UNIVERSITY OF 
ILLINOIS LI3RARY 

AT , U , R -;- CAMPAIGN 

ILL HIST. SURVEY 






. 



A STANDARD HISTORY 

OF 

CHAMPAIGN COUNTY 

ILLINOIS 



An Authentic Narrative of the Past, with Particular 

Attention to the Modern Era in the Commercial, 

Industrial, Civic and Social Development. 

A Chronicle of the People, with 

Family Lineage and Memoirs 



J. R. STEWART 

Supervising Editor 

Assisted by a Board of Advisory Editors 



70LUME II 






ILLUSTRATED 



THE LEWIS PUBLISHING COMPANY 

CHICAGO AND NEW YORK 

1918 



. 

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/, 



CHAMPAIGN COUNTY 



JUDGE J. 0. CUNNINGHAM. The publishers and editors of this work 
feel that only a meager tribute can be paid to the memory of Champaign 
County's most beloved citizen in the following brief review of his life. 
Judge Cunningham was a great historian. He contributed liberally to 
historical literature, was himself the author of a History of Champaign 
County, and in the closing months of his life he gave generously from the 
riches of his great collection and from his experience and memory in an 
advisory capacity to the compilation of the present work. 

Joseph Oscar Cunningham was born at Lancaster in Erie County, New 
York, December 12, 1830, and died at his home, 922 West Green Street, 
Urbana, on April 30, 1917, when in his eighty-seventh year. He was a son 
of Hiram Way and Eunice (Brown) Cunningham. Some of his early life 
was spent in northern Ohio, where he attended Baldwin Institute at Berea 
and also Oberlin College. In June, 1853, at the age of twenty-two, he came 
to Champaign County, and from that time forward his home was at Urbana. 
He had previously taught in the village school at Eugene, Indiana, but a 
month after his arrival at Urbana became associated as one of the proprie- 
tors and editors of the Urbana Union. He was -a member of this firm of 
Cunningham & Flynn until 1858, and in August of that year became asso- 
ciated with J. W. Scroggs in the publication of the Central Illinois Gazette 
at Champaign, a village then known as Western Urbana. 

In April, 1855, Mr. Cunningham was admitted to the bar. In 1859 he 
received his law degree from the Union Law School of Cleveland, Ohio. 
After his admission to practice it is said he never missed a single term in 
court for forty-seven years. He was admitted to the Supreme Court of the 
United States in 1880. He was a member successively of the law firms of 
Sim & Cunningham, Cunningham & Weber and Cunningham & Boggs. 
He finally retired from active practice in 1905. 

The title by which he was so long known in Champaign County was a 
mark of respect, though it was based actually upon official service as judge 
of the Champaign County courts. He was elected to that office on an 
independent ticket in 1861 and served four years. At the time of his death 
he was the only surviving member of the original Board of Trustees of the 
University of Illinois. He was first appointed a trustee by Governor 
Oglesby in 1867, and was reappointed by Governor Palmer in 1871. For 
six years he served as a member of its executive committee. The university 
always claimed much of his time and interest, and for fifty years he was 
its devoted friend. Another institution which claimed some of his services 
was McKendree College at Lebanon, Illinois, which he served as trustee 
during 1897-98. 

Judge Cunningham was a member of the General Conference of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church in 1896 and 1900. He was a member of the 
Mississippi Valley Historical Society and the Illinois State Historical 
Society. He distinguished himself by his ability as a collector and writer 

527 



528 HISTORY OP CHAMPAIGN COUNTY 

on historical subjects and delivered many addresses before the State His- 
torical Society and before Masonic and legal associations. On June 27, 
1900, he delivered an address at Norwalk, Ohio, before the Firelands His- 
torical Society on the occasion of its forty-fourth annual meeting. He was 
one of the founders and was vice president of the Illinois State Historical 
Society, and two of his most notable addresses were read before that society 
in 1902 and 1905. In collaboration with William C. Jones he prepared 
Jones & Cunningham's Practice, a volume on County and Probate Court 
Practice, the first edition of which was printed in 1883. Second and 
third editions were issued in 1892 and 1903. His History of Champaign 
County was published in 1905. After the publication of that work he 
continued to gather many new matters and data bearing upon the local and 
general history of Champaign County. 

Judge Cunningham had been an active member of the Methodist Epis- 
copal Church since 1866. A permanent monument to his memory is the 
result of his donation in 1894 to the Woman's Home Missionary Society of 
the Illinois Conference of the home in which he and his wife had resided 
for twenty-five years. This is a large place on Cunningham Avenue, north 
of Urbana, and was donated to the church to be used as a home for home- 
less children. The building, with a tract of fifteen acres, valued at $15,000, 
now has the name of the Cunningham Orphanage. The missionary society 
instructs and trains the children of the home. 

When the Urbana Park Commission began its work of preserving beauty 
spots in Urbana, Judge Cunningham made the city a present of fifteen 
acres of land adjoining Crystal Park Lake and now comprising that portion 
at the north end of the park which is distinguished by a beautiful winding 
drive and boulevard. 

Judge Cunningham was married at Bainbridge, Ohio, October 13, 1853, 
to Miss Mary M. McConoughey. Judge Cunningham was for a number 
of years master of Urbana Lodge of Masons and also a member of the 
Urbana Knights Templar Commandery. He began voting as a Whig, sub- 
sequently was a Eepublican, but from 1873 was an independent, though 
a pronounced advocate of the principles of the Prohibition party. 

It would be impossible within the scope of this article to describe all 
the interests and associations that made Judge Cunningham a part of 
Champaign County. In conclusion should be quoted the words of one of 
the local papers used at the time of his death : 

"The end of a long and fruitful life, the life of a friend of the immortal 
Abraham Lincoln, came at 11 :30 o'clock Monday night when a two weeks' 
illness resulted in the death of Judge J. 0. Cunningham, one of the oldest 
and best known citizens of Champaign County. 

"As Judge Cunningham had lived, so did he die, surrounded by his 
beloved books, a library such as none other in the State and probably in 
the United States, containing as it does some of the rarest old historical 
works obtainable, collected during a long life of research along historical 
lines. Some of the rarest volumes in the collection have to do with the 
life of Mr. Lincoln, who was a close friend of Mr. Cunningham in the 
pioneer days of Champaign County when Mr. Lincoln came to Urbana to 
attend the court. 

"A number of years ago Judge Cunningham had a large room added 
to the rear of his residence as his library, and during his last illness he had 
his bed in this room, and at his request the last obsequies over his body were 
observed there. 

"In the death of Judge Cunningham one of the greatest minds of the 
State is sealed forever. During his life scholars from many places of 
learning, sat at the feet of Judge Cunningham to draw -from the immense 



HISTORY OP CHAMPAIGN COUNTY 529 

storehouse of his memory details of local and State history forgotten by 
other minds as old as Judge Cunningham's but more feeble. Not only was 
he familiar with intimate bits of information regarding the life of the 
greatest American statesman, but he made it a part of his life to remember 
details of history of his home city and was able to tell many Urbana people 
things that they did not know about their own forebears, details that would 
have been lost had it not been for Judge Cunningham's interest in preserv- 
ing them. Many of his recollections of days long gone are preserved in 
historical works compiled by Judge Cunningham." 

WILLIAM W. EARNEST. Firmly intrenched in the American heart is 
the public school system, which, while not perfect perhaps, is continually 
being improved, largely as the result of the efforts of conscientious, intel- 
lectual leaders. The city of Champaign in its superintendent of schools 
has a well qualified, constructive man, a graduate of the University of 
Illinois and a thorough teacher as well as executive. He is William W. 
Earnest, who has occupied this responsible office for the past nine years. 

William W. Earnest was born in Mississippi, October 1, 1863, one of a 
family of three children born to his parents, who were John W. and 
Julia J. (Woolley) Earnest. Both parents were natives of Illinois, the 
father born in Sangamon and the mother in Greene County. Both 
are now deceased, the death of the father occurring in 1902. He was one 
of the argonauts who, in 1850, went to California in search of gold, of 
which he found enough to pay for his time, and he had many interesting 
experiences and adventures. From California he returned to Illinois, but 
afterward went to Mississippi and was engaged in managing sawmills 
there at the outbreak of the war between the states and found it impossible 
to escape from a situation embarrassing to a northern man until the 
opening of the Mississippi and Yazoo mines in the spring of 1864. Later 
on he followed the peaceful pursuits of- agriculture in Macoupin County, 
Illinois. 

William W. Earnest attended the public schools of Greenfield, and 
after completing the high school course and a college course in the Val- 
paraiso University he was engaged for a number of years in teaching in 
country and village schools and in the management of the Western Normal 
College of Bushnell, Illinois, as well as in the superintendency of the city 
schools of Macomb. Afterward he entered the University of Illinois, from 
which institution he was graduated in 1908, shortly afterward accepting 
the superintendency of the city public schools of Champaign. 

In many ways Mr. Earnest has proved his superior qualifications, not 
the least of these being his record for constructive service, he being in the 
lead in all hopeful and vitally important movements in relation to the 
efficiency of the schools. He is not only a man educationally trained but 
one of broad mind, social understanding and civic responsibility. He is 
popular with the teachers under his management and enjoys the confidence 
of parents and pupils. In his political affiliation Mr. Earnest has always 
been a Republican but practically takes little part in advancing the inter- 
ests of any office seeker. Fraternally, he is a Mason and a member of 
the Presbyterian Church. In meeting Mr. Earnest the visitor receives 
an impression of strong individuality, conscientious acceptance of respon- 
sibility and unusual modesty as to his achievements. 

EDWIN S. SWIGAKT, a former mayor of the city of Champaign, is a 
thorough business man, and his reputation as a successful manager of large 
and important interests was one of the chief reasons why the people of 
Champaign desired him as their mayor. 



530 HISTORY OF CHAMPAIGN COUNTY 

A native of Illinois, he was born near Farmer City in DeWitt County, 
December 11, 1861. His parents, Jacob and Eebecca (Davis) Swigart, 
were both born in Ohio. Jacob Swigart, who was born in 1827 and died in 
1907, removed to DeWitt County, Illinois, in 1847. Rebecca Davis was 
taken to DeWitt County in 1837, when a small child, and she is still living, 
being now one of the oldest settlers of that county. Jacob Swigart followed 
farming during his active career, and became well known in politics and 
business affairs. In 1868 he was elected a member of the State Legislature. 

In a family of nine children, Edwin S. Swigart was the sixth in order 
of birth. His early advantages were those of the common schools of DeWitt 
County and for three years he was a student in Lombard College at Gales- 
burg. He had considerable experience as a farmer, and after his marriage 
in 1885 he remained on the home place for a year. 

Mr. Swigart was one of the organizers of the Creamery Package Com- 
pany, then located at Morrison, Illinois, and for a time he gave this business 
his entire time and energies. The company has since grown to very large 
proportions, and now has its main offices in Chicago. For six years Mr. 
Swigart was associated with his father in the management of a private bank 
at De Land, Piatt County. In May, 1896, with J. W. Armstrong and J. W. 
Orr, Mr.' Swigart bought an interest in the Citizens Bank of Champaign. 
This is now the Citizens State Bank. He was actively associated as one 
of the bank's managers for three years. Mr. Swigart now has numerous 
business interests, especially in farm lands, and owns some of the best and 
most profitable acreage in Champaign and Piatt counties. 

In 1900 he was supervisor of the census in this congressional district. 
He was first elected to the office of mayor of Champaign in 1903, and his 
creditable work in that office was fresh in the minds of the people when in 
1915 he was again chosen to the same position. He served until May 1, 
1917, when the commission form of government was adopted by the city. 

On September 3, 1885, Mr. Swigart married Miss Nellie Lapham, a 
native of Whiteside County, Illinois. They are the parents of two children : 
Alta C., wife of D. T. Hoskins, Jr., of Lincoln, Nebraska; and Faith, still 
at home. Mr. Swigart is a Republican in politics and is affiliated with the 
Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. 

Louis ARTHUR BUSCH. The legal profession of Champaign County 
and the civic government of Urbana have a worthy representative in the 
person of Louis Arthur Busch, state's attorney. A native of the city of 
TIrbana, he has passed his entire life here, and his career among its 
citizens is looked upon as particularly worthy, as he has trod the hard 
self-made road to success and has triumphed over a number of discourag- 
ing obstacles which have arisen in his path. A member of the legal 
brotherhood since 1908, he has made rapid advancement in his calling, 
and since 1912 has been the incumbent of the official position which he 
now occupies. 

Louis Arthur Busch was born June 4, 1886, at Urbana, Champaign 
County, Illinois, and is a son of Carl T. and Carolina S. (Hank) Busch. 
His father was born in Prussia, Germany, and was a child when brought 
to America in 1868, the family originally locating at Champaign, where 
ike was reared and received his education in the public schools. Upon 
his removal to Urbana, in young manhood, he embarked in the furniture 
business, and continued tp be identified with that enterprise during the 
remaining years of his life, his death occuring June 8, 1896. Mr. Busch 
was a Democrat in his political views, but not an active participant in 
politics. He religious faith was that of the Lutheran Church, in which 
his children were carefully reared. Mrs. Busch, who survives her husband 



HISTORY OF CHAMPAIGN COUNTY 531 

and resides at No. 411 West Main Street, Urbana, was born in Germany, 
July 3, 1861, and was brought to the United States by her parents in 
1868. She has been the mother of seven children, as follows: Carl C., 
William L., Mrs. Emma (Busch) Lange, Mrs. Minnie (Busch) Baker, 
Louis Arthur and Mrs. Bertha (Busch) Foesterling, and Henry, who died 
as an infant. 

After completing the curriculum of the graded schools and spending 
one year in high school, Louis Arthur Busch, then a lad of fifteen years, 
became identified with the furniture business, to which he had been given 
an introduction some years before in his father's store. He had lost his 
father by death when he was ten years of age, and he therefore had not 
enjoyed the privileges in an educational way which would have otherwise 
been his. However, he was desirous of obtaining a good education, having 
set his ambitions upon a professional career, and through his industry 
and continued effort managed, in 1905, to enter the University of Illinois, 
as a special student. For three years he took law and preparatory studies, 
and in 1908 duly completed his course and was graduated, whereupon he 
entered upon the practice of his profession at Champaign. Being earnest 
and industrious, he not only gained for himself a good clientele, but 
attracted to himself the attention of a number of representative men, who 
saw in him good official timber and eventually persuaded him to allow 
his name to be used as a candidate for the office of state's attorney. To 
this office he was duly elected December 2, 1912, and in the same position 
he has continued to serve to the present time. He has proven a most 
excellent official, his value to the community being enhanced by his com- 
prehensive knowledge of his calling, his conscientious performance of his 
responsibilities and the fearless manner in which he attacks the duties of 
his office. Among" his professional associates, Mr. Busch bears a good 
reputation as an adherent of the best ethics of the law, as a valuable 
fellow counsel and as a worthy opponent. 

On February 2, 1910, Mr. Busch was united in marriage in Shelby 
County, Illinois, with Miss Laura Wascher, who was born at Champaign, 
Illinois, August 5, 1886. Mr. and Mrs. Busch are the parents of two 
sons and one daughter, namely: Arthur, who was born November 1, 1912; 
Robert, born March 6, 1914; and Barbara, born December 24, 1915. Mr. 
and Mrs. Busch are members of the Lutheran Church, and Mr. Busch 
belongs to the church council and is active in its work. His political 
support is given to the candidates and policies of the Democratic party. 
During Governor Richard Yates' administration he was appointed law 
clerk of the House of Representatives for two terms. As a fraternalist 
he holds membership in the local lodges of the Masons, the Benevolent 
and Protective Order of Elks and the Knights of Pythias. 

G. W. HARTSOCK. The record of a true and upright Christian gentle- 
man, a man of more than ordinary business acumen fortified by years of 
industry, is that of G. W. Hartsock, who with his noble wife is now spending 
years of retirement at their home on Belle Avenue in the City of Rantoul. 

Mr. Hartsock was born in Greene County, Ohio, son of David and Sarah 
J. (Cornell) Hartsock, both natives of Ohio. His grandfather, Sylvanus 
Cornell, was a soldier of the War of 1812 under General Harrison, and for 
many years he drew a pension until his death. G. W. Hartsock had a district 
school education. He was one of the following family of sons and daugh- 
ters : Jessie L., Sylvanus, Ruth A., Elizabeth, Flora, Eli and G. W. Flora 
and Eli are both deceased. 

As a young man G. W. Hartsock, hoping to obtain better conditions in 
the region of cheaper lands, made a visit to his uncle at Clinton in DeWitt 



532 HISTORY OP CHAMPAIGN COUNTY 

County, Illinois. His investigations extended as far as Rantoul, where he 
was particularly impressed with the outlook, and he bought eighty acres of 
land at $13.50 an acre. Having made this purchase he went back to Ohio 
and then came on with a covered wagon and his only companion was "Dash," 
an English terrier dog. This dog was a most faithful animal and in a way 
was the foundation of Mr. Hartsock's fortune. Mr. Hartsock had a French 
neighbor who possessed a large store of grain, but much of it was being 
destroyed by the rats. He succeeded in persuading young Hartsock to 
exchange the English terrier for twenty bushels of rye, and thus the owner- 
ship of the dog changed hands and the rye was put to, good use by 
Mr. Hartsock. 

Soon after starting from his Ohio home Mr. Hartsock met the man who 
had made his wagon. This wagonmaker volunteered the information that 
within three months the youth would be back at home asking for bread and 
butter from his parents. To this the young pioneer rejoined: "Jake, sink 
or swim, survive or perish, I'll never do that. I'm going to stay." While 
a boy at home Mr. Hartsock was very much attached to his mother and had 
to bear considerable ridicule on that account. Some of his companions also 
called him "General," and said they wondered at his willingness to leave 
home, though they admired his pluck. 

On June 5, 1871, Mr. Hartsock laid the foundation of his own home by 
his marriage to Miss Emogene Soper. She was born in Lake County, Illinois, 
a daughter of Orange P. and Jerusha I. (Abell) Soper. Her grandfather, 
Remember E. Soper, was also a soldier of the War of 1812. After a very 
determined courtship Mr. Hartsock had won the consent of this young lady 
to become his wife and they started away from the vicinity of Gifford for 
Urbana, the county seat, to obtain a license and get married. After making 
the trip they learned that the only minister in town was away at the confer- 
ence. Finally, after hunting around some time, they discovered MT. 
McElroy, a minister of the Methodist Church, who solemnized their bonds. 

The young couple began housekeeping in the northwest quarter of sec- 
tion 26 of Harwood Township. They had hope and faith, unlimited indus- 
try, and the years have fully justified them in all their plans and ambitions. 
Their means enabled them to buy another eighty acres, then forty acres, 
and they finally bought six acres adjoining the town of Rantoul. Mr. Hart- 
sock's landed estate now comprises 240 acres of as fine land as can be found 
in the State of Illinois and worth $250 an acre. 

Seven children were born into their home, two of whom died in infancy. 

Sylvanus L. Hartsock, the first child, is now deceased. He married 
Anna Lapham of Indiana and she survived with two children, Charles 
Walter and Esther Ruth, 

Olive M., the oldest of those living, is now Mrs. Reynolds and the 
mother of the following children: Lula L., Hurley, Emogene, Volney, 
Gladys, George, Flossie, Teddy, Orange, Lucy May, Belzoria, Velma Doris, 
and Floy Myrul and Loy Bural, twins, but Loy Bural is deceased. Orange 
and Lucy May are both now deceased. Lula is married and has a child 
named Marvin, and Emogene is also married. Gladys is now Mrs. Leon 
Conley and Hurley E. is a soldier in the United States army in the First 
Cavalry, Troop D, and stationed with his troop at Fort D. A. Russell, 
Wyoming. 

The next child, Asa, died in infancy. David 0. lives in Pocahontas 
County, Iowa, and by his marriage to Tillie Gehrt of Peoria has two chil- 
dren, Raymond and Hazel. 

Sarah A. Hartsock is the wife of Isaac Funkhouser and has a son, 
Marion. 

Caroline E. is the wife of R. L. Carr, and they live on an eighty-acre 



HISTORY OF CHAMPAIGN COUNTY 533 

farm belonging to her father in Champaign County. Their children are 
two in number, Evelyn and Layton. 

Amos S. Hartsock, the youngest child, is a farmer in Pocahoixtas 
County, Iowa. He married Sadie Shaveland and has a bright little son 
named Harlan, now four years of age. 

Mr. G. W. Hartsock has been a sturdy supporter of the Republican party 
for fully half a century. His first presidential vote was given to Stephen A. 
Douglas. He has reared his sons to support the principles which he has 
believed right and just and to respect and honor all those things which 
are the essential elements of good citizenship and good character. Mr. 
Hartsock has been public spirited in all his community actions, has served 
as road commissioner and school director and his liberal prosperity has not 
been for himself alone, but for the benefit of the community in general. 
Since retiring from the farm he and his good wife have enjoyed the comforts 
of a pleasant home in Rantoul. 

Perhaps the most distinctive feature of their long and worthy lives has 
been their devotion to church and Christianity. Mrs. Hartsock was the 
first to join the Christian Church at Gifford, while Mr. Hartsock and their 
two children followed her into the church the next fall. At that time the 
people of the Christian denomination worshiped in a schoolhouse. Mr. 
Hartsock soon took the lead in circulating a petition for the building of a 
church at Gifford. This petition met with hearty response and in a few 
years they were able to dedicate a fine church and the little organization 
has been growing in all the years. Mr. Hartsock has served as an elder and 
trustee and has ordered his entire life to conform to the principles of true 
Christian manhood. After coming to Rantoul he encouraged the building 
of an addition to the local church, and gave $300 for that purpose. He 
has filled the office of elder and trustee in the Rantoul church and is now 
one of the elders. For many years Mr. Hartsock and wife have made it a 
rule to pay out one-tenth of their income for church purposes, and the 
payment of this tithe has constituted one of the most enduring satisfac- 
tions of their lives. Along with active work in the church Mr. Hartsock 
has given equally ardent advocacy of the cause of temperance, and he has 
never neglected an opportunity to work for the fulfillment of that cause. 
The record of such a man is above all value and estimate as an example 
and a source of good to Jiis community and particularly to his children 
and descendants. 

JAMES A. TALBOTT has not only achieved that success represented by 
large land holdings and rich and prosperous farms, but also the riches of 
friendship and community esteem. All this is well indicated by the title 
affectionately bestowed upon him and most people know him as "Uncle 
Jimmie" Talbott. Mr. Talbott and his family reside in Harwood Town- 
ship, in section 36, near Gifford, but his farm possessions spread over a 
large area and include 1,600 acres of choice Illinois soil. 

Mr. Talbott is a native of West Virginia, and was the fourth of eight 
children born to J. V. and Sarah (Parsons) Talbott. He is of English 
stock on both sides and the families have been in America for many genera- 
tions. Mr. James A. Talbott grew up in West Virginia and attended a 
school known as the Wise school, from the name of the land owner there. 
He was still young when his parents, in April, 1865, left West Virginia, 
soon after the surrender of Lee's army, and migrated to Illinois. They 
heard the news of Lincoln's assassination on arriving at Danville. J. V. 
Talbott bought ninety acres of land in Middle Fork Township in Vermilion 
County, paying $25 an acre. The family encountered many hardships and 
privations. J. V. Talbott had always suffered somewhat delicate health 



534 HISTORY OF CHAMPAIGN COUNTY 

and the change of climate not agreeing with him he died in 1866, after 
about a year of residence in Illinois. He was a man of fine character, 
and in the brief time spent in Illinois had acquired a large circle of 
friends. His widow afterwards visited relatives in California and was 
taken ill and died in that state. When James A. Talbott was thirty years 
of age he married Ruthie LeFever. Mrs. Talbott at her death left four 
young children, named Charles V., Lucy A., Frank W. and Earl P. These 
children were educated in the Corliss district schools of Champaign County. 
Mr. Corliss had leased the ground for the school for a period of twenty-five 
years, and after the lease expired the name was changed to the Talbott 
school, in honor of this Talbott family. 

For his second wife Mr. Talbott married Mrs. Eliza J. LeFever. She 
was born in Marion County, Ohio, seven miles from the city of Marion, 
daughter of Charles L. and Mary (Duckweiler) LeFever. Her father was 
a native of Germany and her mother of Pennsylvania. 

After his marriage Mr. Talbott began housekeeping on a farm of eighty 
acres, for which he paid $20 an acre. It was prairie land in the midst of 
sloughs and without improvements. He bought the land from J. C. Shel- 
don. Here he began the sturdy work of improvement, erecting a small 
house, planting trees, and in the course of time has developed one of the 
attractive farm homes which stands as a monument to his industry. 

Mrs. Talbott first married Isaac LeFever. They lived at Sugar Grove 
in Champaign County. By her first husband Mrs. Talbott has two chil- 
dren : Minnie A. and Ross W. LeFever. Minnie is the wife of Louis 
Schmitt, a farmer in Iowa, and their three children are named Florence, 
Ray and Loren. Ross LeFever is a farmer in Harwood Township and by 
his marriage to Effie George has a daughter, Beula May. 

Of Mr. Talbott's children by his first marriage Charles V. is a farmer 
in Vermilion County. He married Laura Smith and has two children, 
Asher and Hattie. Lucy A. is the wife of Emanuel Rowe, a Harwood 
Township farmer, and has a son, Orene. Frank W. Talbott also lives in 
Vermilion County and married Ollie Shellenbarger. Their children were 
Ethel, Grace, Walter, Ray, Carl, Roy and Ruth. Mrs. Ollie Talbott died 
at the birth of her daughter Ruth. Earl P. Talbott is a resident of 
Champaign County on a farm. He married Bertha Harper and has a 
daughter, Viola. 

Mr. and Mrs. Talbott give their active support to the Methodist Epis- 
copal Church at Gifford. In politics he is a stanch Democrat and believes 
that President Wilson is the man of the hour and entitled to the full con- 
fidence and support of a united country. Mr. Talbott served fourteen 
years as school director, two years as road commissioner, and at one time 
was elected justice of the peace, but on account of his business duties was 
obliged to decline the honor. 

Mr. and Mrs. Talbott have co-operated in their efforts to rear their 
children to useful lives and instill in them the principles of loyal American 
citizenship. They have a most hospitable home and are well known 
throughout the county. One of Mr. Talbott's close friends was the late 
Judge Cunningham, who, he says, was one of the finest judges and citizens 
Champaign County ever had. 

Mr. Talbott's success as a farmer needs no special demonstration. He 
has shown consummate ability in getting the most out of the soil without 
destroying its fertility and has built up a large estate of 1,600 acres.- In 
1872 he located a half section of land near Wichita, Kansas, and he has 
traveled widely over the different states and is thoroughly acquainted with 
agricultural conditions elsewhere as well as in Champaign County. 

Mr. and Mrs. Talbott may now be found enjoying the comforts of a 



HISTORY OF CHAMPAIGN COUNTY 535 

fine home a mile and a half north of Gifford. They look back upon days 
well and profitably spent. Mrs. Talbott was for nine years a widow after 
the death of her first husband and after her marriage to Mr. Talbott she 
took care of his orphan children, kept them in school, and her own chil- 
dren and her husband's grew up in congenial companionship. Mrs. Talbott 
was a close friend of Mr. Talbott's first wife and she and Mr. LeFever 
stood up with the couple when they married. 

HEBEE JUDSON MOREHOUSE. In acknowledging the valuable services of 
Mr. Morehouse as a member of the advisory board of editors in this pub- 
lication, the publishers are but doing justice in presenting an appropriate 
sketch of his career. Mr. Morehouse has been a resident of Champaign 
County for over forty years, has always taken a keen interest in the county's 
affairs and can speak with authority on the many varied developments of 
his time, especially in and around Mahomet. 

Mr. Morehouse was born in Ionia County, Michigan, May 18, 1856, a 
son of Albert F. and Sarah C. (Freeman) Morehouse. He was next to the 
youngest in a family of nine children, five sons and four daughters, five of 
whom are still living. He is the only member of the family in Champaign 
County. 

His father was born in Newark, New Jersey, in 1818 and died in 1901. 
He had limited education and as a youth was apprenticed to learn the trade 
of carpenter and joiner. He became an expert carpenter and he also pos- 
sessed that judgment and energy which ^made for a successful business 
career. He married at Troy, New York, and afterwards moved west to 
Portland, Michigan, where he did a large business as carpenter and con- 
tractor. Many houses in that section of the state still stand to testify to 
his skill and ability. He acquired considerable farm and town property 
and was also a popular citizen. For forty years he filled the office of 
justice of the peace and at the time of his death he was secretary of his 
Masonic lodge and had filled that office for many years. He was also chair- 
man of the Michigan State Historical Society, and his son Heber now has 
the gavel presented his father by the society. He was one of the leading 
members of the Baptist Church and a deacon. His death occurred in 
Portland, Michigan, and he and his wife both rest in the local cemetery 
there. His wife was a native of New York, but finished her education in 
the Female Academy at Bennington, Vermont. She was born in 1818 and 
died in 1900. 

Heber J. Morehouse spent his early youth in Ionia County, Michigan, 
and while there had the advantages of the common and high schools of 
Portland. It was in 1875 that he came to Champaign County and took up 
the vocation of agriculture. For sixteen years he was one of the successful 
teachers of the county. 

On October 17, 1876, he married Miss Laura E- Abbott. They are the 
parents of five children, one son and four daughters, all living. Myrta E., 
the oldest, was educated in the Mahomet High School and for six years 
was a teacher in the country and city schools of that county. She is now 
the wife of Charles W. Dale, editor of the St. Joseph Record in Champaign 
County. Their three children are Ralph E., Virginia and Kent. Both are 
members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Sylva W., the second child, 
is a graduate of the Mahomet High School and is the wife of Frank 0. 
Benson, cashier of the lola State Bank at lola, Kansas. Their children 
are named Jesse C., Laura E. and Frank M. Nelle R., who graduated 
from the Mahomet High School and from Brown's Business College at 
Champaign, was an able assistant to her father in his business for some 
years, but is now the wife of E. W. Morrison, a farmer in Mahomet Town- 



536 HISTORY OF CHAMPAIGN COUNTY 

ship. They have a youthful son, Heber J. The only son of Mr. Morehouse 
is Chester A., fourth in order of birth. Further reference to his career is 
made in the following paragraphs. Mary, the youngest child and 
daughter, pursued her studies in the Mahomet High School and is the 
wife of Clark I. Pfiester, a farmer at Mahomet. Their two children are 
Paul M. and Charles W. Mrs. Pfiester is a member of the Baptist 
Church. 

Chester A. Morehouse has for some years been actively associated with 
his father in business. He received a good educational training in the 
local high school and is also a graduate of Brown's Business College. He 
is a young man of more than ordinary business ability and also takes an 
active part in the affairs of his home town. He is superintendent of the 
Baptist Sunday school and an active member of that church, and is also 
scout master of the local organization of Boy Scouts, numbering about 
thirty. In July, 1916, he took the military training at the Plattsburg 
camp at Lake Champlain, New York, and on November 16, 1916, he stood 
a successful examination at Chicago for a commission in the Reserve Corps. 
He was the seventieth man commissioned in the Central Department and 
now enjoys the rank and title of captain in the Quartermaster's Corps of 
the United States Army. Fraternally he is affiliated with Mahomet Lodge 
No. 529, I. 0. O..F., Camp No. 2247, Modern Woodmen of America, which 
he is serving as consul, and is a member of Sioux Tribe No. 313 of the 
Improved Order of Red Men at Urbana. He is a Republican, and cast 
his first vote for William H. Taft. He married a popular Urbana girl, 
Miss Roma Renner, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W. S. Renner of Urbana. 
Mrs. Morehouse was born in Champaign and is a liberally educated and 
cultured young woman. She graduated from the Thornburn High School 
with the class of 1906, and afterwards specialized in vocal and instrumental 
music, studying a year under Professor Beresford in Chicago. She is one 
of the most finished contralto singers in Champaign County. 

Mrs. H. J. Morehouse was born in Champaign County, October 2, 1858, 
a daughter of Stephen C. and Mary E. (Rea) Abbott. She was reared 
and educated in this county and had a high school training. Mrs. More- 
house is an active member of the Baptist Church and was formerly director 
of its choir. 

In 1892 Mr. Morehouse engaged for a short time in the manufacture 
of tile and brick, but from that entered the real estate, loan and insurance 
business, and for years his office at Mahomet has been the medium for 
many large transactions in those lines. For twenty years he has held a 
commission as notary public. Mr. and Mrs. Morehouse own about 300 
acres of rich land in Champaign County and also have their comfortable 
home and other properties in Mahomet. When Mr. Morehouse came to 
Mahomet forty-two years ago his cash capital was very limited, but by 
strict economy and good business management, and with the aid of his 
capable wife, he has been blessed with a goodly competence. In 1898 he 
engaged in the undertaking business, buying the interests of J. C. Pittman 
at Mahomet. In the same year he was given a diploma in a school of 
embalming and he and his son Chester have since conducted the leading 
business of this kind at Mahomet. 

In politics Mr. Morehouse is a stanch Republican and for years has 
filled official places in the town and village. He is a member and clerk of 
the local camp of Modern Woodmen of America and is a member and 
director of the Court of Honor at Mahomet. He has always been one of 
the leaders of the Baptist Church, has served as deacon and treasurer, and 
takes especial pride in the fact that he has had one class in the Sunday 
school for thirty-six consecutive years. 



HISTORY OF CHAMPAIGN COUNTY 537 

A. P. JOHNSON. Among the learned professions there are, probably, 
none that demand so much tact, judgment, patience, natural executive 
ability and specialized knowledge as that of the educator. The individual 
who enters into this field, selecting it as his chosen life work and calling, 
must be prepared to make many sacrifices, to endure numerous disap- 
pointments, to often spend himself for others without apparent return of 
gratitude, and to give the best years of his life often without the emolu- 
ments that equal efforts would in all probability bring in any other pro- 
fession. It is a vocation for which there are no weights and measures. 
The material with which it deals is the youth of our land upon which im- 
pressions are often eternal and which affords the man who would serve the 
race an opportunity than which there are none greater. Of the men of 
Champaign County who have dedicated their lives to this work, one of the 
best known is A. P. Johnson, superintendent of the public schools of the 
city of Urbana. 

Born December 16, 1863, in Sussex County, Delaware, A. P. Johnson, 
is a son of Benjamin and Sarah (Smith) Johnson. On both sides of the 
family he is descended from English ancestors, and his ancestors lived 
for many years in Delaware, where both his parents were born. Benja- 
min Johnson was a fanner by vocation and in 1873, feeling that the fer- 
tile fields of Illinois would yield him a fortune, he came to this state and 
settled on a farm in Mahomet Township, Champaign County, where the 
remainder of his life was passed in the tilling of the soil and the raising 
of crops and cattle. He was a good farmer and expert judge of cattle, 
an honorable man of business and public-spirited citizen, and a man who 
had the confidence and respect of his fellows. His death occurred in 1907. 
In his political affiliation he was a Republican, and he and Mrs. Johnson, 
who died in 1880, were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. 
There were six children in the family, namely: Charles, who is engaged 
in farming in Michigan; Mary, Stewart and Eliza, who are all deceased; 
A. P., of this notice; and Willard, who is a railroad locomotive engineer 
and makes his home at Decatur, Illinois. 

A. P. Johnson was ten years of age when brought to Illinois by his 
parents, and here his education was commenced in the public schools. 
When he was seventeen years of age he began to do a man's work in the 
fields, at a monthly wage, although he continued his studies during the 
winter terms, and when he was nineteen years of age had so far progressed 
that he entered upon his career as an educator. While he was engaged in 
teaching in the country schools of Champaign County, during the winter 
months, when he could spare the time, and during vacations, he furthered 
his own education by attendance at the Illinois State Normal University, 
the Indiana Normal School, the University of Illinois and the University 
of Chicago, although at no time did he give up his teaching. Thus he 
was enabled to pay his own way through for a comprehensive education, 
while at the same time he was enlightening the minds of the youths of his 
community. In 1900 Mr. Johnson .was made superintendent of the 
schools of Gibson City, a position which he retained for six years, and in 
1906 was called to Urbana to act in the same capacity. He has retained 
this position ever since, a matter now of eleven years, and from the start 
has sought to better conditions in every way and advance the educational 
standard. A thorough student of the science of education, and possessed 
of a natural instinct for child psychology, Mr. Johnson has made his 
schools a living, growing organism responsive to the best in both the 
teacher and the pupil. Mr. Johnson is a Republican, but not a poli- 
tician. He is a Knight Templar Mason, a member of the Knights of 
Pythias, and an attendant of the Methodist Episcopal Church, which he 
joined in his youth. 



538 HISTORY OF CHAMPAIGN COUNTY 

Mr. Johnson was married August 20, 1890, to Miss Effie J. Obenchain, 
of Compromise Township, Champaign County, and to this union there 
has been born one daughter, Mary Pern, a graduate of the University of 
Illinois, class of 1916, in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, and 
a graduate of the School of Music, University of Illinois, class of 1917. 
The Obenchain family has resided in Champaign County since 1854, 
when Edward S. Obenchain brought his wife overland in a wagon from 
Indiana. Here they passed their entire lives, Mrs. Johnson's father 
dying February 17, 1914, and her mother following him to the grave 
March 15 of the same year. For a number of years they lived in Com- 
promise Township, where Mr. Obenchain was a successful farmer, but in 
later years went to Penfield, where he was in the grain business. In his 
declining years he returned to Urbana, and here passed away. During his 
day he was one of the prominent men of his locality, and served for some 
years in the capacity of supervisor of Compromise Township. 

LEWIS D. OLIVER. Bankers and financiers have been happily compared 
to pendulums of commerce and progress, and it is very true that they furnish 
the stability and the steadiness chiefly required for the business world. 
Every financial institution acquires estimation and influence in its com- 
munity largely through the character and reputation of the men whose 
names are most intimately associated with the undertaking. 

One of Champaign County's most prosperous banks is the First State 
Bank of Fisher and the success and prosperity of that institution are in no 
small degree a reflection of the personal integrity and business standing 
of its vice president, Lewis D. Oliver. Mr. Oliver has been identified with 
Champaign County many years, and his activities have been of such char- 
acter as to merit the confidence reposed in him by a large community. 

He was born in McLean County, Illinois, January 20, 1857. He is 
the fifth in a family of seven children, five sons and two daughters, born 
to Jackson and Clarissa (Courtright) Oliver. Four of these children are 
still living. Henry is a retired agriculturist living at Hennessey, Okla- 
homa, is a Democrat in politics and is married. Leroy P. is a resident 
of Morristown, Indiana. John W. is an agriculturist, live stock breeder 
and dealer living at Ottawa, Kansas. 

Jackson Oliver was born in Ohio in 1817, grew up in that state, was 
educated in the common schools, and took up and successfully pursued for 
many years the vocation of agriculturist. He died in 1900. Politically 
he was a Democrat. It was in 1854 that he removed to McLean County, 
Illinois, and bought land which was the basis of his farming activities for 
many years. His religious home was the First Presbyterian Church. His 
wife was born in Ross County, Ohio, grew up in that state, and also was 
a Presbyterian. Her death occurred in 1896 and both she and her hus- 
band are buried at Leroy in McLean County, where a beautiful monument 
stands sacred to their memory. 

Lewis D. Oliver had a common school education. He began his active 
career in the environment where his youth was passed, and acquired a very 
thorough knowledge of farming and stock raising in McLean County. In 
1891 Mr. Oliver removed to Fisher in Champaign County, and from this 
locality he continued his interests and activities in the live stock industry 
for fifteen years. Mr. Oliver has sent many carloads of fat stock out 
of eastern Illinois and did much of his shipping direct to Boston, Massa- 
chusetts, through various Chicago commission houses, including Clark, 
Bowles & Company, the National Company and Rice Brothers. In live 
stock circles Mr. Oliver came to be rated as one of the most successful in 
Champaign County. 




THE FOUNDER OF THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK, CHAMPAIGN, TOGETHER WITH. PORTRAITS OF His SON, 
HENRY HICKMAN HARRIS, AND GRANDSONS, B. F. AND N". M. HARRIS 



HISTORY OP CHAMPAIGN COUNTY 539 

He has been active in banking at Fisher since 1906, when he became 
cashier of the Farmers Exchange Bank. The president of that institu- 
tion was George W. Busey. Mr. Oliver continued as cashier until the 
incorporation of the First State Bank on April 23, 1913, when he assumed 
the post of vice president. He now gives much of his time to the manage- 
ment of the bank's affairs. His business interests also include extensive 
land holdings in Shelby and Vermilion counties, where he owns a total of 
680 acres. His home at Fisher is one of modern style and architecture 
and possesses every convenience. Mr. Oliver is also interested in the 
Farmers Grain Company's elevator at Fisher. 

In September, 1883, he married Miss Mary Phillips. Two children, 
both sons, have been born to their union. Walter was educated in the 
Fisher public schools and is now cashier of the First State Bank. While 
cashier he also took a business course at Brown's Business College at Bloom- 
ington, Illinois, and has thoroughly fitted himself for his duties as a 
banker. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Fisher. 
Edgar P., the other son, still at home, was educated in the common schools, 
and is assistant cashier of the First State Bank of Fisher. He is also a 
member of the Methodist Church. 

Mrs. Oliver was born in McLean County, Illinois, in 1863, a daughter 
of D. F. and Margaret Phillips. She was educated in the common schools. 
She takes a very active part in the Methodist Episcopal Church, is a 
member of the Ladies' Aid Society and the Foreign Missionary Society. 

Politically Mr. Oliver is a man of his own mind and listens to the 
dictates of his own judgment when it comes to casting his ballot. He is 
affiliated with Castle Hall Lodge No. 305 of the Knights of Pythias at 
Fisher, and is the present chancellor commander. Mr. Oliver is a trustee 
of the Methodist Episcopal Church and was a member of the building 
committee when the beautiful church edifice was erected in 1912, at a cost 
of $10,000. This is one of the modern churches of Champaign County and 
would be a credit to any locality. 

BENJAMIN FRANKLIN HARRIS. Love of land, of peace and industry, 
cardinal virtues in the lives of men and nations, were ever present influ- 
ences in the long life of the late B. F. Harris of Champaign County. To 
say that he left "a good name" as a legacy to his family, is to state only part 
of the truth. It was a strong name, one that is ^ital today, and the mem- 
ory of it has an inspiration to all those who ha.ve the resolution and the 
will to labor in order to secure worthy places in their respective spheres. 

Without disparaging the remarkable material achievements associated 
with the name in Champaign County, there is need to emphasize the won- 
derful virility of the family stock and its permanence. America, and this 
is particularly true of the Middle West, can show comparatively few fami- 
lies who can take root and grow and flourish generation after generation in 
one spot. In fact mobility in population has been exalted in some quarters 
almost to a virtue. Of the Harris family five generations have lived in 
Champaign County, beginning with the father of B. F. Harris, Sr., and 
coming down to his great-grandchildren. More important still, each 
generation has amplified and expanded the interests of the preceding. The 
word virility is as applicable to the family today as it was when Champaign 
County was on the frontier. 

In 1916 there was held a simple ceremony at the University of Illinois, 
which attracted wide newspaper publicity even at a time when politics and 
a world war were the absorbing topics of conversation.. This was the 
hanging of the portrait and the name of B. F. Harris in the University 
Hall of Fame. It was a signal and worthy honor paid to this greatest of 



540 HISTORY OP CHAMPAIGN COUNTY 

Illinois farmers and stockmen. During this ceremony an address was read 
by Mr. B. F. Harris, the grandson, which contains as fully as any brief 
article could, the experiences and achievements of this Champaign County 
pioneer. In the preface to his address the grandson said : "No intimate 
acquaintance of his active years is either living or physically able to speak 
of him here wherefore I trust you will not feel that there is a lack of 
modesty in a grandson attempting a brief sketch and those personal allu- 
sions that must go into the permanent record." From this address it is 
possible to compile a brief biography and a more or less imperfect estimate 
of the real character of the man. While his life contained some events of 
the dramatic quality, it was continuously and exceedingly rich in those 
elements of manhood which constitute noblemen in all ages. 

Benjamin Franklin Harris was born December 15, 1811, on a farm in 
the Shenandoah Valley near Winchester and Harper's Ferry, Frederick 
County, Virginia. At the age of fifty-three he had retired from an ex- 
tremely active business life, but was keenly interested in business and public 
affairs for forty-two years more and was still strong in mental and 
physical vigor when he passed to the Great Beyond in his ninety-fourth 
year on May 7, 1905. 

He was the second of ten children of William Hickman and Elizabeth 
(Payne) Harris. His mother was an own cousin of Dolly (Payne) 
Madison. 

The family was of Scotch English extraction and Quakers and in this 
country became fighting Quakers, then Methodists. His great-grandfather 
William Harris with two brothers from England settled on the eastern. 
shore of Maryland in 1726. His grandfather Benjamin Harris died and 
his will is recorded at Winchester, Virginia. 

B. F. Harris grew to manhood on his father's Virginia farm, attending 
the country schools until sixteen years of age. At that time President 
Jackson's attitude towards the United States banks so seriously affected 
values that wheat declined from a dollar and a half to fifty cents and 
Virginia farm lands to less than one-third its former price. These de- 
clines so affected the father's obligations that he and his brothers each with 
a six horse team went into the "wagoning" or freighting business and for 
three years "wagoned" freight over that section and out through Pennsyl- 
vania and as far west as Zanesville, Ohio. This work they did in order to 
recoup their father's losses. On March 20, 1833, the Virginia farm was 
sold at forty per cent of its original cost. In a one-horse gig and a two- 
horse carry all the Harris family set out for Ohio, arriving at Springfield, 
April 8th and nearby purchased and settled upon their new farm. 

Within the same year B. F. Harris commenced business for himself, 
buying and driving cattle overland to Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and there 
disposing of them to cattle feeders. 

In 1834 more than seventy years before his death, B. F. Harris started 
for Illinois by way of Danville, then through the present site of Sidney 
and Urbana (where was but one cabin) and on to what is now Monticello 
in Piatt County. During the ensuing year he began to accumulate farm- 
ing lands in Piatt and Champaign counties and to buy cattle through all 
this section and as far south and west as Mount Vernon, Vandalia and 
Springfield. For several seasons he bought for feeding purposes all the 
corn for sale in Macon, Sangamon and Champaign counties. Each year 
for nine years he drove these cattle overland by way of Muncie, .Indiana, 
and Springfield and Columbus, Ohio, into Pennsylvania and then to New 
York and Boston, where they were sold. Subsequently St. Louis and 
Chicago furnished a market, requiring a thirty day trip, and still later the 
railroads broadened the outlet. 



HISTORY OF CHAMPAIGN COUNTY 541 

When B. F. Harris came to this section of Illinois no stream was 
bridged, and only eleven families were on the Sangamon from its source 
to the limits of Piatt County. Fifteen years later not a half doaen men 
had erected their cabins a mile from the timber limits the deer and 
Indians were still at home there. It was the frontier, with all freight by 
river or team. In 1840 B. F. Harris visited Chicago, a town of two thou- 
sand people, on stilts in a swamp. Nineteen days were required for the 
round trip and the corn and wheat he teamed there sold for twenty and 
thirty cents a bushel respectively. Fifteen years after he came, not 
twenty-five per cent of the land in this county had passd from government 
ownership and the first railroad came twenty years later. The first public 
religious services in the western section of this county were held in his 
cabin. Promptly he had hewed and built the first church, 22x24 feet, 
and later converted into a permanent school. When it was necessary he 
built the larger church, Bethel, dedicated by his brother-in-law, General 
Granville Moody. For many years his home was the shelter of all 
itinerant preachers through this section. He writes that "the church 
business was looked after as well as any other business; I never lost any- 
thing by looking after the church and school." 

In those years it was customary to furnish farm laborers with whiskey 
daily, but he always refused to do this and instead added twelve and a 
half cents to each man's daily pay. 

B. F. Harris brought the first sawmill, mower, reaper, carriage, organ, 
brick, cook stove, to Champaign County. He never sought public office 
nor did he fill such office except in pioneer days as justice of the peace and 
supervisor, and as such helped hew the first courthouse. As justice of the 
peace he performed the few early marriages, dispensing simple justice on 
the one hand and calomel on the other. He came in the day of ox teams 
and lived to ride over his farm with his son, grandsons and great-grand- 
sons in an automobile. He voted for nineteen presidential candidates, 
beginning with Henry Clay. 

For nearly three quarters of a century he bought, fed and sold five 
hundred to two thousand head of cattle annually. He established the 
First National Bank in Champaign in 1865, but of that institution and 
his connection therewith a separate article must tell. B. F. Harris was 
one of the chief movers in the plans to raise Union troops in Champaign 
County, to locate railroads, to oppose bond repudiation, and to induce the 
location of the great State University. 

Personally he was a sociable man, fond of his friends and companions, 
and was full of anecdote and reminiscence, growing out of a remarkable 
experience. Peter Cartwright, Abraham Lincoln, David Davis, 
Isaac Funk, John Gillet and many other well known men were his friends 
and guests. He and Lincoln were long time friends and at the outset of 
the war he went on to Washington to encourage him in his stand. He was 
the guest of the President and at Lincoln's request attended a cabinet 
meeting and discussed the war situation with them. 

For all these things the true import of his career and its lesson was 
that life may be what we have the courage to make it that the "will to 
labor" with true zeal will bring results, and that the chiefest of 
these results are "the character" and "simplicities." Distinguished as he 
was in Champaign County, Illinois, and the nation, B. F. Harris acquired 
the true distinction of breadth, nobility and simplicity of character. 

As a livestock man B. F. Harris was preeminent. The Pittsburg Live- 
stock Journal speaking of his death referred to him as the "grand old man 
of the livestock trade the oldest and most successful cattle feeder in the 
world." This praise was well deserved. The New York Tribune in 
22 



542 HISTORY OP CHAMPAIGN COUNTY 

October, 1853, referred to his prize winning drove of cattle averaging 1,965 
pounds, displayed at the New York World's Fair, then in session. His 
most famous herd consisted of a hundred cattle, the finest and heaviest 
hundred cattle ever raised and fattened in one lot by one man. These were 
weighed on his farm by Doctor Johns the president of the State Board of 
Agriculture on May 23, 1856, and the average weight of a hundred was 
2,378 pounds. Hundreds of visitors came from neighboring states to see 
these cattle. In the following February he sent twelve of these cattle to 
Chicago and the bunch averaged 2,786 pounds. A firm of Chicago butchers 
paraded these stock about Chicago's downtown streets. These were his 
conspicuous early achievements, but every few years he took cattle prizes 
or topped the market, and less than a year before his death his cattle re- 
ceived the highest prices for the season in the Chicago market. 

Writing editorially in the Champaign Daily Gazette, May 8, 1905, 
J. R. Stewart said :" 

"The death of a man devoted almost wholly to the private affairs of 
life will seldom attract the attention of so wide a circle of people as will 
that of B. F. Harris of this city. The reason is first that he lived to a 
remarkable age and second that he was a remarkable man. His long life 
journey was begun in 1811. He had few of the aids on which young men 
now so much rely. He had to rely on himself, a resource which seems 
never to have failed him, and one in which he had unlimited personal con- 
fidence. Life for him in its early age was not an easy battle. Nature, 
however, had furnished him with an extraordinary physical and mental 
equipment. 

"Everything to which Mr. Harris put his hand flourished. His judg- 
ment was so trustworthy that he made few business mistakes. He applied 
himself to real things and eschewed what men now call speculation. He 
did business on a cash basis and was never in debt. Operating on these, 
his chosen lines, he was a rich man long before his race was run, and he 
enjoyed a period of ease and entire freedom from anxiety much longer than 
falls to the lot of most men who are accounted fortunate in the world. An 
equally remarkable and gratifying thing was the retention of his won- 
derful faculties to the end of his life. 

"Thus came to his last account a man of extraordinary qualities in 
whatever light we may view him. He knew this portion of the state from 
the period of its rude, frontier aspect and he had a large share in its devel- 
opment into what we can see today. Every man has a niche to fill. No 
man could fill his better than B. F. Harris did. Measured fairly, we may 
say that nature does not often produce such a man. It will be long before 
this region sees another in all respects his equal." 

Another tribute that deserves quotation was that of Andrew S. Draper, 
former president of the University of Illinois. 

"Everyone recognized the fact that he had sterling qualities of heroic 
mold. He did things in days and circumstances when the doing of 
things required stalwart men and when the doing also made men still 
more stalwart. In this way the fine physical frame and splendid moral 
character with which nature endowed him were developed and seasoned to 
an extent which made him a notable man in the Mississippi Valley. It was 
a small number of such men as he who laid the foundation of the history of 
the Middle West, that great region of our country which is the richest 
in the resources and the most prolific in productivity. It is doubtless 
within the fact to say that no man within a hundred miles of you if, in- ' 
deed, in the State of Illinois, has been so richly entitled to be permanently 
and gratefully remembered. I am sure that it will be so for the common 
feeling of the people will have it so." 



HISTORY OF CHAMPAIGN COUNTY 543 

The significance of his life as a farmer and its weighty contribution to 
the dignity of that calling, were happily expressed by the Breeders' 
Gazette as follows : 

"In literature, art, professional life, or politics a man with a record of 
achievement equal to that of the late Benjamin Franklin Harris would 
deservedly have numerous biographers. Many a man has been made the 
subject of bulky biography who might not measure up to him on any 
score. This is not because the most inviting and interesting personalities 
are found outside the farmer's calling, but largely because until recent 
years agriculture as a vocation had not been adequately appreciated by the 
public. It had not been sufficiently dignified to become the source of life 
histories. Other professions have furnished the candidates for the 
Plutarchs, and contributed the heroes and heroines famous in fiction. 
Farming has been drawn on principally for Philistines. Its great men, 
its geniuses, its Harrises have been overlooked by almost all writers worthy 
of putting their useful lives into books. 

"It is gratifying to all friends of agriculture that this vital and honor- 
able occupation at last has begun to take its rightful place in the list of 
man's employments. For the extremely gradual process which has wrought 
such a wholesome change in the popular estimate of farming, we are 
indebted to men of the Harris type farmers whose lives and work are a 
convincing reply to all the derogatory references ever made to agriculturists 
.and their business." 

And the grandson in his address chose to find in this the proper sig- 
nificance of the occasion. He said : "Out of the sentiment and spirit 
expressed by the Breeders' Gazette has come the Hall of Fame this desire 
on the part of the men of Illinois to put agriculture and the farmer in the 
high place that is theirs to make him and all our citizenship realize that 
the farm is the greatest place that God ever made on which to live honest, 
helpful, wholesome lives lives to be reckoned with, and without which 
we would not be here or elsewhere." 

Benjamin Franklin Harris was married June 17, 1841, to Elizabeth 
Sage, daughter of Colonel Harley Sage of Circleville, Ohio. He brought 
his bride to Champaign County and they located in their log cabin on the 
western limits of the county. On April 27, 1844, in this cabin their only 
child Henry Hickman Harris was born. Some years later B. F. Harris 
married Mary Heath of this county, the only living child of that marriage 
being Mrs. D. A. Phillippi of this city. 

HENRY HICKMAN HARRIS, who followed in his father's footsteps as a 
farmer and cattle feeder, and who, accepting the character and principles 
which his father had introduced into the First National Bank of Cham- 
paign at its founding, took it upon himself to apply these principles and 
broaden them for forty years, was born on the Sangamon Paver farm in 
Champaign County, where his father first settled. 

He was born on April 27, 1844, and lived seventy useful years, passing 
away July 15, 1914. 

Henry H. Harris was a stalwart citizen and under his skillful hands 
the fortune of his father had greatly increased and he had managed his 
varied interests and affairs, including the First National Bank in which he 
succeeded his father as president, in such a way as to justify his steward- 
ship, and all that came to him in the way of fortune and influence. His 
good judgment and wise administration carried the bank successfully 
through several financial panics. He was one of the organizing members 
of the Illinois Bankers Association and served as its president in 1908-09. 

He was for many years a member of the city council of Champaign 



544 HISTORY OF CHAMPAIGN COUNTY 

and to his aggressiveness and good judgment the city is indebted for many 
of its best improvements. He served for a number of years as president 
of the Champaign County Fair Association and established that organiza- 
tion on a sound financial basis, having taken it in a bankrupt condition. 

While he was a man of decided opinions and a patriot, he was of a 
rather retiring disposition, never accepting any political office and refused 
some possible opportunities to become a public servant. He was especially 
helpful to young men, recognizing business acumen and honesty, and 
encouraging it in a substantial way. 

