to October i, 1903.

Edward Adams, Carlotta Adams, Louise
Adams, Zella F. Adams, Josephine Adams,
Kate Aikin, Laura Aikin, Mrs, Ottoria Al-
exander, Sarah E. Allen, Blanche Allsop,
Harriet M. Amsden, ISettie Anderson, Flor-
ence .Able, Amanda J. Affleck, Lucy J.
Anderson, Delia Arthur, Jennie Badenhau-
sen, Mattie Benian, David liigelow, Bessie
Baker, Mattie \', Bean, Ardelia A. Beach,
A. E. Beardsley, Mabel \\'. Barrett, Mollie
Bear, Ella Bear, Olive M. Bear, Edith
Beamer, .\annie Beamer William O, Betzer,
Minnie E. Bigelow, Clara 1!. Bishop, Adelia
N. Bishop, Fannie Bivans, Maggie C. Boi-
ler, Clara W. A. Bowles, Mary A. Bell,
Sada Beadles, Hattic Baker, Alice 1\L Bet-
zer, Mary E. Baker, John T. Bowles, Ellen
L Bond, Clara B. I'.othel, Ella D. Boyer,
Plorence Tirand, .Sallie 15rand, ( Leffing-
well), Mary R. lirand, Emma M, Beswick,
Mrs. Susan .\. Brockway, Frank P, Bach-
man, L luldie Brown, Fay C. Brown, Mary
E. Earth, Katharine Brown, Mary E.
Brooks, F'rank G. Blair, one month ; Eva M,
Bixby, Inez Brunton, Frances 'SI. Bruce,
(Strain), .Anna \L Burnham, Marietta \V.
Carson, Maude Calhoun, Oka Calvin, .An-
nette H. Carleton, Nita Clark, Eda AI.

Clark, Mary Jackson Clark, May Cochran,
.\. J. Cole, Nancy Coleman, Elizabeth Con-
dell, .Margaret Connor, Lucy Coolidge, Ella
Collrin, .Mrs. S. L. D. Cortright, Xancy Cun-
ningham, Emeline E. Crocker, Jacob H.
Coonradt, Rachel Cook, (.\lbeitz), Kate E.
Crowley, Bessie X, Cravath, Emily H. Cot-
ton, Mrs. Xettie Crosier, Flora .\, Culp,
Ruth Culver, Edith Ray Crapo, Evaline L.
Cutler, Buel P. Colton, Julia \'. Criswell,
Robert I', Davidson, Harriet' A. Davidson,
Jude E. Davis, Mary Davis, Xellie Cole
Danely, Minnie E. Davis, A. .\lta Dawson,
Jvatherine Dempsey. Ruby T. Dc Alotte,
Laura Dempsey, Marianna Deverell, Katie
R. Dennis, PZlizabeth Dills, Marian Dills,
Grace Dills, Inez Dingman, Cora Di-
van, Ella Dixon, Sophia M. Drebisch,
C. W. Demmon, Jennie E. Durfee,
Lucy Durfee, Helen Dean, Miss L. AL Dur-
ham, Mollie Ellis, 2 months ; Mattie E.
Eaton, Delia M. Eaton, Ulric C. East, Mary
-M. Edwards, Walter .A.. Edwards, Sherry
W. Ehrman, John Eichinger, Ida Elder, N.
Olive Enoch, Mary L. English, Tillie Entler,
Clara Eyman, Thomas L. Evans, Mattie H.
Evans, H. E. Flanagan, Xellie File, Lura
File, Ada Ferguson, Irene I-'erguson, Marie
Z. Fleming, Kitty Fitzpatrick, Ida L. Foss,
.A. Josephine Freely, Grace Freeman. J. C.
Fuller, Mary .A. Fuller, Belle Fulton, Laura
Fulton, Alary W. French, Priscilla E,
Foulke, Etta Foster, Philo S. Fenton, Hat-
tie Falconer, E. A, Gastman, Frances Gale,
Alabel C. Gale, Blanche Gasaway, Louise
.A. Gastman, John W. Gibson, Clara S, Gill-
ham, Theda Gildmeister, Frank D. Glover,
Helen E. Green, A, S. Gordan, Hattie Greer,
Xannie R. Gray, Ruby C, Gray, Anna AI.
Granger, Alary E, Grunendike, Mollie Gru-
bel. Alary C, Gregory, Emma Gregory, Sue
Gregory, Alary Gregory, B. Wilmah Greene,
Alary B. Hall, Xettie Hall, Stella M. Hague,
Flelen F. Hale, Alida R. Handy, Emma
Harpstrite, Alary Hasbrouck, Clara X.
Haw-kes, Thomas E. Havward, Alary L.

PAST Axu i'Ki:si:\r of macox county.

14&

Hubbard, Josephine Ilarwood, Annie \\ .
Hayden, Xellie I. Hendricks. Flora E. Hill.
l>ertha Hendricks, Elizabeth Hardy. Anna
E. Haskell, Herbert C. Hansen, Henry Han-
son, George A. Henderson, tirace Hite,
Belle W. Hobbs, Ida llockingbcrry, lunma
iirird. Elizabeth L. Howes, Grace K. Hutch-
ison. Celeste Hoft'man. Clara E. Hoffman,
Ruth Hoffman, FAa Humphrey, Jane E.
Hammond, F'rank Hamsher, Lucy Hollings-
vvorth, (Montgomery), (Nelson), Ethel
Hopson, Kate Hamilton, Robert F\ Hoxie,
.Mrs. Stella Hunter. Leta Hughey. Bertha
flull. Rachel Hummell, .Martha E. Hughes,
Ida C. Huft'man. Victor Hawthorne, Sarah
.M. Imboden. Euc\- Irwin. Samuel S. Jack.
.\niia Jack. Lottie A. Jackson. .Xoah X.
Jacobs. l-"annie Johns, (Sedgwick). Carrie
.\. JaniisiMi. George F. James, Alice Jen-
nings, Delia Johnson, Lucinda A. Johnson,
.Martha Johnson, May Johnson, Lena 1!.
Jones, S. .\lice Judd. Rosa E. Judson, Mary
Jordan. Marcia Kimball. May Keethes,
Charles W. Kent. .Margaret Kelley. Airs.
.Mattie V.. Kerr, Margaret G. Kerr. (Col-
bert I. Roberta Keyes. Elizabeth Knei])er.
Lulu Laughlin. Elizabeth Leeper. .Margaret
Leeper. Louis B. Lee. Mary E. Lewis, Fan-
ny T. Lecher, Grace L. Lockett, Clara
Long. (I'rown). Xellie H. Love, Elizabeth
Lutrell. Mark A. Lukens. Ernest B. Lytle,
Samuel M. Lake, Jessie W. Locket, John i!.
Loeftlcr, Laura Longenecker, Dora K.
Longenecker, Maude A. MacClurg, A. Marie
Macpherson. .\nna Magee, Carrie Mallory.
Eva Malone. Wallace E. Mann. Laura .Mar-
tin, Lida C. Martin, John Marten, Elizabeth
Mathews. Sallie McCall, Mary McCullom.
Cora McGorray. Katherine McGorray, Mar-
garet AIcGorray. Lizzie McGuire, Laura W.
McLain, Mrs. Lida A. McMurry. Oscar l'.
McKim, Alice Mead. J. H. Metcalf. Mar-
garet M. Means. .Anna Mead. Martha
Mertz. I-:ivira K. Mark. Priscilla Mill-
burn. Mrs. L. L. Miller. Julia C. Mil-
ler. Mary .Miller. Maude E. Mills. Mi.ss

L. L. .Mitchell. .Mrs. Jennie .Montgom-
er\ . Lucv W. Miles, one month; Edith
.Montgomery. Ida Moffill. Laura Montgom-
ery, Helen F. Moore, Harriet E. Moore,
Emma Muthersbaugh, Mabel Muther.s-
i)augh. George S. Morris. Mary W.
Moore. Mary E. Moore, Mrs. Anna E. .Mur-
lihy. Chloe Murphy. C. M. McMahon,
Charles W. .Mills. l':va T. .Myers. .Mary
Xeil, r.ertha .Xorman, Tillie Xornian. Vir-
ginia .X. Odor, .Maria Okey. F.lizabeth Ol-
.son, Bessie Oshinsky, Bettie I'rather. F.il-
win Park. Henry 1". I 'age. Mary A. Perry,
(Bradley), ^^■nl. L. Page, F.lizabeth .M.
Park. Mrs. Mary E. Park. Minnie Parker,
.Mrs. r.ell Porter, Minerva M. Pearce, .Ar-
thur L. I'atton. John .A. Peters, Bertha
I'illsbury, ICdwin I'hilbrook. Ellen C. Phil-
brook. Florence E. Pitts. John H. Powell,
.Mrs. Sue C. Philips. Catherine E. Peck, 3
months; Calla .M. i'arker. .Mary Powers,
Ada S. I'ritchett, Helen Perry. Xettie C.
I'ritchett. Ethel Ouinlan. Bertha Reed. Sal-
he Reeme, Susie .M . Reddick. G. .Anna Ray-
mond. Sallie Roe. Lois .M. Roberts, Lucre-
tia 1. Rooker, Xeal 1). Rcardon. Carrie .A.
Record, Mrs. Agnes Roddy. Deete Rolfe,
iM-ederick Rust. .Anna F. Rus.sell, Mrs. J.
11. Roell. Silva Ross, Elizabeth Sabin,
Lhristina Sanderson, Sarah E. Sanderson,
Tillie Schumacher, Carrie Scott, Mrs. Kate
I'. Si-vfer, Sophia 1!. Shaffer. Fanny C.
Shepard. James J. Sheppard, Elizabeth
Sherrick. C. \V. Shleppy, Kate Sherrick,
Gertrude Shorb, Orrillia Sikes, Margaret
SoUars. Anna B. Simms. Frances Simpson,
Myra A. Smith. Xellie L. Smith. Oscar F.
Smith. Fannie L. Smith. Bruce Smith. J. B.
R. Sherrick. .Miranda M. Sargent, Kather-
ine Search, .Mice E. Slocunib. .\nna .Sny-
der, Flora P>. Smith, Lennie F. Smith, Ber-
tha Sjiencer, Harriet Southwick, Mosetta
I. .Stafford, Clara .Stare. Jessie Spencer, Bell
Sterling. Mrs. J. M. Sterrett, Kate Stickel,
Lillie \V. Stewart. Lurene Seymour, Susie
Tucker, \'esta Terrell, Ennna Trull, Mary

150

PAST AND PRESENT OF 'MACON COUNTY.

Thuiiiiemann, Lillian Tabor, A. Anna Tink-
ler, Mary ToUaday, Elmer R. Towl, Eliza-
beth Tovvl, Litta Tobey, John Trainer,
Berlha Trautinan, Prank L. Traverse, Alice
Tuttle, Jeancttc L. Tyler, Alice Tyler, Sallie
J. Taylor, Lena Ullrich, Luetta Ullrich, Ella
VanDeren, 2 months; Mary E. Vaughan,
Carl Vertrees, Anna Vetterleit, \Vm. L.
Westermann, Margaret E. Wallace, Edith
M. Wallace, Myra Belle Wallace, Josephine
F. Waggoner, Medora E. Waughop, (Yoa-
cum), John W. Weston, E. D. Walker, Bes-
sie S. Warren, Henrietta Watkins, i month ;
Mattie Weaver, Pearl W. Weiennett, Ma-
tilda Wells, Frank W. Westhoff, Jasper N.
Wilkinson, Nettie Wiley, Mollie E. Will-
iams, Frederick C. Willson, Mary W.
Wilder, Anna M. Wilson, Blanche Wilson,
Minnie E. Wilson, Mabel Wilson, Josepha
H. Witte, Alice Witbcck, Mary Wood, An-
na E. Woods, J. Edna Worthley, Sarah Wil-
son, Edith Yeomans, Bessie L Young, Jen-
nie Young, Ella W. Yeager.

THE HIGH SCHOOL.

In 1862, the directors decided to emploj-
a city superintendent of schools and to open
a high school. Nothing of the kind had been
done before in Decatur. On July 12, 1862,
E. A. Gastman was elected principal of all
the schools at a salary of $480 for a term
of 120 days. At the same meeting Miss
Frances A. Peterson was elected assistant
in the high school at a salary of S30 per
month.

During the summer Mr. Gastman and
Miss Peterson were married and the high
school was opened under their management,
September 22, 1862, in the lower east room
of the Church street school. The following
pupils were enrolled during the first school
year of six months :

Lois Andrews, Laura Cornell, Maggie
Ellis, Maggie Flora, Alice Glore, Hattie
Greer, Anna Hargis, .Mice Harris, Jane
Hammond, Almira Kaufman, Love Kauf-

man, Eliza McClelland, Jane McClellan,
Mollie Mitchell, Adelia Murray, Kate New-
ell, Sadie Phelps, Anna Righter, Alice Shel-
labargcr, h'lora Stuart, Thomas Boyce, Wm.
T. Cussins, W. C. Ellis, Orville B. Gorin,
Alonzo Glore, Albert Henkle, Hugh Odor,
Edwin Miner, William Powers, Benj. H.
Righter, \\'clburn Hiner, Thomas Henkle,
Chas M. Durfee, Carrie Trowbridge, Emma
Trull, .Mary Hudnot, Winnie Branch, Sarah
Frazier, Lizzie Luttrell, Jane Elwood, Mary
titzpatrick, Marcella Greer, Carrie Jamison,
Emma Peddecord, Kate Stickle, Elizabeth
Trull, Emmaretta Williams, Lydia A.
Smith, Anna Haworth, Jennie E. Durfee,
Mary Falconer, Mary Stuart, Thomas Nich-
ols, A. Orr, Patrick Keely, J. C. Hostetler,
Frank Priest, Edward Goodman, Jay J.
Mansfield, George Routh, Edwin Stickle,
Robert R. Montgomery, Richard Noble, T.
J. Davis.

In the fall of 1863 the school was moved
to the basement of the Baptist Church on
the northeast corner of William and Water
streets, ilrs. Gastman having died just be-
fore the close of the previous year, Miss
Mary E. Baker became the assistant. The
school was carried on in this dark and dingy
basement for six years. During that time
Misses Miranda ]\I. Sargent, Helen Dean,
and Nancy Cunningham were assistants.
At an election held July 8, 1863. the people
ordered, by a vote of 129 to 6. that the
schools should be continued for nine months
in each year.

In the first years of its history, the school
had no regular course of study. Such
classes were formed as would best suit the
wants of the pupils attending the school.
Gradually, however, a course of three years
was adopted.

There was very little interest in the
school among the people, and. probably, less
than one hundred citizens attended the first
annual exercises and saw this class of
four girls receive their diplomas. But these

PAST AND I'RESENT OF MACON COUXTY.

15)

very exercises had a very decided inlluencc
in awakening a strong popular sentiment in
favor of the school.

The erection of a building for the accom-
modation of the school was frc(|nently dis-
cussed l)y the board of education, but no
action was taken until August 9, 1866, when
Messrs. Durfee & Warren and Dr. Thomas
H. Reed sold to the board lots Jo. 1 1 and u
of the resurvey of block 7, Reed & Co.'s ad-
dition, for the sum of $3,400. In May, 1869,
lot 9 in the same block was bought of Ab-
■diel T. Risley. for $820.

Owing to a want of funds nothing was
done about a building until April. i8f)8,
when Air. (leo. V. Randall of Chicago was
employed to prepare plans and specifications
for a high school house. On the twenty-
sixth, the clerk was clirccted to advertise for
bids for erecting the building. On June 13th
the following projjositiohs were submitted:

Conn & Underwood. .Sbelliyv illc. 111..
$25,000; A\'. F. Bushnell & Co., Mendola,
111.. $25,000: F. .McXabb. Decatur, III,
$19,980: X. J- Campbell. Decatur, 111.. $25.-
000; D. C. Shockley. Decatur, 111., $ii).-
192.58.

Plastering and painting were not includeil
in the bids of Messrs. McXabb and Shock-
ley. The contract was awarded to Mr.
Shockley.

On July 4. 1868. the lot was surveyed ancl
leveled b\- Charles A.Tuttle. The erection of
tlie building was commenced soon after, D.
McVey being in charge of ibr brick work.
During the summer and fall the house was
enclosed, but the tower was not built until
the spring of 1869. The house was plastered
in the winter by Sollars & Hanks for $r,-
098.60. It should be said to the credit of these
workmen that no repairs have been required
on the plastering from that time until now,
except under the stairways in the halls. The
painting was done by M. A. Myer and A.
C. Corman for $1,046.60. The total cost
of the building was $24,577,46.

The first session of the high school was
held in the new building September 13,
18O9. with these teachers in charge of the
several classes :

1''. .A. (iastman, .Mary W . iTrncli, Mi-
rantla .M. Sargent.

The first story and one-half of the second
storv of the building were occupied by chil-
dren in the lower grades of the ward
schools. Misses Martha E. Hughes and
Sarah E. Allen taught primar}' classes in
the rooms on the lower floor, and Miss
Amanda J. Affleck had an intermediate
school in the northeast room on the second
tloor.

< )n the 8th i)f l'\bruary. 1870, Samuel S.
Jack, of Latrobe, Pennsylvania, was unani-
mously elected ])rincipal of the high school
at a salarv of $1,500 ])er annum. The aver-
age daily attendance in the school that year
was 1 10. The following class graduated
in June. 1870: .Maggie Sollars, Mabel Car-
penter, Carrie I'llson, Rachael F,. Cook,
Robert B. Hostetler, Charles M. P.arnes,
Truman S. Crissey, John L. Ridenour.

It is believed that this is the only class in
the history of the school in which the nuin-
ber of boys was equal to the number of .girls.

(In February 10, 1871, Mr. .Samuel S.
Jack tendered his resignation of the prin-
cipalshi]), wliich was accepted and F. A.
Ciastnian was directed to take charge of
tin- school mitil a new princqial could be
secured.

In 1871 the course of stitdy was extended
to four years and no class graditated that
year on account of this change.

The growth of the school was slow in
those days. In 1875 there were five teach-
ers, and the average daily attendance was
155 fiir the year. In 1880 the number of
teachers was the same and the average at-
tendance was 152. In 1885 the attendance
advanced to 220. and the number of teach-
ers remained as before. In 1890 the aver-
age daily attendance was 244 and the num-

15i

PAST A.XIJ I'RKSKXr ol' .MACoX rol'XTY

her of teachers increased to seven. At
])resent there are nineteen teachers at
work.

The gradual injT class of 1875 numbered
thirteen, two boys and eleven girls. In 1880
there were twenty-two graduates, six boys
and sixteen girls. In 1885 the class was
coiuposed of eight boys and twenty girls,
or twenty-eight in all. In 1890 the class
consisted of thirty-six members, thirteen
boys and twenty-three girls. In 1894 there
were forty-nine members in the class, of
whom seventeen were boys and thirty-two
girls. The graduating classes since 1894
have been as follows: "95, 76; '96, 80; '97,
87: 98, 55; '99, 70; 1900. 84. The number
of pupils enrolled during the year 1899-
1900 was 731.

From the above figures it w-ill be seen
that the growth of the school and of the
classes annually graduated, commenced
about 1885 and has steadily continued until
the present time, .\nother fact shows the
same condition of affairs. From 1869 to
1892 the old building proved ample for the
wants of the school. In the latter year the
capacity of the building was substantially
doubled bv the erection of an addition in
front. It was thought that this would make
the building adequate for a long time to
come, but ])y 1895 '^ second addition of six
rooms on the rear was required.

The building as it now- stands has thir-
teen session rooms, witli a combined ca-
pacity for about 800 ]iui)ils. three recitation
rooms, two large well-equipped labora-
tories, a drawing room and a library room.
It is one of the largest and best high school
buildings in the state.

The expansion of the High School in
point of numbers and building accommo-
dations has been paralleled in its cotirse of
study. It has expanded in two directions ;
in the addition of new subjects, and in the
more extensive study of subjects already
in the course. Ptipils today may pursue a

tour years' course of stud}- in l'",nglislu
mathematics. Latin, (ierman. history and
science. Their course of study is deter-
mined for the most part by their own in-
tellectual tastes, the only subjects particu-
larly required being English and a certain
amount of malhem;itics. This freed(jm of
election of studies is of recent introduc-
tion, but thus far ])romises much in making
school work a matter of serious purpose.

( )ur large and well equipped chemical
and physical laboratories and our generous
supply of microscopes and other biological
apparatus put our work in science on a true
scientific basis, and enable our pupils to
gain real insight into scientific method.

A great deal might be written in descrip-
tion oi the work in English, mathematics,
the languages and various other subjects,
but space forbids to say more than that
these subjects are taught from the latest
and most approved text books by men and
women whose training has made them
specialists in their department.

There are two sul>jects now taught in
the High School that deserve special men-
tion ; music and drawing. To those wdio
are acquainted with the aims and results
of the work along these lines nothing need
be said to show their value. These subjects
have won their place in the schools in spite
of long ojipcisition. and their jaossibilities
and value are constantly coming to greater
appreciation.

^\'hen we reflect on the fact that over
se\en hundred girls and boys were enrolled
in the High School during the year, that
the four vears of the High .School life are
the formati\-e years of their character, the
\ears when they begin to awake from the
dreams of childhood \.o know the world as
it is. the years when many of them are
meeting the sterner realities of life, wdnen
we think on these facts, we begin to realize
what a ]iosition of influence in the com-
munity tlie I ligli School holds. W'e are wont

PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.

153

to forget that the children of today are the
men and women of tomorrow. But such
is the ever recurring fact. The money then,
and the time and thought that are expended
in maintaining this institution, which re-
ceives its pupils as children and graduates
them as men and women, is well and
wisely spent.

GRADUATES OF THE DECATUR
HIGH SCHOOL BY CLASSES.

The High School was organized in Sep-
tember, 1862. The following is a complete
list of the graduates. In 1871 no class grad-
iiated, as the course was changed from
three to four years.

Class of 1867.

Emma Hummell (GarverJ, Rachel Hum-
mell (Bear), Alice Roberts, Emmaretta
Williams (Hopkins).

Class of 1868.

Clara Allison (Imboden), Theodore Cole-
man' (Yellow Pine), Ruth Crissey (Cor-
nell), Fannie Johns (Sedgwick), Jennie
Newell (Wilson).

Class of 1869.

Frank L. Brooks, Hattie Fuller (Krig-
baum), Carrie Hubbard (Kinney), Katie
Jones (Aldrich), Emma Reeme (Davidson),
Sallie Roe (Baird).

Class of 1870.

Charles M. Barnes, Mabel Carpenter
(Summers), Truman S. Crissey, Rachel
E. Cook (Albeitz), Carrie Elson (Clokey),
Robert B. Hostetler, Maggie Sollars (Cald-
well), John L. \'estal.

Class of 1872.

Emma Tunmons (Linstedj, Etta Foster
(Crawford), Sallie Malone, Ida Moffit
(May), Annie Shepherd (Witt), .Mice
Stamper (Martin).

Class of 1873.
Lora E. Anderson (Bohon), Ella E. Col-
trin (Smith), Ruth A. Culver (Vestal), Ida
E. Coltrin, Laura M. Emerson, Lena Hin-
kle (Walters), Virgil N. Hostetler, Mary
Johnson (Brown), Ida T. Jones (Hartzel),
Sanford Leffingwell, Nellie B. Smith, Dora
E. Watighop (Severance).

Class of 1874.

Mollie Barnes (Stanton), Maggie Dennis
(Cobb), Mary Halstead (Pease), Eva
Malone, Priscilla Milljurn (Smith), Annie
.Smith (Close), Abbie Ryan, Myrtle Varner
(Millizen), Jennie Young (Pratt).

Class of 1875.
Grace Adams (Birkett), Lilly Babbitt,
Nellie Corneau (House), Harry Durfee,
Leora Emerson (Richardson), Carrie
Fearn, Belle Fulton, .Minta l'"uUi)n, Lucy
Irwin (Harrington), Cora Johnson (Sei-
fried), Tillie Norman (Bascom), Celia
."-^luipp (Buchanan), .Mbcrt T. Summers.

Class of 1876.

Mary Brett (Williams), Cora M. Bone-
steel (Hueston), Leona L. Childs
(Stookey), Laura Lindsay, Annie McKen-
zie (Leach), Josie Shea (Baum), Emily
Clark (Parker), Docia Gates (Baker),
Bettie Wingate (Lindomood), Mary Wise
(Burks).

Class of 1877.

Laura Adams (HufT), Laura E. .A.ikin,
William Barnes, Dessie Bowers (Powers),
Ilattic J. Brown, Maggie R. Cloyd, Nellie
Durfee (Jenkins), Annie B. Haskell, Will
J. Hostetler, Emma I. Hughes (Irwin),
Nellie O. Krone, Lou Martin (Strader),
Laura B. Martin, W. Clay McCune, Minnie
A. Parker (Hostetler), Annie E. Russell
(White), Sarah Sanderson (Wilson), Wil-
helmina Shultz, Fannie S. Smith (Gray),
Lulu Sollars (Wheelock), Sallie Turner
(Craig), Alice S. Tyler, George A. Win-
gate.

154

PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.

Class of 1878.

Hcslon 1. liaklwiu, Ella Uear, Ella Boyer,
Charles A. Ewing, Laura Fulton (Corley),
Alida R. Handy, Gussie Hill, James T.
Moore, Laura .Montgomery, jMaggie ilosser
(Robinson), Sarah Bristow, Mary Connor
(Rearich), Charles H. Dennis, Abbie Pratt,
Nellie Pratt (Tucker), Clara E. Stare, Car-
rie Spangler (Daniels), John H. Ullrich,
Ella G. Ursey.

Class of 1879.

Meta E. Batteiger (Dodson), Wilson M.
Bering, lola Boyd (Baker), Sallie Brand
(Leffingwell), Lillie Dermit (Anheier),
Harry Ehrman, Edward W. Heilman, Cora
B. King (Roach), W. H. Knapp, Lizzie E.
Lukens, Lizzie A. Murphy , Alverda L.
Scott (Foster), Annie E. Tuttle (Phelps),
Frances L. Taylor, Minnie S. Brown.

Class of 1880.

Horace Andrews, J. Bering Burrows, Ber-
tha M. Barnwell, S. Lillie Chadsey, Anna
Farrell (Page), Emma T. Marlett (Leavitt),
James H. Martin, Beckie A. McRoberts
(Bradfield), Louise C. Meister (Brohel),
Viola Moore, Cyrus T. Randolph, Henry
E. Gipson, Mary W. Hardy (More-
house), Hattie B. Hardy (Johns), Bertha
Hendricks, Notie M. Large (Bartholemew),
Mary E. Robins (Ryder), Minnie E. Shelly
(Rice), Rella Shockley (Hurst), Adele
Shellabarger (Hillman), Jessie Stephens
(Page), Frank \\'e]ls.

Class of 1881.

A. V. Andrews, Eva M. Bixby, Lillie
Brown (Murphy), Nettie M. Hall, James
M. Roberts, Frank C. Roby, Gertrude Smith
(Herff), Estella Spencer, Walton K.
Hedges, Mary A. Lukens (Collins),
Charles R. Murphy, Ida M. McCormick
(Klett), Ada E. Pratt (Baldwin), Jessie
Spencer, Angle Sweeney, Perley W. Tay-
lor, Annie Tinkler (Ward), Mamie T.
Wood (Armstrong).

Class of 1882.
Lulu Bishop (Cunningham), Hattie Cole-
man, Minnie A. Dill, Harry T. Hays, Hat-
tie Howell, Robert R. Rogan, Kittie
Search, Robert D. Stewart, Clara Slom-
mell, Eddie Hoy, Lillian B. Irwin, Clar-
ence B. McClelland, Alary Nebinger (Sta-
delman), Annie M. Prather (Van Riper),
Jennie Troutman (Albert), Dora Walston
(Johnson), Beulah Whitsit.

Class of 1883.

Hattie A. Abbott (Brancher), Everett
J. Brown, Alaria Buckingham, Delia Dim-
mitt, Lottie E. Eicholtz (Adkins), Blanche
Gasaway (Matthews), Elizabeth S. Gast-
man (Powell), D. V'. Heilman, Annie Hen-
kle (McClelland), Ida Hockingberry, Alice
M. Imboden (Riggs), Annie Litsinberger
(Johnson), Laura Alahannah, Sherman AIc-
Clelland, Amanda Pickerell (Cruthers),
Lewis Race, Arthur Race, Christini Sander-
son (Conover), Lafayette Shelley, Matt R.
Smith, Fritz Westermann, Max Wester-
mann.

Class of 1884.

Alinnie T. Bachman (Mueller), Minnie
Bigelow, Ada Boy.d (Meckalenburg), Flor-
ence Brand (Higgins), Mary Cloyd, Charles
C. Denton, Clara E. Eyman (Walker),
Arthur Flood, Bessie E. Green, Annie Gris-
wold, Effie Hains (Flood), Mellie Housum
(Meyers), Ella Litsinberger, Annie Lit-
lerer, Grace Lukens (Bixby), John Alagee,
Lillie C. Dimmitt, Ellen T. Ditzler (Met-
calf), Laura Ebert (Connard), Fannie B.
Ehrman (Marshall), Mary L. English, Mat-
tie H. Evans (Wiley), Maggie McGorray
(Shlaudeman), Eva Nichols. Emma Petsch,
\MlIiam Ouinlan. Cora Renshaw (Keller),
Lou Russell (Cruze), Alattie Williams
(Thompson). Will Wood, Blanche Wilson
(Morrell).

Class of 1885.
Lillie Abbott (Brancher), Myrtle Abbott,
Marian Abel (Wait), Mary B. Aikin, Edgar

PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.

.155

O. Bradley, Fred. A. Brown, 1-Lliza L. Hall,
mho R. Hopson, Ida B. Kaiii (Martin),
Lucy C. Keeler (Hostetler), Alma A. Koeh-
ler (Gilbert), Nettie S. Lindsay, Eva E.
Caldwell (Bradley), Myra A. Carniany, Al.
Bess Dillon (Reed), Elmer E. Dresbach,
Mame L. Freeman (Wilmeth). ^laye M.
Gannon (Duncan), Myrta \ an Riper (Ke-
ough), Clarence Wait, Fred E. Murph}-,
Mary Lois Roby (Brown), Charles Schroll,
Jeannette Sollars (Crozier), Lottie E. Stare
(Fritz), Ralph Templeton, Augusta Wester-
man (Schroll), Mollic Williams (Muzzy).

Class of 1886.

Leah Lou Bear, Fred K. Bowman, Harry
A. Bumstead, Jennie E. Cariens (Cray-
croft), David J. Cloyd, Minnie E. Davis
(Strader, Howard Diller, Emily S. Ham-
sher (Ditto), Leo Heilbrun, Carrie L. John-
son (Stecher), Thomas J. McReynolds, Vir-
ginia N. Odor, Nettie C. Pritchett, Florence
G. Rainy (Donnelly), Nell Schroeder, Kate
Sherrick, H. Theodore Westermann, Cora
Whitmer (McNabb), Laura Gertrude Whit-
sit (Page).

Class of 1887.

Kate G. Aikin (Watson), Fannie Cross-
man, Mac E. Grossman, Sophia M. Dro-
bisch, Will L. Dunn, Addie V. Ebert (Muel-
ler), Eve M. Hammer (Clark), Lillian
Haines (Stoutenborough), Alice Hiser
(Shinier), Nellie E. Hubbard, John L.
Keister, Mary E. Lewis, Lizzie Ebert, Lulu
R. Elwood, Frank L. Evans, Nora A. Rad-
cliff (Starr), Bertha T. Randall, John B.
Robinson, Jonathan Rogan, Virginia E.
Smith (Hardy), Belle M. Steele (Dona-
hue), Edwin L. Stevens, Adele M. Lower,
Mary A. Magee, Ella C. McRobert (Kin-
hart), John W. Thomas, Luetta Ullrich
(Bumstead). Anna E. Wentz (Irvin), Al-
berta B. Whitmer, Emma R. Weigand,
Margaret ^^'illianls, James A. Winslow.

Class of 1888.
Maud Al. Aikin, Clifford G. Arthur, Olive
M. Bear, William A. Bentley, Allen G. Bev-
ans, James L. Bevans, William J. Cheno-
weth, Mary O. Colby, X'adian W. Conklin,
Charles A. Denison, Sheridan W. Ehrman,
John W. Eichingcr, George F. Fruit, Lela
A. Gladish, M. Josephine Gasaway (Jones),
Clara E. Reeme, Harrj^ E. Flamshcr, Joseph-
ine R. Harwood (Conant), Charles T. Hub-
bard, Lizzie Q. Hughes (Winter), Celeste
A. Hoffman, Lucinda A. Johnson (Wheel-
er), May H. Keethcs, Harry E. Kizer, Will-
iam B. Knoble, Elizabeth H, Kneiper
(Bunn), Jacob H. Latham, Robert B. Lytic,
Florence J. Pitts (Shellabarger), Frank E.
Prestley, Anna E. Rainey (Stafford), James
Spence, Gertrude Shorb (Martin), Silas E.
Snyder, Jessie R. Steele (Wangelin), Elmer
Towl, Jesse Wiswell, Victoria Wallace
(Arthur).

Class oi 1889.

Fannie T. Locher, Alice M. Judson (Prin-
gle), Millie P. Batchelder (Cowen), Thad-
dcus Schroeder, Harry H. Metz, Minnie
Brockway, Mabel Durfee, Nita Clark, N.
Grace Penniwell, J. Christie Gannon, Flar-
ley Armstrong, Elizabeth Colladay, Charles
M. Wood, Christina H. MacKenzie (Witt),
Kilburn H. Roby, Clara E. Hoffman, Annie
W. Hayden (Barnett), Harry E. Haines,
Beatrice Bowman, Frank L. Johnson, Ada
S. Pritchett (Bean), Wilbur W. Dawson,
Eugenia Flarris, Desdemona Millikin (Bev-
ans), Julius T. Westermann, Wesley W.
Mielley, Wilson Freeman, Ella Antrim,
Elizabeth Sherrick, Eva iNIay Murphy,
George Lytic.

Class of 1890.

Mattie T. Babcock (Webb), Mae C.
Brown (Shoemaker), Emma M. Condell,
Grace L. Dills, Maud Espey, Nellie Schroll
(Clark), Mary B. Simon (Whiting), Mary
M. Stultz, Lena Ullrich, Clara A. Weyl,
Enuna \". Falconer, Hattie T. Falconer,

15G

PAST AND PRESENT OE MACON COUNTY.

Kathleen K. Harwood (Mallery), Grace K.
Hutchison, Jessie W. Lockett, Edith M.
Lytic (Smith), Jessie P. McKenzie
(Shreves), Mary J. Mathews (Newell),
Lola Montgomery (Perry), Elizabeth M.
Park (Beggs), Fallis S. Radcliff (Miller),
Alice C. Robinson, Leora Sanderlin
(Smallwood), Walter K. Adams, Charles
W. Armstrong, Edwin K. Dinges, Erank
Hamsher, George 1\L Hart, Edgar E. Jack,
Dixon H. Kautz, Albert E. Mowrey, Her-
bert E. Nims, Asa C. Somerville, Arthur
Wait, Will L. Westermann, Charles C.
Wilson.

Class of 1 89 1.

Edna AL Bunn, Elizabeth L. ]\Iatthews
(Bachman), Will J. Armstrong, Frances
AL \\^oodrufif, Alonzo H. Tuttle, Mary C.
Clary, Emma F. Harpstrite, Jesse E. Whit-
sit, Effie E. Harris (Lake), Jennie A. Leiby
(McMellen), Luther E. Roby, Mary A. Tut-
tle (McFarland), Mabel E. Wilson, Lewis
E. Coonradt, Mary M. W^ood, Hattie Cross-
man (Gordon), M. INIaude Dill, Katie F.
Montgomery (Sullivan), W'ilson B. Wood-
ford, Gretchen L Boyer (Brant), Cornelia
Blanche Underwood, Benjamin Freeman,
Pauline B. Bentley (Adams), Anna W. Ba-
denhausen, Elizabeth N. Mills (Dawson),
Milton Johnson Jr., Clara N. Hawkes,
Bertha .Spencer, John C. Shea, Thomas B.
Jack, Mabel C. Smick, Katherine E. Simon
(Pennington), Arthur S. Dumont.

Class of 1892.

Hugh M. Boone, W. W^innie Bramble,
Donna Buckingham, Mary L. Batchelder
(Watson), Georgia L Clendenen (Milden-
berger), Stella Cowgill, Annie E. Cool
(Parks), Myrtle M. Garver, Floyd A. Gast-
man, Charles D. Hoy, Nettie Haag (Mc-
Intyre), Lucy Kretzer, IMyrtle V. Lyon,
Henrietta Metz, Alice Meade, Nellie Michl,
Elvira E. Mark, John Miller, Kate S. Ouin-
lan, Ira N. T. Roberts, Sarah Wilson

(Mills), Ida E. Webster (Schultze), Laura
White, Gertrude L. Wayne (Kemper).

Class of 1893.

Mary L. Lewis (Miller), Eva I. Dills,
M. Emma Clark, Aldyth J. Irwin, Clara E.
Mitchell (Lehman), Delia Arthur (Hedges),
Eunice Scott (Chandler), Anna L. Meade,
Dessie A. Garver, Alma M. Halmbacher
(Butzbach), Virginia A. Peake, Jessie R.
Smith, Maude Felton (Brocton), Samuel K.
Magee, Charles M. Bumstead, Morton C.
Blythe, Herbert S. Howes, Floy R. Gasa-
way (Niles), Joseph F. Hartley, L. Made-
line Roberts, Sue A. Dimock, Stella A.
Brooks, Jennie Lyons (Martin), Rosa B.
Ruckle, Herbert W. Gorman, Stella E. Ham-
ilton, Jeannette M. Bills (Heil), Anna S.
Vetterleit, Fannie G. Lyons.

Class of 1894.

Carrie A. Record, Ernest B. Lytle, Leon-
ard M. Mitchell, Georgia Elliott, Jessie A.
Montgomery, Fannie A. Bivans, Warren T.
Durfee, Byron E. Bramble, Eva M. Dun-
ham, Byrd Adele Dinges, Laura Shaflfer,
Sallie Shaffer, Edna Margaret Hendricks
(Hart), Jennie W. Baldridge (Johnson),
Jessie La Forgee (McCoy), Ada M. Hohen
(Colladay), Ella Laude Buchert, Amy A.
Hoffman, Donnie E. May, (Wheeler)
Pauline Johnson (Augustine), James F.
Hall, Maude May Stoy, Annie Roberts
Cloyd, Wilbur Corman, Fred R. Cassell,
Fred Schroll, Thomas William Pitner,
Archer T. Davis, Ralph O. Conklin, Roy
R. Wilson, Louise Antoinette Gastman,
Nellie Geneva Pratt (Vance), Lida A. Saw-
yer, William Fitzpatrick, Rosa Voelcker,
Charlotte E. Hawes, Lulu M. Beall, IMabel
A. Wayne, Florence L. Lyon, Hattie Childs,
Elizabeth Condell, Fred C. Depew, Mar-
guerite Chandler, Ida J. Lewis, Max C.
Ruehl, William Buchanan, Edith Beamer,
Charles M. Auer, Violet Bourne.

PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.

157

Class of 1895.

Fannie S. Askins, Clara M. Becker,
JMaude E. Brooks, Edna Childs, Afabel Car-
son, Jessie R. Darling- (Hooper), Mary
Davis, Marianna DevercU, .Marian L. Dills,
-Mary L. Dorrell (Wilson), Mollie M. Dro-
bisch, Margaret Downing, Tillie Afay Ent-
ler, Maude E. Evans, Harriet M. Earner
(Barby), Jessie Felton (Britton), Caroline
E. Foulke, Mary A. Fitzpatrick, Nellie B.
File, Marie F. Jenison, Ada M. Johnson,
Maude L. Kilgore, Lida C. IMartin, Cora
Oliver Martin, Elizabeth J. McNeil, Harriet
B. Martin, Lida M. Montgomery, Lydia E.
T. Myers. Nellie G. Moore, Mary E. Moore,
Lena Quinlan, ?,Iary R. Ramsey (Wells),
Carrie L Roberts, Anne H. Roby, Mabel
Rice Shinier (Ca.ssell), Louise B. Simon,
Nonette Stare (Hovey), Pearl Homes
Scott, Ethel F. Greene (Beatty), Ada Sa-
lina Haines (Stoner), Clara E. Harkness
(Reubsamen), Florence H. Hatch, Ruth C.
Hoffman, Louie Grace Hott, Cora E. Huts-
inpiller (Wood), Sarah M. Imboden, Ber-
ing E. Braden, Edwin Buckmaster, Harry
J. D. Colladay, William H. Coonradt, Alva
Hayes Diehl, Cecil L. Davidson, George
S. Foster, James A. Grubbs, E. K. Hamp-
ton, Paul T. Hawes, Luther A. Howes,
Amanda B. Trainer (Mann), Jessie M.
Wade (Peck), Nellie W. Wilhelmy, Myrtle
Wheeler, Ida Mae White (Gay), Irene
L. Wood, Ardie L. Wood, Bessie Irene
Young, Hugh W. Housum, Cecil McKee
Jack, James D. Johnson, Alva M. Johnson,
Lewis Isaac Kirby, Louis T. Rainey, Bald-
win Starr, Harry F. Turner, Robert Put-
man Vail, Guy W. Williams, J. F. F. Waltz.

Class of 1896.

Celia Tone Arthur. Jennie Grace Baden-
hauscn. Nellie Pugh Batchelder (Brown),
Laura Edith Berry, Adelia Nelson Bishop,
Mary Bell Bivans (Bramble), Alma May
Brown. Birdie Olive Lanham, Dora Kather-
ine Longenecker, :\rabcl Lord, Mabel Han-

Ion Love, Ada Estelle ]\lagee, Florence
Mary McBride (Walker), Fanny Lucille
.Merris, Nina May Buckmaster, Katherine
Crankshaw, Norma Warren Dawson, Grace
Ebel, Winnifred Grace Elliott, Challis Har-
rington Gasaway, Ethel Gordon, Edna Can-
trcll Graves (Griswold), Josephine Esther
Hoy, Maud Antoinette Hughes, Bonnie
Barnes Hutsinpiller, Estella Jenkins, Laura
Tenney Jenkins (Rigey), Carylon Lauretta
Mae King, Razella La Mar, Pearl Lane,
Arthur Louis Aikin. Benjamin Connor
r.achracli, Willis Wilhcrt Boggess, John
Anderson Hrockway, Jr., Frederick Wads-
worth Church, Howard Gates Cloyd, Walter
Earle Colladay, Charles Dean Cool, Ralph
Curtis, Frank Stoddard Dickson, May Olivia
-Miller, Jeanic Margaret Muir, Grace Anna
Munson, Anna Adele Neiman, Clara Char-
lotte Niedermeyer, Myra Edwards Plnm-
mer, Sadie Rixse, Bertha Jessica Roddy
(Lampkin), Ethel Adele Scovill (Carpen-
ter), Mary Jessie Stevenson, Lilian Mary
Stout, Mary Eda Tolladay, Laura Jcannette
Tullis (Derrickson), Eilen Margaret Ver-
million, Grace Ora Walker, Margaret Alice
Wood, Grovnoir Sprague Hanc, Hugh
Jacob Hill, George Raymond Howenstine,
Franklin Johnson Howes, Gus Hugh John-
son, James Arthur Keith, John William
Kinney, Fred Elwood Mann, Charles Ed-
ward -Medford. John Alva Myers, James
Benjamin Parish, Charles Arthur Dixon,
George Webster Dunston, Frank Leroy El-
liott, Arthur Clarence Erwin,. Herbert El-
roy Fell, Stanton Clark Fields, Arthur Bon-
nom Pease, Edgar Allen Quinlan, William
Jacob Rothfus, Willis Bion Shirey, James
Blair Vigus, John Jacob Voclckcr.

Class of 1897.

May Allison, Sadie Chenoweth Athons,
Rose Evelyn Bachrach, Emma Rosalie
Bean, Mary Adele Blackstone, Josephine
Elizabeth Bold (Fife), Gussie Hill Bone,
Frances Alice DeCourcy (McDonald),

158

PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.

Jeannette May Drake, Alice Wessels Dro-
bisch, Madge Olita Fenton, Eva Myrtle Flint
(Johnson), Clara Chesley French, Nora Lu-
cille Cjraham, Ina Corinne Graham, Mary
Willis Greene, Mollie Eileene Grubel, Min-
nie Anna Halmbacher (Geneess), Lulu
Blanche Hoyland, Litta Tobey, Josephine
F. Waggoner, Maud B. A\'allace, Lena Al-
berta Warwick, Estelle Verne Will-
iams, Cordelia Williams, Harriet Wei-
mer Wood, Edna May Woodford,
Abner William Brintlinger, Roy Henry
Brown, Lucien Wood Bullard, Ira Wad-
del! Clokey, Sidney Alber Covington, Ralph
Earle Cruzan, Florence P. Donahoe, For-
rest File, Harry Garver, Ira Carver, H.
Allen Gleason, Benjamin Terrell Hoffman,
Mary Josephine Kerr, Nellie A. Keeler,
Lillian Clara King, Grace Hortense Lytle
(Heiby), Bessie Florence Lutz, Eva Rilla
Major, Notie Meriweather, Laura Agnes
McNeil, Mary M. Miller, Edith Frances
Montgomery, Emma Maud Muthersbaugh,
Jessica Norma Nichols, Etta Bernice Oakes,
Myrtle Angelia Owen, Clara E. Phillips,
Ada Aletra Rainey, Etta M. Ruddock, Bes-
sie Virginia Sanner, Clara Loretta Sawyer
(Foster), Lida Evelyn Smetters (Wester-
man), Elizabeth Blanche Spalding, ]\Iarie
Rose Steinbach, Mary Cline Sterrett, Ina
Lydia Kincaid, Ira Barnes Hoy, Walter
Summer Irwin, William Bertrand Kennedy,
Guy Warren Lipscomb, Robert Usrey Maf-
fit, Winfrcd Newman Conway, Ralph Gar-
field Mills, Walter Herbert Mills, Benson
A. L. Myers, Frederick David Niedermeyer,
George Raymond Oakes, George Edgar
Odor, Roy P. Owen, Russell Charles Pack-
ard, Alfred Piatt, Charles Franklin Record,
Robert Karl Schudel, Charles Moore Steele,
Henry Conklin Stevens, Bryant Edward
Vail, Sylvester Wilhelmy, Wayne Cullen
Williams.

Class of 1898.

Ethel B. Ashmore, Lelah E. Ayres, Sada
Beadles, Alice Jean Bevans, Nannie Beam-

er, Jennie Lucile Bonebrake, Elmer O.
Brintlinger, Jessica Ellen Carr, John R.
Clary, Helen Fayetta Conover, Mary Jack-
son Clark, Frank David Collins, Sallie
Alabel Coleman, Olive May Casner, Rice
Ervin De Groat, Lucy Jeannette Dur-
fee, Gertrude Eva Dillehunt, Ruthe
Deetz, Leota De Hart, JNIary Golden
Danely, Elizabeth Bates Dills, Myrtle L.
Etheridge, Daisy M. Fletcher, George N.
Gouv, M. Adelaide Gaston, Grace Griswold,
Edith Adele Hunsley, ]\Iary Catherine
Harry, Maude Heminger, Benjamin Asbury
Imboden, Arthur Livingston Jeffers, Ed. H.
Jeft'ers, Lee Irving Knight, Sarah Etta
King, Olive Oliva Kunkle, Ida May Loring,
Alvah W. Long, Margaret Hellar Landis^
Clyde j\I. Leach, Noy Oglesby Montgom-
ery, James Montgomery, Albert Mann, Jes-
sie Isabel Meriweather (Pluck), Margaret
P. Murrell, Charlotte Briggs Nelson, Otto
G. Prather, Lillian M. Post, ^largaret
Gertrude Phillips, Ethel Lucille Ouinlan,
Martha Edna Stuart, Elizabeth Ruth TowL
Charles Edward Vermillion, Jesse L. Wi-
koff, Edith M. Wallace, Thomas Buck
Weems.

Class of 1899.
Edwin Adamson, Edgar L. Auer, Clara
Allison, ]\linnie Amelia Brown, Louise M.
Bold, Marie ]\Iaud Bailey, Lee Boland, Er-
nest Bear, James Herbert Bowdle, Lillie
E. Baldridge, Roy Jabez Blackburn, Kath-
eryn Amelia Burk, Grace Beadles, Jesse Le
Roy Conel, Lynn Watson Clark. Ella Ce-
cilia Clarkson, Delia L. Dixon, Edith Chris-
tina Carter, Charles E. Ewing. Bessie M.
Etheridge, Clyde M. Frazier, Nora Vivian
Greene, J. Fred Grout, Gioga Dagmar Gas-
ton, Desdemona Hamsher, Daniel Peter
Housum, Elizabeth L. Hawthorne, Samuel
Garfield Heilbrun, Gertrude Anna Hott,
Lura File, Grace M. Hayes, Marie Bertha
Heinz, Mabel A. Knight, Myrtle Maul Kell,
Catherine Estella Fitzpatrick, Mabel H.
Laughlin, Mattie E. Laughlin, Raymond A.

PAST AND PRESENT OP xUACON COUNTY.

159

Leonard, Louise Mcrritts, Sue Mida Maris,
Cecil G. McColloin, Mary Elizabeth Mills,
Zella McAllister, Banus H. Prater, Lucy W.
Penliallegon, Anna Mabel Phillips, Marie
Haddessah Powers, Mary Ethel Priest, Har-
old L. Ruehl, Grace Orpha Record, Roy \V.
Sanncr, 1\ II. Marguerite Stauffer, Walter
F. Smock, Sallic Reed Thomas, Susie Eme-
line Tucker, Bertha Troutman. John A.
Wolfer, Maud A. Weltlcy, Edith Mao 1 Ian-
ford, Maurice Guy \\'illiams, Clara May
White, Luella Estella Wheeler, Bess Neil
Young, Sadie L. C. Skelley, Harry Jones,
James 11. niirtee Jr., Irene Bliss Sikes, Les-
lie Alexander Maffit, Edith O. Foster, Ada
Emilie Lindsay.

Class of igoo.

George Irwin Anthony, X'olney Barber,
George Beatty, Carle Edison Braden, Ralph
Merle Carter, Lloyd Albert Chenoweth, De-
ios Cozacl, Edward Alexander Grubel,
Harry IT. Ilannum, Frank Merrill Lindsay,
Clarence C. Neiman. L. Aldridge Nichols,
Rollin Boughton Pease, Paul F. Rol)ertson,
W'illiam P. Stevenson, Marshall C. Stookey,
Arthur Van Guilder, John LaFayette Wad-
dell, Fao Wait, J. Henry Warnecke, Aloses
A. Watkins, Florence Edith Abel, Edna
Marie Alexander, Clara A. Ainsworth,
Helen Louise Bachrach. Martha C. Batchel-
der, Nellie E. Boutwell, Nellie Ethelin
Bouser. Myrtle Llcw-Ella Bowman, Jessie
C. P>rowii, Bessie Burkam, Fay W'eller
Burks, Edith Hazel Catlin, Mabel A. Clark-
son, Lucy Colston Cloyd, Daisy Jennie
Coover. Kathrina Bartlett Disbrow (Clat-
terbuck), Ethel Lcnore Drinkall, .Anna Mae
Dimigan, Delia Mae Eaton, Mabel Agnes
l-'bcrly, Jessie Irene Fell, Alma Ethel Fos-
ter, George Ena Earner, Sarah E. Fitzpat-
rick, Julia Vivian Gasaway, Peai-1 Gebhart,
I^elia Pauline Hardy, Leona Katherine
Harkrader, Bertha Frances Heminger, Lu-

cile F. Hiekisch, Eve M. Hoffman, Mabel
Owen Howensline, Ethel Lenore Hoyland,
Lulu Belle Hughes, Leta Hughey, Patricia
Maria Flunt, Grace L. DeHaven Johnson,
Florence Mabel Jones, Kittie Kincaid, Fran-
ces Celestia Kirk, Mary Alice Loughlin,
Corrinne Leach, Mabel L. Logan, Amy Ida
Mann, Minerva J. Merker, Aileen McNur-
ncy, Mabel Alice Muthersbaugh, Estelle Er-
cilla Xichols, Jessie Reeves Penhallegon,
Celia J. Post, Pansy Blossom Priest, Mabel
Claire Scanlon, Geneva M. Sikes, Mae M.
Smeltzer, Helen Florence Stookey, Jessie
Lucretia Swette, Esther Louise Thayer,
Carrie Louise White, M. Margaret Wiefel,
L. Irene Wiefel, Lucy Lavina Williams,
Bessie Belle \\'ilson, Louise Wright.

Class of I go I.

Celeste Beaumont Abel, Goldie M. At-
lass, Alice A. Baker, Mae Badenhausen,
Mae Frances Boland, Ethel Ada Baldwin,
Zella Alice Burks, Charlotte Brinkmeyer,
Alda Ilalderman Born, Estelle Esther Bry-
ant, Nellie M. Crockett, Julia Curran, Ada
I". De Hart, June AI. Dempster, Emma
Bradley Ewing, Josephine Mae Epler, Freda
Jewel Foster, Lillian E. Friend, Bertha Mae
Edmundson, Beatrice Elliott, Bertha Mae
Garver, Laura Naomi Gouge, Neta Han-
num, Grace Hobson, Antoinette M. Henry,
Nena Blondell Imboden, Ella Estelle John-
son, Gertrude P>. Knotts, Martha Rubentha
Kresin, Myrtle Taylor McGowan, Lola E.
Mason, Trenna June Miller, Elizabeth G.
Mackenzie, Hattie Elizabeth Moore, Flor-
ence Jeannette McNeil, Grace Naftel, Flor-
ence Isabelle Nickens, Grace Lillian Pope,
Susie Peters, Nellie E. Painter, Bessie Ral-
ston, Minnie Redmon, Mary Theresa Smith,
Iva Marguerite Still, .\nna Carolyn Stout,
Mabel Ellen Stout, Litta Marie Sine, Au-
gusta R. Scott, Leah May Seiberling, Ruth
Beatrice Valentine, Jennie Fay WikofF,

160

PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.

