Champaign County, Illinois - The whole text, 1918 (part 10 of 23)

Mr. and Mrs. Keal and their children all attend the Christian Church. Mr. Keal was for many years an elder in the church. His community has bestowed upon him many marks of esteem and confidence, and for a number of years he served as a member of the school board and has done all he could to secure the best advantages not only for his own children but for those of his neighbors. Fraternally he is affiliated with the Modern Woodmen of America. They come in close touch with the social life of Rantoul, and their home is a place of unbounded hospitality for their friends both in the country and in the town. Mr. and Mrs. Keal reside on one of the fine places in the splendid agricultural district two miles south of Rantoul.

Before closing some mention should be made of a souvenir possessed by Mrs. Keal, which has some historic interest. It is a letter written from her great-grandmother to her grandparents. It was written at that picturesque spot of Lewiston in Niagara County, New York, and was dated January 26, 1828. The letter was written and was folded according to the old custom, without envelope, was sealed with sealing wax, and the rate of postage stamped upon it was 25 cents.

DAVID H. COFFMAN is one of the older residents of Champaign County, went from this district to serve in the Union Army during the Civil War, and has turned his hand with credit and success to many undertakings, from farming to commercial lines. Mr. Coffman is now an honored retired resident of the city of Champaign, where in 1909 he built a substantial two-story home at 606 West Hill Street.

He was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, October 1, 1840, a son of Noah B. and Elizabeth (Lamb) Coffman. His parents were also natives of Fairfield County and in 1859 brought their family to Champaign County, Illinois. Their home was a farm three miles north of the city of Champaign. Noah Coffman proved himself a successful farmer and stock raiser and continued to live in Champaign County until his death in January, 1864. The mother is also deceased. They had nine children: William H., of Champaign; Aaron F., deceased; Mary C., of Champaign; David H. ; Lucinda Frances, deceased; Peter J., deceased; Samuel C., living in Iowa; Thomas D., of Oakland, California; and Sarah Elizabeth, deceased.

David H. Coffman was nineteen years of age when the family removed to Champaign County. His early educational advantages were those of the public schools of Ohio. He remained a practical assistant to his father on the farm until September, 1861. Already the war had broken out and was raging in unlimited fury when he answered the call of patriotism and enlisted in Company I of the Tenth Illinois Cavalry. He was with that gallant regiment, whose record is so well known, for two and a,' half years. It was a hard service, and he was finally disabled and spent considerable time in a hospital at Little Rock, Arkansas. He was sent home on a sick furlough, and was discharged at Springfield, Illinois.

The war over, he resumed the quiet lines of civil affairs as a farmer on the homestead for about three years. He then bought a hundred and seventy acres near Savoy, kept it about a year, then sold out and farmed another year near Champaign. For three years Mr. Coffman lived in Springfield, Missouri, employed by the Missouri Pacific Railway as stationary engineer. He resigned that position to return to Champaign County, and at Bondville became associated with his brother in the grocery, grain and general merchandise business for three years.

For another period of about three years Mr.. Coffman was in the monument business, and for one year was with C. W. Clark dealing in monuments, with their headquarters at Urbana. Mr. Coffman then took up the building and contracting business, which he followed for three years. He has always owned a farm during this period, and about that time he put his son in charge on the farm. The son remained on the property one year, and then both father and son began selling implements for the International Harvester Company. He finally closed out his business affairs and now gives his time only to looking after his home and investments. Mr. Coffman has been a regular supporter of the Republican party for a great many years. He is affiliated with the Grand Army of the Republic and the Methodist Episcopal Church.

On December 28, 1876, Mr. Coffman married Sarah E. Ruhl, daughter of A. G. and Barbara (Vanderau) Ruhl, both of whom were natives of Germany. Her father came to America at the age of three years, the family locating near Marysville, Ohio. Later they went to Rockford, Illinois, and in 1857 established a home in Champaign County. He lived on a farm in Hensley Township, but about five years before his death removed to Bondville, where he lived retired. The children of the Ruhl family were: William, a resident of Kansas; Mary, deceased; Mrs. Coffman; Emma, deceased; Carrie, wife of Newton Taylor; Charles, deceased; John, of Mahomet; Martha, wife of Charles Pfiester, of Bondville; Lulu, wife of William McBride, of Iowa; Elizabeth, deceased; and Maud, wife of Robert Hill, of Cincinnati.

Mr. and Mrs. Coffman have one child, Harry A., who is a capable young man of varied experience and attainments, and he was born May 30, 1879. He continued his educational training in the district schools of Condit Township until he reached the age of fourteen, and then entered the grade schools of Champaign. He was also a student in the high school of Champaign, and then entered the University of Illinois and graduated from the law department of that institution in 1901. For one year after leaving the University he was engaged in farming, and then formed a partnership with his father in the implement business, that relationship continuing for three years. Mr. Coffman then accepted a position with the Luthy Manufacturing Company, and later became sales manager for the Hart Grain Weigher Company. He has remained with this company to the present time, and is now filling the office of secretary and general sales manager.

Harry A. Coffman married Jessie Trotter, of Champaign, a daughter of Jefferson and Eliza Trotter, also of this city, and they have become the parents of three children: Frances, Harriet and David, the latter having been named in honor of his grandfather, David H. Coffman. Mr. and

Mrs. Coffman are members of the Congregational Church, and he has fraternal relations with the Masonic order, in which he has attained the Thirty-second degree. He is held in the highest regard both in business and social circles.

WOLF LEWIS. The modern merchant is the man who knows what the people want and supplies the best facilities for meeting those wants. He acts on that solid commercial principle that real success is only a return for an adequate service rendered. Of Champaign merchants of this class there is no more conspicuous example than Wolf Lewis, whose department store in the large Illinois Building means to Champaign County about what the Marshall Field store means to the shopping public of Chicago. Mr. Lewis is a merchant almost by birthright, but has profited by a long and thorough experience and has been tested by the fire of adversity as well as by the stimulus of prosperity. Along with success in his private business ventures, he has combined a public spirit which has made him a factor in civic improvement and municipal betterment. - He is looked upon as a man of the finest character and useful influence.

Mr. Lewis is a native of Poland, where he was born May 15, 1858, a son of Reuben and Eva (Lewis) Lewis, both natives of Poland. The mother died in Poland when her son Wolf was a very small child. Reuben Lewis then immigrated to the United States, located at Troy, New York, and engaged in the wholesale dry goods business. He had left his six children behind him in Poland, and did not send for them until he was well located in the New World. He spent the rest of his life as a successful business man at Troy, New York, where he died. His children were : George, now a resident of Chicago; Himan, deceased; Dora, widow of I. Schiller of Troy, New York; Wolf; Rosa, wife of Mr. Rosenthal of New York City; Samuel, a resident of Chicago.

Brought to this country when a small boy, Wolf Lewis grew up in Troy, New York, and acquired his early educational advantages there. The first thing to attract him away from home surroundings was the Centennial Exposition at Philadelphia, in the year 1876. He spent a time at the exposition, and also came to know something of New York City during that year. He then returned to Troy, acquired some additional business training, and in 1879 went West to Chicago. Subsequently he and his brother George established a merchandise business at Marinette, Wisconsin, and he soon took over the store himself, while George returned to Chicago.

In 1897 Mr. Lewis sold his holdings in northern Wisconsin and removed to Champaign. Here he opened a stock of general merchandise in the old Odd Fellows Building, but subsequently removed to a new building, which was later destroyed by fire, and he and its other occupants suffered complete loss of their business. Not at all disheartened, Mr. Lewis opened another store in temporary quarters, and when the Illinois Building was completed he took a lease on the basement, first and second floors and a part of the third floor. The Illinois Building is in the heart of the shopping district of Champaign, and its tenants are all high class business concerns. Mr. Lewis has rapidly built up a department store enterprise that is one of the largest and most successful in Illinois.

Mr. Lewis is a Republican in politics. He is affiliated with the lodge of Masons and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, is a member of the Jewish Synagogue of Champaign and a member of the Champaign Country Club.

Mr. Lewis married for his second wife Eay Ruler, sister of his first wife. They have two sons, Herman, secretary of the W. Lewis Company, and Roy, who is now located in Chicago.

C. 0. NELSON. A thriftier body of citizens the United States has obtained from no one country than from Sweden. While representatives of that land are not so numerous in Champaign County as in other sections of Illinois, to at least one family, that of C. 0. Nelson, the county owes a tribute for what it has accomplished in the years that have passed. Mr. Nelson and his wife came .to this county many years ago and began work on a tract of raw prairie land. Their possessions have increased and they now enjoy the comforts of one of the most beautiful country homes in the entire county.

Mr. Nelson was born in Lockneve, Province of Kelmar, Sweden, a son of Nels Magnus and Annie Marie. He grew up in his native land, and in 1872 married Miss Charlotte Nelson, who was born in the same province in Sweden.

For their wedding journey they crossed the ocean to America, landing in New York and going on to Paxton, Illinois, where they had friends and relatives from the old country. Here they started out to make a home and living, and for two years lived in Ford County, where Mr. Nelson worked at regular wages. While he and his wife did the duties that lay nearest them, they were also seeking a long look ahead and were making their present efforts conform to their future prospects. In time by economy they had accumulated enough to enable them to purchase forty acres of land in section 8 of Champaign County. For this land they paid $27 an acre. It was not a large farm, and the land had been little developed. It was prairie soil, and part of it was covered every year by water. They had a small house and a small barn. In those humble surroundings may be found the beginning of their present generous prosperity.