Henry Hickman Harris married Melissa Megrue, who was born near 
Cincinnati, Ohio, April 19, 1846, and is still living at Champaign. To 
them were born two sons, B. F. and Newton Megrue Harris, respectively 
president and vice-president of the First National Bank and worthy sons 
of a worthy father. 

BENJAMIN FRANKLIN HARRIS, grandson of the late B. F. Harris and 
son of Henry Hickman Harris, was born on the old Harris farm in Cham- 
paign County, where his father was also a native, on September 30, 1868. 
He had of course liberal advantages during his youth and every incentive 
to make the best of his personal talents. Besides the common and high 
schools he attended the University of Illinois 1887 to 1889, and in 1892 
was graduated from the law department of Columbia University. The 
law was only part of his preparation for life, not a profession. He 
returned home to assist in the management of farm lands and business 
enterprises, and he has continued the work of his father and grandfather 
as livestock farmers and bankers. From 1892 to 1899 he owned and 
developed and consolidated all electric street railway, lighting, power and 
gas plants in the twin cities. He succeeded his father as president of 
the First National Bank of Champaign, and in 1911-12 he served as presi- 
dent of the Illinois Bankers Association and has identified himself actively 
with many of its most important committees. He has also served as 
chairman of the Agricultural Commission of the American Bankers As- 
sociation, and president of tihe Conference Committee on agricultural 
development and education of all state bankers associations. It was he 
who inaugurated the banker-farmer movement in 1908, and as the organizer 
of the Agricultural Commission of the American Bankers Association he 
held the post of chairman for five years. Mr. Harris also organized and 
edited the Banker-Farmer Magazine, which has a nationwide circulation. 

In addition to his part in this notable movement Mr. Harris has a 
further distinction which is likely as time goes by to become greater than 
any other. This is the distinction of being "the father of the county agent 
movement," which has rapidly spread all over the country until the county 
agent or agricultural adviser can be found in practically every progressive 
agricultural county in the country. While the need of systematic advice 
and cooperation between state and federal government and the individual 
farmer has been long recognized, it was Mr. Harris who definitely formu- 
lated the plan for such cooperation in the person of the county agent, and 
the great agricultural journals, including the Breeders' Gazette, the Prairie 
Farmer and others, have taken pains to emphasize Mr. Harris' leadership 
and the credit due him for inaugurating this movement. 

Mr. Harris has for many years been active in the propaganda in Illinois 
for securing the adequate supervision of private banks by .the state gov- 
ernment. He has written and spoken on banking and agricultural subjects 
and in that field he is without question one of the most competent author- 
ities in America today. He served three terms as president of the Cham- 
paign Chamber of Commerce. 



HISTORY OF CHAMPAIGN COUNTY 545 

Mr. Harris is a member of the Sons of the American Revolution, is a 
thirty-second degree Scottish Rite Mason, belongs to the University, the 
Union League and South Shore Country clubs of Chicago and is a member 
of the Methodist Church. He married December 5, 1895, Miss May Melish 
of Cincinnati, and to them were born Henry H. Harris, William Melish 
Harris, B. F. Harris, Jr., and Elizabeth Harris. He is vice-c'hairman of 
the Illinois State Council of Defense. 

NEWTON M. HARRIS, vice-president of the First National Bank of 
Champaign, was born in that city July 27, 1872, a son of the late Henry H. 
Harris and a grandson of B. F. Harris, Sr. He was liberally educated, 
being a graduate of Yale University with the class of 1895, and for fully 
a quarter of a century has been actively identified with the interests of 
the Harris family as farmers, stock raisers and bankers. During his 
father's life he shared the responsibilities of vice-president with his brother 
of the First National Bank, and still fills that post. 

Newton M. Harris married Mary Bruce Burnham, of the well known 
Burnham family of Champaign County elsewhere referred to. Mr. and 
Mrs. Harris are members of the Methodist and Presbyterian churches, 
respectively. Their three children are Bruce, Barbara B. and Mary Julia. 

Mr. Harris is a member of the Sons of American Revolution and is a 
thirty-second degree Mason and a Shriner. 

FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF CHAMPAIGN. In celebrating its semi-cen- 
tennial the First National Bank of Champaign issued a handsome booklet 
under the title "The Story of an Institution which is Fifty Years Old," 
written by Mr. Louis M. Tobin. This story with some condensation 
properly belongs in the History of Champaign County. The bank is 
entitled to it, and the public likewise. 

"It was founded by B. F. Harris. It has been carried on by his 
descendants upon his principles. It has become more than a bank it is 
an institution. That is what I would say if I had to write the story of 
the First National Bank of Champaign in a single, crisp paragraph. 

"The story of the First National is more than a mere chapter of 
material success. It is the reflection of the character of the men behind 
it. It is a personal story, because the bank was founded by B. F. Harris. 
A son and a grandson have followed him as its head. The third generation 
of his family owns it. It is the 'Harris' bank in fact. For fifty years it 
has reflected the principles and character of its founder." 

The historian of this bank must inquire: What have these fifty years 
meant to the community that has dealt with this bank? What has been 
the public spirit of this bank ? To answer these questions it is necessary 
to go back to the beginning, the Champaign of 1865, then hardly more 
than a frontier hamlet, with a population of fourteen hundred. B. F. 
Harris had decided to establish a bank. The decision in itself was not 
remarkable. Almost any one in that young community who desired could 
call himself a banker and open a bank. The importance of the decision 
was in the character of the man who made it, and in the kind of bank 
that he decided to establish. 

Banking in Champaign in 1865 was a precarious business for banker 
and depositor alike. Those were the days of "wildcat" currency, issued 
at the will of the banker, curtailed only by his credit at the printer's. The 
farmer ajid merchant encountered not only exorbitant interest rates but 
also faced constantly the prospect of bank failures. The legal interest 
rate was ten per cent, but real interest rates ranged from two to five per 
cent a month. Two banks in Champaign County had recently closed their 



546 HISTORY OP CHAMPAIGN COUNTY 

doors, and in 1862 another bank had opened at Champaign, but it was 
operated on much the same old lines and in a few years it shared the fate 
of its predecessors. 

"B. F. Harris was not satisfied. A man of large interests he wanted 
a bank where his own money would be safely administered. A man whose 
character had been marked by deeds for the general good, he wanted a bank 
where the money of the people would be free from hazard. He knew that 
there must be another kind of banking from the current system. Men 
living here today will tell you that above everything else this pioneer 
abhorred the general custom of exacting as large an interest fee as could 
be secured from the needy borrower. Had B. F. Harris done so, there 
would have been no criticism. It was an accepted custom. But when 
he loaned his own money, he accepted the legal rate of interest, nothing 
more. 

"A national banking act had been passed, creating national banks under 
laws and regulations practically unchanged today. While many of the 
moneyed men of the county regarded the regulations imposed by the 
Government as an unjust interference with their business, the law did 
appeal to B. F. Harris. It was the kind of bank he wanted for his own 
money and for the people's money. He called together the men of the 
community he considered most likely to be interested. A charter was 
secured from the United States on January 30, 1865. It was signed by 
a man who counted B. F. Harris as a friend 'A. Lincoln.' It was 
numbered 913. 

"The new bank was located on Main Street in a frame building on the 
site of the Kuhn Building. The big 'cannon' stove defied the cornbelt 
winter. Around it often grouped the men of Champaign. A small safe, 
innocent of combinations, was the most important accessory. That safe 
is still preserved at one end of the banking room of the First National 
Bank Building. 

"It was not the intention of B. F. Harris to be the active head of the 
new bank. His interest had been to see a safe institution established. He 
was content to have another Harry Thomas serve as president. But 
in a year he took over the presidency. Some of the stockholders irked 
under the restrictions of the National Banking Act, pointing out the larger 
profits being made by the private banks and disliking the unexpected 
appearance of the bank examiner. But B. F. Harris set his foot down 
flat. The bank was to keep on its sober path. It was to charge only the 
legal rate of interest. It was to earn only reasonable dividends to its 
stockholders. It was to go along slowly and surely. It was to serve the 
community not to speculate on its funds or exact a heavy profit from its 
necessities. That was to be the policy of the First National. The dis- 
gruntled stockholders parted company. B. F. Harris took over the presi- 
dency. Within three years there were three private banks competing with 
the First National. But as Judge J. 0. Cunningham's History of Cham- 
paign County states, the First National 'came to the front as the first 
financial institution of the county.' 

"By 1872 the bank was moving into a new building of its own on its 
present site. So well was the policy of honest profit and service paying. 
And Time, the great adjuster, soon demonstrated that the theory of the 
other banking school was wrong the three private banks ingloriously 
passed out of existence. 

"The Harris policy came to mean that a bank was to be conducted on 
a theory that it had a public service to perform. That the best personal 
service was based on 'safety first' even if that expression was yet to be 
invented. That it was well to put stress on the character, rather than the 
wealth of the prospective borrower. 



HISTORY OF CHAMPAIGN COUNTY 547 

"In 1873, at the great panic, when all other banks in this locality had 
to close their doors, the young Henry H. Harris had refused to close. He 
knew that a bank which wouldn't give you your money when you wanted 
it and needed it, wasn't doing its public duty. And Henry H. Harris, 
then much older, knew that in 1907 during that brief financial flurry 
when the 'clearing house certificate' was born. The First National stood 
like a rock, refusing to use the certificates or drafts, paying cash on demand, 
and loaning to its regular customers at its invariable rate of six per cent. 
Never has the First National failed to meet all obligations in cash on 
demand. That's a pretty big thing to say for fifty years. The First 
National can say it truthfully." 

In many ways the First National has exercised its influence as a trustee 
of the community welfare. About twenty years ago, when the University 
of Illinois was in dire financial straits owing to the peculations of the Uni- 
versity treasurer, Henry H. Harris sent a message to the trustees request- 
ing them to send their warrants to the First National and that they would 
be cashed freely without discount until the state government had come to 
the aid of the university. The only memento of this favor is in the form 
of a letter from the secretary of the Board of Trustees of the University 
expressing their gratitude for the assistance rendered by the bank to the 
school during its recent financial trouble. 

"The Harrises have always been practical farmers. The bank as a 
matter of course long ago recognized the importance to the community of 
good agriculture. It has always cooperated with the farmer. Its officers 
could talk intelligently with him about his problems whether of financing 
or fanning. They showed their faith in the future of county land long 
ago by acquiring many acres. Today the First National is naturally and 
logically the bank of the Champaign County farmer." 

It has also proved an institution in time of need to the farmer. This 
was well illustrated during the dry year of 1913 when the farmers found 
it difficult to secure money to carry on their business or make necessary 
improvements. B. F. Harris, then vice president, sent out a circular 
letter which contained the following message: "We have so managed our 
affairs that despite the drought we are loaning and will loan at the same 
six per cent rate we have loaned for years. There is no better borrower 
than a good farmer. We are glad to cooperate with him." Thus the 
Harrises have the right to call the First National the "six per cent bank." 
It has been the "six per cent bank" not only in fair weather but in bad. 

The building occupied by the bank in 1872 served its purpose until 
about 1900 when it was remodeled. Then followed further growth and 
development and in 1910 the bank's business had assumed such propor- 
tions that the building was torn down and was replaced by a magnificent 
five story structure, in type and character and architectural design unsur- 
passed in the state as a banking home. 

Henry H. Harris, strong son of a strong father, did not live to see 
t!he bank celebrate its golden anniversary. The third generation took the 
rein. Another B. F. Harris became president. His brother Newton M. 
Harris is vice president. Hazen S. Capron is the cashier, following the 
long service of the late G. A. Turell. 

There is an atmosphere of efficiency about this bank. The men who 
run it are men of big interests as has been said men of large measures 
of broad minds they are able to think big. They are more than bankers. 
The Harrises have made successes in other undertakings, for they have 
diversified interests. The knowledge gained by handling their own varied 
holdings has been profitable to customers of the bank who come for counsel. 

In concluding this sketch of the oldest organized and continuous bank- 



548 HISTORY OF CHAMPAIGN COUNTY 

ing business in Champaign County a brief table of statistics may be 
appended, not to fortify the statements made above but as an illustration 
of what results flow from character and integrity in banking as in every- 
thing else. This table is a statement of deposits at the ten year intervals 
from the day the bank opened for business. 

January 30, 1865 $ 7,359.65 

January 2, 1875 114,022.62 

January 2, 1885 248,437.37 

January 2, 1895 460,875.23 

January 2, 1905 831,399.54 

January 2, 1915 1,626,274.38 

CHARLES B. JOHNSON, M. D. Valuable work in his profession and an 
unusual variety of experience contribute to make the career of Dr. C. B. 
Johnson one of note in Champaign County, where he has lived for the 
past forty-six years. Doctor Johnson is a veteran Union soldier, is grandson 
of a Revolutionary soldier, and' during the half century since he came out 
of the Northern army he has been in the active practice of medicine and 
is still a competent member of his profession and one of Champaign 
County's most useful citizens. 

Doctor Johnson was born at Pocahontas in Bond County, Illinois, Octo- 
ber 8, 1843. His grandfather, Charles Johnson, was a native of North 
Carolina, and went with the troops of that state to battle against the Brit- 
ish armies and the Tories in the times of the struggle for independence. 
Doctor Johnson's father was James Johnson, an early settler in Illinois 
and a farmer. In 1849 he went out to California when that was the mecca 
of gold seekers and adventurers from all parts of the world, and he died 
soon after his arrival on the gold coast. James Johnson married Elizabeth 
Jane Volentine. 

Doctor Johnson spent his early life on a farm, attended the public 
schools, and early showed a tendency and desire for studious pursuits. 

On August 7, 1862, he enlisted in Company F of the One Hundred 
Thirtieth Illinois Infantry. He was with that regiment in all its cam- 
paigns, marches and battles for more than three years. He was finally 
mustered out in August, 1865, several months after the close of actual 
hostilities. - On coming out of the army in 1865, Doctor Johnson con- 
tinued the medical studies he had previously begun, and in 1868 he 
began practice at Chatham in Sangamon County, Illinois. In 1871 
he removed to Champaign County and soon afterward, 'in 1872, he 
completed the regular course of study in the Medical College of Ohio, now 
the medical department of the University of Cincinnati, from which he 
was graduated with the M. D. degree. 

For the past thirty-eight years Doctor Johnson has practiced with home 
and offices in the city of Champaign, and he has become widely recognized 
as one of the leading physicians of the county. For many years he served 
on the Champaign County Pension Board, and he !has recently accepted 
the appointment as medical member of one of the Champaign County 
exemption boards. He was a member of the Illinois State Board of Health 
for eight years, from 1897 to 1905, and for two years was president of the 
board. 

Perhaps the work to which he has been most devoted in recent years 
has been that of the Champaign County Anti-Tuberculosis Health League. 
He is now president of this League and is also a member and president of 
the Board of Directors which has in charge the construction of the Cham- 
paign County Tuberculosis Sanitarium. In politics Doctor Johnson has 
always been staunchly aligned with the Republican party. 



HISTORY OP CHAMPAIGN COUNTY 549 

Doctor Johnson married January 1, 1874, Maria L. Lewis, of Chatham, 
Illinois. Their children are: Lewis W., born April 15, 1875; Charles 
Sunderland, born May 12, 1877; James Edward, born Marc'h 10, 1879; 
Fred Volentine, born December 3, 1880; Alice Sarah, born February 26, 
1884; and George Thompson, born March 6, 1886. The children all grew 
up in the atmosphere of the university city and they are all graduates of 
the University of Illinois. 

Doctor Johnson has devoted considerable time to literary pursuits, and 
has just published a very commendable book entitled "Muskets and 
Mediums," which is receiving a flattering patronage, and promises to 
fulfill every expectation of its author. He is an active member of the 
State Historical Society and is much interested in local history. 

THOMAS M. LYMAN gave many consecutive years to the management 
of an Illinois farm, and through hard work and intelligent management 
obtained the financial competence which enabled him a few years ago to 
retire from business and enjoy the comforts of a good 'home in the city 
of 'Champaign. 

Mr. Lyman was born in Vermilion County, Illinois, February 6, 1866. 
His parents, Bernard and Mary (McLennan) Lyman, were both natives of 
Ireland. His father came to America as a young man about 1854, lived 
for a time near Eaton, Ohio, and subsequently removed to Vermilion 
County, Illinois. He farmed a few years near Eidge Farm and made his 
farm in Champaign County the scene of his productive labors for many 
years. He died in Champaign County in 1904 and his wife passed away 
in 1902. Their children were: Lucinda, wife of John Martin, living in 
Adams County, Nebraska ; John, a retired farmer in Champaign ; Mary 
Jane, who died in childhood; Bridget, who married John W. Early, both 
now deceased; Thomas M.; William, deceased; Catherine,' deceased wife of 
James B. Hagan; and Mary, wife of William McMahon, of Champaign. 

Thomas M. Lyman was born in Vermilion County but was reared and 
educated in Champaign County. The country schools supplied his early 
instruction. He lived in the wholesome atmosphere of a farm and that 
was the vocation he took up when 'he started to make his own way in the 
world. Mr. Lyman was a progressive farmer until April, 1914, when he 
retired and removing to Champaign bought a fine home in that city. 

He was married January 29, 1895, to Miss Ellen J. Curtin. Mrs. 
Lyman was born in the city of Chicago, daughter of Michael and Ellen 
(Clancy) Curtin. Both parents were natives of Ireland. Her father 
came to America before the Civil War, first locating in Massachusetts and 
afterwards going to Chicago, where he was connected with the Allerton 
Packing Company for many years. He died in November, 1894, and Mrs. 
Lyman's mother passed away in December, 1903. They were the parents 
of ten children : Jeremiah, Thomas, Patrick, William, all deceased, and 
the fifth child, a son died in infancy ; Ellen, wife of Mr. Lyman ; James, 
of Chicago; John, of Chicago; Mary, wife of William P. Ward, of Cham- 
paign County; and the tenth and youngest, a daughter, died in infancy. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Lyman were born nine children: Mary A., now a 
student in the University of Illinois ; Bernard A., a member of the fresh- 
man class of the State University ; Helen J., deceased ; Margaret, deceased ; 
Julia Laurentine, deceased; Thomas M., deceased; Monica Lucile; Thomas 
Mark; and Frances L. 

Politically Mr. Lyman has always been a democrat. For nine years 
he served as road commissioner and is now a member of the drainage 
commission and has served in that capacity for ten years. He is affiliated 
with the Knights of Columbus, the Ancient Order of Hibernians, the 



550 HISTORY OF CHAMPAIGN COUNTY 

Catholic Knights of America, and he and his family are devout members 
of Holy Cross Catholic Church. 

W. E. COLE is one of the former prominent business men of Champaign 
County now living retired. He and Mrs. Cole occupy a very attractive 
home on Belle Avenue in Eantoul. Mrs. Cole is a member of an old and 
prominent family of Champaign County, and is a sister of one of the 
foremost physicians and surgeons in the world, Dr. D. A. K. Steele, one of 
the founders of the University of Illinois medical department. Mrs. Cole 
and her brother both taught in the school at Rantoul and they are of a 
family of teachers, preachers and lawyers. 

A native of Canada, W. R. Cole was born at Adolphostown, a son of 
Conrad B. and Sarah Ann Cole. He was only an infant when his mother 
died. He grew up and received his early education at Nappanee, Canada, 
and at the age of twenty-six, in 1870, came from Kingston, Ontario, to 
Rantoul, Illinois, to visit his brother, L. B. Cole, who was at that time a 
coal, grain and lumber merchant. He assisted his brother in the business 
for several years. 

In 1872 Mr. Cole married Mary E. Lavinia Steele. She was born at 
Grandcote in Perry County, Illinois, daughter of Rev. Daniel and Mary 
Leatham Orr (Anderson) Steele. Her parents were natives of northern 
Ireland. Rev. Daniel Steele came to America in 1851, locating in Ohio, 
and in 1868 removing to Rantoul. He was a Presbyterian minister and 
for a number of years filled a pulpit in Rantoul. As the result of a run- 
away horse he sustained an injury which crippled him through his later 
years. He took up the drug business and employed Mr. W. R. Cole, and 
they were associated until his death on January 5, 1891. He was a man 
of exceptional character and ability and for many years was closely identi- 
fied with Rantoul. His fellow citizens showed their confidence in his 
judgment and integrity by electing him to a number of offices. Mrs. Cole's 
mother died February 13, 1899, at the advanced age of eighty-four years, 
two months and nineteen days. She was a noble character, and her many 
kindnesses endeared her to a large circle of friends. 

Mrs. Cole has only her one brother, above mentioned, Dr. Daniel Atkin- 
son King Steele, who was born in Delaware County, Ohio, March 29, 1852. 
He was graduated in medicine from the Chicago Medical College in 1873, 
and in 1906 was given the honorary degree LL. D. by the University of 
Illinois. He was one of the founders in 1882 and since 1894 has been 
president and professor of principles and practice of surgery and clinical 
surgery in the College of Physicians and Surgeons, the medical department 
of the Illinois University at Chicago. In 1907 he also became president 
of the University Hospital and for many years was professor of clinical 
surgery in the Post-Graduate Medical School. He is attending surgeon to 
various Chicago hospitals, was president of the Chicago Surgical Society 
in 1907, was president of the Chicago Medical Society in 1884-85, and by 
his skill as a surgeon and his researches in medicine his name is known 
world wide in the profession. He married Alice L. Tomlinson of Rantoul, 
September 7, 1876. She is a college trained woman and a cultured writer. 
Doctor and Mrs. Steele made a trip together around the world in 1912. 

After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Cole continued to reside in Rantoul. 
There were born into their home four children, named Mary Maude, Alice 
Bell, Lilly Lavinia and Daniel Thomas. Mary Maude graduated with 
honors and as valedictorian of her class from the Rantoul High School 
and then continued her studies in the University of Illinois, graduating 
as valedictorian of her class in that institution. As a result of her unusual 
ability she was given a scholarship and $400 to continue her studies and 
has attained the master's degree. She taught one year in the Rantoul High 



HISTORY OF CHAMPAIGN COUNTY 551 

School and had taught several terms before finishing her education. She is 
now the wife of George Harvey Scott, who was a member of the same class 
in the Eantoul High School and was also in her class at the University of 
Illinois. Mr. Scott is now professor of mathematics in a college at Yank- 
ton, South Dakota, and has filled that chair for the past sixteen years. Mr. 
and Mrs. Scott have five children: William Arthur, Franklin Daniel, 
Irving Cole, Mary Elizabeth and Clara Lavinia. Irving C. died in infancy. 
William A. was a member of the United States army while guarding the 
Mexican border, was promoted from corporal to sergeant, and is now in 
the detail of the United States army destined for early action in France.- 
Franklin D., the second son, has distinguished himself as a youthful orator 
and has won prizes in high school and college oratorical contests at Yankton, 
Vermillion, Brooking and Mitchell, South Dakota. 

Mr. and Mrs. Cole lost their second and third children. Alice Bell 
died at the age of thirteen months and Lilly Lavinia at the age of eleven 
years. The youngest child, Daniel T. Cole, entered the medical department 
of the University of Illinois at Chicago in 1900, and was graduated in 1905. 
He is now a successful physician practicing at Odell, Illinois. He was 
recently appointed, with the rank of first lieutenant, to the Medical Eeserve 
Corps of the United States army. He is now located with the Medical 
Eeserve Corps at a base hospital somewhere in France. Dr. Daniel Cole 
married Miss Ethel Martin of Eantoul, and they have a daughter, Mary 
Lois. 

For thirty years Mr. W. E. Cole was successfully engaged in the drug 
business at Eantoul. Then desiring a change and having acquired a finan- 
cial competence, he exchanged his business property for land in Saline * 
County, Illinois. Since then he and his wife have enjoyed the comforts of 
a good home at Eantoul. They are members and liberal supporters of the 
First Congregational Church and for a number of years he has been a 
deacon. In politics he is -a stanch Eepublican. 

Mrs. Cole is one of the cultured women of Champaign County. She 
and her husband have traveled a great deal and have seen much of the 
beauty and grandeur of American scenery. She has always been interested 
in literature, especially poetry and history. It has been a task spread over 
many years to neatly compile some scrap books of the choice bits of informa- 
tion and literature which she has come across in her reading and these 
books already find increasing value with the passing years. Mr. and Mrs. 
Cole have been closely identified with Champaign County and their lives 
have meant much to the welfare of the little city of Eantoul, where they 
now reside and can look back over many years of happy associations and of 
good work well done. 

JOSEPH FULTZ, now living retired at Eantoul, has had a career filled 
with labors and ministrations of kindness, and has done what good he could 
as he went through the world. The practical side of his career has been 
as a farmer, and for a number of years he served as a local minister of the 
Methodist Church, a work of inestimable value which cannot be measured by 
any ordinary human standards. 

Mr. Fultz was born in Washington County, Indiana, a son of Frederick 
and Mary Fultz, the former a native of Virginia and the latter of Indiana. 
Frederick Fultz was twice married, had eight children by his first wife and 
seven by the second. Joseph Fultz was the youngest of the first family. 
He was carefully reared, had a common school education and became a 
farmer even before he reached his majority. 

At the age of twenty-one Joseph Fultz married Mary Bottorff, daughter 
of James and Lydia Bottorff, both of whom were born near New Albany, 
Indiana. James Bottorff was of German parentage. After their marriage 



552 HISTORY OF CHAMPAIGN COUNTY 

Joseph and Mary Fultz began their wedded life on a farm in Washington 
County, Indiana, and farming was the work which Mr. Fultz pursued in 
order to provide the advantages and home life of his growing family. 

Eight children were born to them, Lewis B., Herman, Ernest, Elsie, 
Orval, Grover, Goldie and Vesta. All were students in the district schools 
of Indiana. Herman Fultz married Anna Oliver, located at Salem, Indiana, 
and had seven children, named Gertrude, Audrey, Ina, Helen, Ruby, Ever- 
ett and Fred. Lewis B. Fultz, who lives at Mount Pleasant, Michigan, 
married Viola Bennett, and their children are Chester, Glay, Wayne and 
Dale. Ernest Fultz, whose home is at Milford, Illinois, married Lottie 
Hilt, their five children being Claude, Howard, Glen, Carl and Derrel. 
Elsie married Elmer Bates, their home being in Michigan, and their three 
children are Marvel, Robert and Murriel. Orval is the wife of Louis 
Chaney, and they have a son, Victor. Grover married Roma Burkhardt, 
they live on a farm near Rantoul, and their four children are Clare, Dana, 
Dorothy and Erma. Goldie is the wife of Henry Sullivan, their home being 
on a farm near Rantoul, and their one child is Mildred. Vesta is the wife 
of Ed Gauntt, and they have a farm near Ludlow, Illinois. 

Mr. and Mrs. Fultz strained every effort and made many sacrifices in 
order that their children might be well reared and well trained for the 
duties and responsibilities of life. Both Mr. and Mrs. Fultz are active 
members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and Mr. Fultz served as 
church trustee for a number of years. He was a township supervisor 
in Indiana, and politically he formerly voted as a Democrat but latterly 
has been a strong and ardent Prohibitionist and foresees in the near future 
the bright day when America will be committed to temperance, not only 
locally but nationally. 

Mr. Fultz's father donated land for the first Methodist Episcopal Church 
in his neighborhood in Washington County, Indiana. The passing years 
have witnessed three different churches built on the same plot of ground. 
In 1916 they dedicated a fine chapel. Perhaps the brightest memories of 
Joseph Fultz are the twelve years of service he gave to the church as local 
pastor. During that time he not only preached from the pulpit but vis- 
ited the sick, comforted the dying, baptized the converts, attended funerals, 
solemnized marriages, and found a host of Christian deeds ready for per- 
formance. His good wife shared with him in all these labors, and many a 
home has blessed their presence. 

SAMUEL P. ATKINSON. Perhaps Champaign has no more sturdy and 
progressive citizen than is found in Samuel P. Atkinson, manager of the 
S. P. Atkinson Monument Company. He is a thorough American, with a 
backing of colonial ancestry and Revolutionary stock; and is a veteran of 
the great struggle which prior to 1914 the people of the United States 
has called the saddest page on the world's history. Mr. Atkinson is a 
vigorous and able business man, but he is much more, for he has the 
true welfare of his city at heart and is zealously working to advance move- 
ments that will be of the greatest permanent benefit to the whole com- 
munity. His entire life has been a busy, useful and interesting one. 

Samuel P. Atkinson was born in Central Ohio, November 26, 1844. 
His parents were Peabody and Marenda (Elliott) Atkinson, both of whom 
were descendants of Revolutionary heroes and natives of New Hampshire. 
The old Atkinson homestead situated ten miles from Concord, New Hamp- 
shire, was the cause of a pilgrimage made by Samuel P. Atkinson in 1916, 
and in the vicinity, with other kindred of generations gone, rest the ashes 
of his grandfather, Joseph C. Atkinson. To Peabody Atkinson and wife 
seven children were born, namely: Henry and Mary, both of whom are 



HISTORY OP CHAMPAIGN COUNTY 553 

deceased; Joseph, who is living in Ohio; George, who is deceased; Samuel 
P.; and Annie and Nettie, both of whom are deceased. The father of 
the above family died from an accident in August, 1863, and the mother 
passed away in 1866. 

Samuel P. Atkinson completed his junior year at Marietta College of 
Ohio, and entered the senior class at Dartmouth College, Hanover, New 
Hampshire, from which he graduated with high honors in June, 1866. 

In 1864, when the need of soldiers was the greatest, he with his two 
brothers, leaving their widowed mother alone upon the farm, enlisted in 
the One Hundred and Thirty-fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, serving in 
the Army of the Potomac in Maryland and Virginia. When this regiment 
was mustered out more men were missing from its ranks in killed, wounded 
or prisoners of war than any regiment which left Licking County, Ohio, 
during the Civil War. Six soldiers in the Revolutionary War, three in 
the War of the Rebellion and six thus far in the present world's conflict 
is the quota from the Atkinson family for voluntary military service. 

After completing his collegiate course Mr. Atkinson went to Attica, 
Indiana, where he remained one year engaged in teaching school. On 
April 20, 1868, he came to Champaign and soon became interested in 
farming, and for twelve succeeding years cultivated his fields in the summer 
months and taught school in the winter seasons. In the spring of 1880 
he left the farm and engaged as salesman for J. W. Booker in the monu- 
ment business at Champaign. In 1881 he became a partner in the bus- 
iness.' He continued until 1884, when he sold his partnership interest to 
Mr. Booker and embarked in business for himself, purchasing the monu- 
ment business of Falls & Bagley. The S. P. Atkinson Monument Company 
is now located in the commodious building erected by Mr. Atkinson in 
1904 at No. 106 South Neil Street. He has occupied other excellent loca- 
tions, for the first four years at the corner of Taylor and Neil streets, 
where the Citizens' Bank is now located, after which he purchased the 
Flatiron Building, in which the Champaign Gazette is located, and which 
he still owns, but removed to his new site in 1904. 

Mr. Atkinson has had a long and honorable career as a successful bus- 
iness man, and has been interested in many of the city's most stable enter- 
prises. He has been a director in the Champaign Building and Loan 
Association, of which George W. Harwood is and has been the secretary, 
and attributes his success in a business way to this sure and safe way of 
acquiring a home and a competence. 

On August 8, 1894, Mr. Atkinson was united in marriage with Miss 
Emma Schultz, who was born in Champaign, Illinois, and they have two 
sons. Donald is a graduate of Champaign High School and attended the 
University of Illinois two years. He enlisted in the Ambulance Corps 
of the Regular Army June 7, 1917, and is now in training at Allentown, 
Pennsylvania, preparatory to service in France. Joseph, the other son, is 
a member of the Champaign High School, class of 1919. The family 
belong to the Congregational Church. In politics Mr. Atkinson is a 
Progressive Republican, and believes in clean politics and a progressive 
city. He belongs to the Knights of Pythias, the Elks, the Grand Army 
of the Republic, and is a Blue Lodge, Chapter and Commandery Mason. 

HERMAN SCHWANDERMAN has his farm home in section 17 of Harwood 
Township, with postoffice at the village of Ludlow. He has contributed to 
the development and farm improvement of that locality for a number of 
years and he represents that sterling and industrious stock of people that 
came out of Germany. 

Mr. Schwanderman was born at Dewey, Illinois, a son of Leopold and 



554 HISTORY OP CHAMPAIGN COUNTY 

Rebecca Margaret (Behrens) Sehwanderman. The parents were both born 
in Germany, came to America in early life and married in this country. 
They had only two sons, twins, Herman and Henry, the latter died at 
the age of seven months. 

On December 25, Christmas Day, 1902, Herman Sehwanderman mar- 
ried Ruth Mary Dodson of Monticello, Wayne County, Kentucky. She was 
the oldest of the thirteen children of James R. and Harriet (Simpson) 
Dodson. Among her family Mrs. Sehwanderman was always called "Mollie." 

Mr. and Mrs. Sehwanderman married in Kentucky, and their wedding 
trip was the journey north to Champaign County, where Mr. and Mrs. 
Sehwanderman located in the home of his parents. They took charge of 
the farm of eighty acres and gave the tenderest care to Mr. and Mrs. 
Sehwanderman during the rest of their lives. This farm is the result of 
the accumulations and the hard work of Father and Mother Sehwander- 
man after they came to America. The elder Sehwanderman, who was born 
at Strassburg, Germany, died July 17, 1910, at the age of seventy-two, 
while his widow passed away . December 12, 1911. They were people of 
splendid character, industrious, good home makers, supporters of church 
and morality, and endeared themselves to their community in Champaign 
County by numerous acts of kindliness and neighborliness. 

Mr. and Mrs. Herman Sehwanderman have five children : George Leo- 
pold, James Clarence, Oliver Herman, Eliza Ray and Leland Glenn. They 
are a happy family of five boys, the oldest being thirteen years and now in 
the seventh grade of the public schools. Mr. and Mrs. Sehwanderman are 
taking great pains to give them the best of advantages and the older ones 
are in the Griswold school. 

Mr. Schwanderman's ability as a farmer needs no comment. His well 
kept fields and his sleek stock show the care and enterprise of the thrifty 
agriculturist. In politics he is independent, voting for the best man. He 
was reared and has always retained his membership with the German 
Lutheran Church at Dewey, while Mrs. Sehwanderman is a Baptist, the 
faith in which she was reared. Mr. Sehwanderman believes in keeping up 
good schools and in giving the best of instruction to his children and is now 
filling a place on the local school board. 

WILLIAM B. KEUSINK is one of the younger business men of Cham- 
paign, has been a resident of the city most of his life, and since 1910 
has conducted a very successful drug business. 

He was born at Bloomington, Illinois, September 20, 1879, a son of 
William and Elizabeth (Lynch) Keusink. His father was a native of 
Schenectady, New York, and his mother of Utica, New York. William 
Keusink for a number of years conducted a laundry business in Cham- 
paign County, but is now living retired. He and his wife had two 
children, William B. and Wilhelmina, the latter the wife of H: C. John- 
son, of Champaign. 

His early education William B. Keusink obtained in the grammar and 
high schools of Champaign. After some preliminary experience he 
definitely determined on a vocation as a pharmacist and entered the Uni- 
versity of Illinois Pharmacy School in Chicago, where he was graduated 
in 1904. Returning to his home city he became a pharmacist with a local 
drug house until 1910, and at that date went into business for himself at 
the corner of West University Avenue and South Neil Street. He has 
a fine store, well equipped, and has always emphasized and sought in every 
way to improve the service of the pharmacy department. 

Mr. Keusink is a Republican in politics. He is a Thirty-second Degree 
Scottish Rite Mason and a member of the Mystic Shrine, belongs to the 



HISTORY OF CHAMPAIGN COUNTY 555 

Elks Lodge and the Country Club, and is a member of the Episcopal 
Church. He married November 21, 1910, Miss Hazel M. Elliott, who 
was born at Arcola, Illinois. They have one child, Virginia Morse. 

ALEXANDER CRAIGMILE. Of the men whose ability, industry and fore- 
thought have added to the character, wealth and progress of Champaign 
County none deserves better mention than Alexander Craigmile, a veteran 
of the Union army, long and successfully identified with agriculture, and 
now with his good wife living retired in a comfortable home at Eantoul. 

His public spirited citizenship has stood every test of time and service. 
Forty years he has known Compromise Township, and during that time has 
again and again been chosen to fill places of trust and responsibility. He 
was elected to serve as assessor, collector, supervisor and road commis- 
sioner, and is now on his second term as justice of the peace at Rantoul, 
having been re-elected in April, 1917. He gave the best of his ability to 
the various offices, and his work in civil office has been characterized by the 
same fidelity which he displayed when following the flag of the Union 
during the Civil War. Mr. Craigmile is now commander of Seaver Post 
No. 253 of the Grand Army of the Republic at Rantoul. 

He is of Scotch nativity and ancestry, and was born near Aberdeen, 
Scotland, in 1843. When a child he immigrated with his parents to Upper 
Canada, and in 1852 the family came to Illinois. When Alexander Craig- 
mile was twenty-one years of age he enlisted at Chicago in Company D of 
the One Hundred and Fifty-sixth Illinois Infantry, and marched away to 
the sound of the fife and drum to protect his country's flag. He saw active 
service for upwards of a year and was finally mustered out at Springfield, 
Illinois, in October, 1865. Some idea of the service rendered is noted in 
quoting the contents of the Christmas card which Mr. Craigmile received 
in 1916 from Comrade C. C. Dudley of Minneapolis. This card reads: 
"To the playmates of my boyhood days, who knew no care or responsibility, 
and whose only burden was the long hours in the class rooms in Naperville 
Academy and who later put our names to the enlistment roll of Company D, 
One Hundred and Fifty-sixth Illinois Infantry, and saw Chattanooga, Look- 
out Mountain, Missionary Ridge, Dalton and Memphis, and then every 
man went his way to the sterner duties of life. To my old associates in 
business and friends in church and college and old comrades of Phil Kear- 
ney Post No. 7, who walked with me side by side, sharing one another's 
joys and sorrows. To my new friends of later days in Minneapolis, whose 
kind hospitality has made our stay so full of gladness and cheer ; I wish you 
all a joyous Christmas and a glad New Year. To the friends of a lifetime 
I count friendship one of the chiefest enjoyments of my life, a comfort 
in time of doubt and trouble, a joy in time of prosperity and success." 

Mr. Craigmile is a son of Alexander and Jean (Mitchell) Craigmile. 
He received his early education in Ontario, Canada, in DuPage County, 
Illinois, and finished his work in Naperville Academy. After the war he 
came to central Illinois, and in 1868 made his first purchase of land near 
where the present town of Gifford stands, but before a railroad was built 
through that section. 

Mr. Craigmile laid the foundation of his own home by his marriage 
to Miss Agnes Calder. She was born in Canada, a daughter of William and 
Mary Ann (Hempey) Calder. Her father was born in Scotland and her 
mother in Bristol, England. William Calder was a brave soldier of the 
British Empire and was in the armies of her majesty fourteen years. 

After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Craigmile started life on a farm of 
254 acres at Gifford. There the young Scotch couple demonstrated the 
possession of those sterling characteristics so familiar to the people of the 



556 HISTORY OF CHAMPAIGN COUNTY 

land of the hills and heather. Though they started on the bare prairie, 
they gradually surrounded themselves with comforts and improvements, 
and have long since accumulated a fine estate. For his first land in Cham- 
paign County Mr. Craigmile paid only $11 an acre, and any of his pos- 
sessions now are worth many times that sum. He has been both a farmer 
and stock raiser. 

The children born into their happy home are named A. H., Erva J., 
Mary, Archibald, Eunice and Charles. The training and education of these 
children have been always close to the hearts of Mr. and Mrs. Craigmile. 
The first school they attended was near Gifford, and the parents encour- 
aged the boys and girls to make the best of their time and opportunities, 
and subsequently gave them the advantages of the great University of 
Illinois at Urbana. Mary and Charles both graduated from that insti- 
tution with honors, and Mary became a popular teacher in Champaign 
County in the district schools at Penfield and the Eantoul High School. 
Charles Craigmile specialized in civil engineering and is now employed by 
the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railway, with headquarters at Lincoln, 
Nebraska. He is a progressive American boy and makes friends wherever 
he goes. A. H. Craigmile was a successful teacher for ten years and for 
two years was principal of the Gifford schools. He also taught in Alberta, 
Canada. The children fitted themselves for useful occupations in which 
they might exercise the best talents of their characters. Many pupils 
have received instruction from the Craigmile children, and as teachers their 
record is enviable and worthy. The oldest child, A. H. Craigmile married 
Miss Clara Williams of Rantoul, and they now reside at Dauphin in Mani- 
toba, Canada. Their two children are named Mary W. and Robert Alex- 
ander. Erva J. Craigmile is the wife of W. S. Smith, and they live at 
Armstrong, Illinois. Their two children are named Emile Jean and 
Charles Craigmile. Eunice Craigmile married J. F. Clark, a Rantoul 
attorney, and is the mother of two daughters, Elizabeth and Janis. 

For the past ten years Mr. and Mrs. Craigmile have had their home in 
Rantoul. Both attend the Methodist Episcopal Church, and fraternally 
Mr. Craigmile has affiliations with the Grand Army of the Republic, and 
Mrs. Craigmile belongs to the Woman's Relief Corps. Their comfortable 
home is on Belle Avenue, and here they dwell in peace and may look with 
pardonable pride over the backward stretch of years from the time they 
married and started to make a home until now their children are grown 
and they have grandchildren. 

GENERAL SAMUEL T. BUSET. A soldier, banker, a patriot and public- 
spirited citizen, the late General Samuel T. Busey was without question 
one of the ablest factors in the history of Champaign County and was 
widely known and his leadership gratefully acknowledged throughout 
Illinois. 

Xecessarily the name Busey is one that frequently recurs throughout 
the pages of Champaign County history. The family was founded here by 
Matthew W. Busey, father of General Busey. Matthew W. Busey was born 
in Shelby County, Kentucky, May 15, 1798, a son of Samuel and Catherine 
(Siegler) Busey. When he was a small boy they removed to Washington 
County, Indiana, where he learned the brick mason's trade. From 1823 
until 1847 he followed the business of contractor and builder. 

It was in 1832, eighty-five years ago, that Matthew W. Busey first 
visited -the region of eastern Illinois, including Champaign County. This 
was then a part of Vermilion County. During this visit he entered land 
from the Government on the site of what is now a part of the city of 
Urbana. In 1836 Matthew Busey brought h s family to Champaign County 
and lived there from that time until his death on December 13, 1852. He 



HISTORY OP CHAMPAIGN COUNTY 557 

married in Washington County, Indiana, Miss Elizabeth Bush, who was 
born in Shelby County, Kentucky, March 6, 1801, and died in Champaign 
County in 1880. 

General Samuel T. Busey, the sixth child of his parents, was born at 
Greencastle, Indiana, in 1835. He was only an infant when the family 
removed to Champaign County and he grew up in almost a frontier com- 
munity and had the advantages of such schools as were maintained here 
seventy or eighty years ago. His early experiences were those of his 
father's farm, but in 1856, when a little past twenty years of age, he 
entered merchandising. That was his active work until 1862, when he 
sold his business and prepared to assume the responsibilities of a patriot 
and defender of the flag. 

Obtaining a commission from the war governor, Richard Yates, he 
recruited a company and with it went into camp at Kankakee August 6, 
1862. When the company organized he was elected captain. On the 
organization of the regiment he was elected colonel. His company was 
Company B, Seventy-sixth Illinois Infantry. On the 22d of August, 1862, 
the regiment started south for Columbus, Kentucky, which was then the 
base of supplies for Grant's army operating about Corinth. He afterwards 
joined the field forces at Bolivar, Tennessee, and subsequently was with 
Grant at Coffeeville, Mississippi. In 1863 Colonel Busey led his regiment 
to join Grant's army in the rear of Vicksburg. His regiment was closer to 
a rebel fort than any other regiment on the entire fourteen miles, they 
occupying the extreme left of the command. They arrived at Chickasaw 
Bayou the night Grant drove the Confederates into the Vicksburg strong- 
hold. After that city surrendered Colonel Busey was the first Union 
officer to enter. His able services again and again attracted the attention 
of his superiors, but he refused promotion to the rank of brigadier-general 
in order that he might not be separated from his comrades in the old regi- 
ment. Subsequently he was offered command of the post at Natchez, Mis- 
sissippi, but he declined this for the same reason. On January 1, 1865, 
leaving Memphis with his regiment, he was the first to report to General 
Canby at New Orleans, went from there to Pensacola, Florida, later to 
Pollard, Alabama, and then moved down to Fort Blakeley, the last strong- 
hold in the rear of Mobile. This fort was carried by assault on the 9th of 
April, after a ten days' siege. Colonel Busey's regiment was the first to 
enter the works and it suffered greater loss than all the rest of the com- 
mand. Colonel Busey was the second man to surmount the works, and his 
companion was killed and he himself wounded. He recuperated from his 
wound in the hospital at New Orleans, and it was June before he was 
able to rejoin his command. He went to Texas and was mustered out for 
discharge at Galveston and was given his honorable discharge at Chicago, 
August 6, 1865. Subsequently, on the recommendation of Generals 
Andrews, Steel and Grant, for his gallantry in leading his regiment in the 
assault on Fort Blakely, he was commissioned brevet brigadier-general, and 
by active and meritorious service perhaps not one of Illinois' brigadier- 
generals more completely deserved this honor. 

The war over, General Busey resumed civil life in the role of a farmer 
in Champaign County. In 1867, in company with his brother, Hon. 
Simeon H. Busey, he organized what is today known as Busey's State Bank 
at Urbana. General Busey afterwards bought his brother's interest and 
associated with him his nephew, Matthew W. Busey, in the management 
and direction of the bank's affairs. 

General Busey finally retired from active business affairs and lived 
quietly at his home in Urbana until his death on August 12, 1909. Polit- 
ically he was a Democrat, one of the best qualified leaders of his party in 

23 



558 HISTORY OP CHAMPAIGN COUNTY 

this section of the State, and had the distinction of defeating Hon. Joseph 
G. Cannon for Congress. 

Mrs. Mary E. Busey, widow of the late General Busey, has long been 
identified with the life and affairs of her home county, and through her 
repeated elections to the post of trustee of the University of Illinois is one 
of the most widely known women of the State. Her maiden name was 
Mary Elizabeth Bowen. She was born in Delphi, Indiana, June 21, 1854, 
a daughter of Abner and Catherine J. (Trawin) Bowen. Her father was 
born in Dayton, Ohio, and her mother in Calcutta, India. Mrs. Busey's 
paternal grandparents were Enoch and Elizabeth (Wilson) Bowen, both 
natives of Pennsylvania. Her great-grandfather, David Bowen, was born 
in Pennsylvania. Her maternal grandparents were John and Mary 
(Webber) Trawin, and they and her great-grandmother, Sarah (Brett) 
Webber, were all natives of England. 

Mrs. Busey was educated in Vassar College, and on December 25, 1877, 
at her parents' home in Delphi, Indiana, she married General Busey. For 
forty years she has been a resident of Champaign County, and not only 
shared with her husband the many social distinctions paid them, but 
is active also in the responsibilities of home and the community. She is an 
active member of the Presbyterian Church and has served on the board of 
trustees for more than twenty-three years. For several successive terms 
she has also filled the post of trustee of the University of Illinois, having 
been re-elected in 1916. She is identified with the patriotic order, the 
Dames of the Loyal Legion and the Woman's Eelief Corps. 

General and Mrs. Busey had three children. Marietta was married 
April 7, 1909, to Guy A. Tawney, who is head of the Department of 
Philosophy in the University of Cincinnati, Ohio. Professor and Mrs. 
Tawney have two children, George Busey, born July 7, 1912, and Eliza- 
beth, born February 4, 1916. The daughter Bertha lives at home with her 
mother in Urbana. Charles Bowen was married June 6, 1911, to Louise 
Carter of Dallas, Texas, and they now reside at Urbana. They have one 
child, Charles Bowen, Jr., born November 15, 1915. 

MATTHEW WALES BUSEY. Of the native sons of Champaign County 
who have been factors in the development of the county's resources, one of 
the most prominently known is Matthew W T ales Busey, president of Busey's 
State Bank at Urbana. As one of the leading bankers of his section he has 
contributed to the advancement of the agricultural interests of Champaign 
County, and in his capacity of private citizen has ever been found ready 
to lend encouragement and support to the movements which have made for 
progress in his fertile and enterprising part of the State. 

Matthew Wales Busey was born at Urbana, Champaign County, Illinois. 
December 7, 1854, being a son of Simeon Harrison and Artimesia (Jones) 
Busey. His paternal grandfather was Matthew W. Busey, who was born 
in Shelby County, Kentucky, May 15, 1798, a son of Samuel and Catherine 
(Siegler) Busey\ The family removed to Washington County, Indiana, 
when Matthew W. Busey, the elder, was still a youth, and there he learned 
the trade of brick mason, later becoming a contractor and builder, a busi- 
ness which he followed with success from 1823 to 1847. In 1832 he 
visited the region of Champaign County, which was then a part of Ver- 
milion County, and entered land from the United States Government on 
the site of what is now a part of the city of Urbana. In 1836 he removed 
with his family to Champaign County, and continued to make this section 
his home during the remainder of his life, his death occurring here Decem- 
ber 13, 1852. Mr. Busey had married Miss Elizabeth Bush while residing 
in Washington County, Indiana, in 1821. She was born in Shelby County, 



HISTORY OF CHAMPAIGN COUNTY 559 

Kentucky, March 6, 1801, and died in 1880. She was the mother of eight 
children, Simeon H., John Simpson, Samuel Thompson, Mathew D., 
Mary C. Kirkpatrick, Sarah A. Sim, Elizabeth F. McClain and Louisa J. 
Romine, all of whom survived their parents. 

Simeon Harrison Busey was born October 24, 1824, at Greencastle, 
Indiana, and was twelve years of age when brought to Champaign County, 
Illinois, where, as his father had at that time taken up farming and stock- 
raising, the youth was reared in an agricultural atmosphere. He also had 
influences that were an incentive to the highest degree of effort to realize 
his individual capacity. His father was an active member of the Baptist 
Church and had served as a colonel in both the Illinois and Indiana State 
Militia, was for two terms a member of the State Legislature and had also 
acted as judge of the County Court. Simeon H. Busey, as he grew older, 
adopted farming and stock-raising, and eventually acquired extensive hold- 
ings in the rich farm lands of this section and did his work on a large 
scale. The competence he thus acquired led him into the financial and 
industrial development of a new country and he assisted in the organization 
of the First National Bank of Champaign. Soon afterward, however, he 
disposed of his interest in that institution and in 1868, with his brother, 
Colonel Samuel T. Busey, organized Busey's Bank at Urbana, with which 
he was connected until a short time prior to his death, which occurred at 
Urbana, June 3, 1901. He was a born financier, and upon entering the 
banking business soon became known as such, and his judgment was much 
sought and relied upon in business matters. 

On September 22, 1848, at Greencastle, Indiana, Simeon H. Busey 
married Miss Artimesia Jones, and brought his young bride to the Illinois 
home which he had prepared for her and where the young people soon 
became important factors in the social and intellectual life of the com- 
munity. Artimesia Jones was born at Greencastle, Indiana, October 26, 
1826, was reared in that State, and after a residence at Urbana of nearly 
sixty-six years she passed away July 18, 1914. Her father, John Wesley 
Jones, was born in England, November 16, 1794, and married Alice Allen, 
who was born October 20, 1798. They were married in Indiana. 

Nine children were born to Simeon H. Busey and wife : John Wheeler 
Busey ; Matthew W. ; George W. Busey, who is president of the First State 
Bank of Fisher, Illinois; James B. Busey, a farmer and a banker at 
Mahomet; Alice J. Freeman, wife of Gus T. Freeman of Urbana; Ann 
Augusta Morgan, a resident of Urbana, Illinois; Elizabeth Frances Riley, 
wife of Ozias Riley of Champaign; Lucy Ann, who died in infancy; and 
William H. Busey, who died aged forty years. 

Simeon H. Busey was a member of the First Baptist Church of Urbana, 
was a charter member of the local Masonic Lodge, and in politics a Demo- 
crat. He served as a member of the State Legislature and besides his local 
banking connections was one of the organizers and a director of the 
Bankers National Bank of Chicago up to the time of his death. He was 
one of the active workers in securing the location of the University of 
Illinois at Urbana, as well as in securing the location of the railroad run- 
ning from Peoria to Indianapolis, now part of the Big Four System. 

Matthew W. Busey was well educated for his work in life, both theoret- 
ically and practically. He attended the Urbana schools and in 1875, at 
the age of twenty-one, became bookkeeper in the bank of Busey Brothers. 
In November, 1879, he bought his father's interests, and in 1888 became 
president of Busey's Bank, a position he has held until the present date, 
almost thirty years. He is also president of the Ogden Bank of Ogden, 
Illinois, the Exchange Bank of St. Joseph, Illinois, and the Commercial 
Bank of Champaign. Mr. Busey has in many ways used his position and 



560 HISTORY OF CHAMPAIGN COUNTY 

influence as a banker to promote agricultural prosperity and the solution 
of the many problems connected with the betterment of country life in 
America. He has acquired extensive interests in Champaign County farms 
and also owns a large amount of land in Mississippi and other sections of 
this State. In 1905 Mr. Busey was appointed treasurer of the University 
of Illinois. He has also been a member of the executive committee of the 
Illinois Bankers' Association. 

On November 15, 1877, at Tolono, Illinois, he married Miss Katherine 
W. Richards. She was born at Warm Springs, Virginia, October 20, 1857, 
and was educated at the State Normal University at Normal, Illinois. 
Mr. and Mrs. Busey have two children. Paul Graham Busey, the son, 
was born at Urbana October 5, 1880, was educated in the public schools, 
the University of Illinois, the Art Institute at Chicago, and is now vice- 
president of Busey's State Bank, with his home at Urbana. He married 
Miss Clara Blanche Black, of Urbana, and they have one child, Patricia 
Blanche. Virginia Busey, the daughter was born at Urbana, November 4, 
1883, and was also liberally educated, attending the Urbana public schools, 
the University of Illinois, the National Park Seminary at Washington, 
D. C., and Smith College. She is now the wife of Dr. James F. Churchill, 
of Chicago, and they reside at San Diego, California. They have one son, 
Robert Busey. 

Mr. Matthew W. Busey is a Democrat in his political affiliations, but 
his business interests have been so extensive that he has not found time to 
enter actively into politics. He is well known in fraternal circles, being a 
thirty-second degree Mason, a member of the Knight Templar body and 
Medinah Temple, A. A. 0. N. M. S. of Chicago, Illinois. He is also a 
member of Urbana Lodge, B. P. 0. E. When a young man he served his 
time in- the National Guard. 

BERT RAYBURN. Champaign County with its high-priced lands is dis- 
tinctively the field for the highly efficient farm manager. That is the work 
and position of Mr. Bert Rayburn. By long experience he has proved his 
capability in handling the soil and resources of Champaign County in a 
manner productive both to himself and the owners of the land. Mr. Ray- 
burn has acquired a considerable stake as a land holder himself, but his 
chief experience has been as a renter and farm manager. 

A native of Champaign County, he was born in Mahomet Township, 
September 24, 1872, a son of Lee and Dora (Christian) Rayburn, the 
former a native of Ohio and the latter of Kentucky. The Rayburns were 
pioneers in Champaign County, where Grandfather John Rayburn located 
about 1856. He was a farmer, and farming has been the regular occupa- 
tion of the family through three generations. Mr. Lee Rayburn spent many 
years in that vocation and is now living retired at Champaign. He was at 
one time road commissioner of Scott Township. He and his wife had thir- 
teen children : Estella, living at Champaign, widow of William Herriott ; 
Bert ; Leonard, a farmer in Mahomet Township ; Joseph, Pearl and Nellie, 
all deceased; Myrtle, at home; Ethel, wife of Charles Keller of Urbana; 
Mabel, wife of Thomas Barker, a farmer in Scott Township ; Cecil, a Scott 
Township farmer; J. W. of Scott Township; Lee and Elsie, still at 
home. 

Mr. Bert Rayburn had a thorough training as a farmer during the first 
twenty-one years of his life, which he spent at home. In the meantime he 
acquired a substantial education in the local schools. At the age of twenty- 
one he continued working a year for his father and then rented ninety acres 
in Scott Township, which he managed two years. He then went to a 
larger farm, consisting of 265 acres, and had that place under his control 



HISTORY OF CHAMPAIGN COUNTY 561 

for five years. His next experience was in the implement business at Bond- 
ville for a year, and removing to Mattoon, Illinois, he farmed a 240-acre 
place two years and for one year was in Iroquois County, farming 200 acres. 