Frances Effie Wayne, Nellie Lura Wor-
lliam, Myra Belle Wallace, Nellie F. War-
ren, Jennie Pearl Wohfarth, Nellie H.
Wright, Sybil Lansdowne Williams, Emma
M. \\'ittlingcr, Alaude Wilking, Roy M.
Cope, Albert Norton Beadles, Ralph C.
Bradilock, Will Carleton Cash, John Collier
Calhoun, Austin Flint Collins, Frank E.
Dietz, Robert Carl Doake, Harold F. En-
lows, Chester \\'. Hathaway, Edward Ber-
ing Hitchcock, Ralph William Hubert, Ed-
mund Walter House, Louis Jones, Arthur
Jones, Charles W. Keyes, Frank Kincaid,
Lucius Mitchell, Norman Dow McCollom,
Harry Corneau Morgan, Robert R. Munsie,
George Taylor Owens, Charles Walter Pad-
gitt, Fred O. Pahmeyer, Roy Clifford Par-
rish, Lloyd J. Sweeny, James Gordon Sheen,
Chester Allan Smith, Fred Tolladay, Orville
Wilhelmy, Edgar J. Witzeman, Claude Kyle
Zimmerly.

Class of 1902.

Walter Neil Baker, A. Linn Bear, Robert
V. Benton, Orville Harry Billington, Car-
roll Botts, Charles Black, Guy M. Cheno-
weth, IMarquis Connard, Curtis Connard,
Orville L. Cross, Robert L. Church, Henry
G. French, Ernest John Galbraith, Richard
Garland, Lee Edwin Gilbert, William
Charles Grout, Claude E. Guyant, G. Pal-
mer Harry, Ernest L. G. Heyne, Hildred
Vivian Arthur, Clara Martin Baker, Lin-
netta Missouri Bear, Myrtle Adams Boone,
Lucile Carter, Ethel Chambers, Grace
Childs, Ehrma Cloyd, Margarette Edythe
Connaghan, Sadie Clara De Lashmutt, Lela
Eyman, Lulu Eyman, Vera Glenn Fenton,
Zillah H. Finnell, Pearl Fribourg, Nellie P.
Glessner, Ada D. Gourge, Alay Gouy, Sylva
Mae Hinton, Jessie Hott, Lelah Grace
Hopkins, Iva M. Hubbard, Eda Au-
gusta Jacobsen, Ollie James, Ethel
May Jay, Effie Belle Keller, Alice, King,

Llizabelh Kirk, Guy U. Hill, Raymond C.
Hill, Charles Percival House, James B.
Howenstine, Sidney F. Keeler, Elmer B.
Keusink, Don Raymond Lehman, Earl A.
Mann, Harry Floyd Midkiff, Eugene Clif-
ton Robertson, Ralph T. Roney, Ray G.
Sawyer, Frank H. Stewart, D. Fred Strobel,
Harry Van Gilder, Wilkie Logan Waddell,
Fritz Leroy Washburn, Leonard E. Wise,
Hobcrta L Knowlton, Jessie F. Lichtenber-
ger, Ethel Lilyan Lindsley, Carrie IMetz,
Opal C. Miller, Judith Bell Mills, Lillian
Montgomery, Bessie Zona Murrell, Marguer-
ite Ethel Oakes, Letha Patterson, Daisy V.
Payne, Clara Elliott Phillips, Lena A.
Pritchett, Ella Pritchett, Jessie Grace Reed,
Claribelle Richardson, Ida Angeline Rob-
bins, Edith Fay Rodgers, Bertha May Rubi-
cam, Alice M. Ruddock, Alice Mae Rupp,
Amelia Screeton, Mabel A. Schutz, Grace
Lillian Stuart, Mabel Thatcher, Mabel
Richmond, Edith Willard.

Class of 1903.

Sidney Louis Bachrach, Frank E. Bink-
ley, Edgar Bachrach, Harry B. Crea, John
Byrne, John Evans, Harold A. Elliot, Clif-
ford J. Gandy, Guy Renshaw Harrison,
Claire E. Hutchin, Roy G. Johnson, Fred
L. Riggin, Louis R. Ryan, R. Zink Sanders,
Walter John Schulz, William A. Witzeman,
Frank Walker, Charles Richard Yates, Otto
R. Stahl, William M. Stivers, Stella Allen,
Pearl R. Ammann, Mabel C. Brightbill, Or-
pha B. Bear, Bonnie Blackburn, Ada J.
Bills, Frank Elizabeth Betzer, Austa Esther
Brintlinger, Virginia Cloyd, Chispa L. Chap-
pelow, Linnie B. Devore, Jennie S. Dashiell,
Ida O. Diller, Lulalou De Groat, Maud
Jeanette Earnest, Eugenia Ewing, Mabel
Fletcher, Georgia S. Faith, Pearl Garrett,
Mabel Gaddis, Olive May Got, Lelah Car-
ver, Myrtle May Hatfield, Irene L. Houck,
Pearl Huffaker, Blanche OpheUa Head,
Elva Inez Hartley, Constance Ice, Helen

PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.

161

Aileen Jameson, Margarete E. Kelly, Hazel
King, Mary Isabele Legg, Sylvia Lee Delda
Lawrence, Jessie Leon, Ruth Mame Lan-
ham, Hallie May Miller, Edna Claire Mc-
Clelland, Georgette Morgan, Lillie Maud
Nichols, Frances Catherine Nye, Josephine

Estelle Nickens, Jessie Sumuelva Mont-
gomery, Lillian May Quimby, Pearl Record,
Hallie Rugh, Florence Scott, Mabel E.
Thorn, Katherine Troutman, Edith T.
West, Samuella Young, Madge Arline
Young.

O^^..^^^J_.^ y^.,

BIOGRAPHICAL.

ORLANDO POWERS.

Among- llie cinineiit men of Illinois whose
life record forms an integral part of tlie
history of Decatur, Hon. Orlando Powers
was numbered. In his death the city lost
one of its most progressive residents and
active and honorable business men, as well
as one whose influence was felt in marked
degree along the line of intellectual and
moral advancement. As the day, with its
morning of hope and promise, its noontide
of activity, its evening of completed and
successful efforts, ending in the grateful
■ rest and quiet of the night, so was the life
of this honored man. His career was a
long, busy and useful one, marked by the
utmost fidelity to the duties of public and
private life, and crowned with honors con-
ferred upon him in recognition of superior
merit. His name is inseparably interwoven
with the annals of Illinois, with its best de-
velopment and its stable progress, and his
memory is cherished as that of one who
made the world better for his having lived.

The life record of Orlando Powers began
on the 2ist of May, 1812, near the village
of Charlton, Saratoga county. New York,
and his youth was that of the usual farm
boy who assists in the operation of the
fields through the months of summer, while
in the winter seasons he pursues his edu-
cation in the common schools. It was in
that manner that Mr. Powers passed his
boyhood days until he reached the age of
sixteen years, when he started for Havana,
Cuba, in response to a request of his brother
William that Orlando should go to that
island and assist him in carrying on his
business there. IMaking his way to New
York, Mr. Powers, of this review, took
passage upon the schooner Helen, but was

destined never to reach the port for which
he sailed, for that ship was wrecked in a
severe storm when it had been under way
for three days. The rescue of Mr. Powers
was almost marvelous. He and Captain
Tucker, who commanded the vessel, to-
gether with three of the sailors, drifted
upon the open sea for eleven days, clinging
to the disabled hulk, part of which was out
of water. They subsisted upon a scanty
supply of sea biscuit and raw potatoes and
a very short allowance of water. When
nearly famished because of lack of food and
almost crazed by want of drink, they were
]iickecl up by a French brig bound for Bor-
deaux and eventually landed at La Rochelle,
whence they were taken on to Bordeaux
by land. Mr. Powers had no money nor
clothing, save that which he wore, and was
even without a hat, but found a kind friend
in an Knglish gentleman who relieved his
immediate wants and cared for him until
opportunity came for him to return home.
Re-crossing the Atlantic he landed at New
York and through the assistance of business
acquaintances of his elder brother he was
cnal)led to promptly discharge the indebt-
edness which it had been necessary for him
to incur. He did not tarry long in the me-
tropolis, but proceeded at once by steamer
up the Hudson river to his home, where he
had been long mourned as dead. After vis-
iting his people he once more made an at-
tempt to enter the business world, and this
time sailed from New York to Mobile, Ala-
bama. For some time he remained in the
south, being engaged in business enter-
prises in .Mabama and Mississippi in con-
nection with his brothers and brother-in-
law, Chauncev Wilkinson, during which

(105)

100

PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.

time he coiithicted operations at Z^Iobile,
Tuscaloosa, Prairie Bluff and Aberdeen, and
in 1849, '^'■' leaving the south, he took up
his abode in Decatur.

Mr. Powers had \isited this city in 1847,
his mother and his two brothers, George
and Samuel, having located here some years
before. Being favorably impressed with
the embryo city and its future prospects he
resolved to ally his interests with the place,
and up to the time of his death remained a
continuous resident of Decatur from 1849
with the exception of a brief period of one
decade, which he passed in Jacksonville,
Illinois. On locating in Decatur, Mr. Pow-
ers became identified with industrial inter-
ests as the owner of a saw and grist mill.
This he operated for a time and then em-
barked in commercial pursuits, establishing
a boot and shoe store. He became widely
known in business circles here and extended
his activity into many lines which proved
of value to Decatur as well as a source of
profit to himself. For many j^ears he was
the owner of the only set of abstract books
in Macon county. In matters of business
his judgment was always sound and reliable
and while he was conservative to the point
of safety he was also progressive and quick
to note opportunities which come to all.
In the early 3'ears of his residence here he
realized that Illinois was destined to be-
come a great and populous state because of
the fertility of its soil, which offered splen-
did opportunities to the agriculturist.
Wisely he made investment in real estate,
acquiring large property interests, includ-
ing both farm lands and city realty. As the
years passed he improved and developed
his property and as he found good oppor-
tunity for sale he disposed of his invest-
ments at a very desirable profit. His enter-
prise was also an active factor in the
permanent improvement and material ex-
pansion of Decatur. In 1889 he erected an
opera house, which would be a credit to a

city of much greater size. It is beautifully
and artistically decorated and is most com-
plete as to arrangements, thus furnishing
a place of entertainment of which Decatur
and her people have every reason to be
proud. No improvement for the general
good sought his co-operation irr vain
and it would be to recount most of the en-
terprises of Decatur to give a list of the
concerns which have benefited by his assist-
ance.

On the 27th of September, 1849, ^^f-
Powers was united in marriage to Miss
Charlotte E. Given, of Smithland, Union
county, Kentucky. It was while he was
traveling on horseback from ^lobile, Ala-
bama, to Decatur, on his first trip in 1847,
that he met this lady, and the friendship
that thus originated eventually led to their,
marriage. She was a daughter of Henry
Given, of Smithland, Kentucky. Unto Mr.
and ]\Irs. Powers were born four children:
Alice, who was born September 30, 1856,
and died on the 22d of April, 1878; Charles
G., born June 30, 1861 ; Howard William,
born June 20, 1864, and now a resident of
Decatur; and Anabel, who was born Au-
gust 18, 1867, and is the widow of Charles
Kerney, of Evansville, Indiana. Mrs. Pow-
ers died May 3, 1897, and Mr. Powers
passed away July i, 1902, his remains being
interred in Greenwood cemetery, by the
side of his wife. Charles G. Powers, the
elder son, was born in Decatur, June 30,
1861, received his education in the schools
here,- and when thirteen years of age re-
moved with his family to Jacksonville,
where he completed his education in the
Illinois College, being graduated in the class
of 1884. After two years he returned to
Decatur and entered the ofiice of Charles A.
Ewing, who was the agent for the Powers
properties. In this way he gained insight
into his father's business. He also read law
for two years, but not with the intention
of practicing it. On the expiration of that

PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.

167

period, the family having in the meantime
roturiied to this city, he joined his brother
ill business, and they took charge of their
father's affairs, comprising business inter-
ests unsurpassed in vohnne and importance.
Since that time the brothers have continued
in the management of the estate. They are
gentlemen of excellent business sagacity
and foresight, and in the supervision of the
property interests have shown marked dis-
crimination and unfaltering diligence. On
the 2d of June, 1887, Mr. Powers was united
in marriage to Miss Efiiie Rogers, a daugh-
ter of Senator Jason Rogers, and unto them
have been born two children : Orlando Rog-
ers, who was born January- 10, 1891, and
died on the i8th of April, of the same year;
and John Howard, who was born August
23, 1895, and is now at home. The parents
are members of the Presbyterian church,
in which Mr. Powers is serving as a trustee.
In politics he has always been a Repub-
lican, but has never consented to hold office.
.\nabel Powers was married June 17, 1890,
to Charles Kerney, of Evansville, Indiana,
who died August i, 1902, and she and her
brother Howard are living on the old Pow-
ers homestead. .She has one child. Char-
lotte Wright, born January 4, 1895. How-
ard William Powers received his education
in Decatur and Jacksonville and is asso-
ciated with his brother in the management
of the estate.

Mr. Powers gave his political support in
early life to the Whig party and wlun Mr.
Lincoln was first ]>laced on tlie RepuI)Iican
ticket as nominee for the presidency he
joined the ranks of the new organization,
with wdiich he continued to affiliate up to
the time of his death. He was a man of
generous impulses and gave freely of his
means to charitable and benevolent objects,
and yet his giving was always free from
ostentation or display. He long held mem-
bership with the First Presbyterian church
of Decatur, and manv thousand dollars

found its way from his purse to the church
exchequer. He contributed very largely
toward the building of the two edifices
which ha\e been occupied by this orgajii-
zation ami in many church offices he la-
bored for the welfare of the denomination
and the extension of its influence. Some
years ago he founded a scholarship in the
Presbyterian Theological Seminary of the
Northwest. With Mr. Powers friendship
was inviolable and he gained many friends
throughout his life, the circle of his friend-
ship being almost co-extensive with the cir-
cle of his acquaintances. A\'hen those who
needed assistance came to him his aid was
never withheld, if it could lie rendered, and
many a business man and firm in Decatur
owes its prosperity in large measure to the
generous assistance received from Mr. Pow-
ers in time of need. His own business ca-
reer was unassailable. Honor and integ-
rity characterized his every act and he was
nc\cr known to take advantage of his fel-
low men in any business transactions. He
enjoyed to the fullest extent the respect and
esteem of those with whom he was long
associated.

SILAS PACKARD.
For seventy-three years Silas Packard
has been a resident of Decatur — a record
perhaps paralleled by that of no other citi-
zen here. The little village in which his
boyhood da3-s were passed has developed
into a city of metropolitan proportions and
advantages, being among the largest in the
state and with its improvement Mr. Packard
has kept abreast, always maintaining a place
among its leading business men until to-
day he is accounted one of its most promi-
nent capitalists. He early had the sagacity
and prescience to discern the eminence
which the future had in store for this great
and growing country and acting in accord-
ance with the dictates of his faith and judg-

168

PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.

nient, he has garnered in the lulhiess of
time a generous harvest which is the just
recompense of indomitable industry, spot-
less integrity and marvelous enterprise.

Silas Packard claims Vermont as the state
of his nativity, his birth having occurred
there on the 15th of April, 1829, but when
he was only about a year and a half old
he was brought to Decatur, Illinois, by
his parents, Silas and Lydia (Tracey) Pack-
ard, the former a native of the Green Moun-
tain state, while the latter was born in
Massachusetts. The family was of English
extraction. Silas Packard, Sr., was a farmer
by occupation, but he was not long per-
mitted to engage in that pursuit here or
to enjoy his new home for in the fall of
1830 he was called to his final rest. Upon
his widow devolved the care of a large fam-
ih^ of children, namely: Charles, Anson,
Edward, Mason, Marietta, Elizabeth and
Silas.

Decatur was at that time a mere village
and its advantages were proportionate to
its size and importance. The public-school
system had not been established and Silas
Packard, the subject of this review, pur-
sued his education in a subscription school.
As the family was left in somewhat strait-
ened circumstances it was neccssarj^ that
he early provide for his own support and
for five years he was employed as a farm
hand. Then attracted by the possibilities
for the rapid acquirement of wealth in the
far west, owing to the discovery of gold in
California, he resolved to seek a fortune on
the Pacific coast and in 1850 purchased a
team and started with a company of twenty-
three wagons from the present site of the
Transfer House on West Main street, De-
catur. They crossed the plains and made
their way through the mountains of the west
until they reached the mines. Such a trip
was fraught with many hardships, Init it
also brought much valuable experience and
knowledge to the young man, making him

realize the responsibilities of life and the
dititiculties incident to a successful business
career. It taught him that there is no
royal road to wealth, but that perseverance
and energy are the surest basis of pros-
perit}-. In California he engaged in gulch
mining and was fairly successful so that he
brought with him upon his return to De-
catur enough capital to enable him to em-
bark upon an independent business career.
It was in 1855 that Mr. Packard again
reached this city. Establishing a lumber-
yard, he continued its conduct for several
years and was afterward in the hardware
business, while at the same time he carried
on agricultural pursuits, having purchased
a tract of land, to the development and im-
provement of wdiicli he gave his personal
supervision. He became a dry-goods mer-
chant of Decatur, continuing his operations
in real estate through the purchase and sale
of farms and as his financial resources in-
creased he became a factor in the banking
interests of Decatur. His greatest success,
however, has been achieved through his
operations in realty. His purchases have
been very carefully made and thus he has
been enabled to realize a good profit when
disposing of his landed interests. For six-
ty-two years he was the owner of the eighty
acre tract of land constituting Riverside
Park. A part of this has been platted and
laid- out into town lots and substantially and
attractively improved.

In 1856 was celebrated the marriage of
Silas Packard and Miss Mary Sawyer, a
native resident of Decatur and a daughter of
John and Eliza (Ketring) Sawyer, who
were numbered among the pioneer settlers
here, coming from Pennsylvania to this city
in the year 1836. JNIr. and Mrs. Packard
have had no children of their own, but
reared an adopted daughter, who is now the
wife of Robert I. Hunt, a prominent busi-
ness man of this city. Mr. and Mrs. Pack-
ard have a beautiful home in one of the

PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.

169

finest residence districts of Decatur and its
gracious hospitality has been enjoyed by a
circle of friends that is constantly increas-
ing. Both are members of the Methodist
Episcopal church and its work has received
their co-operation and also generous and
financial support.

Mr. Packard votes with the Republican
party and has ever been firm in his advo-
cacy of its principles, but political honors
and emoluments have had no attraction for
him as he has preferred to give his time and
attention to his business affairs. He began
life as a farm hand and now stands among
the capitalists of Decatur. Such a history
should serve as a source of encouragement
and inspiration to others, proving as it does
the potency of industry in the active affairs
of life. He has always been willing to de-
vote his wealth and his energies to any
feasible undertaking that would increase
the prosperity of the city and add to the
comfort of its inhabitants. His life has been
a success. He has accumulated a large for-
tune and has used only such means as will
bear the closest scrutiny. He has bestowed
on worthy causes large sums of money, and
uses his fortune to the advantage of the
communit}- as well as lo his own profit. To
such men as he is the development of the
west due. He has for nearly forty years
been an active factor in advancing the city
of Decatur, and during that entire time has
so conducted all of his aft'airs as to com-
mand the esteem, confidence and respect of
all classes. Personalh' he is sociable, ever
willing to accord to anyone the courtesy of
an interview. Although a man of great
wealth, he is unostentatious in a marked
degree, and in this age, when anarchistic
and socialistic doctrines are inflaming the
masses, the demeanor and actions of such
men as he do more to quench the fire of
envy and malice than all other means com-
bined.

Mr. Packard's actions have during his life

been such as to distinctively entitle him
to a place in this publication, and although
his career has not been filled with thrilling
incidents, probably no biography published
in this book can serve as a better illustra-
tion to young men of the power of honesty
and integrity in insuring success.

S. O. HILBRANT.

S. O. Hilbrant, who is engaged in the
banking business in Argenta, was born in
Botkins, Ohio, in 1872, a son of Samuel and
Jemima Hilbrant. The father was also a
native of the Buckeye state and about six-
teen years ago he came with his wife to
Macon county, Illinois, settling on a farm
near Argenta, where both arc now living.
Mr. Hilbrant there owns eighty acres of
valuable land, ccjnstitnting an excellent
farm, and he also has some town property.

S. O. Hilbrant was but a I)oy when
brought by his parents to Illinois and in
the schools of Argenta his early education
was acquired. Later he attended the busi-
ness college at Valparaiso, Indiana, and
thus well equipped for the practical and
responsible duties of life he entered upon
the task of winning for himself a creditable
position in the business world. Returning
to Argenta, he gave his attention to farm-
ing, which he followed for two 3rears, and
then removed to Medaryville, Indiana,
where he occupied the position of assistant
cashier in a bank. He spent two years in
that place, during which time he gained a
good knowledge of the banking business.
Returning to Argenta once more, he was
appointed cashier in the bank of Gerber &
Son and has since attained a third interest
in the institution, which was founded in
1887. This is an important factor in the
business circles of the town and the suc-
cess of the bank is attributable in no small
degree to the business sagacity, the enter-

170

PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.

prise ami the ability of the popular cashier.
Harry Parr, a promising young man, is act-
ing as bookkeeper in the bank.

In 1898 Mr. Hilbrant was united in mar-
riage to Miss Minnie L. Sternberg, a daugh-
ter of Charles H. Sternberg, and a native
of Medaryville, Indiana. Her father owns
seven or eight hundred acres of land in that
locality, is likewise engaged in the cattle
industry and is the owner of three dredge
boats. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Hilbrant have
been born three children : May, born May
6, 1899; Robert E. and William Edward,
born in August, 1902. Mrs. Hilbrant holds
membership in the German Lutheran church
and both our subject and his wife occupy an
enviable position in social circles and in the
regard of their many friends,

Mr. Hilbrant votes with the Republican
party and he served as tax collector in 1901
and 1902, making the best collections ever
made in Friends Creek township. His fra-
ternal relations connect him with the
Knights of Pythias, the Independent Order
of Odd Fellows and the Modern Woodmen
of America. In matters of citizenship he
is progressive and his aid is never sought
in vain in behalf of enterprises for the gen-
eral good. The banking firm with which
he is connected owns the telephone system
of Argenta, which operates three hundred
and seventy-five telephones. He is a pro-
gressive, wdde-awake young business man,
possessed of the energetic spirit which has
been the dominant factor in the upbuilding
of the central states, and has already at-
tained success that many an older man
might well envy.

MRS. LOVINA MEYERS.

One of the most highly esteemed and

honored residents of Whitmore township is

the lady whose name introduces this sketch,

her home being on section 11, where she

has a most beautiful and attractive place.
She was born in Shelby county, Ohio, Jan-
uary 22, 1837, and is a daughter of Samuel
and Christina (Fisher) Boyer, both natives
of Pennsylvania. She is the only one of
their ten children now living. In the county
of her nativity she was reared and educated
and in 1855 she gave her hand in marriage
to John Meyers, who died about 1875.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Meyers were born
eight children, of whom seven are still liv-
ing, namely : Alice, the wife of Isaac Bar-
nett, of Argenta, Illinois ; Anna, wife of
William Adams; Belle, wife of Harvey
Stearns, of Decatur ; Clara, at home with
her mother; Edward M., who married Sadie
McCarthy and lives in Indiana; Charley,
who married Nettie Shuter; and John, who
married his cousin Fannie Boyer.

Just before the Civil war broke out Mr.
and Mrs. Meyers came to Macon county,
Illinois, and settled one and a half miles
north and west of her present home in Whit-
more township. At that time much of the
county was wild and unimproved and wild
geese and other game was to be had in
abundance. For many years after the death
of her husband, Mrs. Meyers conducted the
farm of eighty acres on section 11, but of
recent years she has rented the place. She
displayed excellent business ability in the
management of her affairs and not only sup-
ported her family but also paid oiT the debt
resting on the farm at the time of her hus-
band's death, and besides her farm she now
owns some Decatur property. Her place is
one of the most attractive homes on the
Decatur road, the front yard being literally
crowded with flowers of all kinds, represent-
ing nearly every native specie, and she takes
great delight in showing her flowers to the
many who call to sec them. Her pleasant
and comfortable residence was erected about
1887 and the other buildings upon the farm
are good and substantial. For thirty years
Mrs. Meyers has been an active and con-

(LAajuvv

c^^^v

PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.

173

sisteiit member of the Chrisiian church and
her life has ever been in harmony with her
professions. During her long residence in
Macon county she has witnessed the mar-
velous transformation in the face of the
country: wild prairies have been converted
into well cultivated and highly improved
farms; towns have sprung up and villages
grown into flourishing cities ; railroads, the
telegraph and telephone have been intro-
duced ; and all the evidences of an advanced
civilization are now found within its bor-
ders.

JEROME R. GORIN.

With the passing away of Jerome R.
Gorin Decatur lost a citizen who left the
impress of his life and character upon vari-
ous interests which have contributed to the
material upbuilding, the permanent devel-
opment and the intellectual and moral prog-
ress of this city. Coming here at an early
day he took an active part in shaping the
policy of Decatur as it emerged from vil-
lage conditions to take its place among the
leading cities of this great commonwealth.
He kept apace with universal progress and
improvement and exerted his eliforts in be-
half of the public good, but while he did
much for the city in the way of business
development and public improvement, it
was the kindly nature of the man, his char-
itable spirit and his genial disposition that
won for him the love and unqualified re-
gard of people of every class of society.

Jerome R. Gorin was born in Hopkins-
ville. Christian county, Kentucky, his natal
day being October 12, 1817. He was a son
of John D. and Matlie (Thomas) Gorin and
a representative of an old Mrginian fam-
ily. His father was born in the Old Do-
minion, but during his boyhood went witTi
his parents to the P.lue Grass state, where
he spent the period of his boyhood and
Noutli. In the spring of 1828 he came to II-

linciis. which, only ten years before had been
admitted to the I'uion. He took up his
abode in \'andalia, then the capital of the
state, and became a representative of its
business interests as both a merchant and
farmer. He was also prominent in public
affairs and for some years acted as receiver
in the loan office. He died in Vandalia,
.\]M-il 26, 1846, at the age of fifty-six years,
and his wife passed away on the 13th of
July, 1876, at the advanced age of eighty-
nine years.

Jerome r>. Gorin was a youth of eleven
years when he accompanied his parents to
Illinois and in 1S33 he made his way to
Decatur, joining his two older brothers and
a sister, who were then residents of this
city. His brother, llenry ^\. Gorin. was
for many years clerk of the court here, but
left the office in 1841. His sister, Elvira,
who had located in Decatur in 18,^0, became
the wife of General Isaac Pugh and she
and her husband passed away here after
reaching advanced ages. Almost continu-
ously from the time when as a young man
of sixteen years Jerome Gorin entered upon
his business career in Decatur u]) to the
lime of his death he resided in this city.
His residence here was interrupted by only
a short absence.

He first accepted a position as salesman
and thus served until 1841, when, desiring
to enter professional life, he took up the
study of law and devoted two years to the
mastery of the principles of jurisprudence.
In 1842 he was admitted to the bar before
ludge Treat and then went to Scotland
county, Missouri, where he spent one win-
ter. .\t the end of that time, however, he
returned to Decatur and entered into i)art-
nership with Judge Charles Emerson and
afterward became associated in the prose-
cution of his profession with Judge Kirby
I'.enedict. who later was ai)pointed district
judge of New Mexico. In i860 Mr. Clorin
was chosen to the office of citv clerk and

174

PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.

attorney, acting in that capacity for four
years. He had also been justice of the
peace and had been retained either as coun-
sel for the prosecution or defense in many
important cases which had been tried in the
courts of this district. His last law partner
was Judge .Vrthur Gallagher, with whom
he was associated in the practice of law
until 1861, when he became identified with
the banking interests of that city. In that
year the banking firm of ]\Iillikin & Oder
was established and Air. Gorin became its
cashier, discharging his duties in that con-
nection in addition to the work which he
performed in the office of city clerk and
attorney. The thoroughness and close- ap-
plication which characterized all his busi-
ness career were manifested in the bank and
he soon became master of the work in its
various departments. After four years he
was admitted to a partnership and he con-
tinued to act as cashier until 1881, when he
withdrew from the Millikin Bank and be-
came the senior partner of the firm of Gorin
& Bills. These gentlemen engaged in pri-
vate banking and in dealing in real estate
and loans, their association being main-
tained for two years. At the end of that
time Mr. Gorin was instrumental in estab-
lishing the bank of Gorin & Dawson, of
which he became the president, sviccessfully
controlling the aflfairs of the institution for
several 3-ears, when he sold out to L. B.
Casner. A year later this institution was
merged into the Citizens' National Bank,
of which Mr. Gorin became an incorporator
and the first president, but after a year he
disposed of his interests and from 1892 up
to the time of his demise lived retired from
further business cares. For thirty years he
was an active factor in financial circles of
Decatur and was instrumental in founding
two of the leading banking institutions of
the city. He was a man of keen foresight,
of quick recognition of opportunities and
of marked adaptability in using the means

at hand for the desired ends. Over the
record of his business career there falls no
shadow of wrong, for throughout his entire
life he maintained an unassailable reputa-
tion, never taking advantage of the necessi-
ties of his fellow men in any business tranS;
action.

On the 1st of April, 1845, in Decatur, Mr.
Gorin was united in marriage to Miss
Eleanor D. Fawcett, a native of X'irginia,
and a daughter of Isaac and Rebecca Faw-
cett. The}" became the parents of six chil-
dren : Mary Emma, who is now the wife
of C. V. Aliddleton, a resident of Dallas,
Texas ; Orville B., the vice-president of the
Millikin National Bank of Decatur; Ida E.,
the wife of W. C. Armstrong, of this city;
Jerome C, a business man of New York
city; ]Mattie A., who is living in Decatur;
and Henry Gladden, who is now in Minne-
apolis, ^Minnesota.

Mr. Gorin was a man of kindly spirit,
deep sympathy and keen insight into the
methods of men. His nature was one of
helpfulness and thus it was that the Ala-
sonic fraternity appealed strongly to him,
for it is based upon brotherly kindness and
charity. On the 18th of October, 1841, he
was initiated in Macon Lodge, No. 8, F. &
A. M., and for a number of years prior to
his death was the oldest and most honored
member of that organization. For seven
consecutive years he served as master of the
local lodge, retiring from that office when
elected grand master of the state. He like-
wise belonged to Alacon Chapter, R. A. AL,
of which he served as high priest, and in
Beaumanoir Commandery, No. 9, K. T., he
acted as eminent commander. His name
was inscribed high on the roll of eminent
Masons in Illinois and in 1867-8 he served
as grand master of the grand lodge of this
state. In April, 1866, he attained the thirty-
second degree of the Scottish Rite in the
Consistorj'^ of Chicago and for many years
he was an active worker in the ranks of

PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.

175

ilasonry, realizing its efficiency in advanc-
ing the standard of human conduct and
promulgating principles which are for the
benefit of the race. He became the founder
of the commandery in Olney, Illinois, on
the 19th of January, 1865, and it was named
Gorin Commandery in his honor. There
was a three days' session during which
nineteen Masons were created Knights
Templar.

In his political affiliations in early life
Mr. Gorin was a Whig and upon the disso-
lution of that party he joined the ranks of
the new Republican party, which he sup-
ported for many years. In his last years,
however, he gave his political allegiance to
the Prohibition part)', for he was a man of
strong temperance principles and believed
it the duty of Christian people to put down
the evils of intemperance. In 1856 he was
elected upon the ticket of the then new
Republican party to serve in the state legis-
lature and represented his district in the
house during the succeeding session. While
acting in that capacity he was made dis-
bursing agent of the Fort Ridgely wagon
road, which was being built for the govern-
ment from St. Paul and Fort Ridgely to
the Missouri river. While thus engaged
Mr. Gorin had an office in St. Paul for
about a year, at the end of which time the
project was abandoned.

Through all and above all things else in
life was noticeable his devotion to the cause
of Christianity. Through a long period he
was an active member of the First Meth-
odist Episcopal church of Decatur and dur-
ing almost the entire period of his con-
nection therewith he was one of its office
holders. Deeply interested in Sunday-
school work he realized how important is
the early Christian instruction of the young
that character may be developed upon a
firm and sure foundation. He thus labored
untiringly in behalf of the Sunday-school
and served as the president of the stale

Sunday-School Association. He was also
a member of the executive committee and
for ten years was the president of the Coun-
ty Sunday-School Association. In the
Young Men's Christian Association he was
an active worker and no cause tending to
elevate mankind sought his aid in vain. In
all his work he was ably assisted by his
estimable wife, who was indeed a faithful
companion and helpmate to him on life's
journey. She died in 1894 and his death
occurred on the ist of September, 1897.
His was a noble manhood, consistent with
all manly principles, with public-spirited
citizenship, with honor in business and loy-
alty in friendship and in social circles. He
attained to almost the age of eighty years
and when he passed away expressions of
regret were heard on every hand, for many
felt that they had sustained a personal be-
reavement and the city an irreparable loss.
He possessed to a full measure all the fine
and ennobling qualities which endear man
to man, and his integrity, kindness and up-
right principles were a constant source of
inspiration to his family and his friends.

ROBERT D. WILSON.

There are few men whose lives are
crowned with the honor and respect which
was universally accorded Robert D. Wilson,
but through a long connection with the his-
tory of Macon county his was an unblem-
ished character. A\'ith him success in life
was reached b}^ his sterling qualities of
mind and of heart true to every manly prin-
ciple. He never deviated from what his
judgment woidd indicate to be right be-
tween his fellow men and himself and he
never swerved from the path of duty and
at the close of his career his friends passed
favorable judgment upon him and mourned
his death because they had respected and
loved him.

Robert D. \\'ikon was certainly one of

170

PAST AND PRESENT OF MACOX COUNTY.

the best known men of JMacon county for
almost his entire life was here spent, the
family having settled here in 1830. Mr. W'il-
son was born in Sangamon county, Illinois,
in 1829 and was a son of Robert and Sarah
(Lindsey) Wilson, both of whom were na-
tives of North Carolina, whence thej^ re-
moved to Tennessee and after living in that
state for a short time they came to Illinois,
settling in Sangamon county in 1829. There
his father engaged in farming for one year
and in 1830 came to Alacon county, settling
in Mount Zion township, where he built a
log cabin^one of the pioneer homes of the
county, in which hardships and trials were
endured and yet in which the foundation for
a comfortable competence was laid. There
he lived throughout his remaining days,
carrying on general farming, and his wife
also died on the old homestead there. Of
their children only two are now living:
James A., a resident of Decatur, and Sarah,
who is the wife of John Davidson and re-
sides in Mount Zion township.

In the common schools like the other
members of the family, Robert D. Wilson
jnirsned his education. He was reared amid
frontier surroundings and his mind bore the
impress of the early history of the county,
when lands were uncultivated and the work
of improvement and progress was scarcely
begun. He continued to assist in the work
of the home farm until the time of his mar-
riage. He wedded IMiss Mary Outten, a
native of Cass county, Illinois, and a daugh-
ter of Purnell S. and Rachel (Berry) Out-
ten, the former a native of Kentucky and
the latter of Virginia. In the year 1843 they
removed to Cass county, Illinois, where the
father engaged in agricultural pursuits for
ten years and in 1853 he came to Macon
county, settling on a farm in Mount Zion
township near the Wilson homestead. There
he lived, devoting his energies to the care
and cultivation of the land until old age
began to creep on, when he took up his

abode in the village of ]Mount Zion, there
living retired for a few years. He then
moved to Decatur, making his home with
^Ir. and .Mrs. \\ ilsoii until called to his final
rest at the advanced age of eighty-eight
years. His wife had died when Mrs. Wil-
son was but seven years of age and he after-
ward wedded Miss Mary Ross, of Cass
county, Illinois, whose death occurred in
^Mount Zion township, ^lacon county.
There were four children b)' the first union,
but two are deceased, tliose living being
\\'. C, an attorney residing in Decatur, and
Mary, who became the wife of Robert D.
^^'ilson. The only child of the second mar-
riage was George T. Outten, who died at
the age of thirty-three years.

The home of Mr. and ]Mrs. W'ilson was
blessed with eight children : Julia, the wife
of Henry A. Trangliber, who resides in
Spokane, Washington ; Robert Purnell, who
died in youth ; Anna, the wife of D. M.
Riber, who is living in Decatur, Illinois ;
James D., who married Maude Ogle and
lives on the old homestead in Mount Zion
township ; Oscar W., who is engaged in the
real estate business in Decatur ; Archie, who
died in May, 1903: Alva G., who resides
with his mother and is a partner in the firm
of Akers & Wilson, prominent furniture
dealers, conducting a large store in, Deca-
tur; and Ella M., the wife of Dr. John Mil-
ler, a physician of Decatur.

After his marriage Robert D. Wilson lo-
cated upon a farm in Mount Zion township,
where he carried on agricultural pursuits
until after the Civil war was inaugurated.
On the 9th of August, 1862, he enlisted in
the One Hundred and Sixteenth Illinois In-
fantry under Colonel N. W. Tupper. The
regiment was organized at Camp Macon
and on the 8th of November went to ilem-
phis, Tennessee, where with his company
Mr. AVilson participated in the battles of
^'icksburg, Chickasaw Bayou, Arkansas
Post and Youngs Point. The regiment

-Dbell Srath^rs. I'/iff^ Yat

PAST AND l'Ki:Si:XTOF AIACOX COl'X'l'V

17!)

worked on Grant's canal all durinij the win-
ter and the boys suffered much from sick-
ness there. On the 19th of June. iW\v in
the assault on Mcksburg, Mr. Wilson was
shot throusjli the right arm and lay in the
hospital fur two weeks. Ifewas then grant-
ed a furlough, which he spent at home, but
soon he rejoined his regiment at Camp Sher-
man, \'ickshurg, when there were but three
of his company remaining there, the others
having been taken prisoners. He was after-
ward in the battles of Atlanta, Lookout
Mountain, Chattanooga and Dallas and was
with Sherman on the march to the sea. On
one occasion he was severely wounded by
the concussion of a torpedo, a piece of which
struck his heel. .Vfter Lee's surrender the
regiment went to ^^'ashington and ])ar-
ticipated in the grand review in the capital
city, where wave after wave of baj'onet-
crested I)luc passed by the reviewing stand.
At Springfield, Illinois. Mr. Wilson was
mustered out, receiving an honorable dis-
charge on the 7th of June, 1865.

Returning to his home Air. ^Vilson re-
sumed farming and engaged in the tilling of
the soil in Mount Zion township until tS86,
when on account of ill health he removed
witli his family to Decatur, where he lived
retired until his death, which occurred Janu-
ary 30, 1901. lie held several minor offices
in the township, but was never an aspirant
for political preferment. In politics he was
a Republican. He belonged to Thomas
White Post, G. A. R., of Mount Zion, and
thus maintained pleasant relatii:)ns with his
old army comrades. Both he and his wife
were consistent luembers of the First Meth-
odist Episcopal church and Mrs. Wilson is
still deeply interested in its work. She re-
sides in a fine residence at No. 960 Cleve-
land avenue, in Riverside. It is one of the
most attractive homes in that part of the
city and was built by her husband.

Through almost his entire life Mr. Wil-
son resided in Macon county and he had a

very wide acquaintance here. He was brave
in the face of danger, fearless in the defense
nt his honest conx'ictions, straightforward
ill all his dealings and in all life's relations
was an honorable gentleman, his sterling
traits endearing him to iiis niaiiv friends as
well as to his immediate family. As a
])ioneer citizen, as a veteran soldier and as
one of the most respected residents of Ma-
con county, he is well deserving of mention
in this volume. It was in his home, how-
ever, that his best nature shone forth, his
kindly spirit being most strongly manifested
in his relations with wife and children.

CHARLES ADLAI EWING.

Charles Adlai Ewing was born Novem-
ber 3, 1846, in Morganfield, Kentucky, the
son of Fielding X. and .Sarah Ann (Powers)
Ewing. The family removed to Blooming-
ton, Illinois, in 1849, to Chicago in 1859,
and to Decatur in 1S64. Mr. Ewing was
one of the pujiils at the Chicago University
during his residence there, was graduated
from Princeton in 1867, and from the Al-
l)aii\' Law School in 1870. He immediately
began the practice of his profession in
Decatur.

On the 15th of June, 187T, he was united
in marriage to Mary Giselle Palmer, of
Albany, New York, and to them were born
seven childr,en : Fielding Palmer, who died
at the age of one month; Mrs. Marian Old-
ham; Belle Adlai, who died at one year;
Charles Adlai, Jr. ; Giselle E. F., deceased ;
Emma and Eugenia. Mr. Ewing was from
boyhood an earnest Presbyterian and was
for many years a trustee of the church,
doing a great deal toward the erection of the
new church building.

During the last administration of Gov-
ernor Oglesby he was appointed by the
governor on a commission to revise the
revenue laws of the state. " This commis-

ISO

PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.

sion, composed of some of the ablest men of
the state, with the late 2^1ilton Hay as
chairman, formulated a revenue code which
was pronounced by the press and the think-
ing public to be the best adapted to the
requirements of the state of anj' that had
ever been presented to an Illinois legisla-
ture for adoption. That the legislature
failed to enact the new code into law is
probably the best commentar}^ on its ex-
cellence. Mr. Ewing always referred to this
piece of public work with pride and satis-
faction."

He was always a Democrat and from the
first one of the most prominent workers of
the sound money Democrac)^ In the con-
ference in Chicago in August, 1895, in the
direction of the literary bureau for the edu-
cation of the voters and as the chairman
of the state committee he worked early and
late. During the campaign he made many
speeches throughout the state, the last one
being the Saturday before election at Peo-
ria, where he was taken ill. He returned
home and was able to be driven to the polls
on election day^his fiftieth anniversary —
and cast his vote. He was not considered
seriously ill but death came to him sud-
denly on the morning of November 6, 1896.
One who knew him well throughout
the fifty years of his life wrote these words
concerning him : " If the life of Mr. Ewing
were measured by intellectual attainment,
by purity of purpose, by number of friends,
by acquisition of wealth, by acts of kindness
and deeds of patriotism, then the fifty years
just passed have been ample to round out
into full measure the perfect station of
manlj' power and beauty. From infancy
to death there was ever a hallowed atmos-
phere about his very presence. Cradled in
the lap of a home life which was ideal in its
many perfections, his youth furnished
choice companionship for the )-oung and
old. Charming of manner, genuinely witty,
considerate and tender, strong and coura-

geous, always honorable, loving excellence
for its own sake and not for that of emu-
lation. These were characteristics which be-
longed to him naturally and which enabled
him to move through the arena of an active
professional career with calm poise and
forceful accomplishment of honest and wise
purpose.

" All these qualities of mind and heart
were necessary to the great lawyer and the
splendid citizen and Mr. Ewing possessed
them in that high degree which enabled him
to successfully champion individual rights
and rescue an imperilled country from the
most insidious and imminent danger that
has threatened it since secession drove the
great Douglas to proclaim that there were
but two parties, namely, those for the Union
and those against the Union.

" It may be that his absorbing concern for
the triumph and the honor of his country
in the recent election, for which triumph he
lavishly gave of his time, of his money and
of his eloquence, may have caused the ap-
parent sacrifice of this noble life. Byron in
his address to the Greeks, said ' The tomb
where freedom weeps can never ha\e been
too prematurely reached by its inmate,
such martyrdom is blessed indeed. What
higher fortune can ambition court?'

" The bar has lost from its ranks a great
lawyer, the state a great citizen, and the
country at large a stanch patriot, but the
good that he accomplished is enduring and
is ours to enjoy."

GEORGE W. DRURY, M. D.
Dr. George W. Drury, a successful prac-
ticing physician of Decatur, was born upon
a farm in Morgan county, Illinois, in 1853.
his parents being George W. and Penelope
(Evans) Drury. The father, a native of
Ohio, came at an early day to Illinois, cast-
ing in his lot with the pioneer settlers of

PAST AND FRESEXT OF MACON COUNTY.

181

Morgan county, his first home being in the
vicinity of Jacksonville. There he engaged
in general farming and at the close of his
active business career he removed to For-
syth, Macon county, where he lived retired
until called to his final rest at the advanced
age of eighty-three years. His wife died in
the same place at the age of seventy-two
years. They reared a family of six children,
of whom four are now living: Josiah, a resi-
dent of Cla}^ Center, Kansas ; Elizabeth, who
is the wife of Harrison Duncan, of For-
syth ; George W., and Charles, who makes
his home in Springfield, Illinois.

In his youth George W. Drury came to
Macon county, being only about five years
of. age when his father established his home
in Maroa township, Macon county. There
he was reared upon the home farm and in
early life he attended what was known as
the old Center Ridge school. Afterward he
continued his studies in the public schools
of Forsyth and tlien when he had acquired
a good literary education he took up the
study of medicine with the intention of
making its practice his life work. He be-
came a student in the ^lissouri Medical
College, in which he was graduated in the
class of 1882, after which he established his
office in Forsyth, where he remained for
two years. On the expiration of that period
he removed to Oreana, where he was asso-
ciated with Dr. A. ]\IcBridge in the drug
business for three years in connection with
the practice of medicine. Coming to Deca-
tur he remained for two years and during
one year of that time was county physician.
He afterward practiced in Forsyth for eight
years, but in 1897 again came to Decatur,
w-hcre he has since remained, having now
a pleasant office at No. 224 North Main
street. While he is well versed in the prac-
tice of his profession in all departments he
is now making a specialty of the treatment
of diseases of the heart, lungs and kidneys.
He has informed himself particularly well

along these lines and his skill is of a su-
perior order. He now has a large private
practice and he has also been medical ex-
aminer for several insurance companies, in-
cluding the Manhattan Life Insurance Com-
pany, of which he has acted as examiner
for the last three years.

In 1879 the Doctor was united in mar-
riage to Miss Ruth Lehman, a daughter of
Henry Lehman of Forsyth. After her death
he w-as again married, his second union be-
ing with Daisy Bixler, a daughter of An-
drew Bixler, also of Forsyth. Fraternally
he has been connected with the Knights of
l'}-thias Lodge from the age of twenty-two
years, having joined the order in Coeur de
Lion Lodge of Decatur. Lie was instru-
mental in the organization of the lodge at
Oreana and later became a member of For-
syth Lodge, with which he is still affiliated.
His political support is generally given to
the Democracy, but he votes for men rather
than for party. In his profession he has
steadily advanced along lines demanding
strong mentality, close application and con-
scientious purpose. His zeal and devotion
in his work are noticeable features in his
career and have contributed in large meas-
ure to his success.

HENRY A. SHETTEL.

Sound judgment combined with fine abil-
ity in mechanical lines has enabled the sub-
ject of this biography, a well known resident
of Warrensburg, Illinois, to make for him-
self a place among the leading business
men of that place. Here he follows black-
smithing and also deals in agricultural im-
plements, wagons, buggies, etc., and has
built up a good trade which is constantly
increasing.

Mr. Shettel was born in York, Pennsyl-
vania, September 16, 1869, his parents being
Daniel G. and Sarah (Jacoby) Shettel, also

182

PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.

nati\es of that state, wlicre their ancestors
located at an early day in its history. The
father was born in Conewago township,
York county, in 1844, and was engaged in
blacksmithing at Faustown for some time.
Our subject received a good practical edu-
cation in the common schools of his native
place, where he was a student until he at-
tained his majority, though in the meantime
he had started upon his business career,
working two years in a dynamite manufac-
tory on the Susquehanna river near Mt.
Wolf. After leaving school he assisted in
the construction of the oil lines from West
A'irginia to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, be-
ing thus employed for eight months. Dur-
ing the following two months he worked on
his father's farm, and then went to ]\Iiddle-
bury, Indiana, where he spent one month.

About this time his father w^as killed while
felling a tree and Mr. Shettel returned home
and had charge of the farm for one year.
It was then sold and he removed with his
mother to York, Pennsylvania, where he
worked in the Billmire & Small car shops
for eight months first as a horseshoer and
later as a car builder. In the spring of 1893
he came to Illinois and for four months
was employed on a farm near Bearsdale,
after which he was on ]\Irs. William Mont-
gomery's stock farm for a few months. He
next entered the employ of John Barron, a
blacksmith of Warrensburg and three j'ears
later purchased the shop which he has since
conducted with good success. He also ddals
in buggies and agricultural implements and
in this branch of his business he has also
prospered.

Mr. Shettel was married February 21,
1901, to Mrs. Verna (Taggart) Keister, who
was born January 13, 1868, a daughter of
Harrison and Margaret J. (Hanks) Tag-
gart, of mini township, where she was edu-
cated in the public school. This union has
been blessed with one child, Catherine, born
October 6, 1902. Mr. .Shettel owns a nice

hiime and business location and the success
that lie has achieved is certainly well mer-
ited, being due entirely to his own industri-
ous efforts and good management. He is
a good reliable business man, and his fel-
low citizens recognizing his worth and abil-
ity have elected him alderman of the second
ward, whicli ofiice he is now filling. By his
ballot he supports the men and measures
of the Republican part}', and he is a mem-
ber of the Knights of Pythias Lodge, No.
17, of Decatur.

ROBERT FARIES.
Robert Faries was born in Shelby county,
Ohio, March 4, 1837. He lived on a farm
near Middletown, Ohio, from the age of six
to eighteen years, going to school nearly
all the year round until the age of ten, after
which he went in the winter time only.
Having shown a mechanical bent by mak-
ing many playthings, such as wagons, sleds,
etc., and culminating in a working station-
ary steam engine and boiler, complete in
every detail, it was decided that he should
learn the machinist's trade and to that end
he got work in the old Madison Railroad
shop at Indianapolis, Indiana, remaining
there and at the shops of the Indianapolis
& Cincinnati Railroad until the spring of
1859, when he went with a party across the
plains to Colorado, known then as Pike's
Peak, starting about the middle of March
and going from St. Joseph, Missouri, by ox-
teams. They arrived at a little cluster of
sod-covered log cabins, called Denver city
the 2ist of June, remaining in this vicinity
until fall, when he joined a blacksmith in
a trip to Taos, New IMexico, going with
some Mexican teamsters who had brought
up a load of flour and were going back
emptv. They stayed there until March,
i860, when they went back to the mines.
Having tried mining at first without much
success, he made his living and other ex-

PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.

I,s3

penses at gun repairing- in the company of,
but not in parlncrslii]) with, his bhicksmith
frientl.

In the fall of i8()0, with a company of
others, who like himself, had failed to make
a fortune in the short time that they had
been in this new country, anil had con-
cluded that it would never amount to any-
• thing anyway, he wont back to what they
were in the habit of calling "The States."
Arriving in St. Jiiseph late in October fiat
broke, he worked in a livery stable for a
few weeks and later as an engineer in a
])laning mill. Business was dull in con-
sequence of the political excitement which
had ju.st culminated in the election of .Abra-
ham Lincoln to the presidency of the United
States. The mill shut down and he went
back to Indianapolis, working for small
wages in a machine shop through the win-
ter. He enlisted in the fore part of Ma»-ch
in Company II, Eleventh Indiana \'olun-
teers for three months. Lew Wallace, colo-
nel. After seeing some pretty rough service
in Alaryland and X'irginia, the company was
mustered out of service at Indianapolis, in
July, after nearly four months' service.
While most of his company re-enlisted for
the three years' service he had become too
deaf to hear the word of command and went
to work again in the Indianapolis & Cin-
cinnati Railroad shops, where he remained
most of the time during the war.

In 1864-5 he invented and patented a cast
iron steam boiler similar to some of those
that are used now for steam and hot water
heating, but as this manner of heating had
not come into use at that time, he had little
other use for it than to generate steam for
steam engines. Me built several of these
boilers and ]nit them into use in different
places and at first they seemed to promise
success and he got some good testimonials
from the users of them. But later they de-
veloped some faults that caused their fail-
ure. He had sent out one of these boilers

to Decatur for the use of the new firm of
dreoly & l!rodt, who vvere starting a fur-
niture factory on Mason street (now Wa-
bash avenue) in the building which is now
used for the Hard Plaster factory.

This brought him to Decatur in the spring
of 1866. His boiler and this firm soon fail-
ing, he got a position with the Central Iron
Works (now Union Works) who, together
with mill and elevator work, built steam
engines. He set uj) the engines they sold
and worked in the sho]) l)etween times, lie
remained with them about three vcars. He
then, in 1870, went to work as fori'man of
the machine department of the Decatur .\g-
ricultural Works, where he remained until
it went out of business in 1872. He got per-
mission to ])ut up a small engine here and
run ])art of the machinery on ])lovv and other
farm machine repair work. In- pa\'iiig a per
cent of the income as rent for the use of
building and tools. This arrangement lasted
only about one year when Chaml)crs &
Quinlan bought the property and -Mr. Paries
worked for them for about another year.
In 1875 he bought the W'ilson r>oiler shop,
which is now a part of the Decatur Novelty
^\'orks on Morgan and Williams streets,
and. bringing the plow rcjiair work with
him, did general plow, machinery and boiler
repair business and sheet iron work. In
1877 he took William L.'Oakes into part-
nership with him in this business and in
1881 sold out his interest to Mr. Oakes.
He then put a small engine and a lathe into
the basement of his residence and did some
special machine work in the winter and
spring of 1882. In the spring and summer
of this year he built the nucleus of the pres-
ent Paries Manufacturing Company's plant
and continued the manufacture of special
machinery such as box fastener, hog-ring
and checkrower wire making machines.
During the winter and. spring of 1883 he
made some checkrower wire for the firm of
Kaylor, McClelland 6v: Pishcr and having

18i

PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.

found that there was more money to be
made by running machinery than in mak-
ing it for others he continued to do this
and has gradually worked into a manu-
facturing business, the chief of which has
been checkrower wire. This got him into
a patent law-suit, which lasted for over
twelve years, costing a great deal of work,
worry and money, and although he lost in
the lower courts and finally compromised
by paying a considerable sum, it was not all
loss for the suit tended to deter others from
going into the business in competition with
him. In 1890 he built the first addition to
the factory and among other improvements
put in an electric lighting plant and in put-
ting up fixtures for holding the lamps he
devised an adjustable bracket for shifting
and holding the lamp where put. He had
before this been doing considerable brass
work in the way of store window display
fixtures and working lamp fixtures in with
these and by continually adding to them,
the company has worked up a very large
electric and gas fixture business. Most of
this fixture business has been worked up
since the business was incorporated in 1894.
Since the beginning twenty years ago, Mr.
Faries and the Fades Manufacturing Com-
pany have made several important special
machines, the chief of which are automatic
checkrower wire machines and machines
for spinning lamp shades.