Mr. and Mrs. Nelson moved to that farm in Champaign County in 1881, and since then year after year has seen some increase in their holdings. They subsequently paid $3,000 for eighty acres, and. then bought 160 acres at a price of $10,000. They now own 360 acres of as fine land as can be found in the entire county.

In the meantime three children were born to them, Alfred Gustav, Carl Oscar and Hulda Marie. To these children Mr. and Mrs. Nelson gave the best possible educational advantages, at first in the district school of Maple Grove, while Alfred attended school at Gibson.

Mr. and Mrs. Nelson are active members of the Lutheran Church at Farmersville, and had their children baptised and confirmed in the same church. Politically Mr. Nelson is a stanch Republican. While they have endured the usual privations and vicissitudes of early settlers, their later prosperity tastes all the sweeter for what they went through to acquire it. In 1915 Mr. Nelson erected one of the most beautiful country homes in Champaign County. It is a ten-room modern residence, located four and three-quarter miles west of Ludlow, on Rural Route No. 30. Many city homes have not the complete facilities of this place. It has a water system operated by compression tank in the basement and with gasoline power. There is hot and cold, soft and hard water, and bathroom, and Mr. Nelson is now planning the installation of an independent electric light plant. The home is heated by a hot air furnace.

Mr. Nelson is a true type of the American citizen, and Mrs. Nelson is a fine example of the American mother. They came to this country empty handed", though with big and courageous hearts and with all the energy and courage required for success. Thus they may with pardonable pride look back over the past. Mr. Nelson has demonstrated what a man can do by earnest, honest and efficient energy. Such a career commands the admiration of all who appreciate the value of the good, sound elements of life. America's most substantial citizens are made up of such people as Mr. and Mrs. Nelson. They have won prosperity for themselves, and in so doing have contributed something to the task which the world has to perform. As a farmer Mr. Nelson has distinguished himself by an ability to make mother earth respond with bountiful prodigality to his touch, and his ability and achievements in this direction are known and admired all over Champaign County. In the parlor of the home of these worthy people hang two paintings, showing the king and queen of Sweden, King Oscar and Queen Sophia. While Mr. and Mrs. Nelson have pleasant memories of their youth in Sweden, they have never had a desire to give up America. and all this country means to them for the sake of returning to Sweden.

GEORGE NEWTON CUNNINGHAM. No one family name has been so long identified with the drug business in Champaign County as that of Cunningham. In almost pioneer times, in 1854, Albert Palmer Cunningham came West to Champaign County and located at Urbana, where he found employment in a bank and was later engaged in the drug business. He had a practical but no technical knowledge of pharmacy and he had a very successful establishment at Urbana for many years. In 1880 he removed his store to Champaign, and the business has been carried on by him or his sons in that city for over thirty-five years.

Albert Palmer Cunningham was born in New York State August 11, 1832, and died at Champaign October 12, 1893. He married Ophelia Jane Segar, who was born in Huron County, Ohio, May 26, 1835, and died June 23, 1896. Albert P. Cunningham was a man of note in Champaign County and at one time served as mayor of Urbana. He was a brother of Judge J. 0. Cunningham. Albert Cunningham also was a gallant soldier in the Civil War, serving with Company G of the Seventy-sixth Illinois Infantry. He was mustered out as lieutenant of his company.

Albert P. Cunningham and wife had seven children : Frank, Addie and Herbert, all now deceased; Elmer S., born February 10, 1865, and a resident of Indianapolis; George N. ; Clara B., born August 25, 1869, now wife of C. S. Bouton of Springdale, Arkansas; and Edwin Ealph, born July 29, 1873, and associated with his brother, George N., in the drug business at Champaign.

George Newton Cunningham, who became associated in the drug business with his father and has since continued the enterprise on a larger scale, was born at Urbana, Illinois, December 24, 1867. For three years he had the advantages of the University of Illinois and is thoroughly well educated. In 1888, at the age of twenty-one, he entered his father's store as a partner, under the firm name of A. P. Cunningham & Son. This title was continued until his father's death. Later his brother, Edwin Ealph, entered the business and together they have been able to broaden trade and build up a business which is now one of the most important in the city. The store had always handled sundries and stationery, but they made the stationery business something of a special department and also handled school books and school supplies. In 1916 they built a branch store at the corner of Wright and Green streets, near the university grounds. Thus they have made the trade of the university accessible. At that location they built a two-story modern brick building 60x132 feet, and besides their other business they established there the Tllini Bank, of which George N. Cunningham is president and his brother manager.

George N. Cunningham served one term as city treasurer of Champaign. He is active in the Business Men's Club, is a Republican, and is affiliated with the Knights of Pythias, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and the Sons of Veterans. He was married August 9, 1899, to Miss Alice Miller, a native of Champaign, and daughter of Edward Payson and Augusta (Segar) Miller. Both parents are now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Cunningham have two children: Eunice, born August 15, 1903; and Newton Miller, born April 17, 1908.

R. G. MORRISON. A Rantoul residence almost palatial in its architectural design, size and comforts is the home of Mr. and Mrs. R. G. Morrison in their retired years. Mr. Morrison is a veteran of the Civil War and fought gallantly for the preservation of the Union when the nation needed his services. His industrious efforts as a farmer brought him large rewards and though he began with very modest capital he acquired one of the handsomest estates of Champaign County.

Mr. Morrison was born in Muskingum County, Ohio, son of Mr. and Mrs. Abram Morrison, his father a native of Ohio and his mother of Pennsylvania. In the early days Mr. Morrison attended district schools in the vicinity of Zanesville, Ohio. The schoolhouse which stands clearest in his memory was an old log building. It had slab benches, a desk supported by pins driven into the side wall, and the instruction was as crude and limited as the furnishings of the building. Occasionally the pupils would attend school for six months in the year, though the usual term was three months.

He was only eighteen years of age when he enlisted at Zanesville for service in the Union army. He became a member of the Home. Guard and was ordered with his comrades to Maryland, to Harper's Ferry, then to Baltimore, and he did service chiefly as a guard along some of the seacoast fortifications. He was mustered out and given his honorable discharge at Zanesville.

It was in April, 1870, that Mr. Morrison, then twenty-four years of age, drove across the country from Ohio to Champaign County. He brought with him his wife, whom he had married in Ohio, Miss Maggie A. Frazier. They located at Thomasboro in this county on land belonging to Mrs. Morrison's father. Mr. Frazier had given his daughter forty acres and Mr. Morrison bought from him forty acres more at a price of $1,000. The young couple had the energy and the courage to face life cheerfully and bravely for all the hard work it promised, and gradually their prosperity took on increasing measure until Mr. Morrison found himself possessor of 100 acres, containing some of the richest land in all Illinois. For many years he also engaged in the buying of grain at Thomasboro. Mr. Morrison has experienced the usual joys and sorrows that are the lot of the human family. After his prosperity had been assured his good wife passed away and he also saw his son, Lee F. Morrison, enter into rest at the age of twenty-four. Mr. Morrison married for his second wife Dolly George, who died in 1916. His present wife before her marriage was Mrs. Margaret Mulliken of Champaign, daughter of J. S. Grindl ey. She was educated in the Champaign schools. Mrs. Morrison has four sons and a daughter by a former marriage: Byron, L. Burns, Robert Burns, Helen Margaret and Clarence E. Byron is a graduate of the high school in Champaign and is now a stenotypist and is employed by a big lumber company in Mississippi. Robert is a student in the Military Academy of Mexico, Missouri.

Mr. and Mrs. Morrison are members and liberal supporters of the Congregational Church. Politically he has always given his allegiance to the Republican party. He is affiliated with the Grand Army of the Republic and his wife is a member of the Eastern Star. It was in 1912 that Mr. Morrison gave up the active superintendence of his farm and purchased his present magnificent home in Rantoul. Here he has surrounded himself with the comforts that are the products of his own work and lives to enjoy life in the fullness of years and the consciousness of duties well performed. He has always stood as a public spirited citizen of his community, and for many years served as school director and did much to improve the advantages of the schools in his own locality. He has also served as road commissioner.

HENRY T. SCHUMACHER has been one of the strong and resourceful members of the Champaign County bar for the past thirteen years. He has built up a large and profitable general clientage and his name and reputation are gradually being extended all over the judicial district and Ihe eastern se6tion of the State. Mr. Schumacher is a native of Illinois, born at LaRose in Marshall County, July 11, 1879. His parents, Adolph and Hannah (Steinke) Schumacher, were both natives of Germany. Adolph Schumacher came to America about 1858, locating in Marshall County, Illinois. For two or three years he lived in the city of Henry, but then removed to LaRose and was one of the very first to locate in that vicinity. He spent his active career as a farmer and died there in January, 1908. The widowed mother still lives at LaRose. Of their four children one died in infancy. Alvina, the wife of Edward Rechlin, lives at LaRose, Illinois. Louise is the widow of Conrad Henn.