In 1909 Mr. Eayburn took the active management of the large Burnham 
estate in section 2 of Champaign Township. This has long been one of 
the noted farms of Champaign County, and for eight years Mr. Eayburn 
has rotated the crops on this 270 acres and has handled it both as a gen- 
eral farming and stock-raising proposition. Altogether he has 367 acres 
under his direction, including ninety-seven acres of his own located in 
Hensley Township. Mr. Eayburn pays successful attention to all the 
varied departments of farming, and if there is any one specialty it is his 
dairy of fine thoroughbred Holstein cows. Politically he is a Republican 
and is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. 

On February 20, 1895, Mr. Eayburn married Eva E. Shaffer, who was 
born at Ludlow, Illinois. They are the parents of six children : Fern, who 
was born March 23, 1896, and died in November, 1899; Glenn and Gladys, 
twins, born August 10, 1897; Harold, born in 1899 and died in 1901; 
Vernon, born in November, 1903; and Feryl, born May 3, 1910. 

WILLIAM D. BURTON is a Champaign County pioneer, was a farmer 
during his more active years, and since moving to Champaign has done 
much for the betterment and improvement of that city. 

Mr. Burton was born near Cincinnati, Ohio, January 28, 1830, a son 
of Elijah and Deliah (Dimmitt) Burton, the former a native of Pennsyl- 
vania and the latter of Virginia. His father was a farmer and both he 
and his wife died in Knox County, Illinois. There were nine children : 
Malinda J., who died in California ; Harvey, deceased ; William D. ; Henry, 
of Grant's Pass, Oregon; Sarah, John and George, all deceased; Oliver, 
who lives in Iowa ; and Hiram, of Colorado. 

William D. Burton was reared in Ohio, and first passed through Cham- 
paign County when on his way to Iowa. The following year, 1858, he 
returned to Knox County and later to eastern Illinois and located on a 
farm four miles north of Mahomet in Champaign County. He still owns 
a hundred acres of the land which he developed and cultivated in that 
section. In 1892 he came to Champaign, was real estate agent for some 
years, and invested in local property, including his own home and other 
parcels of real estate. Mr. Burton was the man who set out all the trees 
in the East Side Park addition. 

On March 20, 1856, he married Mary Abbott Wright, who was born in 
Licking County, Ohio, October 16, 1829, and died at her home in Cham- 
paign February 15, 1917. Mr. Burton has two children: Eliza is the wife 
of Dr. J. I. Groves, of Champaign; Dora is the wife of F. J. Foote, 
of Columbus, Ohio. Mr. Burton is a Republican, has been affiliated with 
the Independent Order of Odd Fellows since he was twenty-one years of 
age, and is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. 

THOMAS J. COLVIN. One of the substantial commercial enterprises of 
Urbana, with forty years of successful and reliable business history back of 
it, is the meat market conducted by Thomas J. Colvin. When Mr. Colvin 
entered upon his career in this venture, he had little to back him save 
the experience he had gained as his father's assistant, his ambition, 
determination and industry, but out of these he has developed a paying 
and prosperous business, which has become so well known at Urbana as 
to be accounted a necessary commercial asset. The proprietor, with a 
supreme faith in the future of the city, has invested heavily in real estate 
holding here, so that he is one of the substantial property owners of the 



562 HISTORY OF CHAMPAIGN COUNTY 

place. Both in his own interests and those of the city, he has always 
staunchly supported measures making for local improvement and civic 
betterment. 

Thomas J. Colvin was born February 14, 1858, in Scott County, 
Indiana, and is a son of John and Catherine (Goben) Colvin. His father, 
a native of County Down, Ireland, came to the United States in young man- 
hood and engaged in working at the cabinet-maker's trade in Scott County, 
Indiana, where he met and married Catherine Goben. She died there in 
1860, and in 1867 Mr. Colvin brought his family to Champaign County, 
Illinois, and settled on a farm in the vicinity of Tolono. He became one 
of the leading citizens of his community, won an honorable standing in 
business life, and finally became interested in public affairs and was well 
known as one of the staunch workers in the ranks of the Democratic party. 
Under both of President Cleveland's administrations he served Tolono 
as postmaster, and eventually was chosen mayor, in which office he was 
serving at the time of his tragic death. On the day of his demise a fire 
had broken out, and Mayor Colvin, hastening to the scene of the con- 
flagration, was struck and instantly killed by an Illinois Central train, the 
approach of which he had failed to note because of an umbrella which he 
was carrying. His death was considered a great loss to the community, 
in the interests of which he had labored so faithfully. There were five 
children in the family of John and Catherine Colvin, namely: Martha, 
of Los Angeles, California, the widow of Ebenezer Gordon; Mary Jane, 
who is the wife of B. B. Salberry, of San Francisco, California; John M., 
a resident of Spokane, Washington; Thomas J., of this notice; and 
Edward, who enlisted in the army when a mere youth, and of whom the 
family has completely lost track. 

Thomas J. Colvin was educated in the public schools of Tolono, and 
as a youth assisted his father in conducting a meat market at that place. 
When he had $100 saved, at the age of nineteen years, he embarked upon 
an independent venture, which, starting in a necessarily small way, rapidly 
developed into a substantial house. In 1882 he bought the business 
establishment which he now conducts, and which is accounted one of the 
leading markets of the city, it having been built up through a policy of 
honorable conduct, honest representation and straightforward methods of 
doing business. In investing his profits Mr. Colvin has been loyal to 
his home city, and now has numerous holdings in a realty way, business 
and residential. His standing in business circles is of the best, and as 
a citizen he has contributed freely of time, ability and means in furthering 
worthy projects. Mr. Colvin is a Democrat, but not a politician. 

In December, 1882, Mr. Colvin was united in marriage at Urbana to 
Miss Sadie Marks, who was born in Champaign County, and to this union 
there have been born three children : John T., who is associated with his 
father in the market business, one of the enterprising young business men 
of Urbana; Don Otto, who is now residing in Arizona; and Ernest M., 
whose place of residence is Middletown, Ohio. 

ISAAC E. HESS. Successful merchandising is a business that is neces- 
sary in a community that desires to expand and progress, but all merchan- 
dising is not, by any means, successful. When poor stocks are offered to the 
public and indifferent salesmen reluctantly show the wares, the business is 
not very likely to interest any one very long, but, on the other hand, the 
first class store, filled with dependable, up-to-date goods which are brought 
to the attention of customers by courteous employes and sold at honest 
prices, is a very helpful factor in building up the name and promoting the 



HISTORY OP CHAMPAIGN COUNTY 563 

prosperity of a town, village or a city. In order, however, to be a success- 
ful merchant, a man must have many of the qualities that make for success 
along any line, and foresight, shrewdness, knowledge of details, good judg- 
ment and integrity are some of these. Occasionally the real mercantile 
spirit descends in a family from father to son and a case in point may be 
mentioned in referring to Philo, that bustling little city in Champaign 
County, where the name of Hess has been thoroughly identified with the 
mercantile business for the past forty-two years. 

Isaac E. Hess, who is the leading general merchant at Philo, Illinois, 
was born at Parkville, in Sadorus Township, Champaign County, Illinois, 
September 3, 1871. His parents were George W. and Brzilla Jane (Bed- 
son) Hess, the former of whom was born in Ohio and the latter in Ken- 
tucky. In his earlier years George W. Hess was a farmer. Pie came to 
Champaign County and located in Sadorus Township in 1858 and engaged 
there in agricultural pursuits until 1875, when he moved to Philo and estab- 
lished himself in the general mercantile business there, but his career as 
a merchant was short, as his death took place August 25, 1876. His 
widow survived him many years, the date of her death being May 4, 1915. 
They were the parents of the following children : Ella W., who is the wife 
of Martin Ellars, Ironton, Ohio; William S. Hess, merchant at Homer, 
Illinois; Samuel, who is general passenger agent for the Wabash Eailroad 
at Decatur; Fred C., who conducts a drug store at Villa Grove; George D., 
a resident of Champaign; and Isaac E. 

Isaac E. Hess attended the public schools and was graduated from the 
Champaign High School in the class of 1887. In the meanwhile his older 
brothers had carried on the mercantile business established by the father 
at Philo, and he became a clerk in the store and soon began to cherish the 
.imbition to make the business his own, which ambition he was able to 
gratify in 1898 when he bought the entire interests of his two brothers 
and then took charge. Mr. Hess has a fine modern store, with a carefully 
assorted stock and does a substantial business, his patronage not being con- 
fined to the town but coming from a large outlying territory. In thus 
being able to keep the people's money in circulation at home, Mr. Hess 
has assisted the community, for it is distributed in other lines of trade 
together with his own and the benefit has been mutual and general. 

As a successful merchant Mr. Hess fills a place of usefulness and no. 
small distinction in Champaign County, but it is for other reasons that 
he is widely known over the state and has a growing list of admirers in 
many sections of the country. If Champaign County should ever create 
a Hall of Fame there would certainly be a niche somewhere for Isaac E. 
Hess. He would deserve that place, not because he has been a successful 
business man, but because of his quiet and sustained interest and study 
for many years of Illinois bird life. Curiously enough, Mr. Hess' services 
as an ornithologist is known and appreciated by more people outside Cham- 
paign County than within it, though this is due merely to the fact that a 
very restricted number of people in any one given locality are real nature 
lovers and students. In recent years at different times articles on Mr. 
Hess' work have appeared in many newspapers, including the St. Louis Post- 
Dispatch, the Chicago Record-Herald, and various down-state journals. It 
would not be possible in this article to quote even a few of the many appre- 
ciations that have been written concerning his practical work as an ornith- 
ologist or his character as a bird poet and philosopher. In April, 1913, the 
Decatur Herald said editorially: "Xo naturalist that we know anything 
about makes his subjects of more gripping interest to the reader or clothes 
it in a finer philosophy than Isaac Hess of Philo. The Herald considers 
itself fortunate in being able to present to its readers Mr. Hess' series of 
bird articles. Mr. Hess could not be drily and formally scientific if he 



564 HISTORY OF CHAMPAIGN COUNTY 

tried. He would make an ornithological catalogue fascinating and put 
humor into an appendix of a work on pterodactyls. It is the happy mis- 
sion of Mr. Hess to open the mental eyes of his fellow men to the things 
they have seen, but do not notice; a talk with him and a walk through 
timber, along a river bottom, or a ride along a country road has a new 
significance." 

Some months before this editorial appeared the Decatur Herald pub- 
lished a full page article, illustrated, under the title, "Philo's Bird Lover, 
Philosopher, a remarkable combination of business man and interpreter 
of nature, student and champion of his feathered friends, to whom it is 
good to listen." It is only doing justice where justice is due to quote some 
of the paragraphs from this very interesting special correspondent. 

"Perhaps it was because of Philo's trees affording so many opportunities 
for songsters' nests that Isaac Hess became an ornithologist. Every country 
boy, he believes, is more or less an unconscious naturalist up to a certain 
age. He is interested in the wild life about him, learns to know the names 
of the birds, something of their haunts and habits, and then distractions 
come in; further development is arrested. Mr. Hess started in as other 
boys have done, only in his case there was no break in his study of birds 
through the crowding in of other interests. Though a busy man, he has 
continued to be a student in his favorite subject and has become a we)l 
recognized authority on the birds of central Illinois, a writer of note on 
ornithological subjects, and the author of papers and pamphlets, one of 
which is used as the basis of a course in the University of Illinois. 

"Sound him on almost any phase of his favorite subject, and Mr. Hess 
invariably will respond : 'I have a pamphlet on that,' or 'I am now pre- 
paring a paper on that very thing.' One is brought to a realization of his 
capacity for hard work by records of the Illinois Academy of Science, 
articles in the Bird Magazine and other popular and scientific journals to 
which he contributes, and in the almost countless letters and articles in 
newspapers by which he has sought to disseminate the information that he 
has acquired and make it of use to those about him. 

"Mr. Hess' single greatest achievement was the gathering of data on 
104 different species of birds found in a ten-mile radius from his home, 
which data was published in 1910 and remains the most complete and 
authoritative work of its kind in central Illinois. Not only did Mr. Hess 
make his way through swamps, over hedges and along the rough course of 
Salt Fork Creek and the Embarrass Eiver, often creeping on hands and 
knees and lying for hours at a time scarcely daring to breathe lest the 
knowledge of his presence should disturb some little feathered home 
builder, but he collected the eggs of ninety-four different species, which 
collection occupying cases in the rear of his store, is one which bird lovers 
come far to see. 

"Take into consideration the fact that for years Mr. Hess kept an earliest 
nesting record of the birds that visited this radius, and one has an idea of 
the size of the task. Mr. Hess also has a most complete collection of 
mounted birds, although most of his hunting is done with glass and camera 
rather than with gun, and he much prefers birds living to birds dead. 

"Xo matter how well a genius may write he seldom writes as well as 
he talks. You would be interested in Mr. Hess' work on Breeding Birds 
or his paper on the Passing of Our Game Birds, but you will be a good 
deal more interested to sit down with him for an hour and hear him dis- 
cuss birds, for it is then that you get Mr. Hess' philosophy as well as 
absorbingly interesting information which he has picked up first hand. You 
may not be a bird lover, but the probabilities are that after one of these 
talks with Mr. Hess your eyes will be opened to things that you never 
have seen before and your thought directed into new channels. 



HISTORY OP CHAMPAIGN COUNTY 565 

"For one thing Mr. Hess is teaching the farmers in Champaign County 
what birds are their friends and are deserving of their protection for the 
good they do in devouring weed seeds and insects. He has taught them, 
for instance, that the Red-Tailed Hawk that voloplanes so gracefully on 
strong pinions high in air has no designs on the henhouse, but is looking 
for the field mice which his wonderful eye discloses to him in the grass 100 
yards below him. The true name of this hawk, Mr. Hess says, should be 
the Farmers' Friend, and he is a wholly different bird from the smaller 
low-flying thief that darts over the fence, seizes a chicken, and is off with it 
before a gun can be sighted. 

"Many of his acquaintances fail to understand the work he is doing 
and cannot understand his willingness to put in days of ' hard labor to 
secure a new specimen or discover some new traits in his friends, the birds. 
But in this respect perhaps he does not suffer so much from lack of appre- 
ciation as other geniuses of different bent, for there is in every human a 
love of nature, but even if they did not care to follow Mr. Hess into 
realms of ornithological bliss they would still listen to him so entertain- 
ingly does he talk on birds or any other topic. 

"Broad, fair-minded, and seeking always to find- the best, rather than 
the other in his fellow men, Mr. Hess has inoculated most of his followers 
to some extent with his spirit and no matter how delicate the subject, nor 
how widely different may be the views on any question at his store clearing 
house of public opinion, there is always that spirit of good fellowship and 
respect for feelings in the discussion. 

"One might gather the impression from this sketch that the subject of 
it may be a genius but not a business man. Perhaps the reader has visions 
of a topsy-turvy stock in an untidy, neglected store, but the opposite is true. 
Nowhere will be found a more tidy and up-to-date dry goods store and 
some of the commercial journals to which Mr. Hess has contributed his 
ideas on stockkeeping and bookkeeping have paid him the highest compli- 
ments, venturing the opinion that writer must have an ideal store, which 
it is. And this is also true of his home, for he is married to a woman who 
shares his love of nature. They have a pretty home and a very pretty 
baby girl. Living so many years so close to nature has made Mr. Hess an 
optimist. He accepts the Creator's plan and believes with the poet that 
'All's right with the world.' To not everyone is given that ability or the 
desire to emphasize the good and minimize the bad." 

Mr. Hess is a member of the scientific associations, the American Ornith- 
ologists' Union, Wilson's Club, and Illinois Academy of Science. For three 
years he was a special writer for the Decatur Herald, preparing a series 
of 157 articles on bird life, and this series is now running in the Quincy 
Whig. He was one of three authors compiling work on American birds 
to be published in the German language under auspices of the royal family 
of Germany when war interfered with all plans. At the present time Mr. 
Hess is engaged on a book, "Illinois Birds," the publication of which will 
be eagerly anticipated by his many friends and admirers all over the state. 
Mr. Hess has lectured nearly everywhere in Illinois before university clubs, 
farmers' institutes, Boy Scout clubs, high schools, women's clubs, Milliken 
University at Decatur, the University of Illinois and the Patterson Springs 
Chautauqua. These lectures and addresses are illustrated with slides from 
photos of his own taking of Illinois birds "in situ." Some time ago Mr. 
TTess was offered the position of instructor of the Nature Class Summer 
School in the University of Illinois. 

Not all of Mr. Hess' studies of bird life have been through the medium 
of camera and field notes. He has expressed himself many times in poetry, 
and it will not be out of place to include his verses on "The Upland 
Plover": 



566 HISTORY OP CHAMPAIGN COUNTY 

But for notes of Whippoorwills 
Not a sound of spring so thrills 
Ear and heart and sets me list'ning, 
Like the weird and plaintive whistling, 
Of the dainty Upland Plover 
Wild, elusive meadow-lover; 

When o'er May-day breeze is floating, 
Soothing, whistled Plover-noting, 
I am seized of great desire 
Born of hidden motive, higher 
Than the sordid dollar chasing; 
Sluggish blood, aroused, is racing 
Through my veins; forsaking duties 
I'm away with Nature's beauties; 

Slyly slipping through the sedges 
Creeping, peeping, behind hedges 
To the fields where I discover 
Haunts of winsome Upland Plover; 
In the fields of scented clover 
Bobolinks are bubbling over; 
Meadow-larks are tuning madly; 
Dickcissels are ofFring gladly 
Sweetest anthems of thanksgiving; 
All lute of the joys of living. 

But to me the sweetest ear-sounds 
Satisfying full-of-cheer sounds, 
Sirens from the mated lover 
Of the patient setting Plover; 
Rising like a flash from cover 
Poised on flutt'ring wings to hover 
In mid-air above his treasure 
He, to show the world his pleasure, 
Sounds his message (song epistle) - 
Voloplanes down with his whistle. 

Mr. Hess married, May 23, 1894, Miss Florence Adams, who was born 
in McLean County, Illinois. Their daughter, Edith Constance, was born 
March 8, 1912. For many years Mr. Hess has been a member of the 
Order of Odd Fellows and attends the lodge at Philo. Although a sound 
Republican in his political sentiments, he is by no means a politician, nor 
is he illiberal in his attitude on general public questions. Among other 
business interests he was at its inauguration and conventions secretary of 
the Florida Fruit Lands Company, which divided 180,000 acres of ever- 
glades. 

THOMAS E. SMITH. The name Thomas E. Smith is at once associated 
with the wealthy and successful business men of Champaign. Success did 
not come to him like manna from the skies, but was earned by the hardest 
kind of effort. He gained some of his early experience as a pioneer on 
the Northwestern prairies of the Dakotas and Montana. For many years 
Mr. Smith has been in the meat business at Champaign and is now pro- 
prietor of two large cold storage plants and handles his business on a 
wholesale scale. 



HISTORY OF CHAMPAIGN COUNTY 567 

He was born near Potomac, Vermilion County, Illinois, January 13, 
1862. His parents were William H. and Emily (Copeland) Smith, the 
former a native of England and the latter of Vermilion County, Illinois. 
William H. Smith was brought to America when an infant, his parents 
locating on a farm in Vermilion County, where he grew to manhood and 
thereafter until his death was a successful dealer, buyer and shipper of 
live stock. His widow is now living in Paxton, Ford County, Illinois, 
having married as her second husband Lynn Corbley. William H. Smith 
and wife had eight children : Charles S., of Kansas City, Missouri ; Alice, 
wife of William Palmer, of Los Angeles, California; Thomas E.; Anna, 
deceased ; Clara, widow of Lincoln Armstrong, living at Terre Haute, 
Indiana; William S., who occupies the old home place in Vermilion 
County; Lillian, deceased; and John E., in the meat business at Cham- 
paign. 

Such advantages as the district schools were able to afford Thomas E. 
Smith availed himself of when a boy, but he was only fifteen when he began 
the battle of life for himself. His first experience was on the farm, and 
on account of failing health he soon went out to Minnesota. He spent 
two years there and then going to South Dakota took up a claim. It 
would be a long story to recount all his experiences while in the North- 
west. He- broke the virgin prairie lands with ox teams, and hauled his 
supplies on a stone boat drawn by oxen from Huron, South Dakota, 
eighteen miles from his settlement. It required a courageous spirit and 
an unlimited determination to survive the life of that period in the far 
Northwest. Mr. Smith finally sold his claim in South Dakota and for a 
time was a cattle rancher in Montana. 

On May 1, 1884, having returned to Illinois, Mr. Smith engaged in 
the retail meat business at Champaign. That business has grown apace. 
He proved an adept not only in the service which a retail trade demands 
but in all other departments of the business, both buying and selling, and 
his interests have consequently assumed a large scale. In 1916 he built 
a cold storage plant four stories high and 80x195 feet in ground dimen- 
sions, absolutely fire proof, of brick and cement construction. This plant 
is adapted to the manufacture of ice and the handling of all kinds of meats 
and produce for cold storage. Mr. Smith also has another cold storage 
plant in Urbana, though not so large as the Champaign plant. 

While building up his business he has not neglected the general welfare 
of the community. He served two terms in the city council, and for nine 
years was a member of the school board and during that time was chairman 
of the Building and Grounds Committee. Mr. Smith is a Republican, is 
affiliated with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and the Wood- 
men of the World, and though not a member gives his active support to 
the Christian Church. 

On March 17, 1890, Mr. Smith married Amanda Gibson, a native of 
Jasper County, Illinois. They are the parents of five children: Gladys 
May, a teacher in the public schools at Champaign; Florence E., who died 
in August, 1915; Cleone, Harold T. and Alice, all at home. 

ARTHUR ROBINSON STEWART'S chief work in Champaign County has 
been as an unusually competent and capable farmer. It is one of the 
larger and better managed places in Champaign Township where he has 
put into practice the accumulated wisdom and experience of many years as 
an agriculturist and stockman. Mr. Stewart and family are well known 
socially in their country community and also in the city centers of the 
county. 

He was born in Ross County, Ohio, July 25, 1855, but in the same 



568 HISTORY OF CHAMPAIGN COUNTY 

year was brought to Champaign County by his parents, Samuel G. and 
Jane (Evans) Stewart. His father was born in New York State, April 4, 
1816, and his mother in Ohio on December 28, 1820. After coming to 
Champaign County Samuel Stewart located land in Somers Township, and 
gave his time and toil to the improvement and cultivation of that farm for 
many years. His death occurred May 10, 1891. His wife had died 
August 26, 1867, and both were buried in Champaign. There were nine 
children: Esther, who died April 3, 1908; William, who became a Union 
soldier and died while still in the service at Memphis, Tennessee, October 
20, 1863, being then little past twenty-one, since he was born January 14, 
1842; Martha Ann, born October 28, 1843, died December 12, 1881; Mary 
E., born March 10, 1845, died July 15, 1893; Jane A., born September 5, 
1 846, is still living in Champaign County ; Robert E., born April 12, 1852, 
resides in Oregon; Emma D., born March 10, 1854, is the wife of George 
Lyman of Portsmouth, Arkansas ; Arthur Robinson ; and Walter N., who 
was born January 25, 1858, and lives at North Yakima, Washington. 

In addition to the early training he secured in the common schools, and 
the practical experience on his father's farm, Mr. Stewart attended the 
agricultural department of the University of Illinois for about two years. 
He remained on the old homestead in Somers Township, and subsequently 
was associated with his brother in managing the home farm of 200 acres. 
Later Mr. Stewart bought the interests of the other heirs in the farm, and 
retained its ownership and management until 1911, when he sold the farm 
to the Illinois Central Railway Company as a site for shops. Mr. Stewart 
then bought the old Beasly farm of 160 acres in section 1, Champaign 
Township. This gives him a large and productive place to manage, and he 
has handled it largely as a dairy proposition, having a herd of mixed Hoi- 
steins and Jerseys. 

He has not neglected the public welfare while attending to his private 
interests and for one year served as township assessor in Somer Township. 
He is a Republican. He and his wife are members of the Congregational 
Church and Mrs. Stewart belongs to the local chapter of the Daughters 
of the American Revolution. 

On September 4, 1900, Mr. Stewart married Margaret Ncsbaume Roper, 
who was born in Ohio, daughter of Charles and Amelia (Nesbaume) Roper, 
the former a native of New Hampshire and the latter of Ohio. Mr. and 
Mrs. Stewart have four children : Lyman Roper, who was born June 18, 
1902; Charles Robert, born November 11, 1903, and died October 3, 1904; 
Donald Judson. born January 25, 1906; and Catherine Elizabeth, born 
February 23, 1909. 

ALVIN E. HUCKINS is head of the leading clay products business of 
Champaign County. A mechanical engineer by profession, Mr. Huckins 
has been identified with several large industrial corporations in the United 
States, and now gives his time and energies to a plant at Urbana which is 
capable of turning out any form or class of product from clay. It is a 
big business, and Mr. Huckins is considered one of the big business men 
of this community. 

He was born in Chicago, July 31, 1884, and as a young man made his 
way through difficulties to success. His parents, Clarence L. and Flora 
E. (Ryans) Huckins, were both natives of Canada and both are now 
deceased. His father was for many years in the wholesale tobacco business 
in Chicago. Mr. Huckins was the youngest of their five -children, the 
others being: William A., of Miami, Florida; Albert C., of Chicago; 
Webster Lee, of Chicago ; and Luella R., wife of Walter Qumfl, of Chi- 
cago. 



HISTORY OF CHAMPAIGN COUNTY 569 

Mr. Huckins had a grammar school education in Chicago, and sold 
papers in order to pay his way through the English High and Manual 
Training School of that city. He also did night work in an architect's 
office and subsequently had some valuable experience with Pierce, Richard- 
son & Neiler, a prominent firm of consulting engineers. For a year and 
a half Mr. Huckius was assistant superintendent of the American Spiral 
Pipe Company of Chicago. 

In 1903 he entered the College of Mechanical Engineering at Cham-, 
paign, and had two years of technical training. In 1905 he took' the 
position of superintendent of the Abendroth & Eoot Manufacturing Com- 
pany of Newburgh, New York. He was there about three and a half 
years and then removed to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where for a short 
time he was connected with the Standard Asphalt and Rubber Company. 

Returning to Chicago in 1909, Mr. Huckins became associated with J. 
W. Stipes in the Sheldon Brick Company. For several years he was' 
connected with that corporation, and in 1912 he bought the Sheldon Brick 
Company's plant at Urbaua. This is one of the largest plants for the 
manufacture of clay products in this section. It has a capacity of 1 
forty thousand bricks a day or ten million a year. The company manu- 
factures bricks of every type and size and for every purpose and a large 
line of other qlay products. Mr. Huckins is vice president for Illinois- 
of the National Brick Association and is secretary of the Illinois Clay 
Manufacturers Association. He is an ex-president of the Chamber of 
Commerce of Champaign. Mr. Huckins is a Republican, a member of 
the Masonic Order, and of the Rotary Club. 

He was married November 7, 1906, to Miss Clara Gere, a native of 
Champaign. They have two daughters and a son: Helen, born March 
18, 1911; Clara Beth, born February 21, 1915, and Alvin E. Huckins, 
Jr., born June 11, 1917. Mrs. Huckins is a daughter of the late George 
W. and Mary H. Gere, her mother still living in Champaign. George W. 
Gere was a prominent attorney at Champaign, and represented a number 
of large corporations, including the Illinois Central Railway, the Big- 
Four Railway Company, the Illinois Traction System, and some years ago 
was candidate for governor of Illinois on the prohibition ticket. Mrs. 
Huckins is the only surviving child of her 1 parents, her sister Eva having 
died a number of years ago. 

MARK CAELEY was one of the founders of the city of Champaign: His 
name appears again and again in connection with the early annals of that 
city and of Champaign County, and always he appears as a man .of force,- 
of almost unlimited enterprise and of a public spirit that was in keeping 
with his many successes in private life. He knew much of the world by 
experience and had come to Champaign County soon after returning from 
an excursion to California during the great gold excitement on the Pacific 
Coast. His own life was to a large degree the expression of those forces' 
accumulated and inherited by him from a notable American ancestry. 

The Carleys were staunch and patriotic New Englanders. Mark Carley 
was born at Hancock in Hillsboro County, New Hampshire, August 24, 
1799. He was a son of Elijah and Agnes (Graham) Carley and a grand- 
son of Joseph and Sarah (Washburn) Carley. He was thus related to the 
Washburns whose names appear frequently in New England history, and 
from the same family came the Washburns who were conspicuous in the 
early days of Illinois. The Carleys were of Scotch-Irish ancestry. They 
settled in America long before the Revolution, and one of the cherished 
possessions of the descendants is a discharge paper signed by George Wash- 
ington and granting release from the Continental Army to Jonathan Carley, 



570 HISTORY OP CHAMPAIGN COUNTY 

an uncle of the late Mark Carley. By kinship and social ties the Carleys 
were closely connected with many of the leading families of the New Eng- 
land states and also in the states of New York, Kentucky, Ohio and Illinois. 
Among such families were the Stevensons of Vermont,- prominent in Colo- 
nial and Eevolutionary history, the Harrimans, the Fisks, the Lawsons and 
the Kendalls. There were also the Goulds and Boutons of Chicago. 
Louise Carley Lawson, a sister of Mark Carley, acquired marked distinction 
as an artist in her generation. She was the wife of Professor L. M. 
Lawson, dean of the Medical College of Ohio and later of the Medical 
College of Lexington, Kentucky. 

When Mark Carley was eleven years of age his parents removed from 
New Hampshire to Vermont. He grew up in the hills of that State and 
his education was confined to the practical branches of learning taught in 
the public schools and to such experience as he could acquire. As a youth 
he learned the trade of carpenter and millwright. At the age of twenty, 
leaving home, he spent a brief time in the province of New Brunswick and 
then set sail for New Orleans. The vessel carrying him was wrecked and 
the passengers landed at Savannah, Georgia. From there he crossed to 
Havana, Cuba, and finally arrived at New Orleans April 24, 1820. In 
Louisiana Mark Carley had an extensive experience building mills and 
cotton gins. While there he learned to speak fluently the language of the 
French Creoles. 

In 1830, during one of his visits to the North, he married Abigail 
Wetherbee Stevens. In 1837 Mark Carley established his home in Cler- 
mont County, along the Ohio River, in southern Ohio. There he acquired 
large interests as a land holder, farmed them, and also engaged in boating 
on the Ohio River. 

In 1850 Mark Carley left his property interests in southern Ohio and 
crossed the plains to the gold fields of California. Here his qualities of 
leadership made him a marked man among the fearless and democratic 
element of that State. He was chosen judge of the Minors' Court and was 
prominent in regulating public affairs in the district where his own opera- 
tions were. 

In 1853 Mark Carley came to Champaign County and located at 
Urbana. He erected the first dwelling house in the city of Champaign, 
and also constructed the first grain warehouse there. He introduced the 
first steam engine for the operation of his elevator. A number of other 
business enterprises and buildings were the direct result of his enterprise 
and capital, and several buildings are still standing in Champaign as a 
monument to this pioneer. Some years later Mark Carley built the fine 
old homestead at 134 West Church Street, which is now occupied by his 
granddaughter, Martha Kincaid Weston. 

Mark Carley was an ardent Whig and admirer of Henry Clay. Among 
the heirlooms left by him is an ivory snuff-box which was presented to him 
by the great Kentucky statesman. He naturally gravitated into the Repub- 
lican party when that was formed, and the most distinguished visitor who 
ever graced the old homestead at 134 West Church Street was Abraham 
Lincoln. 

Mark Carley lived vigorously throughout a long lifetime. He was 
nearly eighty-nine years of age when he passed away at his home in Cham- 
paign, February 3, 1888. His wife died November 12, 1871. They were 
the parents of three children: Mrs. Mary A. Carley Kincaid; Mrs. Isotta 
Carley Mahan of Kenwood, Chicago, but now a resident of Los Angeles; 
and Graham Carley, who was an important capitalist and man of affairs 
and died in Hyde Park, Chicago, Illinois, in 1893. 

Mary A. Carley, oldest child of the late Mark Carley, was born in Cler- 



HISTORY OP CHAMPAIGN COUNTY ' 571 

mont County, Ohio, and was married in Ohio in August, 1851, to the late 
Dr. Samuel W. Kincaid. Dr. Kincaid was born at West Union, in Adams 
County, Ohio, July 15, 1823, a son of Judge John Kincaid. His brother, 
Hon. W. P. Kincaid, for several years represented his Ohio district in 
Congress. The Kincaid family is descended from the Lairds of Kincaid 
of Stirlingshire, Scotland. The first Kincaid in America was Captain John 
Kincaid, who located in Virginia in 1707. He was a native of the north 
of Ireland, while his wife, Margaret Lockhart, was born in Scotland. Their 
son, Captain James Kincaid, was a gallant Revolutionary soldier and 
married a niece of James Wilson, one of the signers of the Declaration of 
Independence. 

Dr. S. W. Kincaid was liberally educated in the schools of Cincinnati, 
and entering the Medical College of Ohio was graduated M. D. with the 
class of 1853. Soon afterward he removed to Ohio and began practice at 
Tolono in Champaign County. In 1855 he removed to Champaign, then 
known as West Urbana, and was a prominent figure in professional circles 
for a number of years. He finally retired from practice and returned to 
his old boyhood home in Ohio, where he died. Mrs. Kincaid died in Cham- 
paign, February 3, 1907. She was the mother of four children : Annie, 
Carley and Frank, all deceased ; and Martha K. 

Martha Kincaid is the widow of Charles Weston, who graduated from 
the University of Illinois as president of his class of 1876 and subsequently 
was elected auditor of the State of Nebraska. Mrs. Weston, as already 
mentioned, occupies the old homestead of her grandfather and has many 
of the family heirlooms connected with the Carley lineage. She is a cul- 
tured woman and has long been prominent in musical affairs in Champaign. 
She is a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and of the 
Colonial Dames, and is eligible to the Mayflower Society as well. Mrs. 
Weston's mother was also a member of the Colonial Dames. 

SOLOMON MERCER, whose recent death was deplored by a host of friends, 
had been identified with Champaign County from the period of early youth, 
and had borne the heat and burden of the day during his early efforts at 
establishing a home and improving a farm. His later years were years of 
comfort and the growing esteem of his friends. 

Mr. Mercer was born in Monroe County, Ohio, at Millwood, a son of 
Aaron and Mary (Cecil) Mercer. His father was a native of Virginia 
and his mother of Ohio. The father left Virginia in early youth, settling 
in Ohio, and there he married and his children were born, consisting of 
five sons and three daughters. Solomon Mercer received his first instruc- 
tion in the public schools of Monroe and Logan counties, Ohio. He was 
still a child when his parents came to Illinois, and after two years in 
Vermilion County located in Champaign County, where the children con- 
tinued their education at the Blue Grass school. Aaron Mercer was a very 
industrious man and worked hard and faithfully to provide for his family. 
By occupation he was a carpenter, built a large number of the early homes 
in Champaign County, and was very ingenious in the use of tools, being able 
to make all manner of furniture and also burial caskets. In a new country 
his services were in great demand and were much appreciated. He and his 
wife lived in Champaign County until they died. 

When Solomon Mercer was twenty-five years of age he married Miss 
Mary Wyman. She was born in Ohio but when a girl came to Illinois with 
her parents, and grew up and was educated in Vermilion County. After 
their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Mercer took a rented farm in Kerr Township, 
and were renters for four years. They possessed industry and thrift, and 
besides supplying the simple needs and comforts of the home they were able 
to accumulate something for the future. They possessed that spirit which 



572 HISTORY OF CHAMPAIGN COUNTY 

has been described by the poet as "that delightful discontent which the 
hope of better things inspires within us." Thus at the end of four years 
they felt justified in buying 320 acres of land at a price of less than $40 an 
acre. They did not pay for the entire tract at once, but every year saw 
them a little further along the road to independence and in time they had 
the farm clear and improvements that enhanced its value several fold. 

Into their home came four children: William L. ; Allie, who died at 
the age of six years; Charles and Addie. Mr. and Mrs. Mercer from the 
first made ample provision to furnish these children with an education and 
with means of advancement to honorable position in the world. The chil- 
dren first attended the Sugar Grove school and afterwards finished the 
course of the Paxton High School. Addie graduated with honors from 
that school and all three children have made a creditable record. William 
is now a traveling salesman for the iron works at Galion, Ohio. His nat- 
ural good nature makes him popular in the work and he travels all over the 
United States. He married Fannie Martin, and they have one daughter, 
Dorothy. Charles Mercer married Jessie Molsbury and they live in Clark 
County, Ohio. He is the proprietor of an elevator. Their four children 
are named Chester, Opal, Marion and Harold. Addie Mercer is the wife 
of J. W. McCall of Gibson City, Illinois, where Mr. McCall is superin- 
tendent of the canning factory. 

Mr. Mercer, as was his wife, was an active member and liberal sup- 
porter of the Congregational Church at Paxton. On October 2, 1916, the 
death angel visited the home and took away the good wife and mother, 
after they had walked side by side along life's road for fifty-four years, 
sharing each other's joys and sorrows, and on the first anniversary, October 
2, 1917, Mr. Mercer died. Mrs. Mercer was a good wife, a kind and loving 
mother and a splendid neighbor. Her funeral service was conducted by 
Rev. Mr. Webster, minister of the Congregational Church at Paxton, and 
a large concourse of friends and relatives gathered to pay their last tribute 
of respect. After the death of his wife Mr. Mercer made his home with his 
sister, Martha Morain of Penfield, widow of Isaac Morain. Mr. and Mrs. 
Morain were married in Champaign County and he died here in 1861. 

Mr. Mercer had always been distinguished by public spirit and his 
follow citizens showed their confidence in his judgment by electing him as 
township supervisor. He was an ardent prohibitionist and the rapid prog- 
ress of that movement in recent years made him hope to see prohibition 
extended over the entire United States, if not the world. Mr. Mercer was 
one of the loyal friends and admirers of the late Judge Cunningham, who 
was so helpfully associated with the compilation of this work until his 
death. 

ARTHUR C. SINGBUSCH, now city electrician of Champaign, is a man 
of thorough technical training and wide experience in his profession, and 
his proficiency is due to a combination of practical work in various 
industries and to the advantages afforded by the great technical schools 
of his native city. 

Mr. Singbusch was born in Champaign October 13, 1882, a son of 
August C. and Anna (Wascher) Singbusch. His parents were both born 
in Germany, the father coming to America when about ten years of age. 
For twenty-five years August C. Singbusch was in the grocery business at 
Champaign, though with various other interests on the side, and now 
except for occasionally writing some insurance he is practically retired. 
He and .his wife had only two children, Arthur C. and Elsa. 

Arthur C. Singbusch graduated from the grade schools of Champaign 
and for two and a half years was a student in the engineering college 
department of the University of Illinois. His first business experience was 



HISTORY OF CHAMPAIGN COUNTY 573 

with the firm of Root & Vandervoort, manufacturers of gas engines at 
Moline, Illinois. After two years with that company he returned to 
Champaign for the purpose of bettering the technical side of his training 
and took a short course in the steam engineering department of the Uni- 
versity. He was next employed by the manufacturing company of Curtis 
& Singbusch, in which his father was a partner. This firm conducted a 
jobbing shop for the manufacture of auto supplies and foundry castings. 
Mr. Singbusch remained with them a year and once more returned to the 
University, where for about three years he was an employe in the electrical 
engineering department. 

About that time the Singbusch family moved to Enid, Oklahoma, and 
Arthur was in the electrical business in that city for four years. Returning 
to Champaign, he spent four years with Caldwell & Company, electrical 
contractors, and in 1915 was called from this work to the office of city 
electrician, to which he was appointed by Mayor Swigart. He had every 
qualification for the office and has thoroughly justified the expectations 
entertained of him when he entered upon his duties. In politics Mr. 
Singbusch is a Republican. He is a member of the Masonic Lodge and of 
the Congregational Church. On April 27, 1910, he married Miss Hazel 
Scott, of Enid, Oklahoma. They were married at Enid, and are the 
parents of three children, Carl, Dorothy and Elsa Louise. 

JOSEPH CLINTON WAMPLER PITTMAN. The passage of sixty years or 
more has removed from Champaign County the greater number of its 
earliest pioneers, although through worthy descendants their names are pre- 
served and their memories perpetuated. It was sixty-one years ago, in 
1856, that Joseph C. W. Pittman was brought into this section of Illinois, 
being then a child of seven years. In his home community of Mahomet 
Mr. Pittman is known as a man of most substantial resources and of that 
influence that springs from strong character and worthy motives. His 
early life was one of toil and the meeting of adverse conditions presented 
by a comparatively new country and his success is due to that good fortune 
which is a result of industry and honorable activities. 

Mr. Pittman was born in Butler County, Ohio, February 24, 1849, 
the eighth in a family of nine children, five sons and four daughters, whose 
parents were George H. and Eliza (Bake) Pittman. Only three of these 
children are still living, Mary, Joseph C. and Jacob D. Mary, who was 
well educated and taught school in Mahomet Township three years, is now 
living at Rockwell City, Iowa, widow of J. L. Stearns. Jacob D., a retired 
agriculturist at Mahomet, married Miss Mary Abbott. 

George H. Pittman was born in New Jersey, but was taken when a 
child by his parents to Ohio, where he grew up, was educated in the common 
schools, and lived in the Buckeye State until after his marriage. All his 
children were born in Ohio and on moving to Champaign County he 
continued his career as a renter, and by the hardest kind of work he pro- 
vided for his family and always performed to the best of his ability the 
duties laid upon him as a citizen and neighbor. He was an old-line Whig 
and from that became a Republican, and he and his wife were very active 
in the Methodist Episcopal Church. He served on its official board. His 
death occurred in Mahomet about 1895 and his remains now rest in River- 
side Cemetery, where an appropriate monument stands to mark the spot. 
His wife was born near Middletown, Ohio, was reared and educated there 
and died about 1897. She was a fine type of courageous pioneer woman 
and gave the best of her life to the service of her home and children. 
The name Pittman is of English stock. 

Joseph C. W. Pittman secured his first educational advantages in 
Mahomet Township. His privileges were somewhat limited and most of 

2 4 



574 HISTORY OP CHAMPAIGN COUNTY 

his training was the result of experience and observation. At the age of 
twenty-one he started out to make his own way in the world, without any 
cash capital and with nothing to rely upon except a disposition for honesty 
and industry. For six years he rented and farmed and then accepted an 
opportunity to buy 107 acres in the northwest part of the township. He 
went in debt for the greater part of the purchase price and finally traded 
the land for another farm, and that, too, he sold. He then bought 280 
acres in Mahomet Township, and on this he assumed a debt of $5,000. He 
carried these obligations and disposed of them as rapidly as possible and 
in the course of time his substantial success was assured. Many improve- 
ments have been made on his farm, including a new residence, four differ- 
ent barns, substantial fences and other improvements. About 1907 he 
bought eighty acres more and added a forty-acre tract in 1912. His home- 
stead in Mahomet Township now includes 340 acres of the rich and fertile 
soil of that region. Besides this he has 240 acres in Calhoun County, Iowa, 
and is interested as a stockholder in the Farmers Elevator Company of 
Mahomet and in the Champaign County Fair Association. 

On December 12, 1876, the Centennial year, Mr. Pittman married Miss 
Mary E. Boyer. Their marriage was blessed with the birth of four chil- 
dren, three sons and one daughter, and all of them were carefully trained 
and educated both at home and in school. 

Claude E., the oldest, was educated in the Mahomet High School and 
spent two years in the Illinois State University. For the past six years 
he has been a salesman of agricultural implements for the John Deere 
Company, with home and headquarters at Indianapolis. He married Miss 
Clara Prather, who received her education at Anderson, Indiana, and is a 
daughter of Calvin W. and Arabella (Summers) Prather. Their home is 
now brightened by the presence of one daughter, Louise. Claude Pittman 
is a Republican, a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks 
and his wife is a Presbyterian. 

Mabel G., the only daughter, is the wife of Archie Herriott, a prac- 
tical agriculturist in Mahomet Township. Their two children are named 
Harold and Frank. They are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church 
at Mahomet. 

Elmer D., the second son, supplemented his training in the common 
schools by a two years' agricultural course at the state university and is 
now applying his knowledge and experience as a farmer in Mahomet Town- 
ship. He is a member of the Masonic order at Mahomet and he and his 
wife are active Methodists. He married Miss Ruth Bishop, and their son 
has been given the name J. C. W., Jr. 

Cecil, the youngest child, is a graduate of the Champaign High School 
and is now successfully devoting himself to farming in Mahomet Township. 
He married Miss Blanche Bell and their two children are Viola and 
Catherine E. They have membership in the Methodist Episcopal Church. 

Mrs. Pittman, the mother of these children, was born in Champaign 
County, December 25, 1850, a daughter of George and Mary E. Boyer. 
Her parents died in 1872 and 1874 respectively. Mrs. Pittman was a grad- 
uate of the Mahomet High School and also of the Illinois Woman's College 
at Jacksonville. For nearly forty years she was a loyal wife, a devoted 
home maker, and expressed her many kindly qualities and good deeds in 
her community and among her friends. Her death on January 25, 1915, 
\ras a great loss not only to the family but to the entire community. 

Mr. Pittman has been a loyal Republican since casting his first presi- 
dential vote for General Grant forty-five years ago. At different times 
he has served as a delegate to county conventions and has filled many 
places of honor and responsibility. For nine years he was road commis- 
sioner, was township supervisor six years, has been one of the men in his 



HISTORY OF CHAMPAIGN COUNTY 575 

section of Champaign County to advocate consistently and unselfishly the 
cause of good roads, and has also accepted every opportunity to advance the 
interests of the local schools. He is now and has been for four years 
school treasurer of Mahomet Township. Mr. Pittman is also one of the 
prominent Methodists of his section of the county, was a member of the 
building committee when the present Methodist Church at Mahomet was 
built, is a member of the church official board and for over twenty-one years 
has been superintendent of the Methodist Episcopal Sunday school and is 
yet superintendent. For four years his brother DuBois was superintendent 
of this same Sunday school. He gave up that position when he went to 
the war as a Union soldier and died from the effects of a wound received in 
the battle of Kenesaw Mountain during the Atlanta campaign. 

Those movements which have been undertaken for the advancement of 
his home county have always found Mr. Pittman a capable and effective 
co-operator. His is a name everywhere spoken with respect and due loyalty 
for a man whose life has been so consistently honest and honorable. In 
1917 Mr. Pittman made a trip back to his old home in Ohio, and after an 
absence of sixty-one years revisited the old scenes and landmarks of his 
early childhood and of his parents' early associations. One of the things 
that interested him most was the towpath of the old canal that went 
and his mother of Ohio. The father left Virginia in early youth, settling 
standing and people are living in it at the present time. 

EVARTS BOUTELL GREENE has been Professor of History in the Uni- 
versity of Illinois since 1897, and from 1906 to 1913 was dean of the 
College of Literature and Arts. He has been connected with the State 
University twenty-three years, is well known as an historical author and 
editor, and is a member of an old American family that has furnished many 
useful men and women to the arts and professions. 

He was born in Kobe, Japan, July 8, 1870, a son of Daniel Crosby and 
Mary Jane (Forbes) Greene. The late Daniel Crosby Greene, who died 
September 15, 1913, was one of the pioneer American missionaries in 
Japan and was long considered an authority on Japanese life and affairs. 
He was born at Roxbury, Boston, February 11, 1843, and was a member 
of a Massachusetts Colonial family. His parents were Rev. David and Mary 
(Evarts) Greene. A brother of D. Crosby Greene is Roger Sherman 
Greene, who made a brilliant record as a soldier in the Civil War and 
in 1870 was appointed a justice of the Supreme Court of Washington Ter- 
ritory and has practiced law and taken a prominent part in public affairs 
in Seattle for the past forty years. D. Crosby Greene was graduated 
from Dartmouth College in 1864. In 1862 he served as a private in the 
Seventh Squadron of Rhode Island Cavalry. In 1869 he entered upon 
his work as a missionary in Japan and his home and activities were in that 
country the rest of his active life. He was president of the Asiatic Society 
of Japan in 1896 and 1901-02, and was lecturer on Japan in Harvard Uni- 
versity in 1908-09. He was author of the Chinese New Testament, pre- 
pared for Japanese readers, 1878 ; Course of Study for Students of the 
Japanese Language, 1903 ; was joint translator of the Japanese New Testa- 
ment; revised and brought up to date Ritter's History of Protestant 
Missions in Japan, 1898; and was editor of the Christian Movement in 
its Relation to the New Life in Japan. ' He was married to Mary Jane 
Forbes in 1869. Besides Evarts Boutell Greene two other sons have 
gained distinction, Jerome Davis and Roger Sherman Greene. Jerome 
Davis Greene was secretary of the Rockefeller Foundation 1913-16, and 
is also a member of the International Health Commission of the General 
Education Board, the Board of Overseers of Harvard University. Roger 



576 HISTORY OP CHAMPAIGN COUNTY 

Sherman Greene was in the consular service in South America, Japan and 
Russia, subsequently consul general at Hankow, China, and since 1914 has 
been resident director in China of the China Medical Board for the Rocke- 
feller Foundation. 

Evarts Boutell Greene was a student in Northwestern University at 
Evanston, Illinois, from 1885 to 1888, and graduated from Harvard Uni- 
versity in 1890, A. M. in 1891, and with the Doctor of Philosophy degree 
in 1893. 

From 1890 to 1893 he was assistant in history at Harvard and during 
1893-94 was Harris Traveling Fellow of Harvard University and a student 
in the University of Berlin. In 1894 he became assistant professor of 
history in the University of Illinois, was associate professor during 1895-97, 
and since 1894 has been head of the history department. Mr. Greene has 
been president of the Board of Trustees of the Illinois State Historical 
Library since 1910. In 1913 he was appointed a member of the Illinois 
State Centennial Commission, was a member of the Centennial Building 
Commission which in 1916 purchased the site of the Centennial Building, 
and as chairman of the publication committee of the Illinois Centennial 
Commission has had general supervision of its historical publications. 
Since 1913 he has been secretary of the Council of the American Historical 
Association, and was a member of the Council from 1908 to 1911. He 
is corresponding member of the Chicago and Minnesota Historical Societies 
and of the Colonial Society of Massachusetts and member (1917) of the 
National Board for Historical Service, Washington. 

Mr. Greene as an author has the following works to his credit: The 
Provincial Governor in the English Colonies of North America, 1898; 
1 The Government of Illinois, 1904 ; Provincial America, 1905 ; was joint 
author with C. W. Alvord of The Governors' Letter Book, 1818-1834, and 
with C. M. Thompson of the Governors' Letter Book, 1840-53; American 
Interest in Popular Government Abroad, 1917. His contributions have also 
frequently appeared in historical and educational periodicals. 

ROLLO STEWART BASSETT is a lumberman of wide and thorough expe- 
rience in both the manufacturing and business ends of the industry, and for 
the past ten years has been district manager of the Alexander Lumber 
Company, with headquarters at Champaign. 

Mr. Bassett was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, March 9, 1872, a son of 
Charles F. and Bertha (Stewart) Bassett. His father was born in Cin- 
cinnati and his mother in Newport, Kentucky. His father is an old time 
lumberman, is an honored veteran of the Civil War, having served three 
years in the armies of Burnside, and is still living at Cincinnati, being 
connected with the National Flag Company of that city. His wife died 
at the age of forty-two. There were four children : Rollo S. ; Edna, 
deceased; Newton, of El Paso, Texas; and Ferris, of Pittsburgh, Pennsyl- 
vania. 

Rollo S. Bassett attended local schools at Cincinnati, and at the age 
of sixteen began working with his father in the lumber business. Later 
he attended high school and also the Art and Mechanical Institute of 
Cincinnati, where he perfected himself in mechanical designing and illus- 
trating. Mr. Bassett at the age of twenty-two went to Chicago and was 
connected with a wholesale milling concern in that city until 1908. In 
that year he came to Champaign as his headquarters, and as district man- 
ager for the Alexander Lumber Company his territory covers Rantoul, 
Villa -Grove, Penfield, Royal, Mansfield, Sidell, Champaign and Decatur. 

Mr. Bassett was married September 13, 1893, to Miss Ethel Sibley 
Benham, of Cincinnati. Their two children are Stewart Sibley and Mar- 



HISTORY OF CHAMPAIGN COUNTY 577 

garet Beriham. Mr. Bassett is an accomplished musician, and while in 
Chicago he served as organist for the First Congregational Church. He is 
now deacon in the First Congregational Church of Champaign. Mr. 
Bassett is a Knight Templar Mason and in politics is a Eepublican. 

J. E. NYE. By reason of long residence in Champaign County, for a 
period of sixty years, by the ability shown in varied undertakings and by 
the honesty and high character of its members the Nye family is one 
of the best known in the county and the name is everywhere spoken with 
respect and esteem which are their due. 

Of this family is J. E. Nye, who came to Champaign County when a boy 
of two years of age and is now able to take life somewhat at leisure in one 
of the fine country homes south of the village of St. Joseph. 

He was born in Gallia County, Ohio, April 7, 1855, a son of Arius and 
Rebecca (Gardner) Nye. Both parents were natives of Ohio and the Nya 
ancestry goes back to the New England states. The grandfather, Nial Nye, 
served as a colonel in the War of 1812. Arius Nye brought his family 
to Illinois in 1857, arriving in Champaign County in the month of Sep- 
tember. He had three children, J. E., Louis E., now deceased, and Mary E., 
Mrs. S. N. Prather of Deland, Florida. These children were educated in 
the Allen school of Champaign County. 

J. E. Nye grew up in this locality and was well trained to habits of 
industry in addition to the lessons he learned from school books. On 
December 9, 1879, at the age of twenty-four, he married Miss Ella E. Ford, 
who was born in Union County, Ohio, youngest daughter of William J. and 
Catherine (Birely) Ford. The Ford family came to Illinois in September, 
I860, first settling on a farm near Mansfield in Piatt County, but in the 
fall of 1863 moving to Urbana. There were three children in the Ford 
family, Sarah E., Louis E. and Ella E. They received their early educa- 
tional advantages in the Marriott school north of Urbana and also at the 
Allen school, in which vicinity Mr. Ford had bought a farm. 

After the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Nye they rented a farm in Somer 
Township during the spring of 1880 and having the equipment of industry 
and energy they worked to such good advantage that year that they were 
then able to buy forty acres of land for their own. They paid $30 an acre, 
subsequently adding another forty acres. They had confidence that their 
labors would be rewarded and were not afraid to undertake responsibilities 
beyond their immediate resources. Later they sold their first farm at a 
good profit and bought a place in section 4, Somer Township, two miles 
south of Thomasboro. 

Mr. and Mrs. Nye had four children, one son and three daughters. 
The son and the daughter Nettie E. died in infancy. The other two 
(laughters are Kate and Maude. They were well educated in the local 
district schools, the high school at Thomasboro and the Urbana High 
School. Kate finished a course in Brown's Business College. She is now 
the wife of Albert Stonestreet, a prosperous farmer in Kerr Township. 
Mr. and Mrs. Stonestreet have one child, Leslie, born June 24, 1908. He 
is now attending the public schools at Penfield, and is taking his education 
very seriously and is showing much proficiency in his studies. He rides 
back and forth from home to school on his black and white pony, Prince, 
which is the gift to him from his Grandfather Nye. This pony is the 
cherished companion of the boy and it performs its part well like a faith- 
ful friend in carrying its young master back and forth to school. The 
daughter Maude married Walter C. Wood, a practical farmer who lives 
on part of Mr. Nye's estate. Mr. and Mrs. Wood have two sons, Paul and 
Maurice, the former born May 20, 1913, and the latter April 13, 1915, both 
fine boys and great favorites of their grandparents. 



578 HISTORY OF CHAMPAIGN COUNTY 

Mr. and Mrs. Nye lived at Thomasboro twelve years, then at Urbana 
five years, having in the meantime sold their Thomasboro property, and 
they then bought their present farm of 240 acres in sections 27 and 28 of 
St. Joseph Township. Mr. Nye for years has been successfully engaged in 
the raising of Poland China hogs and Plymouth Eock poultry, and handles 
only thoroughbred stock. His farm is known as the Timber View Farm 
and in point of improvements and general value it ranks as one of the 
very best anywhere in Champaign County. 

Mr. Nye is a stalwart Republican, having cast his first vote for Hayes 
in 1876. He is a public spirited citizen, served as justice of the peace 
while living at Thomasboro and has always been willing to take his place 
in the ranks and fight for any cause that reflected the welfare of the 
community. 