A couple of years ago, 1900, Mr. Faries
got up a little device for automatically
tripping of a camera shutter and which he
calls an "Autopoze," by the use of which
the photographer is enabled to take his own
picture, or include himself in "the group."
While this is of not much importance in
an}^ way, a good many amateurs, and espe-
cially tourists, find satisfaction in the use
of it. By putting themselves in the picture
they can prove that "they were there."

In September, 1901, Mr. Faries, in com-
pany with others, started the Decatur Re-

frigerator & Manufacturing Company, but
as factories are to be written up separately
little need be said about this here.

Mr. Faries was married in Ohio in 1867
to Lena Bender. He has two daughters and
one son, all grown up and the daughters
married. Mr. Faries says he was born and
raised a Democrat and has always been one,
but as the party of that name has always
been on the wrong side of the issue ever
since he has been of the voting age he has
always voted the Republican ticket.

JOHN CROCKER.

The name of John Crocker is a familiar
one in grain and banking circles throughout
the state and Maroa owes much of its busi-
ness activity and consequent prosperity to
his'efforts and enterprise. The enterprising
spirit of the west, which has led to the rapid
development of this section of the country,
is perhaps his strongest characteristic.

Mr. Crocker is one of Illinois' native sons,
his birth having occurred in \''andalia, in
1857, his parents being John H. and Louisa
V. (Philbrook) Crocker, who are mentioned
on another page of this volume. The fam-
ily removing to Maroa during the early boy-
hood of our subject, he was educated in the
public schools of this city until he had mas-
tered the common branches of learning,
after which he continued his studies in Illi-
nois College at Jacksonville, Illinois. Later
he became a student in Dartmouth College,
at Hanover, New Hampshire, in the class
of 1881. On his return to Maroa, he joined
his father in the banking business and in the
grain trade. This association was contin-
ued until the death of the father, February
10, 1890, since which time John Crocker
has continued in the conduct of extensive
and important interests. He is a member
of the firm of Crocker & Company, bank-
ers, one of the soundest financial institu-

PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.

185

tions of this part of the state, its safe, con-
servative poUcy recommending it to the
confidence and patronage of the pubHc. He
is also the president of the Crocker Elevator
Company and has become widely known as
one of the extensive grain dealers of the
state, the company owning six different
plants in Macon county. The business fur-
nishes an excellent market to the grain pro-
ducers and at the same time yields a very
desirable profit to the stockholders of the
company.

Every interest or enterprise calculated
to prove of benefit to Maroa or promote the
welfare and prosperity of the city elicits
his attention and ofttimes receives his
hearty co-operation and substantial assist-
ance. He is the president of the Maroa
Electric Light Company and also of the
People's Telephone Company, both enter-
prises of value to the general public as well
as to the individual stockholders. His abil-
ity as an organizer is one of the strong ele-
ments of success. He is quick to note op-
portunity and to secure the co-operation of
others in the successful control of important
undertakings, and he not only forms his
plans readily but is determined in carrying
them forward to successful completion.

On the 20th of December, 1893, Mr.
Crocker was united in marriage to Miss
Arabella Baird, a daughter of Peter Baird,
and unto Ihem have been born four chil-
dren : Ruth Baird, now eight years of age ;
John H. and Joan P., twins ; and Thomas
W., who completes the family. Socially
Mr. Crocker is connected with the Masonic
Lodge of Maroa and has taken more ad-
vanced degrees in the order in Decatur and
Chicago, being now a well known repre-
sentative of the craft, whose tenets and
teachings he exemplifies in his relations
with his fellowmen. In his political views
and affiliations he is a Republican, and the
regard in which he is held by the party and
by his fellow citizens is indicated bj' the

fact that he was elected to the office of
mayor upon the death of his father, who
was then filling the position. He gives his
personal supervision to the extensive and
important business interests with which he
is connected, but he has never allowed this
to interfere with his duties of citizenship
or to bias his relations with his fellow men.
With a keen appreciation for upright char-
acter, he numbers his friends among all
classes and is himself honored and respected
bv all who know him.

JAiMES W. CARTER.
\\'hether the elements of success in life
are innate attributes of the individual or
whether they are quickened by a process of
circumstantial development it is impossi-
ble to clearly determine. Yet the study
of a successful life is none the less profitable
by reason of the existence of this uncer-
tainty, and in the majority of cases it is
found that exceptional abilit}% supplemented
by close application and earnest purpose,
forms the real secret of success which so
many have envied. This is certainly true
of James W. Carter, who is now cashier
and office manager of the Decatur Coal
Company and also is connected with other
important interests here. Mr. Carter is a
native son of Illinois, his birth having oc-
curred in .Sullivan, Moultrie county, on the
5th of June, 1861. His parents were Charles
A. and Polly Ann (Waggoner) Carter, who
were also natives of Moultrie county. The
paternal grandfather of our subject was
James K. Carter, a native of Culpeper, Vir-
ginia, who in early life removed to Moultrie
comity, becoming identified with its agricul-
tural interests. There he spent some time
but finally removed to Decatur, where he
lived until his death, in 1874, when he had
reached the venerable age of eighty years.
His political support was given to the Whig
party and he was a leading and influential

ISO

PAST A\J) PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.

resideiU of the coiiimunily in which he long
made his home. His wife belonged to an
old Kentucky family. They had three sons,
Charles A.; James W. and Henry H. ; and
five daughters: Nancy .\., Emeline, Frances,
-Mar}' and Martha.

Charles A. Carter, the father of our sub-
ject, was born at the old homestead in
Moultrie county and reared amid the wild
scenes of frontier life there. After attain-
ing his majority he was for some years en-
gaged in the hardware business in Sullivan
and in 1863 he removed to Decatur, where
he continued in the same line of trade for
a number of years. He then left Illinois
for the far west, settling in Fresno, Cali-
fornia, in 1880. There he still makes his
home. His political support is given to the
Republican party and the qualities of his
manhood are .such as command for him the
respect and admiration of those with whom
he is brought in contact. In early manhood
he wedded Miss Polly Ann Waggoner, who
was born in Moultrie county, but her peo-
ple came to Illinois from North Carolina.

To the public school system of Decatur
James W. Carter is indebted for the educa-
tional privileges he enjoyed. He entered
upon his business career in connection with
the hardware trade, having charge of Iiis
father's store during the latter's illness, cov-
ering a period of five and a half years. He
showed excellent business ability in taking
up this work and controlling the affairs of
the enterprise. In 1878 he entered the em-
])loy of Overmej'er & Kaufman, who were
engaged in the fire insurance business. For
several months Mr. Carter was also book-
keeper for Peter Loeb, a well known foun-
dryman, and for three years was bookkeeper
in the Union Iron Works. He afterward
again spent six months in the service of
Mr. Loeb and then became bookkeeper in
the Chicago agricultural implement house
of George D. Haworth. Again coming to
Decatur he accepted the position of book-

keeper for P.. Z. Taylor in the linseed oil
mill, where he remained for eighteen
months, and in 1885 he invested his capital
in the Decatur Coal Company, of which he
has since been the cashier and office man-
ager. He is also the secretary of the De-
catur Milling Company and is director in
the Savings b^md & Building Association,
with which he has been associated in this
manner since 1891. He has also had charge
of his father's business interests in Illinois
during the latter's residence in California.
A man of keen insight he readily compre-
hends business situations and utilizes the
means at hand to the best advantage.

On the 28th of June, 1882, Mr. Carter
married Miss Idora J. Patterson, a daugh-
ter of William F. and Melinda (Travis)
Patterson. Their children are Ralph M.,
who is now a student in the medical depart-
ment of the State University at Cham-
paign, Illinois ; Neil T., who died at the age
of two years and eight months; and Alma
Lois, at home.

Mr. Carter is a popular and exemplary
representative of various fraternal organi-
zations. He belongs to Chevalier Bayard
Lodge, No. 189, K. P. ; W. C. Roe Camp,
No. 7201, M. W. A. ; and in November,
1890, was made a Mason in Decatur, join-
ing Macon Lodge, No. 8, A. F. & A. M., of
\vhich he is a past master. He has also
taken the Royal Arch degree, belongs to
Decatur Council, No. 16, R. & S. M., and to
Beaumanoir Commandery, No. 9, K. T. He
is true and loyal to the teachings of the
craft and in his life exemplifies the benefi-
cent spirit. He belongs to the First Baptist
church of Decatur, in which he is now serv-
ing as deacon. His loyalty to the best inter-
ests of the community has been manifested
in many ways. He is a public spirited and
progressive citizen and his labors have ad-
vanced the material progress and prosper-
ity, the intellectual development and the
moral advancement of Decatur.

V. lf .-.r-c.^

PAST AND PRESENT OF AL\COX COUNTY.

189

JOHN II. CROCKER.

The name of Crocker has been long, inti-
mately and honorably associated with llic
history of Alaroa, its development and sub-
stantia! progress, and father and sons have
left an indelible impress upon the city and
its advancement. He whose name intro-
duces this review was actixely associated
with business affairs here and his own
upright career added new luster to an un-
tarnished family record.

John H. Crocker was born in Derry, New
Hampshije, on the 9th of July, 1829, a son
of John and Mary Neal (Pillsbury) Crock-
er. His father was one of tlie first settlers
of Man)a and the city owes its substantial
upbuilding in no degree to one man as much
as it does to John Crocker, who not only
located here when Maroa was an embryo
\illage but served as the first station agent,
the first postmaster and was the first banker
and the first lumber and grain merchant.
He realized that business possibilities ex-
isted here and improved them. He made
the most of his opportunities and in so
doing he became one of the builders and pro-
moters of Maroa and contributed in large
measure to its progress. He was one of the
founders of the Presbyterian church lure,
became one of its first elders and contrib-
uted generously to its support, while taking
a hel]iful part in its work in other ways. He
died in the year 1879, respected by all who
knew him. His name should be inscribed
on the roll of pioneers of Macon county
and he should ever be held in grateful re-
membrance by the residents of the town,
who are now enjoying the results of his
labors. He came of Scotch-Irish descent,
tracing his ancestry back to colonial times,
and since that period the Crockers have
had marked influence in making history in
the various communities in which they have
resided.

John H. Crocker, whose name introduces
this record, supplemented his early educa-

tional jirivileges by pursuing a com'se of
study in Illinois College, at Jacksonville,
Illinois, and later he engaged in teaching
school for two years. He then studied civil
engineering and was then engaged in that
line of business in connection with the Illi-
nois Central Railroad until 1857, and with
the Cairo & ImiUou Railroad from 1857
until the war broke out. He was known as
a loval advocate of the Union but he could
not enlist on account of his health. How-
ever, he rendered valuable aid to his country
by engineering the erection of the breast-
works at P)irds Point and he was also in-
spector of cotton in Tennessee. Following
the close of the war Mr. Crocker turned his
attention to the grain and lumber business
and later he joined his father in the lumber
business. In these connections he became
widelv known as a representative of the
trade interests in Maroa, and the extent of
his operations made him one of the leading
merchants and financiers here. He pros-
pered in his undertakings because his judg-
ment was rarely at fault and because he
])ossessed a large share of that energy
which is the foundation of all success.

( )n the 23d of January, 1853, Mr. Crocker
was united in marriage 'to Miss Louisa P.
Philbrook, a daughter of Seth and Margaret
(Ward) Philbrook. She was born in Gran-
ville, Ohio, and was educated in the semi-
nary at that place. Her father was a farmer
by occupation and removed with his family
from the Bucke/e state to Yandalia, Illi-
nois, where he lived until 1865. Unto Mr.
and Mrs. Crocker were born seven children,
of whom four are living: George L., of
Springfield. Illinois, who married Elizabeth
Grimes and has two children: John, who is
mentioned elsewhere in this work ; Mar-
garet Philbrook, wife of Dr. McLean ; .\nna
Louise, the wife of W. FI. Black, of De-
catur: and three that died in infancy. Mrs.
Crocker now has an adopted daughter, Elsie
.Mav, who lives at home. She is a grad-

190

PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.

uate of Monticello Seminary, of Godfrey,
Illinois.

In his political views Mr. Crocker was
an earnest Republican and served as the
first mayor of Alaroa. In matters of citi-
zenship he was ever found on the side of
advancement and he labored for the future
as well as the present welfare of the city
in which he so long made his home. He
was chosen to represent his district in the
legislature, and when concerned with the
affairs of the same showed the same loyal-
ty to the .public good that he manifested in
his home town. A strong temperance man,
he ad\ocated the cause both by precept and
example and labored untiringly to secure
the abolition of the liquor evils. He be-
longed to the Royal Templars and served as
supreme counselor. Fraternally he was
connected with the Masonic lodge and with
the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
His Christian faith w-as indicated by his
membership in the Presbj^terian church
and was exemplified in his daily life. His
wife shared with him in his interest in
the church and its work, she being also a
member and thus in this as in many other
things their relation was a most congenial
one and their married life was fraught with
much happiness. In the year 1890 Mr.
Crocker was called to his final rest. He had
started out in life empty handed, having
nothing save a good education as the foun-
dation upon which to build, but he achieved
both character and fortune, leaving to his
family a handsome competence and an hon-
ored name. Worthy of emulation is his life
record and honored is his memory. The
world is better for his having lived and
Maroa especiallj' benefited by his efforts
in her behalf.

REUBEN BETZER.
The object of this volume is to preserve
an authentic record, as far as possible, of
the lives and deeds of those who have as-

sisted in the upbuilding of the varied in-
terests of Macon county. The rank that a
city or county holds very largely depends
upon the achievements of its citizens. Some
add to its reputation by elificient public serv-
ice, some by professional skill, some by in-
creasing its manufacturing or commercial
interests and some by cultivating and im-
proving its lands. To give a faithful ac-
count of the lives of old settlers and repre-
sentative citizens of a community is to write
its history in its truest sense. Mr. Betzer
was for long years associated with agri-
cultural interests and his last days were
spent in retirement from business cares in
a pleasant home in Decatur. It would be
difficult to find a man who had higher re-
gard from his friends than did Mr. Betzer
and this was because of a life that mani-
fested many admirable qualities and sterling
traits of character. He became a resident
of Macon county in the year 1865.

He was born in Ross count}% Ohio, his
natal day being July 5, 1824, and his parents
were William and Margaret (Harvey) Bet-
zer. His father was born in New Jersey and
his mother in Pennsylvania and they be-
came the parents of eleven children, of
whom Reuben was the seventh in order of
birth. It was in the year 1810 that William
Betzer removed to Ohio and two j'^ears later
he offered his services to the government in
defense of this country in the second war
with England. After his return from the
army he located in Ross county, Ohio,
where both he and his wife spent their last
days and their children have also passed
away.

Reuben Betzer had the usual experiences
and advantages of a farmer boy. He worked
in the fields and meadows through his youth
and after arriving at years of maturity he
determined to follow the occupation to
which he had been reared. He was a young
man of twenty-five years, when he settled
upon a farm near the old homestead in Ross

PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.

191

county, there remaining until after his
father's death. He received from his father
a tract of land, as did the other sons, while
the daughters of the household received an
equivalent in money to the sum of one
thousand dollars. Desiring a companion
and helpmate for life's journey Mr. Betz'er
was joined in Wedlock on the 31st of De-
cember, 1848, to Miss Sarah Evans. She
was born in Ross county, Ohio, January 9,
1826, and her parents were John and Sarah
(Miller) Evans, who were also natives of
Ohio. The mother died during the girlhood
days of her daughter and Mrs. Betzer was
then reared by relatives near Circlcville,
Pickaway county, Ohio. Her father, how-
ever, continued to engage in farming in
Ross county throughout his life and at
length passed away there.

At the time of his marriage Mr. Betzer
took his bride to his farm and there they
resided continuously until 1865, when, be-
lieving that he might have still better busi-
ness opportunities in a district farther west,
he came to Macon county, arriving here in
1865. He took up his abode on a farm in
Whitmore township, six miles northeast
of Decatur and first purchased two hundred
and fifteen acres of land. There he began
making improvements and afterward pur-
chased more land, adding to his place from
time to time until he had a tract of three
hundred and twenty-five acres. He was
progressive in his farming methods, active,
industrious and honorable in his, business
career, but after residing upon his farm for
a few years he decided to rent the land and
remove to Decatur, where he enjoyed rest
from further labor. He was a man to whom
indolence and idleness were utterly foreign
and although he retired from farm life busi-
ness interests of a different character
claimed his attention to a considerable de-
gree. He was a lover of stock and engaged
to some extent in stock-raising. He also
worked at the carpenter's trade and aided

in building many of the bridges near Deca-
tur. In 1867 he erected a residence now
occupied by his widow. On account of his
health he traveled to a considerable extent,
frequently spending the winter months in
the south. In the summer of 1892 he vis-
ited California and at different times went
to other places of interest in the country,
visiting its scenes of beauty and many of
its historic places, gaining thereby the cul-
ture and knowledge which only travel can
bring.

.Mr. and ^Irs. Betzer had no children of
their own but gave homes to two of their
nieces: Efifie A. came to them at the age
of thirteen years and remained with them
until her marriage to .\mos F. Imboden, a
policeman of Decatur. The}' now reside at
No. 1243 North Edwards street. Another
niece, ;\Iaria L. Evans, lived with Mr. and
Mrs. Betzer from her seventh to her twenty-
first year and then became the wife of Frank
Spillman, a hardware merchant of Macon,
but both are now deceased.

During the winter of 1895-6, while going
from his house to his bam, Mr. Betzer
slipped on the ice, sustaining a severe in-
jury. He was carried to his bed and there
he suffered for several weeks, his injury
combined with other causes, leading to his
death on the i8th of .March, 1896. His re-
mains were interred in the beautiful Green-
wood cemetery of Decatur. He was never
an active politician in the sense of office
seeking and yet after removing to the city
of Decatur he served as supervisor for one
year, being elected on the Democratic tick-
et, whose principles he al'v».ys endorsed.
Both he and his wife were members of the
Presbyterian church of this city and he took
an active and helpful part in church work,
while Mrs. Betzer supplemented his labors
in this regard by her own zeal in the work.
He left his widow in very comfortable cir-
cumstances. She now owns a nice home at
No. 358 East Williams street and in addi-

102

PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.

tion owns the old homestead of three hun-
dred and twenty-five acres of vahiable farm-
ing hind in Whitmore township.

Mr. Betzer was a self-made man and his
possessions were obtained through earnest,
indefatigable effort. He watched closely his
opportunities for business advancement and
by the utilization of these and by his per-
severance and diligence he gained a hand-
some competence. He won, too, an honor-
able name in business circles for he was al-
ways straightforward in every trade trans-
action. He had many friends in Decatur
and Macon county who still cherish his
memory and no history of this localit}^
would be complete without the record of
his life, for during thirty-one years he lived
in the county and in many ways assisted
in its progress and promotion. He was al-
ways deeply interested in whatever per-
tained to its welfare and was known as a
public spirited citizen.

WILLIAM R. BOGG.S, M. D.

Dr. A\"illiam R. Boggs, who is success-
fully engaged in the practice of medicine
and surgery in ]\Iacon, Illinois, was born
on the 23d of Jilarch, 1854, in Noble county,
(Jhio. his parents being Alexander and
Mary A. (Thompson) Boggs. His father
was also a native of Ohio, born near Mount
Vernon, Richland county, March 22, 1827.
and was a son of Reuben Boggs, whose
birth occurred in A'irginia in 1800. In early
life the latter married Miss Ellenor Mar-
quiss, and from the Old Dominion they re-
moved to Ohio, being among the first set-
tlers at St. Clairsville. The grandfather of
our subject died at Sharon, Ohio, in 1884,
at the age of eighty-four years.

Alexander Boggs was reared and educated
in the county of his nativity and when a
young man removed from there to Noble
county. Ohio, where he engaged in farming
and stock-dealing throughout the remainder

of his lifu. .\bout 1849 lie wedded ^Miss
Mary A. Thompson, who was born at St.
Andrews, New Brunswick, March 15, 1832.
Her parents, Robert and Isabel (}k[cDon-
ald) Thompson, were natives of Ireland,
where the former was born in 1800. On
coming to the United States he stopped first
at Baltimore, Maryland, and in 1835 re-
moved to Noble county, Ohio. By occu-
pation he was also a farmer. He died in
iam R., of this review: John, a farmer of
1875 and his wife passed away in 1874.
Unto Alexander and Mary A. (Thomp-
son) Boggs were born eight children, name-
ly : Robert T., who was a physician at
Bloomington, Indiana, and died in 1881,
when about thirty years of age ; Reuben,
who died of scarlet fever in infancy ; Will-
Caldwell, Ohio ; James Mac, who died in
infancy: Clement, who follows farming near
Caldwell, Ohio ; Lena, wife of W. O. Keith,
who resides at ^^'arsaw, and is engaged in
merchandising at that place : and Elmer F.,
a clothier of Salem, Indiana. The father
of this family departed this life in May,
1894, and the mother died in Alarch, 1889.

Dr. Boggs received his early education
in the- common schools of Caldwell, Ohio,
and later attended the Northern Indiana
Normal School, preparing for a medical
course which he intended to take. After
leaving that institution in 1875, he engaged
in teaching school for about five years and
then entered the Kentucky School of iled-
icine at Louisville, Kentucky, wdiere he
was graduated with the degree of M. D.
in 1883. He was engaged in the practice
of his profession at Keith, Ohio, until 1890,
and the following year came to Macon,
Illinois, where he purchased the home, of-
fice and practice of Dr. R. Tobey, who be-
gan practice here in 1869. Dr. Boggs has
since improved the property and has gradu-
ally extended his practice until it is now
quite large and profitable. He has the
largest general library, as well as the larg-

/.u//^

PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.

195

est collection ui medical works, in central
Illinois, and derives much pleasure as well
as profit from his books. In 1892 he took
a post graduate course at the Chicago Poli-
clinic and is a progressive member of his
profession, keeping abreast with the latest
discoveries and theories by his perusal of
medical journals.

At Caldwell, Ohio, in 1875, the Doctor
was united in marriage to Miss Sarah A.
Barclay, a daughter of Adam and Mattie
(Miller) Barclay. Her father was born in
Ireland in 1826 but when a child was
brought to this country and settled in Cald-
well, Ohio, where he spent the remainder
of his life. He made farming his life work.
Dr. and ^Irs. Boggs have one child, Ola,
who was graduated at Knox College, Gales-
burg. Illinois, and has since taken special
work at the University of Chicago. She is
now at home with her parents. The fam-
ily attend the Presbyterian church, of
which the wife and daughter arc memljcrs,
and the Doctor is connected with South
Macon Lodge, i\o. 467, A. F. & A. M., and
Beacon Lodge, K. P., both of Macon. He
is also an Odd Fellow, belonging to the
subordinate lodge. No. 466 and the encamji-
ment, No. 245, of Keith, Ohio. In the line
of his profession he holds membership in
the American Medical Association, the Illi-
nois Medical Society, the District Medical
Society and the Decatur Medical Society.
He is local surgeon for the Illinois Central
Railroad Company and examining physician
for many of the old line insurance com-
panies. Pleasant and genial in manner he
makes many friends and has the happy fac-
ulty of being able to retain them.

JUDGE \\'ILLIAM E. NELSON.

Judge William E. Nelson has been one of

the most conspicuous figures in the history

of jurisprudence in the fourteenth circuit

of Illinois. In the long line of the illus-

trious men of whom the state is justly
jiroud the public life of few others has ex-
tended over as long a period as his and
certainly the life of none has been more
xaried in service, more constant in honor,
more fearless in conduct and more stain-
less in reputation, lie is the Nestor of the
Decatur bar, having engaged in practice
since August, 1844, while since June, 1857,
he has been a representative of the legal fra-
ternity of this city. Upon the bench, too,
he has won high honors and no resident of
Decatur is more worthy of mention in this
volume than Judge William E. Nelson.

The Judge is a native of Tennessee, born
in AVhite county on the 4th of June, 1824.
In the paternal line he comes of Irisli line-
age, but the family was established in \'ir-
ginia at an early day in the history of this
country. John Nelson, the grandfather of
the Judge, was born in the Old Doininion
and at the time of the Revolutionary war
joined the colonists and aided in the strug-
gle for independence, serving until victory
crowned the American army and the Re-
public was established. He was a mill-
wright and also the owner of a mill, and
throughout his business career followed
these pursuits. Removing to Tennessee,
he spent his last days in Overton county,
where he passed away at the advanced age
of eighty-five years. His son, Richard Nel-
son, was born in Tennessee and after ar-
riving at years of maturity wedded Eliza
.McCampbell, who was of Scotch-Irish de-
scent, and a daughter of Andrew .McCamp-
bell. Her father was born in the
land of hills and heather and after his mar-
riage in that country he removed to Ireland,
where he made his home until he sailed
for the new world. Taking up his resi-
dence in Virginia he remained there until
his removal to Tennessee and he, too, was
one of the heroes of the Revolutionary war,
valiantly aiding the colonists in their at-
tempt to win freedom from Briti.sh oppres-

190

PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.

sion. Becoming a resident of Tennessee he
carried on farming in Knox county and
there died at the age of seventy-five years.
Richard Nelson, the father of the Judge,
was an attorney and engaged in practice in
Sparta, Tennessee, from the time of his
marriage until 1846, when he removed to
Carrollton, Mississippi, where he spent his
remaining days. Prominent i-n public af-
fairs he left the impress of his individuality
upon public thought and action and aided
in large measure in shaping the policy of
the states, in which he made his home. He
was a member of the constitutional conven-
tion which formed the organic law of Ten-
nessee and for many years he filled the posi-
tion of judge of the probate court in Missis-
sippi, and his knowledge of the law was
broad and comprehensive and his clientage
was ever of an important and distinctively
representative character. His death oc-
curred in 1865 when he was in his sixty-fifth
year, and his wife passed away in Carroll-
ton, Mississippi, when more than ninety
years of age. They were both members of
the Presbyterian church and to them were
born five sons and three daughters, the sur-
viving members of the family being Will-
iam E. ; Mary F., w'-'o is the wife of Charles
N. Scott, of Carrollton, Mississippi; and
Emily, the wife of James M. ^loore, of
College Cily, California.

Reared to manhood in the comity of his
nativity, William E. Nelson pursued his lit-
erary education there, being a student in
the subscription schools, for at that time the
public school system had not been estab-
lished. When sixteen years of age he took
up the study of law with his father as his
preceptor and in August, 1844, when twenty
years of age he was admitted to the bar.
Joining his father in practice he was for
some years connected with the legal inter-
ests of White county and the adjoining cir-
cuit and his prowess as a lawyer was tested
in the conduct of trials where he was op-

posed to many older and more experienced
lawyers. However, he proved his skill and
capability and successfully handled many
intricate problems of jurisprudence. Con-
tinuing in practice in White county, Ten-
nessee, until June, 1857, he then removed to
Decatur, which was a small town but
seemed to have a good future before it.
Here Judge Nelson opened his law office
and has since been a representative of the
l)ar, covering a period of forty-six years.
In the preparation of his cases he was al-
ways thorough and exhaustive. He seemed
almost to intuitively grasp the strong
points of law and fact and his reasoning
thereon was presented so cogently and un-
answerably as to leave no doubt as to the
correctness of his views or of his conclu-
sions. No detail seemed to escape him and
every point was given its due prominence
while the case was argued with such skill,
ability and power that he seldom failed to
gain the verdict desired.

It is a noticeable fact that the lawyer
figures more prominently in public affairs
than does the representative of any other
class of business activity. The reason for
this is evident and needs no explanation.
The ability and training which qualify one
to practice law also qualify him in many re-
spects for duties which lie outside the
sj)here of his profession and which touch
the general interests of state. Judge Nel-
son is a man who has brought keen dis-
cernment and thorough wisdom to bear not
alone in professional paths, but also for the
benefit of the city and state which have so
long been his home and with whose inter-
ests he has been so thoroughly identified.
He was apipointed by the governor as one of
a committee for the revisal of the statutes
and in 1870 he was elected a member of the
twenty-seventh general assembly of Illinois,
which convened immediately after the adop-
tion of the constitution. He served through-
out all the repeated sessions of that long

PAST AND PRESENT OF MACOX COUNTY.

197

assembl}- and left the impress of lii.s iiuli-
viduality upon tlie measures adopted by
that body. To each question which came
up for settlement he gave earnest and care-
ful consideration and never failed in his al-
legiance to a course which he believed
would contribute to the welfare of the en-
tire state. After his retirement from that
office he was chosen by popular suffrage to
the position of circuit judge of the four-
teenth circuit of Illinois and was upon that
bench for one term. Later he was elected
county judge of Macon county and by re-
election was continued in the office for four
years. On the bench he was the very em-
bodiment of judicial dignity. He was ever
courteous and considerate and never tried
to win cheap applause at the expense of an
inexperienced attorney or overwrought wit-
ness. A man of unimpeachable character,
of unusual intellectual endowments, with a
thorough understanding of the law, pa-
tience, urbanity and industry. Judge Nel-
son took to the bench the very highest
qualifications for this most responsible of-
fice in the system of the state government ;
and his record as a judge has been in har-
mony with his record as a man and lawj'er,
distinguished by unswerving integrity and
a masterful grasp of every i)roblcm that has
presented itself for solution.

Ere leaving his native state Judge Nelson
was united in marriage to Miss Mary A.
Snodgrass, a daughter of Colonel James and
Margaret (McKinney) Snodgrass, who
were residents of White county, Tennessee.
This wedding was solemnized on the 26th
of February, 1846, and the Judge and his
wife became parents of five children, name-
ly: Margaret Eliza, James Ridley, Theo-
dore, Flora and Richard, but with the ex-
ception of Theodore, all died in infancy.
Theodore Nelson has become a prominent
figure in political circles in Chicago, Illi-
nois, and has been honored with political
preferment there. He married Augusta A.

lUainc. a daughter of John R. Blaine, of
Decatur, and they have one child, Mary
Lena. Mrs. Nelson was a most estimable
lady whose life was in consistent harmony
with her membership in the church of
Christ. She died in November, 1876, at the
age of forty-seven years, respected by all
who knew her. In June, 1889, the Judge
was again married, at which date Mrs. Lucy
H. Montgomery became his wife. She was
the widow of John T. Montgomery and a
daughter of Judge Jeptha G. Hollingsworth,
of Elkton, Todd county, Kentucky.

The Judge is quite prominent in Masonic
circles, holding membership with Macon
Lodge No. 8, F. & A. M. ; Macon Chapter,
No. 21, R. A. M. ; and Beaumanoir Com-
niandery. No. 9, K. T. He also belongs
to the Christian church and has been deeply
interested in the moral advancement of the
community. His political support has ever
been given to the Democratic party and it
has been upon this ticket that he has been
elected lo ])ulilic office. In local positions,
political and otherwise, he has served his
fellow townsmen most capably and accept-
ably and Decatur owes much to his co-
operation in its behalf. In his private life
he is distinguished by all that marks the
true gentleman. His is a noble character,
one that subordinates personal ambition to
public good and seeks rather the benefit of
others than the aggrandizement of self. En-
dowed by nature with high intellectual
qualities, to which we add the discipline
and embellishments of culture, his is a most
attractive personality and in Decatur,
where he has so long made his home, he is
numbered among the most honored citi-
zens, receiving the respect and regard of
people of all classes.

HENRY C. MOWRY.
Henry C. Mowry, a prominent citizen of
Forsyth, now living a retired life, was born
on the 1st of March, 1835, in Smithfield,

198

PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.

Providence county, Rhode Island, in a liouse
that liad been tlie home of his ancestors for
three generations back. He is of French,
EiigHsli and Welsh descent and is a repre-
sentative of old and honored colonial fam-
ilies. His father, Asa Mowry, was also
born at the old homestead in Smith-
field, Rhode Island, and in early life
followed the cooper's trade but later
turned his attention to the practice of
law and met with excellent success in his
undertakings. When a young man he mar-
ried Miss Louisa Johnson, also a native of
Rhode Island and a daughter of George W.
Johnson, who was one of the heroes of the
Revolutionary war and lived to the ad-
vanced age of ninety-four years. Asa Mow-
ry died in May, 1841, and his wife who long
survived him, passed away on the 24th of
July, 1883. They were members of the
Society of Friends and were most estimable
people. In their family were five children,
of whom one died in • infancy, the others
being Abbie, who is still living in the east ;
Henry C, of this sketch ; Enos, who died in
October, 1863 ; and Edward M., a stone cut-
ter by trade, who died in 1894 in Rhode
Island.

During his boyhood Henry C. Mowry re-
ceived a good practical education at the East
Greenwich Academy. He was only seven
years of age when his father died and when
still quite young began work in the cotton
mills of his native state, receiving seventy-
five cents per week in compensation for his
service. By the time he was sixteen he had
thoroughly mastered the business and was
appointed overseer of the Smithfield Mills,
with from thirty to sixty operatives under
his charge. Resigning his position in 1855,
he engaged in clerking in a clothing store
for a time and was afterward, employed in
a lumberyard until the Civil war broke out.

Hardly had the echoes from Fort Sum-
ter's guns died away when Mr. Mowry of-
fered his services to the government, en-

listing on the 17th of April, 1861, in Com-
pany K, First Rhode Island Volunteer In-
fantry, as sergeant. This was the first regi-
ment of which General Burnsides had
charge and was the third to enter Wash-
ington. Our subject participated in the
famous battle of Bull Run and the engage-
ments at Roanoke, Newbury and Freder-
icksburg, and was once slightly wounded
in the left leg by a spent ball. He received
an honorable discharge in 1863, at which
time he was acting as lieutenant of his
company though never commissioned.

After his return home Mr. Mowry ac-
cepted a position as mail agent on the Provi-
dence & Worcester Railroad, to which he
had been appointed previous to his enlist-
ment, and he continued to serve in that ca-
pacity until coming west in 1867. He lo-
cated at Forsyth, jMacon county, Illinois,
where he erected an elevator, cribs and of-
fice, and was engaged in the grain business
at this place until 1869, when he removed
to Mattoon, Illinois. There he carried on
the same business for the firm of Day,
Sprague & Company, of Providence, Rhode
Island, having entire charge of their west-
ern department, and in 1874 he changed his
headquarters from Mattoon to Decatur.
Four years later he returned to Forsyth,
where he continued in the grain trade until
1896 when he sold out his business and has
since lived retired, having already acquired
a comfortable competence which will en-
able him to spend the remainder of his life
in ease and quiet.

On the 2d of August, 1872, at St. Louis,
Missouri, 'Sir. Mowry was united in mar-
riage to Miss Henrietta Flood, a daughter
of Dennis and Elizabeth (Fletcher) Flood,
both now deceased. She has one brother
living, Henry Flood, who makes his home
in the state of Washington. Mrs. Mowry
was educated at Alt. Zion Academy, and
by her marriage has become the mother of
two children : Albert E. and Alfred H., but

.^^^^c^ fcli^^^

PAST AND TRESEXT OF MACON COUNTY.

'201

ilic latter died at the age of six years. Al-
bert E. Alowry attended the public schools
of this county and later entered the medical
department of the Northwestern Univer-
sity at Chicago, where he was graduated in
1898 with the degree of M. D. In April of
I hat year he enlisted as assistant surgeon
in a regiment of Illinois cavalry for service
in the Spanish-.American war and remained
with his command until hostilities ceased.
He tlien returned to Chicago, where he
opened an office and has since engaged in
the practice of his profession with marked
success. He makes a specialty of surgery
and already ranks high in medical circles.
On the 29th of July, 1901, heniarried Miss
Ruth Lehman, one of the popular young
ladies of Macon county, who was reared
in Decatur and educated in the high school
of that city. Her father was Jacob Leh-
man, who died of heart disease July 21, 1902.
He was a veteran of the Civil war, having
served three years. His wife, who survives
him, bore the maiden name of Catharine
Weaver, and now lives on the home farm
in this county. Dr. Mowry and his wife
have a little daughter, Marian.

Since attaining his majority our subject
has taken quite an active and prominent
part in public affairs and in 1858 was elected
on the Democratic ticket to the state legis-
lature of Rhode Island. For several terms
he filled the office of supervisor of Hickory
Point township this county and has been
actively identified with school interests. He
is now independent in politics but still re-
tains his interest in public matters. He is
a member of the Unitarian church and for
many years has been prominent in Sunday-
school work, serving as superintendent at
Forsyth. He joined the Masonic order at
W'oonsocket. Rhode Island, in 1865, and at
present is also connected with the Knights
of Pythias, the Independent Order of Odd
Fellows and the Grand Army of the Re-
public, belonging to Donald Post, No. 141,

of J.'"orsyth. For three years he served as
secretary of the State Grain Dealers" Asso-
ciation and in June, 1903, was elected its
president, which position he is now filling
in a most creditable manner. He does con-
siderable writing for eastern papers. His
public and private life are alike above re-
proach, for his career has been one char-
acterized by the utmost fidelity to duty, and
his genial, pleasant manner, has made him
quite popular in business, social and po-
litical circles.

SAMUEL POWERS.

^Vhen Decatur was a village upon a w-ild
western prairie Samuel Powers established
liis home here and for many years remained
a resident of this city. Its advancement
and growth were the source of deep interest
to him and he belonged to that class of
progressive and typical .American men who
are never so engrossed with their own af-
fairs — however extensive — that they cannot
aid in measures for the general good. De-
catur classed him with its leading men
and benefited by his efforts in her behalf.
-At the same time he found in the business
opportunities of the growing west the ad-
vantages he sought and by the improve-
ment of these he worked his way steadily
upward to a commanding position in finan-
cial circles.

Mr. Powers was a native of the Empire
state, his birth having occurred in Saratoga
county on the i8th of May, 1816. He lived
through the center of the world's greatest
])rogress and advancement along commer-
cial and educational lines. In New England
at a very early day the Powers family was
established. The paternal grandfather of
our subject was reared in Connecticut and
William Powers, the father, was there born.
He spent the days of his youth in Bridge-
port, that state, at the homo of Colonel St.

202

PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.

John, whom his motlier married after the
death of her first liusband. She bore the
maiden name of Abigail Hendricks and was
likewise a native of Connecticut and of
Scotch and English lineage. William Pow-
ers devoted his energies to agricultural pur-
suits for some time after his marriage, car-
rying on general farming and stock-raising.
He made his home in Saratoga county, New
York, when it was a new and unsettled dis-
trict and when it required two or three
weeks to make a journey by sloop down the
Hudson river to New York city. He died
in the prime of life, passing away at the
comparatively early age of forty-two years.

Samuel Powers of this review was then a
lad of eight summers. His youth was passed
in the county of his nativity, while his time
was devoted to farm work and to attendance
at the district schools. He pursued his
studies during the cold season when it was
impossible to engage in farm labor, but
with the early spring planting he took his
place in the fields and there worked until
after crops were harvested in the late au-
tumn. He was but fourteen years of age
when the management of the home farm fell
upon him and he continued its cultivation
until he attained his majority when the
property was sold.

Mr. Powers then determined to go to
Alabama, where his brothers were success-
fully engaged in business, one of them being
a prominent commission merchant and ex-
change agent in the city of Mobile. Sam-
uel Powers, therefore, made his way to Tus-
caloosa, where his brother Orlando Powers
was conducting a mercantile establishment,
but he found that commercial life was not
congenial to him as he needed the freedom
of outdoor occupations. His taste and in-
clination was decidedly in favor of agricul-
tural pursuits and he determined to come
to Illinois, for its broad prairies ofifcred ex-
cellent opportunities to the farmer and
stock-raiser. Accordingly in company with

his next elder brother, George Powers, he
made the journey from Alabama through
Tennessee and Kentucky to Illinois. They
traveled on horseback and crossed the Ohio
river at Shawneetown, reaching Decatur in
July, 1839. The traveler of to-day who vis-
its this city with its extensive industrial
and commercial interests, its splendid ad-
vantages and its beautiful homes would see
no point of resemblance to the little village
which greeted the sight of Mr. Powers as
he neared the county seat of Macon county.
However, with marked foresight he made
investments in this part of the state. Sev-
eral railroads had been surveyed with De-
catur as one of the points upon the proposed
line and Mr. Powers recognized that the
promises for the future were very favor-
able and found that the little village was
destined to become a city of considerable
importance. Time proved the wisdom of
his opinions.

Mr. Powers and his brother made invest-
ments in real estate and though their cash
capital consisted of only a few hundred dol-
lars land values were then very low and
they were able to acquire a considerable
amount of realty. From the time of his
arrival in this locality up to the time of his
demise Mr. Powers was the owner of a
tract of land adjoining the corporation limits
of Decatur on the east and Avhich became
very valuable owing to the improvements
placed upon it and because of the growth
of this city. For six months after establish-
ing his home here Mr. Powers carried the
mail between Decatur and Homer and also
other points in Champaign county. He
worked earnestly, indefatigably and ener-
getically and as the result of his labor he
had in a few years accumulated sufficient
capital to enable him to engage in the stock
business on a small scale. Prices, too, for
stock were also very low in comparison with
the aiuounts given at the present day, hogs
sclline for onlv two dollars, while a four-

PAST AM) l'Ri:Sl-.XT OF MACON COUNTY.

203

^Car-old steer bruuglu from eight to ten
dollars. Mr. Powers was an excellent judge
of stock and made his purchases so judi-
ciously that he was enabled to realize good
prolit on his sales. He soon established
for himself a reputation for fair dealing and
honesty and also for promptly meeting his
obligations, which made his name a promi-
nent one in trade circles and also a valuable
one upon commercial paper. It was found
that when the country became involved in
financial panic dealers preferred to sell
their stock to Mr. Powers because of his
known reliability, all feeling sure that they
would receive their money. Throughout
his business career he contintied one of the
most jironiinent and extensive stock dealers
of this portion of the state and it was
through this avenue of activity that he won
the splendid success which made him a
wealthy man of ]\Iacon county. lie did
much to improve the grade of stock raised
in this section of the state, and was espe-
ciall}' well known as abreeder of fine horses,
in which regard he gained a national repu-
tation. He was the breeder of some of the
best horses that had been seen in America
and, by improving the grade raised and
thereby advancing prices, his labors were
a direct benefit to those engaged in similar
enterprises.

On the 3d of March, 1846, Mr. I'owers
was united in marriage to Miss Caroline .M.
Giles, a native of Massachusetts, and they
became the parents of eight children : Will-
iam, Myra, Carrie, George, Thcron, Frank,
Edward and Chauncey. The two oldest
children are deceased. The family home is
always maintained in Decatur and its repre-
sentatives have for many decades figured
prominently in social as well as business
circles.

On attaining his majority Mr. Powers
proudly cast his first presidential vote in
behalf of the candidate of the Whig party
and continued one of its supporters until

its dissolution, when he joined the ranks of
the new Republican party, continuing to
follow its banners until his death, which
occurred February 7, 1885, his remains
being interred by the side of his children
in Greenwood cemetery. The magnitude
and importance of his business interests so
occupied his attention that he never cared
for political preferment, but he was elected
and served as a member of the board of
supervisors from Decatur township. Long
ere death came to him he rounded the
Psalmist's span of three score years and
ten and in the evening of life with his men-
tal and physical vigor unimpaired he over-
came the customary and usual infirmities
and weaknesses of age by active participa-
tion in the living issues and events of the
day. In his home and in the city of his
adoption he was surrounded by a circle of
friends who appreciated his true worth and
admired and esteemed him for his many ex-
cellent traits of character. His name will
be honored for many generations as that
of one of the most enterprising of the early
settlers of Decatur — a man who acted well
his part and who lived a w-orthy and up-
right life.

JOHN W. CRANE.
John W. Crane is well known in the busi-
ness circles of Decatur, being the district
agent of the Aetna Life Insurance Company.
He was born on the 8th of January, 1845.
in Berea, Ohio. It is believed that the
Crane family originated in England. Three
brothers of the name came from that coun-
try to America and settled in New Jersey. It
is to one of these brothers that the subject
of this review traces his ancestry. The
grandfather, Elihu Crane, was born in New
Jersey but spent the greater part of his
active business life in Berea, Ohio, where
he followed the occupation of farming. He
held membership in the Methodist Epis-

204

PAST AND PRESENT OE AIACON COUNTY.

copal church and had two sons who became
clergymen of the Congregational church.
Plis life was ever honorable and active and
he passed away at the ripe old age of sev-
enty-six yeaj'S.

R. B. Crane, the father of our subject,
was born in Ohio and during a part of his
business career was engaged in the manu-
facture of grindstones and building stones
for the Lake Shore «& Michigan Southern
Railroad. In 1859 he removed from Ohio
to Sedan, Indiana, where he began building
a factory for the manufacture of wooden -
bowls, but he died in i860 just as the plant
was nearing completion. He, too, held
membership in the Alethodist Episcopal
church, was greatly interested in its work
and aided in all possible ways in the devel-
opment of the church. He was also a trus-
tee of the Baldwin University. His wife, who
bore the maiden name of Mary Jane Chaney,
was born in Pennsylvania in June, 1820,
and is still living, being in the eighty-fourth
year of her age. In the family were six
children, namely: John W., who is the
eldest ; George M. ; Ella, the wife of Albert
Buchanan ; R. B., who is a banker of To-
ledo, Ohio; Charles E., of Ashland, Ohio,
and W. H., who is now the postmaster and
a merchant at Sedan, Indiana.

At the usual age John W. Crane began his
education, becoming a student in the com-
mon schools of Berea, Ohio. He there con-
tinued his studies until he had completed
the high school course with the class of
1861 and later he pursued a course in Ober-
lin College of Oberlin, Ohio. He then en-
tered a printing office as an apprentice on
the Lorain County News, continuing with
that paper for seven years. While in col-
lege he was converted and was licensed to
preach by the Methodist Episcopal church.
He became a minister of that denomination
in South Bend, Indiana, and joined the
Northwestern Indiana conference. He was
afterward stationed at Lake Station, Indi-

ana, and still later at Kewanna, that state.
Subsequently he became associate editor of
the Indiana Christian Advocate and located
in Indianapolis. For some time thereafter
he was identified with journalistic work and
in March, 1872, he came to Decatur as city
editor of the Daily Republican. In the fall
of that year he joined the Illinois Methodist
Episcopal conference and has acted as pas-
tor of the following charges : Maroa, Oak-
land, Windsor, Kansas, Nokomis and ]\Io-
weaqua, all Illinois towns. In the work of
the ministry he produced good results, his
influence being of no restricted order. He
labored zealously and untiringly, in fact,
devoted himself so closely to his work that
at length his health failed and he found it
necessary to retire from the active minis-
try. He then purchased the Weekly Mail
at Moweaqua, conducting that paper for a
short time, and in 1887 he became special
agent for the Aetna Life Insurance Com-
pany. He has since resided in Decatur and
during the past eight years has been dis-
trict agent for the same company. In 1880
he represented the Indianapolis Journal on
the reportorial staft during the session of
the general conference of the ^lethodist
Episcopal church in that city, reporting the
proceedings of the conference. He has also
written for the St. Louis Globe-Democrat.
He is still a member of the Illinois ^leth-
odist Episcopal conference, holding a super-
annuated relation and occasionally he sup-
plies a pulpit in the absence of the regular
minister.

On the 1st of September, 1870, Mr.
Crane was united in marriage to Miss
Amanda i\I. Hollett, a daughter of Thomas
and Deborah Hollett, and their home has
been blessed with three children : Minnie,
who is now living in Decatur; Albert, who
died at the age of twenty-five years ; and
Jesse, who is employed as a stenographer
by the Pacific Express Compan}', of Chi-
cago.

PAST AND I'Rl'-.SENT OF MACON COUNTY.

207

Mr. Crane was mailc a Mason in Oak-
land Lodge of Oakland. Illinois, in 1873,
and iuus deep sympathy in that order, which
is based upon brotherl\- kindness and help-
fulness. Both he and his wife liold member-
ship in the Grace Methodist Episcopal
church of Decatur and are most deeply in-
terested in its work, doing all they can for
the furtherance of its interests. In his bus-
iness life Mr. Crane is energetic and active
and is thoroughly conversant with the mul-
tiplicity of details involved in the success-
ful conduct of such a position as he is now
filling.

ORVILLE B. GORIN.

Respected by all, there is no man in De-
catur who occupies a more enviable posi-
tion than Orville B. Gorin in commercial
and financial circles, not alone on account
of the success he has achieved, but also on
account of the honorable, straightforward
business policy he has ever followed. He
possesses energy, is quick of perception,
forms his plans readily and is determined in
their execution, and his close application to
business and his management have brought
to him the prosperity which is to-day his.
For thirty-seven years he has been con-
nected with the Millikin National Bank, of
which he is now the vice-president. This
covers almost the entire period of his busi-
ness career and his success may be attrib-
uted in large measure to his persistency of
purpose and to the thorough mastery of
the work which he undertook as a young
man.

Mr. Gorin is numbered among the native
sons of Illinois, his birth having occurred
in Taylorville, Christian county, on the 25th
of January. 1849. His father, Jerome R.
Gorin, was a capable lawyer and afterward
a distinguished banker of Decatur, whose
life work forms an important chapter in the
business historv of this citv. The mother

l)ore the maiden name of Eleanor E. Faw-
cctt and was born in Charleston, Virginia,
in the year 1820. At an early day she ac-
companied her step-father, Mr. Walker, to
Illinois, the family home being established
near old Fort Dearborn in Chicago. In
1845 she became a resident of .MactMi coun-
ty, to which ])lace Jerome R. Gorin had re-
moved in 1840, first locating in Taylorville.
In 1853 he became a resident of Decatur
and for many years he bore an important
part in the work of promoting business de-
vclo[3mcnt and activity here. He died Sep-
tember I, 1897, full of years and honors,
and his wife passed away in 1894. In the
family were six children, three sons and
three daughters.

Orville B. Gorin was a little lad of only
four years when brought by his parents
to Decatur, where he has resided continu-
ously since. At the usual age he began his
education in the public schools of this city
and continued his studies here until he pre-
pared for collegiate work. He then matric-
ulated in Knox College at Galesbiu'g, Illi-
nois, where he remained as a student for
some time, broadening his mind and gaining
that mental discipline which is so necessary
to a successful business career. Upon leav-
ing college he returned to Decatur and soon
afterward accepted a position in the private
banking institution conducted under the
name of James Millikin & Company and
from 1865 until the present he has been a
representative of this institution, gradually
advancing from one position to another un-
til he is to-day one of the strong stock-
holders and the vice-president of the insti-
tution. He became a partner in 1880 and
since that time his keen foresight, business
discrimination and executive force have
proven important factors in the successful
conduct of what is now one of the strong
financial institutions in the state outside
of Chicago. This bank was established by
James Millikin and the firm name of J.

208

PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.

Millikiii & Company was assumed in 1866,
at which date Jerome R. Gorin was ad-
mitted to a partnership. It was in 1880 that
the hitter sold his interest to his son, O. B.
Gorin, and to Milton Johnson and in turn
the latter disposed of his interest to Parke
Hammer. Ln October, 1897, the bank was
incorporated as the Millikin National Bank,
with James Millikin as president; O. B.
Gorin, cashier ; and J. M. Brownback, as-
sistant cashier, the latter having become an
interested partner in 1896. In 1898 the pres-
ent officers were elected : James Millikin,
president ; O. B. Gorin, vice-president ; J.
M. Brownback, cashier ; and S. E. Walker,
assistant cashier. In a history of the insti-
tution published in the Decatur Daily Her-
ald, the following account of the bank and
its methods was given : " During the entire
career of the Millikin National Bank it has
demonstrated beyond a doubt that it is ably
managed and that its affairs are in the
hands of time-tried men who weigh well
every act and who depart not from the well
trodden path of financial safety. All in-
vestments are most carefully made and no
unnecessary risks are taken, hence the
marked favor it enjoys at the hands of many
of the most conservative depositors.

" It does a general banking business,
loans money on approved commercial pa-
per, issues foreign and domestic exchanges
and receives the deposits of the manufac-
turer, mercliant, farmer and general de-
positor.

" Since its organization the bank has pur-
sued the way of legitimate and conservative
business, its able management avoiding the
dangerous shoals upon which many banks
have foundered and to-day the IMillikin Na-
tional Bank stands as solid and firm in the
financial world as the most timid and skep-
tical depositor could possibly desire. It has
been held high in the people's estimation
for these years because of the unquestion-
able character of the men at its head and

the sufficiency of the capital behind it.
riiore is not an officer or director in this
bank in whom the people have not the ut-
most confidence, and as a natural result it
has always enjoyed a large patronage.

" This bank is a United States depository.
Its present deposits are about three mil-
lion dollars and loans and discounts are
two millions two hundred thousand. Its
correspondent banks are the Hanover Na-
tional Bank and the Winslow, Lanier &
Company bank of New York, Merchants'
Loan & Trust and First National banks of
Chicago. National Bank of Commerce, St.
Louis, Merchants' National Bank, Phila-
delphia, Merchants' National Bank, Cincin-
nati, besides connections with leading bank-
ing houses throughout the United States
and Europe."

In 1872 was celebrated the marriage of
Orville B. Gorin and Miss Ella McClellan,
a daughter of Adminston McClellan, a
prominent and influential citizen of De-
catur, who served for twenty-eight years
in the capacity of clerk of Macon count)'.
Unto ^Ir. and ]\irs. Gorin has been born
a daughter, Gussie J., who with her parents
has enjoyed extensive travel, gaining the
culture and knowledge wdiich only travel
can bring. The family home is one of the
most attractive and beautiful residences of
the city and is the center of a cultured so-
ciety circle.

Mr. Gorin is a prominent Mason, be-
longing to Macon Lodge, No. 8, F. & A. M.,
also to the chapter and to Beaumanoir Com-
mandery, No. 9, K. T. Not to know Or-
ville B. Gorin in Decatur is to argue one's
self unknown, for his connection with busi-
ness and social interests has been so ex-
tended that he stands to-day as one of the
most prominent men of the city. His inter-
est in his fellow men is sincere and arises
from a humanitarian spirit which has
prompted his support and co-operation with
many movements and enterprises for the

PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.

201)

general good. He might perhaps have won
high political honor, but he has always
preferred to devote his energies to his ex-
tensive business interests and has been in-
strumental in winning for the Millikin Na-
tional Bank a reputation which extends be-
yond the limits of the state. His career
has ever been such as to warrant the trust
and confidence of the business world and
his activity in financial circles forms no
unimportant chapter in the history of De-
catur.

JOHN M. CRARY.

John M. Crary has passed the eighty-
fifth mile-stone of life's journey. For many
years he was connected with agricultural
interests in Macon county, but is now liv-
ing retired at his home in Decatur in the
enjoyment of a rest which he has truly
earned and richly deserves. A venerable
citizen of the community, he receives the
respect and confidence which should ever
be accorded to those who have advanced
far on life's journey and whose record is in
harmony with all that is honorable and up-
right in man's relations with his fellow men.