The fourth in order of birth, Henry T. Schumacher, grew up on his father'* farm and his early environment was the rural section of a prosperous Illinois community. In 1899, after completing the work of the common schools in his native locality, he spent two years in the University of Illinois. He then entered the law department of that university and was graduated in 1904 LL. B. Since then Mr. Schumacher has been in active practice at Champaign.

He is a Republican and has been interested to a considerable extent in politics, though not in such a way as to interfere with his profession. He is now serving as law clerk to the House of Representatives at Springfield. He is a member of the Masonic order, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Knights of Pythias, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and he and his family are Presbyterians.

He married Miss Minnie Nuckolls, a native of Sangamon County, Illinois. They have four children: J. Willis, Margaret, Henry N., and Elizabeth.

JOHN H. WYXE. For more than forty-five years Champaign County has been the home of John H. Wyne, and those have been years of achievement in the material sense and also in the acquisition of the riches of community esteem paid him for his worthy life and the influence he has exerted for good.

Mr. Wyne was born in Jefferson County, Indiana, January 24, 1842, a son of William and Margaret (Rutledge) Wyne. His father was a native of Virginia and his mother of Tennessee. His father went to Indiana in the early days, and kept his home in that state on a farm until his death. He was twice married, and by his first marriage had eight children. By his second wife his only child was Mr. John H. Wyne.

brothers and sisters, and at the age of twenty-nine, in 1871, he came to Champaign County to visit his aunt, Marilda Thompson. In this county he found employment on farms, and was a steady worker for others until he was able to conduct a place of his own.

He was also twenty-nine years of age when he married, at Cincinnati, Ohio, Miss Mary Jane Thompson. The one child of that union is Miles Earl Wyne, who was named for his cousin, a prominent lawyer. Miles E. Wyne is a practical farmer in Hafwood Township and married Nellie Clifton.

After coming to Champaign County Mr. Wyne worked steadily for a farmer, Mr. Philips, and from that labor saved enough to buy forty acres of land. That was the nucleus of his homestead and farm and his independent efforts have been richly rewarded. When his son 'was five years of age the beloved wife and mother passed away, and for his second wife Mr. Wyne married Rosa Rigdon, who was born in Parke County, Indiana, a daughter of William and Mellie (Carlin) Rigdon. There were seven children in the Rigdon family and they were all educated in the public schools. Mr. and Mrs. Wyne are active members of the Baptist Church at Rantoul and are among the workers and supporters in that church. Mr. Wyne is affiliated with the Modern Woodmen of America. He has served his community as road overseer and director of the local schools. Throughout Harwood Township Mr. Wyne is known affectionately as Uncle Johnnie. Wyne. His is a most hospitable home, and he has proved a kindly neighbor, so that his name is one that is wreathed with kindly memories. He has always been ready to extend a helping hand where help was needed and the setting sun of his life finds him comfortably situated, with his son near by to relieve him of the heavier duties and cares of life. In politics Mr. Wyne is a stanch Republican. He was reared in a Democratic household, and as a boy he witnessed many of the evils of slavery, and came to have an abomination for that institution. The war and the assassination of President Lincoln turned him definitely into the ranks of the Republican party and he has been a voter for those principles for over fifty years.

GEORGE J. BABB is a native of Champaign County, and has made a good record as a practical farmer and business man, and his name stands equally high as a citizen whose support can be depended upon for those movements and enterprises which reflect the public good.

Mr. Babb was born in Hensley Township, September 30, 1871, a son of John and Ann (Deakin) Babb. His parents were both born in England. His father came to America about 1860, and after a brief residence in Ohio removed to Champaign County in 1861. He was a practical farmer, and lived in this county until his death in June, 1903. For several terms he served as supervisor of his township and he always had a following of loyal friends. He and his wife were the parents of four children : Ella, wife of John Stevenson of Geneva, Nebraska; Alice, wife of D. L. Bardwell, formerly superintendent of one of the high schools of New York City; Jessie of Champaign; and George J.

Mr. George J. Babb was educated partly in New York State and for one term was a student in the University of Illinois. His first business experience was as a farmer in the State of Nebraska. He remained in the West three years, and on returning to Champaign County took up farming and developed many substantial interests. He remained on his farm until 1904, when he removed to the city of Champaign, and is now president of the Farmers Grain Company at Thomasboro and also has a large grain ranch in Saskatchewan, Canada. When the city of Champaign adopted the commission form of government Mr. Babb was one of the five candidates for the office of commissioner and was elected. He is now serving as commissioner of finance.

Mr. Babb was married February 7, 1894, in Nebraska, to Miss Jessie Sprout. Mrs. Babb is a native of Illinois. Their four children are: Walter George, John Howard, Elizabeth Margaret, and Helen Catherine, all of whom are members of the home circle. Mr. Babb is a Republican in politics, a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and is affiliated with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and the Woodmen of the World.

ELI BUCK. The late Eli Buck was one of the fine, substantial and prosperous citizens of Champaign County. He established his home here in early days, and before his death his name was associated with the ownership of extensive and valuable farm lands and his character and activities were such as all must respect.

Mr. Buck was born in Vermont, a son of Gould and Valetta Buck. He married Miss Catherine Hogan, who still survives and makes her home in the village of Penfield.

Mrs. Buck was born in Tipperary, Ireland, a daughter of Michael and Mary (Ridden) Hogan. When she was quite small her father died and her widowed mother was left with nine children. When Catherine was nine years of age her mother crossed the Atlantic and settled in Connecticut. At the age of fifteen Catherine came to Illinois, and when she was twenty years of age she met Eli Buck at Monmouth, Illinois. Their acquaintance ripened into affection and culminated in marriage.

After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Buck located in Monmouth, where they remained thirteen years, and then, coming to Champaign County, settled within a mile of Gifford. At that time the town of Rantoul contained only nine small houses. Mr. and Mrs. Buck went sturdily to work to build up a home, and had eighty acres well improved when, as a result of failure of crops and other circumstances, they suffered financial calamity by which they lost all their property. Failing to be discouraged by this setback, they started all over again and in time they owned a fine farm of 160 acres in Compromise Township.

The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Buck were named Thomas Nathan, Joseph James, William Michael, George, Anna Valetta, Mary, Martin, Alice and Emma. The son Thomas Buck is a well-to-do farmer at Penfield, and by his marriage to Sarah Graham has children named Francis, Joseph, Artie, Eddie, Harold and Charles. Joseph Buck married Frances Downie, and their children are Leo, Esthej1, Margaret, Joseph, Gertrude, Francis, Catherine and George. George Buck married Theresa Hennesy. Anna Buck is the wife of Peter Mponey and is the mother of Stella, Kate, Mary and Dan. Mary Buck married Anthony Hannagan and has one child, Artie. Alice Buck is the wife of Henry Ellis, and her children are Frances, Loretta and John. Emma Buck, the youngest of the family, married Francis Graham, and their family of children consists of Agnes, Gertrude, Maude, Francis, Thomas, Raymond and Gilbert.

The Buck family are all members of the Catholic Church. It was in 1913 that Mr. Eli Buck was called to his final rest at the age of eighty-four. Though he attained advanced years he was a strong man both physically and mentally. He had an uncle who lived to be one hundred and two years of age. Mr. Buck was a kind and loving husband and father, and his name is greatly revered in the community where he spent so many years.

can say, that during all her active associations with her children she never chastised them physically and when she spoke she was obeyed. This habit of obedience was one of the characteristics of the Buck home and is one that many families might emulate. Mrs. Buck still has in her home her son William Michael, a splendid young American, who, like the other children, was well educated and his life has been an honor to his parents.

ANDREW TORNQUIST when he came to America from his native Sweden in 1879 had as his equipment some experience in mechanical trades and also as a farmer. Otherwise his capital was extremely limited. An earnest purpose, hard work, and that wisdom that comes with experience, have put him far ahead in the game of life, and while he is not wealthy as wealth is understood at the present time he is financially independent and for all that he has he has given an adequate reward in service and practical value to the communities where he has lived.

Mr. Tornquist was born in Sweden, July 13, 1857, a son of Daniel and Carolina (Anderson) Tornquist, being their only child. When he was fifteen years of age his father died and the mother married again and is still living in Sweden. His father was a blacksmith and carriage maker. At the age of fifteen Andrew Tornquist had to take upon his shoulders unusual responsibilities. With such knowledge as he had picked up of his father's trade he managed to carry on the little shop and business and also managed the farming property of his father. At the age of twenty Mr. Tornquist left home and removed to the city of Stockholm, where he worked at the building trade as a carpenter and brick layer.

That experience continued for a year and a half and in 1879 he sought a home and better fortune in America. Locating in Chicago, he became a mechanical employe in the power shops of the Illinois Central Railway Company, , but in 1881 removed to Donovan, Iroquois County, Illinois. There he bought a machine and repair shop, and was successful in business there for about twenty years. He also bought a farm of eighty acres, and is still owner of that property. After selling his first shop he engaged in the hardware business with A. C. Swanson, under the firm name of Tornquist & Swanson, for three years. Mr. Tornquist then traded his interest in this store for one hundred and sixty acres of land in Minnesota. In the meantime he had taken up contracting and building, and he continued that until he came to Champaign. He had also built another machine shop, and thus was a man of varied interests and affairs.