DAVID B. WEIGHT was born in Millerstown, Pennsylvania, March 26, 
1867, a son of John B. and Elmira (Cox) Wright, both of whom are natives 
of Pennsylvania. His father, who died in Missouri, enlisted in the Forty- 
second Pennsylvania Infantry and served until the battle of Gettysburg. 
He and his wife had five children: William I., deceased; James A. of 
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania ; David B. ; Minerva, widow of John L. McKinsie 
of Champaign; and John B., deceased. 

When David B. Wright was seven years of age he was sent to a soldiers' 
orphans' home in Pennsylvania, where he remained until he was sixteen. 
After that he continued as a teacher in the orphans' home for one year. 
While there, in addition to literary studies, he had learned the marble 
cutting trade and he worked at it for three years at Newport, Pennsylvania, 
and subsequently was in business at another town in that state. 

In 1889 Mr. Wright came out to Champaign County and located at 
Mahomet. For about four years he was employed on farms, and then capi- 
talized his experience and invested his modest means in a place of 100 
acres in section 17 of Champaign Township. That farm has since been 
the object of his constant endeavors at improvements and he has found 
himself well situated in later years, commanding the resources of a good 
farm and having every comfort that one could desire. 

On February 18, 1892, Mr. Wright married Tillie Jahr, who was born 
at Mahomet in Champaign County. They have two children : Almeda 
Zay, who is now attending the Illinois Woman's College at Jacksonville, 
and Helen Esther, a high school girl. 

Politically Mr. Wright has been a Republican since casting his first 
vote. He is now assistant supervisor of highways. He is also deputy 
assessor and has served as president of the board of school trustees and as 
district commissioner of ditches. In Masonry he is district inspector of 
the Royal Arch Masons and was high priest of the Champaign chapter. 
The badge of jewels presented to him as high priest is an article he prizes 
highly. 

OLIVER B. DOBBINS. As a lawyer Oliver B. Dobbins has gained some 
of the better distinctions and successes of the profession. He has been in 
practice in the profession in Champaign County twenty-three years. His 
ability is sought in cases of more than ordinary importance. During his 
career Mr. Dobbins has appeared in more than a hundred cases in the 
Supreme and Appellate Courts of the state. Of such cases he has suc- 
ceeded in winning at a ratio of three out of four, and at one time he 
secured favorable decisions in twelve successive appeals. An individual 
distinction of which any lawyer might be proud is that he procured the 
largest judgment ever rendered in Champaign County in an action for 



HISTORY OF CHAMPAIGN COUNTY 579 

fraud sixty thousand dollars. Mr. Dobbins has made a specialty of 
organizing and representing drainage districts, having organized and 
appeared as attorney for fifty such districts. His work in that line now 
covers a dozen counties. 

As a public leader Mr. Dobbins' name is synonymous with high ideals 
and the better element of local citizenship. In national politics he has 
always been a Democrat, and has also been closely identified with anti- 
saloon work. In 1896 as county chairman of the Democratic party he had 
th,e honor of piloting the party to its first county victory in fifty years. 

From 1913 to 1915 Mr. Dobbins was mayor of Champaign. That 
administration will have a notable place in a subsequent survey of the 
city's history. A body of business men interested in the welfare of Cham- 
paign obtained a petition signed by six hundred persons to induce Mr. 
Dobbins to accept the nomination as leader of an independent movement 
to clean out the dives and joints with which the city was infested. A 
voluntary subscription of $800 was pledged for the campaign. Mr. 
Dobbins was elected by an overwhelming vote, exceeding that of 
the regular Republican and Democratic candidates combined. People 
did not have to wait long to find out what he would do in office. 
His was a truly reform administration. It was marked by a continuous 
and unrelenting fight to make the city clean. During that fight one of 
his policemen was murdered and the chief of police was shot. His admin- 
istration was not confined entirely to the moral benefit and uplift. There 
also ensued an immense amount of public improvement, particularly notice- 
able in police and fire departments and in street improvements. Mr. 
Dobbins' name appears as mayor on either the ordinances or warrants for 
pavements laid on sixteen streets of the city. 

Oliver B. Dobbins was born at Gallatin, Tennessee, December 6, 1870, 
and is of old Southern and Revolutionary stock. His great-grandfather 
Dobbins fought with the Carolina Rangers under the leadership of Marion 
in the Revolutionary War. His grandfather, Henry Dobbins, was born at 
Gallatin, Tennessee, in 1798, was a planter in that state, and died there in 
November, 1870. He was a whig and a member of the Cumberland Presby- 
terian Church. 

Foster Dobbins, father of the Champaign lawyer, was born at Gallatin, 
Tennessee, May 19, 1838, grew up there, and served one year in the Con- 
federate army during the war. He was taken prisoner at the battle of 
Murfreesboro, was confined for a short time at Nashville, and on being 
paroled came North and taught school at Toronto until the close of hostil- 
ities. In February, 1871, he settled with his family at Bushnell in 
McDonough County, Illinois, in 1875 removed to Gibson City in Ford 
County, and 1876 to a farm in East Bend Township of Champaign County. 
He was actively engaged in farming there until 1899, when he removed 
to Urbana, where his death occurred in April, 1908. In politics he was 
a Whig until the war and after that a Democrat. His religious affiliation 
was with the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Foster Dobbins married 
Margaret Beard, who was born at Gallatin, Tennessee, December 8, 1844, 
came to Illinois in 1871 and died in Champaign County, October 30, 1881, 
when her son Oliver B. was ten years of age. She was a daughter of 
Henry and Hannah (Sloan) Beard. Foster Dobbins and wife were 
married at Nashville, Tennessee, in 1866, and became the parents of seven 
children, five of whom are still living. 

Oliver B. Dobbins had three uncles, brothers of his mother, and one 
paternal uncle, who were killed during the Civil War. 

Mr. Dobbins was six years of age when the family removed to Cham- 
paign County. He attended the common schools, and in 1888-89 was a 



580 HISTORY OF CHAMPAIGN COUNTY 

student in the Illinois State Normal University at Normal. Four years 
of his early career were spent as a teacher in Champaign and Ford 
counties. From 1892 to 1894 he attended the Wesleyan University at 
Bloomington, where he was graduated in the law course in June, 1894, and 
on his degree of LL. B. was. admitted to practice. On the 24th of June in 
the same year he opened his office at Urbana with Spencer M. White, under 
the firm name of White & Dobbins. After seven years this firm was 
dissolved and Mr. Dobbins removed to Champaign, where in 1891 he 
formed a partnership with J. L. Ray as Ray & Dobbins. Mr. Ray retired 
on account of ill health in 1914 and Mr. Dobbins has since practiced with 
his brother D. C. Dobbins, under the firm name of .Dobbins & Dobbins. 

Mr. Dobbins is a member of the Presbyterian Church, belongs to the 
Champaign County Country Club and the Champaign Club, and is a Mason 
and Elk. He was married December 15, 1897, to Miss Edith Leonard, 
who was born at Elliot, Illinois, July 13, 1874. They have three children: 
Ray F. Dobbins, born November 26, 1901, and a junior in the Champaign 
High School; Dorothy, a freshman in the same school, born September 4, 
1903; and Leonard, born September 26, 1907, attending the grade schools. 

H. M. MOUEIS has long been a resident of Rantoul and is proprietor 
of a beautiful home and a large greenhouse at the north end of the village. 
Mr. Morris has a creditable record as an old soldier of the Union, though 
he was a very young man when the war was in progress. His life has been 
a busy one and he and Mrs. Morris have well earned the esteem and the 
comforts which they now enjoy. 

He was born in Ohio, a son of Edwin and Mary (Benson) Morris, both 
natives of Ohio. The Morris ancestors were pioneers in Ohio from the 
State of Connecticut. H. M. Morris was seven years of age when his 
mother died and his father afterwards married again and in 1864 brought 
his family to Illinois. H. M. Morris secured his early education in the 
public schools of Ohio and subsequently attended school in Champaign 
County. 

While living in Ohio his ardent patriotism shone forth, and though he 
was much younger than the accepted age at which enlistments were taken 
he managed to get into the army and went to the front. He was finally 
taken prisoner and paroled. He was eighteen years of age when his father 
came to Illinois and located on a farm near Rantoul. Still the war was 
in progress and the nation's trials and difficulties were not yet ended. Mr. 
Morris then accepted another call to service, this time in a three months' 
regiment. He went out in February, 1865, for a second term of duty 
and marched away to the music of the fife and drum and was on duty in 
Tennessee and Kentucky until the war came to a close. 

In 1868 Mr. Morris laid the foundation of his own home by his mar- 
riage to Miss Harriet Myers. Mrs. Morris was born at Dansville in Liv- 
ingston County, New York, daughter of Peter and Theresa (Gardner) 
Myers. In 1856 the Myers family came to Illinois. The family consisted 
of two sons and two daughters, Horatio, Charles, Helen and Harriet. 
Horatio Myers was one of the ardent young patriotic citizens of Champaign 
County, and in the fall of 1860 he was employed in the Gazette office at 
Champaign and had enrolled as a member of the "Wide Awakes" organiza- 
tion for the defense of the Union and as factors in the campaign in which 
Mr. Lincoln was elected for the presidency. While attending a mass meet- 
ing at Middletown (now Mahomet) a great fla? pole was raised and when 
it fell he was struck down and killed, and thus the candle of life of a 
brave and enthusiastic young citizen was extinguished. The other son of 
Mr. Myers, Charles, died of brain fever at the age of sixteen. Peter Myers 



HISTORY OF CHAMPAIGN COUNTY 581 

was a prominent and influential man in Champaign County, especially 
before and during the war. He was a stanch abolitionist and used his 
influence to keep up and maintain Union sentiments. Mrs. Morris' sister 
Helen married George Condit, and her death occurred about ten years ago. 

After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Morris located at Eantoul, where 
be was employed by his father-in-law, Peter Myers, in the lumber and 
grain business. The young people had the qualities of thrift and enterprise 
and as rapidly as possible assembled about themselves the things which 
have given them independence, comfort and opportunity to serve others 
and the community as well as themselves. Mr. Morris was for seven years 
postmaster of Eantoul. 

Some years ago he secured his present home' on Ohio Street on the 
north side of the village, and there erected the commodious greenhouses by 
which his enterprise is chiefly known throughout his large community. 
He raises flowers and fruits and for twenty years has conducted a very 
successful business in that line. His home is a most attractive place, com- 
bining the facilities of country and town. In their dooryard stand some 
large shade trees, rare shrubs and flowers. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Morris were born seven children, Charles, Eoy, Mabel, 
Keith, Helen and two daughters, Fern and Eose, who died early. The 
children that grew up were educated in the Eantoul High School, Charles, 
Keith and Helen graduating. Charles, Mabel and Keith were successful 
teachers in Champaign County and Charles taught in several other coun- 
ties of the state. Mabel became a student at Normal, Illinois, and Eoy 
was for a time in Oberlin College in Ohio. Charles Morris married Mary 
Lindsey and now lives at Kilbourn, Wisconsin. Their three children are 
named Claud, Keith and Wendland. The son Claud is married and has 
three children, great-grandchildren of Mr. and Mrs. Morris, they are named 
Eobert, Geraldine and Mary. 

Eoy Morris is an ice cream manufacturer at Havana, Illinois. He mar- 
ried Miss Eleanor Bay of Arcola. 

Mabel Morris is the wife of Prof. H. P. Little, a graduate of the 
University of Illinois and former superintendent of schools at Momence. 
Professor Little died, leaving his widow and six children. These children 
are Elizabeth, Morris, Harriet, Harold, Edith and Florence. Harriet is 
deceased, dying before her father. The oldest, Elizabeth, is the wife of 
Samuel Yates and has a son, Philip. 

Keith Morris is employed by the Short Line Bailroad and lives at Ban- 
loul. He married Frances Lindsey and has two sons, Lindsey and Eichard. 

Helen Morris married Stafford Miller, a railway conductor living in 
Chicago. Their four children are Eobert, Jeannette, Merritt and Staf- 
ford, Jr. 

Mr. Morris has always been a. member of the Congregational Church. 
Mrs. Morris is a very able and enthusiastic devotee of the Church of Christ 
Scientist of Boston, and has studied thoroughly and mastered the principles 
of that faith and practiced it most intelligently. She has won her children 
to the same views and her daughter and daughter-in-law are Science prac- 
titioners. 

Politically Mr. and Mrs. Morris support the Eepublican party, but both 
have voted the Progressive ticket. Mrs. Morris believes in the progressive- 
ness of the human family and it is her opinion that an age which has con- 
tributed so many splendid figures to science and industry should not be 
deficient in men of leadership in politics. Mr. and Mrs. Morris have always 
endeavored to fill their places as true and honorable citizens and their lives 
have consequently meant much in the community. Both now and in gen- 
erations to come the descendants will always be proud of the record Mr. 



582 HISTORY OF CHAMPAIGN COUNTY 

Morris made as a boy soldier of the Union. His subsequent life has been 
equally creditable and honorable and the record in detail of Mr. and Mrs. 
Morris would show countless duties well performed and responsibilities 
faithfully and unselfishly borne by each. 

CHARLES F. HAMILTON. The business life of Champaign owes much 
to the enterprise and energy of Charles F. Hamilton. He first became 
identified with the city in the lumber trade, and while he has numerous 
interests elsewhere he has always remained loyal to this city and it is not 
only to him a home but a place where his many well considered investments 
have contributed much to local improvement and benefit. 

Mr. Hamilton is a native of Macoupin County, Illinois, where he was 
born November 26, 1864, a son of Julius and Virginia L. (VanDeventer) 
Hamilton. His parents were both natives of Virginia and of old Colonial 
stock. Julius Hamilton came out to Illinois in 1856, first locating in 
Cass County, and in 1861 establishing a home in Macoupin County. For 
many years he was one of the most extensive lumber dealers in the state, 
operating a string of yards throughout the state. In the fall of 1880 he 
removed to Champaign and from this city he subsequently directed his 
interests and he died here January 21, 1903. His wife is also deceased 
and they were the parents of three children: Mary, Lizzie and Charles F. 

Charles F. Hamilton acquired a good education, but most of it out of 
school and by active contact with men and affairs. When only fifteen years 
of age he started work in bis father's lumber yard. In a few years he was 
able to relieve his father of many of the heavier responsibilities of the 
business, and they continued actively associated until 1890. In that year 
Mr. Hamilton went to Watseka, Illinois, and for three years was in the 
lumber and coal business for himself. Returning to Champaign in 1893, 
he again became his father's associate as a lumberman. For ten years 
Mr. Hamilton was manager of the Walker Opera House at Champaign. 
In later years many of his investments have been made in California. 
Much of his time 'has been spent at Los Angeles, where both of his children 
live. In 1915-16 he erected a large three-story brick building at the 
corner of Park Avenue and Neil Street. 

On July 3, 1884, he married Miss Mary Rugg, daughter of Daniel 
Rugg, who was one of the pioneers of Champaign County. Mr. and Mrs. 
Hamilton have two children : Julius R., a successful young physician, 
practicing at Los Angeles; and Florence, wife of Samuel J. Tilden, of 
Los Angeles. 

JOHN FIOCK. Behind every fine farm, home and industry of Cham- 
paign County lies a story of sacrifice and strenuous personal endeavor. It 
has required the labors of an army of men and women to make Champaign 
County what it is today, and this publication performs its greatest service 
when appropriate credit may be given to those men who effected some share 
in the transformation. 

Doubtless one of the most interesting of these stories of personal 
struggle and effort is that of Mr. John Fiock of St. Joseph Township. 
Mr. Fiock was born in Morgan Township of Harrison County, Indiana, 
March 6, 1847, a son of Charles and Elizabeth (Helfrer) Fiock. His 
father was born in Germany and his mother in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 
in which city they married. Soon after their marriage they started to 
find a new home in the wilderness of southern Indiana. When they first 
located in Harrison County they had two neighbors, ten miles away. 
Their home was in the woods, and they had to clear the land for the planting 
of the first few acres. Charles Fiock put in and cultivated his first five- 



HISTORY OP CHAMPAIGN COUNTY 583 

acre crop of corn with a grubbing hoe. In the meantime another neighbor 
located near by, and together, with the use of such crude implements as 
they had, they fabricated a wheelbarrow. This was the only vehicle they 
had to transport their produce and bring back supplies from New Albany, 
a distance of eighteen miles. On the wheelbarrow they loaded a few 
chickens and a few dozen eggs, a rope was tied to the wheelbarrow, and 
one of them pulled and the other pushed until they arrived in town, cover- 
ing a most rugged stretch of land on the way. Later these two men manu- 
factured by the same toilsome process a wagon. Not a single strip of 
iron entered into the construction, even the wheels being of wood. Several 
of the neighbors combined to purchase an old gray mare, and this com- 
munity asset was a possession of which all were very proud. This old 
horse drew the wagon back and forth to market. That is one instance 
of pioneer difficulty, and the entire story would take a long time to tell. 

When John Fiock was three weeks old his mother died, and his father 
subsequently married again, and by both wives had seven children. When 
John was a school boy the nearest schoolhouse was three miles away and 
the term was usually three months a year. Thus he had limited oppor- 
tunities to acquire a knowledge of books, but he made the best of them. 
On Sunday morning the entire family would attend religious services 
and the afternoons were spent at Sunday school. The boys and girls of 
the neighborhood up to the age of eighteen would come to the Sunday school 
barefooted. The girls wore "cornstalk shakers" and they took a good deal 
of pride in this simple home-made adornment. The Fiock family were 
devoted members of the German Evangelical Church, and all the children 
grew up in that faith. 

From early boyhood John Fiock had to struggle with poverty and harsh 
conditions, and though he grew up in a community of wholesome and neigh- 
borly people, it was hard work that made existence possible. In 1875 he 
laid the foundation of his own home by his marriage to Miss Mary Den- 
hart. She was also a native of Harrison County, Indiana, daughter of 
John and Elizabeth (Zimmerman) Denhart. Her father was a native of 
Iowa and her mother of Germany. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. 
Fiock located on forty acres in Blue Eiver Township of Harrison County, 
having bought that land for $8 an acre. They lived there for ten years. 
The land was rough and the quality of soil very poor, and after ten years 
Mr/ Fiock found that it was impossible to make a living there. 

Seeking the better lands of Illinois, he came to Champaign County and 
got off the train at St. Joseph August 17, 1875. His entire stock of cash 
capital consisted of 35 cents. With him came his wife and five children. 
Fortunate indeed was he in making the acquaintance of Isaac T. Leas, 
who proved a Lord Bountiful to the Fiock family and vouched for Mr. 
Fiock when he bought his cook stove and other necessary furniture, and 
also gave him work and encouraged and helped him in many ways, mani- 
festing the true spirit of brotherly love. For two years Mr. Fiock rented 
land of Mr. Leas. At the end of that time he began looking around for 
another place to rent. One day in St. Joseph he saw a -bill announcing 
the sale of seventy-seven acres of unimproved land. Being very anxious 
to locate in a permanent home, he endeavored to get in touch with the 
owner of the land. The price fixed for this tract was $26 an acre. Mr. 
Fiock did not even have the money to buy a postage stamp so that he 
might write to the land owner at Champaign. In this emergency he 
gathered some eggs, took them to the village of St. Joseph, and tried 
to trade them in goods, reserving only 2 cents for a stamp. The mer- 
chant refused to give him the 2 cents, but for a man of his spirit and 
determination he refused to let such a small matter as a postage stamp 



584 HISTORY OF CHAMPAIGN COUNTY 

stand in his way. He then secured what he calls "a cross tie ticket" and 
walked the entire twelve miles to Champaign. The owner of the land 
when interviewed refused to rent, but said that he would make it possible 
for Mr. Fiock to buy the land. The next thing to do was to raise the first 
payment. Mr. Fiock returned home, sold a colt, and returning to Cham- 
paign made his first payment of $60. The agreement was that in thirty 
clays he must pay $40 more or the contract would be void by afternoon of 
that day. 

At 11 o'clock in the morning on the day the contract expired Mr. 
Fiock again returned to his old friend and benefactor, Isaac Leas. Find- 
ing Mr. Leas at home, he said: "Mr. Leas, if I do not raise $40 I 
lose my land today." Mr. Leas was building a fence. He was not a man 
of many words or of hesitation. "We have not much time," he said, and 
sticking his ax into a stump, went at once to the house, told his good wife 
to prepare lunch and directed Mr. Fiock to grease the buggy. The horse 
was soon hitched up and they drove at full speed to the office of Mr. Mahan, 
owner of the land. Already a family was waiting to buy the land and 
offered $100 more than Mr. Fiock was to pay. Mr. Leas told the agent 
to write out a check, this was was given to Mr. Fiock and he was directed 
to hand the paper into the window of the bank and he was soon in posses- 
sion of the coveted $40. The payment was made and the contract secured. 
This was a red letter day in the history of the Fiock family, and it is not 
strange that for Mr. Leas' part in the transaction and for numerous other 
kindnesses they hold his memory in lasting gratitude. 

The following day the Fiocks moved to their new possession and thus 
entered upon a new and better period of existence. In the Fiock family 
from the oldest to -the youngest the name of Leas is spoken with a rever- 
ence that amounts to a benediction. Another incident of this family's early 
clays in Champaign County is concerned with their first flock of chickens. 
It consisted of six hens and a rooster, and Mr. Fiock put in a long day 
of toil to pay for each fowl. Poultry raising has always been a feature 
of his farm industry and he and his wife still have a large number of 
chickens at their home. 

The contract for the first purchase of his farm provided that $200 
should be paid on the principal every year in addition to the interest, and 
Mr. Fiock worked strenuously to raise that amount, and when he did not 
have it all his good neighbors loaned it to him, and thus he gradually 
paid for the land and bought more besides until he had an estate of 133 
acres. For some of this he paid as high as $100 an acre. Those days of 
toil and struggle have long since passed, and the Fiock family have long 
enjoyed the fruits of prosperity in this garden spot of Illinois. Their land 
has been transformed by cultivation, by the planting of many trees, the 
building of a commodious home and the installation of many comforts and 
conveniences. 

Eleven children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Fiock, and besides the 
struggle they had in providing a home they deserve the greatest credit for 
rearing and training this young household to lives of fruitful endeavor and 
worthy principles. The children were named George, Charles, Lizzie, 
Eddie, Anna, Mag, Louis, Joseph, Frank, Jacob, who died at the age of 
two years, and William. These children attended the Argo and Bowers 
schools. George, a farmer living in Fort Wayne, Indiana, married Viola 
Gibbink, and their children are Pearl, Earl, Olive, Grace and Mildred. 
The son Charles married Blanche Mapes, and they have three children, 
Beulah, Grace and Clyde. Lizzie is the wife of Charles Bartus, and they 
have a large family, consisting of Gertrude, Clara, John, Russell, Charles, 
Chester, Floyd, Ernest, Frank, Elmer and Dan. The son Eddie is a 



HISTORY OF CHAMPAIGN COUNTY 585 

machinist at Indianapolis, and by his marriage to Hattie Mohs has two 
children, Clarence and Earl. Anna married John Brittenham, and their 
two children are Marie and Charles. Mag is still living at home with her 
parents. Louis married Leona Swearingen and has two daughters, Neva 
and Morine. Joseph married Sadie Denhart and has one child, Verbal. 
Frank married Anna Worley and has a daughter, Gladys. William Fiock, 
who manages his father's farm, married Cynthia Worley and has a small 
son, William Virgil. 

From the time these children were born Mr. and Mrs. Fiock carefully 
studied and worked out the problems involved in their rearing and training 
and have been splendidly rewarded by the upright and honorable men and 
women who have gone out from their home to the active responsibilities of 
the world. While Mr. and Mrs. Fiock were reared as German Evangelical 
Church members, their children all attend the Christian Church in St. 
Joseph. 

In politics Mr. Fiock is a Democrat, and for thirty years has belonged 
to the Modern Woodmen of America. He has shown much public spirit 
as a citizen, has served as road supervisor and has done all he could to 
carry forward community improvement. They are completely justified in 
enjoying the fruits of their well spent years, and they are most pleasantly 
located in a home north of St. Joseph. Mention should be made of a most 
interesting family heirloom possessed by Mr. Fiock. It is a pocketknife 
which is more than 200 years old and is still in a good state of preserva- 
tion. It was hand made in Germany near the River Rhine and was given 
to Mr. Fiock's father by Grandfather Fiock. It contains a good solid 
blade, a small saw, a punch and also an instrument resembling a lance, 
used for bleeding horses. Mr. Fiock's father with this implement carved 
out all the furniture he used when he began housekeeping in the woods of 
Indiana. 

Mr. and Mrs. Fiock believe in getting all the pleasure of life possible, 
and in the beautiful month of September, 1917, with one of their sons and 
wife made a 2,000-mile auto trip through Canada, visiting his sisters and 
relatives at Ridgeway and Stevensville. 

J. 0. ALEXANDER. It is now nearly half a century since Mr. and Mrs. 
J. 0. Alexander laid the foundation of their home and fortune by their 
marriage and during all that time they have lived in the vicinity of Ran- 
toul, have been materially prospered and have also fulfilled that great duty 
of bearing .and rearing children to usefulness and honor in the world's work. 

Mr. Alexander is one of the honored old soldiers of Champaign County. 
He was born near the Sangamon River in Illinois, a son of Henry and 
Polly Alexander. He grew up on the farm and had a district school edu- 
cation. He was twenty-four years of age when the war broke out and he 
soon afterward enlisted in Springfield in the One Hundred and Fourteenth 
Illinois Infantry. He saw three years of active service. He went to the 
front at Cairo, then to Memphis and on to Vicksburg, and altogether 
fought in thirty distinct engagements. He was wounded in the breast and 
wrist and was mustered out at Memphis. 

In October, 1868, he married Sarah Hamm. Mrs. Alexander was born 
in Indiana, a daughter of John and Harriet Hamm. They started house- 
keeping seven miles west of Rantoul and lived and prospered as farmers 
until they removed to their present comfortable home on Main Street in 
the village of Rantoul. 

The children born to their marriage are: Charles; Ollie, now Mrs. 
Sch'warts; Mrs. Edith Swayze; Harry; Mabel, deceased (she was Mrs. 
Mabel Green); Mrs. Nettie Thayre; Mrs. Inez Messenger; Gertrude; and 



586 HISTORY OF CHAMPAIGN COUNTY 

Ada E. The children were well educated, most of them finishing in the 
Eantoul High School. Ada became a successful teacher, taught two years 
in the district schools of this county, two years in Mansfield and for the 
past three years has been connected with the Rantoul High School and is 
still a member of its faculty of instruction. Mr. and Mrs. Alexander also 
have the solace and comfort of grandchildren and one great-grandchild. 
The great-grandchild is Claude Alexander. Their son Charles has three 
children, Roy, Fay and Lessley. Ollie's children are Harold, Alton, Freda 
and Fern, twins. The children of Edith are Mabel, Gwendolin (deceased), 
Clyde, James, Eugene, Bernice (deceased), Harry, Evelyn and Melvin. 
Nettie is the mother of Russell. Inez has one child, Horace. Don and 
Dale are sons of Mabel, who is deceased. Harry has two children, Evalyn 
and Melvin. 

Mr. and Mrs. Alexander are active members of the Baptist Church at 
Rantoul. Politically Mr. Alexander is a Republican. Mrs. Alexander dur- 
ing her girlhood knew Champaign County's great pioneer Henry Sadorus. 
She talked with him many times and she thus stands as a link connecting 
the modern present with the very early times of this section. 

BOYD S. BLAIXE. A position of public trust is necessarily indicative 
of the man who fills it. When the duties of an office demanding a keen 
intellect, a never failing integrity and a capacity for hard and continuous 
labor are, for years, discharged so satisfactorily that popular vote confers 
them successively upon the same person, it is to be assumed that the 
individual thus chosen is possessed of those qualities which make for the 
best arrangements in our official life. In this connection we may mention 
the career of Boyd S. Blaine, one of Champaign County's best known 
officials. When he entered life on his own account it was with the desire 
to become a leader in the business field, but circumstances so shaped them- 
selves that lie went from one public office to another until he finally disposed 
of his business ambitions and since 1912 has held the responsible position 
of circuit clerk and recorder. While it would be interesting to know how 
far Mr. Blaine would have gone in business circles, the people of Champaign 
County can be assured that they would have benefited in no greater degree 
through the work of another man who would have filled the post now 
occupied by the present efficient clerk and recorder. 

Boyd S. Blaine was born on a farm in Champaign Township, Cham- 
paign County, Illinois, August 20, 1868, being a son of James and Cath- 
arine Blaine. His parents, natives of Pennsylvania, came to Champaign 
County in October, 1865, and located on an unimproved farm situated in 
the township of Champaign, where their son Boyd S. "was born. The 
father continued to follow farming and stockraising during the remainder 
of his active career, and made such a success of his operations that he was 
able to retire in 1888. Mr. Blaine was known as a good citizen and an 
industrious agriculturist, and when he died, in January, 1913, the com- 
munity lost one of its representative men. Mrs. Blaine had passed away 
in 1894. Of their seven children four are still living: J. M., a resident of 
Champaign ; Ada, who is the wife of John A. Scott ; Melda, of Champaign, 
and Boyd S., of this review. 

Boyd S. Blaine was given good educational advantages in his youth 
which would have fitted him for almost any vocation which he might have 
cared to follow. After securing his preliminary training he entered the 
Champaign High School, from which he was duly graduated in 1888, and 
at that time became a student at the University of Illinois. He attended 
that institution during 1888 and 1889, and then began to work on his 
own account as a mail carrier at Champaign. At the same time he was 



HISTORY OP CHAMPAIGN COUNTY 587 

devoting his spare time to the carpenter trade, it being his intention to 
eventually become a builder and contractor. In this trade he spent some 
six years and had established some standing in the direction of his ambition, 
when, in December, 1896, he accepted an employment that changed the 
whole trend <3f his career. At the time mentioned he began some special 
work in the recorder's office of the courthouse as a copy clerk, a position 
which he retained until January 1, 1903. His efficiency and fidelity having 
attracted attention, he was then appointed deputy circuit clerk, an office 
which he held until December, 1912, when he was elected circuit clerk and 
recorder, and his first term proved so satisfactory that in 1916 he received 
the re-election. As before noted, Mr. Elaine has established an excellent 
record in handling the affairs of his office and is accounted one of the 
county's most dependable public servants. 

On June 14, 1905, Mr. Elaine was united in marriage with Miss Nelle 
Griffith, of Rankin, Illinois, daughter of George and Viola (Werts) 
Griffith, prominent people of Rankin, where Mrs. Elaine's father is serving 
in the capacity of postmaster. Mr. and Mrs. Elaine have no children. 
They are members of the Presbyterian Church and have been liberal in 
their support of its movements. Mr. Elaine's political views make him a 
Republican, and he has long been considered one of the hard workers in 
his party's ranks in Champaign County. He is affiliated fraternally with 
the Knights of Pythias, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and 
the Masons, in the last named of which he has reached the thirty-second 
degree and is a Knight Templar and a Noble of the Mystic Shrine. 

J. A. R. KOCH. "God's finger touched him and he slept," was the 
almost universal thought in St. Joseph Township upon the death of 
J. A. R. Koch, who died suddenly at the home of his son Frank in the 
Mayview community August 9, 1917. Mr. Koch was one of the county's 
prominent, influential, useful and progressive citizens. Every activity in 
his life was employed directly or indirectly for the general welfare, and his 
every heart throb was in sympathy with the righteous aspirations and efforts 
for elevation and improvement among his fellow men. 

His was the type of material success of which America is most proud. 
He came to Champaign County over half a century ago, poor and prac- 
tically friendless, made a competence for himself, provided for others, and 
wrought a strong impress upon the moral and' religious institutions of his 
community. He was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, September 21, 1844, 
a son of Adam and Mary Ann (Gigher) Koch. His father was a native 
of Adams County, Pennsylvania, and his mother of the city of Philadelphia. 
There were seven children, six sons and one daughter, Reuben, Malcolm, 
Adam, Alfred, Edward, J. A. R. and Mrs. Annetta C. Hudson, all of 
whom are now deceased. Alfred and Adam gave their lives to the cause of 
the country during the Civil War, the former dying in a Southern prison 
and the latter in a Southern hospital. Edward, the oldest son, was drowned. 
J. A. R. Koch was the youngest of the family and was twelve days old 
when his father died. His mother was subsequently married twice and 
she died in Ohio, leaving two sons, Benjamin Oyler and Fred Hulshy, 
by her other two husbands. 

J. A. R. Koch had a strenuous career, beginning when he was between 
six and seven years of age. At that time he provided for his own support, 
working on a farm at $2 per month. He had industry and persistence, 
and through his early experience with hardship and difficulty he retained 
to the end of his life a sympathy and kindly feeling for the poor and 
oppressed and in many ways helped them to better lives. 

On November 3, 1864, Mr. Koch arrived in St. Joseph Township of 



588 HISTORY OF CHAMPAIGN COUNTY 

Champaign County. He had left a sweetheart behind him in the old 
Buckeye State, and on January 19, 1868, he went back to reclaim her. 
When he left Ohio he was poor but too proud to ask the young lady to 
marry him until he could provide a home. On returning he told her of 
the splendid State of Illinois and of its many favorable opportunities, and 
she was glad to exchange her name from Suzanna Foor to Koch. 

Returning to Illinois with his young bride Mr. Koch worked as a 
farmer, and in February, 1881, settled near May view, where he bought his 
first land for $25 an acre. Later he paid $50 and $85 an acre for other 
lands, and in the course of time he found himself surrounded with ample 
prosperity. His home had always an atmosphere of Christian virtue and 
friendship. For many years Mr. Koch made it a rule to employ principally 
those who had no home of their own, endeavoring to make them feel that 
though deprived of home they could find Christian sympathy and kindness 
which goes so far toward smoothing out the rugged pathway of life. Many 
have gone in and out from the Koch home carrying the happy remembrance 
of the parental kindness of these two worthy people. 

While in Ohio Mr. Koch was a member of the Evangelical Church. 
Among the valued possessions brought with him from that state was the 
letter from his church which he presented to the Methodist Episcopal organ- 
ization at Mayview, which then worshiped in a schoolhouse. Being known 
as a young man of promising industry and of splendid religious faith, he 
soon found introduction into the hearts and homes of many of the pioneer 
families. He always kindly recalled the welcome he received in the homes 
of the Kirkpatricks, the Buseys, and other prominent families, and the 
friendship he thus formed endured to the end. 

Mr. and Mrs. Koch went about the improvement of their home dili- 
gently and made it one of the most attractive spots in St. Joseph Township. 
They were always interested in the work of the community, and while they 
had no children of their own they found room in their hearts and home for 
three orphan children, whom they adopted and to whom they gave their 
own name. Mr. Koch had reared in his home Mary Oyler, daughter of 
his half brother. One other of his farm hands had lived with him for seven 
years. Christopher and Elizabeth McCrughen had died in Champaign 
County, leaving seven orphan children, and Mr. Koch was appointed 
guardian for them. He and his wife subsequently adopted two of the 
boys, A. F. and J. C., and the daughter, E. J. They legally assumed the 
Koch name in 1893. Thus a good home was provided for them, and the 
boys grew up industrious and capable citizens, handling the duties of their 
father's farm for many years before his death. 

Mr. Koch built a nice house and barn on the corner of his farm for 
his son Frank, and built also another one like it on his farm three and a 
half miles southeast of the old home for the other son J. C. Koch. A. F. 
Koch married Eva R. Smith, and they have three children, Raymond H., 
Elva Marie and J. A. R., Jr. He does a large business in raising Holstein 
cattle, and his "Black and White Dairy Farm" is widely known. His dairy 
products are shipped to Champaign. 

The other son, J. C. Koch, has also inherited and is owner of a part 
of the Koch homestead in St. Joseph Township. He married Susie Alt, 
and their four children are Clifton A., Genevieve A., Frances A. and 
Clarence D. 

Nearly ten years before his own death Mr. Koch was called upon to 
mourn the passing of his beloved wife on December 3, 1907. She wa<? 
a woman of many virtues, kindly, sympathetic and charitable, and had 
been in sympathy with her husband in their love for orphan children. In 
fact so many fatherless and motherless and friendless found shelter in their 



HISTORY OF CHAMPAIGN COUNTY 589 

home that it was often called "The Orphans' Home." The Koch home- 
stead was the abode of hospitality in the best sense of the word, and it ia 
said that no needy person ever applied for help there who went away empty 
handed. 

The late Mr. Koch was a public spirited citizen, and for thirty-six 
years served as a school director. He endeavored to secure the best of 
instruction for the children of the community. He was a personal friend 
of many of the best citizens of Champaign County, including the late 
Judge Cunningham and Colonel Busey. 

His name is especially associated with the Mayview Methodist Epis- 
copal Church, in which the funeral services were held preceding his inter- 
ment in Mount Olive Cemetery. He was instrumental in building that 
church and was for many years a trustee and a member of its building 
committee. Many of his old neighbors said that Mayview would never 
have another church when the old one passed out of use. Mr. Koch 
assumed individually the responsibility for getting the congregation in a 
new home, and when he first proposed building he was told that it might 
be possible to build a house of worship but it would always be burdened 
with a heavy debt. He himself headed a subscription paper with a gen- 
erous sum and then started around and found many loyal hearts to respond, 
so that as a result the church was dedicated not only free of debt but with 
more than $100 in the treasury. On the day of dedication the bishop who 
presided stated that never before in his experience had a country com- 
munity accomplished a building program so successfully. Today this 
church stands as a monument to the enterprise and liberality of the late 
Mr. Koch. 

DAVID BAILEY. In the latter part of 1854 or the early part of 1855 
Mr. Bailey moved to Monticello, Illinois. After a short sojourn there he 
came to tfrbana, and in March or April, 1856, moved to Champaign, where 
for a number of years, in connection with W. B. Bailey, he conducted a 
small country store in a frame building that he erected on the site now 
occupied by the Eobeson Department Store. 

David Bailey was one of the thirteen men who founded the First 
National Bank of Champaign, in 1865. Application for organization was 
made to the government in January, 1865, and certificate was issued in 
April, 1865. The thirteen men signing up were in the following order : 
J. S. Wright, J. H. Thomas, W. M. Way, Hamilton J. Jefferson, B. F. 
Harris, J. S. Beasley, David Bailey, Daniel Gardner, W. C. Barrett, Simeon 
H. Busey, S. P. Percival, J. G. Clark and A. E. Harmon. Each took 
fifty shares, making a capital of sixty-five thousand dollars. David Bailey 
disposed of his interest in the bank some time in the '70s. 

In 1882 he, with other men, founded the Champaign National Bank. 
The nine men signing the organization certificate and present at the 
organization were: Edward Bailey, 110 shares; Wm. S. Maxwell, 100 
shares; Jas. C. Miller, 150 shares; Bernard Kelley, 40 shares; David 
Bailey, 60 shares; Isaac S. Raymond, 10 shares; Geo. F. Beardsley, 10 
shares; Francis T. Walker, 10 shares; James B. McKinley, 10 shares. In 
this bank he held his holdings until his death. During his residence in 
Champaign, Mr. Bailey was several times elected a member of the Board 
of County Supervisors of Champaign County ; also served as school trustee. 
He was a public spirited citizen, contributed liberally, yet wisely, to every 
worthy enterprise, whether secular or religious. His giving was not osten- 
tatious, but it may be said that among his gifts was a lot now occupied by 
the Baptist parsonage, he being a member of that society, and the ground 
now occupied by the city building. 

25 



590 HISTORY OP CHAMPAIGN COUNTY 

Mr. Bailey gave up his residence in Champaign about 1877, and after 
traveling for a season, finally located in St. Joseph, 1 Missouri, where he 
remained until after the death of his wife in 1879. Subsequently he lived 
for a short time in New York City, and then returned to the home of his 
boyhood in New Hampshire, where he spent most of his time, though 
frequently visiting his old home and friends in Champaign. 

On the 22nd day of March, 1882, he married Miss Harriet Hazelton, 
of Methuen, Massachusetts. Two weeks later he followed her remains to 
the tomb. He was then married to his third wife, November 1, 1886, she 
being Mrs. Mary B. Ewings, who survives him. 

In Champaign, in 1897, he had erected a new residence on the site 
occupied by the old home into which he had moved in 1856. The new 
home had just been completed and occupied by him when he was called 
from this life December 17, 1897, it being his intention to spend the closing 
days of his life in the city to which he had contributed so much toward the 
upbuilding. 

Mr. Bailey was a man of magnificent physical presence, and it may be 
truly said that he carried within his breast a soul worthy of so splendid a 
habitation. He sought no man's praise, satisfied to have the approval of 
his own conscience, and he was immovable in his adherence to justice and 
right. Once his duty was made plain, nothing could swerve him from it. 
Yet under a stern exterior beat a great, big, kind heart, as those who 
knew him best can testify. 

He was a manly man, and that means much. His character was 
developed in pioneer days, and while his early opportunity for acquiring 
an education was very limited, yet by extensive reading, observation and 
travel, he became a well informed and polished gentleman. The life and 
labors of such as he have made possible the greatest comfort and beauty 
in the world at present. His heart beat warm for the oppressed and dis- 
tressed, and his purse opened probably with as great frequency as any 
other in Champaign to alleviate the suffering of his fellowmen. Yet it 
was done so modestly that only in rare instances did any but the beneficiary 
know of his beneficence. 

David Bailey was born in Salem, Eockingham County, New Hampshire, 
August 2, 1814, of poor yet honest parents. His father was a farmer 
and a shoemaker. There were nine children in this New England home 
three sons and six daughters. The children attended district school about 
three months in the winter season. David had no further scholastic, train- 
ing. When a boy of twelve years he was put out to work for a neighbor 
to help lift a debt that was pressing his father. 

After spending a number of years on a farm, the subject of this 
sketch entered a country store at Haverhill, Massachusetts, as a clerk, but 
did not long remain there on account of poor health. He soon drifted to 
Boston, or, rather, to Charleston, just across the Charles Eiver from Boston, 
where for a time he occupied a position as clerk in the state penitentiary. 

Late in the '30s he decided to come West, and came to Danville, 
Illinois, making the trip by canal and stage coach. At Danville he secured 
a clerkship in a general country store. While there he became acquainted 
with Miss Hannah Finley, to whom he was married on February 9, 1841, 
and to this union were born five children, three sons, who survived their 
father, namely, Edward, David and Ozias, and two daughters, Abiah, who 
was the oldest of the family and died in early childhood, and Susan Bailey 
Slayden, who died at Waco, Texas, some years before her father. 

After spending some time in Danville, Mr. Bailey went to Bloomfield, 
Edgar County, Illinois. There he accepted a position on salary, but later, 



HISTORY OF CHAMPAIGN COUNTY 591 

having saved a little money, he formed a partnership with his brother 
Ozias (who had recently come West) under the firm name of 0. & D. 
Bailey. 

The Bailey peddling wagon soon became well known throughout the 
section between the Wabash and Sangamon rivers. The brothers also 
operated a small pork packing establishment at Clinton, Indiana, shipping 
their product by flat boat to New Orleans. 

While on one of these trips Mr. Bailey first met Abraham Lincoln, also 
J. S. Wright, who was afterwards the first cashier of the First National 
Bank of Champaign. 

CAPTAIN EDWARD BAILEY is president of the Champaign National 
Bank, an institution which has become noted as one of the most conserva- 
tive in the United States and as a leader among the great banking institu- 
tions of Illinois. He was one of its founders. 

He was born at Bloomfield, Edgar County, Illinois, September 8, 1843, 
a son of David and Hannah (Finley) Bailey, concerning whom mention 
is made on other pages. His early education was obtained in subscription 
schools at Bloomfield. 

In the last part of 1854 or early in 1855 his parents moved to Monti- 
cello, Illinois, thence to Urbana, Illinois, and in the spring of 1856 to 
Champaign, where he attended the public schools. In 1858 and 1859 he 
was a student at Atkinson Academy, Atkinson, New Hampshire. In the 
fall of 1860 he entered Douglas University in Chicago. This was the 
nucleus of the old Chicago University, which still later was founded and 
chartered as the University of Chicago. 

When the Civil War broke out in 1861 an independent military 
company was formed in this school. As a member of that company 
Edward Bailey learned the regulation drill and became very proficient 
therein. When Stephen A. Douglas died this company had the position of 
honor in the funeral procession and at the grave. 

In 1862 he enlisted in Company K, Sixty-seventh Illinois Volunteer 
Infantry, and was elected first lieutenant by the company. After serving 
out that enlistment he returned home and at the request of his parents 
attended commercial school. He also clerked in a dry goods store owned 
by his father and W. B. Bailey. In 1864 Edward Bailey enlisted in his 
country's service again, this time as a member of Company B, One Hun- 
dred Thirty-fifth Illinois Volunteer Infantry. The company elected him 
captain, and in that capacity he served out the enlistment. 

At the conclusion of his army service he clerked in a dry goods store 
in Champaign and later held a similar position at Eidgefarm, Vermilion 
County. Afterwards he was clerk for the firm of Eichards & Brother 
in Champaign, in which business he had a small interest. 

In 1868 he was married to Josephine S. Eichards, who had come to 
Champaign with her parents from the State of Maine. To this union 
three children were born : Fred Sumner Bailey, who is vice president of 
the Champaign National Bank; Josephine Belle Bailey; and Ange Bailey. 

In the fall of 1879 Mr. Bailey, Mr. W. S. Maxwell and Mr. James C. 
Miller organized the private banking company of Bailey, Maxwell & 
Miller. In 1882 they applied for authority to organize the Champaign 
National Bank, with capital stock of fifty thousand dollars. In this they 
were joined by six other stockholders, all of whom were present at the 
organization of the bank. A board of directors was elected and when 
the board organized Edward Bailey was elected president and has been 
president ever since, a period of thirty-five years, making him one of the 
senior bank presidents in the state. 



592 HISTORY OF CHAMPAIGN COUNTY 

L. FORNEY WINGARD is a successful lawyer at Champaign, has been in 
active practice over fifteen years, and besides his accumulation of profes- 
sional interests he has identified himself in a public spirited way with the 
work of the community. 

His family have lived in Champaign County for a great many years. 
Mr. Wingard was born at Champaign June 3, 1875, a son of Benjamin F. 
and Mary C. (Forney) Wingard. His father was born in Indiana, son of 
David Wingard, who came to Champaign County in 1859. Both the 
father and grandfather were in the jewelry business at Champaign. Mr. 
Wingard's mother was born in Waynesboro, Pennsylvania, and is still living 
in Champaign County. There were three children: Anna, at home with 
her parents ; L. Forney ; and Eoy, a traveling salesman. 

L. Forney Wingard was graduated in 1893 from the Champaign High 
School, and then took the regular academic course in the University of 
Illinois, where he graduated A. B. in 1898. For his law course he entered 
the Northwestern University Law School in Chicago, and began active 
practice in 1901. He is director and assistant attorney of the First State 
Trust and Banking Company at Urbana, Illinois. 

For seven years Mr. Wingard served as secretary of the Champaign 
Board of Education. In 1915 he was elected alderman from the fifth ward, 
and was one of the last board of aldermen until the commission form of 
government was put into effect. Mr. Wingard, who is unmarried, is affil- 
iated with the Masonic Order, being a Knight Templar and Shriner, a 
member of the Sons of Veterans through his father's service as a Union 
soldier, and belongs to the Methodist Episcopal Church. 

WILLIAM STONESTHEET, who for for many years was identified with the 
agricultural enterprise of Kerr Township, was head of one of the most 
industrious and honored families in that section of Champaign County, and 
the name is one that is spoken with the greatest respect and esteem, due 
to the many worthy virtues manifest in their "home and lives. 

Mr. Stonestreet was a native of 'Kerr Township, a son of Adam and 
Nancy (Stonestreet) Stonestreet. His parents were both natives of West 
Virginia and were among the pioneer settlers of Champaign County, arriv- 
ing in 1853. 

The late William Stonestreet married Mary E. Clifton. She was born 
in Champaign County, next to the youngest in a family of eight children 
of Jackson and Jane (Allsop) Clifton. Mrs. Stonestreet was educated in 
district school No. 9, the Obenchain schoolhouse. 

After their marriage Mr. Stonestreet began his career on land belong- 
ing to his mother, and which he subsequently inherited. He and his wife 
had industry and enthusiasm and gradually their efforts were crowned with 
pleasing success. 

Into their home were born six children, two of whom died in infancy. 
The other four are named Andrew Adam, Ira Elmer, Emma Jane and 
Charles Gilbert. The children have received the best of advantages in the 
local schools, known as the Stonestreet school, while Gilbert is now a 
student in the high school at Penfield. Miss Emma took besides her lit- 
erary instruction piano lessons from Miss Alice Gordon. 

It was after a career of years of strenuous and successful labor that 
Mr. Stonestreet passed away August 27, 1909, after a brief illness. He 
was a man who commanded and enjoyed the high respect of the com- 
munity wherein he long resided and was an active member of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church. After his death Mrs. Stonestreet, left alone, continued 
the responsibilities of the old farm, and has shown unusual executive 
ability in the management of the farm as well as the home. She has 



HISTORY OF CHAMPAIGN COUNTY 593 

devoted herself to the rearing of her children and already sees the fruits 
of her instruction and the lessons she has endeavored to impress upon 
them. Her older sons have already assumed the management of the farm 
and the well kept condition of the place indicates their ability and industry. 
Since the death of her husband Mrs. Stonestreet has been able to buy forty 
acres additional land and now has a very complete and well equipped farm 
of eighty acres, worked by her sons. The family also farm 120 acres of 
rented land. Mrs. Stonestreet believes in enjoying the good tilings of life 
and owns a car in which she and her family find much recreation in tours 
about the county and in visiting their many friends. Mrs. Stonestreet 
deserves the greatest credit for what she has accomplished. She bravely 
faced the duties of life and has proved herself one of the noblest of Amer- 
ican women. Politically she is a stanch Eepublican, having grown up in 
the atmosphere of that party. She is active as a member and supporter of 
the Penfield Methrfdist Episcopal Church and her children are attendants 
of the Sunday school. Each year finds her in greater comfort, since her 
sons and her daughter are gradually relieving her of many of the heavy 
responsibilities in connection with the farm. Her daughter Miss Emma 
is a cultured girl who does much to assist in the home work. Her sons, 
as they grow to manhood, have manifested a lively interest in home duties 
and have proved a comfort to their mother and a credit to themselves and 
the community. 

ENGLISH BROTHERS. Former students of the University of Illinois, 
where both were thoroughly trained in the technical branches of their 
profession, the English Brothers, Eichard Caleb and Edward Carey, Jr., 
have for the past sixteen years been general contractors and structural 
engineers at Champaign, with offices in the Lincoln Building, they have 
developed a splendid prestige and reputation and their clientage constitutes 
a business that is one of the largest and most valuable of its kind in this 
section of the state. 

Of the two brothers Eichard Caleb English, the older, was born March 
1, 1873, at Jonesboro in Union County, Illinois, while Edward Carey, Jr., 
was born November 19, 1876, at Anna, in Union County, Illinois. Their 
parents were Edward Carey and Marga Ann (Hartline) English, the 
former a native of St. Johns, Newfoundland, and the latter of Union 
County, Illinois. Both parents are now deceased. The Hartline family 
came from Eowan County, North Carolina, and have been residents of the 
State of Illinois since 1798. 

It was in 1898 that the English brothers came to Champaign County 
as students in the University of Illinois. Edward C. was graduated in 
1902. In the previous year they had engaged in business together as 
general contractors and builders, and with maturing experience they have 
extended their work to cover a large field and they have an immense 
amount of capital and equipment and a perfected organization for carrying 
out the most involved contract of construction. Both are practical 
engineers and have fully deserved their success. 

Politically they are active democrats and in fraternal affairs are 
members of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Knights of 
Columbus, the Country Club and the Eotary Club. They and their families 
are members of the Holy Cross Catholic Church. Eichard C. English 
married Miss Agnes M. Hughes, a native of Deland, Illinois. Their three 
children are Mary, Richard and Edward. Edward C. English married 
Harriet Whitney Aylmer, a native of St. Louis. They also have three 
children, Edward, Aylmer and Susan. 

One of the most important pieces of work recently completed by English 



594 HISTORY OF CHAMPAIGN COUNTY 

Brothers is the Aviation Field, Bantoul, Illinois. This contract for the 
United States of America was taken May 28, 1917, and completed in six 
weeks at a total expenditure of $750,000. In the words of Howard Coffin, 
chairman of the National Board of Production of the United States of 
America Aviation Board, "In the erection and completion of Chanute 
Field, Eantoul, Illinois, all records in government contracts have been 
broken." 

EDWARD V. MORE. Of the families of Champaign County whose indus- 
try and activities of life have contributed materially to the prosperity and 
upbuilding of the community one of the most highly respected is that 
which bears the name of More, and which has a worthy representative in 
Edward V. More of Eantoul. Mr. More, who is engaged in the fire insur- 
ance business at this time and whose energies have taken him into other 
fields of endeavor during a long and uniformly successful career, was born 
in St. Joseph County, Michigan, and is a son of James R. and Louisa M. 
(Lee) More, natives of the county of Delaware, New York. The paternal 
grandfather was Henry More, a native of the Empire State. 

The More family is of sound and honorable English stock, but traces 
its ancestors back for a number of generations in this country, where its 
members have been conspicuous in numerous lines of human effort. One of 
the prominent family connections was Colonel James Fry, the following 
facts regarding whom have been taken from the archives of the State of 
Massachusetts : In a list of the men chosen for the expedition against 
Crown Point, April 15, 1756, agreeable to the order of his excellency 
William Shirley, Esq., was Colonel James Fry of Andover, who was engaged 
April 19, 1775. It was reported in the Provincial Congress, May 20, 1775, 
that commissions be issued to officers of Colonel Fry's regiment, and that 
Colonel Fry receive orders to make a disposition of his forces about Bos- 
ton, dividing the army into three divisions, consisting of two brigades each, 
and forming a brigade in General Putnam's division. Colonel Fry was 
also among the minute men who marched on the alarm of April 19, 1775, 
from Andover to Cambridge. Colonel Fry was born at Andover, Massa- 
chusetts, in 1710; died January 8, 1776; married, November 20, 1734, 
Elizabeth Osgood. Their daughter, Joanna Fry, born in 1737, died 1767, 
married Thomas Farrington. Their son, March Farrington, had a daugh- 
ter, Betsey Ann, who married Henry More, Jr., and their son was James R. 
More. 

James R. More was born at Delhi, New York, May 17, 1829, and was 
married October 26, 1852, to Louisa M. Lee, their children being: Edward 
V. ; Ella Lee, who married John A. Pillars, had two children, Charles 
Adrian and Antoinette; Charles A. Pillars married Harriett Estes, and 
their daughter, Dorothy Lee, married William J. Taylor; Henry; Anna 
Helen, who is now Mrs. Tubbs ; Bessie F., who died in infancy ; Fred ; and 
Nellie Lee, now Mrs. Parr. James R. More in his vocations alternated 
between farming and school teaching and writing fire insurance. He was 
for many years an educator in Michigan and also followed that occu- 
pation after his migration to Illinois, where, in 1859 and 1860, at Rantoul, 
he taught school. He died March 28, 1916, after an honorable life, 
respected and esteemed by the community. Mrs. More, a loving parent, 
faithful wife and affectionate and loyal friend, "whom none knew her but 
to love her, none named her but to praise," entered into rest December 23, 
1912. 

Edward V., More was still a child when brought from his native place 
of Florence, St. Joseph County, Michigan, to Rantoul, Illinois. Here his 
father commenced teaching, and Edward V., a child of three years, was a 
privileged character in the schoolroom, where he would add to the amuse- 



HISTORY OF CHAMPAIGN COUNTY 595 

ment of the pupils by bringing his blocks and saying his letters. He was 
extraordinarily bright and progressive in his studies and in a few years 
could "spell down" the entire school, which he frequently did, thereby 
giving much pleasure to his parents, as well as to his aunt, Pauline More, 
who was also a teacher in the Eantoul school at that time. When he 
became a student in the Eantoul High School an event occurred that brought 
out the strong traits of character in the boy which, in later years, have 
been forcibly manifested in his various activities. At the time mentioned, 
the weather having become suddenly excessively hot, the students in the 
graduating class held a council and decided that the teacher should dismiss 
the school and accordingly called upon him with a demand that he do so. 
When he finally stated that he could not graduate the class unless they 
took another four weeks of study and the final examination, they delib- 
erately took their books and walked out of school. Not so with young 
More, however, although his fellow pupils -tried their utmost to win him 
to their way of thinking. He had just as strong ideas on the subject as 
they did and lived up to his determination to stay with his studies, and 
for four weeks longer pluckily remained at his desk, eventually passing his 
examination with credit. His teacher gave him his examination questions 
on slips of paper and he was required to answer them on the blackboard, 
which extended all around the room. He secured 100 in geography, 100 
in history, 98 in grammar, and proportionately good marks in his other 
studies. 