Mr. Crary has the distinction of being
born in the year in which the state was ad-
mitted to the Union, his natal day being
February 4, 1818; his birthplace was the
city of New York ; and his parents were
John and Martha (Blakcly) Crary. The
father was likewise a native of the Empire
state and throughout his business career
following merchandising, but both he and
his wife passed away when their son John
was a little lad of only seven years. The
subject of this review then made his home
among strangers. His privileges and ad-
vantages in youth were meager because of
his orphan condition. His youth was largely
passed in W'ashington county. New York,
and at intervals he had the privilege of at-
tending school, but worked for much of the

time in the employ of different parties in
order that he might provide for his own
support. Eventually he became connected
with mercantile interests b)' accepting a
clerkship in a general store in New York
city. The compensation for his labor, how-
ever, was very small, although for two years
he remained in the store and from his ex-
perience there he gained a knowledge of
merchandising and of men which proved
of value to him in later years.

Believing that the new and growing west
would furnish belter opportunities than he
could secure in the older east where the
population was greater and where there
was, therefore, much more competition, he
came to Illinois in 1840, locating first near
Springfield. There he helped build a saw
and flouring mill for John B. Auger and
afterward went to iMechanicsburg, Sanga-
mon county, Illinois, where he helped erect
another flouring mill. (Jn the completion
of this contract he turned his attention to
farming and stock-raising, which he fol-
lowed successfully in Sangamon county for
several years. It is along this line that his
prosperity has been won. The broad
prairies of Illinois furnish ample oppor-
tunity to the agriculturist, who, if he but
improves his advantages, can win success
because of the great fertility of the soil. In
this state total failures of crops are never
known and usually the fields yield in such
abundance that annually Illinois furnishes
a large amount of the food supply of Amer-
ica.

On leaving Sangamon county Mr. Crary
purchased four hundred acres of land in
Christian county and began the develop-
ment of a farm, though at that time the
tract was entirely unimproved. Later he
sold that property and purchased what was
known as the Fullcnwider farm of three
hrnidred and fifty acres and to its further
devclo])mcnt and cultivation devoted his
energies untiringly. He also extended the

210

PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.

scope of his labors by dealing in live slock.
He made a specialty of the feeding of hogs,
cattle and sheep and annually sent to the
markets large shipments on which he real-
ized a good financial return. His next pur-
chase of land made him the owner of the
John Johnson farm, comprising a quarter
section of land, adjoining the city limits
of Springfield and this he subsequently sold
for one hundred dollars per acre. His
money he then invested in three hundred
and sixty acres of land which he continued
to cultivate and improve, devoting much
of tlie farm to pasture lands, whereon he
raised a great amount of stock. This farm
is located in Illini township, Macon county,
and Mr. Crary was actively and continu-
ously connected with general farming and
stock-raising interests at this place until
1890. He has also bought and sold other
lands, realizing good profit upon his invest-
ments and as a stock-dealer he has pros-
pered, his sales annually adding to his in-
come. At length, having acquired a hand-
some competence, Mr. Crary determined to
put aside further business cares to enjoy the
fruits of his former toil for he has a capital
that supplies him with all the comforts that
go to make life worth the living. Since 1891
he has made his home in Decatur.

^T^. Crary has been twice married. He
first wedded Miss Elizabeth J. Steel, who
was born in the state of Kentucky, and they
became the parents of two children : George
E., who has departed this life; and Annie
E., the wife of Isaac N. Ransom, who re-
sides in Springfield, Illinois. It was in 1863
that Mr. Crary was called upon to mourn
the loss of his wife, who died on the 24th
of May of that year. For his second wife
he chose Eliza Ray, the wedding being
celebrated on the 15th of September, 1863.
The lady bore the maiden name of Eliza
Hill and was born in the city of London,
England, where she spent her girlhood
days and acquired her education. She

came to the United States in 1850 and after
the death of her first husband, Thomas
Ray, she gave her hand in marriage to Mr.
Crarj-. She is a lady of broad culture, of
innate refinement and of warm friendship.
She belongs to several social organizations
of the city and is deeply interested in church
work, her co-operation therein proving an
active factor in the development of the
moral interests of the community.

Both Mr. and Mrs. Crary hold member-
ship in the Congregational church of De-
catur and he has been a liberal contributor
to its support. His political allegiance was
given to the Whig party in his early man-
hood and he is one of the few surviving
men who voted for William Henry Harrison
in 1840. Almost a half century later he
voted for the grandson of the Tippecanoe
hero, depositing his ballot for Benjamin
Harrison. Mr. and Mrs. Crary now occupy
a very attractive and comfortable home on
North Union street in Decatur and there
are quietly passing the evening of life. As
the day with its morning hope, its noon-
tide of activity and its evening of completed
and successful eiifort, so has been the life
of Mr. Crary and at all times his has been
an honorable and upright career.

WILLIAM A. MELTON, ^I. D.
Dr. William Alexander Melton is a skilled
physician and surgeon of Warrensburg, Illi-
nois, whose knowledge of the science of
medicine is broad and comprehensive, and
whose ability in applying its principles to
the needs of suflfering humanity has gained
him an enviable prestige in professional
circles. The Doctor is a native of Kansas,
his birth having occurred in Osage county,
that state, on the loth of February', 1863,
and his parents are William A. and Roxie
(Beckes) Melton. The father is now en-
gaged in farming in Garfield county, Okla-

^^^^'-'^^^^^^ /^ ^-T^dXir

PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.

213

honia. In his family are three children:
William A., of this review; Mina R., the
wife of Z. L. Hess, of lola, Kansas; and
Luther T., who married Lulu Partridge
and lives in Garfield county, Oklahoma.

Dr. Melton acquired his early education
in the district schools near his boyhood
home and later attended the Normal School
at Paola, Kansas. He was in school dur-
ing the winter months, while throughout
the remainder of the year he worked on
the home farm for some time, and later en-
gaged in teaching school for seven years in
Shawnee county, Kansas. He began the
study of medicine with Dr. W. S. Pickard,
of Burlingame, Kansas, and in 1892 entered
the Northwestern School of Medicine at
Chicago, where he was graduated in the
class of 1896. That year he opened an of-
fice in Warren?burg, being in partnership
with Dr. Allen for a time but is now alone,
and he has built up a large and lucrative
practice here. ^

In 1898 Dr. Melton was united in mar-
riage to Miss Olive Lehew, who died Jan-
uary I, 1901. She was a native of War-
rensburg and a daughter of Spencer and
Flora (Stahl) Lehew, the former of French
and the latter of German descent. ]\lrs.
Lehew is still a resident of Warrensburg.

The Doctor has a well equipped office and
in connection has a nice operating room.
He is the owner of a fine medical library,
laboratory and the latest improved surgical
apparatus, and he has not only met with
success in a professional way but has also
prospered financially, having already ac-
quired a comfortable competence. He
gained his start in life by teaching school
and through his own well directed efforts
he has worked his way upward until he to-
day stands among the leading physicians
of Macon county. He is a member of the
Decatur Medical Society ; the District Med-
ical Society of Central Illinois; the Illinois
State Medical Society, the .\merican Medi-

cal Association and the American Associa-
tion of Life Insurance E.xaminers, being
examiner for a number of the leading com-
panies of the country and also for the Mod-
ern Woodmen of America and the Royal
Circle. He is a member of the Independent
Order of Odd Fellows and the ^Masonic
(Jrder, and in politics is identified with the
Republican party. He is now serving his
second term as a member of the town board
of trustees. The Doctor is an active worker
and prominent member of the Methodist
Episcopal church of Warrensburg and has
been connected with ■ the Young Men's
Christian Association, the Epworth League
and Christian Endeavor Society. Genial
and affable in manner, he makes many
friends and is popular both in professional
and social circles.

FRANK M. PRATT.
The business interests of Frank M. Pratt
are important and extensive, involving the
investment of much ca])ital, demanding keen
sagacity, close application and strong busi-
ness ability in their control and, while he
is meeting with splendid success, he also
belongs to that class of representative
American citizens who are promoting pub-
lic prosperity by pushing forward the in-
dustrial wheels of progress. The day of
small undertakings, especially in cities,
seems to have passed and the era of gigan-
tic enterprises is upon us. In control of
mammoth concerns are men of master
minds, of almost limitless ability to guide,
of sound judgment and discrimination.
Their progressivencss must not only reach
the bounds that others have gained, but
must even pass beyond into new and broad-
er untried fields of operation ; but an un-
erring foresight and sagacity must make no
mistake by venturing upon uncertain
ground. Thus continually growing, a busi-

214

PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.

ness takes leadership in its special line and
the men who are at its head are deservedly
eminent in the world of commerce, occupy-
ing a position that commands the respect
while its excites the admiration of all. Frank
M. Pratt is actively associated with the con-
trol of enterprises that are so large as to
be national in their character. He is now
president of the Pratt Cereal Oil Company
and Pratt & Company, of Decatur, and is
actively associated with the American Hom-
iny Company, which embraces large indus-
tries in various cities throughout the United
States.

The life record of Frank M. Pratt began
in Litchfield county, Connecticut, January
21, 1853, his birth having occurred on the
farm owned and occupied by his father,
Enos B. Pratt. The family is of English
lineage and at an early epoch in the devel-
opment and colonization of New England
was founded in that portion of America.
The paternal grandfather was Martin Pratt,
a native of Connecticut, and among his chil-
dren was Enos B. Piatt. The latter was
also a native of the Charter Oak state, born
in 1828. Throughout his business career
he carried on farming and in the tilling of
the soil met with creditable success. For
a companion and helpmate on life's journey
he chose Miss Emeline Bierce, who was also
born in Connecticut. The family continued
to live in that state until 1874, when they
came to Decatur, Illinois, and here the father
changed his occupation from agricultural to
mercantile pursuits, establishing a grocery
business'on Franklin street, in which he car-
ried on operations along both wholesale and
retail lines. At the same time he engaged
in the buying and selling of horses, which
he shipped to Connecticut, and for fourteen
years he carried on business here, his life's
labors being ended in death in 1888. His
widow still survives him. making her home
in Decatur at the age of seventy-six years.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Pratt were born eight

children, four sons and four daughters, seven
of whom are now living, namely : Martin
B., who is a prominent merchant and grain
dealer; Ralph E., who is engaged in the
grain business in Chicago and is vice presi-
dent of the American Hominy Company,
also interested in the feed and oil business
and in the Pratt Cereal Oil Company ; Riley
E., a leading business man of Buffalo, New
York, and manager of the Pratt & Com-
pany grain business there ; Nellie, now the
wife of George Tucker, of Decatur; Abbie
P., who is at home with her mother; and
Ada, the wife of Heston I. Baldwin, a mem-
ber of H. I. Balwin & Company, of Decatur.
When a little lad of about six years Frank
M. Pratt entered the common schools of his
native state and later continued his studies
in the home academy. He entered upon
his business career as a teacher, being em-
ployed in that capacity in the graded schools
of Connecticut for two years. On coming
to Decatur he engaged in the grocery busi-
ness with his father and later located in
Oreana, Macon county, where he conducted
a general store and also engaged in the
grain business for five years. On the ex-
piration of that period he returned to De-
catur and entered into partnership ^rith his
brother Ralph E. Pratt in the grain busi-
ness. In 1888 they opened a branch estab-
lishment in Chicago and in 1890 another in
Buffalo, New York. Riley E. Pratt took
charge of the last named. From the time
of his return to Decatur Frank M. Pratt's
success in business has been uniformly rapid
and the enterprises of which he is at the
head have assumed mammoth proportions.
In 1890 he built the transfer elevator at De-
catur, and four years later, in connection
with his brother Ralph E. Pratt built a large
mill for the manufacture of hominy and
cereals, the latter business being consoli-
dated in 1902 with about fourteen different
concerns of the middle west engaged in the
manufacture of cereals throughout Ohio,

PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.

215

Indiana and Tllinois, under the name of the
American Hominy Company, of which
Ralph E. Pratt is vice president. Their
headquarters are in Chicago and the busi-
ness is capitahzed for three milHon five hun-
dred thousand dollars. Upon the consolida-
tion of these mills Frank AI. Pratt formed
the Pratt Cereal Oil Company, with a capi-
tal stock of six hundred thousand dollars,
the principal stockholders being himself and
brother Ralph E., and they built a large
mill for the extraction of corn oil, it having
a capacity of six hundred thousand pounds
of ground corn and capable of producing
sixty thousand pounds of oil per day. The
ground corn is taken from the hominy mill
and is that part which for a time was looked
upon as refuse and regarded as of no value
except for feed, but at the present time it is
utilized, bringing a good profit. The oil
mill was put in full operation in Septem-
ber, 1903, and has become one of the most
important industries of central Illinois and
of the western states. The Pratt plant of
the .American Hominy Company is noted in
milling circles as an example of cleanliness,
of purity of products and the general ex-
cellence of its manufactures. It is cr|uipped
with the latest and best improved machin-
ery, having several special features, includ-
ing steel tanks for storage purposes and im-
mense elevators.

In 1876 Frank M. Pratt was united in
marriage to IMiss Marj^ J. Boyer, of Oreana,
a daughter of William P)Oyer, one of the
prominent old residents of that place. They
have two children: JNIrs. Helen G. Vance,
who is now a widow and resides in Deca-
tur; and Charles F., who is connected with
Pratt & Company, of IDccatur. Wr. Pratt
has been prominently identified with both
the Decatur Club and the Decatur Country
Club. He has served as president of the
former and has been vice president of the
Country Club since its organization and in
the city where he has long made his home

he has a wide acquaintance and a large cir-
cle of warm friends.

Such in brief is the life history of a man
who, by his own energ}', perserverance and
indomitable strength of character, has
achieved a reputation that entitles him to
rank among the leading merchants of the
world, due alone to his keen foresight and
honesty of i)urpose, and a bright example
- to the rising generation of what can be ac-
complished by untiring energy and attention
to business. His success has been truly
wondcrfid and due alone to his individual
efforts. One of the most active of men,
never idle, and keeping his wealth in mo-
tion for the interests of the city he lives in,
his name in coinniercial circles is a tower
of strength and with him there is no such
a word as "fail" in anything he undertakes.

JOHN G. STOP.ER.

|c)hn (1. Stober, who is a merchant po-
liceman of Decatur, was born November
14, 1846, in the town of Silbcrhausen, in
the province of Saxony, Germany. He was
a son of Henry and Elizabeth Stober, in
whose family were four sons and a daughter,
two of whom are yet living in the father-
land. Three of the number emigrated to
America and one died here. The father
was a dry-goods merchant and by the capa-
l)le conduct of his business aflfairs won a
good living for his family.

In the public and parochial schools of his
home town John G. Stober was educated
and after ])utting aside his text books he
received his business training in his fath-
er's store, becoming associated with his
father and brothers in this enterprisse. At
the age of twenty years he was drafted
into the regular army of Germany and six
weeks after he had joined the service war
was declared between I'russia and Austria.
Mr. Stober was then called to the front and

2\C,

PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.

served for six months, participating in a
number of battles, including the engage-
ments at Pressburg, Citgin and Koenig-
kratz. After the war was over he served
for tliree more years. At the end of nine
months he was made corporal of his regi-
ment and when two years had passed he
was made third sergeant. On the 15th of
June, 1869, he received an honorable dis-
charge and again he engaged in business
with his father, but on the 15th of June,
1870, he was recalled to the army and par-
ticipated in the Franco-German war, serv-
ing under William I. He fought in four
battles — Beaumont, Cravette, Sedan and the
siege of Paris, and was present at the time
that Napoleon III was taken prisoner.
For one year he remained with the army
and then was honorably discharged on the
15th of June, 1871, his regiment being
stationed at that time at Erfurt.

On again returning home Mr. Stober
joined his brothers in business, his father
having died in the meantime, his death oc-
curring February 27, 1869, and on the ist
of Februar}^ 1882, the mother of our sub-
ject passed away.

From 1871 until 1876 Mr. Stober was
associated with his brothers in the conduct
of a successful mercantile enterprise in his
native land, but the opportunities of the
new world attracted him and in the latter
year he decided to emigrate to the new
world.

Bidding adieu to friends and native coun-
try he sailed on the 9th of Februar3% 1876,
for New York, where in due time he landed.
He then made his way across the country
to Connersville, Indiana, where he lived
for three years and then again started west-
ward, locating at Pocahontas, in Randolph
county, -Aikansas. One year was passed
there, at the end of which time he returned
to Indiana. While on the return trip, how-
ever, he passed through Decatur and was
greatly impressed with the city and its

prospects. The vision of this place remained
continually in his mind and in 1883 he re-
turned here to become one of its residents.
He was first employed as an engineer by
the Decatur Brewing Company and later he '
engaged in business on his own account,
conducting a grocery store on East Will-
iams street. When Captain Keenan was
elected mayor of the city in 1887 Air.
Stober was appointed to a position on the
regular police force and has since served
in that capacity, either as a regular or
merchant policem.an. for the past sixteen
years. He is now a merchant policeman,
although at the present writing he is away
on leave of absence, having gone to the
fatherland to visit the country from which
he has been absent for twenty-eight years.
He sailed on the 4th of August, with pleas-
ant anticipations of again renewing the ac-
quaintances of his earl)^ life and looking
once more upon the scenes amid which his
childhood was passed.

At Liberty, Indiana, Air. Stober was
united in marriage on the 13th of January,
1881, to Miss Catherine McWalter, of that
city. Three children have been born unto
them, two sons and a daughter, but all are
now deceased. Mrs. Stober was born in
Tuam, County Galway, Ireland, and came
to America in 1865. Her parents are now
deceased.

Mr. Stober is a member of Decatur Coun-
cil of the Knights of Columbus, having been
initiated into that order November 24, 1901.
He is also a stanch Democrat and has taken
an active part in the political campaigns
in this city. His religious faith in indicated
by his membership in St. Patrick's Catholic
church. He has never had occasion to re-
gret his determination to sek a home in
America for he has 'found here the oppor-
tunities he sought and to-day he is a well
known and respected citizen of Macon
county, having warm friends within its bor-
ders.

'%,.,-

PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.

219

.MILTUX JUllXSUX.

Milton Johnson is distinctively American
and so were his ancestors both lineal and
collateral for generations. It was at a very
early period in the history of America and
its colonization that the Johnson family, of
which our subject is a representative, was
established in the new world. Only twelve
years after the landing of the Pilgrims at
Plymouth Rock the Johnson family was
planted on American soil b}- emigrants from
Englaiul and from 1632 down to the present
time representatives of the name have been
found loyal in citizenship and honorable in
business relations so that they have proven
of worth to the communities in which they
have made their homes.

Captain Othniel Johnson, the grandfather
of our subject, was born in Buckland,
Massachusetts, and served his country in
the war of 1812. He spent his entire life in
the state of his nativity and passed the
Psalmist's span of three score years and
ten, his death occurring at the age of sev-
enty-three. Edwin Johnson, the father of
our subject, was one of a large family and
his natal year was 1818. tie, too, was born
in Massachusetts and as a preparation for
the practical duties of a business career he
learned the trades of a stone-mason and
plasterer, ^^'llen the tide of emigration
was steadily flowing westward into the
states of the Mississippi valley he sought
a home in \\'isconsin, locating there at tJie
age of twenty-two years. Settling on a
farm in the town of Greenfield, five miles
from Milwaukee, he began the task of cul-
tivating and improving the land and for
forty years carried on farming there. He
afterward came to Decatur to make his
home with his son Milton and here died in
August, 1900. He was a member of the
Methodist Episcopal church and a man
whose strong principles and force of char-
acter gained for him the respect and ad-
miration of his fellow men. His wife, who

bore the maiden name of Pauline Howes,
was also born in Massachusetts and was a
daughter of Nathan Howes, one of the
farmers of the Old Bay state. Her death
occurred in Wisconsin in June, 1864. By
her marriage she became the mother of the
following named: Milton Johnson, of this
review; Franklin, who wedded Miss Mary
Clark, a niece of Alvan Clark, the famous
telescope manufacturer, and lives in Bara-
boo, Wisconsin, where he is engaged in hor-
ticultural pursuits; Marj-, a resident of Oak
Park, Illinois, is the wife of I. E. Brown,
who for the past twenty years has been sec-
retary of the Young Men's Christian Asso-
ciation of the state ; Martha, wife of Rev.

0. H. P. Smith, a Methodist Epi.scopal min-
ister belonging to the Illinois conference;
and Anna, who was educated for foreign
mission work and assigned to the China de-
partment but after having made all arrange-
ments to sail from .Seattle she was taken ill
at the home of our subject while paying a
farewell visit and it was several months be-
fore she recovered. She finally resigned her
appointment and later became the wife of

1. J. Davis. They make their home in Oak
Park, Illinois. After the death of his first
wife, Edwin Johnson was again married, his
second union being with Mrs. Christiana
Remington. There was onlj' one son by this
union, ICdwin, who was formerly an archi-
tect of Chicago, but is now engaged in tlie
drug business in Sugar City, Colorado.

Upon the old home farm near Greenfield,
Wisconsin, Milton Johnson first opened his
eyes to the light of day, his birth occurring
on the 30th of September, 1845. At the
usual age he entered the district schools
and therein pursued his studies for some
time. In the months of summer he assisted
in the work of field and meadow and con-
tinued under the ])arental roof until twenty
jears of age, when as a preparation for the
responsibilities of later life he pursued a
course in the Bryant, Stratton & Spencer

220

PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.

business college of Milwaukee. His first
independent venture was as a teacher. For
several terms he taught in the public schools
where he displayed marked aptitude for the
work, gaining distinction by reason of his
skill and zeal. Me then became a teacher
in the college where he had obtained his
education, Bryant, Stratton & Spencer's,
and while there was in charge of the bank-
ing department and thus acquired a keen
taste for the business wdiich he has made
his life work. Later he severed his connec-
tion with educational work and came to
Decatur, where he has made his home con-
tinuously since 1866.

During the first three years of his resi-
dence in this city Mr. Johnson was in the
service of the United States Express Com-
pany and then entered the employ of the
firm of Powers, Ferris & Company, boot
and shoe dealers, with whom he remained
until 1872. That year witnessed the begin-
ning of his connection with the banking
business in which he was destined to rise
until he is now one of the most active and
influential representatives of the financial
circles of this city. In 1872 he became a
bookkeeper in the banking house of Mil-
likin & Company, serving in that capacity
until 1880, when he became a member oi
the firm and took an active part in its con-
trol until 1892, when he sold his interest in
that institution and entered upon his con-
nection with the Citizens' National Bank, of
which he is now the cashier. For one year
he served as vice president and in 1892 was
elected president, acting in that capacity
for some time. In 1899 the bank was re-
organized with Harry Shlandeman as presi-
dent; William H. Starr, vice president; Mil-
ton Jiihnson, cashier; and J. N. Baker, as-
sistant cashier. Mr. Johnson has since
served as cashier and the prosperous career
of the bank has been largely due to his ef-
forts, his thorough understanding of the
banking business and his sound judgment.

He has the ability to readily read and un-
derstand men and while he is always courte-
ous in his treatment to the patrons of the
bank he rarely, if ever, makes a mistake in
placing trust in one wdio does not warrant
it. During his connection with the Citize.is
National Bank its business has been doubled
many times and while the policy that is fol-
lowed is conservative to the point of safety
it is also progressive to the point of modern
methods which are fully abreast with the
times.

On the 5th of January, 1870, Mr. Johnson
was united in marriage to Miss Philena A.
Evans, whose parents, John and Lucy
(Peckham) Evans, were natives of New
York, whence they emigrated westward to
Waukesha, Wisconsin. Unto Mr. and Mrs.
Johnson have been born six children : Elbert
E., who is a resident of Pasadena, Califor-
nia ; Franklin L., who was educated in the
Northwestern University at Evanston and
is in the National Bank of Commerce in St.
Louis, Missouri ; Milton, wdio was also a
student in the Northwestern University
and is now teller in the Citizens' National
Bank of Decatur ; Pauline, the wife of R.
C. Augustine; Alva M., who is an employe
of the ]\Ierchants' National Bank at Indi-
anapolis, Indiana ; and Roy G., who com-
pletes the family. Miss Maude E. Evans,
a niece of Mrs. Johnson, formerly made her
home with this family. She is now married
to Roy Stewart, of Decatur. Mr. and Mrs.
Tohnson have a beautiful residence which
was erected at a cost of fifteen thousand
dollars and is built in modern style of archi-
tecture. It is one of the beautiful homes
of this city and in its furnishings indicates
the cultured and refined taste of the in-
mates.

In Masonic circles Mr. Johnson has at-
tained distinction and is a worthy exemplar
of the craft. He belongs to ]\Iacon Lodge,
No. 8, F. & A. M.; Macon Chapter, No. 21,
R. A. M. ; and Beaumanoir Commandery,

PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.

2'21

No. y, K. T. lie lias bot-n honored wilh
official preferment in these various branches
of Masonry, serving as eminent commander
ft)r two years, and he has also held otTice
in the First Methodist chnrch. of which
both he and his wife are members, having
been steward and president of the board of
trustees for the past fifteen years. He is
benevolent, giving liberally of his means to
the poor and needy, but which is after the
spirit of the teaching which says "Let not
3-our left hand kninv what your right hand
doeth."

Viewed from any standpoint his life might
be said to be a success ; and it is the success
not merely of the man who prosecutes a
prosperous commercial life, intent onl)^ on
winning wealth, but that of the man who
advances jmblic good in promoting individ-
ual prosperity. The study of the character
of the representative American never fails
to offer much of pleasing interest and valu-
able instruction, and the life of Mr. John-
son certainly furnishes food for deep and
profitable thought.

ANDREW II. -MILLS.

.Andrew 11. Mills is actively connected
with a profession which has important bear-
ing upon the progress and stable prosperity
of any section or community, and one which
has long been considered as conserving the
public welfare by furthering the ends of jus-
tice and maintaining individual rights. His
reputation as a lawyer has been won
through earnest, honest labor, and his stand-
ing at the bar is a merited tribute to his
ability. He now has a good practice, and his
careful preparation of cases is supplemented
by a power of argument and a forceful
presentation of his |)oints in the courtroom
so that he seldom fails to impress court or
jury.

.Mr. Mills is a native of Putnam eouiitv.

Illinois, his birth lia\ing there occurred on
the (ith of C)ctober, 1S51. His parents were
l-:ii R. and lili/cabeth R. (Kiniber) Mills,
who were members of the Society of Friends
in western Pennsylvania. In early man-
hood the father left ihc east, making his
way to Illinois, lie settled in Putnam
County and became the owner of steamboats
running on the ( )liio, Mississippi and Illi-
nois rivers, but he died when the subject
of this review was only four years of age.
Ill his boyhood days he was a playmate of
James G. Blaine. By his marriage to Miss
Kimber he had nine children, five of whom
are now living, namely : Susan K., who is
the wife of Robert N. West; Sarah M.. the
wife of Frederick M. Cox, of Decatur; II. C,
who is judge of Putnam county. Illinois;
.Andrew H.. of this review; and Isaac R.,
who is the law partner of his brother
.\iidrew.

L'pon the home farm Andrew H. Mills
was born and reared and his education was
hegiin ill the district schools. During the
summer months he assisted in the work of
the fields and developed a strong, robust
maniiood which has enabled him to apply
himself closely to his professional duties
in later years. After gaining his preliminary
education near his home he entered Lincoln
University, in which he was graduated on
the completion of a five years' classical
course of study in 1875. He then spent two
years as a member of the faculty of the same
institution and therein pursued a post-grad-
uate course. For some time he was a suc-
cessful educator and became su|)eriiitendeiit
of the city schools of Waverly, Illinois,
where he remained for three years. In his
instruction before the class he was always
clear and concise and forceful, and these
r|ualities have likewise been manifested in
his presentation of a case before court or
jury. While acting as principal of the
schools of Waverly he also took up the
slud\- of law. In 1S80 he came to Decatur

222

PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.

and completed his reading in the law office
of the well known firm of Clokey & Mills,
being admitted to the bar of the state in
May, 1881. In the following June he en-
tered into partnership relations with his
brother, I. R. Mills, and the firm has long
maintained a high reputation among the
leading lawyers of the Macon county bar.
For six years Andrew H. I\Iills served as
assistant city attorney and for twelve years
as assistant states attorney under his
brother. He now makes a specialty of
chancer}^ probate and real estate law, al-
though he is well informed in all depart-
ments of jurisprudence. He does not care,
however, to give much of his time to crim-
inal law and has gained a good clientage in
the other branches of the profession, being
regarded as a wise counsellor and safe ad-
viser in matters pertaining to corporation
or other business interests. The firm of
JMills Brothers are attorneys for the Citi-
zens' National Bank of Decatur and they
occupy a handsome suite of rooms on the
sixth floor of the Millikin Bank Building. •
Their law library is extensive and with its
contents Andrew H. Mills has familiarized
himself, being a deep student and one who
has carried his investigations far and wide
into the realms of judicial knowledge.

On the 2d of January, 1877, occurred the
marriage of Andrew H. Mills and Miss
EHzabeth E. Bell, a daughter of the late
Rev. W. C. Bell, of Lincoln, Illinois. Their
children are Ralph G., Judith B., Helen E.,
Plarold E. and Andrew Hubert. The en-
tire family hold membership in the First
Presbyterian church, and through many
years Mr. Mills has been one of its most
active and helpful workers. He has long
served as one of its elders and for fifteen
years has been superintendent of its Sunday-
school. Through a considerable period he
has also been chairman of the County Sun-
day-school .Association and is now chairman
of the executive committee of the Illinois

State Sunday-school Association, while in
the International Sunday-school Associa- '
tion he is also serving on the executive com-
mittee. He has taken a deep interest in the
welfare of the boys and young men of the
city and he secured the handsome bequests
of David F. Hamsher and Reuben Betzer
for the Young j\Ien's Christian Association
of Decatur. He is deeply interested in the
James Millikin University and has rendered
valuable services to this institution. His
attractive residence is situated on West
Decatur street and in addition he holds
valuable property interests in Putnam and
Shelby counties. A broad minded man,
while giving his chief attention to his bus-
iness aft'airs he has j-et found opportunity
to aid in the material progress, the intellec-
tual development and the moral advance-
ment, realizing that man's nature should
grow along all these lines. A man of un-
swerving integrity and honor, one who has
a strong appreciation for the higher ethics
of life, he has gained and retained the con-
fidence and respect of his fellow men and
is distinctivel}^ one of the leading citizens
not only of Decatur, but of ^lacon county.

H. E. DICKEY.

H. E. Dickey, a well known farmer re-
siding on section 36, Friends Creek town-
ship, is one of Macon county's native sons
and has been an eye witness of much of
her development. During his boyhood much
of the land was still wild and uncultivated
and Decatur was but a small town. He
aided in building the railroad through his
locality in 1873 ^"^ i" other ways has ma-
terially assisted in the improvement of his
native county, which to-day is one of the
best in this great commonwealth.

Mr. Dickey was born in Friends Creek
township, on the 13th of January, 1859, and
is a son of William and Sarah Dickej-. His
father was a native of Kentucky and was

rr.J^ /d.

PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.

225

one of tlie early settlers of I'riemls Creek
township, where he purchased land at the
government price of one dollar and a quarter
per acre. He broke antl iniprovctl his farm
and for many years was successfully en-
gaged in agricultural pursuits in this local-
ity. After a useful and well spent life he
died in 1875.

H. E. Dickey, of this review, obtained his
early education in the Newburg schoolhouse
and u hen not in school he aided in the work
of the home farm, thus early acquiring an
excellent knowledge of the occupation
which he lias chosen as a life work. At the
age of twenty-two years he commenced op-
crating a tract of land belonging to his
father, and is still engaged in the cultiva-
tion of two hundred and forty acres be-
longing to the estate. The place was im-
proved by the father but our subject has
made many changes and is now successfully
engaged in both fanning and stock-raising.

In 1885 Mr. Dickey married Miss Au-
gustus, a daughter of Clarke and Margaret
Augustus, of Friends Creek township, both
now deceased. Four children blessed this
union, namely: Nellie, born in November,
1SS6: Lula, born in February, x888 ; Grace,
born in September, 1889; and Ploward. born
in July, 1891. Grace is now deceased. Mr.
and Mrs. Dickey are worthy members of
the Cumberland Presbyterian church and he
is also connected w-ith the Modern Wood-
men of America. In his political affiliations
he is a Deiuocrat and he has filled the of-
fices of collector and school director in a
most creditable and satisfactory manner.
His children are now attending school in
Argenta.

^\"ILLIAM A. BARNES, M. D.
No adequate memorial of William A.
Barnes can be written until many of the
useful enterprises with -vhicii he was con-
nected have completed their full measure of

good in the world and until his personal in-
fluence and example shall have ceased their
fruitage in the lives of those who were
about him when he was yet an actor in the
hu.sy places of the world ; yet there is much
concerning him that can with profit be set
down here as an illustration of what can
be done if a man with a clear brain and
willing hands but sets hiinself seriously to
the real labors and responsibilities of life.
It can be truthfully said that he was the
architect of his own fortunes and from the
time when Decatur was a struggling and
unimportant little village down to almost
the present Dr. Barnes was identified with
its interests. The silent and unwritten his-
tory of its streets, its railroads and its pub-
lic institutions is replete with his spirit and
imtiring energy. He gained distinctive
recognition as one of the leaders in business
life here, having shown a marked capacity
for the successful conduct of affairs of great
breadth. It is not alone compatible but
practically imperative that there be incor-
porated in this \-olume a review of his life.

Dr. liarnes was born in New Hampshire,
his natal place being Claremont, while his
natal day was the 15th of March, 1824. In
an early period in the develoiimcnt of New
iMigland the family was established there.
The Doctor's paternal grandfather removed
from Farmington, Comiecticut, to Clare-
mont, New Hainpshirc, when that section
of the state was almost an unbroken wil-
derness and amid the hills of New Hamp-
shire he reared his family. Ira N. Barnes,
the father of the Doctor, was born in Clare-
mont and after reaching j'ears of maturity
devoted his energies to agricultural pur-
suits, but his death resulted from an acci-
dent when he was only about thirty years
of age. His wife, who bore the maiden
name of Harriet Eastman, belonged to an
old New England family of considerable
prominence.

Dr. Barnes, the eldest of five children.

22G

PAST AND PRESENT OE MACON COUNTY.

was only six years of age at the lime of
his father's death. The following year he
went to live with his grandfather, with
whom he remained imtil he reached the
age of fifteen years and during that period
he acquired an excellent education in the
public schools and also in Claremont Acad-
cni}-. When a youth of fifteen he started
westward for the purpose of making his
home with a cousin in Dayton, Ohio, with
whom he li\ed from 1839 until 1844. lie
further continued his studies in that city
and. well qualified for the teacher's profes-
sion, he became an instructor in a school-
room in Montgomery county, Ohio, when
twenty years of age. In early manhood he
also engaged in teaching music, in which he
was quite proficient, but another profession
seemed to him more attractive and, believ-
ing that it would be also remunerative as
a life work, he took up the study of medi-
cine in 1846, his preceptor being Dr. Van
Harlingen, of Centervillc, Ohio. Later he
matriculated in the Starling Medical Col-
lege at Columbus and in the fall of 1849 '^^
went to Philadelphia, where he pursued his
second course of lectures in the University
of Pennsylvania and in that institution was
graduated with the class of 1850.

Returning then to Centerville, Ohio, he
opened an office and entered upon his pro-
fessional career, but in the autumn of the
same year he located in Valparaiso, In-
diana, remaining a member of the medical
fraternity there for three years. In 1853
he became a resident of Decatur and for a
short time practiced his profession, but also
became engaged in other lines of business
which ultimately demanded all of his time
and attention. Upon his arrival here he
purchased a tract of land about four miles
from the town and at once began its culti-
vation and development. He bad been a
resident of Decatur but two years, when in
1855 he succeeded Drs. King and Cheno-
weth as proprietors of a drug store in De-

catur, which he conducted with success un-
til 1859. During the period of the Civil
war his time was largely occupied with offi-
cial service, for in 1861 he was appointed
master in chancery. In that office as in
all other relations in life he was found
prompt and faithful in the execution of his
duties and he capably served until 1865,
when he resigned.

Dr. Barnes was among the first to inau-
gurate the manufacturing interests which
have made Decatur one of the largest pro-
ducing centers of the Mississippi valley. In
1360 in partnership with William Lintner
he established a factory for the manufac-
ture of hay-presses and when this work was
placed upon a paying basis it was extended
in scope by the establishment of a depart-
ment for the manufacture of pumps and
agricultural implements. Its trade steadily
increased, owing to the excellence of its
product and the reliability of the propri-
etors, and thus Dr. Barnes became an active
factor in the manufacturing interests of De-
catur. After some years he sold it to his
partner and later the enterprise became
known as the Decatur Furniture Company,
under which style it is to-day conducted.
In 1868 Dr. Barnes decided to devote the
greater part of his attention to real estate
operations and to the improvement of his
lands. In an early day he had invested
largely in property in Macon, Piatt and
Moultrie counties. W^ith the increase in
population, owing to the large emigration
from the east to the Mississippi valley,
these lands had risen greatly in value and
their sale brought to him a handsome for-
tune. He also added to their market prices
bv the excellent improvements which he
placed upon the property. His real estate
dealings were indeed extensive and of an
important character and annually his oper-
ations in this direction brought to him a
splendid financial return.

In October, 1849, on the completion of

PAST AND I'RESKXT OF MACOX COUNTY.

227

his collegfiate course. Dr. Barnes was united
in marriage to Miss Eleanor Sawj-er, wIkj
was horn in Lebanon county, Pennsylvania.
He had formed her acquaintance while she
was residing in Centerville, Ohio, and the
marriage ceremony was performed in
Daujjhin county, Pennsylvania. L'nto the
Doctor and his wife were born the follow-
ing children : Albert, now a leading busi-
ness man of Decatur ; Charles M.. a distin-
guished attorney of Boston, Massachusetts,
who died March 9, 1893: Mary, wife of
George R. .Stanton, a resident of Decatur:
A\'illiani, a prominent surgeon of this cii_\- :
and one son who died in infancy.

Along political lines the influence of 1 'r.
Barnes has been felt and he was one of
the first standard bearers of the Republican
party in Macon county, continuing its sup-
port until his death, which occurred August
20, 1897, in Dansville, New York. Noting
with interest the progress of events he took
a deep interest in the movements which led
to the establishment of a political organiza-
tion for the further suppression of slavery
in the United States and from 1856 .up to
the time of his demise he gave an unfalter-
ing allegiance to the party which was the
cause of the abolition of this great national
evil. He labored earnestly for Fremont
during the campaign of 1856 and delivered
a number of political addresses in his behalf
throughout the county. He was one of the
representative citizens of Decatur and filled
several public positions, his fellow towns-
men recognizing his devotion to the general
welfare, as well as his personal worth,
elected him mayor of the city prior to the
Civil war and several times he was a mem-
ber of the city council. Whatever tended
to promote the welfare and progress of De-
catur elicited his earnest attention, active
co-operation and substantial aid. W ith
other prominent men he was inlluential in

securing to the city the ,n\ >ieni of railroads
which has made it an important commer-
cial center through furnishing an outlet for
the agricultural and commercial products
of this locality and bringing it into close
relations with other trade centers. He was
one of the active members of the Citizens'
.Association, organized to advance the pub-
lic interests of Decatur. The cause of edu-
cation found in him a warm friend and for
a number of years he took an active part in
behalf of the schools as a member of the
board of education and for some time was
its president. From its organization until
his death, with the exception of one year,
he was president of the Decatur public li-
brarv. His benevolence was uno.stentatious
and genuine, and there is nothing in the
story of his life to show that he ever for
a moment sought to compass a given end
for the purpose of exalting himself. He
championed mea.sures and aided men, and
accepted as his reward that thrill of de-
light which always accompanies victories
achieved. Endowed by nature with a sound
judgment and an accurate, discriminating
mind, he feared not that laborious attention
to the details of business so necessary to
achieve success, and this essential quality
was guided by a sense of moral right which
would tolerate the employment only of
those means that would bear the most rigid
examination by a fairness of intention that
neither sought nor required disguise. It is
but just and merited praise to say of Dr.
Barnes, that as a business man he ranked
with the ablest; as a citizen he was honor-
able, i)rompt and true to every engage-
ment; as a man he held the honor and es-
teem of all classes of people, of all creeds
and political proclivities ; as a husband and
father he was a morlel worthy of all imita-
tion; unassuming in his manner, sincere in
his friendship, steadfast and unswerving in

228

PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.

his loyalty to the right. Throughout his
career of continued and far-reaching useful-
ness, his duties were performed with the
greatest care, and during a long life his per-
sonal honor and integrity were without
blemish.

CHARLES E. CONNARD.

In the pioneer epoch in the history of this
section of Illinois, Charles E. Connard
came to Macon county and has since been
an important factor in its substantial de-
velopment and permanent improvement. He
has seen its wild lands transformed into
fine farms, while industrial and commercial
interests have been introduced and thus
towns have become thriving cities. In the
work of progress he has borne his part and
has been particularly active as a represen-
tative of the agricultural interests of the
community. His home is on section 2,
South Wheatland township.

Mr. Connard was born on the 6th of No-
vember, 1S29, in A'lontgomery county,
Pennsylvania, a son of John and Dorothy
(Schriver) Connard and grandson of Ebe-
nezer Connard. The father was a native of
Bucks county, this state, and was there
reared and educated. His wife was of Ger-
man descent. In 1830 they removed to
Ross county, Ohio, where the following ten
years were passed, and in 1840 they came
by wagon and team to Macon county, Illi-
nois, locating near where our subject now
resides. The father was an active member
of the Methodist Episcopal church and was
a Democrat in politics until 1856, when
he joined the newly organized Republican
party. His death occurred on the 6th of
November, 1876, when he was seventy-three
years of age, and his wife passed away
Alarch 27, 1891, at the age of seventy-nine.
They were the parents of the following
children: Sarah Anne, the wife of John

King, of IClwin ; Hannah, who married
James Lowry, of Decatur, and died in 1856;
.Mrs. Catherine Widick, who is living in
^^'ebster county, Iowa ; Maria Angeline,
who died at the age of twenty years; and
Charles E.

The early educational privileges afforded
our subject were very meager, but by read-
ing and observation he has become a well
informed man. During his early life he was
associated with his father in farming, and
on the death of the latter became the owner
of four hundred acres of land, the only im-
provement upon the place being a log cabin
and sixty acres under fence. But as time
passed Mr. Connard placed acre after acre
under cultivation and erected good and sub-
stantial buildings, making his farm one of
the best in the locality. In addition to
his farming interests he has dealt in grain
for the past thirty years and is now part
owner of an elevator at Elwin, being asso-
ciated with his sons and others in the busi-
ness. The elevator was erected by him and
has a capacity of fifty thousand bushels. He
also built a large corn crib at that place.
To his sons he has given a portion of his"
land, but still retains two hundred and forty
acres, which is under a high state of culti-
vation and well improved.

At Elwin, in 1855, Mr. Connard was unit-
ed in marriage to Miss Nancy A.Eagur, who
died on the 30th of September, 1878, in the
faith of the Methodist church, of which
she was a consistent member. Unto them
were born the following children : George
S. ; Milton A. ; Carrie, wife of William
Wilt, a farmer living near Lake City, Illi-
nois ; Effie, who died at the age of ten years ;
Johnnie, who died at the age of eight ; Alar-
tin E., whose sketch appears below; Charles
H., a resident of Alarseilles, Illinois; and
Harley and Hattie, twins, the former of
whom died at the age of one year and a
half, and the latter now the wife of William
Flovd, of TTollvwood, California.

PAST A.Xl) I^RF.SICX'T OF MACON COUNTY.

220

In 1879 Mr. Connard was again married,
his second union being with Miss EHzabcth
J. Rozzell, a native of Macon county and
a daughter of Micah and Isabella (Davis)
Rozzell, who were natives of South Caro-
lina and Tennessee, respectively, and were
married November 4, 1845. I'^^r father was
one of the early settlers of this county and
was engaged in farming in Long Creek
township. He died on • Christmas day of
1888, and his wife departed this life in Sep-
tember, 1880. In religious faith they were
Presbyterians. Their children were David,
a farmer of Tennessee and postmaster at
Dughill, Tennessee; Mrs. Connard, who
was born October 5, 1851 ; Isabella, wife of
Scott Satt, a shoemaker of Whiteboro,
Texas ; Anna, wife of James W'ithgott, of
Decatur ; and Lily, who is living with her
sister in Texas. ]\y his second marriage
Mr. Connard has three children: Curtis,
Marcus and \Valter, all at home.

Since 1849 Mr. Connard has been an ac-
tive member of the Methodist Episcopal
church and has been officially connected
with the same. He cast his first presidential
vote for General Fremont in 1856 and has
since affiliated with the Republican party.
For over sixty years he has been identified
with the interests of ^lacon county and is
justl}' regarded as one of her honored pio-
neers and representative citizens who have
borne an important part in her upbuilding
and development. He is widely and favor-
ably known and well merits the high regard
in which he is held.

George S. Connard, our subject's eldest
son and one of the present members of the
firm of grain-buyers of Elwin, was born on
his father's farm in this county, March 15,
1856, and received his early education in the
district schools of the neighborhood, after-
ward graduating at Eastman's National
Business College of Poughkeepsie, New
York, in 1875. Shice starting out in life for
himself he has engago<l in farming, has

acted as railroad agent for the Illinois Cen-
tral Railroad Company and has dealt in
grain at Khvin. He ran the first check-rower
in the county, which was made by Hay-
worth & Sons in 1869, and was purchased
by Iiis father. He continued farming on the
home place until 1883, when he purchased
eighty acres of land in South \Vheatland
township which formerly belonged to his
grandfather. On the 31] of l'\-bruary, 1883,
he was united in marriage to Miss Rebecca
Crumm, a native of Dauphin county, Penn-
sylvania, who came to .Macon county with
her parents. She died .\pril I, 1893, in the
faith of the Methodist Episcopal church.
Mr. Connard is also a incmlxT of that church
and has served as superintendent of the
Sunday-school and as class leader. He cast
his first presidential vote for James A.
Garfield but for the past eighteen years has
supported the Prohibition party. He served
as township clerk before he attained his ma-
jority and has always taken a deep interest
in public aft'airs.

M. A. Connard, the junior member of the
original firm of M. A. Connard & Company,
grain buyers of Elwin, was born on the
old homestead in South Wheatland town-
ship in 1858. He was married in June, 1885,
to Miss Eva L. Foster, a native of De-
catur and a daughter of David and Margaret
(Price) Foster. She died in December,
1891, leaving three children: Arthur F.,
Nellie and Mae.

MARTIN E. CONNARD.
Prominent among the business men of
Macon county is numbered Martin E. Con-
nard, a well known grain dealer of Elwin.
No one in that locality is better known for
his entire life has been spent there and all
his interests from boyliood have been close-
ly associated with those of his native town-
ship. In business affairs he has met with

230

PAST AND PRESENT OE MACON COL'NTV.

good success and by the energy and zeal
whicli lie has manifested he has won the
confidence and esteem of the public.

Ah". Connard was burn in South \\ heat-
land township, May i6, 1868, a son of
Charles £. and Nancy (Eagur) Comiard,
whose sketch precedes this. After com-
pleting his common school education he
attended the Northern Illinois Normal
School and Dixtjn Business College for a
time. In 1886 he became connected with
the grain business in the employ of the firm
of M. A. Connard & Company, and in 1893
became a member of the firm, the name be-
ing then changed to G. S. Connard & Com-
pany, as his brother George S. had pur-
chased Milton A.'s interest in the business.
On the 1st of 'November, 1900, William R.
Hopkins became a member of the firm,
which still carries on business under the
name of G. S. Connard & Company, and
they now have control of the grain trade
in Elwin, handling one hundred thousand
bushels of oats and two hundred thousand
bushels of corn annually. Shipments are
made to Memphis, Tennessee, New Orleans,
Decatur and other points, and Martin E.
Connard lias charge of the buying and
selling of all grain at their elevators. He
is also interested in a general store at El-
win and is the owner of the Elwin Tele-
phone system, which began the building of
its lines in 1892 and now has over eighty
phones in operation, practically covering
the whdle of South Wheatland township.

On the 30th of June, 1G98, Mr. Connard
led to the marriage altar Miss Mae Hop-
kins, who was born February 20, 1876,- and
they now have two children : Lucile, born
March 14, 1899; and Harold, born July 20,
1900. The family have a lovely home in
Elwin, which was recently erected by Mr.
Connard and which is supplied with all
modern conveniences. Ele is a member of
the Methodist Episco]ial church and a sup-
porter of the Republican party. In 1903

he was commissioned notary public for a
term of four years. Although comparatively
a yoimg man he already occupies a prom-
inent [josition in business circles and his
success is largely due to his energy, perse-
verance and progressive ideas, as well as his
good business ability.

Samuel S. Hopkins, the father of Mrs.
Connard, was born near Circleville, in
Pickaway county, Ohio, November 24, 1846,
and is of Scotch-Irish descent, though the
family was founded in this country in colo-
nial days, one of its members having been
a signer of the Declaration of Independence.
In early life Mr. Hopkins came to Macon
count}-, Illinois, and was married near
Boody, November 14, 1872, to Miss Emma-
retta Williams, who is also a native of
(Jhio, born in Gambier, Knox cotmty, on the
23d of September^ 1848. She was a mem-
ber of the first graduating class from the
Decatur high school, which consisted of
but four members. This was in 1867. For
three vears she successfulh- engaged in
teaching in Warrensburg, this county, and
during the years of 1870 and 1871 had
charge of a school near Blue Mound. Her
father, William Henry Williams, is still
living and has one brother and five sisters,
the youngest of whom is sixty-three and the
oldest eighty-two years of age. His father
was a soldier of the war of 1812 and his
grandfather took part in the Revolutionary
war and was with ^^'ashington during that
terrible winter at A'alley Forge.

After his marriage Samuel S. Hopkins
located on the old Flopkins homestead,
about two miles southeast of Elwin, and
from there removed to a farm near As-
sumption, Illinois, where he spent two
years. His next home was on a farm near
Forsyth, and about 1884 he removed to a
farm near Mount Zion, where he spent ten
years. The following seven years were
passed in Decatur, and in the fall of 1901
he came to Elwin. where he embarked in

PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNT'V.

231

general merchandising with his son, W'iUiani
R., and his son-in-hi\v, Martin V.. Connard,
under the firm name of S. S. Hopkins &
Company. He has five children, namely :
William R., Mae, Bessie, Lelah and Tracy,
and the family circle has never been broken
by tlie hand of death, in his political views
j\lr. Hopkins -is a Republican and he is now
serving as postmaster of Elwin. He is a
prominent and active member of the Meth-
odist Episcopal church and is closely as-
sociated with the work of the Sunday-
school. Wherever known he is held in high
regard as a man of abilitx' and sterling
worth.

FRED E. SCHROEDKR.
W ith the business interests of Warrens-
burg Fred E. Schroeder has been identified
since attaining man's estate and is to-da)'
one of the leading merchants of the place,
carrying a large and well selected stock of
hardware and furniture. He was born here
on the 5th of April, 1875, and is a son of
Max R. and Marie E. (Hagely) Schroeder,
both of German descent. His paternal
grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Schroe-
der, were natives of Germany and emigrated
to America at an early day, being residents of
Frceport, Illinois, at the time of their deaths.
Both reached an advanced age, the former
dying when ninety-one and the latter when
ninety. Our subject's father came to Macon
county in 1871 and settled at Warrensburg,
his home being on the site of the old City
Hotel, wdicre our subject was born. Here
he followed shoemaking and harnessmak-
ing for some years and served as the first
postmaster of the village, being appointed
to that office during the administration of
President Grant, although he was a stanch
Democrat in politics. At that time he was
able to keep all of the mail in a sewing
machine drawer. He also served as justice
of the peace for several years and was

holding that jiosilion at the time of his
death, which occurred on the 31st of Octo-
ber, 1S85. He toi)k a verj^ prominent and
acti\e part in public affairs and was one of
the leading and inliuential citizens of his
part of the county. His estimable wife still
survives him at the age of sixty-nine years
and now makes her home with our subject.
She is the mother of eight children, two of
whom are now deceased, those living being
Rudolph H., a resident of Warrensburg,
who married .\l])ha Loretta Acres, the
camp of Royal Neighbors of this place
being named Alpha Loretta in her honor;
Jenny, wife of Frank Kretzer, of Warrens-
burg; Louise, wife ot Amos Robinson;
William R., who married Eva Raymond and
lives in Warrensburg; Frank, who married
Lulu Slonaker ; and l-'red E.

Fred F. Schroeder was educated in the
village schools, which he attended tuitil
fourteen years of age. and then began earn-
ing his own livelihood by working on a farm.
Tn 1892 he accepted a clerkship in the gen-
eral store of Ell White & Company, where
he remained for four years, and then in
])artncrship with his brother, Txudolph H.,
opened a hardware and implement estab-
lishment under the firm name of Schroeder
Brothers. In 1899 he purchased his broth-
er's interest and has since continued alone.
He has ceased to handle agricultural im-
plements but has added a stock of furniture,
being the exclusive dealer in that line in
Warrensburg. He has met with marked
success in his mercantile efforts, having
built up a large trade which is constantly
increasing.

On the 2d of June, 1897, Mr. Schroeder
was united in marriage to Miss Flora Min-
son, a native of Macon county, and a daugh-
ter of Tilden and l'"mma (I'lsh) Minson.
She was educated in the home schools
and the high school at Decatur and for three
years successfully engaged in teaching.
I'lilo Mr. and Mrs. Schroeder have been

232

PAST AXD rRF.SEXT OF MACON COUNTY.

born three children, namely: Ralph M.,
Ruth M., and .Mildred H.

Our subject and his wife are members of
the Methodist Episcopal church and he also
holds membership in the Independent Order
of Odd- Fellows and the Modern Woodmen
of America, being past grand in the former
lodge. His political support is given the
Republican party and in 1898 he received
the appointment of postmaster of Warrens-
burg under President McKinley and is still
filling that office with credit to himself
and to the entire satisfaction of all con-
cerned. He is one of the most progressive,
enterprising and reliable young men of the
town and the position he occupies in busi-
ness circles is well deserved, it having been
attained through persistent industry and un-
tiring: efTort.