In 1903 Mr. Tornquist moved to Champaign. He bought ground on Springfield Avenue, and built a ten-room house after tearing down the small house that had formerly occupied the site. He sold this house and bought a cottage, later bought two lots in the Fairland Addition, building on one lot and selling the other. Still later he bought the home at 408 Chalmers Street where he now resides. In 1913 he acquired the property at 601 Chalmers Street and during the same year put up another house on that ground. In 1907 he made a trip to his old home in Sweden, remaining away three months and upon his return Mr. Tornquist accepted a position as mechanic in the farm and mechanic department of the University of Illinois. -

He married in 1883, four years after coming to America, Matilda Johnson, also a native of Sweden. Three children were born to their union, the second, a son, dying in infancy. Charles Herman, the oldest, is a graduate civil engineer from the University of Illinois, and is now employed on an irrigation and power plant project in the State of Idaho. Alpha Caroline, the only daughter, was graduated in the domestic science department from the University of Illinois in 1917. Mr. Tornquist is a

Eepublican in politics. While living in Iroquois County he served as a member of the School Board six years. He is affiliated with Western Star Lodge, A. F. & A. M. of Champaign, Champaign Chapter, R. A. M., and Champaign Commandery, K. T., and is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

CHARLES M. EAGLETON is one of the best known men of Champaign, where he has lived for over thirty years. His father died while in the service of the Union. Government during the Civil War, and the son was thus early thrown upon his own resources. He has made good in the work and responsibilities that destiny has assigned him, and his name is spoken with respect throughout a large community of this rich and prosperous section of Illinois.

Mr. Eagleton was born in Jasper County, Illinois, October 24, 1858, a son of Alexander M. and Mary J. (Fair) Eagleton. His father was a native of Tennessee and his mother of Pennsylvania. Alexander Eagleton followed farming in Jasper County, enlisted from there as a volunteer in the Union army early in the Civil War and was soon assigned to manage a supply store for the army at Helena, Arkansas. He died while still at his post. His widow has survived him all these years and is now living at Newton in Jasper County, Illinois, at the age of ninety-one.

Next to the youngest in a family of eight children, Charles M. Eagleton had rather limited home comforts when a boy and he was not given the privilege of attending even the common schools with perfect regularity. Besides what he acquired in the common schools he attended a normal at Newton for two terms. In 1884 Mr. Eagleton came to Champaign, and having learned the carpenter's trade, followed it actively in this community until 1897. He was then elected to the office of constable and filled that position with credit and efficiency for seven years. He resigned to enter the real estate and insurance business and is still an insurance man, representing several of the well known companies and having a large clientage throughout the county.

He has always been interested in local affairs and in 1903 was elected alderman from the Third Ward. He was a member of the governing body of the city for eleven yeats, finally resigning. He was then appointed superintendent of streets, and gave most of his time to that important office until May 15, 1917, when the city adopted the commission form of government.

Mr. Eagleton married for his first wife Maggie Howell, who died, leaving him two children, Mena of Champaign, and Ruby, wife of Walter Ellis of Newton, Jasper County, Illinois. For his second wife Mr. Eagleton married Minnie Conroy, a native of Rushville, Indiana. They have one child, Charles M., Jr., who is now in the fourth year of the Champaign High School and is preparing to enter the University of Illinois.

Mr. Eagleton is a Republican in politics. He is one of the directors of the Champaign County Monumental Association and is affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Sons of Veterans.

ROBERT GROVES, now living retired at Sidney, when in his prime was regarded as one of the keenest and best judges of live stock in Champaign County. He has had a long and useful career, and one that is deserving of more than passing mention.

Mr. Groves was born in Rush County, Indiana, at the town of Fairview, September 17, 1839, son of Joseph and Nancy (Baker) Groves. The original Groves came from Havre de Grace. Maryland, and distributed themselves in the states of Kentucky and Indiana. A more remote origin of the family is found in Holland, where Hans and Jacob, known in English as John and Jacob, Graff lived and emigrating from that country they bought land from William Penn in Pennsylvania. The name Graff became in time Grove. These two brothers married and settled in Pennsylvania and reared large families who in subsequent generations moved to Virginia, Ohio, Indiana and other states. From the first they were noted as progressive and ambitious men, and it used to be a common saying in Pennsylvania there was never a lazy Groves known. They excelled as hunters and were among the brave frontiersmen. On one occasion two Groves brothers, John and Mike, were returning with some young men from a deer hunt jn Pennsylvania. They met a small war party of Indians, from whose belt hung the scalps of the Groves boys' parents and neighbors. The Indians by their grimaces indicated to the boys how the parents looked while being scalped. The boys hastened home, found the village in ruins and the bodies of their parents, and then and there vowed vengeance on the perpetrators of the massacre. With two companions the Groves boys followed the Indians three days and finally came upon the place where they were camped at night. The Indians had stacked their arms on the bank of a creek, and all were asleep except one left on guard. Mike Groves, who was able to speak the Indian language, instructed his companions to fire when he gave the signal in the words, "Surround them, boys." Creeping through the tall grass until he reached the place where the arms were stacked, he grabbed up all the guns and threw them over the bank into the creek, at the same time yelling in the Indian language, "Surround them, boys." He himself shot the guard while his companions fired, each one killing an Indian. The red men made a race for their arms, were fired on a second time, and being completely routed they ran for their lives. The white men followed them two days, and drove them entirely from that part of the country. This was the last Indian raid recorded in Pennsylvania, and the citizens were so grateful to the Groves boys that they named the township Groves Township in their honor. Thirty years ago the old creek was drained, and the old rusted flintlock muskets were recalled as testimony to this brave attack.

At one time Jacob Groves of Sugar Creek, Pennsylvania, was charged by a big buck deer which he had wounded. Having no time to climb a tree he grasped the enraged animal by the antlers, matching his strength against that of the wild beast. They fought round and round in the brush until they got close to a white oak sapling, and while holding on for his life with one hand the hunter twisted the sapling around the deer's neck, and slowly by inches brought the head to the ground and dispatched the animal with his hunting knife. He returned home too exhausted to carry the meat and with his clothing torn in shreds.

The grandfather of Mr. Eobert Groves was a licensed Methodist Episcopal preacher and also a soldier in the War of 1812. Eev. William A. 'Groves of Oil City, Pennsylvania, was also a minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and J. W. Groves and wife, Mrs. M. Groves, were ministers in the Advent Christian Church. Mrs. Groves was state evangelist in Ohio and Washington. They" organized several churches in Pennsylvania and Ohio. At Mount Liberty, Ohio, they held a tent meeting, organizing a fine church of ninety-nine members. Mrs. Groves has engaged in evangelistic work from Buffalo, New York, to Vancouver, British Colum- ' bia, preaching in thirteen states in the Union and also in the Canadas. They have one son, Don Welcome Groves, now of John Day, Oregon. Mrs. Groves is author of an interesting book, entitled "Broken Links in Error's Chain," which has received some favorable press and pulpit comments. It is an argument against the mythological and traditionary per- sonal Satan, shown to be purely a relic from the Dark Ages. The work accomplishes the commendable purpose of driving sin home where it belongs, the heart of man.

The family of Joseph Groves consisted of nine children, five sons and four daughters. They were all educated in the Fairview schoolhouse in Eush County, Indiana. Eobert, who was the fifth in age, grew up in that Indiana district, and at the age of twenty-eight laid the foundation of his own home by his marriage to Sarah W. Ginn of Connersville, Indiana, a daughter of Gabriel and Hannah (Wood) Ginn.

After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Groves located near Fairview on rented land, but the next year moved to Wabash County, where they farmed for three years. In 1870 they came to Sidney, Illinois, and this has been their home for forty-seven consecutive years. During all this time Mr. Groves has been engaged successfully in buying live stock, and for many years shipped to market at Buffalo. He was considered one of the best judges of live stock in a section where live stock men rank second to none, and many have said that what Eobert Groves did not know about stock was not worth knowing.

Into their home were born three children, Mabel, Howard and Carl. Mr. and Mrs. Groves gave them the best of educational advantages, including the Sidney High School. The daughter Mabel took up teaching as a life work, graduated from the Normal College, and is now living with her parents at Sidney. The son Howard was well embarked on a promising career when at the age of thirty-four he lost his life in a railroad accident at Litchfield, Illinois, July 3, 1904. At the time he was employed as a train dispatcher with home at Decatur, Illinois. He left a widow, formerly Miss Mollie Cook, and one son, Eobert Cook Groves, who is now in the United States army in Battery F of the artillery at Long Island.

At the age of seventy-seven Mr. Groves carries his years gracefully, is hale and hearty, and takes a keen interest in all that goes on round about him, including the welfare and activities of his many friends. He has prospered in life and has always kept his character of integrity unsullied. He is widely and affectionately known as Uncle Eobert Groves. He had a close and intimate acquaintance with many of the prominent men of Champaign County, including the late Judge Cunningham and Colonel Busey, and for a quarter of a century has banked with the Harris family at Champaign. Mr. and Mrs. Groves have for many years been identified with the Christian Church, but their daughter is a Presbyterian. Politically Mr. Groves is a stalwart Eepublican, having grown up as such and has never felt that his confidence in that party and its principles was misplaced.