After his graduation Mr. More obtained employment with his uncle, 
J. A. Benedict, who conducted a general merchandise store and who proved 
a stanch and loyal friend, assisting and encouraging the youth and showing 
him numerous kindnesses that caused him to ever feel the greatest grati- 
tude in after years. He remained .with his uncle for ten years, or until 
the elder man's death, when he went into the United States Railway Mail 
Service on the Illinois Central between Chicago and Centralia, being thus 
employed for three years. Later he held a position in the great department 
store of Marshall Field & Company at Chicago, and subsequently in the 
office of the Santa Fe Railroad at Streator, Illinois, following which he 
went to Auburn, New York, and established himself in business as the 
proprietor of a photographic studio. Returning to Rantoul in 1892, Mr. 
More embarked in the fire insurance business with his father, a field in 
which he has met with a satisfying measure of success, being the representa- 
tive of several old-line companies and having built up an excellent business 
at Rantoul and throughout Champaign County. He is well known in busi- 
ness circles, where he has established a reputation for fidelity and integrity. 

Mr. More has always been public spirited and interested in those 
things which promote the well being of a community. As proof of the 
confidence of the public in his judgment and ability, it may be stated that 
he filled the office of village clerk in a most satisfying manner for thirteen 
years, and for several years was also police magistrate. Politically he had 
always been a Republican until 1912, when, tinder the leadership of Theo- 
dore Roosevelt, the great Progressive party movement was inaugurated, and 
Mr. More gave his support to the new organization. Fraternally he is affil- 
iated with the local lodge of the Masonic order, of which he is a past 
master. His religious affiliation is with the Episcopal Church. 

The More family has contributed in liberal manner to the history of 
Champaign County, possessing those admirable and sterling traits of 
character ever found in those whose deeds in life have helped brighten the 
way for others. The family has also given to the world some strong and 
talented characters, among them the noted sculptor, Charles Adrian Pillars, 
a nephew of Edward V. More, who is the only one ever having the honor 
of placing a marble statue in the Hall of Fame in the Capitol at Washing- 



596 HISTORY OF CHAMPAIGN COUNTY 

ton, District of Columbia, that of Dr. John W. Gorrie, M. D., which stands 
next to that of Frances E. Willard. The latter was chosen by the State of 
Illinois, and the former by the State of Florida. Gorrie was ttie inventor 
of artificial ice before the Civil War, and his invention was considered of 
such great value in alleviating the suffering of the thousands of victims of 
yellow fever that the State of Florida chose him as its representative, and 
Mr. Pillars was commissioned to make the statue. 

Edward V. More is the owner of a pleasant home at Rantoul, where he 
has the esteem of the community not only as a man who has led an honor- 
able and useful life, but as the representative of a family the characteris- 
tics of which have stood for straightforward dealing and honorable conduct 
in all of life's avenues of endeavor. 

ARTHUR SHERIDAN is one of the live and enterprising real estate men of 
Champaign, and has been broker and agent for some extensive blocks of 
central Illinois farm lands and has handled a number of important transac- 
tions in that field. He is also well known in local politics and is one of 
the citizens of Champaign who can be counted upon for effective exertion of 
public spirited service. 

Mr. Sheridan was born in Champaign, September 16, 1874, a son of 
Patrick and Catherine (Sullivan) Sheridan. His father was a native of 
County Mayo and his mother of County Cork, Ireland. Patrick Sheridan 
came to America about 1850, living in New York State for several years and 
in 1854 coming to Champaign County. He was long and successfully iden- 
tified with mercantile pursuits in this county and died here in November, 
1892. His widow survived him until March, 1894. They had seven chil- 
dren: John, Maria and William, all deceased; Anna, custodian of the 
State Home at Geneva, Illinois; Dominick and Elizabeth, deceased; and 
Arthur. 

Arthur Sheridan grew up in Champaign, attended St. Mary's Parochial 
School, but at the age of fifteen gave up his studies and books to earn his 
own living. For three years he worked on a farm, and for about four years 
was connected with McFadden & Company in the feed business. He subse- 
quently acquired interests in the livery business and in other local enter- 
prises, but since 1904 has devoted his principal time and attention to 
handling real estate, particularly Central Illinois lands. 

Mr. Sheridan is an active Democrat, was Seventh Precinct committee- 
man eight years, and secretary and treasurer of the county central com- 
mittee six years. He is affiliated with the Benevolent and Protective Order 
of Elks, the Fraternal Order of Eagles, and is a member of the Catholic 
Church. 

On October 29, 1902, he was married to Miss Mayme Connelley of Spring- 
field, Illinois. They have no children. 

DALLAS SPRAGUE has for many years been a resident of Champaign 
County, and his fine farm and home are located in Compromise Township, 
in section 8. He is one of' the best known citizens of northeastern Cham- 
paign County and his own record and that of the family deserves a promi- 
nent position in this publication. 

Mr. Sprague is a native of West Virginia, born at Moundsville, on 
the Ohio Eiver, in Marshall County, twelve miles below the city of Wheeling. 
His parents, John J. and Jane (Hull) Sprague, were also natives of the 
same state. 

When Dallas Sprague was about twenty-seven years of age, having 
acquired his education in his native state, he came to Illinois to seek better 
opportunities and began farming in Grundy County. Soon afterward he 
met and married Suzan Severson. Mrs. Sprague has the industrious capa- 



HISTORY OF CHAMPAIGN COUNTY 597 

bility characteristic of her ancestry. She was born at Bergen, Norway, 
a daughter of Seward and Suzan Severson. She was reared and educated 
in her native country and at the age of twenty-six came with a number of 
young friends to America to find and utilize the splendid opportunities of 
this country. From New York she traveled by railroad to Chicago and 
from there to Morris, Illinois. Being an industrious young woman, she 
readily found employment and while thus engaged made the acquaintance 
of Mr. Dallas Sprague. This acquaintance ripened into an affection 
which brought about their marriage. 

Mr. and Mrs. Sprague continued to live in Grundy County for three 
years and then removed to Champaign County, which 'has been their home 
now for many years. They first rented a farm near Gifford, working it 
sixteen years and for another six years rented from Mr. Thomas McQuaid. 
While they were living on others' property Mr. and Mrs. Sprague not only 
made a comfortable living but were looking ahead to the future. Being 
naturally economical and thrifty, they finally acquired the capital with 
which they bought the 123 acres in their present farm, situated two miles 
southwest of Penfield. They have in many ways beautified and improved 
their farm, and have commodious buildings for all purposes and uses. 

Five children have been born to them, William, Sylvia, John, Bertha and 
Joe. Mr. and Mrs. Sprague have been very much concerned with the 
proper education and training of their children, and besides sending them 
to the district schools they gave them the advantages of the Penfield High 
School. Bertha graduated from the Penfield High School. William Sprague 
married Ida Otis, and their two children are Dallas and Florence Marjorie. 
The daughter Sylvia is now the wife of Thomas Harper and has two chil- 
dren, George and Suzan. Bertha Sprague married Harry Peterson and 
has a son, Lawrence. The sons John and Joe are still at home and assist 
their father in the management of the farm. 

Mr. and Mrs. Sprague are active members of the Baptist Church at 
Gifford. The Baptist faith has had the allegiance of the Sprague family 
for many years. In politics Mr. Sprague is generally a Democrat, but is 
a man of broad views and supports the principles and candidates rather 
than party. He is a strong advocate of temperance and will be one of 
tfiose who will readily support the amendment for nation-wide temperance 
when it is submitted in the State of Illinois. As one of the representative 
farmers he enjoys the confidence of the public and for thirty years has 
served as director of the public schools in his district and has also served 
as road commissioner. Fraternally he is affiliated with the Independent 
Order of Odd Fellows and is a charter member of the Modern Wood- 
men of America at Gifford. Mr. and Mrs. Sprague maintain a most 
hospitable home and have endeared themselves to their community by 
their neighborly acts of kindness. Mrs. Sprague deserves much of the 
credit for the family well being and fortune, since she has stood beside her 
husband with counsel and assistance through all the years of their married 
life. With a family grown to manhood and womanhood Mr. and Mrs. 
Sprague are now living in comfort in their fine country seat in Compro- 
mise Township and express great loyalty to the county of Champaign, 
which has been their home for so many years. 

J. E. ESWOIJTHY, whose country home is on Rural Route No. 15 out 
of St. Joseph, has spent the greater part of his active life in Champaign 
County. He began here almost empty handed and that he now owns one 
of the larger and better improved farms of the county is a distinct tribute 
to his hard working industry and persistent efforts. 

Mr. Esworthy was born in Union County, Ohio, May 14, 1849, son of 
Thomas and Elizabeth (Good) Esworthy. His father was born in Mary- 



598 HISTORY OF CHAMPAIGN COUNTY 

land, of which state the grandfather was also a native. The mother was 
a native of Pennsylvania. J. R. Esworthy was the second of five children. 
He acquired his early education in a country school near Nashport in 
Muskingum County, Ohio. From Muskingum County the family removed 
to Putnam County in northwestern Ohio, then to Missouri, and finally to 
Illinois, locating near Potomac. It was in that locality of Vermilion 
County that J. R. Esworthy came to manhood, having in the meantime 
completed his education in the public schools and having received a classical 
training as a farmer and husbandman from his father. 

At the age of twenty he took upon himself the responsibilities of a 
home maker by his marriage to Miss Serena Shoaf. Mrs. Esworthy was 
born in Indiana, daughter of David and Catherine Shoaf. The first year 
after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Esworthy spent at his father's home 
and the next year they rented a farm in Compromise Township in Cham- 
paign County. They possessed the energy and determination that are sure 
to bring success in the long run and from what they earned and saved as 
renters they were able to make the first payment on a small tract of 
twenty-three and a half acres in East Stantoii Township. They agreed to 
pay $10 an acre for this land. It was their home for fifteen years and 
during that time they steadily prospered. For two years they rented and 
lived on J. S. Kilbury's farm, and then moved to land which Mr. Esworthy 
bought in section 30 of Ogden Township. This tract consisted of 178 
acres, but had no improvements worthy of the name. Today that farm is 
one of the best in Ogden Township, and its improvements are the work 
and creation of Mr. Esworthy's labors and intelligent management. The 
farm has many fruit and shade trees which they set out, commodious build- 
ings, and altogether constitutes a country place which anyone might be glad 
to own. 

Six children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Esworthy, one of whom died 
in infancy. The others were James E., Sarah A., Lula M., C. D. and 
Maude M. They enjoyed while growing up the advantages of the local 
district schools, while Sarah was for ten terms a student in the deaf and 
dumb institution at Jacksonville, Illinois. 

The son James E. is now successfully engaged in farming east of 
Ogden on part of his father's land. He married Keturah Johnson and 
their seven children are Xora, John, Glen, Melvin, Raymond, Donald, Bur- 
ton. The daughter Sarah married Clarence Houston of Springfield, Illinois, 
and her two children are Clara Daisy and Xeta Marie Houston. Lula M. 
Esworthy married David Stayton, who died leaving one child, Jessie Ray, 
and for her second husband she married William Sallee of Lebanon, 
Indiana, now a farmer near Fithian, Illinois. Mrs. Sallee has one child, 
Earl. C. D. Esworthy is a prosperous young farmer living on his father's 
place in Ogden -Township. He first married Maud Bass, who died, leaving 
one child, Grace, and his second wife was Ora Valandingham. The daugh- 
ter Maud married Lewis Alexander, a farmer in Carroll County, Illinois. 
They have six children, Chester, Pearl, Ora, May, Earl and Lloyd. 

Besides the land which he acquired and developed many years ago 
Mr. Esworthy's success has brought him much additional holding and he is 
the owner of 384 acres. For many years he has been one of the noted 
stock raisers in eastern Champaign County, both cattle and hogs. Three 
times in one year his hogs topped the market at Indianapolis both in price 
and quality. One year he shipped a Poland China hog raised on his farm 
that weighed 960 pounds. The finest two-year-old heifer ever shipped 
from the market at St. Joseph was one raised on the Esworthy place. 

Mr. Esworthy's greatest sorrow was when death separated him from 
his beloved wife and the companion of his many years of struggle and 



HISTORY OF CHAMPAIGN COUNTY 599 

increasing prosperity. Mrs. Esworthy died in March, 1916. She had 
endeared herself to the entire community by her kindliness and neighborli- 
ness, and as a home maker she shared the credit with her husband for the 
prosperity they enjoyed. For the past six years Mr. Esworthy's home has 
been brightened by his widowed daughter Sarah and her children. Sarah's 
husband was killed as a result of an accident at Springfield when he was 
struck by a street car. 

His fellow citizens have more than once shown confidence in Mr. 
Esworthy's public spirit and judgment, and for nine years he filled the 
office of school director and has always been a stalwart champion of the 
drainage system in his part of the county. He took the lead in advocating 
drainage long before there was any popular support for it. Through his 
work the first ditch was constructed, and while much opposition was 
encountered at first, many of those most determined against it are now 
thoroughly converted and have many times praised the work which Mr. 
Esworthy did as a pioneer in this direction. 

In matters of politics Mr. Esworthy lends his support to the principles 
of the Democratic party. He is an admirer of President Wilson, and 
especially of the wise and conservative policy which he has maintained in 
international relations and in the effective use of America's army and navy 
and economic resources to secure a just settlement of the world war on a 
basis of lasting peace and popular welfare. Mr. Esworthy has lived in 
close touch with progressive ideals, has made his own life a factor in 
progress, and can take a great deal of personal satisfaction in what he has 
done for himself and the community and what mankind generally has 
accomplished during the years that he has been a personal witness of the 
world's history. 

WILLIAM H. COFFMAN, justice of the peace, is one of the old timers of 
Champaign County, went from this locality into the War of the Rebellion, 
from which he returned a captain, and for more than half a century has been 
a farmer, business man and public official. Though his years now number 
fourscore, he is still looking after the duties of his office as justice of the 
peace and also handles considerable insurance. 

He was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, June 13, 1837, a son of Noah B. 
and Elizabeth (Lamb) Coffman. His father was a native of, Virginia and 
his mother of Ohio. Noah B. Coffman spent his life as a farmer. In 1852 
he removed with his family to Piatt County, Illinois, and on March 1, 1861, 
arrived in Champaign County, where he continued farming until his death 
in 1863. His widow died in 1872. Of their nine children William H. was 
the oldest. The others are : Aaron F., deceased ; Mary C., who has never 
married and lives at Champaign; David H. of Champaign; Lucinda F., 
Elizabeth and Peter J., all deceased; Samuel C. of Fullerton, Nebraska; 
and Thomas D. of Oakland, California. 

Judge Coffman was fifteen years of age when the family came to Illinois, 
and his education was acquired in district schools both in Ohio and in this 
state. He lived on the home place with his father until he was twenty-four 
years of age. He had managed the farm for his brothers and sisters until he 
was twenty-two and then farmed it on his own account for a couple of years. 

When his country needed him he did not hesitate to break home ties 
and business associations, and in September, 1861, he enlisted in Company I 
of the Tenth Illinois Cavalry at Champaign. He went out as a private, 
but on September 23d was promoted to sergeant ; on October 24, 1862, to 
second lieutenant ; on March 15, 1863, to first lieutenant, and on May 10, 
1864, was given his commission as captain. He was always in the same 
company, going out as private and coming back at its head. He was mus- 



600 HISTORY OF CHAMPAIGN COUNTY 

tered out at San Antonio, Texas, and was given his final pay and discharge 
January 6, 1866, more than four years after his first enlistment. 

His record as a soldier is one in which he can take due pride and satis- 
faction, and hrs descendants after him will always cherish that part of his 
record. 

Captain Coffman returned to Champaign County from the war and 
began farming. He followed that actively until 1872, when he removed to 
Bondville and became a merchant. He also acted as agent for the Illinois 
Central Railway Company at that place. He was a business man at Bond- 
ville for eight years, and on selling out he returned to his farm. In 1893 
Captain Coffman gave up farming as his active vocation and removed to 
Champaign. In 1894 he was elected to the office of justice of the peace, and 
besides the duties of that office he at one time conducted an extensive real 
estate and insurance business. He has gradually given up real estate deal- 
ings and now only writes insurance and attends to his official duties. 

Captain Coffman has been a loyal Republican almost throughout the life 
of that party. He is an active and well known member of the Grand Army 
post and his church is the Methodist Episcopal. In February, 1868, he 
married Miss Margaret M. Allen, who was born in Hardin County, Ken- 
tucky, and died there April 30, 1909, after they had been married more 
than forty-one years. There were two children : Birch D. of Chicago ; and 
Jessie C., widow of George Gregg of Champaign County. 

MRS. JANE PATTON. To live beyond the age of ninety is in itself a 
distinction. But in the case of Mrs. Jane Patton, whose home is out in the 
country in Kerr Township, many more substantial things and associations 
are connected with her long life. She is one of the notable women of 
Champaign County. Children and grandchildren have a source of pride 
in referring to their relationship to this venerable woman whose life began 
so early in the nineteenth century and has never ceased to bear the fruit of 
good deeds and wholesome influences. 

Her maiden name was Jane Cade. She was born in Fountain County, 
Indiana, May 3, 1824, and has the distinction of having been the first 
white child born in that section of Indiana. Her parents were Mr. and 
Mrs. William Cade. They were honored pioneer settlers of Fountain 
County, and during the War of 1812 her father had fought in the Ameri- 
can army. He was long active in politics. She was born when James 
Monroe was still President of the United States. The Erie Canal was 
still in process of construction and not a single mile of railroad had been 
laid in the United States. Indiana was only eight years old and Illinois 
had been a state for six years. She was in her twenties before the Mexican 
War was fought and was well on toward the middle period of womanhood 
when the Civil War closed. Mrs. Patton grew up in her native county 
.and had to depend upon the meager opportunities of the district schools 
at a time when they were supported by the subscription plan and when 
there was no public system of education anywhere in the West. 

It was on December 10, 1844, that she married David Patton. They 
began their married life in Vermilion County, Illinois, where Mr. Patton 
acquired 480 acres of Government land. In time he came to be one of 
the largest land owners and most extensive farmers in eastern Illinois. 
At his death he owned 2,000 acres in F.ord, Champaign and adjoining 
counties, and his integrity of character and business judgment were 
respected and esteemed wherever known. David Patton was called to final 
rest February 29, 1880, more than thirty-seven years ago. Since her hus- 
band's death Mrs. Patton has continued to live on the old home farm in 
Kerr Township. While the early current of her existence took her through 
the rough experiences of pioneering, she has lived for many years in the 



HISTORY OF CHAMPAIGN COUNTY 601 

quiet calm of peaceful surroundings and with inclination and opportunity 
for doing good to all around her. Mrs. Patton has distinguished herself 
for superior business and executive ability. She and her young husband 
started life with a splendid stock of energy, and it was their mutual labors 
and co-operation that brought such abundant prosperity to their hands. 

In the early days of her life in Illinois Mrs. Patton could look from 
the door of her humble home for miles out on the prairie. Not infre- 
quently she would see as many as twenty-five deer in a single drove. There 
were wild turkeys and abundance of every kind of game, nature having 
provided bountifully for the needs of the early pioneers while they were 
subduing the prairies and changing their productiveness to other forms. 
Mrs. Patton was constantly busy with the cares of her household and with 
the rearing and training of her children. She sent these children to the 
district schools, the Kuder, Flagg and Sugar Grove schools, and later 
afforded them every opportunity to get better training in colleges of differ- 
ent cities. 

The eight children of Mrs. Jane Patton were: William T., Samuel H., 
Martha, Lafayette, Charles D., Frank, Ida and Mary Allie. Martha 
married J. W. Flagg of Vermilion County. Charles D. died at the age 
of twenty-seven on February 23, 1884. Ida is the wife of C. A. Lamb 
of Ford County. Mary Allie has given many years to the profession of 
teaching. 

William T., the oldest child, was for many years a farmer on the home 
place and finally moved to Paxton, where he died in January, 1903. He 
married Fannie Flagg, and their children were Ada, David A., Charles D., 
Carrie and Elsie. Their daughter Ada is librarian at Champaign. 

Samuel H. Patton, the second son, died August 19, 1895. He married 
Grace Kirkley of Paxton. 

Martha, wife of J. W. Flagg of Paxton, has two children, David Eoss 
and William. 

Lafayette Patton, who is one of Champaign County's leading agricul- 
turists, occupies a farm adjoining that of his mother in Kerr Township, 
the two places being in sections 4 and 5. He married Ella McHenry. 
Their children are: Freddie, who died at the age of two years; Alfred 
Ray; Samuel H. ; Harry and Ruth. Alfred Ray, the oldest child of 
Lafayette Patton and grandson of Mrs. Jane Patton, was graduated from 
the law department of the University of Illinois in 1910 and is now an 
examining attorney for the Chicago Title and Trust Company and resides 
at Wheaton, Illinois, where he owns a half interest in the DuPage County 
Abstract and Title Company. Harry Patton, his brother, specialized his 
education in the School of Mines in Denver, Colorado, and enjoys the 
distinction of being the youngest supervisor in Champaign County, a 
bright, energetic young man whose popularity has won for him rapid 
advancement. He is now in the field artillery at Fort Sheridan, Illinois. 
Samuel H. Patton, the other son of Lafayette Patton, completed his educa- 
tion in the University of Michigan and while a student there met Opal E. 
Trott. He was a Kappa "Sigma fraternity man and she was a Delta 
Gamma sorority member. They were married at her home in Saginaw, 
Michigan. She was born at Buffalo, Ohio, a daughter of Samuel and Sarah 
(Spaid) Trott, also natives of Ohio. After their marriage Samuel H. 
Patton and bride went to New Mexico, where he held a position under the 
United States Government as civil engineer in the construction of the 
great Elephant Butte Dam, one of the greatest irrigation projects in the 
United States. He was afterwards a civil engineer in the employ of the 
Government in New York imder Secretary McAdoo and was subsequently 
sent by the Government to the island of Hayti, where he engaged in railroad 



602 HISTORY OF CHAMPAIGN COUNTY 

construction. For three years he was a civil engineer engaged in locating 
railways in the Central American countries of Salvador and Guatemala. 
From there he returned to Champaign County and has since been success- 
fully identified with practical agriculture in partnership with his brother 
Harry on their father's estate of 700 acres. These two young men are 
fine types of educated and scientific agriculturists, young men of high 
principles and thoroughly capable of making a success in their chosen 
vocation. Ruth Patton, the daughter of Lafayette Patton, was educated 
in the Illinois Woman's College at Jacksonville, and after graduating there 
entered the University of Chicago, where she took special work in domestic 
science and art. She is a cultured young woman and at present is living 
at home and assisting in the management of the home. 

Frank Patton, the other son of Mrs. Jane Patton, is now deceased. He 
married Okie Mendenhall. Ida Patton, who married C. A. Lamb and has 
her home at Champaign, Is the mother of the following children : Nellie 
Ely, Charles Augustus, Jr., Allie Bie, Edith Jane and Hallie Eunice. The 
children were all liberally educated in the University of Illinois. Nellie B. 
Lamb is an instructor at Breckenridge, Minnesota. Charles Augustus, Jr., 
is bookkeeper and assistant manager of Lloyd's University Store at Cham- 
paign. Allie Bie is filing clerk in the registrar's office at the University 
of Illinois. Edith Jane graduated from the University of Illinois in 1916, 
and during the following year was in the State University of California 
at Berkeley, and in May, 1917, returned to Illinois with her master's degree. 
For two years she had taught English in the high school at Martinsville, 
Illinois. Hallie E. Lamb is pursuing the classical course in the University 
of Illinois. 

Thus nearly all of Mrs. Jane Patton's grandchildren have had college 
and other liberal training and are young people whose attainments and 
character are properly a matter of pride to their grandmother. 

Mrs. Jane Patton has always .shown a great ability to accomplish things. 
Her life has been an exceedingly practical one, busy and filled with useful- 
ness. While devoted to her home and children and grandchildren, she has 
shown an active interest in public affairs and in many subjects that do not 
claim the attention of most people. A few years ago she found time to 
write a pleasing book of memoirs, including the genealogy of her family 
and also the story of her own life and experiences in early days. This is a 
contribution to real history and when the book was published she afforded 
a delightful surprise to her family and many old neighbors and friends by 
having delivered 104 copies to as many homes, not only in Champaign 
County, but in widely scattered communities of the United States. 

Mrs. Patton proved herself a most loyal friend of the soldiers who went 
to the front during the period of the Civil War. Some of the surviving 
veterans of that struggle have again and again referred to their gratitude 
to Mrs. Patton for her kind deeds and her loyalty. Since she was sixteen 
years of age she has been an active member of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church. In 1914 she was instrumental in the building of a fine little 
chapel of the church, costing $4,000, and half of which sum was contrib- 
uted by herself. She also bought and presented to the church society the 
site occupied by the edifice, which is destined for years to be a center of 
religious worship in that community and stands as a monument to her lib- 
erality and generosity. It is now more than seventy years since Mrs. 
Patton was married and started out a brave and loyal young woman beside 
her husband in their mutual task of carving a home and fulfilling their 
duties and responsibilities. She has gained a crown of glory by her deeds 
and her ministrations to others, and now at the age of ninety-three is 
taking a well earned rest, and peace and serenity are the companions and 
attendants of her last days. 



HISTORY OP CHAMPAIGN COUNTY 603 

JOHN CECIL SOMERS is one of the youngest bankers of Champaign, and 
his career and experience have been worked out in one-institution. 

When he was seventeen years of age he entered the Commercial Bank 
of Champaign, and by doing the duties which lay nearest and making himself 
generally useful to his superiors and to the bank's best interests he was pro- 
moted through clerkships until he now has entire administrative manage- 
ment of the bank and is one of its stockholders. 

Mr. Somers was born at St. Joseph, Illinois, January 26, 1887, and is 
barely thirty years of age. His father, John W. Somers, was born and 
reared in Somers Township of Champaign County and died at St. Joseph in 
1906. He was a Republican and a member of the Methodist Church. His 
father, Waitman T. Somers, was a native of Virginia and an early settler in 
the farming districts of Champaign County. His wife was Mary Young. 
John W. Somers married Elizabeth Ann McDonald. 

John C. Somers received his early education in the St. Joseph High 
School and left that to enter the Commercial Bank at Champaign. He has 
devoted himself with singular fidelity to one line of business and that 
accounts for his early success. He is a Republican, without official aspira- 
tions, is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and has attained 
the Knight Templar degrees in Masonry and is a member of the Benevolent 
and Protective Order of Elks and the Champaign Country Club. 

On January 24, 1908, at Champaign, he married Miss Hazel C. Scott, 
who was born at Mahomet, Illinois, September 4, 1888. They have one son, 
Albert George, born September 24, 1912. 

J. W. REMLEY. The winning of a comfortable prosperity after many 
struggles with fortune and the establishment and provision for a home and 
place as an honored and influential citizen of his community is short meas- 
ure of the accomplishment of J. W. Remley, who for many years has been 
identified with Champaign County. 

Mr. Remley is proprietor of the Pleasant Vale Stock Farm in Har- 
wood Township, in section 14. He was born in Ross County, near Chilli- 
cothe, Ohio, a son of Alexander and Cutright Remley. His parents were 
also natives of Ohio. There were five children in the family and they 
were educated in district school No. 4 of Springfield Township in Ross 
County. 

When J. W. Remley was sixteen years of age, in March, 1875, his mother 
died and later his father married again. At the age of twenty-three J. W. 
Remley left home for Indiana. When he reached Indianapolis he was 
persuaded by his sister to come on to Champaign County, Illinois. When 
lie first came here it was with the intention of remaining only a year, but 
he became so well satisfied with the country that it took a hold upon him 
as. a permanent residence. 

Two years after coming to Champaign County Mr. Remley established 
a home of his own by his marriage to Miss Amelia A. Reynolds. She was 
born in Knox County, Illinois, five miles north of Oneida, daughter of 
Hanford and Antoinette (Roberts) Reynolds. Her father was a native of 
New York and her mother of Indiana. Her mother came to Illinois with 
her people at the age of eight years and was married in Knox County, 
and when Mrs. Remley was one year of age the family came to Champaign 
County. 

After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Remley rented land four miles north 
of Gifford in Harwood Township. They remained five years on that place 
end while those were years of considerable self-denial and of struggles to 
make both ends meet, they were altogether extremely happy. At the end 
of five years Mf. and Mrs. Remley bought eighty acres, a portion of the 



604 HISTORY OF CHAMPAIGN COUNTY 

land they had rented, comprising the northeast eighty of section 14. Mrs. 
Remley's father had bought this tract when she was one year old. Subse- 
quently Mrs. Bemley received as her share of the inheritance other land, so 
that the estate now comprises 200 acres, under the name Pleasant Vale 
Stock Farm. This name was given to the community by Mrs. Eemley's 
mother when she first settled here. 

As a stock farmer Mr. Eemley is widely known in Champaign County. 
He raises chiefly Percheron horses of French imported stock. He has had 
a large number of these splendid animals. 

Mr. and Mrs. Eemley are the parents of Hanford Alexander, Orizada 
Alice, Maple Almond and Minnie Melvina. One other son, Amasa Eoswell, 
died at the age of three years. These children were educated in the Pleas- 
ant Vale school. Orizada also took a four years' correspondence course 
from the institution at Kimberline Heights, Tennessee. Hanford A. Bern- 
ley married Anna Belle Bailey of Bantoul, and they have a bright young 
daughter, Esther Irene, now six years of age. Their home is two miles 
north of Eantoul on a farm. Orizada A. is an agriculturist east of Paxton, 
and married Allan J. Davis. They have two sons, Oscar Eemley and 
Herchel J. Maple A. Eemley married Laverna Eiblet, and they are .prac- 
tical .farmers on a portion of the Eemley estate. They have a young son 
named Devalson. Minnie M. Eemley married Allan Dennis, and they live 
at Oxford, Indiana. Their' three sons are named Mahlon Bay, Leon Allan 
and Orville Eoswell. 

Mr. and Mrs. Eemley are active members of the Mount Olivet Church 
of Christ, a country church in Ford County. In politics Mr. Bemley ren- 
ders support to the Bepublican party, and is thoroughly progressive in his 
attitude. He feels that politics and the law should keep pace with the other 
marvelous improvements in the world. He also believes that the best laws 
ever formulated for this country had their birth in the Eepublican party. 
In citizenship he has been honored with those positions of trust and respon- 
sibility that furnish large opportunities for service, and was for six years 
assessor, township school trustee six years, and school director twenty- 
seven years. He and his two sons are active members of Camp No. 1047 
of the Modern Woodmen of America at Gifford and he has been through 
all the chairs of that order. Mrs. Bemley is a member of the Eoyal 
Neighbors of America. Mr. and Mrs. Eemley have been closely identified 
with the life and times of Champaign County for many years. They have 
always kept a most hospitable home and are people implicitly trusted for 
their integrity and their high mindedness. 

Mrs. Eemley is a member of the Eeynolds Family Association. This 
association traces its ancestry back to the year 1634, when the first of the 
Beynolds family came to America from England. No one is eligible to 
membership in the association except those of the name who can prove 
that their ancestors came to this country before 1660. Mrs. Bemley's 
father was educated in New York, and was a successful teacher in that 
state and in Illinois and also was a practical surveyor and a most capable 
farmer and business man. During the last two years of his life he suffered 
impaired health and had his home with Mr. and Mrs. Eemley until his 
death, September 26, 1917. 

JOHN E. GALLIVAN is a native of Champaign County, but his name is 
widely known over this entire part of the state. He is now serving as 
deputy state fire inspector. 

Mr. Gallivan was born at Ivesdale, Champaign County, August 18, 1860, 
son of Patrick T. and Anne (Doyle) Gallivan, both natives of Ireland. His 
father was born in County Kerry and his mother in County Wexford. 
Patrick T. Gallivan at the age of fourteen came to this country with his 



HISTORY OF CHAMPAIGN COUNTY 605 

parents, Thomas and Margaret (Ferriter) Gallivan, who first located in 
the East and gradually kept moving westward until they reached Michigan. 
Patrick Gallivan eventually came to Ivesdale, Champaign County, and at 
the age of fifteen was driving a team in railroad construction work in that 
locality. At the same time he used some of his leisure time at night to 
educate himself. He remained with the railroad work on the Great Western, 
now called the Wabash, until that line was constructed through to Danville. 
After that for four years he worked for the Wabash in the railroad yards 
at Danville, and was finally appointed foreman of the section at Ivesdale 
in Champaign County,' a position he held until 1867. In the meantime, 
hard working and thrifty as he was, he had invested his earnings in a 
240-acre farm in Champaign County, and in 1867 he was ready to occupy it 
and make it the principal source of his living. He continued farming on 
that place until 1890. when he retired to Ivesdale, where his death occurred 
March 25, 1912. This honored old timer was at different periods town- 
ship supervisor, member of the council and school treasurer. He was 
largely instrumental in settling the Catholic communities in Ivesdale and 
Colfax townships. At one time he was in the grain and elevator business 
in that community. His widow still lives at Ivesdale, at the age of eighty- 
two, and is in splendid physical health and in full possession of her mental 
faculties. There were eight children : John E. ; George of Ivesdale ; 
Margaret, wife of James E. Dugan of Indiana; Thomas J. of Urbana; 
Mary, wife of J. A. Fallen of Chatsworth, Illinois; Catherine L., who is 
unmarried and is an osteopath at Ivesdale ; Daniel of Salt Lake City, Utah ; 
and Anna, wife of Ora Curtis of Clinton, Indiana. 

The youth of John E. Gallivan was one of hard work and lack of oppor- 
tunities beyond those he could secure for himself. The first school he 
attended was in an attic in a log house in Ivesdale, and for three years he 
studied under James M. Graham, now congressman from the Springfield 
district. At the age of twenty-one he began railroad work and was employed 
in the train and yard service continuously for thirteen years. 

Having married and having the responsibilities of a family, Mr. Gallivan 
gave up railroading and engaged in the furniture and undertaking business 
at Ivesdale for six years. From Ivesdale he removed to Champaign, and 
developed a large and prosperous business as a real estate dealer. He han- 
dled real estate altogether for twelve years. For the past four years he has 
served as deputy state fire marshal and has charge of eighteen counties in 
the central part of Illinois. Mr. Gallivan is an active Democrat, a member 
of the Knights of Columbus and of St. Mary's Catholic Church. 

He married at Bloomington, April 28, 1886, Miss Alice M. Jones. They 
are the parents of seven children : Ann^ and George, now deceased ; Lillian, 
bookkeeper for the Twin Ice Company at Champaign, Illinois ; John and 
Thomas, twins, the former located at Indianapolis and the latter deceased ; 
Lyle, a student in the University of Illinois; and Milo, a student in St. 
Mary's High School. 

WILSON CONNER. One of the homes of Iverr Township to which special 
attention should be directed in this publication is that of Mr. and Mrs. 
Wilson Conner in section 28, near Penfield. Mr. Conner is a man of 
sterling worth and character, has lived in Champaign County the greater 
part of his active life, and has won for himself an enviable prominence as 
a farmer, public spirited citizen and a worker in behalf of every worthy 
cause. 

He was born in Ohio, a son of John and Mary Ellen (Riggleman) 
Conner, the former a native of Ohio and the latter of Virginia. The 
father died when Wilson was a small child, and a little later the widowed 

26 s 



606 HISTORY OP CHAMPAIGN COUNTY 

mother brought him to Champaign County, where he spent his boyhood 
and secured his education in the Kuder school. When he was ten years 
of age his mother died, leaving him an orphan, and he sorely missed her 
counsel and protecting care. 

He has thus made his way against the tide of circumstance from 
early years and did not have a home of his own until the age of twenty- 
nine, when he married Miss Alice Mantle. Mrs. Conner is a native of 
Champaign County, a daughter of Isaac and Mary (Kuder) Mantle. 
Soon after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Conner moved to Vermilion 
County, Illinois, and began life on a rented farm. With youth, ambition 
and energy, the future stretched away in charming prospect, and they 
wisely improved their advantages and opportunities until they were able to 
return to Champaign County and buy 101 acres in Kerr Township. Mr. 
Conner paid $35 an acre for this land and today it is worth $175 an acre. 
Here his enterprise has proved productive and he and his good wife 
have the credit for practically making one of Champaign County's best 
farms. There were no buildings or other improvements on the land 
when they bought it, and successive years have witnessed the erection of 
commodious house and barn, the planting of fruit and shade trees, ajid the 
wise conservation and use of the soil. While general farming is the main 
business carried on, they have a fine orchard, including choice varieties of 
cherries, peaches and plums and a large amount of berry fruits. 

Into their home were born three children, one of whom died in infancy. 
The surviving daughter is Mary Ellen Gladys Conner. Both her grand- 
mothers had the name Mary. The son is McKinley Solomon, whose first 
name was for the illustrious President and the second for his uncle, Solo- 
mon Mantle. These children attended the Kuder school, Mary graduating 
from the eighth grade and receiving the honorary diploma for admission 
to the high school. Besides giving them the usual school advantages Mr. 
and Mrs. Conner have made musical instruction a feature of their culture. 
Mary spent several years under the instruction of Mrs. J. Kirkpatrick of 
Champaign. Both children have developed fine talent for music, McKinley 
having become a proficient performer on the violin. With his sister to 
accompany him the Conner home is never at a loss for special concerts 
and there is seldom a time in the work of the farm when music is neglected. 
Mr. and Mrs. Conner have wisely endeavored to give their children the 
benefit of a musical education, and that is a strong cord to bind their chil- 
dren to the home. Undoubtedly one of the great problems of country life 
might be solved if all parents were as liberal in affording advantages and 
entertainment to their children as Mr. and Mrs. Conner. 

Mr. and Mrs. Conner are members of the United Brethren Church of 
Penfield and the children are active in the Sunday school. The name 
bestowed upon the son indicates Mr. Conner's politics. He has been a 
steady supporter of the Eepublican party, and with his wife has endeavored 
to inculcate thorough American principles in their children. Several years 
Mr. Conner served as road commissioner. He and his wife have been true 
home makers in Champaign County and their lives have been a contributing 
factor to the progress and prosperity of this region. 

S. C. TUCKER, the present mayor of Champaign, has long been identified 
with Champaign in business affairs and in politics, is also a former 
mayor of the city and a former city treasurer, and is that type of man 
whose energy means something in the constructive administration of a city's 
affairs. 

Mr. Tucker was born in Saybrook, Illinois, January 9, 1871, a son 
of Sylvester and Sarah (McDaniel) Tucker. His father was a native of 
Ohio and his mother of Illinois. In 1882 the Tucker family removed to 



HISTORY OF CHAMPAIGN COUNTY 607 

Champaign County, where Sylvester Tucker followed his trade as a car- 
penter until his death. They were the parents of eight children : Ollie of 
Champaign ; Ida, wife of C. W. Warner of Jackson, Mississippi ; W. G., who 
lives in Champaign and is an engineer with the Illinois Central Eailway; 
S. C. ; A. J. of Sheridan, Wyoming; Margaret, deceased; Charles J. of 
Champaign ; and L. E. of Champaign. 

S. C. Tucker was eleven years of age when his parents removed to Cham- 
paign County, and he finished his education in the local high school. He 
began his business career as clerk in a grocery store and later was with the 
firm of Maxwell & Mollet for about nine years. He then engaged in busi- 
ness for himself on East University Avenue and conducted one of the well 
stocked stores along that thoroughfa.re for five years. 

In the meantime he was elected city treasurer, an office he filled two 
years; from 1909 to 1911 he was the capable mayor of Champaign, being 
elected to that office on the Republican ticket. After Champaign adopted 
the commission form of government Mr. Tucker's name was prominently 
mentioned in connection with the office of mayor, and he was elected for 
that position. In 1903 Mr. Tucker removed to the corner of Church and 
Neil streets, where he conducted his place of business for fifteen years, and 
in June, 1917, moved to the opposite corner from where he had been located 
for so many years. 

He was married in October, 1897, to Miss Florence Ballentine, a native 
of Toledo, Ohio. She died June 4, 1915, leaving three children, all at home, 
named Marion, Claude and Creed. Mr. Tucker married for his present 
wife Mrs. Emma Collison, widow of Fred Collison of Rantoul, Illinois. Mrs. 
Tucker is an active member of the Christian Church, while Mr. Tucker is 
a Methodist. Fraternally he is affiliated with the Benevolent and Protective 
Order of Elks and the Woodmen of the World. 

JOHN E. GEHRT. Upon the success and welfare of the cultivators of 
the soil rests the true destiny of any nation. Nowhere does the agricultural 
element represent such qualities of business success and energy as in Cham- 
paign County, and one of the men who have claimed this county as their 
home and have gained unusual fruits from their effort is Mr. John Gehrt, 
whose home is in section 33 of Harwood Township. 

Mr. Gehrt is a native of Stark County, Illinois, a son of John M. and 
Catherine (Best) Gehrt. Both parents were born in Germany, came in 
early youth to America, where they married, and were pioneer farmers in 
Illinois. The father is still living, at the ripe age of eighty-three, in Stark 
County. His good wife entered into rest October 20, 1913. 

John E. Gehrt was one of their eight children. He grew up on his 
father's farm in Stark County and acquired a public school education there. 
On January 18, 1899, he married Miss Matilda Streitmatter, who was born 
in Peoria County, Illinois, a daughter of William F. and Mary (Munk) 
Streitmatter. Her parents were also natives of Germany, but were married 
in this country. 

After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Gehrt began housekeeping on land 
owned by his father near Dillsburg. Mr. Gehrt has 233 acres there, and 
through his efficient management he has created a home which many city 
people might be proud to own. At an expense of $3,000 he has remodeled 
his house into a perfectly appointed residence, and has added many other 
improvements to the farm, including a large corn crib that cost $1,200 to 
build. The home has a complete water system, running hot and cold, 
heated by hot water, and a private electric light plant has been installed 
to furnish light. These conveniences, with the telephone and the rural 
free delivery, give the Gehrts practically all the advantages enjoyed by 



608 HISTORY OF CHAMPAIGN COUNTY 

city people. Mr. Gehrt is a successful stock farmer and keeps a number 
of Polled Durham and Shorthorn cows and ships large quantities of cream. 
For a number of years his fields have averaged sixty bushels of corn to the 
acre. Mr. Gehrt owns a fine Buick car, and this is one of the chief sources 
of pleasure to the family. Both he and his son are thorough automobile 
mechanics and can repair as well as operate their car. 

Mr. and Mrs. Gehrt have two sons: Eollin L. and Arthur R. Both 
are studious and active boys and Rollin has completed the eighth grade of 
the common schools and has spent two years in the Rantoul High School. 
Mr. and Mrs. Gehrt are active members of the Methodist Episcopal Church 
at Rantoul and both sons are members of the Sunday school there. Polit- 
ically Mr. Gehrt is a Republican and is a stanch believer in the great 
destiny of that party. He has served several years as director of the local 
schools and is always willing to lend a hand in forwarding all community 
improvements. 

EDWIN P. BABB. The Babb family came to Champaign County in 
1853. Five years later, at the home of his parents on a farm in North 
Ogden Township, Edwin P. Babb was born November 9, 1858. His life 
career has been one of commendable industry and accomplishment, has 
been liberally rewarded, and for a number of years he has lived retired in 
one of the comfortable city homes of Champaign. 

His parents were Milton and Elizabeth (Littler) Babb. Milton Babb 
was born in Grant County in what is now the state of West Virginia, grew 
up there, took up the occupation of farmer, and subsequently became a 
merchant. He owned a half interest in a large store in West Virginia, 
but on account of failing health removed to the west. Champaign County 
was still comparatively new and undeveloped when he located in North 
Ogden Township in 1853. Coming from the rough and semi-mountain- 
ous district of West Virginia he seemed to recognize the value of the rich 
land in Champaign County, and invested all the money he could secure in 
the farming district and kept purchasing new property until at the time of 
his death on January 22, 1868 ; he owned a thousand and fifty acres. He 
lived only long enough to accomplish part of the development of this land. 

In the early years the Babb family lived isolated compared with the 
modern facilities and conveniences of the country districts of Champaign 
Count}-. There were no telephones, no free delivery of mail, no pike roads, 
and the nearest postoffice to the Babb home was Danville, twenty-five miles 
away. Only at considerable intervals did a member of the family go there 
for the mail and other supplies. The nearest church was seventeen miles 
distant. Milton Babb was a very useful man in his community. He built 
the first schoolhouse in that section on his own land and paid for the build- 
ing out of his own pocket. Later, when the district school was formally 
organized and established, he was reimbursed for the expense of this school- 
house. Another incident that is recalled is his hiring a man at steady 
wages and furnishing him with a gun and ammunition to keep the deer 
out of his cornfields. That indicates how numerous the deer were at the 
time. Nearly every night the wolves howled about his doorstep. 

Elizabeth Littler Babb was born near Circleville, Ohio, .and lived to a 
good old age, passing away in 1910. She was the mother of four children; 
Edwin P., the oldest; Alice J., deceased; James E., a prominent corpora- 
tion attorney of Lewiston, Idaho ; and Charles I)., a banker at Homer, 
Illinois. The mother of these children married for her second husband 
James Yeazel. The two children of that union are Milton J., of Danville, 
and Frank, of the Province of Ontario, Canada. 

Edwin 1 J . Babb grew up in Champaign County, attended the district 



HISTORY OF CHAMPAIGN COUNTY 609 

school near the old homestead, and at the age of twenty-one took charge 
of the home farm. He was only ten years of age when his father died and 
being the oldest son responsibilities were early thrust upon his shoulders 
in advance of his age. He continued the management of this farm until 
the property was divided among the heirs. He then engaged in farming 
on an extensive scale and made a specialty of raising Percheron horses and 
Shorthorn cattle. Mr. Babb still owns a fine farm, on which he keeps a 
tenant. In 1904 he removed to Champaign, and lived in a beautiful home 
at 401 Prospect Street. 

Mr. Babb married October 8, 1884, Miss Emma Conkey, who was born, 
at Homer, Champaign County. Her parents were Dr. William A. and 
Virginia (Sadler) Conkey. Her father, a native of Massachusetts, came 
to Champaign County when a boy. All the money he had was two dollars 
and a half, and he invested this in a town lot at Homer. He possessed 
a genius for versatile accomplishment and effort, and Was always able to 
adapt himself to circumstances. He took up the study of medicine, com- 
pleting his education at Louisville, Kentucky, and on returning to Cham- 
paign County practiced successfully for nine years. He also served as 
supervisor of his township and commissioner of highways. As his family 
grew up he bought a farm and was engaged in farming until his death. 
Dr. Conkey married on May 31, 1849, Virginia Sadler. She was born in 
Virginia, November 20, 1827, and her family were early settlers in Ver- 
milion County, Illinois, locating there in 1840. Dr. Conkey and wife had 
nine children: Aubert J., of Homer; Byron M., deceased; Francis, 
deceased; Lucy, wife of Mathew Spencer; Bruce T., deceased; Carl A., of 
Homer ; Emma, Mrs. Babb ; Frank M., of Homer ; and Fred B., of Howe, 
Indiana. Dr. Conkey died December 2, 1908, and his wife passed away 
March 4, 1904. 

In politics Mr. Babb is a Republican. He is affiliated with the 
Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks at Champaign. He and his wife 
have had two children. Harry C., who was born January 17, 1886, lives 
at Champaign and is a traveling salesman. He married Lulu Goodman, 
and his three children are Dorothy Louise, born May 10, 1909 ; Harry C., 
who died at the age of eight months; and James Carlock, born April 29, 
1915. Mr. Babb's only daughter, Jennie Kate, born March 1, 1888, died 
February 3, 1893. 

C. MAXWELL CALDWELL. As a general electrical contractor C. Maxwell 
Cal dwell has more than made good in Champaign, and a few years ago he 
established his business in a two-story building which in point of equipment 
and service is without question the best small plant in the state, Chicago 
not excepted. He is in the general electrical contracting business and also 
handles supplies and does manufacturing in that line. It is the only busi- 
ness of the kind in central Illinois. 

Mr. Caldwell was born in Logan County, Illinois, September 7, 1879, a 
son of A. M. and Letitia (White) Caldwell. His father was born in New 
Holland in Logan County, Illinois, while his mother was a native of Ohio. 
In 1902 A. M. Caldwell removed to Champaign and for fifteen years he was 
live stock representative for the Chicago Live Stock World. He is now 
looking after a plantation of 3,000 acres in Arkansas, and is taking life 
somewhat leisurely. He and his wife have eight children : Grace, wife 
of Guy Stewart of Champaign ; Emma, wife of George Bates of Great Falls, 
Montana ; C. Maxwell ; Richard of Champaign ; B. John, who is associated 
with his brother in electrical contracting; Eva, also in business in her 
brother's firm ; Marie and Neil, both still at home with their parents. 

C. Maxwell Caldwell, preparatory to his active business career, had the 



610 HISTORY OP CHAMPAIGN COUNTY 

advantage of training for three years in the University of Illinois. He then 
went on the road as a traveling salesman for the Chicago Live Stock World 
in the advertising department, and gave that up to establish his present 
business. 

Mr. Caldwell was married August 6, 1908, to Harriet Woodcock, a 
native of Champaign. They have two children : John Maxwell and Betty 
Jane. In politics Mr. Caldwell is independent. He is a member of Western 
Star Lodge No. 240, A. F. & A. M. ; Champaign Chapter No. 50, E. A. M. ; 
Champaign Commandery No. 68. K. T. ; Mohammed Temple, A. A. 0. N. 
M. S. ; is a member of Champaign Lodge, B. P. 0. E. ; a member of the 
Champaign Rotary Club, the Champaign County Country Club, the Cham- 
paign City Club, and a member of the Champaign Chamber of Commerce. 
He and his family worship in the Methodist Episcopal denomination. 

THOMAS McQuAio. Three generations of the McQuaid family have 
devoted their industry and their active years to the business of farming and 
the affairs of their community in Champaign County. The founder of the 
family here was Thomas McQuaid, Sr., now deceased, while Thomas, Jr., is 
owner of the old homestead in Compromise Township, but its chief respon- 
sibilities are now in the hands of his son John McQuaid. 

Thomas McQuaid was born at Rantoul, a son of Thomas and Catherine 
(Moiland) McQuaid. He was one of two children, his sister being Ellen. 
Thomas McQuaid, Jr., was educated in the Rantoul High School, and in 
1884 married Anastatia Gordon. She was born at Aurora in Kane County, 
Illinois, a daughter of John and Mary Gordon. 

After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. McQuaid located on the old McQuaid 
homestead and took the active management of the farm. His parents lived 
with them until they passed away. Thomas McQuaid, Sr., was a native of 
Ireland and came to America in 1848. He married in Michigan and on 
coming to Illinois bought 240 acres in Champaign County. He had all the 
characteristics of those worthy people who come from the land of the Sham- 
rock, and he earned his prosperity and left in his farm a splendid monument 
to his industry. It was Thomas McQuaid, Sr., and wife who set out the 
many trees which now make a complete grove around the homestead, and it 
is one of the finest tree plantations in the county. 

After the death of his parents Thomas McQuaid, Jr., continued to live on 
the farm, and the well kept fields show the character of his work as a hus- 
bandman. 

Mr. and Mrs. McQuaid had three children : .Catherine Agnes, Emily and 
John J. Death came into the home and removed both of the daughters, so 
that the only surviving child is John McQuaid. 

Mr. John McQuaid, one of the most progressive young farmers of Cham- 
paign County, began his education at Penfield, and in 1905 his parents 
moved to Champaign in order that he might have the very best training for 
the serious duties of life. In 1912 he graduated A. B. from the University 
of Illinois, and on leaving college he entered the service of the First 
National Bank of Champaign. He remained there three years and gained 
an experience invaluable to him for his future years. In 1916 he assumed 
active management of his father's farm, and both of them now spend their 
working hours on the farm but retain their home in Champaign. Mr. Thomas 
McQuaid is an active Democrat, and he and his family are members of the 
Catholic Church at Champaign. While they enjoy the comforts of a good 
town home, the old homestead is endeared to them by many associations 
and tender remembrances. Every visitor to this choice spot of Champaign 
County is attracted by the stately old trees, the broad, fertile fields, and the 
many evidences of successful cultivation and management. The farm con- 



HISTORY OP CHAMPAIGN COUNTY 611 

sists of 560 acres, and in quality of soil it is not surpassed by any other 
similar tract of land in the state. The companionship of Mr. and Mrs. 
McQuaid has been one of rare felicity and a happy combination of talents 
and qualities that have made their years most happy and productive. 
Mr. John McQuaid, the son, though the only child of well-to-do parents, was 
not content merely to use the means which were so liberally supplied him. 
He made a splendid record as a student in the University of Illinois and has 
shown capability and wisdom in every business undertaking. He is a young 
man of exemplary and temperate habits, and his life has already justified the 
sanguine expectations of his family and friends. 

FRANK G. RUSSELL came to Champaign after an extensive business as 
a meat merchant both in local houses and on the road, and now enjoys high 
financial rating and a successful business as proprietor of the Chicago 
Market Company, dealers in meats and packing house products. Mr. Rus- 
sell was born in Terre Haute, Indiana, October 1, 1888, a son of William 
and Emma (Braiser) Russell. His father was born in Burlington, Iowa, 
and his mother at Terre Haute, Indiana. Both are now living at Danville, 
Illinois, where his father for many years has been in the sign business. 
There were three children : Louis, associated with his father at Danville ; 
Frank ; and Harry, who is in the employ of his brother at Champaign. 

Frank G. Russell was educated at Danville, and at the age of eighteen 
entered the American Bank & Trust Company at Danville, where for about 
three years he had a practical training in bank work and general business 
which has proved of inestimable value 'to him in subsequent years. From 
the Danville bank he went to Terre Haute and became assistant bookkeeper 
with Dowdall & Baker, wholesale meat dealers. He was with them two 
years in the offices and then about a year traveled on the road as their rep- 
resentative. This house eventually put him in charge of the market at 
Champaign, which he opened in 1912, and in 1915 he bought the business 
and continues to make a splendid success of it under his own management. 

In June, 1914, Mr. Russell married Nellie Ice, a native of Champaign. 
Mrs. Russell by a previous marriage had four children, Mariam, Madge, 
Helen and Dorothy. In politics Mr. Russell takes an independent attitude. 

JACOB MOUDY. The community of Ludlow in Champaign County pays 
special honor and respect to Jacob Moudy and his family. Mr. Moudy has 
had a long and active career. His years have been spent with benefit to 
himself and also to his family, friends and neighbors, and he has done 
something to make every community with which he has been identified a 
little better and to elevate the standards of life and morality. 

Mr. Moudy is a son of Peter and Elizabeth Moudy, both of whom were 
natives of Pennsylvania. In the early days they migrated from Penn- 
sylvania down the Ohio River, traveling on a flatboat to Cincinnati. Later 
they went still farther west to Illinois, making this journey in the old- 
fashioned prairie schooner. Peter and Elizabeth Moudy had eleven chil- 
dren, Jacob being next to the youngest. 

When Jacob Moudy was twenty-three years of age the war cloud arose 
over the land and he enlisted with the boys in blue and went to the front 
at Columbus, Kentucky, on the Mississippi River at Columbus Ford. Later 
his command was moved to the Little Obion River in Tennessee, and he 
was employed there chiefly in guard duty and in protecting railroads. 
With the close of his term he went to Chicago and was mustered out, but 
was still desirous of continuing his service to his country and sought to get 
enrolled in the One Hundred and Twenty-fifth Illinois Regiment, where 
two of his cousins were fighting. He was unable to get enrolled because 



612 HISTORY OP CHAMPAIGN COUNTY 

about that time he was taken with the fever. Returning home to Dan- 
ville, Illinois, he was married two years later to Miss Mary Villars. 

Mrs. Moudy is a daughter of Oliver and Mary Villars of Vermilion 
County, Illinois. Her Grandfather Villars was a native of Pennsylvania 
and her maternal Grandmother Timmens was a native of England. Oliver 
and Mary Villars migrated from Ohio to Illinois. Mrs. Moudy was a 
small child when her mother died, and she was reared in the home of her 
grandfather, who was a minister of the Gospel. She was carefully trained 
and given a wholesome equipment for the duties of life. 