NICHOLAS SCHERER.

Nicholas Scherer became a resident of
Decatur in 1882 and at his death was well
known in business circles. He w^as born
in France on the 4th of June, 1825, and was
a son of Jacob Scherer, who was also a
native of France. About 1865 the father
sailed for the new world with his famihs
first locating in Lowville, New York, where
he purchased a farm, carr3'ing on agricult-
ural pursuits in that vicinity for several
years. He then took up his abode in the
village where both he and his wife are now
living. He has spent his last few years
in retirement from labor and at the age of
eighty-one is enjoying a well merited rest
and also receiving the respect and venera-
tion which should ever be accorded those
who advance far on life's journey.

The educational advantages which Nich-
olas Scherer received were limited. He
gained much knowledge, however, .from ex-
perience and through contact with the

world and when twenty years of age he
emigrated to .\mcrica with his parents, as-
sisting in the development of the home farm
in New York. There he remained until
J 882, when in connection with his brothers,
Jacob and Emile, he came to the west,
settling in Decatur. His brother Jacob is
now night watchman of the Mueller Man-
ufacturing Company of this city and Emile
is in the shops of the Union Iron Works.

Nicholas Scherer of this review was first
employed here by the Decatur Brewery,
working there for some time. He then had
charge of an express wagon for the Pacific
Express Company for about two years and
after his marriage he embarked in the sal-
oon business, establishing a retail local
house on East Eldorado street, conducting
the enterprise for eight }'ears. On the ex-
piration of that period he sold out and en-
gaged in tending bar until his death.

Mr. Scherer was united in marriage to
Miss Anna Frank, a native of Decatur and
a daughter of John and Theresa (Kepler)
Frank, who were natives of Germany and
are represented elsewhere in this volume.
^Ir. and Mrs. Scherer became the parents
of two children : Frank, who was born ^^lay
19, 1885, and is now telegraph operator at
Winston ; and Jacob, who was born April
13, 1887, and is with his mother. They now
occupy a nice home at No. 350 South Broad-
way, W'hich was erected by ^Ir. Scherer and
in addition to this property- Mrs. Scherer
also owns residence property at Nos. 738,
746 and 760 Leafland avenue.

Mr. Scherer was never an office seeker
nor desired such return for party fealty.
However, he gave an unfaltering support to
the Democracy. He belonged to the Cath-
olic Knights and both he and his wife were
members of the Catholic church of this city.
His business career w-as successful and he
steadily advanced working his way upward

PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.

235

through energy, determination and tidclity
to duty. Year by year his financial re-
sources increased and it was tluis that he
was enabled to make judicious investments
in real estate which now returns to his
faniilv a good income.

GUY ARCHER RANDOLPH.

Prominent among the young business
men of Macon county is Guy Archer Ran-
dolph, who is now successfully engaged in
the banking business at \\'arrcn.sburg and
is rapidly working his way to a foremost
position among the able financiers of this
section of the state. A native of Illinois,
he was born in Aetna township, Logan
county, on the 15th of November, 1873,
and is a son of James M. and Elizabeth G.
(Jett) Randolph. The birth of the father
also occurred in that township, June 27,
1846, but the mother was born in Bracken
county, Kentucky, on the 30th of January,
1855. Tier father, William Jett, was killed
in the battle of' Richmond, Kentucky, Aug-
ust 29, 1862, while serving as a private in
the Eighteenth Kentucky \'olunteer Infan-
try during the Civil w'ar and the following
year Mrs. Randolph, who was then a child,
accompanied her mother on her removal to
Illinois. James M. Randolph, the father of
our subject, has spent his entire life in cen-
tral Illinois and now owns and operates a
valuable farm of five hundred acres near
Kenney. lie is a well educated man, having
spent two years at ShurtlefF College, .'Mton,
Illinois, after completing the common school
course, and he is one of the leading and rep-
resentative citizens of his community.

Mr. Randolph is descended from one of
the oldest and most prominent families of
the south, the progenitors being William
Randolph and his wife, Mary Isham, who
came to \'irginia in 1673 and settled on
Turkey island in the James river, becom-

ing one of the most popular and intluential
men of the earl)- \'irginian colony. He was
a nephew of the famous English poet,
Thomas Randolph, and was the father of
seven sons and two daughters, whose de-
scendants arc now niunorous in the Old
Dominion and are widely scattered through-
out the other states of the Union. Among
the most prominent of his posterity were
John Randolph, of Roanoke, the celebrated
orator ; Edmund Randolph, first attorney
general under President Washington and
secretary of state ; Thomas Jcft'erson, presi-
dent of the United States; John Marshall,
chief justice; and Robert E. Lee, general
in the Confederate Army during the Civil
war. Among the most prominent now liv-
ing are Carter II. Harrison, mayor of Chi-
cago; and Isham Randolph, chief engineer
of the Chicago sanitary canal, now promi-
nently mentioned as a member of the Pan-
ama caiial commission.

During his boyhood Guy A. Randolph at-
tended the common schools near his home
and at the age of sixteen years entered
lirown's Business College at Decatur, where
he pursued a commercial course and was
graduated in 1889. After one year spent
upon the home farm, he accepted a position
in Scroggin's Bank at Kenney, Illinois,
wlierc he served as cashier for two years
and a half, and at the end of that time,
wishing to obtain a better education, he
resigned in the summer of 1894 and entered
the preparatory department of Illinois Col-
lege at Jacksonville, graduating in June,
1803, at \\'hi])]ilc Academy. He wished to
continue the full college course but was
compelled to abandon it from threatened
loss of health. In 1S95 he spent some time
in travel, his, trip extending into the in-
terior of the republic of Mexico, and he
returned home in the fall of that year. In
October, 1895, he made arrangements to es-
tablish a bank in W'arrensburg, and in the
following July after the completion of the

23t')

PAST AND PRKSI'.XT OF MACON COUNTY.

new bank building it was opened for busi-
ness. Jn this venture Mr. Randolph has
met with marked success. The deposits
now amount to from one hundred and
twenty-five to one hundred and fifty thou-
sand dollars, varying according to the sea-
son of the year ; the capital is ten thousand
dollars, and the responsibility of the firm,
consisting of James M. Randolph, H. C.
Suttle of Scroggin's bank at Kenne)-, and
(j. A. Randolph, is two hundred thousand
dollars.

At Midland City, Illinois, November 19,
1896, was celebrated the marriage of Mr.
Randolph and Miss Mary Jones, a daughter
of John Jones, an old resident of De \\'itt
county, and to them has been born one
child, \ irginia Randolph, whose birth oc-
curred on the 6th of March, 1899. Frater-
nally Mr. Randolph is a member of War-
rensburg Lodge, No. 600, I. O. O. F., the
Decatur Encampment and Canton No. 19,
Patriarchs Militant. Since attaining his
majority he has generally affiliated with the
Democratic party, but is not disposed to
draw party lines in matters of local interest.
For one term he filled the office of president
of the village board, being elected on a re-
form movement, and during his incumbency
succeeded in regulating certain undesirable
characters. Systematic and methodical, his
sagacity, keen discrimination and sound
judgment have been the means of bringing
to him success and although he is still a
young man he has already attained an en-
viable position in business circles. Pleas-
ant and genial in manner and of high social
qualities, he is verj' popular and has an ex-
tensive circle of friends and acquaintances.

JAMES S. P.ALDWIN.
r)ne of the younger attorneys at the bar
of Macon county is James S. Baldwin and
although a young man has attained a credit-
able position at the bar that might well be

envied by manv who have practiced for
twice his years, lie was born in New Al-
bany. Indiana, September 14, 1874, his par-
ents In-ing Ed and Susan E. (Spittler)
r>aldwin. The father was a native of Louis-
ville, Kentucky, born in 1835, and the
mother's birth occurred in Indiana, where
both are now living. In 1843 ^^^- Baldwin
liecame a resident of that state. He fol-
lowed the life of a pilot on the river for
some time and his father, Robert Baldwin,
was also a steamboat man. Ed Baldwin has
now for thirty years been identified with the
(juarter-master's department of the army
and during the Civil war he acted as a pliot
in conducting vessels which were used in the
country's service. At the present time he
maintains his residence in New Albany,
Indiana. Unto him and his w'ife were born
seven children, six of whom reached years
of maturity, the subject of this review
being the fourth in order of birth. One of
his brothers is practicing medicine in Jeffer-
sonville, Indiana, another is living in Tole-
do, Ohio, and the third is a resident of
New York, while one sister is married and
lives in Decatur, and another sister is with
her parents in Indiana.

James S. Baldwin completed his literary
education by his graduation in the high
school of New Albany, Indiana, with the
class of 1893. In early life he greatly en-
joyed taking part in debates and mani-
fested a deep interest in the work of liter-
ary societies. He has always directed his
efforts along intellectual lines and when
still quite young manifested excellent ora-
torical ability, a characteristic which has
been of value to him in his chosen profes-
sion. Desiring to enter the practice of
law he then prepared for the bar as a stu-
dent in the law department of the Michigan
State University at Ann Arbor, where he
was graduated with the class of 1896. In
June of the same year he was admitted to
the bar in New Albany, Indiana, and prac-

PAST AND TRESEXT OF MACOX COUXTV.

237

ticed in bis native town for some time. He
won his first criminal case in the January
term of court in 1897, on which occasion he
defended a man accused of steahng a set of
harness from a shed and the indictment was
quashed. On the 30th of March, 1897. Mr.
Baldwin was admitted to practice before the
supreme court. In January of that year
he had formed a partnership with V.d Wil-
son and practiced under the name of Wilson
& tialdwin until October, 1897, after which
he became a partner of Frank Ewing and
this association was maintained under the
firm style of Ewing & Baldwin until the
1st of May, 1903, when Mr. Ewing left for
Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. Mr. r.aldwin is
now practicing alone and he has met with
splendid success in his work as a rcpre-
sentati\e of the legal ])rofession. He is now
the attorney for the R. G. Dunn & Com-
pany and is regartled by that corporation as
one of the best informed men in his line. He
has engaged in the trial of two very cele-
brated will cases, one involving the question
of insanity and the niher that nf undue intlu-
ence, and it is the only two cases of the
kind ever tried in this c<innty in which the
will was sustained. .Mr. llaldwin is a very
hard student, earnest and diligent in the
preparation of his cases and presenting his
cause with a clearness and force that leaves
no doubt as to his view upon the correct-
ness of his position. He is widely known
througliout Macon and other counties as
a young lawyer of marked ability and one
who is destined to enjoy a brilliant future.
He is now the secretary and treasurer of
the Macon Cmmty Bar Association and he
occupies an enviable position in the regard
of his brethren of the legal fraternity. He
has one of the most complete law offices
in the comity where all work is carried on
systematically. He can refer in a moment
to cases tried long years ago because every-
thing is kept on file. In his office he is
methodical in all that he does and because

of this is enabled to accomplish a great
amount of business with dispatch.

On the _'oth of Xovember, 1901, Air.
Baldwin was united in marriage to Miss
Mary \'. Dishman, a daughter of F. E. and
-Martha (Cialbraith) Uishman, the former a
native of Xew .\lbany. Indiana, and the ■
latter of Ireland. Mrs. Baldwin is a grad-
uate nf the high school of Xew Albany, In-
diana, of the class of 1895 and comes of a
prominent family there. Her father always
took a deep interest in affairs of local and
national importance and was a public
spirited citizen whose influence was stronglj
felt for good in the community in which
he made his home. Unto Mr. and Mrs.
r.aldwin has been born one daughter, Mary
\irginia, whose birth occurred December
16, 1902.

A young man of strt)ng intellectuality, his
tastes have always been literary and he was
one of the four who organized the Decatur
Chautaucpia, which was formed in January,
1903, and which held an assembly at River-
side Park in the present year. Of the
society he is now treasurer. Pie has ever
been a great reader and is especially fond of
biography, noting the elements in the lives
of successful men and the cause wdiich
formed the striking features in the lives of
those who have attained distinction and
honor in various walks of life. He entered
upon his political career in Indiana by as-
sisting in the election of Senator Fairbanks
to the United States senate, being at that
time president of a young men's Republican
club. Since casting his first presidential
vote he has taken a very deep and helpful
interest in local and national politics, believ-
ing it the duty as well as the privilege of
every American citizen to support the
principles which he thinks are best cal-
culated to advance the welfare of the
general public. He is now the secre-
tarv of the Republican central com-
mittee of Macon county, having acted in

238

PAST AND PRESENT OF .MACOX CULXTY.

this capacity since April, 1902. Socially he
is connected with the Masonic fraternity
and has attained to the highest office in the
bhie lodge. Pie is also a member of the
conimandery and is connected with the
Knights of Pythias, the Knights of the
-Maccabees and the Benevolent Protective
Order o.' Elks. Both he and his wife are
members of the First Presbyterian church
of this citv.

JOHX FRANK.

John Frank was a resident of Decatur
from 1857 until 1902 and during the long
years he became widely known and was re-
garded as a citizen of worth and value. He
lived in this city when it was but a village
and gave little promise of its present de-
velopment and prosperity. He was one of
the first shoemakers and he had a wide
acquaintance among pioneer settlers not
only in Decatur, but throughout the sur-
rounding country.

A native of the fatherland, John Frank
was born on the 18th of March, 1831. His
parents both died in Germany. Ther^ he
spent the days of his boyhood and youth
and acquired his education and also learned
the shoemaker's trade. In the year 1857 he
bade adieu to friends and native country and
crossed the briny deep to the new world,
landing in Xew York city. He came direct
to Decatur and at once began working at
his trade in the employ of a Air. Wesler.
He served as a cobbler for a long period
and continued with Mr. Wesler for nine
years. He then started a shoe shop of his
own on West Main street, which he con-
ducted for a short time and then purchased
the building at No. 317 East Main street.
Following his marriage he continued to en-
gage in shoemaking at No. 317 East Alain
street, where he built up a successful and
large business, employing several hands.
There he engaged in the manufacture of all

kinds of boots and shoes and to some ex-
tent he carried on real estate 'operations.
Gradually he worked his way upward. He
had no friends or inheritance to depend
upon to assist him at the outset of his
career, but he placed his dependence upon
far more substantial qualities — industry,
perseverance and careful management.

In 1861 Air. Frank was united in mar-
riage, in Decatur, to Aliss Theresa Kepler,
who was also a native of Germany, born on
the 5th of September, 1841, and a daughter
of Enos and Anges (Staley) Kepler. Her
father came to America in 1854 and, making
his way direct to Decatur, was here em-
ployed as a laborer for a time. As his finan-
cial resources increased, enabling him to
make investments in property, he pur-
chased a few houses here and also owned a
few acres of land near the city, although
during the greater part of his residence he
was employed by others. Both he and his
wife passed away in Decatur. The mar-
riage of Mr. and Mrs. Frank was blessed
with seven children : Anna, who is the
widow of Nicholas Scherer, a resident of
Decatur ; Mary, who became the wife of
J. L. Burtschi and died on the 14th of
June, 1902; Alinnie, who is the wife of Emil
P. Scherer, of this city; Elizabeth, the wife
of Paul Kastner ; Theresa, who is at home
with her mother; and John and Catherine,
who are both deceased.

Both Air. and Airs. Frank were members
of the St. James Catholic church and he be-
longed to St. James Society here. Industry
was perhaps his most marked characteris-
tic. He was a very hard working man,
lived economically and thus year by year
he added to his possessions until he was
enabled to leave to his family a comfortable
competence. He died July 5, 1902, his loss
being a great blow to his wife and children
and also to many who had given him their
warm friendship and regard. He was verj'
well known in the city where he had resided

'•

"^ ,7^'

PAS'I- AND TRI'.SRNT OF MACON COUNTY.

241

for thirtj^-five years and he had watched
with interest the developing of Decatur,
noting its growth as the years passed by.
His widow now owns a nice residence at
No. 303 South Water street, where she and
her daughter reside, and in addition to this
she has the business block at No. 317 East
Main street and also other valuable prop-
erty in the city.

GEORGE S. LYON.

The name of Lyon has long been closely
and honorably interwoven with the history
of the lumber business in l^ecatur and the
gentleman whose name introduces this
record was the founder of the enterprise
which now bears the name of the G. S.
Lyon & Sons Lumber & Manufacturing
Company. For many years he was a prom-
inent and honored resident of Decatur as
well as one of its leading business men.

Mr. Lyon was born in Orange, New Jer-
sey, on the "th of May, 1832, and was one of
a family of eleven children, five sons and
six daughters. Both his parents and grand-
parents w'ere natives of Jersey, the family
being an old one in that state. His paternal
grandfather was a soldier of the war of
1812 and with other events of importance
representatives of the name have been ac-
tively connected. The parents of our sub-
ject both died in 1877, the father closing
his eyes in death only a few hours after the
mother passed away.

In his early youth George S. Lyon
learned the carpenter's trade. Tn his twen-
ty-fourth year he resolved to try his fortune
in the west, having heard favorable reports
of its excellent business openings and trade
opportunities. Arriving in Decatur in 1856,
he purchased property here and continued
to make his home thereon throughout his
remaining days. For four years he was en-
gaged in carpenter work in this city and

then began contracting and building on his
own account. As the years passed he ex-
tended his efforts into a kindred line of
business — the operation of a planing mill
and the purchase and sale of lumber. He
then abandoned his original trade in order
to devote his cnliro time and energies to
the lumber business and as the years passed
Iniilt up a very extensive patronage. He
was the head of the firm of Lyon, Gibson
& Company, which existed for a number of
)-ears and was then succeeded by that of
Lyon & Armstrong. At length he ])ur-
chascd Mr. Armstrong's interest and, asso-
ciating his sons, Fred and Clyde, in part-
nership with him, the firm style of G. S.
Lyon & Sons Lumlier & Manufacturing
Company was assumed. Later the business
was incorporated luider that name. George
S. Lyon long continued an active factor in
the successful control of the enterprise up
to the time of his death and had a wide
acquaintance in business circles, where he
was known for his honor and strict integrity
that won for him the highest regard and un-
qualified confidence of his fellow men.

On the 3d of July, 1857, Mr. Lyon was
luiitcd in marriage to Miss Susan Ann
Scott, of La Salle, Illinois. She was born
on the 22d of February, 1836, in Steuben
county, New York, and after her marriage
accompanied her husband to Decatur, where
she spent her remaining days. She was one
of ten children and was the last of the
family to pass away. Mr. Lyon's death oc-
curred March 20, 1899, and his wife sur-
vived him until the iith of January, 1903,
when she, too, was called to her final home.
Both were earnest members of the Univer-
salist church and took a great interest in its
work and gnnvtli. Mr. Lyon served as one
of the trustees of the church and was also
active and prominent in Celestial Lodge
No. 186, I. O. O. F. ; Decatur Encampment
No. 37 ; and Canton Decatur, No. 19, Patri-
archs Militant. Roth Mr. and Mrs. Lyon

242

PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.

possessed many traits of character which
endeared them to their friends and won for
them the respect of those with whom they
were associatetl, and in business circles Mr.
Lyon gained for himself a most creditable
position. From a humble place in the indus-
trial world he worked his way steadily up-
ward until he controlled an enterprise of
magnitude that brought to him very credit-
able profit and at the same time was of value
to the community through promoting com-
mercial activity. At all times he was public
spirited and progressive and was a citizen
whose loyalty to the best interests of the
county, state and nation was ever above
question.

After the death of Mr. Lyon the business
was incorporated with Clyde R. Lyon as
president; Fred C. Lyon, vice president;
John B. Robinson, treasurer; and James
C. Sullivan, secretary. The plant, mill and
lumber yard covers several acres and the
building is especially well equipped for the
conduct of the business, being supplied with
steam power and furnished with the most
approved and modern machinery for carry-
ing on the work along progressive lines.
Employment is given to a large force of
workmen and the company maintains most
just and considerate relations with those
who are in their service. Honesty and fair
dealing have ever been the policy of the
house and the methods which were insti-
tuted by the founder have been carried on
by ,his successors.

In June, 1892, Clyde R. Lyon was united
in marriage to ^Jiss Minnie Bryant, of
Chicago, a daughter of Charles Bryant.
Like his father he has become a prominent
business man of Uecatur and his career has
ever been such as to warrant the trust and
confidence of the business world for he has
ever conducted all transactions on the strict-
est ])rinciples of honor and integrity.

FRANK P. TOWNE.

Frank P. Towne, the popular postmaster
of Harristown and a well known merchant
of that place, was born on the 6th of Nov-
ember, 1858, in Danvers, ^ilassachusetts,
and is a son of Daniel and Paulina (Fer-
guson) Towne, the former also a native of
Danvers and the latter of Maine. The
father was a farmer by occupation and con-
tinued to make his home in his native place
throughout life. Politicall}' he was a stanch
Republican. The Towne family originated
in England and the ancestry can be traced
back to the seventeenth century.

During his boyhood and youth Frank P.
Towne attended school in Danvers, Massa-
chusetts, until seventeen years of age and
then turned his attention to agricultural
pursuits. Coming to Illinois in 1875, he
first located in Harristown, but was after-
ward engaged in farming in Champaign
county, Illinois, for a short time, and then
returned to Harristown, where he clerked
for his brother, C. A. Towne, in the grocery
business. Subsequently he was employed
as telegraph operator and station agent for
the ^^'abash Railroad at Sangamon, Illi-
nois, and held a similar position at.Wyckles
and also at Harristown for a short time.

In 1888 Mr. Towne was united in mar-
riage to Miss Cora Eyman, who was born
in mini township, Macon county, Illinois,
in 1868, and is a daughter of James M. Ey-
man, who is now living a retired life in
Harristown, having in early life engaged in
farming with good success. Mrs. Towne's
mother, who bore the maiden name of Nar-
cissa Fuller, was a native of Indiana, and
died in January, 1902. Of the four children
born to our subject and his wife three are
now deceased, the only one living being
Letha, who is now attending the James Mill-
ikin University at Decatur.

Mr. Towne was first appointed post-
master of Harristown under President Har-
rison's administration and so acceptably

I'ASl AND i'RKSENT OF MACUX COUNTY.

243

(lid he fill ilie office that he was re-appointed
under President McKinley and is still serv-
ing- in a most eflficient manner. He also
served as town clerk for a short time.
Socially he is quite prominent, being an
honored member of Summit Lodge, A. F. &
A. j\I. ; 'State Center Lodge, K. P., No. 631 ;
and Harristown Camp, M. W. A. He is
one of the leading and representative citi-
zens of his community and is held in high
regard by all who know him.

E. H. THOMAS, M. D.

Those who meet Dr. Thomas in political
circles and see the energy which he en-
thuses into his political work and note the
deep interest which he takes in the success
of the principles which he advocates would
think that he devotes his entire attention to
political labors ; those who see him in the
sick room, giving thought and earnest at-
tention to the case, speaking a cheery and
encouraging word to the patient and giving
minute and careful directions to the at-
tendants, would judge that his entire time
was devoted to his profession — but herein
lies the secret of his success. It is his abil-
ity to enter heartily into any work at hand
and to concentrate his energies during the
needed time for the accomplishment of any
purpose that has made him both a leading
physician and a successful political leader
in Macon county. Fie maintains his resi-
dence in Argenta, but has a very wide and
favorable acquaintance throughout this por-
tion of the state.

The Doctor was born in Yonkers, New
York, in 1859. His father, George Thomas,
was a native of London, England, and came
to America in 1838, settling in the state of
New York, where he engaged in merchan-
dising. In the family were nine children,
of whom the Doctor is the fifth in order of
birth and the only one living in Illinois.

In the public schools of his native city
Dr. Thomas acquired his early education
and later attended the State Normal School,
at .\lbany, New York, where his literary
course was completed. Having determined
to engage in the practice of medicine as a
life work he then began preparation for this
calling as a student in the University of Col-
umbia, in New York city, and was graduated
with the class of 1883. Returning to Yonk-
ers he opened an office and remained in
practice there for a few years, after which
he determined to locate in the west and in
1891 came to Argenta, where he has since
remained. After two years he built a drug
store, which he now owns and conducts,
having his office in the rear of his store.
His business in mercantile lines is profit-
able and his patronage as a practitioner
is gratifying, indicating the high degree of
confidence reposed in him by the public.
He also owns the building occupied by the
hardware store in Argenta and has a good
residence property. His practice is large,
and reading and study keep him in touch
with the advanced thought of the day.

In 1884 Dr. Thomas was united in mar-
riage to Miss Estella Castle, a native of Al-
bany, New York, in which city her father
engaged in the printing business. Li^nto
the Doctor and his wife have been born five
children: (jeorgc, Harry, Charles, Edward
and Mary E.

The Doctor is a very prominent Mason,
having attained the Royal iVrch degree of
the York rite and the thirty-second degree
of the Scotti.sh rite. He also belongs to the
Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the
Knights of Pythias lodge. He is now a
member of the board of trustees of the Asy-
lum for the Incurable Insane, near Peoria,
Illinois. In ])olitics he has always been a
stanch and active Republican, taking a most
earnest interest in the work of the party
and doing all in his power to secure the
adn])tion of its principles. He has served

244

PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.

as justice of the peace and was school di-
rector for twelve years. He put forth strong
effort to secure better schools and has al-
ways been a warm friend of the cause of
education, doing all in his power to raise its
sti^iidard in this locality. The Doctor was
a member of the steering committee for
Richard Yates during his campaign for gov-
ernor and he also managed John G. Keller's
campaign, which indicates his influence and
activity in political circles. A man of strong
character, of great enthusiasm and of in-
tense interest in whatever he undertakes.
Dr. Thomas carries forward to successful
completion whatever he begins and is a
power in political, commercial and pro-
fessional circles in Macon county.

GEORGE F. HOSTETLER.

George F. Hostetler was a representa-
tive of one of the old and prominent fam-
ilies of Macon county and because of this
and because of personal characteristics
which entitle him to distinctive mention in
this volume, we present the record of his
life to our readers. He claimed Indiana
as his native state, his birth having oc-
curred in Orange county on the 26th of
March, 1823. His parents were John and
Katie (Huflfstetter) Hostetler, the former a
native of Kentucky and the latter of Indi-
ana.- Leaving the south, the father removed
to Orange county, Indiana, where he en-
gaged in farming for a few years and then
came to Illinois, settling in Macon county.
He purchased a farm in Decatur township
and continued to engage in the cultivation
of the fields until after the death of his
wife, when he removed to Texas, where his
own death occurred three years later.

In the common schools of Indiana and of
Illinois George F. Hostetler acquired his
education, mastering the branches of learn-
inar usuallv taught in such institutions.

When his own education was completed he
began teaching school in Macon county
near Decatur and afterward assisted his
father upon the home farm until his mar-
riage, early gaining practical experience
concerning farm work by reason of the aid
which he rendered to his father in the
months of vacation. In the year i860 he was
joined in wedlock to Miss Harriet E. Hes-
ser, a native of Springfield, Illinois, and a
daughter of Armstead and Harriet (Evans)
Hesser, both of w-hom were natives of Vir-
ginia, whence they came to Macon county,
Illinois, at a very early period in its devel-
opment. Subsequently they resided at
Springfield, Illinois, and later removed to
Taylorville, this state, where both the father
and mother died.

The marriage of ]\Ir. and ]\Irs. Hostetler
was blessed with seven children : Harry F.,
who married Cora Kyte, and resides in
Omaha, Nebraska, being a traveling sales-
man for an implement house of that city;
Katie May, the wife of William Vowell,
who is engaged in the livery business in
Decatur; John B., who married Maggie
Le Forgee, and is an artist of Davenport,
Iowa ; David F., foreman of the Lyon Plan-
ing Mill of Decatur, who married Maude
Williams and has two children: Dyphne
A., who was born December 29, 1891, and
David Ulmont, born November 30, 1893 ;
Eugene F., who married Ella Clothier and
is a machinist residing in Davenport, Iowa ;
Gus L., who married Ora Curtis and is now
an artist living in Fort Dodge, Iowa ; and
Roger H., who resides in New York city,
where he is a designer in a wholesale dress-
making house.

After his marriage George F. Hostetler
engaged in teaching school for one year.
He then removed to Decatur and he and
his two brothers established a book store
on JNIerchant street, where he continued in
business for six years. He then removed to
Mount Zion township, where he engaged in

PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.

247

farming until his death. In his business
affairs he was diligent, persevering and
determined and was always a very hard-
working man, meeting with a fair degree of
success in his undertakings. His death oc-
curred on the 26lh of March, 1881, and thus
ended an upright life. He had always lived
at peace with his fellow men and enjoyed
their confidence and regard in an unusual
degree. He was an exemplary member of
the Masonic fraternity of Decatur and his
political support was given to the Democ-
racy for ho had firm faith in the princi-
ples of the party and in their ultimate tri-
umph in citizenship. Both he and his wife
were members of the Christian church of
Decatur and for a long time he served as
one of its ciders. He left to his family the
record of an untarnished name for at all
times his life was in consistent harmony with
his professions. After his death Mrs. Hostet-
ler removed to Decatur in order to educate
her children and has since resided in this
city. She owns a good home at No. 1318
North College street, where she is living
with her son, David, and his family. The
Hostctler family is a prominent one in
Macon county and its members enjoy the
merited regard of many friends.

SAMUEL GERBER.
A splendid type of the self-made man
is Samuel Gerber, the well known banker of
Argenta. His life history illustrates what
it is possible to accomplish in a land where
opportunity is open to all and where merit
wins its just reward. He started out upon
his business career empty-handed, but
working fliligently and untiringh'^ he has
steadily advanced until his possessions are
now gratifying and valuable and his name
is a substantial one on commercial paper.
.Argenta's business activity has been largely
promoted through his efforts, and his work

in other directions for the city's benefit has
been far-reaching and beneficial.

Mr. Gerber is a native of Ohio, born Sep-
tember 27, 1835. His parents were Peter
and May Gerber. The father was born in
Switzerland and in 1830 came to this coun-
try, hoping that he might thereby benefit
his financial condition. Settling in Ohio
ho followed cabinctmaking for four or five
years, after which he established his home
in Shelby county, Ohio, and opened up a
farm there, devoting his attention to the
caro and cullivalion of the fields from De-
comber, i83(), up to the time of his death,
which occurred in 1878. He became a well
known agriculturist of the community and
was widely and favoral)ly known because of
his sterling worth.

To a limited extent Samuel Gerber at-
tended the public schools of Ohio but his
knowledge has been acquired largely
through experience, observation and read-
ing, and thus he has gained many valuable
lessons which have proved of practical use
in his business career. He started out for
himself when twenty-one years of age and
after engaging in teaching school for two
terms he began operating his father's farm
in Ohio. Subsequently he removed to near
where Oreana now stands and securing a
tract of land of one hundred and sixty acres
continued to operate this rented farm until
his labors had brought to him sufficient
capital to enable him to buy a farm of his
own. His first purchase consisted of forty
acres in Whitmore township and from time
to time he added to his property until he
now owns four hundred and seventy acres
of land in this locality and a section in
southern Illinois, which is devoted to stock-
raising. From 1S66 until 1875 he was en-
gaged in raising hogs and in this way he
really made his start. He afterward en-
gaged in the cultivation of wheat and later
made horse-raising his specialty. In the
various departments of agricultural work

248

PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.

to which he has given his attention he has
met with success because he has worked
with a strong purpose and unfaltering en-
ergy.

In 1882 he came to Argenta and estab-
hshcd a general store, which he conducted
for three years. He then traded that prop-
erty and in connection with J. W. Brown
he erected a building and opened a bank in
Argenta. This they successfully conducted
until 1892, when Mr. Brown died, and the
present tirm of Gerber & Son was then
formed. The safe conservative business
policy which was inaugurated by the bank
has always been followed and has been the
basis of the success which has attended the
institution. The bank also owns the Ar-
genta telephone system, which operates
three hundred and seventy-five telephones '
and to the upbuilding of this enterprise
Samuel Gerber gives considerable atten-
tion. He erected a large brick store build-
ing which is now occupied by W. T. J.
Cooper and he also owns a nice residence
in Argenta.

On the I2th of December, 1856, Mr. Ger-
ber was united in marriage to Miss Susanna
Hillbrant, and unto them have been born
six children, of whom four are yet living:
Elizabeth, Peter E., S. N. and Mary M.
Their second and third daughters, Annie
and Maggie, have passed away. Mrs. Ger-
ber holds membership in the Cumberland
Presbyterian church. She has been a faith-
ful companion and helpmate to her husband
on the journey of life and is held in high re-
gard by many friends. Mr. Gerber belongs
to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows
and he votes with the Republican party.
On its ticket he was elected to the offices of
supervisor, commissioner and assessor, and
in the discharge of his official duties has
been found most reliable and prompt. In all
his undertakings he has been successful
and through all has sustained an unassail-

able rcj)ulation which makes him one of
the leading and representative men of his
adopted county.

OLIVER L. STUART.
The subject of this sketch is not only one
of the most highly respected citizens of
Whitmore township, but is also a worthy
representative of one of the honored pioneer
families of the county. Throughout life he
has made his home here and is now living in.
honorable retirement upon his farm of
eighty acres in section 14, Whitmore town-
ship. He was born in the city of Decatur
in a log house which stood on the site of
J. L. Drake's present place of business, his
natal day being September 15, 1833. His
parents were David H. and Sarah (Florey)
Stuart, both natives of Virginia, the former
of Scotch and the latter of German descent.
In early life the father was engaged in
teaming from Tennessee to the far east with
four and six horse wagons, the wagons be-
ing of the old Virginia style. For some
years he continued to follow that business
and then came to Illinois in 1829, settling
in Macon county. He first entered a forty
acre tract of timber and another forty acres
of prairie on the southeast quarter of the
northeast quarter of section 13, Whitmore
township, and later bought the farm of
eighty acres where our subject now resides.
Throughout the remainder of his life he de-
voted his attention to the improvement and
cultivation of his farm. In 1856 he was
accidentally drowned at the old Ray bridge
north and east of Decatur while on his way
home. His wife survived him many years
and passed away in her seventy-fourth year.
This worthy couple were the parents of six
children, three of whom died in infancy,
those still living being Oliver L., our sub-
ject ; John T., wdio is living on the old home-
stead on section 13, Whitmore township;
and Marv, wife of Ed Kile, of Decatur.

I'AST A\"U PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.

249

The boyhood of Oliver L. Stuart was
passed amid pioneer surrouiidintjs and his
early education was obtained in a little log
schoolhouse with its priniilivo furniture,
though for a short time lT,e subsequently at-
teniled the Illinois Wesleyan University at
Blooniington. which was then a mere vil-
lage. He well reiueuibers when the houses
were lighted onl\ Ijy candles, which were
either dipped or molded at home. He has
seen the old wooden mold board ])lovvs used
and the first that he used was the single
shovel plow. He has cut his grain with a
reap hook and later v^-ith a cradle, and after-
ward became the possessor of a reaper run
by horse power, which was considered ex-
tremely fine at that time.

After leaving school ^Mr. .Stuart engaged
in teaching in ihis county for llirec months
but with this exception his life has been
devoted to agricultural pursuits. At the
time of his marriage he located upon his
present farm, which had been broken but
otherwise unim])rovcd. Most of the coun-
try round about was either co\ered with
])onds or sloughs or was regular swamp
land, and it took much labor to convert it
into the well cultivated farms which we
now find in this region. Mr. Stuart labored
early and late to make his farm one of the
best and it is to-day worth one hundred dol-
lars per acre, although the purchase price
was only four dollars per acre.

On the 1st of June, 1854, Mr. Stuart was
united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Kile,
a sister of his brother-in-law, Ed Kile, and
a daughter of Josiah W. and Mary (Clark)
Kile, natives of ()hio and New Jersey, re-
spectively. About 1850 her ])arents came
to Macon county", Illinois, and settled in
Friends Creek township. I'utd .Mr. and
Mrs. Stuart were born seven children, the
oldest of whom died in infancy ; Mattie is
now the wife of .Mbert C. Scott; Bertha
Luella married Thomas Draper and died
of typhoid fever at the age of twenty-eight

years ; Jessie F. is tlje wife of William H.
Smith, a hardware merchant of Argenta ;
Mary B. is the wife of William M. Lakin,
of Champaign county, Illinois; Alta G. is
the wife of .Martin Corbett, of I'ana, Illi-
nois: and Carrie H. is at home with her
parents. Mr. Stuart has provided his
daughters with good educational advantages
and all have been successful and popular
teachers. lie has twehe granilchildren
living and one deceased.

Since casting his first presidential vote
for John C. I'remont, Mr. Stuart has affili-
ated with the Republican party, and for a
number of years he filled the offices of town
clerk, school director and school trustee in
a most efficient manner. His father sup-
])orted the \Vhig party. Religiously both
our subject and his wife are members of the
.Methodist E])iscopal church and helped to
organize the church at Wesley Chapel, with
which they at first lield membership, but
they now belong to the church at Argenta,
and it is safe to say that no couple in the
commnnitj' is held in higher regard than
Mr. and Mrs. Stuart. He is a prominent
member of the Old Settlers' Association
and annually attends its reunions, which are
very pleasant occasions. Here are gathered
the pioneers of the county, who laid the
fotuidation for its present prosperity.
Through the long years of his residence here
Mr. Stuart has become widely known and
his many excellent traits of character have
gained him the high regard of his many
friends.

JOHN W. GRAVES.
John W. Graves is now a representative
of mercantile interests in Decatur, having
since Jmie, 1902, engaged in the sale of
aluminum goods and novelties. In this short
space of time he has built up an excellent
trade among acquaintances whoiri he had
formerly made in a business way and also

250

PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.

receives a liberal patronage from among
those who approve of his excellent business
policy and straightforward dealings.
Mr. Graves is a native of Logan
county, Illinois, his birth having oc-
curred on the 19th of July, 1850. He is a
son of Charles and Rachel (Cantrell)
Graves, whose marriage was celebrated
October 18, 1840. at Waynesville, Illinois.
The father was born on the 30th of April,
1817, in Vermont, and died in the year 1850.
He had started from Peoria, Illinois, for
California and his death occurred on the
plains. This left to the widow the care of
her two small children, our subject being
then but an infant. She supported them
by her own labor, putting forth every effort
in her power to advance their welfare and
happiness and during the evening of her
days she found a pleasant home with her
son John W., passing away at his residence
on the 25th of }ilarch, 1892. She was then
laid to rest by the side of her twin sister,
Rebecca, who died on the 25th of March,
1849. Mrs. Graves was a daughter of Ze-
bulon G. Cantrell, who settled in Waynes-
ville, Illinois, in the spring of 1832. Her
mother bore the maiden name of Sarah
INIcCollam, and both were natives of Vir-
ginia, the father's birth having there oc-
curred on the 29th of June, 1773, while his
wife was born February 8, 1779. They were
married August 31, 1797, and removed from
the Old Dominion to Kentucky, and after-
ward to Ohio. Having spent some time in
the last named state, they then came to
Illinois, settling in Sangamon count3^ in
1833, and in 1834 they removed to DeWitt
county. Mr. Cantrell died at Waynesville,
Illinois, September 11, 1845, ^"d his wife
passed away on the 26th of May, 1843.

John W. Graves pursued his education in
the public schools. In his early youth he
went to Wisconsin and at the age of four-
teen years he enlisted in his country's ser-
vice as a member of Company K, Forty-

si.xth Wisconsin \'olunteer Infantry, being
mustered in on the 22d of February, 1865.
He remained with the army until after the
close of hostilities and was honorably dis-
charged on the loth of October, 1865. Fol-
lowing his militar)- experience he entered
Galesville Universit}' of Wisconsin and
was graduated in the class of 1869. He
then engaged in teaching school for two
years, after which he entered the employ
of the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad in
the capacity of fireman. He left that service
in the fall of 1873 ^^^d removed to Centralia,
Illinois, where he entered the employ of
the Illinois Central Railroad Company in
a similar position, continuing with that cor-
poration until the spring of 1877, when he
came to Decatur. Here he followed carpen-
tering for a short time and in 1880 he ac-
cepted a position as engineer with the De-
catur Coal Company, with which he was
connected when it first opened its mines.
For ten years or until 1902 he was employed
b}^ the Union Iron Works of Decatur as
foreman of the wood department and then
resigned his position there and opened his
present store in the month of June, 1902,
for the sale of aluminum good and novelties.
From the beginning he has received a lib-
eral patronage and is now carrying on a
successful trade.

On the 8th of March, 1877, ISlr. Graves
was united in marriage to Miss Mattie J.
Edds, a daughter of Carroll and Elizabeth
Edds. Their children are Edna C, who
was born February 8, 1878, and was mar-
ried on Christmas Day of 1899, to Harry
R. Griswold, by whom she has two chil-
dren, John Carroll and Jasper Edwin ; Mat-
tie A., born January 9, 1883 ; Walter A.,
born August 10, 1885 ; and Nina Hazel, born
January 26, 1888.

Mr. Graves is an exemplary member of
Macon Lodge, No. 8, A. F. & A. M., in
which he is a' past master. He has been
identified with the fraternity since 1892 and

^ rr iL-ju

l^:> a.

PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.

has thoroughly informed himself concern-
ing Its tenets and teachings, while in his
life he emhraces its beneficent principles.
He also belongs to Macon Chapter, No. 21,
R. \. M., and to Beaiimanoir Commandery,
No. 9, K. T., while of Dunham Post, No.
141, G. A. R., he is a charter member. For
sixteen years he was also a member of the
famous Goodman liand, being the tub;i
])layer. He was a member of the band dur-
ing the period that the organization ad-
\-anced from a country band of sixteen mem-
bers to one of more than state reputation,
having a member.ship of forty. When he
resigned in 1900 there were only four of the
original members of the band still with the
organization. He has alwa^'s been a lover
of music and bis talent in this direction has
been of value in musical circles in this city.
In politics he is a Republican and a strong-
prohibitionist. There are few men of Mr.
Graves' age who can boast of a military
record in connection with the Civil war.
The same spirit which he manifested when
as a boy he responded to the country's call
has always been one of his strong character-
istics. Everything pertaining to the general
welfare receives his endorsement and he
has been a co-operant factor in many meas-
ures for the public good.

HUGH W. HILL.
This is a utilitarian age and the man
whose business is of worth to the world
is he who wins success. To-daj^ Hugh \V.
Hill is numbered among the capitalists
and retired manufacturers of Decatur and is
a venerable citizen of eighty-one years,
respected and honored not only because of
his success, but also because of the manner
in which his prosperity has been won. He
started out in life a poor bo}' with limited
advantages, educational and otherwise, and
that he is to-day numbered among the
wealthy men of his adopted city is due to

his own well directed and enterprising ef-
forts, lie has been a resident of Macon
county for many years and no history of
this section of the state would be complete
without mention of his life.

.Mr. Hill was born in North Carolina, on
the i8th day of July, 1822, and of that state
his parents, John and .Xscnath (.\ndre\vs)
Hill, were also natives. In 1835 the father
removed with his family from North Caro-
lina to the new state of Missouri, casting
in his lot with the pioneer settlers of that
locality. There he spent his remaining
days, passing away in the year 1851. His
wife, however, had died ])rior to the family's
removal from North Carolina, her death
having occurred in 1824.

In the usual manner of farmer lads Hugh
\V. Hill was reared. He worked in the
fields from the time of early spring planting
until crops were harvested in the autumn
and it was only for a brief period during the
winter months that he was enabled to pur-
sue his education. He mastered the com-
mon branches of learning in a log school
house, to wdiich he was ciimpelled to walk
for a distance of three miles, returning in
the same manner each evening. He was a
youth of only thirteen years when his father
removed to Missouri and there he assisted
in the arduous task of developing a new
farm in the timber, sharing with the others
in the family in the hardships and trials inci-
dent to frontier life. It was in the year
j86o that Mr. Hill came to Illinois, locating
first in Bond county, where he remained
for eighteen months. In February, 1866,
he came to Macon county and was first
identified with farming and stock-raising
here. As he had no capital with which to
purchase land he leased a farm located
about nine miles from Decatur and with
characteristic energy he began the cultiva-
tion of crops that he might provide a liv-
ing for himself and family. For eight years
he remained upon that land, devoting his

256

PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.

energies to general farming and stock-
raising and while there he gave considerable
attention to the breeding and raising of
hogs. Certain troubles that he had with his
hogs led to his success in business life.
His hogs would root and he felt that he
was compelled to resort to some measure
that would prevent this as the animals were
injuring his pasture lands. Becoming in-
censed at a hog that was engaged in its
usual delightful occupation of rooting he
caught the animal and with an awl punched
a hole through his snout and inserted there-
in a piece of wire, after which he twisted
the ends together. This proved effective
for the hog could root no longer. This led
to an invention which has become of world
wide value and is now in universal use. Mr.
Hill began studying some method which
would be an easier and quicker way of
ringing hogs' noses and as the result of his
thoughts and experiments he gave to the
world the invention which is known as the
hog ringer and which is to-day used not
only extensively throughout the United
States, but throughout the entire world
wherever those animals are raised. Imme-
diate success, however, did not follow his
work, for after securing a patent on his in-
vention he found some difficult}- in gaining
co-operation of any one with capital. He
was himself without sufficient means to
manufacture the ringer and place it upon
the market and when he made business pro-
positions to different men of capital in the
locality to join him in the work he found
little encouragement. At length, however,
he formed a partnership with Charles P.
Housum under the firm style of H. \\'. Hill
& Company. A wide system of advertis-
ing was entered upon and when the public
recognized the fact that Mr. Hill possessed
an article of much value to the farmers the
business increased with great rapidity so
that the work continued almost night and
day in order to meet the demands made

upon the house. The patronage came from
foreign countries as well as from all sections
of the United States and the business grew
to mammoth proportions, becoming one of
the leading industrial concerns of Decatur.
Each year the sales increased and thus
Mr. Hill steadily added to his capital, meet-
ing the success which he well merited be-
cause of his perseverance, his capability and
his energy. He continued in the business
until 1894, when he sold his interest in the
plant and retired to private life with a hand-
some competence. In the meantime he had
made judicious investments in real estate,
becoming the owner of valuable farms in
Macon county, which is situated in one of
the richest agricultural districts of this
entire county. His farms are highh^ culti-
vated, being made very productive through
tiling. He has placed about thirty-six
miles of tiling upon his land, using pipes of
four, sixteen, eighteen and twenty-four
inches. His early experience in farm work
has made his later labors in this direction
of value and he became recognized as one
of the most progressive and capable agri-
culturists of Macon county. In addition to
his other business concerns he has been
largely interested in coal mining, becoming
the owner of two mines in Decatur and
another near Niantic, Macon county, from
which he derives a good income.

In 1843 occurred the marriage of Mr.
Hill and Miss Eliza J. Stevenson and
for almost si.xty years they traveled life's
journey together. Mrs. Hill, who was a
native of North Carolina, proved a most
faithful companion and helpmate to her hus-
band and when she was called to the life
bej-ond on the 30th of June, 1902, there
ended a married relation that had been
almost ideal. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Hill were
born a son and five daughters : Clara, the
wife of John Biddle; John N., who is a
prosperous farmer and dealer in live stock,
controlling important agricultural interests

PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.

257

in Illinois ; Alice, the deceased wife of Jona-
than Guess ; and Catherine Asenath, who
became the wife of Thomas A. Bone, a
^t;;rain dealer, and died IcaNins; three chil-
dren : X'irginia 1^., who died at the age of
two years ; and Augusta, who died at the
age of twenty-four years.

Mr. Hill proudly cast his first vote in
support of the candidates and measures of
the Whig party and continued one of its
advocates until the organization of the new
Republican party, when he joined its ranks.
He has since followed its banners and yet
maintains a deep interest in its success. He
has never been an aspirant for political hon-
ors or office, preferring to devote his ener-
gies to his business affairs. Although his
early life was a period of earnest toil, in
which he was deprived of many of the
comforts and conveniences which go to
make life worth the living, he is to-day one
of the prosperous men of Decatur. A gen-
tleman of great natural ability his success
in business from the time of the establish-
ment of his manufacturing enterprise was
uniform and rapid. As has been truly re-
marked, after all that may be done for a
man in the way of giving him early oppor-
tunities for obtaining the requirements
which are sought in the schools and in
books, he must essetitially formulate, deter-
mine and give shape to his own character;
and this is what Mr. Hill has done. He has
persevered in the pursuit of a persistent
purpose and gained the most satisfactory
reward. His life is exemplary in all respects
and he has ever suportcd those interests
which are calculated to uplift and benefit
humanity, while his own high moral worth
is deserving of the highest commendation.

WILLIAM 1). CHAMBERLAIN.
There is no country which Offers as ex-
cellent advantages to young men for ad-
vancement in business life as America, but

while this is so, it is also a well known
fact that "Tabor is king;" that progress in
commercial or industrial circles depends
upon earnest, persistent and honorable ef-
fort, untiring industry, and these form the
basis of the prosperity that has come to
William D. Chamberlain, of Decatur, where
he is now extensively engaged in the manu-
facture of awnings and tents.

Mr. Chamberlain was born near Chapin,
Morgan county, Illinois. March 26, 1849, ''■
son of Grififin and Elizabeth (Averitt)
Chamberlain. The father was a native of
Richmond, Virginia, and in 1828 became a
resident of Morgan county, Illinois, remov-
ing to the west with his father, whose name-
sake he was. Griffin Chamberlain, Sr., en-
gaged in manufacturing, conducting a large
powder mill in Richmond, Virginia, before
his removal to Illinois. In the family were
four children, three sons and a daughter,
but Peter T. Chamberlain, who is now
living in Kansas, is the only survivor. The
father of our subject after attaining his
majority became a well known factor in
business circles in this state. In connection
with his father-in-law, Nathan G. Averitt,
he was one of the first settlers in Harris-
town township, establishing his home in the
locality known as the " prairie." Mr.
Chamberlain entered a quarter section of
land from the government and this in
course of time he brought to a high state
of cultivation, transforming it into a val-
uable farm. He erected thereon a fine ten
room residence, also commodious out build-
ings for the shelter of grain and stock and
his farm was recognized as one of the best
improved in the county. A year after the
erection of the residence, however, it caught
. on fire and in his efTorts to save the build-
ing Mr. Chamberlain was injured and died
from the effects in 1871, when fifty-three
years of age. He left a widow who is still
living and two sons. William D. and James
H.

258

PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.

In the common schools, such as existed
in the primitive days in Illinois, William
D. Chamberlain began his education. A
little later, however, several influential res-
idents of llarristown township, desiring to
have better educational facilities, leased a
suitable building, employed teachers and
established a private educational institution
which was known as the Harristown high
school, in which a two year's classical course
might be pursued. jMr. Chamberlain availed
himself of the opportunity thus afforded and
later he pursued a three year's course in
Eureka College at Eureka, Illinois, thus be-
coming a well informed man, of broad gen-
eral learning.

For one year he engaged in teaching
school and in 1872, following the death of
his father, he returned to the home farm,
where in connection with his brother,
James H., he engaged in agricultural pur-
suits, conducting the old home place until
1877. He then purchased a half interest in
a general store in Harristown, entering into
partnership with his father-in-law, I. F.
Peck. They conducted that business for
two years and, still retaining the ownership
of the store, they formed a partnership with
T. W. Cann and established a grocery on
Water street, Decatur. This was con-
ducted under the firm name of I. F. Peck &
Company for three years and at the expira-
tion of that period both stores were sold
and the partnership was dissolved.

It was at that time — in the year 1885 —
that Mr. Chamberlain began the manufact-
ure of mattresses for the wholesale trade.
Not long afterward he extended the scope
of his business by opening a department for
the manufacture of awnings and tents and
the trade in the latter was increased so that
in course of time his entire attention was
devoted to this line. His business has be-
come so extensive that Decatur is now
recognized as a producing center for such
products. He manufactures awnings and

tents of every grade and description and his
sales are very extensive. The firm also
rents large shipments of stock for camping
purposes. He sold to Clinton one thousand
chairs and has furnished chairs to various
Chautauqua Association, including those of
Pontiac, Bloomington, Urbana, Danville
and Shelbyville. In 1903 he made extensive
shipments to two Chautauqua assemblies in
Illinois and to the Kentucky State Fair,
also to the Chautauqua at Jackson, Mississ-
ippi, and at other places. The business is
now conducted under the name of the De-
catur Tent & Awning Company, at No.
118 East Williams street, with William D.
Chamberlain as manager. The leading
partners in the enterprise are Mr. Chamber-
lain and H. W. Averitt. The business has
assumed mammoth proportions and is the
outcome of the enterprise, clear judgment
and experience of him whose name intro-
duces this review.

On the loth of March, 1873, Mr. Chamber-
lain was joined in wedlock to j\Iiss Florence
M. Peck, a daughter of I. F. and Mary
(Cann) Peck, of Lafayette, Indiana. Mrs.
Chamberlain died January 12, 1902, at the
age of forty-seven years, leaving two chil-
dren, Gertrude and Cecil. In his social re-
lations Mr. Chamberlain is connected with
Decatur Camp No. 144, M. W. A., and was
one of the seventeen charter members
upon its organization in 1883. He is also
a charter member of the Fraternal Tribunes
and he belongs to the Christian church on
Edwards street in Decatur, of which he is
now serving as deacon. Having spent his
entire life in Illinois, he has been a witness
of much of i'ts development and progress.
He can recall in his boyhood days the
howling of wolves and remembers seeing
deer roam upon the prairies. He also re-
members the building of the Wabash Rail-
road in 1854, an enterprise which elicited
the interest of people throughout this por-
tion of the countrv. He is now one of the

PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.

20 1

prosperous residents of his adopted city and
the success of his present enterprise has
more than come up to his expectations. He
has come to be regarded as one of the influ-
ential and substantial business men of his
town. His plant is well equipped and is a
growing industry, but undoubtedly will in
time have to undergo enlargement. He has
excellent financial ability and understands
the handling of men, a combination of de-
sirable attributes which invariably insure
success.

ROBERT H. WOODCOCK.

In early manhood Robert H. Woodcock
liccame a resident of Macon county and has
since been largely identified with its de-
velopment, material upl)uilding and business
growth. He found a district in which the
land was largely unimproved and its surface
was dotted here and there with ponds or
crossed by sloughs. Many changes have
since occurred and now this is one of the
richest farming districts of the state and in
its midst is a thriving commercial and indus-
trial center and many smaller towns show-
ing great business activity. Mr. Woodcock
is actively and successfully engaged in the
private banking business and in real-estate
dealing and in both branches is meeting
with prosperity.