ISAAC NEWTON WADE. There are doubtless a number of men and women now in mature years who knew Isaac Newton Wade in Champaign County as a teacher. He was one of the early educators, and afterwards for a long period of years was a traveling salesman for a text book house. Mr. Wade is now living retired at Champaign, in which city he has had his home for the past forty-five years.

He was born in Lockland, Ohio, May 13, 1846, a son of Moses and Eachel (Ferris) Wade. His mother was a native of Mount Arie, Ohio, and died at Lockland. The father, who was 'born in Switzerland County, Indiana, became a merchant tailor, and died at Champaign, Illinois, at the age of eighty-five. Of their five children the first three died in infancy. The fourth was the late Arthur Elliott Wade, who died at Urbana in 1916.

Cincinnati), and subsequently entered Hillsdale College in Michigan. He was graduated from Hillsdale in 1868 and has the degrees Master of Arts and Master of Science. While at Hillsdale he was a schoolmate and friend of the famous poet Will Carleton, who sang his way into the hearts of many thousands in the previous generation and whose poems are still read and appreciated. After completing his education Mr. Wade taught school in Ohio until 1870, when he came to Illinois and continued teaching in Douglas County. His work as a teacher in Champaign County was done at Sadorus, Rantoul and Toulon. He was also located for a time in the schools of Bement in Stark County. Mr. Wade has a life teacher's certificate for the State of Illinois, given him by the venerable Newton Bateman.

From practical school work Mr. Wade went on the road as a traveling salesman for a school book company. He represented the company over a large territory for thirty-six years, and finally retired on a pension from the company. Mr. Wade is a Republican in politics, is a Knight Templar Mason, and a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

In Douglas County, Illinois, in August, 1870, he married Miss Nannie Brian. Mrs. Wade died at Champaign a number of years ago. There were three children : George Leonard, now living at Kansas City, Missouri ; Thomas Brian, member of the faculty of the dental department of the Philadelphia Medical College; and Fred Alonzo, of Peoria.

WILLIAM F. EVANS has been identified with Champaign County for over twenty years, and he and his capable wife now enjoy the comforts and pleasures of a fine country home a mile and a half west of Rantoul and have near them their children and grandchildren and can look back with pardonable pride over many years well spent.

Mr. Evans was born in Franklin County, Ohio, in 1856, the third in a family of twelve children whose parents were Daniel and Isabel (Engle) Evans. His father and mother were also natives of Ohio. When he was nine years of age the family came to Illinois, locating a mile and a half west of Dewey. Here William F. Evans grew to manhood, attended the district schools and made himself proficient in those duties and responsibilities which are the portion of the industrious farmer.

When he was twenty-seven years of age, on December 31, 1883, he married Miss Sarah Belle Rider. Mrs. Evans, the only child of Jason L. and Mary (Forshee) Rider, was born in Michigan, twenty miles west of Detroit, and her parents were also natives of the same state. She was well educated in the public schools of Michigan and at the age of twenty-three, her mother having died and her father being lonely after the home was broken up, removed to Kansas, where his daughter joined him. It was while in Kansas that she met Mr. Evans, who in the meantime had gone out to the western counties of that state to take up a homestead. They were married in Hodgeman County.

For ten years Mr. and Mrs. Evans struggled with the adverse conditions of life in western Kansas. They had youth and enthusiasm and industry, though Mrs. Evans suffered much from ill health. Nearly all the experiences that the pioneers in western Kansas endured were a portion of the life of Mr. and Mrs. Evans. They lived in a stock-raising country, and Mr. Evans acquired a large herd of cattle. There were drouths, hot winds, crop failures, and twice they were burned out by prairie fires. In the great blizzard of 1886 they lost much of their stock. Through an accident Mrs. Evans suffered a severe injury to one of her feet, and about that time Mr. Evans decided to sell his stock in order that he might have more time to wait on his wife. When the stock was sold he put the money in the bank. Then came the year of panic and hard times, 1893, and the treasurer of the bank absconded with all the money, including Mr. Evans' hard won savings. After that disaster he was left with his sick wife and with only his land and a few dollars in money.

Prospects were so discouraging that they determined to sell their Kansas interests and return to Illinois. In the meantime two children had come into their home, Frank Lee and Hazel Belle. For the return journey Mr. Evans fitted up a wagon into the model of the old type of prairie schooner. In this they made provision to live as comfortably as possible during their journey, and they spent fifty-one days on the return trip. They slept in the wagon, never once in a house, and finally arrived at Mr. Evans' old home in Champaign County. Here for one year he rented a farm near Dewey, later farmed for his father, and finally was able to purchase 160 acres, comprising the beautiful farm that he now owns near Eantoul.

In Champaign County Mr. and Mrs. Evans were fortunate in having superior educational advantages for their children. The son and daughter completed the course of the eighth grade and afterward were students in the Eantoul High School, where they graduated. The son took the agricultural course at the University of Illinois and is now a practical and scientific farmer on a place adjoining his father. He married Miss Mina Elsie Webster, a native of Champaign County and a daughter of Charles B. Webster. Two children are in their home, June and Paul Arthur. The daughter, Hazel Belle Evans, after graduating from the Eantoul High School, became a very successful teacher. She taught two years in the Hyde school, also at the Union Center school, and her unusual qualifications caused the school board to employ her to teach the higher courses in the district school, and thus she afforded the pupils the opportunity of carrying on high school work in a common school. She is now the wife of Edward Fanning Webster, a farmer living near Eantoul. Their household comprises three children, a son and two daughters, Charles William, aged six; Dorothy May, aged four; and Euth Pearl, aged two.

Thus Mr. and Mrs. Evans have five lively grandchildren, who consider a visit to the home of their grandparents one of the greatest opportunities and pleasures. Mrs. Evans finds it a difficult matter to keep her cookie jar filled when her house is invaded by her grandsons and granddaughters, bringing with them all the sunshine of life.

In politics Mr. Evans is liberal in his views and believes in voting for principles instead of for party. However, he has long thrown the weight of his influence on the side of temperance and looks forward even within his own lifetime to the day when nation-wide temperance will be a reality.

LUTHER B. SOUDER is proprietor of one of the oldest dyeing and cleaning establishments in Champaign County. It was originally established by his father more than half a century ago, and he has perfected and modernized its equipment and service until its facilities are now unexcelled by any similar enterprise in the county.

Mr. Souder is a native of Champaign, where he was born January 4, 1878, a son of Samuel H. and Lottie A. (Taylor) Souder. His -father was born in the city of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and his mother in Marysville, Ohio. Samuel Souder came to Champaign County in 1856, and was first identified with farming. In 1866 he established at Champaign a cleaning business, and by careful and thorough work soon had a trade that was profitable and satisfactory to himself and the community. He was active in this business until his death, which occurred in Septem- her, 1915. His widow is still living in Champaign. Their four children are: Louise, wife of Oscar L. Davidson, of Indianapolis, Indiana; Luther B. ; Jennie E., wife of C. A. Carlson, of Champaign; and Mary, deceased.

Luther B. Souder grew up in Champaign, attended the local schools, and as something that would be of benefit to him in his business he took a special course in art and design at the University. As a boy he worked in his father's establishment, and has succeeded to the proprietorship of the business.

He is a Republican in politics, a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and is affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and the Modern Woodmen of America. On September 2, 1904, Mr. Souder married Edna W. Hall, who was born in Paxton, Illinois. They have four children : Robert Hall, 'Luther Samuel, Eugene Phillip and Virginia.

JOSEPH WHITE. Among the numerous families of Champaign County, Illinois, whose industry and activities of life have aided in its upbuilding is that of White. Joseph White is one of the prosperous and successful farmers located east of Rantoul, some three miles. In the early years of his young manhood he came to Champaign County, and there with his good wife, whose maiden name was Jane Osborn, they began to found a permanent home for themselves. The young couple experienced many trying hardships incident to pioneer life, but possessing strongly those qualifications which go to make up a splendid citizenship, industry, progressiveness and economy, they went to work with that determined energy that always marks the life of successful men and women of earth.

One especially pleasing feature of their life's work was the pains they exerted in the education of their children, fully realizing the advantage to them in future years of possessing this needful equipment for life's duties. It was especially gratifying to see them manifest an admirable interest in the pursuit of their studies, and, after graduating from the state university in Urbana, become popular and successful teachers in Champaign County. Anna, the daughter, is the wife of V. B. Rusk, and their two children are Mildred and Walter. Mary is the wife of Frank Rusk, and their home is near Armstrong, Illinois. Their children are Nellie, Rea, Russell, Harold and Lloyd.

The. White family have experienced the usual joys and sorrows incident to the human family. The death angel visited the home at different times and the dear mother entered into rest after a long and useful life, in which her many acts of Christian kindness endeared her to a large circle of friends. She rests today with heaven's benediction resting upon her, "Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord." The daughter Tillie, who for years had been a beloved teacher in Champaign County, was also claimed by death. She was an admirable character who left a large circle of friends to mourn her loss. The remaining daughters, Grace, Florence and Margaret, are at home, being home makers for their father and their brother Thomas, who manages the farm.

The family are honored members of the Methodist Episcopal Church and their lives have been closely identified with the interests of Champaign County. In fact so much so that a history of Champaign County would be incomplete without a compilation of their lives in the records of the county's community builders. Therefore it is with pleasure that the above is compiled of this most worthy family.