After his marriage Jacob Moudy began housekeeping in Ford County, 
Illinois. His home was eight miles east of Paxton, where he was success- 
fully engaged in farming. A year later he sold his farm and removed to 
Chicago, and took up the trade of carpenter. He was employed by the 
Illinois Central Railway in the passenger department, a position secured 
for him through an old friend. While there he received a telegram to 
return home, as his brother was dangerously ill. After his brother's death, 
which soon followed, he yielded to the earnest wish of his father, whose 
feeble health unfitted him for work, and returning to Danville, took active 
control of the old homestead. Some years later Mr. Moudy returned to 
Ford County and resumed farming there, and with the exception of seven 
years' residence in Missouri he and his family have lived in Ford and 
Champaign counties to the present time. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Moudy were born eight children, four sons and four 
daughters. Their names are Luther, Oscar, Lisha, Lewis, Hannah, Leota, 
Dona and Cora. The children obtained their early education chiefly in 
the district schools of Ford County. Luther, who is a farmer with home 
at West Salem, is married and has two sons, Wilbur and Earl. Oscar, 
also a farmer at West Salem, married and has a daughter, Dorothy. Lisha, 
after the death of his wife, bought property near West Salem in order to 
afford better educational advantages to his son and daughter, Wayne E. 
and Mercedes. Lewis resides in Akron, Ohio, where he is employed in 
an automobile factory, and he has two children, Berdine and Herschel. 
Hannah is the wife of Ed Ketchum, a carpenter whose home is at Clarence, 
Illinois. Mr. and Mrs. Ketchum have five children, Oscar, Mary, Milo, 
Allen and Clarence. Leota married Clarie Hupp, who is a grain merchant 
at Cullom, and their two children are Raymond and Marlin. Dona mar- 
ried Charles McHaley, a hardware merchant at Rankin. Their three chil- 
dren are Marvin, Opal and Laura Etta. Cora is the wife of Homer Funk- 
houser, a fanner near Penfield. Mr. and Mrs. Funkhouser have seven 
children named Merle, Doris, Eugene, Christine, Margaret, Lenore and 
Emery. Mr. and Mrs. Moudy are very proud of their children, their grand- 
children and especially of their great-grandchild, Emerson Shoemate. This 
great-grandchild is a son of Elmer and Mary (Ketchum) Shoemate, and 
a grandson of Mr. and Mrs. Ed Ketchum, above mentioned. Mr. and Mrs. 
Shoemate reside at Ludlow and he is employed with the grain elevator 
there. 

Mr. and Mrs. Moudy deserve much credit for rearing and bringing 
their children to places of usefulness and honor in the world. Mr. Moudy 
in politics has always voted with the Democratic party. He takes pride 
in the fact that he supported William Jennings Bryan for the presidency 
three times, and with that great Nebraska commoner has always stood 
strongly for temperance principles. He believes that a joyful day awaits 
America when King Alcohol is dethroned. Mr. and Mrs. Moudy first 
united with the New Light Church and subsequently with the Christian 
denomination. They are able to take pardonable pride in their past, which 
they may review without regret. Mr. Moudy is now at an age when he 



HISTORY OF CHAMPAIGN COUNTY 613 

may enjoy the leisure of well earned retirement and can feel that duty has 
been well performed. It is especially a satisfaction to know that in early 
life he marched away with the boys in blue carrying a gun for the protec- 
tion of his flag and Government, and in subsequent years he lived to see 
his country peaceful and united and growing and developing upon the 
sure foundation of unity and freedom. 

CHESTER W. LITTLE. One of the fine country homes which bespeak 
comfort and the enjoyment of the good things of life well earned is that of 
Mr. and Mrs. Chester W. Little, located four and a half miles southwest of 
Rantoul on one of the rural routes radiating from that city. 

Mr. Little has had a long and active career as an agriculturist and is still 
busy with his fields and his live stock, and has in his children most capable 
assistants both in the home and on the farm. Mr. Little was born at Collison 
Station in Vermilion County, Illinois, a son of John and Charlotte (Coon) 
Little, both of whom are now deceased. They were born in Ohio and came 
to Illinois in early youth. Their children were named Thomas, George, 
Samuel, Jane, Chester and Benjamin. These children grew up in Vermilion 
County and acquired an education in the Gray district schools. The sons 
were reared to the same profession as their father, that of agriculture, and 
all of them have demonstrated their capability. 

Chester W. Little married Elizabeth Thayer, who was born in Cham- 
paign County, one of the ten children of Milo and Mary (Wright) Thayer. 
Mrs. Little was educated in the Union Center district school. 

After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Little started life on a place a mile 
and a half northeast of Thomasboro. Mr. Little owned eighty acres there, 
having earned that by his work as a wage earner in early life. The Little 
family moved when he was young to Champaign County, and he spent his 
boyhood in the early times of this section. When he was a boy very few of 
the pastures were fenced, and the neighbors followed the practice of driving 
their stock together, herding them on the prairie, the responsibility of 
herder usually falling upon some active and vigilant boy. Chester Little 
got his full experience of that work. Thus he spent many hours on the 
prairies alone with the stock, and while there he improved his opportunity 
to observe nature and also formulated that practical working philosophy 
which has stood him in good stead for all the subsequent trials and problems 
of life. 

After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Little went to work with zeal and 
energy, and the passing years have abundantly rewarded them. Into their 
home came three children, one son and two daughters, Florence, Chester and 
Hazel. Mr. and Mrs. Little from the first took the greatest of pains to edu- 
cate these children for useful work in the world and as true types of Ameri- 
can citizens. The children attended the Union Center School and Florence 
and Chester both finished the eighth grade there and subsequently attended 
Brown's Business College at Champaign. The girls are still studying music, 
piano, at home. 

After selling his first place Mr. Little bought 200 acres southwest of 
Rantoul, and there the best work of his life has been done. He remodeled 
the house, built commodious barns and other outbuildings, has planted fruit 
and shade trees, and has made one of the attractive features of the landscape. 
Mr. and Mrs. Little have also accomplished the one thing that many farmers 
neglect, and that is making the home attractive to their children. Thus the 
young folks have of their own volition remained at home instead of seeking 
opportunities outside, and the family by their co-operation have demon- 
strated again the truth of the phrase, "In union there is strength." 

Politically Mr. Little has always been an ardent Republican, believing 



614 HISTORY OF CHAMPAIGN COUNTY 

that the best laws and policies have emanated from that party. He is a man 
of public spirit, served on the school board a number of years, and has done 
all he could to obtain community institutions and improvements in line with 
advanced standards. There are many city homes that do not equal the 
Little place in point of facilities. They run the farm with improved 
machinery, have installed a complete water system around the house, having 
hot and cold running water within the home, and they also have two auto- 
mobiles in which to enjoy life and better carry out the business of farming. 
Thus for many years the lives of the Little family have been closely identified 
with Champaign County. The Little home is one noted for its hospitality 
and in the character of its members the family is one well entitled to the 
respect they enjoy. 

JOHN CLARK. It is a grateful distinction to have spent half a century 
in one community, and when those years were filled with worthy accom- 
plishment and with that old-fashioned spirit of loving kindness, such a 
career becomes one deserving of admiration and worthy of perpetuation in 
any history of a county in which it has been spent. The venerable John 
Clark, who died August 21, 1917, was a resident of Gifford. He came to 
Champaign County in 1868. He lived far beyond the fourscore mark, 
and his activities and those of the family have been a notable contribution 
to the upbuilding of Champaign County. 

He was a native of Scotland and when he brought his bride to this 
country it took fifty-two days to cross the ocean. Now only the space of a 
breath serves to bring us into touch with remote continents. Thus he wit- 
nessed and experienced that remarkable age of scientific achievement by 
which the world has been rewrought and made to respond to entirely new 
influences and new principles. 

John Clark was born in Forfarshire, Scotland, April 2, 1830, a son 
of William and Mary Clark, both natives of Scotland. There were four 
children. Thomas and Alexander are now deceased. Isabella is still 
living in her native land, the wife of David Freeman. John Clark grew 
up and acquired his early training in the habits of industry and frugality 
in Scotland, and there he laid the foundation of his own home by his mar- 
riage to Miss Jean Butters. She was born in Kirrmour, Scotland, Septem- 
ber 16, 1827. Two of her sisters continue to live in Dundee and a brother, 
David, in Australia. John Clark and wife were married at Glasgow, and 
the day following their marriage they turned their faces toward the New 
World and embarked on the Java, a 300-foot packet, sailing to New York. 
On arriving in that city John Clark found employment and worked for two 
years in a sugar factory. In 1855 he came west to Chicago and subse- 
quently lived at LaGrange, Illinois, until they removed to Champaign 
County in 1868. When they came to Chicago John Clark had only $6. 
Five dollars he paid for the rent of a house and thus they faced the world 
with brave hearts and courageous spirits but with only $1 in cash. 

To their marriage were born five children, one of whom died in Chicago 
and was buried there. The others were named Alexander, Robert B., 
John A. and Elizabeth. Elizabeth is the wife of Alfred Jenkinson. 

After coming to Champaign County John Clark through industry and 
economy was able to purchase eighty acres of land, paying $8 an acre. 
That land today is worth many times what he paid for it. Gradually his 
prosperity grew with the passing years, and Mr. Clark owned 320 acres 
in Illinois and also had 220 acres in Canada. 

Mr. and Mrs. Clark always used their means so as to promote their 
own comfort and happiness and the pleasure of those around them. In 
January, 1886, they returned to Scotland for a visit to the hills and 




MK. AND MRS. JOHX CLAEK 

Taken on Their Sixtieth Wedding Anniversary. 



HISTORY OF CHAMPAIGN COUNTY 615 

heather of their native land, and spent four months in the Old World. 
They sailed from New York on the steamer Oregon, which on its return 
trip sunk. How vastly improved transportation was in the interval which 
had passed since they first came to the New World was 'indicated by the 
fact that they were only nine days in going from Chicago to Dundee, 
Scotland. 

Mr. and Mrs. Clark instilled the principles of honesty and integrity in 
the character of their children and did all they could to prepare them for 
worthy citizens. They reared their sons as farmers, believing that the 
man who tills the soil can always face life independently. Their oldest 
son, Alexander, is a farmer two miles east of Gifford, located on his father's 
old homestead. He married Isabel Minnis, a native of Wisconsin, and 
their children are Jeanne, Emma, whose name at home has always been 
"Bonnie," John, Nellie, now deceased, and Robert. These children were 
educated at Penfield. Bonnie graduated from the high school there and 
was a successful teacher in Champaign County before her marriage to 
John Bryan. Mr. and Mrs. Bryan live at Wolcott, Indiana. John Clark, 
son of Alexander, married Inez Reynolds, and their child, John, became a 
great-grandchild of Mr. John Clark. Robert is now a student in the 
Gifford High School, and Jeanne lived with her grandfather at GifEord 
until his death. 

Robert Clark, the second son of John Clark, married Sarah Rupp, and 
they have a child, Edith. 

John A. Clark, the third son, married Dora Hummel, and their five 
daughters are named Lena, Julia, Dora, Rosella and Orvilla. 

Mr. and Mrs. John Clark lived to see Champaign County converted 
from almost a virgin district into one of the garden spots of the world. 
Along with the material success that rewarded his efforts Mr. John Clark 
found himself the repeated object of esteem on the part of his fellow citi- 
zens, who elected him road commissioner for fifteen years, and also school 
director. In politics he was first, last and always a Republican. He said : 
"We never find a Democrat a Scotchman." It was his opinion that the 
best principles of good government had their birth in the Republican party. 
Mr. Clark was long affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows 
and the Knights of Pythias. He and his wife were very active members 
and liberal supporters of the Baptist Church at Gifford. 

The greatest sorrow of his life came on June 1, 1916, when his beloved 
wife and companion was claimed by death. Mrs. John Clark was a true 
mother in Israel. The affection of a large community was given her 
during her life and hundreds of sorrowing friends gathered to pay a last 
tribute of respect when she died. It could be said of her that none knew 
her but to love her and none named her but to praise. 

After the death of his wife Mr. Clark was comforted by the presence 
of his granddaughter, Jeanne Clark, who as housekeeper, counsellor, secre- 
tary and adviser, cherished him constantly as he faced the setting sun of 
life. It was a worthy career on which he could look back. He never shirked 
work or responsibilities, and his days were days of toil, of useful endeavor, 
and guided by a constant aim to live according to conscience and the 
divine revelations. 

On May 23, 1903, Mr. and Mrs. John Clark celebrated their golden 
wedding anniversary. Ten years later, in 1913, their sixtieth anniversary 
was celebrated. This was a notable occasion and 187 guests sat at the 
banquet which was served in the opera house. In the Clark home is 
a photograph of the assembled guests who gathered on his lawn at Gifford. 
Such occasions have a greater significance and value than many of the 
events which attract more newspaper publicity. 



616 HISTORY OF CHAMPAIGN COUNTY 

ELIZABETH CLARK JENKINSON, daughter of the late venerable John 
Clark of Gifford, whose career has been fully sketched in preceding pages, 
resides on one of the fine farming estates around Gifford and some special 
mention should be made of her family. 

She is the wife of Mr. Alfred Jenkinson, who was born at Lacon, Illi- 
nois, a son of Benjamin and Mary A. (Willy) Jenkinson. Benjamin 
Jenkinson was born in Yorkshire, England, and his wife in Leicestershire, 
England. They immigrated to America at an early day and were mar- 
ried at Lacon, Illinois, in 1857. Of their ten children Alfred was the 
oldest. The children all attended district schools in Marshall County, 
Illinois, and experienced the hardships incident to pioneer life. The Jenk- 
inson family lived in a log house, and their efforts served to reclaim a 
portion of Illinois soil to'cultivation. 

After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Jenkinson began their 
wedded life on his father's estate half a mile north of Gifford. Here Mr. 
Jenkinson has found ample opportunities to prove his ability as a farmer 
and his business judgment has enabled him to acquire a farm of 200 acres. 

Their family consists of four children, Clemens J., Mary Isabel, Jessie 
Virginia and John Benjamin. The education and training of these chil- 
dren were a primary consideration of Mr. and Mrs. Jenkinson from the 
beginning. They sent them to the local district schools and also to the 
Gifford High School. John took a three years' high school course in 
Rantoul. The other three children are all graduates of the Gifford High 
School, while Jessie taught in her home school and also the Martin and 
teachers of Champaign County. Isabel taught two terms at the Weber 
School. The daughters Isabel and Jessie proved popular and successful 
Reynolds schools. 

Clemens J. Jenkinson married William Lohmiller, a farmer living on a 
place adjoining Mr. Jenkinson's. They have four children : Elizabeth J., 
Jessie Pauline, Mary Clemens and John Alfred. 

Mary Isabel Jenkinson married Harry Hamjlton, bookkeeper with a 
lumber firm at Hoopeston, Illinois. They have five children : Laura Eliza- 
beth, Harry Leland, Kenneth Franklin, Mary Isabel and Margaret Helen. 

John Benjamin Jenkinson, a railroad man living in Chicago, married 
Margaret Miller, and they have a child, Jean Clark, named after her great- 
grandmother. 

Jessie Virginia Jenkinson is the wife of George Corbley, a farmer living 
near Paxton, Illinois. They have one child, Virginia. 

Besides his success as a farmer Mr. Jenkinson has in many ways 
proved his public spirit as a factor in the community. He served as 
school director over twenty years, also as road commissioner and township 
treasurer. He is loyally identified with the Republican party, and he 
and his family attend the Baptist Church in Gifford. He is a member of 
the Modern Woodmen of America. Mrs. Jenkinson takes an active part in 
local social affairs and is a member of the Social Science Club. 

JOHN A. CLARK. Among the numerous families of Champaign County 
whose activities have contributed materially to its upbuilding and the pro- 
motion of its best interests that of Clark stands prominent. 

Now living retired at Rantoul, Mr. John A. Clark spent the best years 
of his active career as a successful farmer, and he reared and liberally 
provided for his family through the fruits of his toil in the fields of this 
county. 

Mr. Clark is a son of John and Jean (Butters) Clark, both of whom 
were born and reared among the hills and heather of Scotland. John 
Clark's heart was won by a Scotch lassie and he succeeded in persuading 



HISTORY OF CHAMPAIGN COUNTY 617 

her to change her name. The young people were possessed of character- 
istic energy and progressiveness, strong traits of the native Scotch. It 
was their ardent desire to cast their lot with the New World, concerning 
which they had heard wonderful stories. On the day following their wed- 
ding, when the festivities of the occasion were scarcely ended, John and 
Jane Clark started for America. The future was rainbowed with prom- 
ises, and seen through a rosy tint of bright anticipation they courageously 
undertook to carve out their own fortune. After landing in New York 
they lived there two years and then removed to Cook County, Illinois, and 
still later to Champaign County. From time to time children came into 
their home until the house echoed with the cheerful laughter of four bright 
Scotch-American girls and boys. They were named Alexander M., Robert 
B., John A. and Elizabeth W. Clark. 

John Clark, Sr., spent his life as a farmer and in time acquired a fine 
estate and a luxurious home, surrounded with productive land. He finally 
retired from active duties and removed to Gifford, where he entered into 
rest August 21, 1917, honored and esteemed. 

John A. Clark married Dora Hummel, daughter of Phillip and Cath- 
erine Hummel, both of whom are natives of Germany and came to America 
at an early day. This good couple were possessed of the usual German 
energy and thrift. The Hummel children were Phillip and Mary (born 
to the father's first union in Germany), Henry, Chris, Will, Mrs. Anna 
Roberts and Mrs. Dora Clark. 

John and Dora Clark began their wedded life on a farm near Penfield, 
Illinois, and in that section of Champaign County their industry and energy 
soon brought ample reward. Into their home were born five daughters and 
one son. The son died in infancy, but the disappointment of this loss 
was recompensed somewhat by the lives of the five daughters who grew to 
the flower of womanhood. These daughters are named Pauline, Julia, 
Dorothy, Rosilla and Orvilla. The daughters first attended the Stone 
Street district school, later the high school at Penfield, from which both 
Dorothy and Rosilla graduated with honors, the former in 1909 and the 
latter in 1911. Dorothy Clark, in order to fit herself for a position of 
usefulness, went to TJrbana and learned the dressmaking trade from Mrs. 
Maxfield and is now successfully engaged in that occupation. Mrs. Clark 
endeavored to rear her daughters as diligent and faithful home makers, 
and it has been her satisfaction to see the splendid proofs of her work in 
the efficiency with which these young people have gone about their duties. 
Pauline Clark married John Oehmke, a farmer near Penfield, and they 
have two children, Dorothy and Myron. Rosilla Clark married Lloyd 
Wise, and it is permitted to say that he was a wise man to secure such a 
worthy companion. He is a successful farmer, and they reside on the 
Clark estate at Penfield, where Mr. and Mrs. Clark had their home for 
thirty-five prosperous and happy years. Mr. and Mrs. Wise have a daugh- 
ter, Gwendolyn. The remaining three daughters, Julia, Dorothy and 
Orvilla, still reside with their parents. For seven years Dorothy lived 
with her Grandparents Clark at Gifford, where she attended high school. 

In politics John A. Clark has always been a stanch Republican. He 
and his brothers learned the principles of that political faith from their 
father in boyhood days. The strongest characteristic of his life aside from 
the hard sense he has employed in his business affairs is the public 
spirited attitude he has taken into his relations with the community. That 
he possesses the full confidence of his fellow citizens scarcely needs proof 
in a community where he has been known for so long. His counsel and 
advice have been sought frequently in the administration of public affairs. 
He served as school director, and whether officially or as a private citizen 



618 HISTORY OP CHAMPAIGN COUNTY 

he has done all he could to promote the upbuilding of the local schools. 
He has also been road commissioner, township central committeeman for 
many years, and was township supervisor until he removed from his old 
neighborhood. His experiences and opinions have been helpful and have 
been appreciated. Mr. Clark is a true American, of that type which has 
colored and made glorious the annals of this country. 

Mr. and Mrs. Clark with their daughters are active members of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church of Penfield. Fraternally he is affiliated with 
the Modern Woodmen of America, and both he and his wife are members 
of the Court of Honor. Formerly Mrs. Clark and daughters were Pythian 
Sisters. In 1917 Mr. and Mrs. Clark retired to Rantoul, where they have 
a pleasant home on Grove Avenue. They are still active, and the wisdom 
of experience enables them to enjoy these years even more abundantly than 
the past. They have contributed their share toward the enrichment of 
American life, have reared their daughters and trained them carefully for 
the emergencies and duties of the world, and it is not strange that they 
enjoy the esteem and admiration of a host of friends. 

PAUL J. STBAHLE is one of the yo'unger business men of Champaign, is 
active and aggressive, and has already acquired a secure position as a unit in 
the commercial community. 

A native of Champaign, he was born February 20, 1892, the only son 
and child of John G. and Catherine (Dawson) Strahle. His mother was 
born in England and died at Champaign, March 1, 1912. John G. Strahle 
is also a native of Champaign County, was for a number of years a tailor by 
trade, but is now associated with his son in business. 

Educated in the public schools of Champaign, Paul J. Strahle early 
evinced a strong inclination and tendency for mechanical pursuits and he 
served an apprenticeship which in itself constituted the equivalent of a 
technical university course. For a time he was in the engineering depart- 
ment of the Cadillac Company at Detroit, also with the Studebaker Com- 
pany, and from there removed to Dayton. Ohio, and had a thorough course 
of training in the engineering departments of the Delco plant. Mr. Strahle 
is an expert electrician and is master of practically every technical detail 
connected with the construction, assembling and repair of automobiles. In 
March, 1915, he engaged in business for himself at Champaign in electrical 
supplies and garage. He is now manager and proprietor of the Willard 
Service Station there. Mr. Strahle is unmarried. He is a Democrat in 
politics and a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. 

JESSE MEHARRY. One of the largest farming estates in Champaign 
County is that of the Jesse Meharry family, now managed and operated 
by the sons of the late Jesse Meharry. Mr. Meharry was a notable figure 
in Champaign County affairs, not only as a land owner, farmer and stock- 
man, but as a public spirited citizen. 

He was born in Montgomery County, Indiana, October 9, 1835. He 
was of Scotch-Irish and Welsh extraction. Concerning his ancestry it is 
said that during the reign of "Bloody" Queen Mary his forefathers escaped 
by going to Ireland. After several generations some of the family located 
in Pennsylvania, near Connelsville. Later they moved to Adams County, 
Ohio. 

The parents of Jesse Meharry were Thomas and Eunity (Patton) 
Meharry. Thomas Meharry was born April 27, 1799, in Adams County, 
Ohio. Eunity Patton was born in Brown County, Ohio, August 16, 1802. 
They married in December, 1827. Soon after their marriage the young 
people moved to near Wingate, Indiana, in Montgomery County, where they 
lived the remainder of their lives. He was a man of splendid business 



HISTORY OP CHAMPAIGN COUNTY 619 

ability and acquired a large amount of land not only in Indiana but in 
Illinois. Thomas Meharry died January 29, 1874. He was the father 
of seven children : Mrs. Jane P. Dick, William, Mrs. Ellen Martin, Jesse, 
Mrs. Polly A. McCorkle, Abraham P. and Isaac. 

Jesse Meharry was raised on his father's farm in Indiana, attended the 
local district school and spent two years at Asbury, now DePauw Uni- 
versity, at Greencastle, Indiana. He taught the local district school for 
two winters. He cast his first presidential vote for John C. Fremont in 
1856, and voted for Abraham Lincoln in 1860. He remained loyal to the 
Republican party throughout his life. 

Jesse Meharry came to Champaign County in 1862, herded and fed 
cattle on the prairie between Mattoon and Rantoul for three years. In 
1865 he took up his permanent residence in Philo Township on a tract of 
land of 640 acres which was raw prairie. There he occupied himself in 
bringing his farm to a high state of cultivation and in feeding and raising 
live stock. In 1893 Mr. Meharry moved to Tolono, Illinois, where he held 
residence till his death. 

Mr. Meharry served his fellow citizens as supervisor of Philo Township 
for eleven years and was a commissioner of highways in Philo Township 
for several terms. He had been a member of the Republican County Cen- 
tral Committee since 1888, serving a longer term than any other member 
ever had served. 

On June 4, 1887, Mr. Meharry united with the Tolono Methodist 
Episcopal Church. He served over forty years on the official board and 
acted as Sunday School Superintendent for twenty-two years. He was 
a member of the building committee when the new church was erected. 

He was a member of the Board of Trustees of the Illinois Wesleyan 
University, at Bloomington, Illinois, for the seven years prior to his death. 

On February 27, 1873, Mr. Meharry was married at New Lenox, Illinois, 
to Miss Addie A. Francis, the daughter of Abraham and Mary A. J. 
(Davison) Francis, and of this union the following children were born: 
Jesse Erie, George Francis, Edwin Thomas, and Paul Francis. 

Jesse Erie Meharry was born near Tolono, Illinois, December 31, 1876, 
and was graduated from the Tolono High School in 1895, and from the 
University of Illinois in 1899. He was married to Katharine I. Hay of 
Carmi, Illinois, September 22, 1916. He is a farmer and breeder of Poland 
China hogs, his herd being classed with the best six herds of Poland Chinas 
in the United States. 

George Francis Meharry, born at Tolono, Illinois, June 12, 1880, was 
graduated from the Tolono High School 1899, and from the University 
of Illinois 1905. He was married to Miss Sophie Mary Voss of Cham- 
paign, Illinois, February 27, 1912. He is engaged in farming. 

Edwin Thomas Meharry, born near Tolono, Illinois, November 30, 
1881, was graduated from the Tolono High School in 1900, and from the 
University of Illinois in 1906, and is a farmer by occupation. 

Paul Francis Meharry was born March 23, 1888, near Tolono, Illinois, 
was prepared in the Tolono High School and the University of Illinois 
Academy, and finished his education at the University of Illinois. He was 
married to Miss Stella Blanche Dougherty of Fairmount, Illinois, on 
February 3, 1914. He follows farming. 

LEO H. BIRELINE, one of the youngest business men of Champaign, is 
successfully engaged in the metal roofing business, an industry which he 
learned during his youth, his father being also connected with the same line 
of business. 

Mr. Bireline was born in Danville, Illinois, June 19, 1894, a son of 
Henry and Emma (Diehl) .Bireline, both of whom were also natives of 



620 HISTORY OP CHAMPAIGN COUNTY 

Danville. His parents are still living at Danville and his father conducts 
a roofing and sheet metal works in that city. There were five children in 
the family : Catherine Ellen, wife of W. A. Meek of Danville ; Robert, who 
is associated with his brother Leo in business at Champaign ; Leo ; Florence 
and Emily, both at home with their parents. 

Leo H. Bireline grew up in Danville, attended the city schools, spent two 
years in high school and finished his education in Brown's Business College 
at Danville. There he took a bookkeeping and general business course, and 
with that equipment and with the experience he had acquired under his 
father he came to Champaign to take charge of the local branch of the 
sheet metal and roofing business. This business in its subsequent growth 
now requires all his time and active attention. The headquarters of the 
business is a large building 25x125 feet, with ample facilities for a perfect 
service in their particular line. 

Mr. Bireline married Ruby Bodine, a native of Kingman, Indiana, but 
reared in Danville. They have one child, Margaret. Mr. Bireline is a 
Republican in politics, is a thirty-second degree and Consistory Mason, and 
is a member of the Chamber of Commerce. He and his family are members 
of the First Methodist Episcopal Church. 

PETER PETERSON. For many years the late Peter Peterson was a resi- 
dent of Champaign, was a quiet and industrious business man, acquired 
considerable property and made his name influential and honored in this 
community. 

A native of Sweden, Mr. Peterson was born in 1848. He was twenty-one 
years of age when he left his native land and came to America in 1869, soon 
afterward locating in the city of Champaign. He had received his educa- 
tion in Sweden and was well fitted for a life of activity. He engaged in 
the dray and transfer business at Champaign, and conducted that actively 
for nearly forty years. He was in the full vigor of his powers almost until 
the last, and his death occurred in Champaign in August, 1909. 

He was married in 1871, at Champaign, to Marian Christina Olson. 
She was born in Sweden and came to Champaign in 1870. Mrs. Peterson 
is still living, but an invalid and has lost the power of speech. She has one 
of the comfortable homes of Champaign, owns considerable property, and 
her constant attendant in her declining years is her daughter, Mrs. Sophie J. 
Parr. The only son of Mrs. Peterson, Charles J. Peterson, lives in Chicago, 
Illinois. 

Mrs. Sophie J. Parr was born in Champaign. She is a highly educated 
woman and has long been identified with public school work in Champaign. 
She graduated from the University of Illinois in 1893, and for sixteen years 
has been a successful teacher. For the last three years she has been prin- 
cipal of the Colonel Wolfe School at Champaign. Mrs. Parr is the widow 
of the late Louis J. Parr, who was a successful architect and practiced 
during his active life in Peoria, Illinois. He was graduated valedictorian 
of his class from the University of Illinois in 1897. Mr. Parr died in 
December, 1907. Mrs. Parr has two children : Harold Leslie and Marie 
Christine, both at home with their mother. The late Mr. Parr was an active 
member of the Congregational Church. 

JOSEPH KERR. One of the oldest and most honored names in Champaign 
County is that of Kerr, and its substantial qualities are fittingly commemo- 
rated by that name being assigned to one of the prosperous townships. It is 
in section 5 of this township that Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Kerr reside and have 
their fine country home. Mr. Joseph Kerr has for many years been a hard 



HISTORY OF CHAMPAIGN COUNTY 621 

working and prosperous farmer and has a great deal of real accomplishment 
to his credit. 

He was born in Kerr Township, a son of Samuel and Betsy Ann (Taylor) 
Kerr. His father was born in Ohio and his mother in Kentucky. Samuel 
Kerr, who was of Scotch-Irish stock, was one of the earliest pioneers of 
Champaign County and the first settler in the Sugar Grove community. He 
located there when his. nearest neighbor was six miles away- The country 
was a raw and unbroken prairie. There were no railroads nor towns, and 
the Kerr home was a nucleus around which other settlers gradually gathered 
and began the development of one of the finest sections of the entire county. 
Samuel Kerr was not only a hard working pioneer but a man of splendid 
character, and it was for him that the township was named. 

Mr. Joseph Kerr grew up in this county, attended the local schools, and 
started life independently when he married Emma Bradshaw. Mrs. Joseph 
Kerr was born in Fountain County, Indiana, a daughter of Thomas and 
Nancy (Daily) Bradshaw. She was only two years of age when her father 
died. Her mother then married again and moved to Champaign County, 
locating on the land which now constitutes the home of Mr. and Mrs. Kerr. 
Mrs. Kerr was the youngest of ten children. She secured her education in 
the Sugar Grove district school. 

After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Kerr started housekeeping on the 
place of her stepfather, David Morehouse. Mr. Morehouse had bought the 
land, consisting of eighty acres, from the Government at $1.50 an acre. At 
this time the land could hardly be bought for $175 an acre. Mr. and 
Mrs. Kerr had good ideas, sound ambition and industry, and these qualities 
have taken them far along the road to success. 

Into their home came four children. One of them died in infancy. The 
three who grew up are Nancy Belle, Rosa Lee and Joseph Foster. Mr. and 
Mrs. Kerr took great pains to give them the best of advantages both at home 
and in school. They first attended Sugar Grove School, where Mrs. Kerr 
was educated, and the daughters also attended school at Rankin, and Nancy 
took further courses in the Wingate High School in Montgomery County, 
Indiana. She fitted herself for teaching and followed that vocation for 
several years at the Strayer School, the Campbell School and the Trickle 
Grove School. She is now the wife of Milton Strayer, formerly a farmer 
but now living in Onarga, Illinois. The daughter Rosa Lee married Thomas 
Mclntosh, a carpenter living at Henning, Illinois. They have a bright and 
attractive daughter, Leta Ilene, now thirteen years of age and entering upon 
her work in the eighth grade of the public schools. The son, Joseph F. Kerr, 
is a successful agriculturist in Eaton County, Michigan. He married Cora 
McHaley. Their daughter, Agnes Cleo, is only eighteen years of age but 
has graduated with honors from the college at Olivet, Michigan, and has done 
some most creditable work in school, her record being a matter of pride to 
her parents and grandparents. 

Mr. Joseph Kerr is one of .the public spirited citizens of Champaign 
County. For six years his neighbors kept him in the office of road commis- 
sioner and for twenty-five years he was a school director. He believes that 
the best in schools are none too good for this rural district. Mr. and 
Mrs. Kerr attend the Methodist Episcopal Church at Pleasant Grove and 
are liberal supporters. Politically Mr. Kerr is a stancli Republican and has 
cast his vote for the principles of that party since early manhood. Mr. and 
Mrs. Kerr have spent their lives in Champaign County and have made their 
work and example count for good in the uplift of the community. Their 
home is one of generous hospitality and a distinct influence in the commu- 
nity. They are able to look back upon days and duties well spent and per- 
formed, and they may look back without regret and to the future without 
fear. 
2 7 



622 HISTORY OP CHAMPAIGN COUNTY 

WILLIAM H. ZORGEK, M. D. For thirty-one years Doctor Zorger has 
practiced his profession in DeWitt and Champaign counties. He is a 
talented physician, has the advantage of long and thorough experience, and 
has been trained in the best schools of this country and by extensive observa- 
tion and study here and abroad. His able assistant and partner not only in 
life but in his profession is his wife, who is one of the pioneer women of the 
state to take up medicine as a profession and is one of the best equipped 
specialists in Champaign County. 

Doctor Zorger was born in DeWitt County, Illinois, September 5, 1860, 
a son of Jacob S. and Margaret (Miller) Zorger. His father was born in 
York County, Pennsylvania, and in 1833 removed to Monticello, Illinois. 
He established a mill, which for a number of years was the only mill to 
supply flour and meal to a large section of country. The mill was sold to 
Mr. Collins in 1858, and he in turn sold it to Mr. Mclntosh, and for many 
years it was known as the Mclntosh Mill. Jacob S. Zorger died at Weldon, 
Illinois, in 1902, and his widow is still living there. Of their ten children 
five are living, and Doctor Zorger was the fifth in order of birth. 

Doctor Zorger spent his early life in his father's home, had ample com- 
forts and. had the advantages of the common schools, but his preparation for 
his profession he had to acquire largely through his own efforts and earnings. 
Three years he taught in the district schools of DeWitt County. He then 
spent a year in the College of Physicians and Surgeons at Chicago, and in 
1886 graduated from the medical department of Drake University at Des 
Moines, Iowa. Doctor Zorger received his diploma on the 20th of March 
and almost immediately began practice in his native county. In 1888 he 
removed to Champaign County and after five years at Sadorus he moved to 
the city of Champaign. 

On July 3, 1887, Dr. Zorger married Miss Annie L. Swan. She is a 
daughter of Alexander and Rebecca (Marvel) Swan. Her father was born 
in Scotland and her mother was a native of -DeWitt County, Illinois. Her 
father came to America in 1857, locating on a farm near Waynesville, 
DeWitt County, Illinois. He was one of ten children and eight brothers 
came to America, he being now the only survivor of the family. Mr. and 
Mrs. Swan had four children, three of whom are still living, and Mrs. 
Zorger is the oldest. 

Mrs. Zorger was educated in the common schools of Elm Grove, Illinois, 
afterwards attended the Illinois Wesleyan University at Bloomington, and 
taught school four years before her marriage. Their marriage was not 
only a mating of personalities but of professional inclinations. Mrs. 
Zorger went into a drug store and learned pharmacy. This experience 
was followed by her attending the Woman's Medical College at St. Louis, 
now known as the University Medical College of Missouri. She was grad- 
uated M. D. in 1894 and then joined her husband in practice at Cham- 
paign. In 1901 Dr. Zorger and wife went abroad and spent a year in 
Europe, where they attended clinics and courses in many of the most cele- 
brated medical centers. She took up the special study of diseases of the 
eye, ear, nose and throat, while he emphasized post-graduate courses in 
surgery. 

Dr. Zorger is a member of the Knights of Pythias and the Benevolent 
and Protective Order of Elks, while Mrs. Zorger is active in the Pythian 
Sisters, the Court of Honor, the Tribe of Ben Hur, the Royal Neighbors, 
the Maccabees and by virtue of her ancestry is a member of the Daughters 
of the American Revolution. She has also made herself an effective and 
influential member of the Woman's Club of Champaign and Urbana. They 
attend the Unitarian church, and Dr. Zorger in politics is a Democrat. 



HISTORY OF CHAMPAIGN COUNTY 623 

Louis WILLIAM SCHLUTER. A splendid farm and country estate two 
miles east of Gifford represents the toil and effort and expenditure of char- 
acter and industry on the part of the Schluter family covering a long period 
of years. The present manager of that farm, and one who knows full well 
how to get the best out of the soil, is Louis William Schluter, a young and 
progressive farmer whose activities have brought him commendable promi- 
nence among the agriculturists of this section. Mr. Schluter's home is in 
section 36 of Kerr Township. 

He is a native of Champaign County and a son of John William and 
Gesche (Fecht) Schluter. His parents were both born in Germany but 
came to America when single and were married in this country. They first 
located in Adams County, Illinois, and then came to Champaign County. 
They possessed the sturdy characteristics of the German fatherland, and by 
energy and economy secured the comforts of their simple home and gradu- 
ally expanded their holdings to the possession of a very splendid estate. For 
a long time John W. Schluter worked for wages of $13 a month. There 
came a time when he was able to buy his first land, and he gradually accu- 
mulated more until his estate consisted of 480 broad acres, improved with 
excellent buildings, shade trees, and altogether constituting one of the most 
attractive farms in Champaign County. He and his good wife had a large 
family of children, one of whom died in infancy, another at six years, while 
Martin passed away at nineteen. The surviving children are John, Harm, 
Catherine, Anna, Louis and Antje. 

The parents did much for the education and training of these children, 
sending them to the Pleasant Valley school and also to the German school at 
Flatville. The family were for many years members of the German church 
at Flatville, but at present all of them attend the German Lutheran Church 
at Gifford. 

Louis W. Schluter grew up on the home farm and learned lessons of 
industry from his parents, acquiring the fundamentals of a literary training 
in the local schools. In 1913 he married Miss Annie Sjoken. Mrs. Schluter 
was born in Germany, daughter of John and Margaret Sjoken, natives of 
the same country. When she was twelve years of age the family immigrated 
to America. She was educated partly in the schools of Germany and partly 
in Champaign County. 

After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Schluter located on his father's estate 
and he assumed active management and has made good as a crop raiser and 
general farmer. Some years he has raised crops of 6,000 bushels of corn and 
5,000 bushels of oats and is one of the young men who responded vigorously 
to the call for increased food production in the year 1917. Besides a large 
equipment of farm machinery he has some very fine horses. 

Mr. and Mrs. Schluter have two bright young children, William, born in 
July, 1914, and John, born in July, 1916. In politics Mr. Schluter while 
usually a Republican is quite careful in the matter of casting his vote for 
the man and the principles he believes best suited for good government and 
progress. He is a splendid type of American citizen and it is his conviction, 
based upon experience, that no greater country exists in the world for the 
poor man who is ambitious and willing to work. Mr. Schluter has served as 
school trustee of Kerr Township. Having stepped into the position vacated 
by his father and having assumed the large responsibilities of managing the 
farm, he has neglected none of the rich opportunities thus presented, and 
has kept up the fields and all the details of the homestead and is a man of 
mark among the younger agricultural element of Champaign County. 
Standing by him through all his labors is his good wife, who is endowed 
with the solid virtues and the methodical industry characteristic of her 
German forefathers, and they have already gained many of those things 
which constitute success, while there is still a large future before them. 



624 HISTORY OF CHAMPAIGN COUNTY 

DAVID G. FISHER, now living retired at Champaign, began farming in 
this county nearly half a century ago. He realizes as few men still living do 
the difficulties and the handicaps to which farming was subject in those early 
years, and he has also realized along with extensive experience financial 
independence and the success which is the object of all ambitious men. 

Mr. Fisher was born in Fulton County, Illinois, December 3, 1839. His 
parents, Frederick and Sarah (Fouts) Fisher, were both born in Clark 
County, Indiana. When they went to Illinois in 1833 they passed 
through Champaign County, but sought what to them seemed a better loca- 
tion in Fulton County. There they lived prosperously the rest of their 
days as farmers and both of them died in that county. Their children 
were: Jacob, John, Henry, Cynthia, all now deceased; Mary, who still re- 
sides in Fulton County; Sarah, wife of Marion Kimberland, of Missouri; 
David G. ; Clara, deceased ; Isabel, living at Canton in Fulton County, 
widow of Jacob Fouts; Elizabeth, deceased; Ellen, wife of Thomas Beets, 
of Kokomo, Indiana ; and Fred L., of Canton, Fulton County. 

David G. Fisher was reared and educated in Fulton County. He 
left home at the age of twenty-four and bought a farm of 140 
acres near Canton and was busy with its cultivation and management until 
ill health compelled him to give up his enterprise in the country and 
remove to town, where for three years he conducted a livery business. On 
selling out his interests in Fulton County Mr. Fisher came to Champaign 
County in the month of February, 1868. Land was then comparatively 
cheap and he bought a splendid place of 640 acres in Tolono 
Township. That was the scene of his efforts as a practical farmer and 
stockman and he continued to reside on his farm until 1900, when he sold 
and invested his capital chiefly in real estate property in Champaign. In 
1907 Mr. Fisher built a fine two-story brick house at 1191/2 South Neil 
Street. He now gives his time to the management of his private affairs 
and is a citizen of whom the people of Champaign County think most 
highly. In politics he is a Republican and is a Knight Templar Mason. 

Mr. Fisher was married May 23, 1863, to Mary Ellis, who died in 1906. 
She was the mother of the following children : Kate, Robert and Hattie, 
all now deceased; Fred, a farmer near Fort Wayne, Indiana; and Pearl 
and Myrtle. On July 28, 1911, Mr. Fisher married Serena (Hinds) 
Graves, a native of Champaign County. Her death occurred Novem- 
ber 8, 1916. By her first husband she had two children: Gertrude, de- 
ceased; and Ethel, wife of Fred Becker of Champaign. 

WILLIAM TOMLINSON. One of the oldest residents of Champaign County 
is Mr. William Tomlinson, whose home is at Penfield in Kerr Township. 
Mr. Tomlinson has experienced more than the average trials and ordeals of 
existence and he is well entitled to the esteem and respect that he enjoys in 
his community. 

Mr. Tomlinson was born in the Village of Franklin, near the City of 
Indianapolis, in Marion County, Indiana, a son of Robert and Rachel 
(Sheets) Tomlinson. His parents were both born in Indiana and his Grand- 
father Sheets was of German descent. Mr. Tomlinson was one of eight chil- 
dren, seven sons and one daughter. When he was a child his father died and 
a little later his mother passed awav at Carlyle on the Mississippi River. 

William Tomlinson came to Vermilion County, Illinois, with his uncle, 
Elisha Crawford, in 1849, when ten years old. He came to Champaign 
County in 1852, and arrived here a poor and friendless boy with no money 
and with nothing except his own determined ambition to stand him in good 
stead while making a way in the busy world. For a year he worked for a 
farmer at $6.50 a month, and his hours of .employment were from sunup to 



HISTORY OF CHAMPAIGN COUNTY 625 

sundown. When Mr. Tomlinson came to Champaign County there were no 
railroads and very few towns. The nearest market place for mail and other 
supplies was Danville or Urbana. The young man had instead of money a 
boundless supply of push and energy, and he has used his industry to secure 
the living which he believed the world owed him. 

At the age of twenty-two he married Miss Lydia Carter. She was born 
in Vermilion County, Illinois. After his marriage Mr. Tomlinson bought 
eighty acres on the middle fork of Vermilion River, paying $7 an acre. 
There he started the task of founding a home of his own. Not long after- 
wards his plans were temporarily shattered when his young wife passed 
away at the birth of her first child. Mr.^Tomlinson married for his second 
wife Mary E. Walker. Four children were born to their marriage, three 
sons and one daughter, John, Albert, Andrew and. Eachel. These children 
were educated in the Kuder school. Again death visited the family and the 
mother passed away, leaving her youngest child only thirteen days old. 
Mr. Tomlinson again took upon himself the duties of a homemaker as well 
as a farmer, and proved both father and mother to his children. Some of 
the time he depended upon a housekeeper, but for months at a time he did 
his own housekeeping. For his third wife he married Ellen Rigleman, who 
died within two years. For his next wife he married Miss Louisa Lingo. 
A son and daughter were born to that marriage. The son while plowing corn 
in his father's field was killed by a stroke of lightning. The daughter, Effie, 
is now the wife of Harry Shumate and they live in Penfield. For his last wife 
Mr. Tomlinson married Mrs. Ellen Bates, who died about twelve years ago. 

Few citizens of Champaign County have been so severely tested as 
Mr. Tomlinson. With remarkable fortitude he has withstood the vicissitudes 
and trials of existence and everyone must wonder at his endurance and 
admire his faithfulness to family and children. 

His son John married Mahala S. Chenoweth and they live in South 
Dakota and are the parents of two children, George and Nellie. The son 
Albert married Erma Deidrich, and their four children, Alberta, Russell, 
Earl and Marlin, with their parents, all live in the home of Mr. William 
Tomlinson, and he takes great delight in these grandchildren. Andrew 
Tomlinson, the third child, now deceased, married Alta McClaren, and her 
children are Rosetta, Raymond, Mrle and Arthur. The daughter Rachel 
married Mr. Gray, now deceased, and she lives at Penfield, the mother of 
three children, Orin, Elden and Grace. 

During the passing years Mr. Tomlinson added to his land until his 
estate now comprises 130 acres, his home being about the center of the farm. 
His house is located on a fine bluff overlooking a rich valley of fertile bottom 
lands, with the Vermilion River sweeping gracefully around a border of 
trees. Thus he can live like a king, monarch of all he surveys, whose right 
there is none to dispute. He has for years been recognized as one of the 
successful and energetic farmers of Champaign County and the earth has 
yielded abundantly to his labors. He is a man of great public spirit and 
a thorough American in every sense. For a number of years he served as 
road commissioner of his district and also as a school director. Politically he 
is a stanch Republican. He cast his first vote for President Abraham 
Lincoln. Though a boy at the time, he has recollection of the stirring cam- 
paign when Polk was candidate for President in 1844, and he acquired his 
first knowledge of political issues in that time. Mr. Tomlinson's life has 
been closely identified with Champaign County. Coming here an orphan 
boy, he worked hard for his daily bread, and his industry has been steadfast 
through all the years of vicissitude and change and today he lives in a beau- 
tiful home, surrounded with children and grandchildren, and none will 
begrudge him his comfort and prosperity. 



626 HISTORY OP CHAMPAIGN COUNTY 

ALBERT C. BUKNHAM. Even the most casual visitor in Champaign is 
accustomed to associate the name Burnham with that city, where two of 
its most prominent institutions bear the name. It is true in a broad sense 
that the good or evil men do in their days lives after them, but seldom 
does this continuing influence take a better form of concrete benefit than 
in the Burnham Athenaeum Library and the Julia F. Burnham Hospital 
in Champaign. They are memorials with a purpose, and a reaction for 
good day after day upon the lives of thousands in the community which 
the late Albert C. Burnham did so much to enrich and improve. 

There was little significance attached at the time to the quiet advent 
of Albert C. Burnham into the law office of J. B. McKinley as a student 
in the spring of 1862. He was "practically unknown, but a't the end of 
thirty-five years of labor as a lawyer, banker and business man his work 
was firmly entrenched in the esteem and the business fabric of the com- 
munity. 

Albert C. Burnham was born at Deerfield, Michigan, February 20, 
1839, and died at Champaign, September 13, 1897. He had the training 
of a Michigan farm boy. His early education was from the public schools. 
During the years 1860-61 he taught school during the winter months in 
Iroquois County, Illinois. He possessed a studious, thoughtful nature, 
and he began life with a solid foundation of practical knowledge and 
integrity of character. After completing his studies with Mr. McKinley 
at Champaign he was admitted to the bar and became junior member of 
the law firm of McKinley & Burnham. From the first this firm had 
influential financial connections. Through its instrumentality a large 
amount of eastern capital was brought west to invest in farm securities 
in and around Champaign. The Middle West was not then overflowing 
with wealth as it is today, and the money brought in by this firm was 
greatly needed and was wisely expended in the improving and upbuilding 
of many farm properties. Mr. Burnham continued to be actively associ- 
ated with the law firm until 1876. 

From the law he then transferred his energies to the banking house of 
Burnham, McKinley and Company. In 1876 J. R. Trevett and R. R. 
Mattis were taken in the firm, Mr. McKinley retiring, and the business 
continued under the title Burnham, Trevett & Mattis. Mr. Burnham was 
senior member of this widely known financial house until the time of his 
death. 

It was Mr. Burnham's fortune and privilege to witness a marvelous 
development in Champaign County in the course of his active career. 
That development was primarily based upon the increasing agricultural 
resources. While not a tiller of the soil himself he wisely employed the 
forces of capital in agricultural development, and his banking house was 
always justly considered an integral part of the business and industrial 
structure of his home community. He was public spirited in every sense 
and was equally interested in the educational and moral development of his 
county. 

It was his long cherished plan to add something to the cultural 
elements in his community that led him two years before his death in 
1897, to give to the city of Champaign a magnificent lot in the heart of 
the business district, accompanied by the gift of fifty thousand dollars to 
be expended for the erection and maintenance of a library building. This 
gift has taken practical form in the Burnham Athenaeum. It is a library, 
and one of the real civic centers of the town. It is a monument to the 
memory of this sturdy banker and noble citizen, and thousands have 
benefited from the service it affords and will continue to so benefit for 
years yet to come. 



HISTORY OP CHAMPAIGN COUNTY 627 

In 1866 Albert C. Burnham married Miss Julia F. Davison, who was 
born in New York City, April 16, 1839. Mrs. Burnham died in New 
York City October 25, 1894. She was reared and educated in the public 
schools at Newark, New Jersey, and lived in the east until she came as 
the bride of Mr. Burnham to Champaign. Mrs. Burnham, while ever 
devoted to her home, had many other interests through which she expressed 
her character and culture. She was devoted to her church, was charitable, 
and throughout her life was a prominent figure in local society. For 
years she served as secretary of the State Board of Charities, and held 
that position at the time of her death. She was one of the first women 
to serve on the public school board at Champaign and was also a member 
of the Champaign Art Club. It was a memorial to her good works as 
well as a testimonial of his own appreciation of her companionship and 
character that Mr. Burnham after her death erected the Julia F. Burnham 
Hospital, which was formally opened March 5, 1895. The hospital has 
been in existence more than twenty years. As a public institution it is 
one of the most important in Champaign County. While its annual 
revenues come largely from the pay patients, it is also a practical charity, 
inasmuch as a large part of its service is rendered free. During the year 
1916 nearly fifteen hundred patients were admitted, with a daily average 
of thirty-four. A number of cases are treated free, especially children's 
cases. It is a noble institution, and stands as a memorial to a noble 
woman. 

EGBERT DAVISON BURNHAM is the only surviving son of the late Albert 
C. Burnham, long prominent as a pioneer lawyer and banker at Cham- 
paign and whose career is more fully noted on other pages. Robert 
Davison Burnham learned banking with his father, but for many years 
has been actively engaged in the farm loan business, with offices in the 
First National Bank Building. 

He was born in Champaign, February 19, 1872, one of the five children 
of the late A. C. Burnham and wife. Three of these children died in 
infancy. Mr. Burnham was the oldest and the second in age was Mary 
Bruce, now wife of Newton M. Harris. 

Mr. Burnham was liberally educated, though he did not complete a 
university course. He attended the University of Illinois and also the 
famous college preparatory school at Lawrenceville, New Jersey. He 
left school to take a position in his father's office in the Burnham, Trevett 
& Mattis Banking Company. He was well trained in the details of 
banking, but in a short time left his father's office to form a partnership 
with his brother-in-law, Newton M. Harris, in the farm loan business. 

Mr. Burnham has the public spirit of his honored father, has been a 
member of the Park Commission of Champaign, and is now serving on the 
Public Library Board. He is a member of the Episcopal church. Decem- 
ber 4, 1895, he married Miss May Wilcox, a native of Champaign. Their 
three children are Robert D., Jr., Sidney Wilcox and Albert C. 

ELNA A. ROBINSON. During a long and active career Mr. Robinson 
has been prominently identified with Champaign County both in a profes- 
sional and in a business way. His success in business has enabled him to 
retire and enjoy a financial competence and he is now a resident of the city 
of Champaign. 

Mr. Robinson was born in South Reading, Vermont, December 15, 1839, 
a son of Ebenezer, Jr., and Adeline (Williams) Robinson. His father was 
born at South Reading, Vermont, September 30, 1809, and died July 5, 
1849. He was married January 4, 1837, to Miss Williams, who was born 



628 HISTORY OF CHAMPAIGN COUNTY 

December 19, 1814, and died July 18, 1894. They had three sons, Elna A., 
Stillman and Albert A. 

Stillman Eobinson is well rememb'ered at Champaign and in University 
circles and was one of the leading engineers of the country. He was 
graduated as a civil engineer from the University of Michigan, and from 
the age of twenty-five to twenty-eight was assistant on a United States 
lake survey and from twenty-eight to thirty-two years of age was assistant 
engineer with the faculty of the University of Michigan. From the age 
of thirty-two to forty he was professor of mechanical engineering and 
physics in the University of Illinois. He then accepted the chair of 
mechanical engineering with the Ohio State University, where he remained 
until he resigned in 1895. In 1896 he was given the degree D. Sc. and 
in 1899 was made professor emeritus in mechanical engineering at the 
Ohio State University. During, the years 1880-84 he was inspector of 
railroads and bridges for the State of Ohio. He was also engineer super- 
vising the construction of the famous Lick telescope in California. His 
death occurred at Columbus, Ohio, in 1910. 

Albert A. Eobinson was born October 21, 1844, and became a civil 
engineer. He is a graduate of the University of Michigan, and followed 
railroading all of his active life. He was vice-president and general man- 
ager of the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Eailway, president of the 
Mexican Central Railway for nine years, and he is now living retired at 
Topeka, Kansas. 

Elna A. Robinson secured a substantial groundwork of literary training, 
and from seventeen until he was twenty-one was a machinist apprentice. 
In 1870 he entered the University of Illinois and was graduated in 1875 
with the degree Mechanical Engineer. For the next four years he remained 
as an assistant in the mechanical engineering department of the University. 
Mr. Robinson in 1878 formed a partnership with E. M. Burr in the general 
machine construction business. This partnership continued until dissolved 
in 1899, when Mr. Eobinson took the plumbing end of the business and 
continued it successfully until he sold out in 1915 and has since lived 
retired. He is a Republican in politics and a member of the Baptist 
Church. 

On April 27, 1861, Mr. Robinson married Miss Melora M. Smith, who 
died August 16, 1885. They were the parents of five children : Sarah Ann, 
Addie Eva and Gertrude Minnie are all now deceased. Gertrude M. became 
the wife of William L. Troyer and she left two children, Fannie F. and 
Mabel. Inez Mary is the wife of A. Boyd of Urbana and their children 
are Bert B., George A., Wilber A., Neil D., John R., Jay, Blanche, de- 
ceased, and Ruth. Fannie Nettie is the wife of Thomas Inskip, of Cham- 
paign, and has had three children, Thomas, deceased, Francis R. and 
Clarence E. Mr. Robinson married for his second wife Mrs. Semphronia E. 
(Stage) Jenks, who was born in Iowa. 

FRANCIS M. AVEY. Of the men whose ability, industry and forethought 
have added to the character, wealth and progress of Champaign County 
none stands higher than Francis M. Avey, now living retired at Rantoul, 
which has been his home for over forty-five years. Among other enviable 
distinctions Mr. Avey is one of the honored survivors of the great war of 
the rebellion, and he was a member of the first regiment that marched away 
from Illinois to fight in the South. His entire career has been in keeping 
with the high standards of patriotism which caused him to enter the army as 
a youth. 

He was born at Cincinnati, Ohio, January 24, 1835, and is now past 
four score. He is a son of Daniel and Hannah (Van Hise) Avey, the 



HISTORY OF CHAMPAIGN COUNTY 629 

former a native of Pennsylvania and the latter of Maryland. Francis M. 
was the third of five children. His father was a farmer, and F. M. Avey 
grew up and obtained his early education in Butler County, Ohio. 