A native of Westmoreland county, Penn-
sylvania, Mr. Woodcock was born .August
30, 1835, ^ son of Edmund and Susanna
(Funk) AN'oodcock, the former of English
lineage and the latter of German descent.
From Pennsylvania the parents removed to
Illinois in 1849. The father was a wagon-
maker by trade and followed that pursuit in
order to provide for his family, including his
wife and ten children, nine of whom reached
years of maturity, the subject of this re-
view being the third in order of birth. Those
still liviuir are ^tarv, .Sarah, Robert H. and

Etta B. The father died in Ouincy, Illi-
nois, in 1856, and the mother's death oc-
curred in Carrollton, this state, at the very
advanced age of ninety-five years.

Robert H. Woodcock supplemented his
early educational privileges by a course of
study in the seminary of Greene county,
Illinois, and was graduated when twenty-
one years of age. After leaving school he
went into a dry-goods store as bookkeeper,
serving in that capacity for two years and
then came to Macon county. In 1862 he
took up his abode in the village of Macon,
where he established a grocery store, which
he conducted for three years, selling out in
January, 1865. The following August he
entered the eni])Ioy of the Illinois Central
Railroad Company as agent, being the third
man to hold the position at this place, and
his term continued si.xteen years. Two
years previous he had become agent for
the American Express Company and acted
in the latter capacity altogether for eighteen
years. He then engaged with H. Faling
for eight months in the banking business,
then purchased the interest of his partner
and has since engaged in the banking busi-
ness, with the exception of a period of two
years. He has also dealt largely in real
estate, buying and selling land, and sold
most of the property belonging to the Illi-
nois Central Railroad Company for fifteen
miles on each side of the railroad track and
fifteen miles north and south. He conducts
a private bank, which has a good patronage,
for he is known as a most reliable man and
has back of his institution ample securities.

Shortl}- after coming to Macon county,
Mr. Woodcock was married October 29,
1863, to Miss Frances J. Rives, who was
born in Greene county, this state, March 18,
1841. Her parents. Rev. James and Eliza-
beth (Hood) Rives, were from North Caro-
lina and spent their last days in Greene
county, Illinois. Iler father was a Repub-
lican in politics and a minister of the Meth-

262

PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.

odist church, taking a most active ])art in
all church work. Mr. and Airs. Woodcock
have one son, Harold R.

In his political views Mr. Woodcock is an
earnest Republican, active in the party, and
has been honored with a number of local
offices. He served as alderman of Macon
for two years, was mayor one year, and for
fourteen years was supervisor, one-half of
which time he was chairman of the board.
He has been a delegate to various county,
state and congressional conventions and has
e.xerted a strong influence in the local ranks
of the party. Socially he is connected with
South Macon Lodge, No. 467, A. F. & A.
^I., and with one exception is the oldest
Mason in Macon, having joined the order
at Lincoln, Illinois, in 1866. He was active
in establishing the school system and his
labors have been effective and helpful along
many lines for the public good. When Mr.
Woodcock came to Macon county he made
the journey on horseback over the prairies,
on which the grass grew almost as high as
the horse's back. There was only one house
within four miles and a tract of only eighty
acres was under cultivation at that time.
He has done his full share for the develop-
ment and progress of the county, has
watched with interest its growth and as a
pioneer citizen as well as leading business
man well deserves representation in the his-
tory of the county.

HAROLD RIVES WOODCOCK.
Harold Rives Woodcock, who is associ-
ated with his father in the banking business
at Macon, under the firm style of R. H.
Woodcock & Company, was born in this
town, June 6, 1871, and in the public schools
acquired his literary education, while his
business training was received in Brown's-
Business College, of Decatur, in which he
completed the course in the class of 1890.

I'revious to this time, however, he had
served as bookkeeper from 1887 to 1889, in
the Woodcock & Hight Bank of Macon,
and following the completion of his school
course he became cashier in the Heilman
grocery house of Decattu". In 1891 he was
cashier in the R. H. Woodcock & Company
Bank in Macon, and later occupied a sim-
ilar position in the First National Bank at
Collinsville, Illinois, from March until July,
1902. He then returned to Macon and has
since been engaged in the banking business
as cashier and partner, being thus associated
with his father under the business style of
R. H. Woodcock & Company.

Politically' Mr. Woodcock is connected
with the Republican party, strongly en-
dorsing its principles and laboring untiring-
ly for its success. He has served as town
clerk of Macon, and in 1899 '^^ was elected
supervisor for a two years' term. He served
as chairman of the board in 1900-1 and was
then re-elected for the term of 1901-2, but
resigned in June of the latter year. His
social relations connect him with the Ma-
sonic fraternity. He was made a Mason
in South Macon Lodge, No. 467, F. & A. M.
and is now a past master. He also belongs
to Beacon Lodge, No. 434, K. P., of which
he is a past chancellor and district deputy,
and thus in both organizations he has been
honored with official preferment, showing
the regard in which he is held by his breth-
ren of the fraternities.

In 1896, in Indianapolis, Indiana, was
celebrated the marriage of Harold R. Wood-
cock and Miss Bertha Middleton, and they
now have an interesting little son, to whom
they have given the name of Rives Way.
The business history of Macon would be in-
complete without mention of the \Vood-
cocks— father and son — who are prominent
and worthy representatives of financial in-
terests and who in social life are also promi-
nent, both families having many warm
friends here.

PAST AND PRKSEXT OF MACON COUNTY.

263

JAMES S. C. CUSSINS, M. D.
The cit)' of Decatur, with its pulsing in-
dustrial activities and rapid development,
has attracted within its confines men of
marked ability and high character in the
various professional lines and in iliis way
progress has been conserved and social sta-
bility fostered. He, whose name initiates
this review, has gained recognition as one
of the able and successful physicians of the
state and by his labors, his high professional
attainments and his sterling characteristics
has justified the respect and confidence in
which he is held by the medical fraternity
and the local public. He has resided in De-
catur only since 1901. but for twenty-five
years has been a practitioner of this part of
Illinois, where he is widely and favorably
known.

The Doctor was born in the city of Zancs-
vilJe, Ohio, on the 24th of March, 1851, a
son of .SamiioJ A. and Jane (Cairns) Cus-
sins, both of wlioni are natives of the P>uck-
eyc state, and the latter was a daughter of
Dr. Cairns. The father of our subject
learned the carpenter's trade in earlv life
and became a contractor and builder. In
1864 he removed with his familv to Deca-
tur, where he became actively identified
with the building interests, continuing his
work along that line until a short time prior
to his death. In this way he did much
for the imiiroxcment of the city and many
evidences nf his handiwork are still seen in
substantial structures here. He passed
away in 1869.

riie Doctor was a youth of thirteen years
when he accompanied his parents to this
city and his youth was here passed, his early
education lieing acquired in the schools of
Decatur under the direction of Professor
E. A. Gastman, a most thorough and com-
petent teacher, who for more than forty
years has been principal of the Decatur
schools. He was also a student in the Uni-
versity of Illinois for two years. On the

completion of his literary course Dr. Cus-
sins determined to enter upon the study
of medicine, preparatory to making its prac-
tice his life work. He became a student in
the office and under the direction of Drs.
E. \V. Moore and Ira N. Barnes, who d.i-
rected his reading until he entered Rush
Medical College of Chicago, in which in-
stitution he was graduated with liie class
of 1877, winning the degree of M. D.

It was in August of the same year that
he entered upon his professional career as
a practitioner in the little town of Owaneco,
Christian county, Illinois. He soon demon-
strated his ability there and gained a liberal
patronage which continuallj^ grew as the
years passed by. hOr twenty-four years he
conducted practice there and then desiring
a still broader field of labor he returned to
Decatur in 1901, opening an office on Prairie
street over the store of the Decatur Gun
Company. One of the local papers said of
him: "With his remarkable jihysique and
careful living, in spite of twenty-five years
of hard jjracticc, the Doctor to-day is active-
ly ])racticing his chosen profession and en-
dowed with all the energy which has char-
actei'ized his work in the past."

In January, 1878, the Doctor was united
in marriage to Miss Ella Lord, of Decatur,
a daughter of Thomas Lord, one of the old
and prominent residents of this city and of
l\Iacon county. They began their domestic
life in Owaneco and there two children were
born unto them : Lelah, who died at the
age of twelve years, and Minerva May.
P>essie Marie and James S. C, Jr., were born
in Decatur. 'i"he Doctor and his wife oc-
cu])y an enviable position in social circles
and their own ]:)leasanl home is noted
for its cordiality and gracious hospitality.

Politically the Doctor is an ardent Demo-
crat and has taken c|uite an active and
I)rominent part in ])nl)lic affairs, serving as
a member of the board of supervisors in
Christian county for eleven years and w,is

2GA

PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.

its chairman for eight years of that time.
He was also postmaster of Owaneco dur-
ing both of President Cleveland's adminis-
trations.

Not only has he attained success in his
profession but is also a popular and promi-
nent member of the Masonic fraternity, in
which he has attained the Knight Templar
degree. His membership is now with Lo-
cust Lodge, No. 623, F. & A. ^I. ; Chapter,
No. 102, R. A. ^L, at Taylorville, Illinois,
and Beaumanoir Commandery, No. 9, K.
T., of Decatur. In the line of his profession
he is connected with the Decatur Medical
Society and through the interchange of
thought and experience in its meetings
keeps in touch with the methods which the
various members of the fraternity are fol-
lowing and also gives of his own knowledge
for the benefit of his professional brethren.
He has followed along the line of general
practice in medicine and surgery and is
recognized as a man of marked ability in
his profession, of keen intellectuality and
of cultured tastes. He has made an honor-
able name for himself not only in pro-
fessional circles, but in the community in
which he makes his home and has many
friends. He is a valued acquisition to the
medical circles of the city, in which his boy-
hood was passed and already in Decatur he
has gained a liberal patronage which is in-
dicative of his superior skill and of the con-
fidence reposed in him by the general pub-
lic.

JAMES H. PARKER.
It was the commonly accepted belief in
olden times that labor was the source of
success ; to-day the world demands another
element — that of sound judgment. Both
qualiiies are possessed by James H. Parker,
now one of the most extensive landowners
of Macon count}' and the president of the

Citizens' Bank of Maroa. With few advan-
tages in youth, depending upon his own re-
sources as the years have gone by, he has
risen to a prominent position among the
prosperous men of the county and by the
most honorable and businesslike methods
has gained his prosperity. A native of
Ohio, he was born in 1846, a son of James
S. and Rachel (Hankinson) Parker. The
father, a farmer by occupation, was born in
New Jersey and removed to Ohio when a
young man of twenty years. In 1853 he be-
came a resident of DeWitt county, Illinois,
where he purchased one hundred and sixty
acres of land, which he sold a year or two
later. He then came to jNIacon county and
purchased a tract of land west of Maroa,
where he carried on farming until three or
four years prior to his death, when he re-
moved to the town and lived retired until
called to his final rest on the 5th of May,
1880. His wife long survived him and died
in 1901. This was an old and highly re-
spected couple.

James H. Parker attended school in Ma-
con county, but is largely self-educated,
reading, observation and experience adding
greatly to his knowledge. Nature also en-
dowed him with a good degree of common
sense — a quality very essential in the busi-
ness world and too often lacking. He did
not fear that laborious attention to labor
which is the basis of prosperit}- and in his
early manhood, as in his more ma-
ture 3ears, labored earnestly and per-
sistently. He started out for himself at
the age of twenty-one years and at first
operated his father's land. The training
which he had received in the work of the
fields now stood him in good stead. He dili-
gently and energetically carried on his work
and in the course of a few years had saved
enough money to purchase a farm of his
own. With renewed energy he began its
cultivation and as the years passed he added
to his landed possessions from time to time

PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.

267

until he now has about two thousand acres,
much of which Hes within Macon county
and is therefore in one of the richest farm-
ing belts of the entire country. His home
farm, lying west of Maroa, comprises live
hundred and forty-five acres. He formed
a partnership with the man who now lives
upon the place and operates it, and the re-
mainder of his land he rents. His pos-
sessions represent years of earnest, con-
secutive toil and show what may be attained
through enterprise and industry. His busi-
ness interests, however, have not been con-
fined entirely to agricultural pursuits but
have gone beyond and embraced other fields
of labor. He is now the president of the
Citizens' Bank of Maroa, a reliable financial
institution receiving a good patronage, and
is also the president of The Farmers' Mer-
cantile Association.

In 1871 Mr. Parker was united in mar-
riage to Miss Emma A. Shaw, a daughter
of William G. Shaw. They visited Chicago
on their wedding journey and had just left
that city when the great fire occurred. Un-
to them were born two children, but both
died in infancy. -Mr. and Mrs. Parker own
and occupy one of the handsome residences
of Maroa and its hospitality is one of its
most marked and pleasing features. They
belong to the Methodist church, taking an
active part in its work, and ^Ir. Parker is a
member of the blue lodge of Masons in
Maroa and of the commandery of Clinton,
Illinois. He also holds membership rela-
tions with the Knights of Pythias here.
In politics he is a Republican and
once served as supervisor, but would never
consent to hold other office. His best public
service is rendered as a private citizen and
he is found as the advocate of many pro-
gressive and beneficial measures. With lit-
tle assistance from his father, James II.
Parker has won for himself an enviable
position in financial circles and in public
regard and stands to-day as one of the

strong men of Maroa, the possessor of a
ver}- handsome competence and also of an
untarnished name.

CHARLES F. RUEHL.

.Mmost a half century has passed since
Charles F. Ruehl became a resident of Ma-
con county. He is now a retired farmer
and merchant, making his home in Decatur,
and the rest which has been vouchsafed to
him has been justly earned and is there-
fore richly merited. It is a fact of which
perhaps due recognition has not been given,
that a large majority of the valued citizens
of this portion of the state have had their
nativity in or trace their lineage to the great
German empire. Mr. Ruchl is a native of
Hesse-Darmstadt, his birth having there
occurred on the 31st of August, 1832. His
parents, Ernst and Elizabeth Kuchl, never
left the fatherland, but spent their entire
lives in their native country. When their
son Charles was a little lad of si.x years they
sent him to the public schools, where he
continued his studies until he reached the
age of fourteen and afterward he became a
student in a gymnasium which is equivalent
to a high school in this country. Entering
upon his business career he was first, em-
ployed as a farm hand and afterward be-
came manager of an estate belonging to a
nobleman, in which capacity he served for
four years, fie had acquired a practical
knowledge of farming as it was then con-
ducted in the old country and his services
were of value to the gentlciuan by whom
he was employed.

The land of the free, however, was to him
a source of attraction and since 1852 he
has been allied with .\merican interests. No
native son of the country is more loyal to
the United States and hir welfare than is
Charles F. Ruehl. In 1852 he took passage
on a westward-bound sailing vessel that

268

PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.

weighed anchor in the harbor of Bremen
bound for the port of Baltimore, Maryland.
He did not tarry long, however, in the lat-
ter city, but went almost at once to Hamil-
ton, Ohio, and in that vicinity secured work
as a farm hand, .\fterward he removed to
Logansport, Indiana, where for three years
he followed various pursuits. In 1856 he
arrived in Decatur, Illinois, and having in
the meantime saved some of his earnings, he
established a retail grocery store on Water
street. For eight years he conducted the
business, being one of the early merchants
of the city. He then sold out and removed
to Forsyth, Macon countj^ where he not
only conducted the railroad ofifice, but also
handled grain, carrying on his store there
for twenty-four years. His business grew
to an important one and he realized a hand-
some annual income as the result of his la-
bors. While a resident of Forsyth, in 1874
he went to Iowa, where he purchased eight
hundred acres of valuable land, which he
rented. For some time he visited Iowa
once or twice each year to superintend his
property interests, but made his home in
Decatur. In 1892, however, Mr. Ruehl sold
his Iowa property for sixty-five dollars per
acre, which was an excellent advance upon
the purchase price. He is now practically liv-
ing retired, loaning his money and merely
devoting his attention to this work and the
collection of its interest.

The home life of Mr. Ruehl has been very
pleasant. He married Miss Thekla Stommel
and they became the parents of two chil-
dren : Ernst, who is now residing in Cham-
paign county, Illinois ; and Lillie, who is
the wife of Perr^^ Lashier, of Sac county,
Iowa. After the death of his first wife
Mr. Ruehl wedded her sister, Otella, and
four children graced this marriage, namely:
Carl, who resides in Centralia, Illinois;
Louis, who is manager of a lumber yard at
Freeport, Illinois ; Max, a practicing physi-
cian who is emplo3'ed by the ]McCormick

Manufacturing Company, in Chicago, Ill-
inois, devoting his entire time and attention
to professional work among the McCormick
employes, numbering several thousand ;
and Harold, who is a bookkeeper in the
Citizens' National Bank of Decatur. Otto
Link, who follows farming, is a son of Mrs.
RuehTs first marriage.

In his political views Mr. Ruehl is an
earnest Republican, but without the party
bias or aggressive spirit which many polit-
ical workers show. He forms his ideas in-
dependently and is firm in support of his
honest convictions. In matters of citizenship
he has always been loyal and true to the
best interests of the city, state and nation.
He may well be termed one of the pioneers
of Macon county, for through almost a half
century he has witnessed its growth and
development. He has seen Decatur grow
from a small town to one of the leading met-
ropolitan centers of the state, becoming an
industrial city second to none in Illinois,
save Chicago. He has a wide acquaintance
throughout the county and wherever he
has gone he has won friends, who recognize
his worth and accord him their warm re-
gard.

WILLIA^I CLARK.
William Clark, who is engaged in tlie real
estate business in Decatur, has resided in
this city since February, 1890, previous to
which time he was for some years connected
with agricultural interests in Illinois. His
birth occurred in Clinton county, Pennsyl-
vania, on the 27th of April, 1827, his parents
being William and Sarah (Hayes) Clark,
who were natives of the Keystone state.
The family is of English lineage, but both
the father and grandfather of our subject
were born in this country. The grandfather
also bore the name of William Clark and
he was a soldier of the Revolutionary war,
enlisting at the age of sixteen years. He

PAST AXn TRKSKXT OF MACOX COrXTV.

269

did valiant service for the country and after-
ward devoted his energies to agricultural
pursuits. The father of our subject was
also a farmer by occupation. He followed
that pursuit in Pennsyhania throughout
his entire life and in 1847 1^"^ passed away,
being then sixty-five years of age. In early
manhood he had wedded Miss Sarah Hayes,
who was of Scotch-Irish extraction and who
was also a native of Pennsylvania. She
proved to her husband a faithful companion
and helpmate on life's journey, and her
death occurred in 1850.

At the usual age ^^'illiam Clark entered
the public schools and afterward attended a
subscription school, thus fitting himself for
teaching. He followed that profession in
his locality for a number of years and also
continued to engage in the operation of the
old home farm during the periods of vaca-
tion. He continued to reside in Pennsyl-
vania until 1856, when he came to Illinois,
locating first in Kendall county, where he
secured a tract of land and successfully en-
gaged in farming. After a period of twenty
3"ears he went to Mecklenburg county, Vir-
ginia, spending a few months in the Old
Dominion. Preferring Illinois, however, as
a place of residence, he then returned to
this state and located in Champaign county,
where he purchased a farm, which he owned
and operated for eighteen years. He was a
progressive agriculturist and everything
about his place indicated his personal super-
vision. Neatness and thrift characterized
the farm and he annually harvested good
crops as the result of the care and labor
which he bestowed upon the fields. In Feb-
ruary, 1890, however, he rented his farm
and removed to Decatur, where he has since
made his home, residing at No. 619 West
Wood street. For some time he has en-
gaged in the real estate and fire insurance
business here and has secured a good client-
age in both lines, having negotiated a num-

ber of realty transfers and at the same time
written quite a large amount of insurance.
In 1855 Mr. Clark was unite<l in marriage
to Miss Charlotte Hall, of Clinton county,
Pennsylvania, a daughter of Jesse Hall.
They became the parents of four children:
Everett Howard, who is now living in west-
ern Kansas; Jesse Hall; iMinnie Belle, who
is residing in Decatur, and Emma, who is
now in Chicago. The parents are members
of the First Presbyterian church of Deca-
tur and Mr. Clark has been a stalwart Re-
publican since the organization of the party,
when questions of national importance are
involved, but at local elections he votes in-
dependently. His residence in Illinois cov-
ers a period of almost a half century and his
labors aided in making this state the splen-
did agricultural district which it is to-day.
His many admirable characteristics, his
steadfastness of purpose and the genialty of
his temperament have made him an integral
part of the prosperity and general develop-
ment of the communities in which he has
made his home.

WILLIAM B. HUNTER.
Throughout the years of his manhood this
gentleman has been actively identified with
the agricultural and industrial interests of
Macon county and is to-day a prosperous
citizen of Mount Zion, where for the past
three years he has engaged in the nursery
business, owning a one-third interest in the
Mount Zion Nursery. He claims Illinois
as his native state, his birth occurring in
Bond county, November 25, 1850. His
father, James B. Hunter, was born in Ken-
tucky and at an early day came to Illinois,
being engaged in farming in Macon county
for some years. He entered the army dur-
ing the Civil war as a member of Company
I, One Hundred and sixteenth Illinois Vol-
unteer Tnfantrv and when hostilities ceased

270

PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.

he relurned to this state, where he resided
for a time, but is now Hving in Arkansas.
He married Miss Nancy Griggs, and to
them were born four children, as follows :
Jennie, wife of Henry Fruit, of Decatur ;
Emma, wife of Jackson Hanks, also of De-
catur; Lucy, wife of Thomas Elker, who
makes his home in California, and William
B., of this review.

William B. Hunter spent his boyhood and
youth upon a farm and in 1862 began earn-
ing his own livelihood. For three years he
was employed on a farm near Elwin and
then came to Mount Zion township, where
he worked as a farm hand by the month
until he had accumulated sufficient capital
to buy a tract of land and engage in farming
on his own account. For a short period
during his early life he was employed as a
clerk in a general store but with that ex-
ception his time and attention have been
wholly devoted to agricultural pursuits, in
which line he has prospered, becoming
owner of over four hundred acres of rich
and arable land in this county. In con-
nection with his farming operations he has
been engaged in the nursery business for
the past three years in partnership with E.
K. Hurlbert and George Spitler and this
venture has been a success from the start.

Mr. Hunter is a man of untiring disposi-
tion, and although safe and conservative in
his business methods, he is yet energetic
and progressive, and to these elements in
his character he owes his success in life for
he started out for himself with no capital
and has made his way in the world unaided
from the age of twelve years. In politics
he is a Democrat but at local elections gen-
erally votes independent of party lines, en-
deavoring to support the best man for the
office.

NOAH D. MYERS, M. D.
One of the most prominent and successful
physicians and surgeons now engaged in

practice in Decatur is Dr. Noah D. Myers,
who has that love for and devotion to his
profession which have won him a place
among the ablest representatives of the med-
ical fraternity in this section of the state.

The Doctor was born in Fountain county,
Indiana, February 17, 1843. His grand-
father, Jacob Myers, was a resident of North
Carolina and in the spring of iSii removed
to Indiana. He found that the red men
were so numerous at that time that he con-
sidered it unsafe to reside in such close
proximity to them and, accordingly, re-
turned to the south. In 1829, however, he
again ventured to the frontier and remained
a resident of Indiana until his death. John
Myers, the father of our subject, was also
born in North Carolina and died April i,
1903, at the residence of the Doctor in De-
catur. He wedded Catherine Fine, who
died in 1892, at the age of seventy-nine
years. Both were of German lineage. In
their family were eleven children, of whom
four are now living, namely : Noah D. ;
Peter, who resides in Gila, Illinois ; Susanna,
the wife of M. M. Sowers, of Gila ; Amanda
C, who is the wife of J. A. Sanders, of
Covington, Indiana.

Upon the home farm in his native state
Dr. Myers spent the days of his boyhood
and youth. He attended the public schools
and he worked in the first steam sawmill in
his locality, this having been erected by his
father near Wallace in Fountain county.
Later he became a student in Harmonia
College at Russellville, Indiana, and subse-
quently matriculated in the State Univer-
sity at Bloomington, Indiana, where he pur-
sued a scientific course. With broad gen-
eral knowledge to serve as the foundation
upon which to rear the superstructure of
professional learning, he took up the study
of medicine in the office and under the di-
rection of Dr. A. T. Steele, of Waveland,
Indiana, and in 1870 he became a student in
Rush Medical College of Chicago, but that

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PAST AXn I'RF.SF.XT OF MACON COUNTY.

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instilutiuii was burned during the great Chi-
cago tire in 1871 and Dr. Myers therefore
completed his course in the medical college
of Ohio at Cincinnati, where he was grad-
uated with the class of 1872. Being now
well equipped for his chosen profession
the Doctor opened an office in Veedersburg,
Indiana, where he remained for a short
time, removing then to Browns Valley in
the same state. In 1874 he came to Illinois,
locating at Gila, Jasper county- He built
the first house in the village there and prac-
ticed in tliat locality for thirteen years,
having a large country practice which was
of a varied and important character. In
1887, however, desiring a broader scope for
his labors, he came to Decatur, where he
has since carried on general practice and
has won for himself a place among the lead-
ing and successful physicians of the city.
He belongs to the Decatur Medical Society
and the members of the medical fraternity
acknowledge his worth and capability.

In 1873 Dr. Alyers was united in mar-
riage to Miss Mattie J. Ward, a daughter of
Samuel and Sarah (Musgrove) Ward, of
Parke county, Indiana. They now have
four children : Bessie Lee, the wife of W.
H. Peters; Minnie M. ; Lulu P., the wife of
William A. Shorb ; and Merle M.

The Doctor is a valued representative of
the Masonic fraternity. He was made a
Mason in 1889 in Ionic Lodge, No. 312, F.
& A. M., with which he is still affiliated.
He is also a member of the Order of the
Eastern Star and holds membership rela-
tions with the Modern Woodmen of Amer-
ica ; the Fraternal Tribunes and the Yeo-
manry. His political support has ever been
given to the Democracy and he has taken an
active part in politics. He was a member
of the pension borfrd during President
Cleveland's administration. The Doctor
deserves credit for what he has accom-
plished. He earned a portion of the funds
necessary for his college expenses as a

"Hoosier schoolmaster" in the rural dis-
tricts of Indiana. He has throughout his"
l)rofessional career advanced steadily by
reason of his close application, his zeal and
interest in his work and his broad study
and thorough investigation. He is con-
nected with a calling wherein advancement
is won through merit and it is because of his
capability that he is justly regarded as a
prominent practitioner here.

IRA N. BARNES, A. M., M. D.
Dr. Ira N. Barnes was born in Claremont,
New Hampshire, December 19, 1829, and
was the youngest of the live children born
to Ira Norton Barnes and Harriet Eastman.
His father died when he was four months
old. He spent his youth attending school in
his native town and at an early age became
a clerk in a drug store. He fitted for col-
lege at Kimball Union Academy, Meriden,
New Hampshire, and entered Dartmouth
College in 185 1, graduating therefrom in
1855 with the degree of A. B. He was a
classmate of the late Nelson Dingley, of
tariff fame, and of Chief Justice Field of
the superior court of Massachusetts. He
first came to Decatur in November, 1855,
and spent the following year in the drug
business with his brother, the late Dr. W. A.
Barnes. In 1858 he received the degree of
Master of Arts from Dartmouth College
and in the same year attended his first
course of medical lectures at Dartmouth
Medical College and read medicine with
Drs. Dixi Crosby and E. R. Peaslee at Han-
over, New Hampshire. He spent the sum-
mer of 1859 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania,
attending the clinics at the hospitals and in
the autumn of the same year matriculated
at the JefTerson Medical College and grad-
uated therefrom in March, 1862. He then
located in Decatur, Illinois, and formed a
partnership with the late Dr. E. W. Moore

274

PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.

for llic practice of medicine, whicli contin-
ued for t'lirty-six years.

In 1863 he was commissioned as surgeon
of the One Hundred and Sixteenth Regi-
ment, llHnois Volunteers, which was at-
tached during the whole war to the First
Brigade, Second Division of General Sher-
man's famous Fifteenth Army Corps. He
served with his regiment at the various bat-
tles around Vicksburg, Champion Hills and
Jackson, Mississippi, Missionary Ridge,
Kenesaw Mountain and Atlanta, Georgia.
February 22, 1864, he was appointed sur-
geon in chief of the Second Division, Fif-
teenth Army Corps, on the staff of Brigadier
General Morgan L. Smith. He was on the •
famous march to the sea and at the storm-
ing of Fort McAllister, Georgia, and
thence marched through the Carolinas and
Virginia to Washington, D. C, where with
his regiment he took part in the grand re-
view and was mustered out of the service
June 9, 1865, by reason of the close of the
war.

He married Diantha G. Sargent, of Clare-
mont, New Hampshire, September 25, 1861,
who died May 10, 1879. One son was born.
Dr. Lynn M. Barnes, who graduated at
Harvard University in 1896 and at Harvard
Medical School in 1900, and is now a prac-
titioner of medicine. At Decatur, Illinois,
July 8, 1886, Dr. Barnes was again mar-
ried, his second union being with Mary
Wilder.

Dr. Barnes is an honored and respected
resident of Decatur, where he has practiced
for so many years, becoming the loved fam-
ily physician in various households. Man's
worth in the world is determined by his use-
fulness — by what he has accomplished for
his fellow men — and he is certainly deserv-
ing of the greatest honor and regard whose
efforts have been of the greatest benefit to
his fellow citizens. Judged by this stand-
ard Dr. Barnes may well be accounted one
oi the distinsfuishcd residents of Decatur,

for throughout his professional career, cov-
ering many decades, his labors have been
of a most helpful nature. Certainly his life
work has been of the greatest practical ben-
efit and the world is better for his having
lived. Although he is now seventy-four
years of age he is yet connected with affairs
of moment to the city of Decatur, where he
has long made his home, although in recent
years he has retired from the active prosecu-
tion of his profession.

J. W. WILLIAMS.

Prominent among the successful men of
Friends Creek township must be numbered
J. W. Williams, who is known far and wide
as a breeder and shipper of thoroughbred
Poland-China hogs. His home is on sec-
tion 17, about two and a half miles west of
Cisco. He was born in this township in
1859, his parents being Jackson and Lavina
Williams. His father's birth occurred in
Ross county, Ohio, in 1826, and in that
state he spent his boyhood and youth. He
commenced life for himself by working as
a farm hand by the month. On leaving
Ohio, he came to Macon county, Illinois,
in a one-horse buggy and settled in Friends
Creek township, becoming one of its
pioneers. Throughout his active business
life he gave considerable attention to the
raising of stock, making a specialty of hogs,
and he became quite well-to-do, owning
three hundred acres of land at the time of
his death, which occurred in 1901. His
wife, who came to this county when only
nine years old, is still living, and continues
to reside on the old home place.

During his boyhood J. W. Williams at-
tended the public schools of Friends Creek
township and under the able guidance of
his father he early became familiar with the
best methods of farming and stock-raising,
which he has continued to follow up to the

PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.

275

present time with marked success. At the
age of twenty-three years, he commenced
operatiiiga part of his father's place and in
1885 he purchased one hundred and ten
acres on section 17, Friends Creek town.ship,
where he now lives, paying for the same
forty-four dollars and a quarter per acre.
This land was entered by his grandfather,
who at one time owned twenty-five hun-
dred acres of land in this locality. Our sub-
ject has made all of the improvements upon
his place. He has a good hog barn, well
equipped for breeding purposes and has one
of the best systems of water works in cen-
tral Illinois. There is running water in
eight different lots, a gasoline engine for
pumping the water and over one thousand
feet of pipe have already been laid. -Mr.
\\'illiams is fast gaining a wide reputation
as a breeder of fine thoroughbred hogs and
for the past five years he has shipped forty
hogs amiually to different parts of the
United States. He raises pumpkins, which
mi.xed with mill feed he considers the very
best feed for breeding purposes and he also
feeds his hogs oats and corn in equal pro-
portions. He uses all the grain raised on
his own place. As previously stated his
specialty is thoroughbred Poland-China
hogs and he now has some fine males, four
of whom are from Chief Perfection, the
Second, which was sold for forty thousand
dollars, that being the highest price ever
paid for a hog in the world. He was owned
by a stock company in Indiana. Mr. Will-
iams owns hogs by Top Chief, a half- inter-
est in which was sold for twenty-five thou-
sand dollars and he also has five hogs by
Perfection Bloom, Xo. 53037, which is at
the head of his herd. He also has some fine
sows, sired by T. C. U. S., which is one
of the greatest show hogs in the world and
is owned by Burgess Brothers of Bement,
Illinois. Mr. Williams aims to get as good
a constitution in a hog as possible to guard

against disease and he tried to develop both
bone and muscle.

In 1890 was celebrated his marriage to
Miss Alice Piper, who was born in Decatur
and is a daughter of Edmond and Sarab
(Querrey) Piper. They have one child;
Zora, who was born November 17, 1893.
Mrs; Williams is a member of the Presby-
terian church and our subject belongs to the
Independent Order of Odd Fellows at Cisco.
He votes with the Democratic party but
takes no active part in politics, preferring
to give his entire time and attention to his
business interests. He is a man of marked
ability and executive force and has met with
most excellent success in the occupation to
which he devotes his energies. He is quite
])(ipular personally and makes friends easily.

LOUIS A. MILLS.

Louis A. Mills is numbered among the
members of the bar of Macon county and is
now successfully practicing in Decatur with
oflfices at No. 507 Millikin Building, in this
city. He was born in Putnam county, Illi-
nois, on the 15th of October, 1864, and is a
son of Joseph and Mary E. (Merritt) Mills.
The father was a native of Pennsylvania and
in the year 1845 left the east for Illinois.
He established his home in Putnam county,
where he secured a tract of land and carried
on farming for many years, being a well
known and respected agriculturist of that
comnumity. He died in 1884 at the age of
forty-three years and is still survived by
his wife. In their family were six children,
namely : Jessie L. ; Louis A. ; Mary Ar-
villa ; Mabel, the wife of S. E. Walker, of
Decatur: Elizabeth, the wife of O. W. Daw-
son, of this city; and Maud, the wife of
C. F. Parker, a resident of Julesburg. Colo-
rado.

It is a noticeable fact that the great ma-
jority of men who have become prominent

Ttj

PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.

and successful in commercial, industrial and
professional circles have spent their early
years upon farms and from the free and
outdoor life they gain the strength and
steadfastness of purpose which enables them
to cope with the strenuous duties that come
during their connection with other fields of
labor in later years. :Mr. Mills was a farmer
boy in his youth and attended the country
schools near his home. After acquiring his
preliminary education he became a student
in the Decatur high school and later pur-
sued a course in Lincoln University. For
a time he resided in this city and afterward
went to South Dakota to look after his
father's interests in that state, his father's
death having occurred there. Upon return-
ing to Illinois ^Ir. Mills of this review be-
came a student in the office of the firm of
Mills Brothers of Decatur, the partners be-
ing Isaac R. and Andrew H. :Mills. When
he had continued his reading until his
knowledge of the law- was broad and com-
prehensive he was admitted to the bar in
1890 and became a member of the firm of
Mills Brothers, thus joining his old pre-
ceptors. In 1893 he became associated with
the Columbia Manufacturing Company as
a partner and on the ist of May, 1896, he
formed a partnership with J. R. Fitzgerald
for the practice of law with offices in the
Millikin Building. He has since carried on
general practice and has been connected
with considerable important litigation in
the courts of this district. During the year
1898 he was appointed assignee for the
Farmers' Bank and is still acting as such.

-In 1889 Mr. Mills was united in marriage
to Miss Anna Hill, a granddaughter of H.
\V. Hill, by whom she was reared. They
now have two children: Margaret and
Walker H. Socially Mr. Mills is a Mason,
having been initiated into the order in Ma-
con Lodge, No. 8, F. & A. M., in 1894. He
has since taken the Royal Arch degree in
Macon Chapter, No. 21, R. .\. M. ; and be-

longs to Beaumanoir Commandery, No. 9,
K. T. He has a general law practice and a
good law library, with the contents of which
he has made himself familiar. While yet
a young man he has taken high rank among
the attorneys of Decatur and the position
which he has gained through meritorious
endeavor is an enviable one.

D. E. DENISE.

D. E. Denise, one of the representative
young farmers of Illini township, residing
on section i, was born in Middletown, Ohio,
on the i6th of August, 1871, and is a son
of Garrett G. and Rebecca (Brown) Denise,
who are now living on a farm east of Ma-
roa in this county. The paternal grand-
father was a native of Pennsylvania, where
his ancestors located on coming to America
at an early day. The mother of our sub-
ject was born in Ohio and is of English
lineage. During his early life Garrett G.
Denise was engaged in the dry goods and
clothing business at Middletown, Ohio, but
since coming to Illinois in 1884 he has
turned his attention to agricultural pursuits,
purchasing a farm of eighty acres in Macon
county, which he still owns and operates.

The subject of this review was a lad of
thirteen years when he accompanied his pa-
rents on their removal to the Prairie state
and :\Iacon county has since been his home.
He received a good practical education in
the district schools and afterward entered
Mann's Commercial College at Dayton,
Ohio, where he pursued a commercial and
banking course and was graduated in 1893.
After leaving that institution he engaged in
bookkeeping in Dayton for a time but in
1894 returned home and has since devoted
his energies mainly to farming, though he
has other interests. He has taken general
statistics of thunder storms in a territory
covering Macon and DeWitt counties, mak-

VI R<? T^r-VAC HAV /ic

PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.

281

ine a scientific demonstration of the laws
and nature of lightning, and he takes a deep
interest in demonstrating the utility and
efficacy of good roads rightly constructed
for the preservation of life and property.

On the 6th of October, 1896, Mr. Denise
led to the marriage altar Miss Grace Corn-
well, whose parents arc W'illiam and Mar-
tha (Nichols) Cornwcll, the former of Eng-
lish and German descent and the latter of
Irish origin. Mrs. Denise acquired her early
education in the country schools of Macon
county and later attended the Normal
School at Decatur. Prior to her marriage
she successfulh' engaged in teaching school
in this county for two years. Unto our
subject and his wite have been born four
children, namely : Chester Leone, who was
born July 8, 1897, and died July i, 1899;
Harold Edward, born July 11, 1899; Gar-
rett William, born May 13, 1901 ; and Rob-
ert .\rnold, born March 4, 1903. The family
have a nice home where hospitality reigns
supreme and Mr. Denise is regarded as one
of the leading young men of his locality. He
is a member of the Presbyterian church of
Maroa and is an ardent Republican in his
political views. He has efficiently served
as school trustee and takes an active inter-
est in any measure for the public good.

THOMAS DAVIS.
Fifty-six years have passed since this
gentleman arrived in Macon county and
he is justly numbered among her hon-
ored pioneers and representative citizens.
Throughout the years of his active business
life he was prominently identified with her
agricultural interests, but is now living n
retired life on section 27, South Macon
township. His is an honorable record of
a self-made man. who has not only won a
handsome competence through his own well
directed efforts but has also gained the con-

fidence of those with whom he has come in
contact by his upright life.

Mr. Davis was born on the I2lh of Sep-
tember, 1819, in an old log cabin in Wash-
ington county, Pennsylvania, which was de-
stroyed by fire when he was nine years of
age. His parents, George and Hester
(Wheelman) Davis, were natives of the
same county, the former born in 1774 and
the latter in 1778. The father was a brick-
maker by trade and in connection with that
occupation he also operated a farm in
Washington county. He died when our
subject was only nine years old but his
wife survived him for some years, passing
awa}' at Belleville, Pennsylvania, at the age
of sixty-five. They had a famil}' of seven
children, but only our subject and his sister
Mary Jane are now living, the latter being
the widow of John Craft and a resident of
Millsboro, Pennsylvania.

Among the earliest recollections of our
subject is that of the old log house in which
he was born, with its puncheon floor and
large fireplace around wliich the family
would gather in the evening when the day's
work was done. The school which he at-
tended was also built of logs, with greased
paper windows, slab seats and other prim-
itive furniture. It stood on Coon Island
and was known as the Coon Island school
in those days. After the death of his father
Mr. Davis commenced learning the cooper's
trade with Joshua Stoolfire, with whom he
remained until he attained his majority, and
then went to Licking county, Ohio, where
he commenced work for his employer's
brother, Jacob Stoolfire, a farmer and ex-
tensive sheep raiser. During the five months
in his employ he saved some money, which
he invested in sheep and put them out to
feed on shares. He next rented a farm near
Zanesville, Ohio, for one year and engaged
in sheep raising.

Selling his property in the Buckeye state,
Mr. Davis came to Illinois on the 30th of

282

PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY,

December, 1847, and in partnership with
Philo Buckingham bought a flock of sheep
at Todd's Point, where they spent the win-
ter, and then rented what was known as the
Hale farm in South Macon township, this
county, consisting of fourteen hundred
acres. Here they commenced sheep raising
in earnest and in a short time had between
six and eight hundred sheep. This business
they successfully carried on together for
twelve years, under the firm name of Davis
& Buckingham, becoming the largest buy-
ers and shippers in their line in this part of
tlie country, and when Mr. Buckingham
died at the end of that time he was suc-
ceeded by his father, who passed away a
few years later and was in turn succeeded
by his youngest son, James Buckingham.
Subsequently Mr. Davis purchased the lat-
ter's interest in the business, which he car-
ried on alone and under his own name until
his retirement. There was a time when he
did not know how much he was worth or
what amount of land the firm possessed, as
they had taken up property in various parts
of the country on land warrants and had
sheep and cattle on every farm. In April,
i860, he removed from the Hale farm to
his present place of residence in South jNIa-
con township, where he owned a whole sec-
tion of land, besides several other farms, but
he has since disposed of most of his prop-
erty, keeping only one hundred and sixty
acres in the home place, eighty acres in
Nebraska and some city property in De-
catur. Besides this, however, he holds
mortgages on a large amount of propert)'
throughout the country. About twelve
years ago he sold out the sheep business,
but continued to engage in general farm-
ing, stock-raising and the buying and sell-
ing of horses and mules for some time,
gradually disposing of his business and
landed interests, and for the past two years
he has practically lived retired on his farm.
Mr. Davis was united in marriage to Miss

Elizabeth Rogers, also a native of Wash-
ington county, Pennsylvania, who died
about fourteen months later, and the only
child born of that union died in infancy.
Mr. Davis subsequently married his first
wife's sister, Miss ■Margaret Rogers, who
was born June 3, 1824, and by whom he had
two children, but they, too, died in infancy.
Mrs. Davis is the youngest in a family of
ten children and the only survivor. Her
parents were Francis and Elizabeth (Hupp)
Rogers, the former a native of Ireland and
the latter of Washington county, Pennsyl-
vania. The family lived in that county
prior to the Revolutionary war and it was
sometimes necessary for them, together
with the other early settlers, to seek pro-
tection from the Indians in block houses
that had been erected for that purpose. ]Mr.
and Mrs. Rogers both died and were buried
on the old home farm in the Keystone state.
^^'hen Mr. Davis came to this county he
found the homes of the early settlers widely
scattered, most of them being from eight
to ten miles apart, and much of this region
was then under water and seemed unfit for
cultivation, but as the years have passed it
has been transformed into fine farms which
are the homes of a happy and prosperous
people. In the work of improvement he has
ever borne his part and has aided in the
building of schoolhouses and supported the
first school law introduced in the state,
though he had no children to receive any
benefit therefrom. For many years he ef-
ficiently served as school director and alsa
filled the ofiace of road commissioner. Po-
litically he is now a Populist. He is one of
the distinguished and honored residents of
Macon county and his history contains
many elements well worthy of emulation.
He has passed the eighty-fourth milestone
on life's journey and now receives the ven-
eration and respect which should ever be
accorded those who have advanced thus far.

PAST AXl) J'RESENT OF MaCON COUNTY.

283

ROBERT F. KINCAID.

History is no longer an account of battles
fought or won, or peoples conquered and of
lands destroyed by large armies, but has be-
come the record of the work of an enlight-
ened people who put forth their best ener-
gies to utilize the natural resources of a
country and to promote business activity
so that the general welfare will be advanced
as well as individual prosperity. Robert F.
Kincaid was one well known in the business
circles of Decatur and his activit}'^ and en-
erg3' was so directed along honorable lines
that he gained the good will and confidence
of his fellow men. He was known as one
of the pioneer settlers of Decatur for he
located here in 1850, finding a village, which
bore little resemblance to the present splen-
did city of to-day. He became connected
with its business interests and spent his
remaining days here.

Mr. Kincaid was a native of Kentucky,
born on the 26th of July, 1847, his parents
being Asa and Margaret (House) Kincaid,
who were likewise natives of the Blue Grass
state. They removed to Macon county,
Illinois, about 1850 and settled upon a farm
in Decatur township, where they resided
throughout their remaining days, the father
being engaged in general farming. He was
among the early settlers of this locality who
shared in the work which was necessary in
laying the foundation for the present devel-
opment of the county. Hardships and trials
were endured but as the years passed the
comforts and accessories known to the older
portions of the country were introduced
here. Both the parents spent their remain-
ing days in the old homestead in Decatur
township and there they reared their family
of eight children, but only four of the num-
ber are now living, namely : Oliver W.,
who is a retired farmer residing at 865 East
Williams street, Decatur; Charles, who is
employed in a furniture house in Chicago ;
David, who is farming near Decatur; and

Nellie, the wife of William Stearns, a farmer
living near Lincoln, Nebraska.

Robert !•". Kincaid was but an infant
when his parents came to J\lacon county and
on the old homestead farm he was reared.
His mind bore the impress of many of the
historic annals of the county and he could
relate many interesting incidents of the
early da}s. He attended the district schools
through the winter months and in the sum-
mer aided in the work of jilowing, planting
and harvesting until on leaving home he
came to the city and opened a meat market.
For many years he conducted this business,
enjoying a large trade. He always made
it a point to carry a good line of meat and
in his dealings he was not only straightfor-
ward and honorable, but was also obliging
and very courteous in his treatment of his
fellow men. After long years conne^ption
with that trade he sold his market and be-
gan taking contracts for street work, which
business occupied his time and attention
until his demise.

In was in Decatur on the 26th of June,
1876, that Mr. Kincaid was united in mar-
riage to Miss Libbie Robinson, a native of
Ashland county, Ohio, born on the ist of
October, 1S55, a daughter of Charles II. and
-Margaret (ISowman) Robinson, both of
whom were natives of Ohio, whence they
came to Macon county at a very early day.
The father was a farmer by occupation and
after following that pursuit for many years
in this localit}' he lived a retired life in
Maroa until called to his final rest. Both
he and his wife died in that village. Unto
Mr. and Mrs. Kincaid were born six chil-
dren : Bertha, now deceased ; Robert, who
died at the age of eighteen years ; Hattie
and Walter, both at home ; one that died in
infancy unnamed ; and Charles Wilbur, who
died in childhood. Mr. Kincaid passed
away on the ist of Maj^ 1900.

His business career was crowned with
success for gradually he added to his pos-

284

PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.

sessions, his unfaltering application and his
unremitting diligence bringing to him the
financial reward which always comes as the
logical result of such efforts. He was never
an office seeker, but he gave a stalwart sup-
port to the Democracy. He held member-
ship in the Masonic lodge of Decatur and
his life exemplified the spirit of fraternity,
which is based upon mutual helpfulness and
brotherly kindness. His widow and chil-
dren now have a nice home at No. 907 East
Eldorado street and in addition Mrs. Kin-
caid owns a large business block near her
residence, which she rents, the income sup-
plying her with many of the comforts of
life. The world passed favorable judgment
xipon Robert F. Kincaid in the early years
of his manhood and never saw occasion to
set aside or modify this judgment, because
in all life's relations he was a true man,
having due regard for upright principles
and for his obligations of citizenship. He
cared more for his reputation than for wel-
fare, more for the regard of his fellow men
than for distinguished social position and to
his family, because of his upright life, he
left the priceless heritage of an untarnished
name. As long as those who knew him re-
main he will be held in grateful remem-
brance by the citizens of Decatur as well as
by his immediate family.

C. R. BAUER.
A work devoted to the past as well as the
present of Macon county should not fail to
make reference to C. R. Bauer, who was a
highly respected farmer of the county and
one whose life record would bear the closest
investigation and scrutiny for at all times
it was guided by honorable and manly prin-
ciples. Pennsylvania was the state of his
nativity, his birth having occurred there, in
Northampton county, near Nazareth, No-
vember 26, 1847. His parents were William

and Lydia (Miller) Bauer, also natives of
the Keystone state and of German descent.
The father was a farmer and weaver and
owned a tract of land in Northampton coun-
ty, which he continued to cultivate until his
death, which occurred when he was fifty-
four years of age. His wife died of apoplexy
many years ago. In their family were eight
children, of whom C. R. Bauer was the fifth.
These are Marietta A. ; James, who lives on
the homestead farm ; Aaron, of South Beth-
leham, Pennsylvania ; Lucy, who lives in
Nazareth ; C. R., of this review ; Polly, who
died in infancy ; Josiah T., who owns and
conducts a drug store in Stonington, Illi-
nois ; and Andrew, who died in Rising City,
Nebraska.

In the district schools of his native state
C. R. Bauer pursued his education but his
privileges in that direction were very lim-
ited as he was early thrown upon his own
resources and had to earn his living by
working upon a farm in Ohio. He also
spent one year as an employe in a shoeshop
in Tiffin, Ohio. About 1868 he came to Illi-
nois and began working on a farm in Chris-
tian county, while in the winter months he
again followed the shoemaker's trade. He
was thus employed until 1876, when he re-
turned to his native state and visited the
Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia.
After his return he purchased forty acres of
land in Stonington township and when he
had cultivated it for a time he sold that
and purchased two hundred and forty acres
in Mosquito township. Christian county,
which remained in his possession until his
demise and Avhich is now rented, the family
enjoying a good income therefrom. In his
farm work he was very active and energetic
and his labors resulted in the production of
good crops which found a ready sale on the
market.

On the nth of February, 1877, Mr. Bauer
sought a companion and helpmate on life's
journey and was married to Miss Alice K.

PAST AND rRF.SENT OF MACON COUNTY.

2S7

Wall, a daughter of Paul and Kitty N. (Sei-
berling) Wall, the former a native of Ohio
and the latter of Pennsylvania. Her ma-
ternal grandparents removed to Ohio at an
early day in its development, settling near
Akron, in Summit county. Mrs. \\'all was
the eldest of a family of fifteen children.
The paternal grandfather of Mrs. Bauer
lived in Medina county, Ohio, where Mrs.
Bauer was born. Her father was a farmer
bj- occupation. He was seventy-three years
of age on the 6th of August, 1903. Bj' his
first marriage he had but one child, Mrs.
Bauer, and by his second wife he had one
son, IT. L. Wall, who resides in Muncic, In-
diana, and has two children, both deceased.
The mother of Mrs. Bauer died September
4, 1854, and was buried in the Waltz ceme-
tery in Wayne county, Ohio. Unto Mr. and
Mrs. Bauer were born five children: Wal-
ter W., who was born June 6, 1878, and
died January 4, 1885 ; Lena G., who was
born October 28, 1881, and died January 15,
1885; Frederick C, w-ho was born May 7,
1886, and is now attending Millikin Uni-
versity at Decatur ; Frank S., who was born
November 27, 1888, and having finished
eight years of. common school work, is now
a student in Millikin University; and Harry
L., who was born June 14, 1892, and is with
his mother. The family home is a fine resi-
dence in Blue Mound situated in the midst
of nine acres of valuable land, the entire
place being worth forty-five hundred dol-
lars.

Mr. Bauer gave his political allegiance to
the Republican party and served as a school
director but was never active in politics as
an office seeker. While in Pennsylvania he
belonged to the Lutheran church but after
coming to the west united with no church
organization. In his business affairs he
prospered and deserved much credit for
what he accomplished for at an early age he
was forced to earn his own living and what-
ever he possessed was acquired entirely

through his own efiforts. Industry and per-
severance enabled him to overcome the diffi-
culties and obstacles in his path and work
his way steadily upward to the plane of af-
llucnce. His death occurred June 15, 1896,
and his remains were interred in Hall ceme-
tery northwest of Blue Mound. With his
family he was a devoted husband and father
and in matters of citizenship and of friend-
ship he was ever reliable and trustworthy.

FRANK W. HAINES.

It would perhaps be difficult to find a resi-
dent of Decatur more widely known than
was FVank W. Haines, for during many
years he was connected with the theatrical
business of the city and in that way became
widely known to professional people as well
as to his fellow townsmen. He was a man
whose sterling traits of character gained for
him the warm friendship of those with
whom he was associated, and the favorable
judgment which the world passed upon
him during the early years of his residence
in this city was never set aside or in any
degree modified but in fact was heightened
as time passed.

Mr. Haines was born in St. Louis in the
year 1851, his parents being Mr. and Mrs.
Richard Haines, who were Virginia people,
having removed from the Old Dominion
to the ^Mississippi valley. Soon after the
birth of their son Frank, however, they took
up their abode in Trenton, Tennessee,
and afterward returned to their old home
in Charleston, Virginia, where the death
of the father occurred in the year 1859. It
was not long after this that the mother
came to Decatur to make her home with
her brother, Charles Milton, and in this
city she died in i860.

Frank W. Haines came to Decatur with
his mother and his boyhood and youth were
largely passed in Macon county. His edu-

288

PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.

cational privileges were somewhat meager.
He attended school to a limited extent,
but being left an orphan he found it neces-
sary to provide for his own support and
worked in various shops and factories of
Decatur. At different times he was em-
ployed in the Ward & Haskell Woolen Mills
in the plant now owned by the firm of Cham-
bers, Bering &: Quinlan, and in the Decatur
Union Iron Works. At length, however, he
inherited from Virginia relatives some
money that enabled him to carry out his
cherished desire of obtaining a more ad-
vanced and complete education and he en-
tered the Sangamon street school, which
was then under the direction of Professor
David E. Bigelow.