BERT E. SPALDING was born in Champaign and has spent his life practically within the limits of that city. When little more than a boy he became self supporting, acquired business experience under others, and now for a number of years has been one of the leading druggists.

He was born in Champaign, January 7, 1868, son of John W. and Maria (Halford) Spalding. His father was a native of Hamilton, Ohio, and his mother was born in Nottingham, England. She was a sister of E. W. Halford, who a number of years ago was private secretary to President Benjamin Harrison. John W. Spalding came to Champaign in 1866. For many years he followed his trade as a wagon maker and subsequently was in the shoe business. During Harrison's administration he served as postmaster of Champaign. He died in 1911, an honored and respected citizen, while his wife passed away in 1903. They were the parents of eight children: Walter, deceased; Arthur, of Champaign; Lois, deceased; W. P., of Champaign; Bert E. ; John, deceased; Margaret, widow of Joseph Laughlin, of Boston, Massachusetts ; Jessie, wife of Charles Frison, of Bloomington, Illinois.

Bert E. Spalding obtained his early education in the public schools of his native city. After one year in high school he determined to give up his studies and fit himself for business. In 1885 he became a clerk in H. Swannell's drug store and learned the business as a profession and in all other details. He remained with that store until 1898, when he became associated with John T. Quirk in the same line of business. In 1909 the store was established at 602 Green Street, with Mr. Spalding and Mr. Quirk as partners. In February, 1915, the partnership was dissolved and since that time Mr. Spalding has conducted the Green Street store alone.

He has always been active and popular in local affairs and organizations. In 1894-95 he served as alderman and is now a candidate for a position on the city commission. He is a Eepublican, a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Woodmen of the World, the University Club, the Eotary Club, and is a member of the Country Club. He and his family worship in the Episcopal Church.

MART E. WATSON. In the home of her declining years in Rantoul Mrs. Mary E. Watson is one of the noble women of this county who experienced the pioneer hardships connected with establishing a home and developing a farm out of the raw prairie. Her late husband, James Watson, for long years had a substantial place in this community. He was honored for his work and for the influence of his character and his home. It was of such men that the Holy Writer spoke when he said : "Their bodies are buried in peace but their names live for evermore. The people will tell of their wisdom and the congregation will show forth their praise."

Mrs. Watson was born in the Blue Grass district of Kentucky, a daughter of William H. and Rachel M. Huffman. She was one of five children, the others being Susan J., Cynthia A., George W. and Wellington. She also had a half brother and two half sisters, John D., Ida C. and Donna E. The sons both died in infancy. The three sisters settled in different states, Kansas, Indiana and Illinois. When Mary E. Huffman was seven and a half years of age her mother died and she had only limited opportunities to attend school.

James Watson, whom she married when she was still a young girl, was the son of William N. and Ellen Watson of Chillicothe, Ohio. In the modern growth and development of Chillicothe some of its built up streets have stretched out to the borders of the old farm where he was born. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. James Watson located in Champaign County and lived for a year two and a half miles east of Ludlow in a one-room house with a little summer kitchen attached. The land was owned by Mr. Watson's father. Subsequently they moved nearer to Rantoul and lived on a rented place. By strict economy and industry they were able after one year to make the first payment on an eighty-acre tract of railroad land. When they made that payment it was one of the proudest moments of their lives. Thus they had made a beginning in getting a home for themselves and, blessed with good health and strength, they went forward in their career until Mr. and Mrs. Watson owned an estate of 440 acres in Illinois and 317 acres in North Dakota. Three children were born to their union, William Allen, John Calvin and James Ernest. James E. died in infancy in 1877. The surviving sons were well educated. They first attended the district schools, and both were students of Eureka College, John C. spending five years there and he subsequently spent two years in Harvard University, where he was graduated. William A. was for two years a student in Eureka College. The Watson family has made a notable record as educators. Mrs. Watson taught in the old home district of Champaign County. Her son William A. was a teacher at Pleasant Ridge, Ludlow Center and other districts in Champaign County. John C. taught at Menominee, Michigan, and in Chicago, and from there went to Harvard University to do post-graduate work. For fojir years he was one of the instructors in Cornell University. Finally, for th*e benefit of his family's health, he went to the Northwest and bought a half section of land in North Dakota. John C. Watson married Miss Edna Hamilton of Harristown, Illinois, a former classmate, who graduated with him from Eureka College. She also had taught before her marriage. Mr. and Mrs. John C. Watson have three children, two daughters aqd one son, Constance, Malcolm and Beatrice. These grandchildren of Mrs. Watson have proved equally proficient in their studies. Constance has attended the University of Dakota two years, while Malcolm has had one year of instruction in that school.

William Allen Watson married an old schoolmate, Miss Maude Anthony, and they have a daughter, Zelda Irene, who is now a successful' teacher east of Ludlow. Zelda I. enjoys the distinction of teaching in the same schoolhouse where her grandmother, Mrs. Watson, taught fifty-two years ago. The influence exerted by a teacher upon the generations is inestimable and beyond all computation. Members of the Watson family have done a splendid work in this field and they have the satisfaction of knowing that the influence they exerted did not cease when they closed their term of school.

Mr. and Mrs. Watson were active members of the Christian Church, which Mr. Watson served many years as deacon. In later years he was elected to the post of honorary deacon.

Besides her grandchildren Mrs. Watson now has only the comfort of one living son. Her son William A., a noble young character beloved by all who knew him, passed away in 1894.

Mr. James Watson's health began to decline in 1916 and his life came to a peaceful close on April 26, 1917. He had lived long and usefully and a host of friends paid tribute to his memory. The name Watson stands significant of deeds of kindness and upright character throughout the length and breadth of Champaign County. Mrs. Watson is an earnest Christian woman, cultivated and refined, and has made her life of benefit to her family and to a large community. Her only surviving son, John C., at the death of his father, resigned his position as dean and professor of Latin of Nevada University at Reno, Nevada, and returned to look after

The late Mr. Watson served his community as constable and tax collector. He was one of the early day tax collectors and frequently collected large sums of public money. There being no bank available, he acted as his own banker and for all the sums he had at his home at different times the money was never molested. In later years he served as assessor of his township and supervisor and school director. Mrs. Watson has many happy memories of her early home, a log cabin in the timber near Paxton and later on a lonely prairie. Frequently she heard the howling of prairie wolves, and on some of the mornings of sunshine in winter could see the deer playing over the snow. The dark, graceful bodies of these animals made a striking contrast against the snowy background. Such were some of the features of the environment in which she and her husband began their careers, and in later life she found herself surrounded with every comfort and with the love and veneration of family and friends.

DANIEL MORRISSEY. In the case of this well known citizen of Champaign success speaks for itself. Perhaps a few men remember the time when Daniel Morrissey was helping run a small weekly paper. That was more than half century ago. He early succumbed to an irresistible impulse to buy land. He bought with unlimited faith in the future of this locality, and his friends say that he also bought with almost unlimited skill and accuracy of judgment. Doubtless he made some mistakes, but they have not interfered with the big results. For the benefit of future generations, if not for the present, it is useful to state that Mr. Morrissey is one of the three largest land owners in Champaign County, and is president of the Morrissey Farm Land Mortgage Company.

He was born in New York State, August 4, 1844, a son of James and Mary (Murphy) Morrissey, both of whom were natives of Gounty Mayo, Ireland. His parents spent the last years of their lives in New York State.

The spirit of independence, which is an Irish characteristic, was coupled in Daniel Morrissey's equipment with unlimited industry and energy. At the age of fourteen he left home and went to Detroit, Michigan. There he had his first experience in a printing office. Subsequently he worked on the old Chicago Times at Chicago. His work as a printer he gave up to take a position with the Western Union Telegraph Company on construction work. He helped build the line from Mendota, Illinois, to Burlington, Iowa.

A friend of his boyhood days, D. S. Crandall, had in the meantime come to Champaign, Illinois, and was conducting a newspaper known as the Union Weekly. Mr. Morrissey joined him here in 1863. When he arrived in the county his- cash assets amounted to $13.75. Mr. Morrissey's chief success in life is coincident with and a reflection of the development of the magnificent agricultural resources of this part of Illinois. A lover of the country, he was alive to every opportunity to get possession of a piece of land. The progress in his accumulations would, if described in detail, be a quite accurate record of his growing financial asset. Whenever he had any money to spare, and sometimes on credit, he bought land that his judgment urged him to buy. Thus it is that now he is recognized as one of the largest land owners in Champaign County. He pays taxes on something more than three thousand acres in this county alone, while in the Northwest and in other parts of the country he owns between nine thousand and ten thousand acres.

good business at Champaign. He is active in the Citizens Commercial Club and the Chamber of Commerce, is a popular member of the Elks' Lodge, and he was reared in the Catholic Church. His wife, whose maiden name was Annie Donnelly, died at Champaign, January 20, 1916. Their three children were Daniel C., who is actively associated with his father in business; M. J. Morrissey, who died February 17, 1916; and Fay, also an associate of his father.

DELL E. HARRIS. In the University district of Champaign there is no merchant better known to the student population and citizens generally than Dell E. Harris, who for over twenty-five years has been in active business as a confectioner. Mr. Harris has succeeded because he has concentrated his energies largely along one line, has studied and worked to develop a product of superfine quality, and has made that product of such a standard of perfection that it now signifies quality and is distributed over a market by no means confined to Champaign or even to the state of Illinois.