As a boy he heard much of the country of Illinois and Indiana, and at 
the age of sixteen his ambitions prompted him to go out to Fountain County, 
Indiana, where he had a brother. There he began an apprenticeship to the 
blacksmith's trade. Having learned the trade, he took his accomplishments 
into western Missouri. At that time western Missouri was a scene of the 
terrible border ruffian warfare which went on with more or less regularity 
until after the close of the Civil War. It was not a safe territory for a man 
who came from a free state and had the convictions of Mr. Avey. The first 
time he applied for work he found a big black slave working in a shop. 
This slave had been hired out by his master. In competition with such labor 
Mr. Avey could make no progress, and he soon left the country which had 
disgusted his ideas of liberty and freedom, and came to Illinois. In the 
vicinity of Decatur he hired out to a man, and for five months drove four 
yoke of cattle to a breaking plow. From there he went to Vermilion county 
and for two years was employed in a blacksmith shop at Georgetown. Then 
occurred in 1860 the election of Lincoln as president. In the disturbed 
condition that followed Mr. Avey went to Indiana and there became 
acquainted with a business man who had recently returned from Mattoon, 
Illinois. He reported that a company of soldiers were being raised at 
Mattoon, and the two boys hurried to that point and enlisted at Lincoln's 
first call for 75,000 troops. F. M. Avey enlisted in the first regiment organ- 
ized in Illinois, the Seventh Illinois Infantry, in Company B. He was in 
camp at Springfield, went from there to Alton, Illinois, and thence down 
the Mississippi to Cairo. The first time Mr. Avey saw the Eebel flag was at 
Cape Girardeau, Missouri, on the banks of the Mississippi. For three weeks 
he and his comrades were at Cairo, and then were returned up the Ohio 
River to Mound City, where at the expiration of his three months' service 
he was mustered out on August 25, 1861. 

Later Mr. Avey helped recruit some men, and in February, 1862, enlisted 
at St. Louis. For three months he was on duty as a patrol in St. Louis. 
In April, 1862, he and his comrades were organized into a company, and he 
was elected its second lieutenant. Three months later he was promoted to 
first lieutenant, and for one year he served as post adjutant of a military 
post. He was then made ordnance officer, in charge of the ordnance depart- 
ment, and filled that position with efficiency and fidelity until his term of 
enlistment expired. He was mustered out at Benton Barracks in St. Louis 
April 15, 1865. 

While on duty in the ordnance department he was under the command 
of Major Colendar, a major in the regular army. Their associations were 
very pleasant and were the basis of a lasting friendship. On being relieved 
from duty and while waiting for transportation Mr. Avey started to spend 
the day in camp, and on arriving saw the flag at half mast. That was the 
first intimation he had of the assassination of the beloved President Lincoln. 
Mr. Avey was stationed at Rolla, Missouri, when Lincoln was re-elected in 
1864. At that time Illinois soldiers were not allowed to vote in Missouri, 
but Mr. Avey's regiment was the Fifth Missouri Cavalry, and all of them 
marched in a body and voted for Lincoln amid the cheers of the multitude. 
The women, he reports, were especially bitter. They called them Lincoln- 
ites, black Republicans and other appropriate names. But the brave boys 
in blue did not hesitate to express their sentiments and convictions. 

After being mustered out of the army with this honorable record 
Mr. Avey came to Champaign County, and in February, 1868, he married 
Miss Alice Bryan. Mrs. Avey was born near Mahomet, Illinois, a daughter 



630 HISTORY OF CHAMPAIGN COUNTY 

of John and Melinda (Busey) Bryan. Melinda Busey enjoyed the distinc- 
tion of being the first bride in Champaign County. Her wedding was cele- 
brated in a log cabin in Urbana. She and her husband became the parents 
of ten children, but the three who grew up were Alice, Lillis and Edward. 
Alice Bryan obtained her education in Urbana, and while her people lived 
in the country she boarded at the home of Colonel Busey's mother. Later 
the Bryan family removed to Urbana and were prominent people them- 
selves and numbered among their friends the best people of the city, includ- 
ing the late Judge Cunningham. Alice Bryan's grandfather, Isaac Busey, 
and Mr. Webber donated the land for the county seat at Urbana, Mr. Busey 
giving thirty acres and Mr. Webber twenty acres. This gift still stands as 
a memorial to their public spirit. 

After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Avey lived in Champaign, where he 
worked at his trade, but in March, 1871, they removed to Eantoul. He then 
built the house on Sangamon Avenue where he has continuously resided for 
over forty-five years. For many years Mr. Avey conducted his blacksmith 
shop, and to furnish employment during his later years of retirement and 
leisure he kept the news stand at Rantoul. 

Mr. Avey's only son and child is Arthur Avey, who was born December 7, 
1868. He attended the Rantoul High School and at the age of sixteen 
entered the Bryant & Stratton Business College at Chicago. For the past 
twenty-six years Arthur Avey has been associated with the P. V. Palmer 
Wholesale Cloak House at Chicago. The only interruption to this regular 
service was while he was in the Spanish-American War. When he enlisted 
for that service his employer said : "Mr. Avey, if you are gone ten years re- 
member your position awaits your return." Arthur Avey enlisted for that 
war in the first Illinois regiment that started from Chicago. He went to 
Santiago, Cuba, and was in the several engagements around that city until 
the Spanish commander surrendered. Mr. Arthur Avey thinks that Colonel 
Roosevelt was the finest officer in the war. He commends him especially for 
his interest in the soldiers. When the boys were in the trenches Roosevelt 
was always looking after their welfare, and his kindness and thoughtfulness, 
as well as his bravery, endeared him to the heart of every American trooper. 
Mr. Arthur Avey married Miss Mamie Flood of Chicago. Three children 
were born to them : Francis Marion, who was named for his grandfather 
and is now deceased ; Anna Dorothy and Howard Francis. These two chil- 
dren take a great deal of pleasure in their periodical visits to Rantoul to 
their grandfather and grandmother. 

Mr. F. M. Avey has lived to vote for every presidential candidate of the 
Republican party since it was organized, beginning with John C. Fremont. 
In many ways besides the part he performed as a gallant soldier he has given 
'evidence of his public spirit and his usefulness in the community. For 
twenty-seven years he served as treasurer of the Village of Rantoul, for four 
years was a justice of the peace, and has also been village clerk and a member 
of the town council. For thirty years he was secretary of the Masonic 
Lodge, and as proof of their esteem his fellow members of the fraternity 
presented him with a beautiful gold headed cane, on which are engraved the 
words : "F. M. Avey from Rantoul Lodge No. 470, A. F. & A. M., Secretary, 
1885 to 1915." Mrs. Avey possesses as a valued souvenir a fine white bed- 
spread, which was purchased by her grandfather, Isaac Busey, in Louisville, 
Kentucky, in 1807. 

HOWARD Ross, has built up a large business as a retail meat dealer in 
Champaign, learned his trade in that city, and by good management and 
by making it a point to offer the best of service and goods he is now one of 
the leaders in his line in the county. 



HISTORY OF CHAMPAIGN COUNTY 631 

Mr. Eoss was born near Savoy, Illinois, August 29, 1874, a son of 
David I. and Mary Elizabeth (Bowers) Eoss. His father was bom in 
Newburgh, New York, and his mother in Indiana. David Eoss came to 
Champaign County about 1869. He was an active farmer here until 1882, 
when he moved west to Topeka, Kansas, and followed the drug business, 
in that city four years. After returning to Champaign County he lived 
retired until his death on January 21, 1890. His wife died in Topeka, 
Kansas, in 1888. There were five children: A son who died in infancy; 
Howard; Grace, wife of Bert Thrasher, of Berryton, Kansas; Ella, wife 
of Ralph Yingling, of Kansas; and the fifth, a son, died in infancy. 

Howard Eoss spent part of his early boyhood in the State of Kansas. 
He was educated in local schools, and when fourteen years of age he got a 
job driving a grocery wagon at Champaign. A year later. he found work 
with a meat market driving a wagon, and after about two years he went 
in the shop to learn the trade. Altogether he put in twelve years with 
this firm, Dallenbach & Boyle. He became an expert at the block, was a 
valuable man to his firm, and at the same time acquired a thorough 
knowledge of the financial end of the meat business. With this experience, 
and with such capital as he had been able to accumulate, he opened a small 
shop for himself in 1901. Later he removed to his present location at 
105 South Neil Street, and besides tlie business he owns a half interest in 
the building. 

Mr. Eoss married June 9, 1897, Miss Minnie Sinz, a native of Cham- 
paign County. Mr. Ross is a Republican in politics, and served as fire 
and police, commissioner under Mayor Coughlin. In Masonry he is 
affiliated with the Lodge, Chapter, Council and Knight Templar Com- 
mandery at Champaign and is also a member of the Benevolent and Pro- 
tective Order of Elks. 

CHESTER GARFIELD REYNOLDS is one of the enterprising young farmers 
of Harwood Township, his well cultivated and managed farm being in sec- 
tion 11 of that township, not far from the Village of Gifford. 

Mr. Reynolds was born in that township in 1881, the next to the youngest 
of the fifteen children of Hanford and Antoinette (Roberts) Reynolds. 
Two of the children died in infancy. 

A conspicuous factor in the early days of Illinois was Father Hanford 
Reynolds, who was born in Westchester County, New York. He was a sur- 
veyor by profession and followed that calling in the early days, laying out 
the City of Geneseo, Illinois. Before the war he also sold fruit trees in Mis- 
souri. He had a varied and active experience throughout the Middle West 
and came to Champaign County about 1866. In his early travels in Mis- 
souri he would come upon what was called a grocery store at every cross 
roads. Whiskey was one of the chief commodities sold in such stores. When he 
came to Champaign County the nearest railroad to his home was Ludlow. 
The land was all prairie, and deer and wild game of all kinds abounded. He 
hauled lumber from Ludlow to build a small house and moved in before the 
roof was completed. There were so many ducks, geese and brant in the 
country that he had to hire men to shoot them in order to keep the birds 
from eating his crops. 

Chester G. Reynolds attended the Pleasant Vale Schoolhouse, also some- 
times called the Reynolds School. The name Pleasant Vale was given to the 
school by his mother. 

Success attended the industrious labors of 'Hanford Reynolds and wife, 
and they built a fine two-story brick house to replace the humble home in 
which they had first lived. They also planted many shade trees and in 
course of time had one of the most attractive places in the county. Hanford 



632 HISTORY OF CHAMPAIGN COUNTY 

Reynolds was in this county early enough to buy an entire section of land at 
$10 an acre. This land did not have a tree or bush, and it was his planting, 
continued over a course of many years, that gave the land its present pleasant 
aspect. 

Hanford Reynolds also bought 1,400 acres in Sunflower County, Mis- 
sissippi, about 1905, at $12 an acre. One of the conspicuous features of this 
land was a grand cypress tree twenty-seven feet in circumference. There 
were many oaks six feet in diameter. One large tree had all the bark peeled 
off by bears. Mr. Reynolds conducted a sawmill, and the logs were so large 
that a groove had to be cut in some of them in order to make them pass the 
saw six feet in diameter. It was in the same territory where Roosevelt did 
his bear hunting. The canebrakes were twenty feet high and so thick that a 
man could hardly get through them. Hanford Reynolds took his wife and 
son Chester to that locality and remained nearly two years. The climate did 
not agree with the family and they were finally obliged to leave. Mr. Chester 
Reynolds says that he did not enjoy living where chill tonics were sitting 
around on the shelves in every house. On that southern plantation they tried 
raising cotton and cleared up considerable land, burning timber that would 
be exceedingly valuable today. While there Hanford Reynolds organized 
the Christian Church, and some of the hardest characters in the neighbor- 
hood were converted, and the church stands as a monument to his high char- 
acter and public spirit. 

Mrs. Hanford Reynolds died at Rantoul in 1910, on her return from 
Mississippi. She was a noble woman, and exemplified the best virtues of the 
home maker and the kindly neighbor. 

For a number of years Chester G. Reynolds has looked after the manage- 
ment of the old home estate known as Cloverdale. He has a tenant on the 
farm and this family keeps house for him. He gives active supervision to 
the 120 acres, and the well tilled fields show the care bestowed upon them. 
Mr. Reynolds has also taken great pains to keep up the home place, and has 
cultivated and cared for the flowers which his mother so much loved. He 
has also carried out many of the ideas published in the bulletins of the 
Illinois State University on beautifying country homes. His home is sur- 
rounded by generous plantings of such ornamental shrubs as witch hazel, 
golden elder, sumacs, butterfly bush, snowberry, etc. 

Mr. Reynolds is a man of broad views, was reared a Republican, and in 
the main gives his support to the candidates and principles of that party. 
His parents were active members of the Christian Church known as Mount 
Olivet in Ford County. 

F. C. AMSBARY, superintendent and manager of the Champaign Water- 
works, has been superintending waterworks plants in different parts of the 
country for upwards of thirty years. It has in fact been his regular pro- 
fession, though some of his younger years were devoted to railroading. 
Mr. Amsbary has numerous connections that identify him with the sub- 
stantial interests of his home city. 

A native of Illinois, he was born at Pekin, January 24, 1863, a son of 
William Wallace and Harriet E. (Harlow) Amsbary, both of whom are 
natives of New York State. William W. Amsbary moved to Champaign 
in 1907, and for several years was connected with the waterworks here. 
He died in 1911, and his widow is still living at Champaign. Their five 
children are: George E., of Urbana; F. C. ; Wallace Bruce, of Chicago; 
Don H., of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; and Cordelia, still at home with her 
mother. 

When F. C. Amsbary was four years of age his parents removed to 
Delavan in Tazewell County, Illinois. He attended the local schools there, 



HISTORY OF CHAMPAIGN COUNTY 633 

and at the age of fifteen he left home and worked as clerk in a store at 
Tremont in the same county for two years. He then went to Peoria and 
acquired his initial experience in railroad offices, where he remained about 
three years. He was next at Council Bluffs, Iowa, in the Chicago North- 
western Eailway offices a year and a half, then for two years a railroad clerk 
at Burlington, Iowa, and returning to Pekin, Illinois, engaged in the gro- 
cery business for two years. 

Mr. Amsbary began his career as a waterworks superintendent at 
Pekin, Illinois, in 1888. After two years he went to Wichita, Kansas, and 
had active charge of the waterworks in that city for three years. For nine 
years he was superintendent of waterworks at Little Rock, Arkansas, and 
in 1899 came to Champaign, where he has since been active manager and 
superintendent of this public utility. 

Mr. Amsbary was married at Pekin, Illinois, April 16, 1890, to Addie A. 
Aydelott, a native of Pekin. They have five children : Helen A., Har- 
low A., Harriet E., Addie E. and Frank C. 

Mr. Amsbary served as president of the Champaign Chamber of Com- 
merce in 1912, is now president of the Champaign Club, and of the 
Rotary Club and is a director in the Loan and Investment Association, js 
a Knight Templar Mason, a member of the Benevolent and Protective 
Order of Elks, the Champaign Country Club and the Rotary Club. His 
church is the Presbyterian. Politically he is a Republican. For three 
terms he served as president of the Champaign Board of Education, and 
has always taken a keen interest in all local institutions. 

WILLIAM KEUSINK was for many years actively engaged in business in 
Champaign, but is now living retired in that city. His family came to 
Champaign County before the Civil War. 

Mr. Keusink was born in Schenectady, New York, August 19, 1856, 
a son of Benardus and Wilhelmina (Hall) Keusink. His parents were 
both natives of Holland, where they were married, and soon after their 
marriage they immigrated to America. About 1860 they came' to Cham- 
paign, where the senior Keusink followed his trade as a machinist in the 
employ of the Illinois Central Railway Company. His death occurred in 
April, 1869. His widow survived him until July, 1913. Of their twelve 
children, six survived the father, and William Keusink was the third in 
age. 

William Keusink grew up in Champaign, attended the local schools, and 
in 1872, at the age of sixteen, began to learn the cabinet maker's trade. 
He followed that as an occupation until 1884, and then entered the 
laundry business. For twenty years Mr. Keusink conducted the leading 
laundry of this city, known as the Champaign Steam Laundry Company. 
He sold out in May, 1914, and has since retired and has merely looked 
after his private interests. 

On June 28, 1879, he married Elizabeth Lynch, who was born in 
Cooperstown, New York, a daughter of William and Catherine (Lennon) 
Lynch. Her parents were both natives of Ireland, were brought to the 
United States as children, and lived first in New York City and afterwards 
in Utica, New York. The Lynch family removed to Champaign in 1875, 
but after three years returned to New York State, where Mrs. Keusink's 
father died in September, 1911, and her mother on May 5, 1913. Mrs. 
Keusink was the oldest of six children. 

Mr. and Mrs. Keusink have two children: William B., a druggist; and 
Wilhelmina M., wife of H. C. Johnson, of Champaign. Mr. Keusink is a 
Republican in politics and is affiliated with the Modern Woodmen of 
America. He served about twenty-five years in the Champaign volun- 
teer fire department. 



634 HISTORY OF CHAMPAIGN COUNTY 

LELAND S. FOWLER, of the Penfield community of Champaign County, 
is one of the young and progressive agriculturists of this section. He has 
the management of his father's fine farm and he took hold of the business 
with such vigor as to bring results that are surprising even to himself. 

Mr. Fowler was born in Vermilion County, Illinois, and is a son of 
U. G. and Etta (Wolf) Fowler. His parents were also born in Illinois. 
There were two sons of the parents, Wylie M. and Leland S. Both of them 
were educated in the high school at Urbana and the state university. 

On October 22, 1914, Leland S.* Fowler married Miss Atha Wood. She 
was born at Gifford in Champaign County, daughter of E. A. and Laura 
(Rowland) Wood. \Vhile the Fowler family had two sons there were two 
daughters in the Wood family, Edythe and Atha. Miss Atha graduated 
from the Gifford High School, from the Champaign High School, took up 
the study of domestic science in the University of Illinois, and also received 
much musical instruction. 

After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Fowler started life on his father's 
farm and he now has under his direct management 740 acres. The Fowler 
residence is one of the finest in the country district of Champaign County, 
a country home that does credit and is a monument to the industry of 
Mr. U. G. Fowler. His father built up an estate of approximately 1,450 
acres in this part of Illinois. 

Mr. and Mrs. Fowler have a bright and attractive young daughter, Beth 
Louise, now two years of age, also a son, Harold Wood, born July 29, 1917. 
Mr. Fowler enjoys the complete confidence of his community and has been 
elected and has served three years as township assessor. He and his wife are 
active members and supporters of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Pen- 
field, and in politics he is a Republican and a member of the Masonic Order. 
He and his wife are among the cultured and successful younger families of 
Champaign County and have already gone far to the attainment of that 
success which is the object of every worthy ambition. 

THOMAS A. LITTLE. One of the most interesting homes of Rantoul is 
that of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas A. Little in the extreme northeast quarter of 
the town. They live there enjoying a happy combination of both the rural 
and the urban facilities. They have sufficient ground to afford Mr. Little 
an opportunity to indulge his favorite pastimes of agriculture, not without 
considerable profit, and they also have sufficient means to live comfortably 
without fear of the future and enjoy their many friends. 

Mr. Little was born in Licking County, Ohio, in 1851, a son of John and 
Charlotte (Coon) Little. His parents were natives of Ohio, and his 7nother 
was of an old and prominent family of that state. In 1916 Mr. and Mrs. 
Little attended the annual reunion in Ohio of the Coon family and spent two 
weeks in and around Newark renewing old acquaintances. 

Thomas A. Little was educated in the district schools of Vermilion and 
Champaign counties, Illinois, and became a practical farmer. He was also 
engaged in a mercantile business in Rantoul, from the spring of 1872 to 
1905. At the age of thirty-five he married Lizzie Cole. Three children were 
born to their union, two of whom died in infancy. Lewis C., the only one 
to grow up, proved a boy of fine capacity and of studious ability. He was 
graduated with honors from the Rantoul High School in 1905, having done 
his last two years of work in one, in addition to clerking in a store both 
morning and evening. From there he went into a law office to study law, 
and was well on the way to a professional career when he died. He was only 
nine years of age when his mother passed away. 

Thomas A. Little subsequently married Mary J. Lindsey, who was born 
in Vermilion County, Illinois, a daughter of David H. and Sophronia 



HISTORY OF CHAMPAIGN COUNTY 635 

Lindsey. Mrs. Little was only a child when her mother died. She was 
educated in the Collispn district school and also at Danville. After 
Mr. and Mrs. Little married they took up their home in Rantoul, where he 
engaged in a mercantile business until 1905. Since then he has been 
handling insurance and also has a collection agency. 

A few years ago Mr. Little determined to establish a home for himself 
combining the country with the town, and with that end in view bought 
five and a half acres in the northeast part of Rantoul. He has a large white 
house as his home, and has planted shade and spruce trees, which in time 
will make the place a perfect bower. One feature of his farm is a strawberry 
patch with over 4,000 plants. Mr. Little raises poultry successfully, and 
has used the Philo system. His land occupies high ground and commands 
a fine view in all directions. 

Mr. and Mrs. Little attend worship in the Methodist Episcopal Church, 
though Mrs. Little is a member of the Christian denomination. Politically 
he is a stanch and progressive Republican, and was a loyal supporter of 
Roosevelt. He is affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and 
served as recorder of the Court of Honor for ten years. Mrs. Little is a 
member of the Rebekahs. 

JOHN I. GROVES, M. D., was born in Cass County, Illinois, May 2, 
1854, a son of Isaac and Mary E. (Coal) Groves. His father was born 
in England and his mother in the State of Maryland. Isaac Groves was 
for many years an active minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In 
1878 he removed to Champaign, and died there December 12, 1906. By 
his first marriage he had two children, Elizabeth J., wife of Hugh 
Mitchell, of Fisher, Illinois; and Harriet A., wife of Thomas M. Foster, 
of Dickens, Iowa. Rev. Mr. Groves' second wife died March 22, 1905. 
She was the mother of two sons: Dr. John Groves; and Charles W. 

Doctor Groves remained at home with his father until he was twenty 
years of age. In the meantime he had acquired a substantial education, 
and he then took up teaching and followed that profession for four years in 
country districts. For three years he was a teacher in Vermilion County, 
Illinois. He then entered the Hahnemann Medical College in Chicago, 
from which he was graduated M. D. in 1880, and spent seven years. in the 
practice of medicine in Indiana and Illinois. His first practice was done 
in Indiana, and after two years he removed to Gibson City, where he 
practiced for four years before coming to Champaign, and since locating 
here he has devoted his time to real estate interests. Doctor Groves has 
membership in the Homeopathic Medical Society, and was a charter mem- 
ber of Hesperon Lodge No. 123 of the Knights of Pythias of which he is 
a Past Chancellor Commander. He also belongs to the Modern Woodmen 
of America, in which he has served as Venerable Consul, and is a member 
of the Methodist Episcopal Church. 

Doctor Groves was married in ' September, 1883, to Grace F. Groves, 
who died October 4, 1885. On February 17, 1887, he married Miss E. 
Lynne Burton. They have one child, Evangeline Eunice, who graduated 
from the University of Illinois with the class of 1912. 

JOHN J. REA. A member of the Champaign County bar for thirty- 
seven years, John J. Rea has during this period risen to be one of the 
most forceful attorneys of his native community, and at this time occupies 
a recognized position of eminence among the legists of Urbana, where his 
entire professional career has been passed. While his later years have 
been crowned with success, Mr. Rea is fully acquainted with the rough 
and stony paths which the young aspirant so often finds it necessary to 



636 HISTORY OF CHAMPAIGN COUNTY 

trod, for in his own youth he found no royal road to success, but 
forced to carve out his own destiny and to make his own opportunities. 
Determination and persistency triumphed in the end, and the reward has 
been commensurate with the labor. 

John J. Rea is a product of the farming district of Mahomet Township, 
Champaign County, where he was born on his father's .farm October 11, 
1852. His father, John J. Rea, was born in Lewis County, Kentucky, 
and first came to Champaign County as early as 1836, in which year he 
purchased one hundred and sixty acres of government land in what later 
became Mahomet Township. He did not remain here at that time, but 
returned to his Kentucky home, where he lived during the next thirteen 
years, and while there was united in marriage with Miss Sarah P. Hender-. 
son, also a native of Lewis County, Kentucky. She was a daughter of the 
late Judge Henderson. In 1849 they came to Champaign County and 
located on the farm which Mr. Rea had bought years before, and there the 
father passed the rest of his life, his death occurring March 5, 1863. He 
had by that time put a large part of his land under cultivation and was 
on the high-road to success, but death came to him when he was still in 
middle life, with his work unfinished. Mrs. Rea survived her husband 
for many years, dying at Ludlow, Champaign County, in November, 1909, 
when ninety years of age. She was one of the best known and most highly 
respected ladies of her part of the county. There were eight children in 
the family, as follows : Mary E., who died in 1907 ; Robert, whose death 
occurred in 1860; Sarah E. and Louisa A., who are both deceased; 
Thomas H., of Mahomet ; Alice A., deceased ; John J. ; and William T., 
also deceased. 

John J. Rea remained on the home farm until he was fifteen years of 
age, and during this time attended the country schools during the winter 
terms, his summers being spent in assisting on the farm. He then began 
attending school at Mahomet, and spent one year at Mount Pleasant, now 
Farmer City, when, being compelled to contribute to his own support as 
well as to that of the family, he secured a position as clerk in the general 
store of P. H. Scott at Mahomet. Mr. Rea remained in Mr. Scott's 
employ for three years, but by that time, having given it a thorough trial, 
found merchandising distasteful to him, and began teaching in the country 
schools, where he advised the youthful mind for three or four years. In 
the meantime he had become interested in the subject of law, and after 
about eighteen months of study, during hours that could be spared from 
his school work, on March 16, 1879, he located at Urbana and entered 
the law offices of Somers & Wright. He was duly admitted to the bar 
of Illinois in June, 1880, and soon thereafter formed a law partnership 
with Judge Sim, of Urbana, but after two and one-half years this associa- 
tion was mutually dissolved, and since then Mr. Rea has been engaged in 
practice alone. He now has one of the best law clienteles in the county 
and is acknowledged to be a shrewd and capable attorney, the elasticity of 
whose mind, combined with keen faculties of perception and analysis 
and a mastery of the principles of the common law, have made him a 
striking and successful advocate. If there is a close legal point involved 
in any issue his examination of the authorities bearing upon it is 
exhaustive. From the time he accepts a case until he has carried it to 
the highest tribunal, his client's interest comes before all else, and perhaps 
this quality of fidelity has done as much as anything else to win him 
confidence and patronage. During the administration of President Cleve- 
land, Mr. Rea was offered several important positions, one being that of 
chief clerk of the auditor's office in the Treasury Department at Washing- 
ton, D. C., and another that of federal attorney looking after the claims 



HISTORY OF CHAMPAIGN COUNTY 637 

of the Indians made for services of their ancestors during the Civil War, 
but both of these offers he refused, preferring to devote himself to the 
responsibilities of his constantly growing private practice. Mr. Eea is a 
staunch Democrat. He has served five years as supervisor of Urbana 
Township and three years as city attorney of Urbana, and has always 
shown marked executive and official ability. His fraternal connections 
include membership in the Masons, the Benevolent and Protective Order 
of Elks and the Modern Woodmen of America. 

On April 5, 1882, Mr. Eea was married to Miss Minnie H. Fugate, 
who was born in Illinois, and to this union there have been born two 
children : Thurston Wayne, now managing editor of the Urbana Courier, 
who married Alydia Conkwright and has three children, John J. Ill, Myrtle 
Ellenor and Robert Wayne; and John Carlysle, whose death occured Jan- 
uary 5, 1901. 

FEED HESS. On the roster of the energetic men who are discharging 
the duties connected with public positions in Champaign County is found 
the name of Fred Hess, whose incumbency of the office of county clerk 
goes back over a period of more than six and one-half years. The county 
clerkship is an office which carries with it some of the heaviest responsibili- 
ties and most onerous duties, the important character of which demand the 
presence and labor of a man of strong intellect, who can combine accuracy 
with industry and fidelity. The fact that Mr. Hess has retained the 
office during the long period that he has should be sufficient proof that he 
is possessed of the qualities mentioned, or at least that he has satisfied the 
people in this respect. He is one of the native sons of the county who 
have made excellent records in public life. 

Fred Hess was born in the city of Champaign, Illinois, May 19, 1871, 
and is a son of Isaiah H. and Sarah A. (Hardin) Hess, the former a native 
of New Jersey and the latter of Pennsylvania. His father was still a young 
man when, in 1857, he left his native state and came to Illinois. As a 
youth he had learned the trade of plasterer, and after following this occu- 
pation as a journeyman for a number of years developed into a con- 
tractor in the same line, and for a long period carried on a large and suc- 
cessful business at Champaign. His death occurred October 12, 1875, 
when he had reached only a little past middle age. Among the older 
residents of Champaign are a number who remember him as a man of 
his word, an excellent workman and a good citizen. Mrs. Hess survived 
her husband until August 16, 1889, and also passed away at Champaign. 
They were the parents of nine children, of whom five passed away before 
the birth of Fred, the others being : William H., deceased ; Amelia M., 
who is a resident of Champaign; Jessie A., who is deceased; and Fred. 

Fred Hess was only a little more than four years of age at the time 
his father died, but the mother managed to give her children satisfactory 
educational advantages, and lived long enough to see her youngest son 
graduate from the Champaign High School, with the class of 1888. He 
was an ambitious and enterprising youth, and as soon as he had completed 
his education started in search of employment. His first business experi- 
ence was with a grocery at Champaign, but after one year he decided his 
talents and tastes did not lie in this direction, and he transferred his ser- 
vices to the office of the Wilcox Abstract Company, where he remained 
some eight years. Here he gained valuable experience that fitted him for 
the next position that opened for him, that of deputy clerk in the Cham- 
paign County clerk's office, a position which he retained during two admin- 
istrations. His advancement up to this time had been sure and -steady, 
and he was now ready to take a further step, which he made when, in 

28 



638 HISTORY OF CHAMPAIGN COUNTY 

November, 1910, he was the successful candidate for the office of county 
clerk. He accordingly took Tip the reins of office in December of the 
same year, and since that time has continued as the incumbent of the 
office. The work of this department in the county administration entails 
a comprehensive amount of detail labor, including the issuance of marriage 
licenses, the keeping of records of births and deaths, assisting at tax sales, 
and making redemptions from same ; receiving all tax levies and computing 
county, state and all city, village, district and other municipal taxes. As 
clerk of the County Court, the county clerk keeps a record of insane, 
pauper support, feeble-minded, inheritance tax and other cases. Nearly 
all special assessment cases are recorded in this office. The foregoing by 
no means entirely covers the duties of the clerk in full, but is sufficient to 
show that the incumbent needs to be a man of ability, and that when he is 
retained in office for six years that he has carried on his duties in a capable 
manner. 

Mr. Hess was married June 11, 1904, to Miss Maud Lloyd, a native 
of Ohio. They have no children. Mr. Hess is a Eepublican in his 
political views. He is fraternally connected with the Benevolent and Pro- 
tective Order of Elks, the Knights of Pythias and the Masons, and in the 
latter belongs to the Blue Lodge and Chapter and to Danville Consistory. 
He has numerous friends in all these orders, as well as in political and 
official life. 

WILLIAM L. STURDYVIN. A resident for more than forty-five years in 
Champaign County has made William L. Sturdyvin one of his community's 
best known citizens, and the honorable and industrious life he has led has 
given him a substantial place among his people. The years have dealt 
kindly with him and with his efforts, and he and his good wife now reside 
in a comfortable and hospitable home in Eantoul. Theirs is one of the fine 
residences facing the park in Eantoul, and stands on a street corner about 
two blocks from the interurban station. 

Mr. Sturdyvin is a native of Illinois and was born in Tazewell County, 
twenty-two miles south of Peoria. He is a son of Obadiah and Cynthia 
(Musick) Sturdyvin. His parents were born in Ohio and in pioneer times 
migrated to Illinois, locating south of what was then an Indian trading 
post consisting of a single log cabin on the site of the present vigorous City 
of Peoria. In the Sturdyvin family there were the following children 
besides William L. : Grant, Abraham and James, deceased ; Steven, Allen 
and Eobert; and two deceased daughters. The children were able to attend 
school in their pioneer district of Illinois only about three months a year. 
The Sturdyvins lived forty-five miles from Springfield, and in the early days 
there were only two houses on the entire road. Besides farming the father 
kept a tavern and one of its guests at different times was Abraham Lincoln, 
then an obscure Illinois lawyer. William Sturdyvin has boyhood recollec- 
tions of the great emancipator. One time he heard him plead a case in law 
court, and has a distinct recollection of the shrewd and effective arguments 
used by the Illinois statesman. 

Mr. Sturdyvin married Catherine Wallace. She was born in the land of 
the shamrock, Ireland, a daughter of Edward and Anna Wallace. When 
she was two years of age her parents immigrated to America. There were 
no steamships crossing the Atlantic at that time and the family spent two 
months on the water. Mr. and Mrs. Sturdyvin began their married life in 
Tazewell County on a rented farm. They had hope, courage and enthusiasm, 
and hardships and difficulties were not sufficient to daunt their buoyant 
energy. From Tazewell County they removed to Bureau County, Illinois, 
but after a short time returned to their former home and in 1871, the year 
of the great Chicago fire, came to Champaign County. Here Mr. Sturdyvin 



HISTORY OP CHAMPAIGN COUNTY 639 

bought 160 acres of land, for which he paid $15 an acre. It was raw prairie 
and in time was converted into a fertile and productive farm under his 
individual labors. He afterwards bought other land, at a much higher price, 
and still owns a farm estate of 200 acres. 

In the meantime children came into their home. Their family, named 
in order of birth, are : Anna, James, George, Mamie, Edward, Joseph and 
Carrie. Two children died in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Sturdyvin had a keen 
appreciation of their responsibilities to their children and in order to fit 
them for life's' responsibilities sent them to the district schools and later to 
the high school at Eantoul. Joseph and Carrie both graduated from the 
Eantoul High School and taught school several years. Anna finished her 
education in Champaign, and also became a successful teacher. She married 
Edward O'Donnell, now deceased, and her children are Frank and Joseph. 
James Sturdyvin married Catherine Delaney of Bellflower, and has children 
named Evylin, Earl and Agnes. George, a real estate man at Champaign, 
married Kate Harney. Mamie is the wife of James E. Leonard. Edward, a 
piano dealer at Champaign, married Nellie Gunning, and their children are 
Leonard, Marie and Loretta. Joseph is in the undertaking business at 
Champaign and married Agnes Fitzgerald. Carrie is the wife of Thomas 
Callahan and lives in Rensselaer, Indiana. 

Throughout his long and industrious career Mr. Sturdyvin devoted his 
best energies to farming. About Seventeen years ago he retired from his 
country place and bought his present home in Rantoul. He and his wife are 
active members and regular attendants of worship at St. Malachi's Catholic 
Church, and their children were baptized in the same faith. To their chil- 
dren they have given the best of educational advantages and home training 
and have endeavored to make them true and loyal American citizens. 
Mr. Sturdyvin has always appreciated the glory and dignity of America and 
has told his children many times that every one coming to this country 
ought to appreciate the nation and the flag which waves over it. 

Mr. Sturdyvin has served as school director and also as road commis- 
sioner, and in addition to his work as a farmer he has taken contracts for 
grading and building thirty-six miles of improved highway in the county. 
The home of Mr. and Mrs. Sturdyvin is characterized by hospitality and an 
atmosphere of cheer and comfort. They have lived long and worthily and 
have witnessed the transformation of Champaign County from a vast prairie 
district into one of the garden spots of the world. 

THEODORE L. BLOCK. To accomplish as much as Theodore L. Block ac- 
complished in Champaign County demands not only phenomenal energy but 
a ruggedness and integrity of character that in no small degree accounts 
for the esteem in which he is held as a citizen as well as a business man. 

Mr. Block was born in Poland, October 3, 1850. He is a son of 
William and Minnie (Cornelius) Block. Several generations before he was 
born the ancestor of the family moved from the district bordering on the 
Baltic Sea into Poland, and thereafter the family was identified with the 
agricultural interests of that unhappy country until William Block sold 
his possessions there and immigrated with his family to America in 1857. 
On the 18th of May in that year they landed in New York City and pro- 
ceeded directly West until they arrived in Champaign County. Here 
William Block bought a farm three miles south of Sidney, and though a 
stranger in a strange land he was successfully identified with farm manage- 
ment and local affairs. He spent the last fifteen years of his life retired 
at Champaign, where both he and his wife died. Theodore L. Block was 
the only child of his mother, and his father by a previous marriage had a 
son August, who is still living at Sidney in Champaign County. 



640 HISTORY OF CHAMPAIGN COUNTY 

Theodore L. Block was six years old when the family came to America, 
and he practically grew up in Champaign County and profited by attend- 
ance at the local schools. At the age of twenty-one he showed his energy 
and ambition by renting a farm ijrom his father and entering actively into 
the ranks of agriculturists. One success led to another, and by years of 
toil, accompanied by shrewd business management, Mr. Block was in a 
position where he might have retired with a liberal competence a number 
of years ago. He did in fact retire from active farming in 1901. How- 
ever, his business interests have been wonderfully prospered, and at the 
present time he owns 760 acres of the fertile soil of Champaign County, 
while in Vermilion County in this state he owns 390 acres and 1,440 acres 
in the State of Arkansas. He is also half owner in a bank and elevator at 
Indianola in Vermilion County. In 19023Ir. Block built his fine home at 301 
East Park Avenue in Champaign and he lives there with his family and has 
every material comfort and every congenial association which he could desire. 

Mr. Block married Mary P. Block, a native of Germany. They are 
the parents of five children : Clara D., wife of L. E. Hartzig, of Lafayette, 
Indiana ; Richard A., of Indianola, Illinois ; Rosa A., wife of Rev. George S. 
Gerhold, of Hamilton, Ohio ; Edgar W., of Indianola, Illinois ; and Nora A., 
wife of Roy Zenke, of Indianola. Mr. Block is independent in his 
political affiliations. While living in the country in Champaign County he 
was a school director for over thirty years. He is a member of the Indepen- 
dent Order of Odd Fellows and his church is the German Evangelical. 

J. H. BLUE. Many years have passed since Mr. and Mrs. Blue took up 
their residence in Champaign County and began their careers as progressive 
farmers, and at the present time they live in the comforts of a good town 
home at Rantoul. In the meantime their children have grown up, most of 
them have married and have homes of their own, and Mr. and Mrs. Blue 
are able to take the greatest satisfaction out of the large family circle that 
surround them. 

Both of them are natives of Germany. J. H. Blue was born in the little 
Town of Leer on the River Ems near Hanover, Germany, one of the seven 
children of Henry A. and Alma J. (Buscher) Blue. His father was a sailor 
and lost his life at sea. At the age of thirteen J. H. Blue asked permission 
of his school teacher to leave school and begin an apprenticeship as a sailor. 
The family lived on the sea coast and the activities of the sea naturally 
appealed to all the boys of that district. Some time later he and a young 
Scotchman came to America for the purp'ose of entering the United States 
Navy. The North was then engaged in the struggle with the South over 
slavery. They landed at Boston from the sailing vessel Kensington, and the 
first news they heard was that peace had been declared, General Lee having 
surrendered his sword to General Grant. The boys then shipped as ordinary 
seamen on a full rigged schooner from Boston to Philadelphia, carrying a 
load of coal. On returning to Boston the captain was so pleased with their 
services that he offered to ship them as able seamen. The Scotch boy left 
for other work, bu| Mr. Blue remained and sailed with his captain for eight 
months up and down the coast from Philadelphia to Baltimore. His last 
voyage was made from Baltimore to Rio de Janeiro, South America. He 
carried on his out voyage a load of flour, which was exchanged for coffee on 
the Brazil plantations. 

In the meantime his brother Anton Blue had come to America and 
located at Thomasboro in Champaign County. He wrote to J. H. Blue 
describing the fine country of eastern Illinois and requesting the pleasure 
of a visit. J. H. Blue then came to Champaign County, but his preferences 
were for the eastern states. 



HISTORY OP CHAMPAIGN COUNTY 641 

In the meantime, in 1876, Mr. Blue had married in Germany Miss Lena 
0. Saathoff, who was born in Germany in 1850, a daughter of Oltman and 
Luecka B. (Ammerman) Saathoff. In that year Mr. and Mrs. Blue came 
to America and went direct to Champaign County. For twenty years 
Mr. Blue and his wife lived as renters but prospered greatly owing to the 
possession of habits of thrift and industry characteristic of their country- 
men. Later they bought eighty acres of land four miles south of Eantoul, 
paying $70 an acre. Mr. Blue had onry $200 to make his first payment, but 
in a few years had his home paid for and finally, in order to provide greater 
scope for the efforts of his growing sons, traded the eighty acres for 173 
acres. 

Mrs. Blue is the mother of eleven children, named Oltman, Henry, 
Louis, Alma, Jane, John, Ben, Herman, Anthony, Fritz and Dee. They 
were all educated in the district schools of Champaign County. Oltman 
married Angel Thompson, and they live on a farm in Champaign County. 
Their four children are John, Anna, Lena and Bertha. Henry married 
Katie Hineberger, and their family consists of Alma, Mabel, Lee and 
Clarence. Louis married Bertha Cook, and her two children are Elden and 
Glenn. Alma is the wife of William Meuser and is the mother of three 
children, Minnie, Herman and Gertrude. Jane married Gustave Meuser, 
and their children are Augusta, Albert, Eosa and John. John Blue married 
Alma Hanson. Ben Blue married Lucy Brucker and has two children, 
Chester and Opal. Herman married Rosa McClelland and has one child, 
William. Anthony took for his wife Ola McClelland, and their two children 
are Ruby and Kenneth. Fritz Blue married Anna Nelson. Dee, the 
youngest of the family, is the wife of Herman Nylen, a barber at Rantoul, 
and they have one son, Johnnie Morton Nylen. 

Mr. and Mrs. Blue are active members of the German Evangelical 
Church at Flattville and their children were baptized in the same church. 
Politically they are active supporters of the Republican principles and vote 
the Republican ticket. Mr. and Mrs. Blue have known the usual trials and 
hardships of people who must struggle to gain a living and establish a home, 
but their energy has brought them ample success. In 1913 they wisely 
started to retire from the farm and bought a beautiful and attractive little 
home in the northwest quarter of Rantoul. They have lived to see many 
changes occur in Champaign County and have themselves contributed some- 
thing to the wonderful transformation that has occurred on these Illinois 
prairies in the past forty years. Both of them are fine types of the American 
citizens, appreciative of the greatness of this country and extremely loyal to 
the flag. In 1900 Mrs. Blue and her son Louis went back to Germany to 
visit the old home, and later Mr. and Mrs. Blue enjoyed a similar trip. 
They crossed the ocean both times on the liner Barbarossa. Inevitably they 
compared the scenes of their youth and their native country with America 
and they came home with loyalty to their adopted land increased and 
strengthened. 

JOSEPH E. McGuRTY is one of the successful business men of Cham- 
paign, where in the past seventeen years he has built up a large livery 
enterprise and also a well conducted automobile business. He comes from 
the country district and was a farmer prior to his business career. 

Mr. McGurty was born at Colfax, Illinois, December 11, 1869, a son of 
Hugh and Sarah (Reagan) McGurty. Both parents were natives of Ire- 
land. His father when six years of age went with his parents to Canada, 
locating near Montreal, where he grew up, and about 1859 he came to 
Illinois and soon afterward located on a farm in Champaign County. In 
1861 he enlisted in the Union Army, in Company E, Ninety-seventh Illi- 
nois Volunteer Infantry, and served three years and six months. He lived 



642 HISTORY OF CHAMPAIGN COUNTY 

a long, useful and honorable life and died at Champaign, June 2, 1897. 
The widowed mother is still living in Champaign. There were six children : 
Anna, of Champaign; Catherine, at home; John, deceased; Joseph E. ; 
Agnes, at home; and James, deceased. 

Joseph E. McGurty grew up on the farm, was educated in the local 
schools, and was a practical farmer on the old homestead until he was 
twenty-five years of age. For three years he had some mercantile experience 
in the department store of F. K. Robeson, and then engaged in the livery 
business at Champaign. In 1909 Mr. McGurty put up a large barn, 
60x130 feet, and two stories. It contains a complete equipment of horses 
and he has gradually perfected a first class automobile service. 

Mr. McGurty is a Republican in politics and was for two years street 
commissioner of Champaign under 0. B. Dobbins. He and his wife are 
members of the Church of the Holy Cross, and he is affiliated with the 
Knights of Columbus, the Woodmen of the World, the Royal Arcanum, 
the Sons of Veterans and the Mystic Workers. He was married August 12, 
1902, to Miss Anna McGraw, a native of Champaign County. Her parents, 
James and Ann (McGraw) McGraw, were both born in Ireland and are 
both now deceased. Her father was for many years employed as a 
machinist and boiler maker in the Big Four Railway shops. 

THOMAS GORDON. As a farmer and farm manager Thomas Gordon is 
easily one of the 'leading figures in Champaign County. He has acquired 
and developed and superintends through his tenants and managers an estate 
of 975 acres in Compromise Township. For a number o"f years Mr. Gordon 
has lived in the Town of Penfield, and goes out from there almost daily to 
look after his business affairs. 

Mr. Gordon is a native of Aurora, Illinois, a son of John and Mary 
(Whalen) Gordon. Both of them were natives of Ireland and came to 
America in early life. When Thomas was about ten years of age they set- 
tled in Champaign County, where their family of five sons and three daugh- 
ters were educated in the local schools. 

In 1906 Thomas Gordon gained a capable companion and helpmate 
for himself in the person of Miss Blanche Hobbins. She was born at 
London, Canada, daughter of Daniel and Julia (Farmer) Hobbins. Her 
father was a Canadian farmer and there were just two daughters in the 
family, namely, Mary and Blanche. Mary is the wife of Mr. Crunican of 
London, Ontario. Mrs. Gordon has a cousin, Sergeant R. J. Farmer, who 
is a graduate of the London Medical College, and is now in the English 
Navy on the Salmon. Mrs. Gordon was eleven months old when her father 
died and her mother, desiring to give her daughters the best of advantage, 
sold the farm and moved to the City of London, Canada. Her daughters 
were pupils in St. Peter's separate school and from there entered high school 
and later were students in the London Collegiate Institute while Mr. F. W. 
Merchant was principal. Mrs. Gordon graduated with honors in 1899, and 
having taken special training with a view to becoming a teacher went to 
North Dakota and taught at Elm Point, Freement and Crystal. At Crystal 
she was assistant principal in the high school under W. R. Decker, the prin- 
cipal. She had the satisfaction of seeing the entire class successfully pass 
their examinations, a fact she was congratulated upon by the board. Aftpr 
completing her last term there and before returning to her home in Canada 
she stopped in Champaign County, Illinois, to visit her uncle, Cornelius 
Clifford. While there she met the young man Thomas Gordon, and their 
acquaintance ripened into matrimony. They were married in St. Lawrence 
Church at Penfield in September, 1906. The ceremony was performed by 
Rev. Father Quirk, a warm personal friend of Mr. Gordon, both young men 



HISTORY OF CHAMPAIGN COUNTY 643 

being of the same age. Father Quirk came from Ottawa, Illinois, to solem- 
nize his friend's marriage. 

Mr. and Mrs. Gordon then located in Penfield, a location that allows 
Mr. Gordon to superintend his several farms with the greatest convenience, 
at the same time allowing his family the advantages of town life. 

Mr. and Mrs. Gordon are the parents of five children, four sons and one 
daughter, John Anthony, Daniel Nicholas, Thomas Cornelius, Lawrence 
Ignatius and Mary Angela. Mr. and Mrs. Gordon are active members and 
liberal supporters of the Catholic Church. In politics Mr. Gordon is a 
Democrat and a great admirer of President Wilson, believing him to be the 
man of the hour and the American best fitted to guide the nation through 
the strenuous and critical times of the present. Mr. Gordon has served a 
number of years as school director and has done everything in his power to 
make the schools what they should be as institutions for the education of the 
future generation. It was his good fortune to secure for his wife a woman 
of thorough education, culture and refinement, and she has been a big factor 
in his success and standing in the community. Mr. and Mrs. Gordon have 
a home of noted hospitality, and they enter heartily into all social and 
community affairs. Mr. Gordon's parents have long since passed away, but 
the name remains today, as always, one entitled to the complete respect of 
the community with which it has been identified for so many years. 

AECHIE ERNEST STRODE. One of the important industries of Cham- 
paign is the tent and awning business which for a number of years has 
been carried on by the Strode family. The owner and proprietor of the 
business at present is Archie Ernest Strode, who gave up his active trade 
as a boiler maker to take charge of this business at the time of his fathers 
death. 

Mr. Strode was born in 'Bristol, England, May 11, 1879, but was 
brought to this country when a child of about four years. His parents, 
George and Elizabeth (Frank) Strode, were both natives of England. 
His father died March 4, 1915, and his mother in 1901. The family 
came to Champaign in 1883, and George Strode established the present 
tent and awning business in 1905. There were five children in the family : 
Frank, of Champaign; Cclia, widow of Thomas Dodsworth of Champaign; 
William, who died in 1892; Bessie, wife of W. E. Lott, of Flint, Michigan; 
and A. E. Strode. 

In 1895, at the age of sixteen, and after completing his education in 
the local schools, Archie E. Strode began learning the boilermaker's trade. 
He still has his card of active membership in the Boilermaker's Union. 
He spent about four and a half years in the shops of the Illinois Central, 
one year with the Santa Fe, and two years with the Big Four Railway 
Company. He was not only a successful and able workman, but also 
gained a thorough knowledge of the business end of the work. He finally 
entered the service of the Kennicott Company, construction engineers, and 
traveled over thirty-eight different states for that firm, representing them 
even in old Mexico. After giving up traveling, Mr. Strode returned to the 
service of the Big Four Railway Company, and was in their shops from 
1907 until November, 1911. He then went into business with his father 
and at the time of the latter's death took active charge of the tent and 
awning business, which he developed to one of the considerable industries 
of the city. 

On January 29, 1908, Mr. Strode married Laura Gundlock, a native of 
Champaign. They have one son, Orvil George, born March 5, 1910. Mr. 
Strode is independent in his political actions. He is a member of the 
Foresters, the Federation of Labor, the Labor Day Association, belongs to 
the Chamber of Commerce and his church home is the Episcopalian. 



644 HISTORY OF CHAMPAIGN COUNTY 

ABBAHAM GRAHAM. The quiet life and substantial accomplishments 
of the farmer have been the lot of Abraham Graham, who is now living in 
the town of Penfield, retired from the strenuous labors which marked his 
early youth. Mr. Graham has been identified with Champaign County 
almost half a century, and his life record is one that will be read with 
pleasure by his many friends and acquaintances as well as by his family. 
He long ago accumulated sufficient to protect him against the days that are 
to come, and the respect in which he is held is no less than his material 
accomplishment. 

Mr. Graham is a native of the Emerald Isle, born in County Monaghan, 
December 27, 1838, a son of Hugh and Sarah (McMahon) Graham. He was 
the third of nine children, six sons and three daughters. He acquired an 
education in his native country and at the age of nineteen determined to 
take advantage of the wonderful opportunities of America. Accompanied 
by a cousin, Miss Eosa Martin, he sailed on the ship Aurora and five -weeks 
and three days later arrived at Castle Garden, New York. From there he 
went to Providence, Ehode Island, and for nine months during the panic 
of 1857 worked in lumber yards. He then became a farmer at Glencove in 
Queen's County on Long Island, but three years later came west to Illinois, 
stopping first at Buffalo. Later he joined a cousin at Illiopolis and worked 
on a farm there for several years. 

On February 26, 1867, Mr. Graham married Miss Anna E. Welsh. She 
was born in Franklin County, Pennsylvania, a daughter of Adam and 
Mary (Craten) Welsh. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Graham began 
life near Illiopolis, and two years later, in 1869, came to Champaign 
County and located in that part of the original Kerr Township that is now 
Compromise Township. Here with the characteristics of industry and 
perseverance which he inherited from his Irish forefathers, Mr. Graham' 
began work and energetically developed a permanent home. His first pur- 
chase was eighty acres of raw prairie land costing $10 an acre. At that 
time the entire township had only one schoolhouse. With the passing of 
years there came many notable improvements, including commodious build- 
ings. Mr. Graham set out 107 apple trees and numerous native forest 
trees. The latter are now lofty trees and stand as a monument to his long 
and prosperous life in this section. 

Eight children were born to their marriage : Sarah A., Mary E., Ella, 
Catherine, Francis, Celia, Gertrude and Nora E. The daughter Gertrude 
died at the age of twenty-two. Sarah A. married Thomas Buck, a farmer 
of Compromise Township, and their nine children, seven sons and two 
daughters, are named Francis, Joseph, Arthur, Edward, Harold, Mary, 
James, Charles and Helen. Mary E. Graham became the wife of James 
McKeon, and they live near Eantoul. Their children are Ellen, Anna, 
Marie, James, Loretta and Gertrude. Ella "Graham is the wife of James 
Kelley, and is the mother of Michael, now a United States soldier, William, 
Anna, Cletus, John, James, Paul and Joseph. Catherine Graham married 
John Harney, and their children are Thomas, Wilfred, Margaret, Edward, 
Emmett. Francis Graham married Emma Buck, and their children are 
Agnes, Gertrude, Maude, Francis, Thomas, Raymond and Gilbert. Nora E. 
Graham is the wife of Bannis Mahew. Her children are Floyd, Idell, 
Ruth, Russell, Arthur and Charles. Celia Graham has never married and 
since her mother's death in 1884 has remained at home and is now her 
father's capable executive in the management of the home. Mr. Graham 
is the patriarchal head of a large household, including forty grandchildren. 
During all these years since his wife's death Mr. Graham has lived among 
his children and friends and has so lived as to make his influence a factor 
in the community without which things would not have been as they are 



HISTORY OP CHAMPAIGN COUNTY 645 

today. Having reared a family of capable children and seeing his grand- 
children growing up true types of American boys and girls, he can properly 
feel that his life has been a success. In politics he renders support to the 
Democratic party and it is his belief, shared in by so many other thousands 
of Americans, that President Wilson is the man for the position and will 
safely bring the ship of state through troubled waters. Mr. Graham has 
always been a Catholic and is a liberal supporter of the church at Penfield. 
Having come to Champaign County a young man with little capital and 
having made a success here, he is attached to the county by the strongest 
ties of loyalty and affection. 

J. S. MASON, M. D., who was graduated in medicine over twenty years 
ago, has found his time and abilities more and more taxed as a. competent 
physician and surgeon, and in that field he ranks among the foremost in 
his section of the state. Doctor Mason is a Fellow of the American 
College of Surgeons, an honor conferred only upon surgeons of distinctive 
rank and attainment. 

He was born at Newark, Ohio, May 22, 1868, a son of Jacob W. and 
Elizabeth (Smith) Mason, both natives of Ohio. His father came to 
Vermilion County, Illinois, in 1881 and followed farming all his active 
career. There were six children : J. Smith, a lumber dealer and hardware 
merchant at Oakwood, Illinois; Frank M., a physician practicing at Ross- 
ville, Illinois; Dr. J. S. Mason; Leora, living at home and a school 
teacher ; Archie R. ; and Etta Florence, at home with her parents. 

Doctor Mason grew up on a farm, attended country schools, and when 
about eighteen years of age began teaching in the country. This vocation 
he followed five years and in the meantime took special courses in a 
Normal school and acquired a first grade teacher's certificate. It was 
through his individual earnings that he paid his way until graduation 
from medfcal school. He took up the study of medicine privately, and 
afterwards entered the Northwestern University School of Medicine at 
Chicago, where he was graduated M. D. in April, 1894. Doctor Mason 
practiced five years at Penfield, Illinois, and about six years at Rantoul, 
but since 1906 has been located with residence and office in Urbana. 

Doctor Mason formerly served as Champaign County Medical Society's 
president and is now president of the Twin City Clinical Medical Society. 
He is a Mason, Knight of Pythias, Elk, a Democrat in politics and a 
member of the Baptist Church. 

February 16, 1897, he married Lena 0. Warner, daughter of Ed. B. 
Warner. They have four children : James Bryant, Edward William, 
Elizabeth and Robert Stephen. 

SAMUEL HENSON LITTLE. Among those substantial people of Cham- 
paign County with whom industry has been the keynote of their lives and 
successes a family of special interest is that of Samuel H. Little. Mr. and 
Mrs. Little are now retired from the active responsibilities of farming and 
reside in a comfortable brown cement block home on Sangamon Avenue in 
Rantoul. 

Mr. Little was born in Vermilion County, Illinois, a son of John and 
Charlotte (Coon) Little. His parents were natives of Ohio, and after 
coming to Illinois they spent their lives as farmers. Samuel H. Little was 
educated in the district schools of Champaign County. 