Throughout the greater part of his busi-
ness career he was connected with the man-
agement of the theatrical interests of De-
catur, in fact, his work in this direction cov-
ered twenty-seven years. He did not leap
with a single bound, however, from his
entrance into this business to a managerial
position, but steadily worked his way up-
ward. He was first employed as a bill-
poster and advertising agent at a time when
the opera house interests of Decatur were
represented by the old Macon Hall situ-
ated on Merchant street, where the Salva-
tion Army barracks are now located. The
place seated between four and five hun-
dred people and was the only place in De-
catur adapted to theatrical productions, hav-
ing a stage and scenery, but was very prim-
itive in comparison to the beautiful theaters
of the present time. Mr. Haines, however,
became acquainted with notable personages
who played in Macon Hall, including Ed-
win Forrest and McKean Buchanan. In his

business connection with the theater inter-
ests he displayed marked capability in the
way of making theatrical attractions known
to the public through the medium of adver-
tising and of bill-posting. When the ac-
commodations of Macon Hall became too

small for this city and the building was re-
placed by Smith's Opera House with Hiram
lirown as its first manager, Mr. Haines was
promoted from the position of bill-poster
to assistant manager. The house was
opened in the fall of 1869 and during its
existence many stars of considerable mag-
nitude in ihe theatrical profession stood be-
fore its footlights. In 1873 Mr. Haines was
promoted to the position of manager and
while acting in that capacity he brought to
the city such well known professional people
as Lillian Russell, John McCullough, Law-
rence Barrett, Lotta, Emma Abbott and
Mrs. Langtry. Henry Ward Beecher also
lectured in this opera house through the
instrumentality of Mr. Haines. Again be-
cause of the growth of the city Smith's
Opera House was found inadequate to meet
the public demand and in 1888 the subject
of erecting a musical auditorium was agi-
tated, but Mr. Haines was ambitious to
have a new theater and submitted his ideas
to Charles Powers, who succeeded in en-
ticing his father, Orlando Powers, to build
a new theater. The plan was carried out
and the Powers' Grand Opera House was
erected, being opened on the 9th of Septem-
ber, 1889, by the celebrated comedian W.
H. Crane in his play "On Probation." At
one time Mr. Haines secured an engage-
ment with Edwin Booth and Helen Mod-
jeska. who presented Hamlet. This is un-
doubtedly the most notable attraction that
has ever appeared in Decatur and the box
office receipts for a single night were more
than twenty-five hundred dollars, the largest
sum ever received in any theater in the state
outside of Chicago. On the 4th of Novem-
ber, 1895, the Powers' Opera House was
dcstroved by fire and Mr. Haines then de-
cided to carry out his plans of retiring
from active business life. He had so man-
aged his affairs in the meantime that he
had acquired a comfortable competence that

PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.

289

might enable him to put aside the more
arduous cares of business life.

Mr. Haines was one of the best known
theater managers in the entire west and was
held in the highest esteem by the profession
and by his comtemporaries in this line of
work. He gave to the citizens of Decatur
the best class of entertainments and alwa}'s
pointed with pride to the fact that during
his management the Powers' Opera House
never presented to the people a per-
formance which was not clean and whole-
some and which a lady could not attend
with propriety. He possessed excellent -
business ability added to his powers of man-
agement and his work in behalf of the opera
house resulted to the benefit of its owners
as well as to himself.

Mr. Haines was for many years a mem-
ber of what is now known as the (loodman
Fourth Rct^imcnt Military and Concert
Hand, an organization whose reputation ex-
tends over many states, ^\'hen Professor
Goodman died Mr. Haines accepted the
leadership of the band and was its musical
director until his theatrical "business as-
sumed such [)roportions that it took all his
time. He resigned and Professor Foster
was appointed and later Professor Robert
AValters, who is to-day its director.

On the 8th of September, 1873, -Mr.
Haines was united in marriage to Miss
Mollie Jennings, a daughter of Isaac D.
Jennings, the wedding being celebrated in
this city. They became the parents of two
children: Edwin J.; and Ada,- the wife of
Fred Stoner. The home life of Mr. Haines
was very pleasant and his greatest interests
centered in his familv and he ]nit forth
every, effort in his power to jjromote the
happiness and welfare of his wife and chil-
dren and counted no personal sacrifice on
his part too great if it would prove of bene-
fit to those whom he loved. In his ])olitical
views .Mr. Haines was a Republican and at
one time was nominated for collector, but

could not overcome the usual strong Demo-
cratic majority. Fie, liowever, lived in cjuiet
retirement after he gave up his position as
theatrical manager. He greatly enjoyed the
companionship of his friends who were
many throughout Decatur and who enter-
tained for him the warmest regard. For
some time prior to his demise he was in ill
health and at length went to Wauwatosa,
Wisconsin, in the hope that he might be
benefited there, but on the 20th of Septem-
ber, igoo, he departed this life. All who
knew him remember him as a man of genial
disposition, kindly spirit and of genuine
worth, one who was honest and upright
and who well merited the confidence and
regard so freely accorded him.

Mrs. Haines and her children still reside
in Decatur. The son, Edwin J. Haines, was
born August 24, 1875, and attended the pub-
lic school here, pursuing the high school
course. Between the years 1895 and 1902
he occupied a position in the collection de-
])artment of the Millikin's National Bank
and in the latter year he turned his atten-
tion to the insurance business, representing
fire, life, health and accident insurance com-
panies, alsi5 doing a liability and bonding
iiusiness in Decatur. He is one of the rep-
resentative young business men of the city,
widel)' known and popular.

D.WII'.L WEBSTER 'i'KlMMER.
Daniel Webster Trimmer, a well known
farmer of Hickory i'oint township resid-
ing on .section 27, was born .March 29, 1849,
in Perry county, Pennsylvania, and is a.
worthy rej^resentative of an old and highly
esteemed family of Macon county, his pa-
rents being Joseph and Catherine (Fetrow)
Trimmer. The father was also born in
Perry county, Penn.sylvania, August 26,
1814, and was reared to farm life. In 1S3S
he married Catherine Fetrow. a native of

200

PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.

the same county, born July i8, 1821, and a
daughter of Abraham and Mary (Oren)
Fetrow, of York county, Pennsylvania.

In 1853 Joseph Trimmer came to Illinois,
in company with his wife and seven chil-
dren, the journey being made across the
country through Ohio and Indiana in a
prairie schooner. They reached Macon
county in June of that year and spent the
first winter in an old log cabin, which was
built by John Hanks with the assistance of
Abraham Lincoln. Later Mr. Trimmer
bought one hundred and sixty acres of land
on the mound in Hickory Point township,
eighty acres of which had alread}' been
placed under cultivation, and to the further
development and cultivation of his place he
devoted his energies throughout the re-
mainder of his life. He died on the 20th of
July, 1886, and was laid to rest in Boiling
Springs cemeter}^ He was an earwest and
consistent member of the church of God and
was a Republican in politics. After his
death the sons, Joseph, Jr., and Daniel W.,
took charge of the place and later our sub-
ject and Abraham bought it, each taking
eighty acres. The latter now resides at the
old family homestead. A year after her
husband's death Mrs. Trimmer, with her
youngest son, George W., removed to De-
catur and built a pleasant residence at No.
943 North Water street, where she is now
living at the age of eighty-two years.
Grandma Trimmer, by which name she is
familiarly known to her many friends, can
relate many interesting incidents of pioneer
days when this part of the country was
mostly wild and unimproved and deer,
geese, ducks and other wild game was plen-
tiful. She and her family were forced to
endure many hardships and privations and
there was much sickness among the early
settlers. Decatur was a mere village on
her arrival in this county and many of the
thriving towns of this region had not yet
sprung into existence. Before leaving Penn-

syKania she used to spin and weave most
of the cloth used for clothing for the fam-
ily. In those days she used to mold all the
candles for lighting her little home and
cooked her meals over an old fashioned fire-
place, doing her baking usually in a Dutch
oven. Her first cook stove was of primi-
tive construction and had but three legs.
She used to ride to church on horseback
with one child on her lap and another on
the horse behind her. Since the age of
fourteen years she has been a faithful mem-
ber of the church of God and has led a con-
sistent Christian life which has won for her
the love and respect of all who know her.

Mrs. Trimmer is the mother of nine chil-
dren, namely: Andrew J., a resident of
Hickory Point township ; William, who died
from illness while serving in the Union
army during the Civil war ; Abraham, who
lives on the old homestead ; Joseph F., a
resident of Hickory Point township ; Mary
E., widow of Isaiah Henry and a resident
of Iowa ; Daniel W., of this sketch ; Henry
^L, who makes his home in Decatur; John
P., who is now living in Louisiana ; and
George W., who resides with his mother in
Decatur. Mrs. Trimmer has thirty-eight
grandchildren and twenty great-grandchil-
dren.

The subject of this sketch was only four
years old when he accompanied his parents
on their removal to ]\Iacon county and in
the district schools of Hickory Point town-
ship he obtained the greater part of his
education, though for one year he was a
student in the public schools of Decatur.
Leaving home at the age of twenty-one he
worked as a farm hand by the month for
four years, and then went to Iowa, where
he engaged in farming on rented land for
one year. After his marriage in 1875 he
located on a farm one mile northeast of his
present place in Hickory Point township,
this county, and operated his father's land
for eight years. In 1883 he purchased one

PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.

2itl

luiiulrcil aiul sixty acres of land in ( Ireen-
wood county, Kansas, wliere he was en-
gaged in farming for five years, and at tlie
end of that time he sold out and returned
to Macon county, renting a farm south of
Forsyth for seven years. In the spring of
1896 he removed to a place near Niantic,
and lived there until 1901. The following
year was spent near La Place in Piatt coun-
ty, and in 1902 he returned to the old home
farm, which he and his brother Abraham
purchased of the other heirs. They divided
the property and our subject now owns
the north half of the southeast quarter of
section 27, Hickory Point township, where
he now lives. He has erected all of the
buildings upon his portion of the farm and
has made other improvements which stand
as monuments to his thrift and industry.

On the 6th of Ajiril, 1876, Mr. Trimmer
was united in marriage to Miss .Maggie
Good, who was born in York county, Penn-
sylvania, April 20. 1S51, and is the fifteenth
in order of birth in a family of nineteen
children, fourteen of whom reached man
and womanhood. Her parents, Peter and
Catharine (Zorger) Good, spent their en-
tire lives in York county, the former dying
at the age of eighty-three years, the latter
at the age of seventy-six. I^nto Mr. and
Mrs. Trimmer have been born thirteen chil-
dren, of whom three, Etta, Pearl and Esther,
died in infancy. Those still living are Roy,
a resident of Hickory Point township, who
married Cora Woodcock and had one child,
Ada May, who died at the age of eighteen
months; Clarence, at home; Ada F., wife of
John B. Herr, of York, Pennsylvania ; Eva,
who is the wife of C. Webb, of Macon
county, and has two children, Edwin and
Nora; and Harry, Elma, Frank, Katie, Otto
and Amelia, all at home.

Mr. Trimmer and his family arc members
of the church of God and he also belongs to
the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and
the Modern Woodmen of .\merica at For-

syth. He votes with the Republican party
and has filled the office of school director
in his district. \\ herever known he is held
in high regard and he has a host of warm
friends in the county where he has so long
made his home.

AXDRIAV J. TRIMMER.

This well known and highly esteemed citi-
zen of Hickory Point township, who is en-
gaged in farming on section 32, was born
on the 26th of September, 1839, in Perry
county, Pennsylvania, and is a son of Joseph
and Catharine (Fetrow) Trimmer. His
father is deceased, but his mother is still
li\ing and now makes her home in Decatur,
Illinois. It was in 1853 that the family
came to this county and here our subject
completed his education, having previously
attended school in Pennsylvania. During
early life he worked one summer on a farm
in Piatt county, Illinois, and after his mar-
riage located on his present place, where
he has one hundred and twenty acres under
a high state of cultivation. He has fol-
lowed general farming and stock-raising
quite successfully since reaching man's es-
tate. His labors, however, were interrupted
during the Civil war as he enlisted in Com-
pany E, One Hundred and Forty-fifth Illi-
nois \'olunteer Infantry, under Captain
West and Colonel Lockey, and was in the
service for six months.

On the 6th of March, 1862, Mr. Trimmer
was united in marriage to IMiss Elizabeth
Rife, who was born in the house which is
still her home, .\ugust 30, 1842. Her pa-
rents were Joseph and Elizabeth (Garver)
Rife, natives of Pennsylvania, who came
to Macon county, Illinois, in 1840 and set-
tled in Hickory Point township. Her father
died in July, 1886, and she is now the only
survivor in his family of three children.
I'nto ^fr. and Mrs. Trimmer have been

292

PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.

born ten children, as follows: Mrs. Mary
C. Flickinger, of Decatur, who has four
children; Grant, at home; ]\lrs. Libbie Wel-
ty, of the state of Washington, who has five
children ; William, at home ; ]\Irs. Ida
Kiser, of Decatur, who has two children ;
Charlie, who married Cora Crossen and has
three children ; Mrs. Luie Westhafer, of
the state of Washington, who has two chil-
dren ; Grace, at home ; Mrs. Stella Danzei-
sen ; and Irvie, at home.

Politically Mr. Trimmer is identified with
the Republican party and fraternally is a
member of Durham Post, No. 141, G. A. R.
During the fifty years of his residence in
this county he has seen the greater part of
its development and he is widely known as
a good reliable citizen, one devoted to the
public welfare.

ABRAHAM TRIMMER.

Among the enterprising farmers of Hick-
ory Point township probably none is better
known than Abraham Trimmer, whose
home is on section 27. He was a lad of ten
years when he came to this county and here
he has made his home the greaten part of
the time since. Since old enough to work
he has given his attention to agricultural
pursuits and in his chosen occupation he
has prospered, becoming a well-to-do citi-
zen of the community where he resides.

Mr. Trimmer was born in Perry county,
Pennsylvania, on the 31st of January, 1843,
a son of Joseph and Catharine (Fetrow)
Trimmer, of whom extended mention is
made in the sketch of Daniel W. Trimmer
on another page of this volume. He began
his education in the county of his nativity
and after coming to Macon county, Illi-
nois, he attended school to some extent. He
remained on the home farm with his parents
until he attained his majority and then
worked out one summer, after which he
engaged in farming for himself upon rent-

ed lanil in Hickory Point township for two
3'ears.

On the 28th of February, 1867, Mr. Trim-
mer was united in marriage to ?^Iiss Pris-
cilla Cross, who died in the winter of 1878,
leaving three children, namely: William
Edward, J. Franklin and Lou I\Iay, now
the wife of B. Brady, of the state of Wash-
ington. 'Mv. Trimmer was again married
January 17, 1882, his second union being
with Emma Binns, a native of Morgan
count}', Illinois. Four children blessed this
marriage but two are now deceased, those
living being Leroy and Ethel.

After his first marriage Mr. Trimmer lo-
cated north of Boiling Springs in Hickory
Point township, where he rented a farm
for two years, and then rented another
place west of Forsyth for the same length
of time. Going to Iowa in 1872, he pur-
chased land and engaged in farming there
for five years, but at the end of that time
he sold out and returned to Macon county,
purchasing the Jacob Cross farm in Harris-
town township, where his first wife died.
After his second marriage he rented that
place and removed to his father's farm in
Hickory Point township, where he lived for
three years. The following three years were
spent in Maroa and at the end of that time
he purchased fifteen acres of land just west
of Decatur, where he resided for three
years. On disposing of that place he re-
moved to Piatt county, Illinois, where he
bought a farm and operated it for four years..
His next purchase consisted of a tract north
of Decatur, where he resided for one year
and then sold, buying a small farm south-
west of the city. \\'hen he sold the latter
property he purchased a part of his father's
farm on section 27, Hickory Point town-
ship, where he has since lived. He has made
a number of valuable and useful improve-
ments upon the place, including the erec-
tion of a new barn in 1903. This farm has
been in possession of the family since 1862,

TAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.

293

Avhen our subject's father purchased a quar-
ter section of land on section 27, Hickory
Point township, wliich has since been
equally divided between Abraham and his
brother Daniel W.

Politically our subject is identified with
the Republican party. During the fifty years
that have come and gone since he first came
to Macon county he has seen wonderful
changes made in this section of the state
and he can relate many interesting incidents
of pioneer life. The first home of the fam-
ily in this region was an old log cabin very
poorly constructed. At one time while his
mother was ill' in bed a black snake dropped
down through the boards of the loft right
over her head. William Trimmer, the
second son, used to assist his mother in the
household duties before the only daughter
was old enough to aid her and he became
quite proficient in spinning and weaving.
The other sons worked with their father
in the fields, and when in the employ of
others they would bring their wages home
to assist in the support of the family, as
they were in limited circumstances on com-
ing to this state. As time passed, however,
they prospered and became quite well-to-
do. Wlierever known the members of this
famih' are held in high regard and they
have many friends throughout their adopted
county.

JOSEPH F. TRIiNIMER.

Joseph F. Trimmer, who resides on sec-
tion 25, Hickory Point township, is a worthy
representative of the farming and stock-
raising interests of Macon county. The
neat and thrifty appearance of his farm
plainly indicates the supervision of a care-
ful and painstaking owner who thoroughly
understands the vocation he follows and a
business man of more than ordinary ability
and executive force.

Mr. Trimmer was born in Perry county,

Pennsylvania, March 2, 1845, but in June,
1853, came to Macon county, Illinois, with
his parents, Joseph and Catharine (Fet-
row) Trimmer, making the journey in a cov-
ered wagon. His early life was passed amid
pioneer surroundings and his education was
begun in an old log school house. Later
he attended the district school which was
established near his boyhood home and
when not in school aided in the work of
the farm, thus gaining a good practical
knowledge of the occupation which he has
made his life work. At the age of seventeen
years he donned the blue uniform of the
northern army and was in the service for
one year, under the command of Captain
William W. Mattox and Colonel Stephen-
son, the founder of the Grand Army of the
Republic. He participated in the engage-
ment at Nashville, Tennessee, and at the
close of the war was honorably discharged
in August, 1865.

After his return home, Mr. Trimmer
worked for his father one year, and then
went to Monticello, Illinois, where the fol-
lowing year was passed, after which he
spent two years at home. In 1871 he went
to Madison county, Iowa, where he pur-
chased land and engaged in general farm-
ing for some time. While residing there
Mr. Trimmer was married on the 4th of
February, 1874, to Miss Diantha Henry, a
native of Missouri and a daughter of Sam-
uel and Catharine (Walter) Henry, both
of whom are now deceased, the former hav-
ing died at the age of eighty-four and the
latter at the age of eighty. The children
born to our subject and his wife are as fol-
lows: Minnie, now the wife of Peter
Keister, of Hickory Point township; Will-
iam, who died at the age of twenty-one;
Roe, at home ; Clara, who is living with her
aunt, -Mary 1':. Henry; and Ora, Florence
and Pearl, all at home. All were born in
Iowa with the exception of the two young-
est.

294

PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.

In 1888 Mr. Trimmer returned to tliis
county and purchased his present farm on
section 25, Hickory Point township, con-
sisting of one hundred and twenty acres
of choice hind, partly tiled and under culti-
vation. Since locating here he has remod-
eled all the buildings, erected a new barn
and made many other improvements which
add greatly to the value and attractive ap-
pearance of the place. In connection with
the general farming he is engaged in stock-
raising to some extent, making a specialty
of shorthorn cattle.

At national elections Mr. Trimmer always
supports the Republican party, btxt at local
elections where no issue is involved he votes
for the men whom he believes best qualified
to fill the offices regardless of party ties. He
has served as school director and takes a
jdeep interest in educational affairs. Fra-
ternally he is a member of Durham Post,
No. 141, G. A. R., and he stands high in
the esteem of his fellow citizens.

JOHN P. TRIMMER.
John P. Trimmer, another son of Joseph
and Catharine (Fetrow) Trimmer, was
born on Christmas day, 1853, in this county
in an old log house that stood south of
Joseph Rife's farm, his birth occurring the
year of the arrival of the family in Macon
county. He was reared and educated in
much the usual manner of farmer boys of
his day, and after reaching man's estate
he engaged in farming here for many years,
but in 1902 he and his family removed to
Louisiana, where he is now operating a
rice plantation and is also engaged in gen-
eral farming. He married Miss Clara
Stephenson, by whom he had seven chil-
dren, those still living being Ina, Joseph
Ren, Orril, Harlev, Katie and Jimmv.

FRANK W. LEHN.

Among the young men of enterprise and
perseverance who are devoting their atten-
tion to agricultural pursuits and are meet-
ing with success in their chosen calling is
Frank W. Lehn, who owns and operates a
good farm on section 12, Illini township.
A native of Macon county, he was born in
that township on the 17th of February,
1S79, ^"fl is the third in order of birth in
a family of six sons, five of whom are still
living, their parents being John P. and
Tabilha (Jones) Lehn, both natives of Car-
lisle, Cumberland county, Pennsylvania.
The father came to Illinois in 1856 and lo-
cated in Illini township, Macon county,
where he worked by the month for a time.
He took the first forty dollars which he
earned to Decatur btit the banking con-
cern there refused to accept so small a de-
posit. Later he purchased one hundred and
sixty acres of land on section 12, Illini town-
ship, from the Illinois Central Railroad
Company, paying fifteen dollars per acre.
As time passed he prospered in his farming
operations and was able to add to his landed
possessions until he owned five hundred and
sixty acres of land in this county, now
worth seventy-five thousand dollars. He
made many excellent improvements upon
the place, which is still owned and occupied
by his widow, who is now fifty-six years of
age. Mr. Lehn died January 14, 1899, hon-
ored and respected by all who knew him.

Frank W. Lehn passed his boyhood and
youth upon the home farm and early ac-
quired an excellent knowledge of those
duties which fall to the lot of the agricult-
urist. He pursued his studies at Rolling
school, which acquired its name by being
moved so often, the building having been
formerly used as a store and church. Later
our subject attended Brown's Business Col-
lege at Decatur for six month's during the
school year of 1895-96, and for three months
in 1897. He commenced farming for him-

i'AST AMJ I'RKSF.NT OF AhVCU.N CUU.NTY,

297

self upon his mother's place, which he oper-
ated for two years, and then removed to his
present farm of eighty acres on section 12,
IlHni township. The improvements he has
made upon the place have amounted to
twenty-five hundred dollars, and he now has
one of the most desirable farms of its size in
the county. In politics Mr. Lehn is inde-
pendent and he has never sought or cared
for office.

On the i8th of December, 1901, he mar-
ried -Miss Ada Moore, a daughter of Francis
M. and Emma R. (Metlen) Moore, in whose
family were eight children, four sons and
four daughters, all living. Her parents
make their home near Newton, Jasper
county, Illinois. During his boyhood her
grandfather, Alexander F. Metlen, walked
from Pennsylvania to Illinois and in due
time acquired a farm at Hickory Point,
where he is still living at the age of seventy-
two years. Mrs. Lehn is the oldest in her
father's family and was educated in the
Dingman and Stringtown schools near Ni-
antic, Illinois.

GEORGE B. SHORT.
George B. Short, an old and honored
resident of Maroa township and a veteran
of the Mexican war, was born on the 12th of
August, 1826, in St. Clair county, Illinois,
his parents being William B. and Nancy
(Hill) Short, who died and were buried
south of Belleville, Illinois. During the
boyhood of our subject this state was large-
ly wild and unimproved and game of all
kinds abounded, furnishing the pioneers
with most of their meat. He has seen the
l>rairies transformed into fine farms, while
industrial and commercial interests have
been introduced and thus towns have be-
come thriving cities. In the work of prog-
ress he has borne his part and has been
particularly active as a representative of
the agricultural community.

Mr. Short received his early education in
the district schools near Belleville, but his
school privileges were limited and the
knowledge there acquired has been greatly
supplemented by reading, observation and
experience in later years. In 1848 he com-
menced farming upon a tract of two lum-
dred and six acres in St. Clair county, Illi-
nois, given him by his father, turning the
first furrow upon that land, which was a
wild tract when it came into his possession.
To the improvement and cultivation of that
farm he devoted his energies until 1863.
when he came to Macon county and pur-
chased his present farm of one hundred and
sixty acres in Maroa township. He has
improved his place by the erection of good
and substantial buildings and the planting
of trees, and in connection with general
farming he carries on stock-raising.

On the 19th of December, 1848, he was
united in marriage to Miss Mary Emeline
Stookey, who died leaving one child, Bar-
bara, now the wife of Peter Bowler, who is
living at Jerseyviile, Jersey county, Illinois.
Mr. Short was again married September 30,
1866, his second union being with Miss
Sarah IC. Thrift, by whom he has had six
children, namely; Isalina; James ?klonroe;
Lottie; Elizabeth, who died in infancy;
Henrietta; and Golda.

During the Mexican war ]\Ir. Short put
aside all personal interests and entered the
United States army as a member of the
Second Illinois Volunteers under Captain
Lemon and Colonel Bissel. He was in the
service five months and now receives a pen-
sion of twelve dollars per month from the
government. In religious faith he is a Bap-
tist and in politics a Democrat. His life
has been one of industry and usefulness and
he has won the confidence and respect of
all with whom he has been brought in con-
tact.

298

PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.

BENJAMIN F. SIBLEY, M. D.
There are few men who live longer in the
remembrance and kindly regard of those
with whom they have been associated than
the physician. He holds a peculiarly close
relation with his patrons because in time of
illness all masks are cast aside and the true
nature shines forth. It is certain that there
has been no medical practitioner of ]Macon
county who has more justly been numbered
among her honored and leading citizens
than was Dr. Sibley. He practiced here for
thirty years and not only maintained a
foremost place in tlie ranks of the medical
fraternity because of his skill and ability,
but also in the public regard because of his
conscientious life, his career being such as
to merit the confidence and good will of all
with whom he came in contact.

Dr. Sibley was a native of Ashford, Wind-
ham county, Connecticut, born on the 8th
of April, 1827. His parents were Samuel
and Hannah (Harwood) Sibley, both of
whom were of Scotch lineage. The father,
however, was born in Massachusetts, while
the mothers birth occurred in the Charter
Oak state. Removing to Connecticut, Sam-
uel Sibley carried on agricultural pursuits
there for many years. His wife died when
thirty-eight years of age, leaving a family
of eight children, of whom six reached adult
age.

It is a noticeable fact that many of the
men who have become most prominent in
political, miHtary, professional and com-
mercial life have spent their boyhood days
upon farms. They seem there to gain the
strength of mind and body necessary to
cope with the arduous duties of a career
in cities. Dr. Sibley passed his boyhood
days in the usual manner of farmer lads,
working in the fields when not engaged in
the duties of the schoolroom. He began his
education in the district schools and when
a youth of sixteen he entered the Wilbraham
Academy, where he spent two years, being

graduated in that institution at the age
of eighteen. He did not care to make the
occupation to which he had been reared
a life work, but instead sought a profes-
sional field of labor and began preparation
for the practice of medicine, becoming a
student in Long Island, New York, with
Dr. Louis Sibley, his brother, as his pre-
ceptor. For three years he continued his
reading there and then in order to further
perfect his knowledge he entered the Berk-
shire ^Medical College, in which he com-
pleted the prescribed course at the age of
twenty-three.

Dr. Sibley was well equipped for the
practice of his chosen profession and, more-
over, he had not only a comprehensive
knowledge of the science of medicine, but
possessed also a broad humanitarian spirit
and a deep human sympathy without which
success in this line can never be achieved.
Opening an office in New York, he there
remained for five years, following which he
established an office in Erie, Pennsylvania.
On leaving the latter city in 1856 he came
to Decatur. In the meantime, however,
he had investigated the subject of Home-
opathy and became convinced that its meth-
ods were better calculated to check the
ravages of disease and restore health than
those in use by the Allopathic schools. He
was one of the first Homeopathic physicians
in Illinois. He spent the winter of 1858-9
in attending a course of lectures in the
Homeopathic Medical College of St. Louis,
He found new patients in Macon county
as the years passed by and his skill in cop-
ing with the intricate problems that contin-
ualh- face the physician was demonstrated.
His was a paticularly tender and sympa-
thetic nature and also a cheery presence
that made his visit like a ray of sunshine
in the sickroom. He was always encourag-
ing and hopeful and these elements in his
professional career were strong ones in
his success. At the time of the Civil war he

PAST AND FRKSEXT OF MACON COUNTY.

299

rendered importanl duty u> his country as
surg-eon of the Twenty-first Illinois In-
fantry, which was General Grant's first
command.

In Ithaca, New York, in 1850, Dr. Sibley
led to the marriage altar Miss Fannie Cole,
who was born in Genoa, New York, on the
nth of July, 1824, a daughter of Azor and
Fannie (Locke) Cole, who were likewise
natives of the Empire state. The father
engaged in merchandising in (ienoa and
both he and his wife died in New York.
The Doctor and his wife became the parents
of four children: Minnie Ella, who was the
wife of Charles Simmons, of St. Louis, Mis-
souri, and died December 11, 1889; Gene-
vieve, who died in infancy ; A\'illiam S., who
was born in i860, married Miss Anna Pur-
sell, and is now employed in the Patterson
shops of Peoria, Illinois: and Fannie E.,
who is the wife of William Slater. She
is now employed as a clerk in the general
store of Linn & Scruggs, of Decatur, and
makes her home with her mother.

After establishing his residence in this
city Dr. Sibley enjoyed a large practice
of an important character and one that
brought to him good financial return. lie
voted with the Democracy in his later years,
although in early life he was a stanch Abo-
litionist and, when the Republican party
was formed to prevent the further exten-
sion of slavery, he joined its ranks, casting
liis ballot for its presidential candidates
from 1856 until 1872. In the latter year he
supported Horace Greeley and afterward
voted with the Democracy. He was for six
years a member of the board of health of
Decatur and was county physician for two
years. He belonged to the Independent
Order of Odd Fellows, to the Grand Army
of the Republic, but his attention was
chiefly given to his practice and for some
time he was a member of the firm of Sib-
ley & Wood, of Decatur. Whatever per-
tained to public progress and improvement

received his endorsement and manj- times
his active and helpful co-operation. He
passed away January 9, 1899. Who can
measure the regret that was felt throughout
the community in homes where his labors
were so beneficial. He was known and
honored far and wide. He always kept in
touch with the best methods of medical
practice and was conscientious in his work,
following closely the strictest professional
ethics. Many a poor family has reason to
bless his memory and wherever known he
was held in high esteem, because the quali-
ties of his manhood were in keeping with the
highest principles. He left to his family a
nice residence at No. 424 Morgan street, in
Decatur, where Mrs. Sibley and her daugli-
ter now reside. His unswerving purpose,
his imquestioned fidelity, his unfaltering
honesty and his unchangingwill commanded
the highest respect of all. He was a be-
liever of the cause of liberty, of freedom
and of progress' and his hearty co-operation
was ever given to that which tends to ele-
vate maid<ind.

CLEMENT C. WALTERS.

In the legal profession which embraces
many of the most brilliant minds of the
nation it is difficult to win a name and a
place of prominence. Many aspire but few
attain. In commercial life one may start
out on a more elevated plane than others;
he might enter into a business already es-
tablished and carry it still further forward,
but this is not true in the case of the law-
yer. He must commence at the initial
point, must plead and win his first case and
work his way u])ward by ability, gaining
his reputation and success by merit. It is
in this way that Mr. Walters has become
well known as an able lawyer of the Macon
countv bar, practicing in Decatur, where
he maintains his residence.

A native of Indiana, Mr. Walters was born

300

PAST AKD PRESENT OF MACON COl'^rY

near LafaycLU', in 'i'ippecanue counly, Scp-
tcnil)cr 22, 1867, his parents being Samuel
and J]arbara (Ruttpr) Walters, both of
whom were natives of Ohio. Both the Wal-
ters anil Rutter families came originally
from Pennsylvania, however. Soon after
their marriage the parents of our subject
removed from the Buckeye state to Indiana
and the father died when the son Clement
was only about a year old, leaving to the
widow the care of their eight children. She
bravely took up the difficult task that
awaited her and supported her growing
children by her own hands, washing or
doing other work that would yield a living
for the little ones. She made every personal
sacrifice possible in order to provide
well for them, and gave them good
ad\'antages, and to-day Clement C.
Walters speaks with pride of her struggles
and takes great satisfaction in providing for
her comforts, surrounding her in his own
home with all that can go to make life
pleasant for her. She is now living, at the
age of seventy-two years — a most highly
esteemed lady. The children of the family
are Simon ; Florence, who is the wife of
John F". Boyles ; Angelina, the wife of Orace
F. Cole ; Frank ; Lewis ; Mark ; Clement C. ;
and Orsamus, who died at the age of nine
years. After the death of her first husband
J\lrs. Walters married Jacob Tidrow, and
in 1875 they started with their household
goods and three children of the mother's
first marriage for Kansas, intending to pro-
ceed across the country to that state. On
reaching Macon county, however, they were
so well pleased with the locality that they
decided to go no farther and Mrs. Tidrow
purchased a tract of land near Rea's Bridge,
seven miles northeast of Decatur. There
she founded the new home of the family
and began the cultivation and improvement
of her land. The first home of the family
was a log structure, but afterward she built
a more commodious and modern residence.

Clement C. Walters was a lad of about
eight years when he accompanied his
mother and step-father to Illinois. Soon
after arriving here he began to work out,
earning at first ten dollars per month by
chopping wood through the winter seasons.
He was thus deprived, however, of educa-
tional privileges. He continued to work
in this manner until twenty-one years of
age, by which time he had managed to save
from his earnings some three hundred dol-
lars. He then determined to use this
amount in the acquirement of a needed edu-
cation. He devoted long hours to diligent
study and after seven and a half months
he had qualified himself in such a way that
he was granted a teacher's certificate. He
then engaged in teaching for four terms in
the Peck district and with the money thus
earned he was able to further pursue his
own studies, taking a scientific course in
Bushnell College. Before the completion
of the entire course, however, he was
stricken with malarial fever. After his re-
covery he studied evenings in order to make
up for the time during his illness and thus
was able to complete his course at the regu-
lar season and secure a first grade teacher's
certificate. Mr. Walters soon became recog-
nized as a capable and successful educator.
He taught for four terms in the Walnut
Grove district and one term in the Enter-
prise district. It was with the greatest re-
luctancy that the directors of the school ac-
cepted his resignation when he determined
to devote his energies to the study of law,
preparatory to making its practice his life
work. Before he had completed his last two
terms of school he had begun the study of
law in the periods of vacation and on re-
signing his position as teacher he entered
the office of M. C. Outten and Henry P.
Page of Decatur, as a law student. Not long
afterward Mr. Page died and Mr. Outten
considered Mr. Walter's services so valu-
able lliat he secured him as an assistant

PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.

303

■on a salary before he had been admitted to
the bar. Later Mr. Outten formed a part-
nership with Frank C. Roby, and Mr. Wal-
ters continued with the new firm during
the years 1896, 1897 and 1898. In 189O,
however, he was admitted to the bar. In
1899 he was elected city attorney and dis-
charged the duties of the position so accept-
ably that in 1901 he was re-elected on the
Republican ticket. On the 15th of October,
1900, he formed a partnership with Jacob
H. Latham, under the firm style of Wal-
ters & Latham, which association has since
been continued. Mr. Walters has made
a specialty of abstract law and is particu-
larly proficient along this line. He has
had a large clientage and has been so suc-
cessful at the bar in recent years that he
has had funds sufficient to invest in other
business lines. He built a large grain ele-
vator at Rosemond, Illinois, in 1901, at a
cost of three thousand dollars, and supplied
with all modern and improved machinery
for grinding. This elevator has a capacity
of twelve thousand bushels of grain and the
business is now managed by .Mr. Waller's
brother, Lewis.

On the 6th of August, 1898, occurred the
marriage of Mr. Walters and Miss Emma
Hebel, a daughter of John and Phillippena
Hebel. They have an interesting little
daughter, Ruth Lucile. Fraternally Mr.
Walters is connected with Macon Lodge,
No. 8, A. F. & A. M. He also belongs to
Decatur Lodge, No. 65, I. O. O. F. ; Cheva-
lier Bayard Lodge, No. 189, K. P. ; Decatur
Camp, No. 144, M. W. .\. ; the Fraternal
Army of America ; the Court of Honor ;
and Rathbone Sisters. He also takes a deep
interest in the moral development of the
communuiiy as iMie of the trustees of the
Christian church and is a director in the
Young Men's Christian Association. He is
a man of broad ideas and humane tendencies
and he enjoys the high esteem of the com-
munitv in which he is now an honored citi-

zen. He is a scholar of cultivated tastes
and thus has become a favorite companion
with the brighest minds of the city.

WILLIAM F. B USHER.

Those who were residents of Decatur
when William F. Busher arrived in this city
almost a half century ago can remember
him as a humble shoemaker, working at the
bench, mending shoes and doing other such
tasks as fell to his lot. To-day he is a cap-
italist, living retired from labor, for his life
of industry and strict and unswerving in-
tegrity, combined with perseverance and
unremitting diligence, brought to him a
handsome competence, lie is a native son
of the falluTland. .Much of the civilization
of the world has come from the Teutonic
race. Contiinially moving westward, they
have taken with them the enterprise and
a(l\anccment of their eastern homes and
lia\e become valued and useful citizens of
various localities. In this country espe-
cially have they demonstrated their power
to adapt themselves to new circumstances,
retaining at the same lime their progress-
i\eness and energy, and have become loyal
and devoted citizens, true to the institutions
of the " land of the free" and untiring in
promotion of all that will prove of benefit
to their adopted country. The German ele-
ment in America forms an important part
of American citizenship, and while they
cannot attain to the highest civil office in
the gift of the people they have given ample
evidence of their power to sustain and up-
hold the government of the republic and to
become the factors in various communities
to whom the locality owes its progress and
prosperity.

When William F. Busher was born in
the kingdom of Hanover, Germany, in De-
cember, 1831, his parents might have
dreamed of a brilliant future for their little

304

PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.

son, but it is safe to say that thej' never
thought that he would one day become one
of the foremost citizens of an enterprising
metropoHtan center of Ilhnois. He has,
however, been associated with Decatur for
ahiiost a half century and his name occupies
a conspicuous place on the pages of it?
commercial history. His parents, Freder-
ick and Dorothy (Reimer) Busher, were
both natives of Germany and the father was
a farmer by occupation, to which pursuit
he devoted the best years of his life. Both
he and his wife passed away in the father-
land. In the usual manner of farm lads of
that district and period William F. Busher
was reared. He attended the common
schools, acquiring a good knowledge of the
German language and the branches therein
taught and also a fair knowledge of the
English tongue. Attracted by the business
possibilities of the new world he came to
the United States and in 1849 landed at Bal-
timore, Maryland, whence he proceeded by
rail and canal to Pittsburg and thence by
steamboat to Cincinnati, Ohio. He was
then in his eighteenth year and for a time
he attended school in Cincinnati. Prepared
for a business career by learning the shoe-
maker's trade in Germany, during his first
few months in Cincinnati he received one
dollar per week and his board. For three
years he remained in Cincinnati and then
went to Indianapolis, Indiana, where he fol-
lowed his trade for twelve months. On the
expiration of that period he took up his
abode in St. Louis, Missouri, where he
worked at shoemaking until 1853, which
year witnessed his arrival in Springtield,
Illinois. In that city he attended the Luth-
eran College for a time and thus added to
his knowledge and at the same time gained
a greater proficiency in the use of the Eng-
lish tongue. The development of his char-
acter was based upon firm Christian faith
and the principles with which he became
imbued through attendance at Sunday

school and church have been potent factors
in shaping his entire career.

In 1855 ^Ir. Busher came to Decatur and
here he opened a shoe shop for the purpose
of making and mending shoes, continuing
to work on the bench until 1862. He then
purchased a small stock of ready made
goods and finding that there was more
profit to be made in the sale of such goods
than in making them he entered into part-
nership with John Black and purchased
quite a large stock. Opening their store
the firm soon secured a large and growing
trade and the partnership existed continu-
ously from 1871 until 1881, when it was dis-
solved by mutual consent. Mr. Busher
purchased his partner's interest and for
some time was alone, but afterward became
associated with Walter Hutchins under the
firm style of W. F. Busher & Company.
This relation was maintained for five years
and then again ]\Ir. Busher became sole
proprietor. He was then carrying a large
and carefully selected stock and had an ex-
tensive patronage, which made the business
very remunerative. For almost forty years
he was a representative of commercial in-
terests in Decatur and in 1894, with a hand-
some competence as the reward of his
labors, he retired from mercantile life. In
1862 he had erected a good business block
at 152 East Main street. It is twenty-two
by eighty feet and three stories in height
and this he still owns. He also has other
property interests in Decatur, including a
number of dwelling houses which he rents
and from which lie derives a good annual
income.

Mr. Busher has been twice married. On
the 2ist of February, 1856, he wedded Miss
Louise Bekemyer of Springfield. She was
born in Germany, spending the greater part
of her girlhood in Prussia, but was living
in the capital of Illinois at the time of her
marriage. Air. and Mrs. Busher became the
parents of four children : Walter, who died

PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.

30;

in his twenty-first year ; Carrie, who is the
wife of George P. Zeiss, of Houston, Texas ;
Sophia B., who is the wife of William P.
Shade, a prominent business man and mer-
chant of Decatur; and Josie, the wife of
Charles Schuck, a lumber merchant of
Springfield, Illinois. The wife and mother
passed away in October, 1897, and in 1898
Mr. Busher was again married, his second
union being with Mrs. Mary A. Jones, a
most estimable lady whose value in social
and benevolent circles is widely acknowl-
edged. She is a member of the board of
managers of the Anna B. Alillikin Home, a
charitable institution, and in her is vested
the power of admission and dismission in
connection with this home. She possesses
not only rare executive ability and marked
tact in dealing with the unfortunate ones of
life, but also of most cordial and charming
manner that has made her a favorite among
her many friends. She presides with gra-
cious hospitality over her own beautiful
home and its good cheer is greatly enjoyed
by the many who know both Mr. and Mrs.
Busher in Decatur.

While actively connected with business
affairs Mr. Busher also finds time to aid in
the promotion of interests calculated to
benefit his city and his co-operation with
movements for the general good has been
far-reaching and beneficial. His fellow
townsmen recognizing his worth and ability
have called him to serve in the city council,
of wliich he was a member in 1870-1. He has
never been an active politician, however,
and the honors of office have had little at-
traction for him. Mr. Busher was among
the first to erect a monument of marked
beauty to the memory of his family in
Greenwood cemetery. This is in the form
of a mausoleum built of granite by most
skilled workmen, and was constructed at a
cost of several thousand dollars. About
1873 Mr. Busher erected a fine residence
built of brick and modern in all of its ap-

pointments. He is now in his seventy-
second year, a hale and hearty man, and
though the snows of many winters rest
upon his head, in spirit and interests he
seems yet in his prime. He has never had
occasion to regret his determination to seek
a home in America for in this land where
opportunity is open to all he has steadily
advanced until he now occupies a foremost
position as one of the wealthy and honored
men of his adopted city.

TITUS QUERY.

Among the energetic and successful agri-
culturists of Maroa township whose success
in life is due to their own well directed ef-
forts may be numbered Titus Query, who
now owns and operates a fine farm of two
hundred acres on section 8, and the neat
and thrifty appearance of the place plainly
indicates his iareful supervision. He was
born in Ashland county, Ohio, October 10,
1850, a son of George and Mahala (Braden)
Query, who are now deceased. The father
died in DeWitt county, Illinois, and was
buried in Maroa cemetery, but the mother
was laid to rest in Rose cemetery, DeWitt
county. By occupation he was a farmer.

Titus Query was reared in much the
usual manner of farmer boys of his day, his
time being devoted to the farm work when
not in school. He attended the district
schools of DeWitt county and gained a good
practical knowledge of the elementary
branches of learning therein taught. On at-
taining his majority he started out in life
for himself, working five years as a farm
hand for twenty to twenty-two and a
half dollars per month. At the end of that
time he began operating rented land and
was thus engaged for eight years. At the
end of that period he was able to purchase
a farm of eighty acres on section 8, Maroa
township, where he now resides, and in

306

PAST AND PRESEXT OF MACOX COUXTY.

1892 bought another eighty acre tract. In
partnership with his son he bought eiglity
acres more in 1900, and is now the owner
of a vahiable tract of two hundred acres,
whicli lie has placed under a high state of
culli\ation. He raises both grain and stock
and is meeting with well deserved success
in his undertakings.

Mr. Query was married on the 3d of Sep-
tember, 1874. the lady of his choice being
Miss Adeline Bennett, a daughter of Aquilla
Bennett, and to them have been born eight
children, one of whom died in infancy, and
Perry died at the age of one year. Those
still living are Calvin, Eva, Sylva, Oscar,
Mahala and Israel. The family are widely
and favorably known and are people of
prominence in their community. In politics
Mr. Query is an ardent Democrat, but never
sought ofifice.

ROBERT W. HIGHT.
Robert W. Hight, one of the representa-
tive citizens of Alacon, who has laid aside
business cares and is now living a retired
life at his beautiful home in that village,
was born in Rockbridge county, Virginia,
June 21, 1830, a son of Samuel and Margaret
(Rapp) Hight. On the paternal side he
is of French origin, while his maternal an-
cestors were of German extraction. He was
quite young when his father died, and at
the age of seventeen years accompanied his
mother, brothers and sisters on their re-
moval to Tennessee, where the family lived
for two years. In 1849 they became resi-
dents of Greene countj^, Illinois, where the
mother died, and in 1855 the other mem-
bers of the family came to IMacon county,
which has since been the home of our sub-
ject. He is the oldest of six children, three
of whom are still living, namely: Robert
W'., James and William.

Robert \\'. Hight received his education
in a primitive old log school house with one
log cut out for a window, slab seats and a
huge fire place at one end of the building.
His father being a farmer he early became
familiar with the duties which fall to the
lot of the agriculturist. During his boy-
hood he cultivated corn with a single shovel
plow, and the first crop that he raised he
marked off the ground with a marker,
dropped the seed by hand and then covered
it with a hoe, as in those days they had
not the improved machinery now found
upon the farms of the twentieth century.
He has seen this county developed from
a wild uncultivated prairie, covered with
sloughs and ponds, and abounding in wild
game of many kinds. After locating here
he and his brothers bought an old settler's
claim and later purchased railroad land in
partnership with his brother James and a
Mr. Armstrong, the tract consisting of four
hundred acres. In connection with these
gentlemen he engaged in farming until
i860, but has been alone in business since
1865, and through his own unaided efforts
he became the owner of a valuable and well
improved farm of four hundred acres in
Macon township, it being one of the best
in that locality.

On the 23d of July, 1863, Mr. Hight was
married in this county to ]^Iiss Martha J.
Unroe, a native of Virginia, born February
6, 1848, who came to Illinois when a child
and grew to womanhood in this county.
Her parents, J. T. and Sarah (Clark) Un-
roe, were both natives of Rockbridge coun-
ty, Virginia, and from that state came to
Macon county, Illinois, in 1855. For five
years he acted as overseer of the Law-
rence estate, one mile north of Pana, and
later removed to Pittsburg, Crawford coun-
ty, Kansas, where he purchased a farm, it
being his home at the present time. His
wife died there in 1890. Of the eight chil-

(^<^^^^<^^c^^-<?6 cT^-^^-t^^^L,

PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.

309

dren born to them Airs. Higlit is the sec-
oiul in order of birth, and two sons and
three daughters are still living. Mr. Unroe
has always adhered to the Democratic party
and for several years has been prominently
identified with public affairs, serving in a
great many county and township offices.
He is a member of the .Methodist Episcopal
church and the Masonic fraternity. Eight
children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Hight,
five sons and three daughters, seven of
whom are still li\ing. namely: Maggie,
wife of Frank Webb, of Decatur ; Florence,
wife of J. FI. Culver, of Decatur; Ervel, who
is married and living in Assumption, Illi-
nois; Nora N., who lives with her sister,
.Mrs. CuKcr, in Decatur; Robert, who is
married and also lives in that city; and
Clyde and Ra\', who now have charge of
their father's farm.

In i8y5 Mr. Hight retired from active
labor and removed to Macon, erecting one
of the best homes in the town, it being
large, roomy and modern in all its appoint-
ments. It is also well shaded and sur-
rounded by a beautiful lawn and cement
walks. While living on the farm Mr. Hight
served as school director of his district,
assisted in building the schoolhouse, and
did much toward promoting educational
interests. Both he and his wife are active
and hcl])ful members of the Methodist
E])iscopal church, of Macon, to the erection
of which they contributed liberally, and he
is now serving as steward. In all the rela-
tions of life he has been found true to every
trust reposed in liim and he has a large
circle of friends and acc|uaintanccs through-
out his adopted county. The prosperity that
has come to him is certainh^ well merited,
for he has led an lionorable, industrious and
useful life and has made his own way in
the world from an early age. In politics
he is a Rcpul)lican but has never cared for
office.

EDWARD FOULKE.

In the early days of Macon county's de-
velopment Edward Foulke became a resi-
dent of Maroa township, settling upon a
farm there. He was long a worthy repre-
sentative of agricultural interests of the
community and while his life history con-
tained no e.xciting chapters, it yet contained
lessons of value that might profitably be
followed by all who wish to gain success
along legitimate and honorable lines. Fie
was a native of Flamilton county, Ohio,
born on the 31st of July, 1834. His parents
were John \L and Ann (Sinclair) Foulke.
The father was born in Montgomery coun-
ty, Pennsylvania, and the mother's birth
occurred near Baltimore, Maryland. In the
county of his nativity John AI. Foulke car-
rietl on farming for a number of years and
then removed to Baltimore, where he re-
sided for a few years. Subsequently he be-
came a resident of Cincinnati, Ohio, where
through a long ]ieriod he was engaged in
the |)ork packing business, but in old age
he retired to private life, putting aside all
business cares, and lived with his two chil-
tlren throughout his remaining days. His
death occurred at the home of his son Ed-
ward in Maroa township in 1874, while his
wife passed away near her native cit}" in
1844. They had but two children, the
daughter being Lydia A., who was born in
Hamilton county, Ohio, in 1837. She was
educated in a seminary near Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania, and engaged in teaching
school until the Civil war broke out, wlicn
she became an army nurse and served in
that capacity for over three years. In 1881
she married David ^^'ilson, of Wenona, Il-
linois, her present home. She is a promi-
nent and active member of the Woman's
Relief Corps and department president of
the National Armj' Nurses' Association.

lulward Foulke was reared under the pa-
rental roof and was given good educational
privileges. His preliminary advantages in

310

PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.

that direction were supplemented by a
course in Tremont Seminary in Pennsyl-
vailia. He then went to Baltimore, Mary-
land, where he studied and worked as a
florist, remaining in that city for several
years. He next removed to Cincinnati,
Ohio, where he engaged in the florist busi-
ness until 1857. In that year, attracted by
the possibilities of Macon county, which
was then being rapidly developed, he came
to Illinois and purchased a farm in Maroa
township, giving his attention to agricul-
tural pursuits from that time until his re-
tirement from active business life. He en-
gaged in general farming and stock-raising
and rich fields and meadows returned to
him good crops of grain and hay. He real-
ized also a good income from his stock, both
branches of his business proving profitable.
Upon the farm he made substantial and ex-
cellent improvements and added all the
equipments and accessories necessary to a
model farm of the period. Living on his
first purchase until 1894, he then removed
to Decatur on account of ill health and
passed his remaining days in retirement
from active labor.

On October 13, 1864, Mr. Foulke was
united in mariage in Maroa township, to
Miss Adelaide Colladay, a native of Phila-
delphia, Pennsylvania, born on the 4th of
March, 1841. Her parents were Jacob W.
and Julia A. (Stull) Colladay, both natives
of Philadelphia, where her father engaged
in business as a contractor and builder until
1858. That year witnessed his removal
westward and he established his home upon
a farm in Maroa township, Macon countv,
where he carried on general agricultural
pursuits for many years. His wife died
upon the old family homestead and he then
removed to Decatur, where he lived a re-
tired life until called to his final rest. The
home of Mr. and Mrs. Foulke was blessed
with five children : Anna F., the wife of E.
Arthur Pinkham, who is proprietor of a feed

siore in Indianapolis, Indiana; John M., a
farmer of South Dakota ; Edward L., who
married Gynietha Cox and is employed by
Swift & Company, at Kansas City, Mis-
souri; Llewellyn, who married Leila Craig
and resides upon the old home farm in
Maroa township; and Caroline E., who is
a graduate of the Michigan University at
Ann Arbor and is principal of the schools
of Corunna, Michigan.

In his political views Mr. Foulke was a
stanch Republican, believing firmly in the
principles of the party and doing all in his
power to secure their adoption. He was
never an office seeker, but held minor offices
in his township, such as supervisor and
school director. He belonged to the So-
ciety of Friends at Benjaminville, Illinois,
with which his wife was also a member.
He became a well-to-do citizen of this coun-
ty and thus left his family in comfortable
circumstances, when on the 29th of Octo-
ber, 1900, his death occurred. During his
long residence in the county he lived at
peace with his fellow men, so honorable
was he in all his business affairs, faithful
in citizenship, and loyal in friendship. Mrs.
Foulke owns a beautiful residence at No.
1005 North Church street in Decatur, where
she resides, and she is also the owner of the
old home farm of three hundred and eight
acres situated in Maroa township, three
miles south of the village of ^laroa. This
is a well improved and valuable property
and returns to her a very gratifying in-
come.

MINER R. ALLSUP.
Miner R. Allsup, who since 1891 has en-
gaged in the grain business in Maroa and
is now the vice president of the Citizens'
Bank, was born in DeWitt county, Illinois,
in the year 1861, his parents being Wash-
ington T. and Margaret Allsup. The father
was a farmer by occupation and followed

w - C ^ ^MjUiyy^.>C/^

PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.

311

that pursuit in De\\'itt county up to the
time of his death, wliich occurred about a
■quarter of a century ago. His widow, a
native of Ohio, afterward became the wife
of L. B. Hobbs and is now living in Maroa.
Mr. Allsup of this review also has a brother
living in .\faroa and a sister who is married
and resides in Wichita. Kansas.

Miner R. AIlsu]) accjuired his education
in the schools of his native county and of
Maroa. He was reared to farm life and
early became familiar with the labors of
field and meadow. When he was fifteen
years of age his father died and the follow-
ing year he started out in life for himself
and has since been dependent upon his own
efforts. His present position in financial
circles is in marked contrast to his condi-
tion at that time. He began farming and
stock-raising on his mother's land, and in
his undertakings met with success. Later
he gave much time and attention to the
purchase and shipping of stock, and his in-
vestments yielded him a good financial re-
turn. About twenty years ago he purchased
land in DeWitt county and since that time
he has increased his landed possession until
he is now one of the most extensive land-
owners of this part of the state, having
very valuable farming property, which re-
turns to him a gratifying income. At length
leaving the farm, although not abandoning
agriculutral interests, Mr. .Mlsup jnirchased
the Midland Elevator of Maroa, which has
been operated since 1875, and of which he
has been the owner since March, 1891. He
handles a large amount of grain annuallv
and his business adds to the expansion of
the business interests of the city. Mr. All-
sup also feeds hogs, cattle and horses for
the market and his annual sales of stock
reach a large figure. His business has stead-
ily grown since the time, when as a boy,
he began operating his mother's land. Long
since it assumed very profitable propor-
tions and to-day Mr. Allsup is numbered

among the substantial citizens of the coun-
ty. He is also connected with financial in-
terests, being the vice president of the Citi-
zens' Bank of .Maroa.