Mr. Harris was born at Normal, Illinois, June 16, 1870, a son of Zera W. and Julia A. (Dyke) Harris, both of whom are still living. His father was a Union soldier during the Civil War, serving thirty-seven months in Company C., Fifth Illinois Cavalry. There were six children : Frank D., who is engaged in the real estate business at Champaign ; Ray R., a physician practicing at Dubuque, Iowa; Ralph M., associated with his brother in the confectionery business at Champaign; Dell E. ; Effie Estelle, wife of Professor E. J. Lake, an instructor in the University of Illinois; and Ruth, wife of William Dailey, of Mason City, Iowa.

Dell E. Harris spent his early youth principally at Decatur, where he completed the grade school work. He was about sixteen years of age when he engaged in the confectionary business for himself in that city. It was a moderate start, but he did not handle his establishment in a routine and negligent fashion, and in a short time his success was more than his most sanguine hopes had anticipated. He not only made a good living but also acquired an extensive knowledge of the confectionery business both as a manufacturing proposition and in the sale and distribution of the products.

In 1891 Mr. Harris came to Champaign. His first location was at 61 North Neil Street, where he had his store until March, 1908. In the meantime he opened a branch establishment in the University district on Wright Street. After selling his store on Neil Street in 1908 he bought the business property at 608 East Green Street where his handsome store now stands. The two stores were continued until the lease on the Wright Street store expired in 1914, at which time the enterprise was consolidated. He now handles all his trade at one store, which was opened January 1, 1910.

The popularity of his store and of his goods is a by-word in Champaign. His store is in the student district of the University of Illinois, and much of his patronage comes from the University. Mr. Harris originated the famous "La Noy" chocolates, and has the name, which is derived from the word Illinois, copyrighted and registered in the United States patent office. The La Noy chocolates are made and sold in Champaign, but they also go in package lots to. every state of the Union and to China, Japan and the Philippine Islands. The mail order feature is now one of the most profitable parts of the business for Mr. Harris.

Mr. Harris is a past president of the University District Commercial Association of Champaign and has been a progressive factor in everything concerning the commercial life of his section of the city. He is also a member of the Eotary Club, the Travelers Protective Association, the Sons of Veterans, the Knights of Pythias and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. Mrs. Harris is an active member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Harris was married December 8, 1908, to Miss Frances Eoberts. She is a daughter of the late Joseph Eoberts, a well known farmer of Champaign County. Mr. and Mrs. Harris have one daughter, Flora, now six years of age.

JAMES SPERRY, a well known contractor and builder at Ogden, is a native of Champaign County, and has spent his active career to good purpose early as a farmer and later in the business which has brought him such generous success.

Mr. Sperry was born north of St. Joseph, November 27, 1859, a son of Elias and Serena (Helton) Sperry. His father was born in Ohio and his mother in Virginia. Serena Helton was a daughter of Simeon and Sally Helton, who moved from Virginia to Kentucky and when Serena was twelve years of age settled in Indiana. Serena Helton was educated in the public schools of Indiana. She was a member of a family of nine children, three sons and six daughters. The Heltons afterwards settled in Champaign County north of St. Joseph. Serena Helton and Elias Sperry were married near Greencastle, Indiana, and then went to farming in this county. They had five children: Mary Ellen, now Mrs. Church Rush; Sarah Josephine, deceased; James, Elmer and Arthur C.

James Sperry attained his education in the public school known as the Old Blackberry Schoolhouse. When the Sperry family came to Champaign County the country was a virgin prairie, deer roamed about over the country, and wild fowls were in such abundance as at times to darken the skies in their flight. The Sperrys experienced many of the hardships connected with establishing homes in this new country.

On May 4, 1864, Elias Sperry enlisted in Company A of the One Hundred and Thirty-fifth Illinois Infantry. His service was brief, since he contracted measles and had not yet recovered from that disease when he was placed on guard duty, and again fell ill. He received his honorable discharge July 17, 1864, at Pilot Knob, Missouri. He did not long survive the ordeal of warfare.

James Sperry was only a boy when his father died and he had to assume the serious responsibilities of life at an early age. He began farming on rented land and lived in bachelor's quarters for a time. On September 28, 1879, at the age of twenty, he married Martha Jane Hayes.

Mrs. Sperry was born in Oakwood Township of Vermilion County, Illinois, daughter of John and Martha J. (Gray) Hayes. Martha Hayes was seven years of age when her father died and she was reared in the home of her mother and attended public school at Ogden. Her mother, Martha J. Gray, was a daughter of William Gray, a native of Ireland. William Gray married Rosanna Hansel. The ancestry of the Hayes family goes back to Revolutionary days. David Gray, who was born in Ireland, served in the War of the Revolution, enlisting from Bucks County, Pennsylvania, August 1, 1776, and again in May, 1777. He fought in the battles of Staten Island, Brandywine, Germantown, and was in Washington's army. He served under Captains John Jamison, John Thomas, John Cope and William Ramsey.

After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Sperry engaged in farming in Vermilion County, Illinois, for three years, and they then removed to Ogden, where he has since successfully followed the business of contracting and building. Mrs. Sperry's father's family consisted of four children, three daughters and one son, and also two half sisters. The brother diedat the age of eleven years, his name being William Hayes. The sisters were Harriet and Elizabeth and the two half sisters Effie B. and Maryetta.

Mr. and Mrs. Sperry are the parents of one daughter, Delia Sperry, born August 28, 1880. She was graduated with honors from the local high school May 10, 1899, and married Cyrus W. McPherren, July 13, 1905. Mrs. McPherren, through her mother's Revolutionary ancestry, is eligible to membership in the Daughters of the American Revolution and is a member of the Illinois Alliance, Chapter No. 642, of that order in Champaign. Mrs. McPherren has a bright and attractive daughter, Beula, now nine years of age and a student in the public schools of Ogden. She is still very much interested in her dolls, of which she has a generous supply. Her special favorite enjoys the distinctive name of Euodoria. Mrs. McPherren is a very capable business woman and is general manager of the Ogden Courier and for seven years was assistant postmaster there.

Mr. and Mrs. Sperry are active members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics he is a Democrat, is a man of broad views, and in local affairs supports the man rather than the party. He served eight years as police magistrate and for twelve years as justice of the peace and was a member of the town board. While giving generously of his time and means to every community enterprise Mr. Sperry has been a very successful business man. Many fine country homes around and in the town of Ogden stand as monuments to his industry. It is often said that a tradesman's family are the last to get the benefit of his industry. Thus a carpenter's house leaks and a shoemaker's wife goes barefoot. Mr. Sperry has reversed that rule. Some years ago on Leney Street, in the north end of Ogden, he erected a fine, commodious residence, with every modern improvement, including acetylene light. This home is enjoyed by his good family, consisting of himself, his wife, daughter and granddaughter, and last but by no means least his dear mother who so faithfully looked after him during his youth and now in the setting sun of her life he is repaying some measure of her tender solicitude and care. Mr. Sperry is one of the charter members of the Woodmen's lodge of Ogden, organized in 1887.

LEE M. VAN WEGEN is one of Champaign County's well known citizens who started life with no particular advantages and assets and by self denial, thrift and industry gradually accumulated those means which represent financial independence. He was a successful farmer for many years, and was also at one time engaged in manufacturing at Champaign.

Mr. Van Wegen was born in New York State December 1, 1856, a son of James S. and Mary E. (Wells) Van Wegen, both of whom were natives of Orange County, New York. James S. Van Wegen brought hia family to Champaign County in 1868, locating on a farm three and a half miles southwest of Champaign. He proved a valuable factor in that community and continued farming until within the last two years of his life, which he spent in Kansas. Mrs. Mary E. Van Wegen lived to the great age of eighty-eight years, passing away January 16, 1917. Their nine children were: Horton and Maria, both deceased; Lee M. ; Clarissa, deceased; Sidney, a resident of Iowa; Ella and Emma, twins, the latter deceased, and the former the wife of Scott Raypholtz, of Medford, Oregon; Alexander, deceased; and Louis, of Ashland, Oregon.

Lee M. Van Wegen was twelve years of age when his parents removed to Champaign County. He had acquired some of his education up to that time and he also attended the country schools of this county. His father's home was also his home until he was twenty-two, and he then put his experience and training to practical test, married and started a home of his own on a rented farm. He followed the plan of renting for six years. He and his wife lived frugally and his hard work enabled him to accumulate the capital required for the purchase of 160 acres of land. That was his first farm, and later he bought another of 160 acres. He sold both tracts and subsequently bought a half section of land near the city of Champaign, where he accumulated a large portion of his' prosperity. Mr. Van Wegen also owns lands in the state of Louisiana.

In 1892 he retired from the farm to a residence in Champaign. In that city he served five years as superintendent of streets. He was also a financial and official member of the Champaign Cabinet Company, manufacturing as a specialty a fine type of kitchen cabinet. At the present time Mr. Van Wegen finds plenty to do in looking after his private investments.