At the age of twenty-six he married Miss Jessie Babb. Mrs. Little was 
born in Staffordshire, England, a daughter of Charles and Eleanor Babb, of 
a well known family represented in Champaign County. Mrs. Little was 
educated in the district schools of this county and attended high school at 



646 HISTORY OF CHAMPAIGN COUNTY 

Rantoul. After their marriage they moved to Vermilion County and for 
three years were farmers on rented land. They then returned to Champaign 
County and continued renting for five years, and by the exercise of their 
native thrift and good judgment had by the end of that time sufficient capital 
to buy a farm of 120 acres. For this land they paid $71 an acre. Then 
followed other years of industry and with increasing prosperity until they 
had accumulated an estate of 243 acres five miles southwest of Rantoul. 

This large farm was acquired at the same time that children and other 
responsibilities were absorbing much of their energy. Six children were born 
into their home, three of whom died in infancy. Those still living are 
Nellie, Arthur and Roscoe. These children were educated in the Gray dis- 
trict school. Nellie married Earl Fletcher, a farmer nine miles south of 
Rantoul. They have three young daughters, Alice, Edna and Louise. Arthur 
Little is a practical young farmer and manages his Grandfather Charles 
Babb's place two and a half miles east of Rantoul. Arthur Little married 
Edith Putnam of Condit Township, and their two sons are named Charles 
and Ray. Roscoe lives on and is manager of his father's homestead. By his 
marriage to Mabel Johnson of Rantoul he has two children, Ruth and Paul 
Henson. 

Mr. and Mrs. Little took great pains with the education and early train- 
ing of their children and instilled into their minds the principles of integrity 
and industry and fitted them for good citizenship. 

Mr. and Mrs. Little are active members of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church at Rantoul, and their children are of the same faith. They have 
always done all they could to promote and support church affairs, especially 
at Beulah Chapel. Earl Fletcher, their son-in-law, was chosen superintend- 
ent of the Sunday school there, and altogether they have aroused a spirit of 
Sunday school work which now gives a membership of 110 and is one of the 
best Sunday schools in the county. 

Mr. Little has served as school director, and has worked for the benefit 
of good education in his community. He is a member of the Woodmen of 
the World. In 1914 Mr. and Mrs. Little decided to remove from their farm 
to Rantoul, and they are now taking life somewhat at leisure in their com- 
fortable residence on Sangamon Avenue. Mrs. Little is a pleasant, cultured 
woman, has distinguished herself as an excellent home maker, and is espe- 
cially fond of flowers. She inherits this love from her English grandmother, 
whom she remembers as a dignified white haired English matron owning a 
fine estate in England and with gardens of fine cultivated flowers. 

CHARLES BABB, while for many years a resident of Champaign County, 
is a cosmopolitan citizen, has traveled extensively over the New and Old 
World, and has not only earned hut has learned the wise use of financial 
independence. He is now living retired in a commodious and beautiful 
home at Rantoul and is one of the large land owners of Champaign County. 

Mr. Babb was born in Staffordshire, England, son of John and Mar- 
garet (Whyte) Babb. He grew up in his native country and in the year 
of the Chicago fire, 1871, came to this country with his wife and three 
children and located in Champaign County, six miles north of the city of 
Champaign. His three children were named Arthur, Jessie and Margaret. 
In Champaign County he engaged in farming, and possessing character 
and energy, he was soon on the high road to prosperity. At the present 
time Mr. Babb owns 535 acres of splendid soil in the vicinity of Rantoul. 

After he came to America another child was born and was given the 
name Anna. 

The good wife and companion of his early life in America was taken 
away from his side twenty-one years ago. Her maiden name was Eleanor 



HISTORY OP CHAMPAIGN COUNTY 647 

Bunting, and she was also a native of England. Mr. Babb saw to it that 
his children had the best of educational advantages, and they attended the 
school at Thomasboro and also at Rantoul. The son Arthur, who died 
twelve years ago, married Alice Merchant, and he left two children, Jessie 
and Florence. The second child, Jessie, married Samuel Little, and their 
children are Nellie, Arthur and Roscoe. The daughter Margaret married 
Charles Merchant, and they live in Walnut, Bureau County, Illinois. Their 
two children are Bessie and Ira. 

In 1897 Mr. Babb married Mary Taylor. Mrs. Babb was born in Kin- 
cardine, Scotland, daughter of John and Helen (Gordon) Taylor. At the 
age of thirty-four Mrs. Babb came to America, but she is a world traveler 
and has always been delighted with ocean voyages. She enjoys the distinc- 
tion of having crossed the Atlantic thirteen times. Mr. Babb is also a 
thorough sailor and in 1917 he and his wife had planned another pleasant 
trip to Europe, but were hindered by the war. 

Mr. Babb is a born sportsman. When he goes to England he takes 
the greatest delight in participating in hunting trips and spends the sea- 
sons with some of his friends who own fine estates in the old country. 
Mr. and Mrs. Babb are active members of the Episcopal Church, liberally 
support the church causes, and Mr. Babb in politics is a Republican. He 
believes in supporting the principle rather than the party strictly as a party 
organization. Mrs. Babb also gives her support to the party which has 
produced Lincoln, McKinley and Garfield. 

Eleven years ago Mr. and Mrs. Babb removed from their farm to Ran- 
toul and have a commodious home a block south of the Illinois Central 
Depot. Mr. Babb's former extensive operations as a stock buyer made him 
widely known over this section of Illinois, and much of his business was 
transacted through Rantoul. Having worked hard in the prime of his 
career he is now able to enjoy with satisfaction his pleasant home on Ken- 
tucky Street and has hosts of friends in Illinois as well as in his native 
land. On the walls of their home at Rantoul are hung many fine views 
of Scotland and England, including representations of some of the large 
estates which they have visited. One of these is "Lumber Grange," owned 
by Mr. Babb's nephew, Alfred Wood. It is one of the stately old homes 
of England, has rustic fences covered with rambling roses, and is a place 
which would delight the eye of the sportsman and the landscape painter. 
Other views show the estates known as "The Croft" and "Littleover." Mr. 
Babb has collected many articles of interest both to themselves and their 
friends, and they have the parlor of their home furnished with finely carved 
Japanese furniture. 

PETER STEWART CAMPBELL came to Champaign County when he was 
a small boy, learned the trade in one of the shops of the county and 
for many years has been identified either with a newspaper establishment 
or with a printing shop of his own. He now has one of the principal 
job printing houses of Urbana. 

Mr. Campbell was born in Ayrshire, Scotland, April 18, 1868, a son 
of Archibald B. and Christina (Stewart) Campbell. He was one of 
seven children, named as follows : Alexander, deceased ; Jennie, wife of 
G. L. Baker, of Champaign; Mary, widow of Robert Leslie, living at 
Pittsfield, Illinois; John and William, both deceased; Peter Stewart; 
and Archibald, of Tolono. 

The father of these children was a drainage contractor and died in 
Scotland in 1872. The following year the widowed mother brought her 
family to America, and soon located near Tolono, where she lived until 
her death in 1916. Peter S. Campbell received his education at Tolono 



648 HISTORY OF CHAMPAIGN COUNTY 

and in 1881 began learning the printing trade. He served his apprentice- 
ship in Champaign County and in 1887 went to Wichita, Kansas, where 
he spent about a year as a printer. On returning to Champaign County 
he became connected with the Urbana Herald, and was with that journal 
nine years. For a short time he was with the Champaign News, and then 
opened a shop of his own but sold out after six months. Then followed 
a relationship for nine years with the Urbana Daily Courier. On leaving 
the Courier Mr. Campbell opened a shop of his own and now has all the 
facilities as well as the experience for first class work in general com- 
mercial printing. 

He was married May 20, 1891, to Elizabeth Brown, of Eantoul. They 
have three children : Raymond B., William V., and Eleanor Pauline. 
Mr. Campbell is a Republican, a member of the Knights of Pythias and 
the Improved Order of Red Men, and he and his family worship in the 
Methodist Episcopal Church. 

GEORGE DRISKELL. One of the farms that lend distinction and dignity 
to Champaign County as a center of the great Illinois corn belt is that 
of Mr. George Driskell in section 33 of Kerr Township. Mr. Driskell has 
been a farmer all his life, and he knows the business as only one can know 
it through years of practical experience and common sense application of 
his energies to the task at hand. 

Mr. Driskell was born in Warren County, Indiana, a son of Hiram 
and Anna (Black) Driskell. There were six children in the family, four 
sons and two daughters, Roland, George, William, one that died in infancy, 
Julia Ann and Hannah. Hiram Driskell was also a farmer, and brought 
his family to Champaign County when George was nine years of age. The 
family located on a farm at Sugar Grove in Kerr Township and the children 
attended the Sugar Grove school. Hiram Driskell and wife lived in this 
locality the rest of their lives. 

On February 12, 1871, Mr. George Driskell married Miss Samantha 
Mercer. They had been sweethearts for some time, but their parents 
opposed their attention and planned a different future for them. The 
young people thought they knew best, and determined to take the issue in 
their own hands. In the early winter of 1871 they attended a party at the 
home of a neighbor named Pattens. All the young people of that district 
were present. On the following day, instead of returning home, George 
and Samantha drove to Champaign and were married at the hotel. On 
returning home they received the blessing of their parents, and their long 
and prosperous married life shows that they made no mistake in this vital 
decision. 

Mrs. Driskell was born in eastern Ohio, a daughter of Aaron and Polly 
(Cecil) Mercer, her father a native of Virginia. Their ancestors were 
formerly from Scotland. Her parents were married in Ohio and there were 
five sons and three daughters: Solomon, William, James,' Joseph, Henry, 
Martha, Nancy and Samantha, who was the youngest. When Samantha 
was a small child the Mercer family came to Illinois and located in the 
Partlow settlement of Vermilion County. The children attended the Sugar 
Grove school and the Flagg school. Samantha finished her education in 
a school for young ladies at Paxton, Illinois, when Mrs. Buckley was 
principal. 

After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Driskell started out for themselves 
on eighty acres which he inherited from his father. They located in their 
new home in the month of June, the month for brides, and they went at 
their task as home makers with youth, enthusiasm, courage and ambition. 
They lived there ten years and then removed to a part of Mr. Driskell's 



HISTORY OF CHAMPAIGN COUNTY 649 

father's estate, and also bought adjoining land. At the present time the 
Driskell farm comprises 240 acres, and through his care and management 
many notable improvements have been made. The house has been remod- 
eled, a large barn has been built, and there is ample equipment for carrying 
on such a farm as a business. Mr. and Mrs. Driskell have planted many 
trees, flowers and shrubs and their home stands out as one of the pic- 
turesque spots in Kerr Township. Mr. Driskell's work has chiefly been 
as a grain grower and stock raiser. He has raised hogs on a large scale, 
some years as high as 150 head. One year the cholera struck this region 
and he lost over 100 hogs through this disease. 

A high degree of public spirit has characterized all of Mr. Driskell's 
activities in the community. He is widely known all over Champaign 
County, which he served fifteen years on the board of county commis- 
sioners. During that long public service he had a part in the building of 
nearly all the bridges along Middle Fork Creek, the largest being the 
Mercer bridge, and also the one east of his home. These bridges are a 
credit to the entire county. Mr. Driskell has also served on the school 
board and has helped make his district one of the best in the county. Mr. 
and Mrs. Driskell attend the Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics he 
is a stanch supporter of the Republican party, but is a man of broad views 
and believes that the special national executive is entitled to the support 
and confidence of every true American. Mrs. Driskell has done all she 
could to forward the prohibition movement in the county and state, and 
it is one of her most ardent hopes that nation-wide prohibition will be an 
accomplished fact in her lifetime. From such facts as have been here 
related it is possible to understand Mr. and Mrs. Driskell's high position 
in Champaign County, and it is not without good reason that they take pride 
in their country home, their family and the worthy influences that they 
have been able to set in motion for the benefit of the community. 

GEORGE SKINNER is one of the prosperous farm owners and well known 
citizens of Champaign County, now living retired at Urbana, and for his 
success the credit is due almost entirely to his individual efforts and his 
steadfast honesty and integrity. 

Mr. Skinner was born in Somersetshire, England, January 29, 1850, 
and was about four years of age when he accompanied his parents, 
Robert and Anna (Rich) Skinner, to America. The family first located 
near Elk Grove, northwest of Chicago, and in 1873 they moved to the 
vicinity of Homer in Champaign County, where Robert Skinner spent 
his last years and died in 1883. Robert Skinner and wife had four 
children: Amelia, who died in 1888; Rhoda, who died in 1913; George; 
and Henry, now a resident of Los Angeles, California. 

When George Skinner was fourteen years of age the family removed 
to Shelby County, Illinois, renting a farm there three years and after 
another year at Arcola they went to a rented farm south of Homer, where 
George Skinner remained five years. In the meantime his father had 
suffered a severe accident by a fall on the ice and he and his brother 
assumed many of the responsibilities connected with the management of 
the farm and the domestic upkeep. Mr. George Skinner eventually 
acquired land of his own and by systematic improvement and develop- 
ment continued his land holding interests until he is now owner of 204 
acres, constituting one of the best farms in Champaign County. Mr. 
Skinner has made his success by raising corn and oats, cattle and hogs. 
In 1893 he bought a fine home at 921 West Green Street in Urbana, where 
he is now living retired. In 1900 he bought another farm of 124 acres 
in St. Joseph Township. 



650 HISTORY OF CHAMPAIGN COUNTY 

Mr. Skinner was married December 29, 1887, to Mary Havard, a 
native of Illinois, whose parents came from Wales. Mr. and Mrs. Skinner 
have one son, John E. Skinner, who is now attending the Camp Ground 
School at Biloxi, Mississippi. Mr. Skinner is a Republican, has served 
on the Board of Supervisors of Ayres Township, and has filled other minor 
township offices. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church. 

HUGH A. KIRK. While it cannot be claimed for all Champaign County 
farmers that they live up to the opportunities afforded them, there are 
some of them whose progress and prosperity are well worth noting and 
whose modern methods have in the last few years almost revolutionized the 
industry. One of these wide-awake and progressive agriculturists is Hugh 
A. Kirk, whose finely cultivated fields are a credit to Harwood Township 
and whose thoroughbred stock have made his name known all over the 
county. 

Hugh A. Kirk was born in Champaign County, Illinois, and belongs to 
an old pioneer family of this section. His parents, James and Alice Kirk, 
were born in Ireland. The mother passed away some years ago, but the 
father survives, although the weight of years is heavy upon him. He is 
surrounded by loving descendants who tenderly minister to his wants. He 
was one of the early members of the Catholic Church at.Ludlow, reared 
his children in that faith and they have always followed its teachings. 

Hugh A. Kirk attended the parochial schools at Philo and St. Joseph, 
and the Paxton High School, and still later took a course in Brown's 
Business College. He has made a special study of scientific agriculture 
and has proved the value of such a course on his farm of 240 acres. His 
land has been made to produce abundantly through intelligent cultivation 
and he has been equally successful in other farm industries. He owns the 
magnificent black imported stallion Keota General, and raises Aberdeen 
cattle and Duroc Jersey hogs. Additionally he gives a great deal of atten- 
tion to his valuable full blood Orpington chickens. For the proper accom- 
modation of this exceedingly valuable stock, Mr. Kirk has made wise 
provision. On his farm a certain system is followed, the old haphazard 
way of carrying on agricultural operations being obsolete here. Aside from 
all this the farm is well situated and well watered and drained, and through 
the introduction of modern comforts much of the old-time drudgery is a 
thing of the past. Fine shade trees are a part of the landscape and Father 
Kirk can remember when he set them out as saplings. 

Mr. Kirk was married in the Catholic Church at Ludlow on June 7, 
1916, Father Drumming officiating, to Miss Marie Deany, who was born 
in La Salle County, Illinois, and is a daughter of Daniel and Mary Deany, 
the former of whom was born in New Jersey and the latter in Illinois. 
They have one son, Harold Hugh Kirk. 

In politics Mr. Kirk is a Democrat and fraternally belongs to the Cath- 
olic Order of Foresters. The family is one that has always been held in 
high esteem in this section, its members being solid, representative people. 

U. G. NORMAN has found his work in life and has rendered his chief 
service during his residence at Champaign as a building contractor. Some 
of the principal buildings of the city have been erected by him. 

A resident of Champaign County most of his life, he was born in 
Wayne County, Indiana, April 14, 1867, a son of John Scott and Eunice 
A. (Stover) Xorman. His father was a farmer, and in 1869 removed to 
Champaign County, locating on a farm ten miles from Urbana, where he 
was engaged in general farming and in looking after the responsibilities 



HISTORY OF CHAMPAIGN COUNTY 651 

and duties of a good citizen until his death in 1897. The mother died 
in 1912. 

The sixth of his parents' children, Ulysses G. Norman grew up in the 
country, attended the local schools, and was at home on the farm until 
he was twenty-two. Then for a year he farmed, and having acquired 
in the meantime a practical knowledge of carpentry he made his first 
venture in the building business by the purchase of a plat of land which 
is now known as the Norman Addition, and on which he built apartments 
and residences. After this initial success and experience he removed to 
Champaign in 1889 and now for nearly thirty years has been engaged in 
business as a contractor and builder. Among the more notable structures 
he has erected are the Dr. Howard Building, the Gazette Building and 
a number of the better residences. 

Mr. Norman married Miss Minnie Osborne, a native of Champaign 
County. Mrs. Norman was a teacher in the city schools of Champaign 
for five years and taught in the country a similar length of time. She 
is a daughter of Robert and Margaret (Henley) Osborne, her father a 
native of Ohio and her mother of Tennessee. Both parents are now 
deceased. Her father was a farmer and - building contractor. Mrs. 
Norman was next to the youngest of the family of six children. To their 
marriage have been born four children : Louise E., Helen Grant, Margaret 
A., and Hartwell Osborne. Mr. Norman is independent in matters of 
politics, and he and his wife are active in the Methodist Episcopal Church, 
in which he is serving as a steward. 

DANIEL MOONEY, proprietor of a fine and valuable farm in section 18 
of Compromise Township, came to America from Ireland about the close 
of the Civil War, and has had a long and active career in America for 
more than half a century. 

He was born in the north of Ireland, a son of Peter and Mary (Graham) 
Mooney. His parents died in the old country when Daniel was about 
twenty years of age. He had the usual education given to Irish boys, 
and about the time his parents died, having heard much of the opportuni- 
ties of America, he came to this country, first joining his cousin, Patrick 
Grimes. From New York he came on to Illinois, having friends in San- 
gamon County, and was soon working at farm labor at wages of $20 a 
month. One of the great events with which he associates his coming to 
America was the assassination of President Lincoln at the close of the 
Civil War. 

Central Illinois was by no means so attractive or beautiful as old Ire- 
land, but Mr. Mooney had the true Irish grit and determination and 
determined to make the best of his circumstances. While working as a 
farm hand on the raw prairie there were many unpleasant things to contend 
with, including mosquitoes and flies, fever and ague. He was industrious, 
and in a few years felt justified in taking the next serious step in life. 

At Lincoln in Logan County, Illinois, he married Miss Margaret Kear- 
ney. After their marriage they rented land in Logan County and were 
soon making a good living for themselves and their increasing household. 
Five children came to them, Peter, Daniel, Margaret, Lydia and Anna. 
When Anna was ten months old the beloved mother entered into rest. 
Thus left alone in the world, with five orphan children, Mr. Mooney had 
many additional trials and responsibilities. 

He married for his second wife Mary Nolan, a native of County Tip- 
perary, Ireland. In the meantime Mr. Mooney had bought eighty 'acres, in 
Compromise Township of Champaign County, and here his best successes 
as a farmer and business man have been realized. In the course of time his 



652 HISTORY OP CHAMPAIGN COUNTY 

estate grew to 2-iO acres, and it was improved with commodious farm build- 
ings and home, by the planting of fruit and shade trees, and the entire tract 
now stands as a monument to his industry. 

By his second marriage there were three children, two sons and one 
daughter, named Mary, Michael and John. The children were all educated 
iu the district schools, Mary subsequently continuing her studies in the 
Sisters school at Champaign, while Michael took a course in the Catholic 
College at Kankakee. 

The record of the children who have married is as follows : Peter 
Mooney married Anna Buck, and their three daughters and one son are 
named Stella, Kate; Daniel and Mary. Margaret Mooney is the wife of 
John O'Donnel. Lydia married Eussell Fitten and has four children, 
John, Frances and twins. Anna Mooney is the wife of Spence Raymer. 
Mary Mooney married John Coffey. Michael Mooney by his marriage to 
Rene Lynch has two sons, Patrick and Eugene. The sons Daniel and 
John are still at home with their father and have active charge of the 
management of the farm, whose cultivation and thrifty appearance testify 
to their progressiveness and energy in this business. 

Mr. Mooney is one of the^ public spirited citizens of Compromise Town- 
ship and has filled the offices of road commissioner and school director. 
He and his family are members of the Catholic Church at Penfield and 
in politics he is a Democrat of broad views and liberal in support of all 
good causes. His friends, and acquaintances in Compromise Township 
recognize in him a thorough gentleman and a man of absolute integrity, 
whose word is as good as his bond. 

FRANK KERN ROBESON. Of the many business establishments in 
Champaign County perhaps none has a wider connection with the families 
of this section of Illinois and a better reputation due to many years of 
successful business relations than the Robeson Department Store, founded 
and built up by the veteran merchant Frank Kern Robeson, who has the 
distinction of having developed the first real department store in the city 
of Champaign. 

While his success and position in the community are now so well 
established, it is noteworthy that Mr. Robeson did not always have an 
easy course and one free from obstacles. He was born in the state of 
Pennsylvania. His parents, Alexander M. and Jane (Kern) Robeson, 
were natives of the same state. Their ancestors had come to America 
prior to the Revolutionary War. Both the Robesons and the Kerns were 
engaged in the great iron industry of Pennsylvania until a short time 
before the Civil War. 

In 1863 Alexander M. Robeson and his family moved to the pineries 
of Northern Michigan. During the next winter they and four other 
families endured the hardships of frontier life. When navigation closed 
in the fall there was no communication with the outside world except mail 
every two weeks brought in on sledges drawn by dogs. When navigation 
opened in the spring the Robesons took the first boat, a sailing vessel, 
that left for Bay City, and thence proceeded by rail and by stage over 
corduroy roads to Rensselaer, Indiana. Rensselaer, now the county seat 
of Jasper County, was then a sparsely settled section in swamps and with 
no railroad communications. The Robesons became farmers in that 
vicinity. 

Many of the boyhood recollections of Mr. F. K. Robeson are of the 
old Indiana farm. He lived on the farm until past sixteen, and was 
educated in the country and county seat schools. His first experience in 
business was as clerk in a store at Logansport, Indiana. 



HISTORY OF CHAMPAIGN COUNTY 653 

One of the strongest points in personal character is ability to recognize 
and seize opportunity. After Mr. Eobeson had been clerking about two 
years he was offered a partnership in a store to be opened at Danville, 
Illinois. He accepted the offer, and thus came to Illinois and was at 
Danville nine months. He prospered there, but then went to Decatur, 
Illinois, and formed a business partnership which in eleven months time 
brought him near to the brink of disaster and he lost in it nearly all the 
money he had saved. 

.It was after this experience and when just past twenty-one years old 
that Mr. Eobeson came to Champaign, where he arrived in April, 1874. 
Here he opened a store on Neil Street in the first block north of Church 
Street. What he lacked in capital he made up in energy, pluck and bus- 
iness judgment. The small stock of merchandise grew with the growth 
of population, his success was soon recognized in the community, and there 
has never been a time when his business and his personal character has 
not been' recognized as important assets in the city. About forty years 
ago Mr. Eobeson moved to the David Bailey building. The store has a 
frontage at 219-221 North Neil Street, and the building runs back to a 
side entrance at 113-115 West Church Street. 

For many years his store has demanded more commodious quarters. 
To meet this demand for more room and more up-to-date housing, Mr. 
Robeson in the fall of 1915 began preparation for the construction of a 
new store building at the corner of Church and Eandolph streets. The 
building is 132x132 feet square, five stories and basement, modern through- 
out, and as nearly fireproof as possible to make it. It is a steel frame 
building with pressed brick walls. This is the largest store building in 
this section of Illinois, and in every feature it attests the rugged character 
and sterling integrity of the man responsible for it. 

Besides this large department store Mr. Eobeson has extensive agri- 
cultural interests, owning land in Champaign County, in South Dakota 
and in Iowa. A part of his land he rents out and a part he farms himself, 
employing his own help and directing the farm operations. His business 
as a farmer has been no less successful than as a merchant. 

Mr. Robeson married in 1897 Miss Hortense M. Bartholow, daughter 
of Dr. and Mrs. J. M. Bartholow, and a native of Champaign County. 
Dr. James M. Bartholow is a prominent physician of Urbana. After 
leaving college he enlisted in the Civil War and served until the close of 
that conflict. In 1869 he began his practice at Philo in Champaign 
County, but removed to Urbana in 1885. Dr. Bartholow was married 
May 28, 1867, to Florence Ford, of Macon City, Illinois. They had two 
children, Otho, a minister in New York; and Hortense, Mrs. Robeson. 
Mr. and Mrs. Robeson have two children : Frank Kern, who followed his 
high school graduation with a course at college, and Florence Louise 
Robeson. 

Mr. Eobeson is a Knight Templar Mason, also a member of the Inde- 
pendent Order of Odd Fellows and the Benevolent and Protective Order 
of Elks. His public spirit as a citizen has always been prominent. He 
enters whole heartedly into any plan for the general benefit of the com- 
munity. Mr. Robeson is a man of broad intelligence and pronounced 
convictions, and is never afraid to let his opinions be known. He stands 
for all that is best in community life, in business and in politics. He 
served on the building and finance committees that erected and paid for 
the University Place Church of Christ. For twenty years he was a 
member of the Republican County Central Committee and for ten years 
was chairman of that organization. He never sought public office, but 
on two occasions was induced to accept official honor, once in the City 
Council as alderman from his ward, having been elected without opposition, 

29 



654 HISTORY OP CHAMPAIGN COUNTY 

and again as a member of the State Board of Equalization for a term of 
four years. Though repeatedly urged to accept other official positions 
he always declined. He prefers private life, his home, his business and 
his farm. In many ways Mr. Robeson is an ideal citizen. His friends 
are legion. Not even his most intimate friends are aware of the extent 
of his good works and good deeds. The keynote to his success has been 
hard work. He personally mastered the smallest details of merchandising, 
and from the details has risen to the power of constructive planning and 
the supervision of extensive interests. 

THOMAS H. LEATHERS, who for a number of years has stood second 
to none among the competent dental surgeons of Champaign County is 
an instance of a self-made man who came almost to the age of manhood 
without schooling or education and by sheer force of will and ambition 
qualified for a profession requiring a high degree of skill and intelligence. 

Doctor Leathers was born in Glensborough, Kentucky, June 30, 1870, 
son of William and Mary (Royalty) Leathers. His parents were both 
born in Kentucky, were thrifty farming people but of modest means. 
The mother died at the age of thirty-one and the father is now living in 
Montana. There were only two children, Doctor Thomas being the older, 
while his brother, Alfred, is manager of the Standard Oil plant at Nash- 
ville, Tennessee. 

The childhood of Thomas H. Leathers was spent on a Kentucky farm, 
also in the logging camps, and when he was seventeen years of age he 
began his education. He determined to get an education and he worked 
constantly to pay his tuition and his support while in school. He first 
attended school at Palmyra, Illinois, and subsequently completed a four 
years course in the Danville Normal in Indiana. When he had made up 
for early deficiencies in the way of a literary training, he entered the 
Louisville College of Dentistry at Louisville, Kentucky, and in 1898 
passed the State Board after two years of work and was graduated in 
1899. For three years Doctor Leathers kept his main office at the corner 
of Fourth and Jefferson streets in Louisville, but practiced throughout the 
contiguous country district. In 1902 he came to Champaign, and his 
reputation as a dentist has been steadily growing throughout the past 
fifteen years. Doctor Leathers now maintains one office and besides his 
individual skill and attainments he has surrounded himself with every 
modern equipment and appliance by which the skill of the dentist is 
immeasurably enhanced. 

Doctor Leathers is a man of thorough education and culture and besides 
extensive travel in this country has been abroad in Europe. In politics 
he is independent, is a member of the Masonic Order and the Benevolent 
and Protctive Order of Elks, and belongs to the Methodist Episcopal 
Church. He was married August 28, 1900, to Minnie M. Crawford, a 
native of Champaign Coimty. 

PATRICK CONNOR. Every one in the Rantoul vicinity of Champaign 
County knows the home of Mr. and Mrs. Patrick Connor. It is located in 
section 19, five miles northwest of Rantoul and near the schoolhouse to 
which Mr. Connor sent his own children and with which he has been 
officially identified. This is a fine farm, comprising 320 acres, and from 
the road the large white house is almost screened by the fine trees which 
surround it and most of which were planted and set out by Mr. Connor's 
own hands. 

All these worthy and creditable possessions are the result of Mr. and 
Mrs. Connor's self-sacrificing efforts in early days and continued good man- 
agement at. the present. Mr. Patrick Connor was born at Richmond, 



HISTORY OF CHAMPAIGN COUNTY 655 

Virginia, a son of Patrick and Catherine (Kane) Connor, who were natives 
of Ireland and came to America soon after their marriage in order to 
better their conditions in the New World. From Virginia they moved to 
Peoria County, Illinois. Their three children were Mary, Hannah and 
Patrick. 

Patrick, the only son, attended school in Peoria County, and soon 
after reaching manhood, in 1885, he married Mary Sullivan. Mrs. Connor 
was born in Logan County, Illinois, third in a large family of children born 
to Daniel and Catherine (Buckley) Sullivan. Mrs. Connor was six years 
of age when her parents located in Champaign County, and she obtained her 
education in the Ludlow Center school. 

After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Connor lived on the old Connor 
homestead in Condit Township for seven years. They were ambitious for 
the future and had the energy and enthusiasm of young people, and thriftily 
put aside some of the surplus from each year's efforts until they were able 
to buy the nucleus of their present estate, consisting of 160 acres five miles 
northwest of Rantoul. For that quarter section they paid $65 an acre. 

To the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Connor were born nine children, two 
of whom died in infancy. The others were named Catherine, Mary, Irene, 
John, Patrick, Madaline and Helen. These children were educated in the 
nearby school, the Locust Grove school. Catherine was also a student in 
St. Joseph's Academy at Bloomington, and Mary was a pupil in St. Mary 
of the Woods at Terre Haute, Indiana. Irene graduated with honors from 
the Rantoul High School and fitted herself for teaching, being engaged in 
that work for two years in the Independence school in East Bend Town- 
ship. Catherine is now the wife of John Murray, a farmer in East Bend. 
Township, and their three children are named Anna Gertrude, Mary Louise 
and Connor. The other children, Mary, Irene, John and Patrick, remain 
at home and assist their father and mother in the management of the 
farm. All are bright and energetic boys and girls and have a good future 
before them. Three of the children are students in the Donovan Memorial 
School of Eantoul conducted by the Dominican Sisters. 

Mr. and Mrs. Connor attend St. Malachi's Catholic Church at Ran- 
toul, and their children were baptized and confirmed in that church. Polit- 
ically he votes the Democratic ticket. Proof of his public spirit is found 
in the fact that he was elected for a number of years as school director 
anu has been frequently honored with the confidence and esteem of his 
fellow citizens. Mr. and Mrs. Connor have done all in their power to pre- 
pare their children for efficient lives. Realizing and appreciating the value 
of music as a source of true culture they have given their daughters 
musical as well as literary training. 

Mr. Connor has achieved a position among the first of Champaign 
County's farmers and stockmen. He now has 320 acres of land, and among 
his improvements is a silo with a capacity of ninety tons. He has gained 
something more than a county-wide reputation as a breeder and raiser of 
Aberdeen Angiis cattle. In the off crop year of 1916 Mr. Connor raised 
4,500 bushels of corn, and at this writing still has most of it in his cribs. 
The market value of corn is now close to $1.60 a bushel. The Connor 
home has always been characterized by its generous hospitality. Mr. and 
Mrs. Connor have with all their hard work found time to perform their 
community duties and neighborly responsibilities, and have every reason 
to be proud of their home and the possessions they have gathered around 
them. Reference has already been made to the attractive feature of the 
fine trees in the door yard. These trees, planted by Mr. Connor himself, 
are maples, catalpas, box elders and a row of fine black walnut trees which 
now bear abundantly. All these things add to the real pleasure of life, 
and none are better qualified to enjoy such possessions than Mr. and Mrs. 
Connor. 



656 HISTORY OF CHAMPAIGN COUNTY 

ROGER E. ZOMBRO is one of the live and enterprising business men of 
Champaign, and after a number of years of practical experience as an 
employe graduated into the ranks of independent merchants and now 
conducts one of the most popular men's furnishing goods stores of the 
city, drawing his trade from the best classes of people. 

Mr. Zombro was born at Midland City, Illinois, October 16, 1880, a 
son of Jacob W. and Mary M. (Cheney) Zombro. His parents were both 
born at Mechanicsburg, Ohio. Jacob Zombro spent the last twenty years 
of his life in the insurance business, and he died at Weldon, Illinois. 
The mother died at Champaign in July, 1916. They were the parents 
of five children : Minnie, wife of B. F. Peltz, of Clinton, Illinois ; James 
B., of Logan, Utah; Janette, wife of J: H. Alsbury, of Maroa, Illinois; 
Edna, wife of George Reddick, of Clinton, Illinois; and Roger E. 

Mr. Roger E. Zombro began life with a fair equipment of education. 
He attended the common schools and lacked only three months of gradu- 
ating from the high school at Weldon, Illinois. On account of poor eye- 
sight he had to give up his studies, and soon afterward/ at the age of 
fifteen, he began acquiring a mercantile experience as an employe of 
William Gushard & Company at Decatur, Illinois. He was in that com- 
pany's dry goods establishment four years and then transferred his 
employment to McPherson, Edwards & Company in their dry goods store 
at Springfield, Illinois. After about two years at Springfield Mr. 
Zombro came to Champaign in 1901 and was successively connected with 
the dry goods stores of E. C. Willis, F. S. Robson and W. Lewis & Com- 
pany. With a wealth of experience, with credit acquired by his knowledge 
'and ability, and with some capital Mr. Zombro in 1909 opened his men's 
furnishing store at 604 East Green Street, and has been continuously in 
that location with a rapidly growing trade. 

On August 11, 1916, he married Miss J. Ethel Lediendecker, who was 
born in Champaign. Mr. Zombro is now precinct commissioner, is a 
member of the Country Club, the Civic Club, the Rotary Club, is a Repub- 
lican in politics, and is affiliated with the Masonic Lodge and the Benev- 
olent and Protective Order of Elks. 

ALEXANDER FUNKHOUSER. Some men go through the world, subject to 
its various experiences, doing their work well and accumulating property, 
but after all is said and done they apparently have not placed the proper 
emphasis upon life as living and have not accentuated the many interests 
which lie around them. Of those families of Champaign County that 
seem to have realized most adequately the breadth and fullness and depth 
of life and its possibilities perhaps none deserve mention more than the 
household of Alexander Funkhouser. Mr. Funkhouser is a prominent 
farmer near Rantoul, and his activities have been closely identified with 
Champaign County since boyhood days. 

He is a son of James and Rachel Funkhouser, both of whom were natives 
of Pennsylvania. The original ancestors of the Funkhousers were three 
brothers who emigrated from Holland to America in early days, and 
their descendants still have the sterling qualities that marked the family 
back in Holland. James and Rachel Funkhouser had only two children, 
Alexander and Sarah. 

Alexander Funkhouser was born two and a half miles from Greensburg 
in Decatur County, Indiana. He was eight years of age when he came 
with his parents to Champaign County. They arrived in this county Octo- 
ber 19, 1857. Here the family experienced the various hardships and 
privations incident to their day. They possessed powers of endurance and 
were always willing to sacrifice present comfort for the sake of future 



HISTORY OF CHAMPAIGN COUNTY 657 

good, and thus they surmounted seemingly insurmountable barriers and 
came to take their place in the ranks of the sturdy tillers of the soil 
whose business in life is to make old mother earth yield her rich increase. 
The passing years have shown that their labor was not in vain. 

Young Alexander Funkhouser went to work in earnest to assist his 
father in cultivating the new farm in Champaign County. His first 
employment was in dropping corn. In those days such a thing as tiling 
fields was not known. The water frequently filled all the ditches and 
remained there a good part of the spring and early summer, and in order 
that the corn might not rot it had to be carefully dropped and covered on 
top of the furrows. Also as a barefooted boy he herded cattle on the 
Thomasboro flats, keeping a sharp lookout for the snakes that infested the 
place. He would quench his thirst by drinking water through a straw or 
reed from the numerous holes made by the cattle's feet. That way of 
drinking was a common custom in early days, and is said to have explained 
the reason why the inhabitants of Illinois were called "Suckers." 

As the boy grew to manhood he had an earnest purpose for the future 
and laid the foundation of his own home and fortune by his union with 
Miss Adie James. To visit these good people in their home today, which 
possesses all the marks of a plenteous comfort, and see their fine sons and 
daughters and witness the cheery atmosphere of home life, one would quickly 
decide Mr. Funkhouser had not made any mistake in the choice of his life's 
partner. 

Adie James was a daughter of Thomas J. and Almeda James, both 
natives of Indiana. The old home of the family was near Terre Haute. 
They early migrated to Champaign County. Thomas James died in Stan- 
ton Township of Champaign County. To their marriage were born four- 
teen children, and the seven still living are Adie, Mrs. Funkhouser; Alice, 
Gary, Lizzie, Chauncey, George and Hugh. The children of the James 
family all derived their education from the district schools. 

After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Funkhouser took up their joint 
partnership as farmers. Through the strictest economy and by long con- 
tinued saving they were able to purchase their first land, which consisted 
of eighty acres. To this they added from time to time until they now own 
160 acres in Rantoul Township, 160 acres in Ford County and 150 acres in 
Vermilion County. 

Into their home and to gladden their hearts have come twelve children, 
eight sons and four daughters. Their names were : Effie, Allie, Homer, 
Isaac, Charles, Btsel, Otis, Clinton, Frederick, Earl, Lena and a daughter 
that died in infancy. Charles is also deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Funkhouser 
gave their children all the advantages to be obtained in the country school 
district and later sent them to high school at Rantoul. 

The daughter Effie was for four years a successful teacher in Champaign 
County and married an educator, G. E. Wright, and they now live in 
Des Moines, Iowa. They have a child, Cecil, a bright and energetic boy, 
who for two years filled the position of page in the Statehouse at Des 
Moines. He is an independent little fellow and began his business life as 
a newsboy and since the age of ten years has done his own banking. 

Allie is the wife of L. F. Ledclerboge, a resident of Bloomington, Illi- 
nois, from which city he travels as representative for the Portable Elevator 
Company. They have two sons, Lloyd and Clifford. 

Homer married Miss Cora Moudy, and they live at Gerald, Vermilion 
County. The town of Gerald takes off eight acres from their farm. Their 
children .are named Merle, Doris, Eugene, Lenore, Margaret, Christine and 
Emory. 

Isaac Funkhouser married Sadie Hartsock, and he lives on the old 
Funkhouser farm. They have a son, Marion. 



658 HISTORY OP CHAMPAIGN COUNTY 

Etsel, who lives in Somer Township, married Julia Tracy, and they 
have one son, Richard Alexander, who was born on his grandfather's birth- 
day and was given the name of his grandfather. 

Otis, who is a farmer near Gifford, married Evelyn Bailey. 

Clinton is a farmer near Rantoul and married Opal Mulvany. 

Lena is the wife of Claud Ziegler, and they live on a farm in Ford 
County. Their daughter was named Mabrie Wilson. 

Frederick married May Colwell. Earl remains at home. 

As the daughters of Mr. and Mrs. Funkhouser married and left home 
the parents wisely exerted themselves so as to give proper opportunities to 
their sons and keep them at home and busy as long as possible. They 
therefore rented a 400-acre ranch, the old Richard estate near Rantoul, and 
that has proved a very wise arrangement, since it gives ample opportunities 
for the boys to practice agriculture and work out their destinies for them- 
selves without going away from home. 

The family are active members of the Christian Church at Rantoul, 
and in politics Mr. Alexander Funkhouser is a strong Democrat and believes 
the present incumbent of the White House is not only the man of the 
hour but the man whom destiny has marked out to be one of the greatest 
factors in the settlement of the problems of the world. Mr. Funkhouser 
is affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Knights of 
Pythias and the Woodmen of the World, and all his sons who have reached 
the proper age have membership in the Odd Fellows lodge and all are enthu- 
siastic workers in that fraternity. A portrait shows the picture of the 
father and seven sons wearing the regalia of Odd Fellowship, and this 
photograph indicates that the father as well as the sons have attained the 
stations of past grand masters. Mr. and Mrs. Funkhouser have lost no 
opportunity to lead exemplary lives before their family and instill in 
them principles of manly conduct and true American citizenship. Their 
hospitable home for years has echoed ringing laughter and merry voices 
of boys and girls, and it has been a center for the social gatherings of the 
neighborhood. Mrs. Funkhouser is a fine type of the American woman who 
believes in rearing her boys to fill places of usefulness in the great busy 
avenues of life and finds little satisfaction in the glories of war, which she 
believes is not the true field for American manhood. 

The jovial spirit of Alexander Funkhouser is contagious. Neither he 
nor his wife believe in growing old in spirit, and they always have a 
cheerful word for everyone. In 1916 Rantoul held a Halloween carnival 
pageant. All the participants were garbed in costume. Among them was 
a jolly old black mammy, gaily decorated in the bright colors so dear to 
the race. Her appearance on the street amid the revelers was hailed with 
hearty delight. She looked as though she had just emigrated from a 
southern plantation. Many guesses were made as to who she was. It 
was the signal for added mirth and pleasure when it was discovered that 
she was Mrs. Alexander Funkhouser, a gray-haired grandmother, with her 
heart young as in her girlhood days. At that carnival Mr. and Mrs. Funk- 
houser received a fine prize for having the largest family. 

WILLIAM 0. SMITH. For more than half a century a resident of 
Champaign County, William 0. Smith is known to the people of this 
section as a man who did his brave and efficient duty in the Civil W T ar, 
as an active and industrious farmer, and as one who in all the relations 
of a long and busy life has lived up to the best standards of citizenship. 
He is also known through his children, a number of whom now occupy 
worthy and honorable places in community affairs. 

Mr. Smith was born at Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, January 5, 1839, 



HISTORY OF CHAMPAIGN COUNTY 659 

a son of S. B. and Mary Ellen (Sheperd) Smith. His father's native 
home was near Harper's Ferry, Virginia. William 0. Smith was one of 
a family of five sons and two daughters. In 1846, when he was seven 
years of age, the family removed to Sangamon County, Illinois, and rented 
a house in Sheldon's Row in the city of Springfield. For two years they 
had the distinction of living in the same house with Abraham Lincoln 
and his wife. The house was a double apartment, the Smiths occupying 
one side and the Lincolns the other. S. B. Smith served eighteen years 
as justice of the peace in Sangamon County. 

Mr. W. 0. Smith as a boy attended the Lake Creek District School 
in Sangamon County. After leaving the common schools and working 
for a year he realized the need of more education and saved and earned 
the money necessary to give him a course in the Springfield High School. 

While in high school he was invited to join a debating club. The 
rules of the club were that members should be called upon for extempore 
speeches, limited to fifteen minutes on any given topic. Failure to make 
a speech made the member subject to a forfeit or fine of twenty-five cents. 

When young Smith was first called upon for such an ordeal the chair- 
man reached in a box, as was the custom, drew out a subject for the 
speech and handed it to the young man. Much to his suprise the slip 
contained the one word, soap. That was a test of quick thinking and 
ready wit. Another factor was that young Smith was not troubled with 
many quarter dollars in those days, and he promptly waded into his 
subject. He elucidated every phase and fact concerning soap, and much 
to the amusement and delight of the audience. Finally the time was 
up and the president had to ring him down. About sixty-five years later 
Mr. Smith met in Springfield one of his old schoolmates, who after 
mutual greeting laughingly asked "Smith, how is soap in Champaign 
County?" 

Mr. Smith was a young man of twenty-two when the war cloud broke 
and deluged the country with hostilities. Filled with enthusiasm, he 
enlisted in his country's service at Springfield in 1861 and became a 
member of Company I, Twenty-ninth Illinois Infantry. This regiment 
it has been frequently said was the regiment that "put down the rebellion." 
He signed his enlistment papers August 7, 1861, at one o'clock in the 
afternoon. He immediately went home and bid his mother good-bye and 
next morning ate his breakfast at Cairo, Illinois. For nearly three years 
of his service Mr. Smith was employed as a United States scout. He was 
in many of the principal engagements, including Fort Donaldson and 
Fort Heniy, Pittsburg Landing or Shiloh, Black River, and many other 
scenes of carnage and bloodshed that have never effaced themselves from 
his memory. Even yet he shrinks from talking about the terrific side 
of war. It is only such men who can completely realize the tremendous 
sacrifices that were made in making this country a free and united people. 
He became a corporal in his company and was subsequently promoted to 
the post of deputy to a general. Finally General Grant took him to his 
headquarters and employed him there for two years. Some years later, 
when General Grant was in his second term as president, Mr. Smith 
visited Washington. Desiring to see his old general he presented himself 
at the door of the White House. The soldier on guard asked him to ' 
present his card. This Illinois veteran was not prepared with visiting 
cards and consequently was told that the President could not see him. 
It chanced that the President was close by, and recognizing the voice of 
the old soldier called him in and gave him his warm and characteristically 
kind greeting. They spent some time talking over old days in the army. 

Mr. Smith was one time taken prisoner but was paroled. Eleven days 



660 HISTORY OP CHAMPAIGN CQUNTY 

after the expiration of his term of enlistment he was mustered out at 
Natchez, Mississippi, and received his honorable discharge at Springfield 
August 27, 1864. He was under Capt. Samuel H. Russell, the brave 
soldier who subsequently accompanied General Custer on the expedition 
against the Indians in the Northwest and fell another victim to the frenzy 
of the red men under Sitting Bull in the massacre of 1876. 

After the war Mr. Smith engaged in farming in Champaign County 
and in 1865, at Mahomet, married Miss Louzsa Rea. Five children were 
born to them : Ida Lillian, Grace Eleanor, Jessie R., William 0., Jr., 
Mary Ellen. These children were well educated in the Ludlow schools 
and the Paxton schools. W. 0. Jr., after his education in these institu- 
tions studied law at Normal University three years, graduated, and has 
since practiced as a successful young attorney. He married Martha 
Whitcome and has one child, Raymond. The daughter Ida married 
Charles Hammerlin, and their children are Charles, Lew, Vera, Myrtle, 
Chester, Dewey, Rex and Clara. Grace E. is the wife of Charles Coon. 
Their children are Flossie, Bede, Carl, Lois, Lillian, Glen, Jay, Marian 
and June. Jessie R. is the wife of Charles S. Wallace. Mr. Smith now 
makes his home with this daughter, Mrs. Jessie Wallace, at Champaign. 
By a former marriage Mrs. Wallace has one daughter, Lou Iris, who 
married T. H. Doty, and they have one child, Robert Hurrel Doty. 
This great-grandchild, a great comfort and the pride of his great-grand- 
father, was born November 17, 1913. The daughter Mary E. married 
William Clark, and their children are William, Robert, Laurel, Evelyn, 
Richard and Opal. The Clark family reside in TJrbana. 

After a happy home life of nearly a half a century Mr. Smith's com- 
panionship with his beloved sharer of joys and sorrows was terminated in 
the death of Mrs. Smith on March 30, 1914. She was a loving mother 
and true and noble wife. Mr. Smith is a kind hearted and most hos- 
pitable man, and his long experience has made him the delightful com- 
panion of both old and young. One of his aims has been to make a new 
friend each day, and his motto, oft repeated and a constant abiding prin- 
ciple with him is "he who is armed with right is thrice doubly armed 
and need have no fear." 

GEORGE L. WATSON. There are pioneer names in Champaign County 
that so essentially belong to the development and progress of this section 
of Illinois that no history would be complete without reference to them. 
One ,of these names is Watson, and a worthy bearer of it is found in 
George L. Watson, a leading citizen and the owner of a large body of 
finely improved land situated in section 16 of Harwood Township. 

George L. Watson was born in Champaign County, Illinois, and is a 
son of Joseph and Rachel E. (Simpson) Watson, the latter of whom was 
born in Ohio. Joseph Watson was born in Ireland and was a son of 
William N. and Ellen (Patrick) Watson, born in County Kildare. The 
father belonged to the old order of Orangemen. When Joseph Watson was 
three months old his parents immigrated to America and finally settled 
at Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and later in Ohio. At that time there was a 
fine old custom prevailing whereby a son who remained with his parents 
and did a son's duty until he was twenty-one years old was then released 
from all responsibility, was given a horse and bridle and saddle and a God- 
speed and was sent out to test his own physical and moral strength with 
the world. When he reached his majority Joseph Watson received these 
gifts and bravely started out to find opportunity for himself. It was some- 
thing of an iindertaking in those days because of so many unknown dangers 
to be faced, but he started on his way from Ohio and traveled by horse- 



HISTORY OF CHAMPAIGN COUNTY 661 

back to Iowa, in the meanwhile paying his own way by labor and keeping 
his eye out for a desirable section in which to locate, finally deciding that 
Illinois would suit him best of all others. After his marriage, which took 
place in Indiana, he moved with his wife to Champaign County, Illinois. 
There were many hardships and no doubt he often remembered the story 
his father had told of his pioneer days in Ohio, when the loss occasioned 
by his horse, his one valuable possession at the time, caused him much 
distress. The horse had wandered away into the great surrounding wilder- 
ness and Grandfather Watson had to leave his wife alone in the little cabin 
for three days while he sought the animal and found it miles away. Such 
stories were not unusual and doubtless many like accidents happened to 
Joseph Watson in Champaign County. Here, however, he became a man 
of settled estate and public usefulness and his name is recalled with feel- 
ings of respect and veneration. Of his six children George L. was the 
youngest in order of birth. 

George L. Watson attended the public schools and grew to manhood 
in Champaign County. The Watsons had relatives who lived in Indiana, 
and it was while visiting them that Mr. Watson met the lady who subse- 
quently became his wife, and on December 31, 1889, he was married to 
Miss Elizabeth Josephine Short. Her parents were James and Amanda 
(Kemp) Short, the former of whom was a prominent farmer in Fountain 
County, near Hillsboro. He died from the effects of a fall when aged 
eighty years. He was a son of Aaron Short, of whom the story is told that 
it was through his plucky deeds that the name "Hoosier" was ever after- 
ward applied to Indiana, in which state he lived. It is said that at the 
early day when the canal around the Ohio Eiver was in course of con- 
struction in southern Indiana, all classes were to be found among the 
workmen. According to prevailing custom there was plenty of whiskey 
on hand and consequent frequent brawls. On one occasion a number of 
these half-drunken workmen decided to attack Aaron Short, the big Vir- 
ginian, Virginia being his native state. He was a Hercules, six feet tall 
and brave as a lion. He fearlessly faced his foes and one after another 
went down under his powerful, sledge-hammer blows. He had never 
studied any science of fighting but had a system of his own that had always 
proved effective. When he had seven men groveling in the dust at his 
feet it is said that he straightened himself, and swinging his brawny bare 
arms, yelled, "Who's here?" as much as to say, "Who is next to tackle 
me?" His companions, it is told, laughingly abbreviated the remark and 
named him "Hoosier," and applied it to the state he lived in. 

During the first five years of their married life Mr. and Mrs. Watson 
lived on the farm of an uncle, kelson Watson, Sr. They were industrious, 
frugal, ambitious and energetic, and soon found themselves able to pur- 
chase eighty acres of land situated in Harwood Township, four and a half 
miles south of Ludlow. In five more years they bought eighty acres more 
and at the end of another five years purchased an additional eighty acres. 
At a later date Mr. Watson inherited ninety-six acres from his father's 
estate and then purchased the interests of the other heirs, making his farm 
360 acres. Mrs. W'atson owns eighty acres in Indiana, a part of -her 
father's estate. 1 General farming and stock raising have been carried on, 
Mr. Watson continuing actively superintending all his industries until 
within recent years, since which time his son, Clarence Everett, has taken 
over the management and is ably continuing his father's methods and 
policies. 

Mr. and Mrs. Watson have had six children, namely : Laura E. and 
Raymond E., twins, who died in infancy; and Clarence Everett, Nora Esta, 
Fannie Josephine and George Joseph. Not only have these children had 



662 HISTORY OP CHAMPAIGN COUNTY 

social advantages but their education has been carefully looked after. 
Clarence, Nora and Fannie all completed their eighth grade work in the 
Harwood Center district school on the same day and proudly brought home 
to their gratified parents their grade diplomas and also honorary diplomas 
for school attendance for eighteen months without once being absent or 
tardy. Subsequently Nora entered the Paxton High School and was 
creditably graduated therefrom in 1913. She is a very ambitious as well 
as intellectual young lady and has spent three years in Eureka College, 
preparing for educational work. The other children are doing equally 
well. Fannie has completed her first year, at the time of writing, in the 
Ludlow High School. Joseph, although only eleven years old, has no 
intention of being outdistanced by his sisters, and he, too, received a 
diploma for punctuality and attendance. 

Mr. and Mrs. Watson, in their desire to give advantages to their chil- 
dren and also to add to the attractions of home, have recognized the great 
place that music holds and the daughters have been carefully instructed 
and show talent in this direction. In 1915 Mr. Watson erected the fine 
residence that is the happy home. It is beautifully situated on a natural 
eminence, and is shaded by trees along the front and its attractive appear- 
ance elicits general admiration. Mr. Watson has also looked after the 
comfort of his family by installing a hot and cold water system, such as 
city residents enjoy and the house is lighted by gas. Eural life as Mr. 
Watson and family can enjoy it leaves little to be desired, for they have 
their mail delivered on the rural route and are connected in all directions 
through excellent telephone service. 

Politically Mr. Watson is a Democrat and he voices his faith in Presi- 
dent Woodrow Wilson as being the man to safely guide the nation through 
its present perils. Both he and son Clarence Everett are members of the 
Masonic fraternity, and Mrs. Watson is a member of the Eastern Star. 
Mr. Watson and family attend the Christian Church at Ludlow, afford it 
liberal support and take part in 'its benevolent and other missionary work. 

WILLIAM SULLIVAN has been a life long resident of Champaign County 
and has figured in business affairs as a printer, newspaper man, and in 
later years in the real estate and insurance business. He has one of the 
principal offices for the handling of real estate and insurance at Cham- 
paign. 

Mr. Sullivan was born at Urbana Illinois, February 12, 1862, a son 
of John and Ellen (McCann) Sullivan. Both parents were natives of 
Ireland, the father born in County Cork and the mother in County 
Limerick. John Sullivan came to America about 1855, and in 1857 
located at Urbana. Subsequently he removed to Champaign and built a 
tavern across the street from where the Illinois Central depot stands. 
This tavern was known as the Travelers Home. In many ways it had 
historic associations with the life of the times. The principal work out- 
side of farming then going on in this district of Illinois was railroading. 
The Travelers Home became headquarters for the newcomers in this 
section of Illinois, and John Sullivan's acquaintance with officials of the 
railroad enabled him to secure first employment for a large number of 
these newcomers, many of whose families still remain in and about Cham- 
paign to this day. The other class of patronage upon which the Travelers 
Home relied for its prosperity was entertaining the emigrants then travel- 
ing across the country seeking new homes in the West. Most of these 
travelers came and went in wagons, and the wagon yard and stables were 
important adjuncts of the old hostelry at Champaign. John Sullivan 
was still proprietor of this hotel at the time of his death, January 16, 1871. 



HISTORY OF CHAMPAIGN COUNTY 663 

He was survived by his widow, whose death occurred January 27, 1905. 
Of their five children, William Sullivan is the only one now living. Two 
daughters, Anna and Elizabeth, and one son, James, died before their 
father, and Nellie afterward. She was the wife of George Boys and left 
two children, Lila and Nellie. 

Besides the public schools of Champaign William Sullivan had the 
advantages of two years at St. Viator's College "at Bourbonnais, Kanka- 
kee County. He attended this school after his father's death. He was 
only nine years of age when his father . died, and after returning home 
from college he began learning the printer's trade with the old Times 
Printing Company. Later he was with the Champaign Gazette. In 1893, 
during the World's Fair year, Mr. Sullivan went to Chicago and was 
engaged in the tea and coffee business. The next year he returned to 
Champaign and resumed his connection with the Times in the printing 
department, and for ten years was reporter and city editor of that paper. 
He finally gave up the newspaper game to enter the real estate and insur