In matters of citizenship Mr. Allsup is
equally progressive and Maroa has profited
by his efforts in her behalf. He is a Demo-
crat in his political views and at the present
time in serving as mayor of Maroa. He
brings to the discharge of his official duties
the same businesslike and enterprising
methods that have marked his career as an
agriculturist and stock-dealer and the city
is therefore enjoying a practical adminis-
tration and one that is valuable in the pro-
motion of its substantial progress and per-
manent improvement. Mr. Allsup is a
charter member of the Knights of Pythias
Lodge of Maroa and is well known through-
out this part of the state because of his ex-
tensive business connections, his wide ac-
quaintance and his social relations. He is
a man of strong character, of marked in-
dividuality and of sterling worth. His fel-
low men respect him and the world accords
him the admiration which is ever given in
recognition of a purpose accomplished in
accordance with methods which neither seek
nor require disguise.

OLIVER Z. GREENE.
Since 1873 Oliver Z. Greene has been a
resident of Decatur and since 1882 has been
the president of the Decatur Coffin Com-
l^any, one of the leading industrial eiiter-
prises of the city. He is a man of keen dis-
crimination and executive force and in the
control of important business enterprises
has shown marked capability. The history
of mankind is replete with illustrations of
the fact that it is only under the pressure of
adversity and the stimulus of opposition
that the best and strongest in men is
brought out and developed. Perhaps the

312

PAST Ax\D PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.

history of no country so forcibly impresses
one with this truth as the annals of our
own republic and certainly in our own land
the ])a]ni was awarded to New England's
sturdy sons. If anything can inspire the
youth of our country to persistent, honest
and laudable endeavor, it should be the life
record of such men as he of whom we write,
for from the age of sixteen years Oliver Z.
Greene has been dependent upon his own
resources and to-day is controlling enter-
prises which make him a prosperous resi-
dent oi his adopted city.

Mr. Greene was born in Pittsfield, New
Hampshire, May 20, 1834. His father,
Oliver P. Greene, was likewise a native of
Pittsfield and was a son of Ephraim Greene,
who was born in the Old Granite state and
was descended from Scotch-Irish ancestry.
After arriving at years of maturity Oliver
P. Greene was united in marriage to Char-
lotte M. Fay, a native of Warwick, Massa-
chusetts, and in their home the boyhood
days of their son Oliver Z. were passed.
He acquired his early education in the pub-
lic schools of Pittsfield and afterward at-
tended the home academy in that town un-
til he reached his sixteenth year, when he
began learning the carpenter's trade. When
he had largely mastered that pursuit he
went to Lowell, ^Massachusetts, where he
was employed .as a journeyman for a year,
working in two of the principal mills in
that city. In 1853 he went south to Ala-
bama, where he became foreman of the
bridge department for the Chattanooga &
Memphis Railroad Company, acceptably
serving in that capacity for two years. On
the expiration of that period he removed to
Minneapolis, Minnesota, wdiere he engaged
in contracting and building, erecting a num-
ber of dwelling houses during his four years'
residence in the north.

On leaving Alinneapolis he came to Illi-
nois and, establishing his home in McLean
county, he engaged in general farming, car-

rying on that ])ursuit there for several years.
In 1862 he arrived in Macon county, Illinois,,
where he has since resided, settling first
at Harristown, a small station on the Wa-
bash Railroad. There he engaged in the
grain business and was also employed as
station agent by the railroad company.
Prospering in his undertakings he later
sought a broader field of labor and in 1873
removed to Decatur, where he became in-
terested in the Roberts Greene Company,
the business being conducted under partner-
ship relations. The company was engaged
in the manufacture of coffins, the enter-
prise having been established by Robert P.
Lytle, but its founder sold out soon after
Mr. Greene purchased an interest in the
business. When his connections with the
enterprise had covered nine years the busi-
ness was incorporated under the firm style
of the Decatur Coffin Company, with a
capital stock of eighty thousand dollars.
At that time Mr. Greene was elected presi-
dent, while George E. Moeller was chosen
vice president and Thomas T. Roberts, sec-
retary and treasurer. This business was-
incorporated for the purpose of manufac-
turing coffins and the company entered up-
on a successful career. They now have an
extensive plant and ship the products of
the house throughout the country from the
Atlantic to the Pacific. The plant is
equipped with the latest and best improved
machinery, and coffins of all grades are
manufactured, so that the house is able to
meet the varied demands of the trade. For
twenty-one years Mr. Greene has remainfd
jiresident of the company and much of the
successful control of the industry is due to
his untiring business sagacity and sound
practical judgment.

In 1863 Mr. Greene was united in mar-
riage to Mis.s Clara A. French, a native of
New Hampshire and a daughter of Hiram
French. Mrs. Greene is a lady of marked
culture and possesses superior skill and

PAST AXD PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.

315

talent as an artist, many tine works in both
portrait and landscape painting which are
the result of her skill adorning the walls of
their beaiiliful home. Unto .Mr. and .Mrs.
Greene have been born two daughters :
Myrtle F., who became the wife of \\'illiam
D. Harvey, a resident of Boston, Massachu-
setts, and died in 1893 ; and Clara Al.. who is
the wife of Kilburn H. Rob}^ Jr., who is
teller in the National lUuik of Decatur.
The wife and mother died in November,
1901. She was most devoted to her family,
was a faithful friend and an acceptable and
conscientious member of the Congrega-
tional church. Both Mr. and Mrs. Greene
joined that church upon its organization
and she aided materially in its upbuilding
and the extension of its influence. She was
also a member of the Art Club of Decatur
and her charming personality made her a
favorite in social, church and home circles.
Mr. Greene gives his political support to
the Republican party and while residing at
Harristown he served for eight years as
postmaster, occupying the position under
the administration of Presidents Lincoln
and Johnson. His substantial brick resi-
dence in Decatur was erected in 1882 and
in addition to this jiropcrty and to his ex-
tensive interests here he is the owner of
good farms which he rents. In the church
with which he is connected he has held of-
ficial preferment and is recognized as one
of its strong working members. Throilgh
the past five years Mr. Greene has spent the
winter months in southern California, but
throughout much of the remainder of the
year he is located in Decatur, superintend-
ing his important business interests. His
history is the record of one who has at-
tained an honorable position and marked
prestige among the representative men of
the middle west. Witli consistency it may
be said that he is the architect of his own

fortunes and one whose prosperity amply
justifies the application of the somewhat
hackneyed but most expressive title "a self-
made man.''

ANDREW ROTHFUSS
In the year 1863 Andrew Rothfuss, now
deceased, became a resident of Decatur, and
the business circles of the city found in
him a valued addition to their ranks. He
became well-to-do and his influence and en-
ergy were the foundation upon which he
builded his success. A native of Germany,
his birth occurred on the 3d of April, 1832,
his father being John Rothfuss, a native of
the fatherland. There he and his wife spent
Iheir entire lives and Mr. Rothfuss engaged
in general farming. He died when his son,
Andrew, was but two years of age, and the
mother, long surviving him, passed away
in 1875.

In the public schools of his native country
Andrew Rothfuss acquired his education.
He was the only member of the family that
ever came to America, but when about
iwcnty-two years of age he became imbued
with a strong desire to seek his home in the
new world and accordingl)' made arrange-
ments for leaving the fatherland. Bidding
adieu to friends and native country, he
crossed the Atlantic and landed in the new
world without ftuids. He had previously
learned the baker's trade in Germany and
after coming to the United States he trav-
eled all over the country, working at his
trade in many of the principal cities of
.America. He also followed this pursuit on
different steamboats on the rivers here and
filially in 1863 he came to Decatur. He
then established a saloon in the old public
square under the Millikin Bank and later
])urchascd a Ijuilding on the south side of
the s(|uarc on East Main street. There he

316

PAST AND PRESENT OF ^lACOX COUNTY.

continued in the saloon business for many
years.

During this time Mr. Rothfuss was mar-
ried in Decatur to .Miss Rosina Keck, also a
native of (jermany, born on the 2d of Sep-
tember, 1839. Her parents always lived in
Germany but three of their children came to
the United States, although all are now
deceased. There were five children born to
Mr. and Mrs. Rothfuss: Lillian, who mar-
ried Iver Phillips and died in 1901 ; Rosa,
who died at the age of six years; Anna
Margaret, the wife of J. Casper Bolay, who
was born in Germany, November 24, 1867,
and is now conducting a saloon in Decatur
where he is living with his wife and two
children, Andrew and William, one little
boy having died in infancy ; Andrew
Lewis, who died in February, 1901 ; Will-
iam Jacob, who married Miss Elma Cock-
rell and resides' in Decatur, being employed
in the large dry goods store of Bradley
Brothers.

After his marriage Mr. Rothfuss contin-
ued in the saloon business until 1891, when
he sold out to his son-in-law, Mr. Bolay,
and then lived retired until his death, which
occurred June 27, 1903. His wife passed
away in 1879. I" ^"s political affiliations
Mr. Rothfuss was a Democrat, but never an
office seeker. Both he and his wife were
members of the German Lutheran church
of Decatur and he took a deep interest in
the work of the church, contributing gen-
eroush' to its support. He was a self-made
man, having no capital when he came to
the new world, but gradually he added to
his possessions and at the time of his death
he owned the business block from Xo. loi
to III inclusive on East Main street, which
is on the public s(|uare and is a very val-
uable piece of business property. He also
owned a beautiful residence at No. 305 West
Wood street, which was the family home
and which is now occupied by ^Ir. and Mrs.
J. C. Bolay. All of this property he left to

his daughter Mrs. Bolay and his son Will-
iam Jacob Rothfuss. He was one of the
leading and well-to-do citizens of Decatur
and a \-ery j)rominent representative of the
German-American citizenship in Macon
count}-.

BARTON S. TYLER.

A deep feeling of sadness spread through-
out Decatur when it was announced that
Barton S. Tyler had passed from this life,
but while those who knew him remain his
memory will be cherished not so much on
account of the splendid success which he
achieved in business, not because he con-
tributed to the improvement of the city
and promoted its commercial activities, al-
though they would make him worthy to be
long remembered, but because of his life
of helpfulness, of good cheer, of broad sym-
pathy and his deep interest in and labors
for the benefit of his fellow men. His na-
ture was so kindly and genial that he won
not merely regard but that deeper feeling
which, call it friendship or love, binds man
in close relation to his fellow men in ties
which naught can sever. Thus it was that
Decatur has seldom so widely and sin-
cerely mourned one of her residents, but
for fifty-seven years he was closely asso-
ciated with the history of 2^1acon county
and there w^ere few of its citizens who did
not know Mr. Tyler — by reputation if not
personally.

Barton S. Tyler was born on the 19th of
August, 1845. on the old family homestead
situated about five miles east of Decatur
at what is known as Antioch Station. His
parents were the Rev. and Mrs. John W.
Tyler. The father, a native of Fayette
county, Kentucky, removed to Illinois at an
early day and in 1836 arrived in Macon
county, casting in his lot with its pioneer
settlers. He was among those who laid

PAST AXn I'RESEXT ol" MACON COUXTV

317

broad and deep the fouiulalioii for ihe pres-
ent developniont and prosperity of the
county and tor more than a half century
he made his home within its liorders, taking
a deep and abiding interest in whatever
pertained to the general good. His death
occurred in 1888 and his wife passed away
in 1892. Their family was a large one, of
whom the following survive : Dr. B. B.
Tyler, a prominent divine of the Christian
church now located in Denver, Colorado;
Rev. J. Z. Tyler, of Cleveland, Ohio;
Charles, who is living in Oklahoma; Mrs.
Stephen Cook, a resident of Denver, Colo-
rado; Alice, whose home is in Des Moines,
Iowa; Mrs. Sue Odor, of Decatur; and
Mrs. J. A. Meriweather, of Decatur. Mr.
Tyler of this review also had a half-brother,
John, and a half-sister, Mrs. Nancy J. Hous-
ley.

In retrospect one can see Barton S. Tyler
as a farm boy, working in the fields and
meadows or attending the country schools.
He was reared amid the refining inllucnce
of a good Christian home and while his edu-
cational privileges did not embrace a col-
lege course he learned from his parents
something of far more value, for by them
he was instructed in lessons of industry,
honesty and of reliability, .\fter starting
out upon an independent business career he
followed various occupations until he took
up his abode in Decatur. In 1871 in com-
pany with \V. C. Armstrong and James
Nicholson he made a trip overland in a
wagon to the west and located in a little
town in southern Kansas, but after remain-
ing there for three years he returned to
Macon county. He first became connected
with the grain trade at Casner, where he
engagcil in the purchase and sale of the
cereals raised in this locality. He also con-
ducted a store there.

Mr. Tyler finally removed to Decatur,
where he was first employed by the firm of
Pratt & Company. On the 5th of .\ugust,

iSi)5, lie began (lie grain business on his
own account in partnership with T. A. Bone
and on the 31st of January, 1897, the firm
of r.. .S. Tyler & Company was incorporated
with l-"rank Evans as a partner of the gen-
tleman previously mentioned. In the spring
of 1902 Mr. Tyler further extended the
scope of his labors by becoming the senior
partner in the firm of Tyler, Harney &
Com]Kiny, and of both business enterprises
Mr. Tyler was the president up to the time
of his demise. His operations in grain
were extensive, annually increasing both
in veilunie ;ind importance. He handled and
shipped very large amounts of grain and
his business was so capably and wisely con-
ducted that it l)rought to him a splendid
financial return. Perhaps no representative
of the grain trade in Illinois was more wide-
ly known throughout the state or held in
higher regard by grain dealers than was
Barton S. Tyler. He was for some years
activeh- and pruniincntly connected with the
Illinois Grain Dealers' Association, of which
he was one of the founders and in the con-
trol of its interests he took a most important
])art until about two years prior to his death,
when on account of ill health he was forced
to leave the active management of the asso-
ciation to others. For a number of years
he served as its secretary and was after-
ward its president. This was an organiza-
tion resulting in much benefit to grain deal-
ers throughout the state and Mr. Tyler
was also active in bringing about legisla-
tion favorable to grain men. In all matters
pertaining to the good of the grain business
he was an untiring worker and on several
occasions he labored for measures which he
believed to be right as a matter of principle,
but which he knew would be detrimental
to his personal success. In his business af-
fairs he was ever guided by industry, per-
severance and determination which became
elements in his character in early life. He
trained an unassailable reputation and no

31S

PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.

one ever connected with him in trade trans-
actions had aught to say against his hon-
esty and fair dealing. He was entirely trust-
worthy and he would sacrifice his own in-
terests rather than injure others. His life
record is another proof of the old adage
that honesty is the best policy, for his labors
were crowned with a fair measure of suc-
cess so that he left his family in very com-
fortable circumstances.

On the 28th of October, 1873, J\Ir. Tyler
was united in marriage to Miss Josephine
Jones, a native of Illinois and a daughter
of Hugh and Vandalia Jones, both of whom
died when Mrs. Tyler was a small child.
They became the parents of four children,
but Ralph, Lelah and Gussie are now de-
ceased. The surviving daughter, Gertrude,
is with her mother, occupying a pleasant
home in Decatur, which was left to them
by the husband and father. Mr. Tyler's
home life was largel}'^ ideal. There was a
close and most congenial companionship
between himself and his wife and the activ-
ities of the one were supplemented by the
sympathy and encouragement of the other.

With Mr. Tyler friendship was inviolable
and he always maintained a most kindly at-
titude to his fellow men, arising from a sin-
cere interest in their welfare. He Held mem-
bership with the Benevolent, Protective Or-
der of Elks and also with the Modern
Woodmen of America. Decatur profited by
his efforts and zeal in her behalf and his en-
couragement and co-operation proved im-
portant factors in promoting her welfare
along more than one line. Mr. Tyler was
largely instrumental in holding the first
corn carnival of Decatur. He was the first
to suggest and start the movement and
labored indefatigably for its success. It be-
came an event in the history of the city, to
which the residents of Decatur have ever
pointed with pride. With the exception of
the brief period which Mr. Tyler spent in
Kansas his entire life was passed in the

count}^ of his nativity and because of his
many excellent traits of character he gained
a wide acquaintance and the favorable re-
gard of all with w^hom he has associated.
Thus it was that his loss was deeply felt
throughout the community when on the
27th of July, 1902, when nearly fifty-seven
years of age, he was called to his final rest.
The history of the county was largely fa-
miliar to him from an early period in its
development and he could relate many in-
teresting incidents concerning this district
when it was 3'et upon the frontier. Perhaps
no better estimate of his character could be
given than the words of a business man who
knew ^Ir. Tyler for years and who said
"Bart Tyler was a man in the best sense
that the term implies and I know of no bet-
ter wav of describing his character."

JAMES N. SAMPSON.
James N. Sampson, who is now success-
fully engaged in farming on section 34,
Friends Creek township, has had a rather
eventful life. He was born in Gould, York-
shire, England, in 1851, a son of John and
Sarah Sampson, and when an infant lost
his father, who died during the great epi-
demic of cholera in that country. Our sub-
ject spent his early life upon the sea, sail-
ing from England, and in that way he trav-
eled all over the world. At one time the
ship on which he sailed was wrecked while
crossing the North Sea. It was caught in a
storm and sprung a leak. The sea was very
high and the engines were all under water.
Those on board had all given up hope when
their signal of distress was seen by another
steamer, which sent a life boat to their as-
sistance. Mr. Sampson helped lower a life
boat from their own vessel but it was
smashed to pieces. A second boat was then
lowered and after a great deal of difficulty
all were finally taken on board the other
steamer.

^ ^. >y

^^^uJ^Q^

PAST AXl^i I'K1':SEXT OF .MACON COUNTY.

321

About twenty-five years ago Mr. Samp-
son came to the United States and first lo-
cated in Decatur, Illinois, where he acted
as sewer inspector for twelve years and built
the first trap that was ever used in a sewer
in that city. For the past five years he has
devoted his time and attention to farming,
on a fine place of one hundred and sixty
acres left to his wife on section 34, Friends
Creek township, where he resides, and a
forty acre tract just across the road
from their home. There was nothing on
the farm when it came into his possession,
but he has erected a good, substantial resi-
dence, barn and other outbuildings and now
has a well improved place under a high
state of cultivation. He raises grain and
some stock, and in his farming operations
has prospered.

In 1879 Mr. Sampson was united in mar-
riage to Miss Elizabeth Hildebright, a na-
tive of Friends Creek township. Her father,
Henry Hildebright, was born in Hanover,
Germany, in 1824, and spent the first eigh-
teen years of his life in his native land. He
then came to America, landing in New York.
Walking across the Alleghany mountains,
he first settled in Ohio, where he worked
as a coal miner for two years, and then
came to JNIacon county, Illinois, making his
home in Friends Creek township through-
out the remainder of his life. In 1859 he
married Miss Margaret Hetzel, who was
from Berlin, Germany, and to them were
born two children: Elizabeth, now Mrs.
Sampson, and Mrs. Manford Beckham. The
mother died in 1870, and in May, 1879, ;\Ir.
Hildebright was again married, his second
union being with Mrs. Mary Bayer, who is
still living. For fifty-three years he was
a resident of Macon county and during that
time he steadily prospered in his farming
operations, owning at the time of his death
four hundred acres of choice land, which
was worth about fifty thousand dollars, and
which has been equally divided between his

daughters. After a useful and well spent
life he died December 28, 1897, at the age of
seventy-four years, honored and respected
by all who knew him.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Sampson were born
two children : Sarah, who died at the age
of nine years; and Lizzie, at home. The
parents are both earnest members of the
Baptist church and are highly respected
and esteemed by all who know them. Mr.
Sampson is a Royal Arch Mason and Sir
Knight and a member of the Independent
Order of Odd Fellows and the Alodern
Woodmen of America at Argenta. His po-
litical support is given the men and meas-
ures of the Republican party, and he takes
a deep and commendable interest in the af-
fairs of his adopted country.

GEORGE STARE.
In the history of pioneer development of
Decatur mention should be made of George
Stare, for he came to the present site of the
city when it was all wild prairie land and
from that jieriod up to the time of his death
was actively associated with business in-
terests and with the early substantial de-
xclopnient of the county. He was born in
York county, Pennsylvania, in 1829, and
there his boyhood and youth were passed.
L)n leaving his native state in 1850 he went
to Ohio, but the following year returned to
Pemisylvania, and on again coming west in
1852 spent some time in St. Paul, Minne-
sota. It was in 1853 that he first visited
Decatur and the following year located
permanently here. Believing that the op-
portunities of the west were better than the
business privileges of the east he estab-
lished his home in Macon county, finding
here a region in which the work of civiliza-
tion and progress had scarcely begun. A
few houses were scattered here and there
through the district, but much of the land

322

PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.

was still uncultivated and many of the now
thriving towns and villages had not then
sprung into existence.

Mr. Stare established the Jirst planing
mill in ^ilacon county and engaged in the
manufacture of lumber for some years, in
partnership with his brother, the late John
Stare. The product of their mill was in de-
mand as the munber of settlers increased
and they did a good business. Near their
plant on Cerro Gordo street, about fifteen
or si.xteen years ago, they made a fruitless
search for natural gas, sinking from eight
to nine thousand dollars in the undertaking,
but the enterprises with which he was con-
nected generally prospered and he left his
family a handsome competency. In trade
circles in Macon county he was prominently
known and in all his dealings he was found
to be reliable and upright.

On the 6th of IMarch, 1856, Air. Stare
was united in marriage to Miss Barbara
Barnett, a native of Lancaster, Pennsyl-
vania, and they became the parents of five
children, who are now living, nainely : Wil-
liam, who is engaged in the manufacture of
tile at Mendota, Illinois ; Mary J., who is
the widow of Henry Kreidler and is living
with her mother in Decatur; Emma, the
wife of A. W. Aliller, of Riverside, Cali-
fornia; Eva, the wife of Frank M. Butcher,
a resident of Los .\ngeles, California ; and
Nonette, the widow of Herbert Lorraine
Hovey, of Rockyford, Colorado. Besides
his widow and children, Mr. Stare had sev-
eral brothers and sisters living at the time
of his death, these being Moses Stare, of
Decatur ; Elias A. Stare, of Waukesha, Wis-
consin ; Mrs. H. Kain, Mrs. Knapp, Miss
Nancy Stare and Mrs. Z. T. Blaine, of De-
catur; Mrs. J. Markley, of Sangamon; Mrs.
E. B. Eicholtz, of St. Louis ; and Mrs.
Higgins, of Pawnee, Illinois.

In public afTairs Mr. Stare was prominent
and during his long residence in Decatur
vi'as activelv identihed with everv worthy

enterprise. He gave an unfaltering support
to the Republican party, but never sought
political honors, though he was a member
of the city council in 1873 ^"d 1874. He
was a charter member of Grace Methodist
Episcopal church, being originally con-
nected with Stapp's Chapel, and it was
mainly through his efforts that Grace
church was built. He always took a very
active and prominent part in church work,
was a teacher in the Sabbath-school, and
a member of the official board of the church
throughout life. A man of considerable
influence, he left the impress of his indi-
viduality upon public thought and opinion
and aided in shaping the public policy as
Decatur and Macon county emerged from
primitive conditions and pioneer environ-
ments to take their place among the leading
cities and counties of this great common-
wealth. His life was upright, his actions
manly and sincere and his loyalty to the
public good and to straightforward prin-
ciples was unquestioned. He passed away
on the 5th of July, 1892, leaving behind him
a memory that is cherished by his many
friends. At his death the following resolu-
tions were passed.

"Whereas, It has pleased Almighty God
in Flis wise providence to take from us by
death our beloved brother, George Stare,
we therefore adopt the following as a tribute
to his memory :

■'Brother Stare was a member of Grace
church from the time of its organization t.)
the day of his death. In his private char-
acter and in his official capacity as trustee,
steward, class leader and Sunday-school
worker, he was consistent, earnest, faithful
and efficient.

"By his wise counsel, faithful work and
generous, self-sacrificing devotion, he did
much to build up the church and make it
the strong organization it is.

"We, the members of Grace church,
greatly respected and loved Brother Stare

PAST AXl) I'KKSEXT OF MACON COUNTY.

323

wliile living; we revere and clicrish his
memory now tliat he has gone from ns.
We feel that in his tieath the community
has lost a highly respected, snbstantial and
useful citizen, and we, as a church, have
lost a faithful and true broilur and tcllow
worker in the ciiurch.

"We desire to assure his beloved wife.
Sister Stare, and all the members of the
family, that in their deepest affliction they
have the sincere sympathy and earnest
prayers of the entire members of Cjracc
church.

"Resolved, That a copy of this memorial
be presented to Sister Stare."

(Signed) D. S. Shellabarger.

J. (i. Badenhausen.
11. II. Oneal.

Mrs. Stare owns a beautiful lionie at No.
538 North Franklin street, where she is
living with her daughter, Mrs. Kreidler.

I.^AlAll QL'FRRY.
Among the native sons of Macon county
who have witnessed almost her entire de-
velopment and growth and have aided ma-
terially in its upbuilding and prosperity,
especially along agricultural lines, must be
numbered Isaiah Querry, who was born on
the edge of the timber in Whitmore town-
ship, January 6, 1839, and has spent his en-
tire life in that locality. His parents were
Elisha and Polly (Florey) Querry. both na-
tives of X'irginia and the latter a sister of
Mrs. David H. Stuart who is mentioned
elsewhere in this \olumc. In 1829 the father
came west in an old prairie schooner and
entered a tract of land on section 14, Whit-
more township, where our subject was born.
He subsequently bought more land and con-
tinued his farming operations here until his
death, which occurred in 1856. His wife
survived him for some time and died at the
age of seventy-four years. In their family

were eight children, all of whom reached
years of maturity and six of the number
are still living, namely: Nathaniel, John,
Isaiah. Loretta, Sarah and Eliza, but our
subject is the onl}- one residing in Illinois.

Like most boys of his day Isaiah Querry
acquired his education in a log schoolhouse
and his earl\' life was spent in a rather un-
eventful manner upon the home farm. In
the spring of 1861 he led to the marriage
altar Miss Sarah Jane Strope, a native of
()hio. and they began their domestic life
upon a rented farm near the timlier, where
they lived for a year and a half. At the end
of that time Mr. Querry returned to the old
homestead and tenderly cared for his mother
during the last fourteen years of her life.
Selling forty acres of the home place he
bought an im])ro\cd tract of eighty acres
on section 11, Whitmore township, for
which he paid fifty-two and one-half dollars
]^er acre, but which is now worth one hun-
dred and twenty dollars per acre, owing
to the improvements he has made upon it
and the rise in land values. In early days
he used a single shovel ])low and cut his
grain with a cradle but as time has passed
he has equipi)ed his farm with the latest
improved machinery and to-day has one of
the model places of the locality. He has
made a specialty of the raising of full blood-
ed Poland-China hogs and draft horses and
as a stock-raiser has met with success.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Querry have been
born the following children : Mrs. Annie
Purrows, now a resident of Iowa; Mrs.
Laura Mathias, of Hickory Point township,
this county ; Walter, who married Mabel
.Mathias and lives in Whitmore township;
Nettie, widow of Dave Welton and a" resi-
dent of Argenta ; Edith, a resident of De-
catur ; Rinda and Lena, both at home ; and
Mary, who died of consumption in the win-
ter of 1902, her death being a sad blow to
her parents and many friends.

Politically Mr. Querry is an ardent Re-

324

PAST AND PRESENT OF .MACON COUNTY.

publican and has once or twice been a dele-
gate to the county conventions of his party.
He attends the Old Settlers' reunions and
takes an active interest in their meetings.
For sixty-four years he has made his home
in Macon county and has been an eye wit-
ness of almost her entire development. The
difference between the past and the present
can scarcely be realized, even by those who
have been active participants in its growth
and uplniilding, and the present generation
can have no conception of what was re-
quired of the early settlers in transforming
the wilderness into a well settled and
highly cultivated country. In the work of
pogress and improvement Mr. Ouerry has
ever borne his part.

FRANCIS M. LOWRY.

Francis M. Lowry was for a number of
years connected with agricultural interests
in Illinois and did his full share in winning
for the state its splendid reputation as the
best agricultural district of the country. He
was a native of Kentucky, born on the 2d of
September, 1825, and his parents, Eli and
Elizabeth (Davidson) Lowry, were also
born in the Blue Grass state. In an early
day they came to Illinois, establishing their
home in Fayette county, where the father
engaged in merchandising for several years.
He afterward removed to Shelby county,
Illinois, where his death occurred. The
mother of our subject died during the early
youth of her son and the father afterward
married again and his second wife has now
passed away. There we're two children born
of the first union who are yet living, one
in Marion county, Illinois, and the other
in Shelby county, this state.

Francis M. Lowry received no special ad-
vantages in his youth and what he ac-
complished in life was due to his inherent
force of character, his strong determina-

tion and his unfaltering diligence. He at-
tended only the common schools and after-
ward learned the blacksmith's trade, while
residing in Fayette county. He did not find
that occupation congenial, however, and
resumed farming, which he carried on for
several years in Christian county, there re-
maining until 1854, when he took up his
abode in Mount Auburn. There he again
worked at the blacksmith's trade for a brief
period, but after his marriage he resumed
farming in Christian county and followed
that occupation continuously throughout
his business career.

While living in Fayette county, Francis
M. Lowr}' was joined in wedlock to Miss
Aleekey M. Grider, a native of Montgom-
ery county, Illinois, born on the 24th of
May, 1827. Her parents w'ere Jackson and
Malinda (Scribner) Grider, the former a na-
tive of Pennsylvania and the latter of Ten-
nessee. In an early day in the development
and improvement of this state Mr. Grider
came to Illinois and throughout his entire
life he carried on agricultural pursuits, his
death occurring in Mount Auburn, Christian
county. His wife passed away in Niantic,
Macon county, in :\Iarch, 1881. The home
of 'Mr. and Mrs. Lowry was blessed with
seven children: Andrew J., who married
Nellie Godfrey, and is a molder by trade,
residing in Decatur; Mary E., the wife of
Francis Smith, whose home is now in Mo-
weaqua ; Francis ^I.,Avho wedded Lillie Hoy-
land, and is a blacksmith of Decatur; C.
Edgar, who married Ollie Robbins, and is
a machinist of Springfield, Illinois ; Malinda,
who is the wife of William P. Jones, a coal
miner of Macon county ; Harriet, who is an
operator for the Western Union Telegraph
Company, and resides with her mother ; and
Martha J., who is the wife of Earl Oben-
jane, of Decatur. He is employed in the
Review office and his wife in the Western
Union Telegraph office.

At the time of the Civil war Mr. Lowry

PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.

327

donned lln' bhn.' unifurm of llu' nation and
went souili in defense of the Union. He
was a bra\e and loyal soldier, ever true to
the cause which he espoused, and for three
years and live days he served in the army.
He therein contracted the disease which
caused his death on the 30th of June, 1873.
He voted with the Republican party anil
he belonged to the United Brethren church.
His life was in harmony with its teachings
and its principles permeateil his actions and
his relations to his fellow men. He was
always straightforward in his dealings and
his genuine worth was acknowledged by all
with whom he came in contact. After los-
ing her husband Mrs. Lowry removed to
the village of Niantic, where she resided
until 1887, when she came to Decatur, where
she has since made her home, living at No.
404 East Division street. She belongs to
the United Brethren church in this city and
is widely known in its circles and elsewhere
in the county.

CAPTAIN ROBERT P. LYTLE.

Por twenty-two years Captain Robert P.
Lytle has been connected with the postoffice
of Decatur, for twelve years serving as post-
master and for the remainder of the time
as assistant postmaster. He is acting in
the latter capacity at the present and there
has been no more trustworthy ofificial ever
connected with the mail service of this city
than Mr. Lytle.

Born in Pennsylvania, on the 8th of July,
1837, his birthplace was in Erie county. His
paternal great-grandfather was John Lytle,
a soldier of the war of the Revolution. The
grandfather was John Lytle and the father
of our subject was Andrew Lytle. The lat-
ter was born in Pennsylvania in the year
1806 and became a tanner by trade. He fol-
lowed that pursuit for some years, but sub-
sequently turned his attention to farming.
For a mniihcr of vears he served as an of-

ficer in the Pennsylvania militia. In the
Keystone state he was united in marriage
to Miss Nancy McKay, a native of Pennsyl-
vania, who died in 1892, her home being in
W'aterford, Pennsylvania. The father died
in 1876.

Captain Lytle, whose name introduces
this review, is indebted to the i)idjlic school
system of his native city for the educational
privileges he enjoyed. He afterward at-
tended the W'aterford Academy at Water-
ford, Pennsylvania, where he pursued his
studies for a year. He then accepted a
clerkship in a general store owned by the
Sharon Iron Company at Clay Furnace,
Pennsylvania, where he remained for three
years. On the expiration of that period he
removed to BuiTalo, New York, where he
was in a commercial college during the
winter of 1857-58. During the latter year
he came to Illinois and settled first at New
Boston in Mercer county, where he accepted
a position as bookkeeper in a general store,
Init after the inauguration of the Civil war
he could not content himself to remain in
business life while his country was in dan-
ger and he therefore gave up his position
to enlist on the 20th of August, 1861, at
Springfield, as a member of Company G,
Twenty-seventh Illinois Infantry under the
command of Captain Southward and Colo-
nel N. B. Buford. The regiment was sent
to Cairo, Illinois, in September of the same
year and was assigned to General John A.
McClernand"s Brigade, which was composed
of the Twenty-seventh, Twenty-eighth,
Twenty-ninth, Thirtieth and Thirty-first
of the Illinois regiments. With his com-
mand Ca])tain Lytle participated in a num-
ber of engagements and skirmishes. He
was present at the battle of Belmont, Mis-
souri, on the 7th of November, 1861, and
the regiment being detached from Mc-
Clcrnand's Brigade and assigned to the gun-
l)oat llotilla, participated in the siege of
Island No. 10. He took part in the siege

328

PA^r AND PRESENT OF MACON COLXTV,

of Corinth in June, 1862, was at Nashville,
Tennessee, from September 11 to Novem-
ber 23, and during this time participated in
the battle of La \'ergne, followed by the
battle of Stone River. On the 19th and 20th
of September, 1863, he was in the battle of
Chickamauga and in the battle of Mission-
ary Ridge on the 25th of November, 1863,
at which place he was wounded in the right
leg and right arm. In consequence he was
sent to the hospital. When he had par-
tially recovered his wounds he rejoined his
regiment at Loudon, Tennessee, and par-
ticipated in the battles of Rockyface Ridge.
Resaca, Burnt Hickory and Kenesaw Moun-
tain. In the last engagement, June 27, 1864,
he lost his left arm. On the 20th of Sep-
tember, 1864, he was honorably discharged
and, being mustered out of service, returned
to Pennsylvania.

Captain Lytle spent the winter of 1864-5
in the Kej'-stone state and in the later year
went to- Nashville, Tennessee, in the inter-
est of the American Bridge Company, re-
maining in the south until the company
closed up their business there. He then
returned to the north and since 1866 has
been a resident of Decatur. He was first
employed as a bookkeeper by William Lint-
ner & Company, of this city, remaining with
that house for six and a half years. In 1872
he organized the Decatur Cofifin Company
in partnership with Thomas T. Roberts, the
business being carried on under the firm
style of Roberts & Lytle. Thus he contin-
t:ed in the manufacture of coffins and cas-
kets until 1875, when he sold his interest,
for in that year he was appointed postmas-
ter of Decatur, in which capacity he served
for twelve years under various administra-
tions. On the expiration of his term in
1887 he again entered commercial circles
as a member of the Lytle & Eckles Hard-
ware Company and for five years was asso-
ciated with that business. In 1893, how-
ever, the firm disposed of its interests and

soon afterward Captain Lytle was appointed
assistant postmaster under William F. Cal-
houn. His previous connectiDn with the
office and his thorough understanding of
the business make him a most capable as-
sistant and one who merits the highest con-
fidence and regard of those with whom he
is associated in an official capacity.

On the I2th of January, 1864, Mr. Lytle
was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth
Smith of Waterford, Pennsylvania, a
daughter of George and Mary Smith. Four
children were born of this union : Harry
^^'ells, who is now in Kansas City, Mis-
souri: Frank A., of Decatur; Robert B.,
who died in 1891 ; and Edith May, the wife
of Craig Smith, a resident of Pittsburg,
Pennsylvania. Both the Captain and ]\Irs.
Lytle are well known in Decatur and the
circle of their friends is almost co-extensive
with the circle of their accpiaintances. They
reside at No. 521 West Williams street and
they are members of the First Presbyterian
church, with which the Captain has been
identified for more than thirty years. He
takes a most active and helpful interest in
everything pertaining to the progress and
improvement of the church. In his political
views he is a stalwart Republican and has
labored earnestly for the success of the prin-
ciples which he believes will best promote
county, state and national welfare. He was
for ten years chairman of the Macon
County Republican Central Committee. For
three years he was township and city col-
lector and in these various positions has
manifested the same loyalty to duty that he
displays in the postoffice. He is a man of
broad capabilities, is ever courteous and at
all times is a gentleman in the truest and
best sense of the term. He cares not for
display nor is there about him the least
shadow of mock modesty. He is a gentle-
man of fine traits and thorough culture, oc-
cupying a leading place in the regard of his
friends as well as in official circles in De-

PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.

32t)

catur. He takes an actixc interest in the
Grand Army and its work and is past com-
mander of the post at Decatur, which was
the first ever organized, this being the birth-
place of the order known as the Grand Army
of the Republic. lie was made senior vice
commander of the department of Illinois in
1888 and has frequently been a delegate to
various national encampments.

DA\ID PATTERSON.
In reviewing this history of David Patter-
son one is reminded of the words of a great
New York financier, who said: "If you are
not a success, don't blame the times you
live in, don't blame the place you occupy,
don't blame the circumstances you are sur-
rounded with — lay the blame where it be-
longs — to yourself. Not in time, jjlace nor
circumstance, but in the man, lies success.
If you want success you must pay the price."
Realizing the truth of this, Mr. Patterson
has paid the price of concentrated effort,
indefatigable energy, of perseverance and
well applied business principles and has
won the victorj' which he determined to
gain when he started out upon an independ-
ent business career. He is to-day an ex-
tensive landowner of Macon coimty and one
of the representative citizens of Decatur.

A native of Scotland, Mr. Patterson was
born in Dumfrieshirc, in April, 1835, a son
of George Patterson, who died when the
subject of this review was but six years
of age. Two years later the mother also
passed away and thus David was left an
orphan when a little lad of eight summers.
He went to live with an aunt, with whom he
made his home for three years and during
one year of that time he earned a small
sum of money by herding cattle. When a
* youth of eleven years he began work as a
farm hand and during the summer months
was given some money for his services.

while HI the winter months he worked for
his l)oard and the privilege of attending
school. It will thus be seen that his youth
was a period of toil. He had few of the ad-
\antages which most boys enjoy, the cares
and responsibilities of life coming to him
very early. After working as a farm hand
for a time he secured a position as a sheep-
herder in the mountains and was thus em-
ployed until he was about fifteen years of
age, when he determined to prepare for a
trade and served an ajiprenticeship to a car-
penter in Dumfricshire, the man by whom
he had previously been employed going as
security on the apprenticeship bond. This
was certainly indicative of his former faith-
fulness and fidelit}- to the earlier employer.
During his apprenticeshi]) he also attended
school for three months during the year
and thus his education was completed, save
that in the school of experience he has
learned many valuable lessons. He attend-
ed school altogether for perhaps a year, but
life's practical duties have brouglit him
knowledge that has proven of marked ben-
efit in the active affairs of life. After com-
pleting a four years' apprenticeship, during
which time he had become master of car-
l)entering. he was employed as a journey-
man for a year, but business opportunities
were not very great in his native land and
he resolved that he would come to Amer-
ica, where he hoped to have better advant-
ages for advancement.

Having no money, Mr. Patterson bor-
rowed a sum sufficient to pay his passage
across the ocean. He made the journey in
a sailing vessel and seven weeks and three
days had passed ere the voyage was com-
pleted and anchor was dropped in the Amer-
ican harbor. Mr. Patterson was then about
twenty years of age — a young luan resolute,
determined and enterprising. Coming at
once to Illinois, he located first in Sanga-
mon county, where he had relatives living
and soon afterward secured a position at

330

PAST AND PRESENT OF AIACON COUNTY.

tin- carpenter's trade in Atlanta, Logan
county, where he worked for two weeks.
He then went to Buffalo Hart Grove, in
Sangamon count)-, and afterward spent
some time in Missouri, residing in Benton
and in St. Clair counties of that state for
six years. He prospered in his work there
and, making judicious investments of his
money, became the owner of a good farm of
three hundred and ten acres in St. Clair
county. He not only was interested in
general farming but also became quite well
known as a stock-dealer. In partnership
with a cousin he purchased four hundred
head of cattle in Missouri with the intention
of bringing them to Illinois, where he hoped
to dispose of them at an advanced price,
but the speculation proved unfortunate.
This was the year of the great frost in Au-
gust, 1863, and he thus lost all that he had
previously saved. He did not allow his
losses, however, to aft'ect his courage or his
ambition, and on returning to Illinois he
worked at his trade in Mount Pulaski, Lo-
gan county. Later he returned to Missouri
and for a year and a half followed carpenter-
ing in Sedalia.

At the end of that time he sold his farm
property in St. Clair county and again came
to Illinois. For some time thereafter his
energies were devoted to the dual occupa-
tion of carpentering and farming, for while
working at building operations he also man-
aged a farm which he had rented in Logan
county. Thus he again managed to gain
a start in the world and when he had won
a sufficit-frt sum of money he purchased
fifty-six acres of land on section 18, Austin
township, whereon he resided until his re-
moval to Decatur. He then put aside
carpenter work in order to devote his en-
tire attention to the farm and gradually he
has advanced until he is to-day one of the
most j)rosperous and extensive landowners
of the county. From time to time he has
added to his property until he now owns

fourteen hundred acres of land in Macon
county. He erected one of the best farm
residences of his township, his home being
a commodious one and in the rear stand
good barns and all the necessary outbuild-
ings for the shelter of grain and stock.
He carried on farm work along progressive
lines and throughout his connection with
that department of business was classed
with the most enterprising agriculturists
of the community. In 1887 he left his farm
and took up his abode in the city of De-
catur, where he is now engaged in real
estate operations. Here he has built four
residences at an average cost of five thous-
and dollars, and he also owns a business
lot at the corner of Church and Williams
street, another at the corner of Cerro Gordo
and Church streets, a house on North Ed-
wards street and forty-three acres of land
near the Pugh street school, all of which
property he has acquired since coming to
Decatur.

In 1868 Mr. Patterson was united in
marriage to Miss Elizabeth Wright, a
native of Scotland, and unto them have
been born three children, one of whom is
now deceased. John T., who is engaged in
agricultural pursuits and resides in Decatur,
married Emma Christensen and has three
children, one son and two daughters;
David, who is also a farmer living in De-
catur, married Laura Christensen, a sister
of his brother's wife, and they have three
children; Joseph died at the age of four
years. The mother of these children
passed away in September, 1875, and in
October, 1876, Mr. Patterson was joined
in wedlock to i\Irs. Fannie (Smith) Parks,
a native of Effingham county, Illinois.

In his political affiliations Mr. Patterson
has always been a Democrat, but has never
been an active politician. He has, however,
served for a number of terms as a school *
director, for six years was township trustee
and for two years represented his town on

;/, jf, ym^y^n^...^

PAST AND rRF.SENT OF MACON COUNTY.

333

the board of supervisors. His attention,
however, has chiefly been given to his busi-
ness affairs and along lines of well directed
effort he has achieved success that enables
him to be numbered among the capitalists
of his adopted county. Obstacles and diffi-
culties have impeded his progress and yet
he has surmounted these and gone steadily
onward to the goal of prosperity. His
career is that of an upright and conscien-
tious business man who well merits the
prosperity that has come to him.

FRANK H. WHITMER.

Frank H. \Miitmer is one of the younger
re])resentatives of business interests in De-
catur, yet is one of the most progressive
and prominent. Could the citizens of a half
century ago have been told that there would
in the course of a few years be instituted
a central system of heating for a locality,
whereby heating plants in private homes
could be dispensed with, the tale would
have been received as the idea of a dreamer,
and yet this has come to pass and to-day
there is scarcely a city of any size in the
United States that does not possess such a
system. Frank H. Whitmer is now the
general manager of the Whitmer Steam
Heating & Power Plant of Decatur, which
industry is classed among the most import-
ant and extensive here.

One of the native sons of the city, Mr.
Whitmer was born February 6, 1875, and is
a son of Henry M. and Anna (App) Whit-
mer. The father was born in Pennsylvania
near Harri.sburg and was a mechanic of
natural ability in that direction. In his
younger years he was engaged in the manu-
facture of sash and door frames. In the
j-ear 1859 he came to Decatur, finding here
a small city with few industrial interests,
yet giving promise of future development.
Mr. Whitmer engaged in brick contracting

and met with success in his undertakings
in the west. He was the only one of the
famil}-, however, to come to Illinois. In
1892, seeing an opening for the establish-
ment of a new business, he established the
Whitmer Steam Heating & Power I'lant
of Decatur and continued his connection
therewith until his death, which occurred
November 3, 1899, when he was sixty-four
years of age. He was a man of splendid
business ability and of keen discernment
and his efforts proved valuable in the ex-
pansion of the city and its material growth.
His widow still survives him and is living
in this city. They were the parents of the
following named : Edward, who is a resi-
dent of Jacksonville, Illinois; Alberta B.,
who is the wife of Harry Byrne, of Chi-
cago ; Howard, deceased ; Cora, the wife of
Anluir L. McNabb, of Decatur; and Frank
H., of this review.

The last named acquired his education in
the ])ublic schools of Decatur and spent his
youth in the usual manner of the boys of
the period, enjoying the pleasures of the
playground, which were alternated with
school and other duties. At the age of
eighteen years, however, he entered upon
his business career in connection with the
operation of the heating plant. The Whit-
mer Steam Heating & Power Plant has
fifteen thousand feet of mains and fifty
thousand feet of. radiation and covers seven
blocks of Decatur. Seven boilers are used
with a total capacity of seven hundred and
forty horse power. Two teams are con-
stantly employed in hauling coal, the plant
using thirty tons of coal per day. Ordi-
narily only five boilers of the seven are in
operation. These are Babcock & Wilcox
water tube boilers of one hundred and fifty
horse power capacity each, and there are
two Oakes fire tube boilers of one hundred
horse power each and three of eighty horse
power each. There is an average pressure
carried of from one hundred to one hun-

334

PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.

dred and liftcen pounds. The plant was
established, as before stated, in 1892 by
Henry M. Whitnier, and the son Frank H.
Whitmer early became interested in its
workings. The business grew rapidly and
in 1894 two large boilers were added, one
of which is kept in reserve. Two pumps
arc kept busy, supplying water which is
forced into two large tanks and from there
is conveyed to the boilers, while two are
kept in reserve. A double system is used,
so that if one part of the plant is disabled
from any cause the other can be immedi-
ately put in operation. There are four reg-
ular firemen and one extra fireman em-
ploj^ed and its extensive business in its vari-
ous departments is under the management
of Frank H. Whitmer. The plant is now
one of the most important enterprises in
Decatur. In 1899 Mr. Whitmer also be-
came interested as a third owner in the
laundry at 147 South Water street, Decatur.
For a time the owners were J. H. Rainey,
E. C. Stein and F. H. Whitmer. During
the first year, however, Mr. Whitmer pur-
chased Mr. Rainey's interest and the busi-
ness has since been carried on under the
name of the Decatur Model Laundry Com-
pany. All the latest machinery necessary
to enlarge and modernize the plant was
purchased so that it is now as complete in
its equipments as any establishment found
in any city of the Mississippi valley.

In 1896 Mr. Whitmer was happily mar-
ried to Miss Lula Mallory, a daughter of
Rollin V. Mallory, of Decatur. They oc-
cupy an enviable position in social circles,
where the hospitality of many of the best
homes in this cit}' is graciously and freely
accorded them. Mr. W'liitmer became a
member of Chevalier Bayard Lodge, No.
189, K. P., in 1896, and he is also a member
of the Iroquois Club and of the lodge of
Stationary' Engineers. \\'hat he has already
accomplished in the business world is an in-
dication of his abilitv and argues well for a

successful future. He stands as a well
known representative of industrial circles
here and one whose faith in Decatur is in-
dicated by his active co-operation in public
measures for the general good.

ROBERT TAGGART.

Mr. Taggart became a resident of De-
catur in 1890, but was connected with a
business where acquaintances are extensive-
ly and rapidly formed and thus he became
widely known, enjoying in large measure
the respect and confidence of those with
whom he was associated so that his death
was deeply deplored by many friends. Dur-
ing his residence in Decatur he was pro-
prietor of the Central Hotel. A native
of Ireland, his birth occurred on the Emer-
ald Isle, on the 15th of August, 1857, his
parents, being Thomas and Martha (Kings-
bury) Taggart, both of whom were natives
of Ireland, whence they came to America
about 1859, bringing with them their fam-
ilv. They settled in Xenia, Ohio, where the
father secured a position as baggage master
on the line of the Pennsylvania Railroad,
serving in that capacity continuously until
his death. His wife also died in Xenia.

Robert Taggart attended school in Xenia
and he was a self-educated as well as self-
made man. By doing chores and little odd
jobs he saved up enough money to educate
himself and thus prepared for the business
world. He went to Cincinnati, where he at-
tended a business college for one term. Re-
turning then to Xenia he there began brick-
making, but continued in that work for
but a short time. He afterward accepted
a position as a clerk in a hotel in Xenia
known as the old Corey House and thus re-
ceived his first experience and training in
the work which was to be the source of
his income throughout the greater part of
his life. He proved a popular clerk because

PAST A\n 1 'RESENT OF MACON COUNTY.

335

of his obliging niannor, liis close fidelity to
duty and his devotion to the interests of
those whom he served. For several years
he continued as clerk in Xenia and then
removed to Terre Haute, Indiana, where he
still continued in the hotel business. He
became manager of the N. G. Omer House
and held that position for twelve years, on
the expiration of which period he came
to Decatur. .Arriving in this city in 1890
he purchased what is known as the Central
Hotel and continued to conduct it with
marked success until his death. He made
it an excellent hostelry which won favor
with the traveling public because of the en-
tertainment furnished the guests by a host
who did everything in his power to pro-
mote their comfort and welfare, wliilc tlioy
were his guests.

Mr. Taggart was married December 19,
1877, in Xenia, Ohio, to Miss Mary (Ireen-
wood, a native of that city and a daughter
of Robert and Elizabeth ( Layman) Green-
wood. Tier father was a native of England,
but coming to America resided in early
manhood in \'irginia, where he was overseer
of slaves. He afterward removed to Greene
county, Ohio, where he engaged in farming
until his death, making his home near Xenia.
His wife was a native of Pennsylvania, and
she, too, died in the Buckeye state. Unto
Mr. and Mrs. Taggart were born five chil-
dren : Ralph, who is now day clerk in the
St. Nicholas Hotel of this city : Thomas,
who is a clerk in the chief engineer's office
at Chicago, Illinois: Robert, who is serving
as a clerk in a hotel at Frcuchlick, Indiana;
Mary, who resides at home ; and Edgar,
who is also with his mother.

In his ])olitical views Mr. Taggart was a
stalwart Republican, but never turned aside
from business cares to seek political prefer-
ment. He held membership in the Masonic
lodge at Terre Hautc; Indiana, and also at-
tained the Knight Templar degree in the
commandery there. He belonged to the In-

dependent Order of C)dd I'^ellows of Xenia
and both he and his wife were members of
the Presbyterian church. For three years
after his death Mrs. Taggart conducted the
hotel, showing excellent business abilitj- and
marked powers as a manager. She then pur-
chased her present home at No. 443 North
Morgan street in Decatur, where with her
children .she now resides. She is quite prom-
inent in the social circles of this city and has
many warm friends.

i\Ir. Taggart passed away on the 29th of
November, 1897, at Battle Creek, Michigan,
and was buried in Greenwood cemetery,
Decatur. He was prominent and influential
in Decatur, \vhere he had become widely
known and where the sterling traits of his
character had gained for him warm regard.
He was richly endowed in those qualities
of manhood that win friendship and he
had the happy faculty of drawing closer to
him as the years passed the friends whose
regard he once gained. His geniality and
courteous manner were aUiong the salient
features of his career and added to these
qualities was strong determination and ex-
cellent management, which in his business
life won for him a fair measure of success.

GEORGE F. LOWE.
One of the prominent and representative
citizens of Pleasant \'iew township in the
gentleman whose name introduces this
sketch. He is a native of Illinois, born in
Summerfield, St. Clair county, and belongs
to an old and honored family of this state.
His father Captain George Franklin Lowe,
was born in Tennessee in 1816, but was
only three years old when he came to Illi-
nois with his ])arents, and settled in St.
Clair county, where the grandfather of our
subject "purchased land, which later became
the property of the father. A part of the
old homestead was afterward laid out to

336

PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.

form the village of Stimnicrficlcl. Tn early
manhood Captain Lowe married Miss
Martha Phillips, who was born in Wash-
ington county, Illinois, and was a daughter
of Colonel Philliiis, who entered the army
as a private during the Mexican war and
rose to the rank of colonel. He was a prom-
inent and c.\tensi\-e farmer of Washington
count\% where he owned about a section of
land. When the country became involvecjl
in civil war the father of our subject was
commissioned captain of a company or-
ganized in St. Clair county and assigned to
the One Hundred and Fifteenth Illinois
Volunteer Infantry. After the war he
continued to make his home in that county
until 1881, when he came to Macon county
and purchased a farm of ninety-two and a
half acres near the village of Macon, but
after the death of his wife, which occurred
in 1885, he sold the place to his sons, Al-
bert and George, and now makes his home
in Kewanee. Illinois, where he owns prop-
erty.

George F. Lowe is the eighth in order of
birth in a family of ten children, the others
being as follows: J. H., a physician, died
in Kewanee, leaving a family ; Emma is at
home with her father ; Ellen married Dr.
David Alvis and liv