He was married in February, 1878, to Miss Ella Hammer, a native of Bondville, Illinois. They are the parents of two children: Etta is the wife of Tony Saunders, of Greenwood, Mississippi, and they have two daughters, Madge and Ellen; Nellie is the wife of 0. L. Gearhart, of Champaign, and they had one son, Van S. Gearhart, deceased. While living in the country Mr. Van Wegen served as supervisor of his township one term and was also a road commissioner for six years. He is affiliated with the Masonic Lodge and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.

GEORGE W. HERBERT, who is supervisor of Harwood Township, has been identified with Champaign County many years, and in the solution of the daily problems confronting him has found the opportunities for progress to success and prosperity. He is one of the leading farmers and has one of the most attractive homes in his township, located in section 36, north of Gifford, in Harwood Township.

Mr. Herbert was born in Vermilion County, Illinois, a son of Eichard and Anna (Cox) Herbert. His parents were both born in England and their coming to America was their bridal tour. They came to this country three weeks after their marriage. For some time they lived in Syracuse, New York, and then moved to Illinois. There were eight children, George being about midway in age. When he was eight years of age his mother died, and he grew up on his father's farm in Vermilion County and attended the common schools there.

In 1894 Mr. Herbert married Catherine Sunderlin. The Sunderlins are one of the oldest and best known families of Champaign County. Mrs. Herbert was born in Kerr Township of Champaign County,, daughter of James and Mary (Hartman) Sunderlin, her father a native of Ireland and her mother of Cincinnati, Ohio. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Herbert lived one year in Kerr Township and they then bought 160 acres near Gifford in Harwood Township. For this land they paid $70 an acre. They began housekeeping in a small home, with meager comforts, and the land had no improvements, no drainage and was often covered with water in certain seasons of the year. The young people were possessed of that "delightful content which the hope of better things inspires within," and by sturdy self-denial, by labor year in and year out, they have in time perfected their home surroundings and gained such prosperity as few people outside of Champaign County enjoy. They planted shade trees, built up a home and barns and other buildings to satisfy their needs, and have also acquired additional lands until they now own a full half section.

John Aloysius and Catherine Vivian. These are all true types of American children and were educated in the local district schools. James E., after finishing the eighth grade, took the course of the Gifford High School, where he graduated, and subsequently was a student in the Bourbonnais school at Kankakee and from there graduated from the Champaign High School. He is a studious youth and has put his education to good advantage by the practical assistance he renders his father on the farm. The other two sons are in the grades of the Gifford school.

Mr. and Mrs. Herbert are active members of St. Mary's Catholic Church at Penfield. In politics he is a Eepublican, and has always been loyal to the principles of that great party. His fellow citizens have shown their confidence in his judgment and ability by electing him for eight successive years as supervisor and for fourteen years he was school director.

He was born in McLean County, Illinois, March 15, 1871. His father James Johnston, a native of Ohio, grew up in Indiana and in 1852 removed to McLean County, Illinois, bought land from the government, developed it as a farm, and lived there prosperous and an influential citizen until his death in 1905. He was a Eepublican in politics and a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. James Johnston married Eleanor Marrs, who was born in Ohio in 1831, and was a young bride when she came to Illinois in 1852. Her death occurred in McLean County in 1901. Virgil W. Johnston was one of four children. His brother Lucien C. lives at Seward, Nebraska; his brother Alva E. lives at Monticello, Indiana; and his brother Milo D. at Olustee, Oklahoma.

Virgil W. Johnston was educated in country schools, had the environment of a typical Illinois farmer boy, and subsequently continued his education in the Fairbury High School. He was graduated from the Bloomington Law School in 1896. He has given most of his time and energies to the abstract business. He was in that business at Pontiac, Illinois, from 1896 to 1899, and in the latter year bought the old established abstract business of Colonel Wilcox at Champaign. He still owns and directs this abstract office. Since 1902 Mr. Johnston has been identified with banking.

He is a member of the Champaign Club, the Champaign City Club, the Elks, and in politics is a Eepublican. On August 3, 1898, at Normal, Illinois, he married Vinnie Vennum.

GEOHGE EGBERT SHAWHAN was for twenty-one years county superintendent of schools in Champaign County, and in this county, which has been his home for over sixty years, he has found ample opportunities for a life of quiet usefulness and service.

He was born at Falmouth, Eush County, Indiana, March 20, 1844. His grandfather, John Shawhan, was probably a native of Pennsylvania, but was reared in Kentucky and combined his work as a minister of the Presbyterian Church with practical farming. He died in Kentucky. He married a Miss Flowers, who was born and reared in Virginia. William McCune Shawhan, father of George E., was born near Lexington, Kentucky, grew up in Bourbon County in that state, in 1837 removed to Eush County, Indiana, and on April 17, 1856, arrived in Champaign County, settling in Section 19 of Eaymond Township. He was a practical farmer and also did considerable business as a cattle shipper. He lived on his farm in Champaign County until his death. He was attending church at Sidney and died without a word during the service on

May 5, 1875. He was an active member of the Church of Christ or Disciples Church, was a Democrat in politics, and at the time of his death was acting as supervisor of Eaymond Township. He married Nancy Eedmond, daughter of a Kentucky farmer. She was born on a farm near Cynthiana, Kentucky, and was married there in 1837. She died in Urbana, December 12, 1893. Her children were six in number, and besides George E. they were Margaret, Helen, George W., James K. and William T.

George Eobert Shawhan was twelve years of age when he came to Champaign County. He attended the common schools both in Indiana and Illinois and was also a student in the University of Illinois, but then known as the Illinois Industrial University. During his boyhood he helped on the farm, but at the age of seventeen began teaching. That was his chosen work throughout the subsequent twenty years, and it was his experience and qualification as a teacher that caused him to be appointed in September, 1881, as county superintendent of schools by the board of supervisors of Champaign County. -He held the office by appointment one year and was then successively elected five times, filling the office from December, 1881, to December, 1902. The efficiency and welfare of the, county schools during that period testified to the able work of Superintendent Shawhan. Outside of his regular administration his chief work while in office was in formulating and establishing a regular course of study with township and central examinations for the country and village schools. He helped to carry that plan further and in conjunction with other superintendents developed a modified plan which was adopted for the state. The state superintendent now uses it in his questions on pedagogy in all his examinations. Since leaving the county superintendency Mr. Shawhan has been manager of the savings department of the Illinois Trust and Savings Bank of Champaign. While his life has been without dramatic incident, it has been filled with work and has been a means of exceptional service to the community. Mr. Shawhan is a member of the Church of Christ and is an elder in the University Church of that denomination. He belongs to the Masonic Lodge of Urbana and to the Modern Woodmen of America in Champaign. Politically he is a Eepublican.

In Raymond Township of this county, May 12, 1867, he married Sarah Vista Brown. They have two children, a daughter, Gertrude, born in Urbana, February 8, 1874, and a son, W. Warren, born in Eaymond Township, August 9, 1877. The daughter graduated from the University of Illinois in literature and science in 1895 and later from the Library School of the same institution. She is now the wife of Frank R. Shafer, an architect, and they live in Los Angeles, California. Warren Shawhan has become a farmer and is now on a farm in Central Louisiana, in Concordia County, with postoffice at Lismore.

JAMES M. REESE has been a factor in the business life of the village of St. Joseph for nearly thirty years, and has made a success because he has given a service a little better than others in the same line and has constantly striven to please.

Mr. Eeese was born in that historic section of northwestern Pennsylvania, Washington County, June 17, 1853, a son of William and Matilda (Mikesell) Eeese. His parents were also natives of Pennsylvania. The father died in Iowa at the home of his son Henry at the advanced age of ninety-two. In 1864, when James M. Eeese was eleven years of age, he came with his parents to St. Joseph Township, where his father for a number of years worked as a carpenter. There were seven children in the family, James being the oldest. He attended school in Pennsylvania and also had one term in the St. Joseph school. When the Eeese family came to Champaign County much of the land in St. Joseph Township was under water a part of the year, and to establish and maintain a home here was a task of many difficulties and hardships.

James M. Eeese grew up to an industrious manhood, worked in the country and for a number of years was connected with a number of drainage projects in St. Joseph Township. In 1888 he established himself in the restaurant business at the village of St. Joseph and that has been his chief line ever since. He has studied the problems of this business and has solved them and has gradually increased his enterprise, not only in the way of stock handled but in facilities. He installed a soda fountain, has an ice cream parlor, handles candy, cigars, canned and bottled goods, and his place is an especially popular and welcome retreat during the summer season.

The profits of his success Mr. Eeese has invested wisely in local real estate and has done much to improve the town. He bought a number of lots and has erected modern homes in the north part of the town.

In 1895 Mr. Eeese married Miss Laura B. Cook, a native of Bedford County, Pennsylvania, and a daughter of Ezekiel and Matilda Cook. She was eleven years of age when her parents came to Champaign County from Pennsylvania and located at Tolono, where she completed her education in the local schools. Mr. and Mrs. Eeese had two children. The older, James Bernard, died at the age of three of infantile paralysis. The younger son was named Harry Cook in honor of his mother, and is now fourteen years of age. He is a very industrious and studious boy, attending the local high school, and is also doing much to develop his marked musical talent. He is a student of piano, and is also taking instruction in brass band music with the local organization under Professor Canouse of Champaign. He also plays as a member of the Sunday school orchestra in the Methodist Episcopal Church.