Champaign County, Illinois - The whole text, 1918 (part 20 of 23)

Isaac Stuart Raymond, father of John E., was born in Ohio and came to Champaign County with his parents in 1866. He graduated from the University of Illinois in the class of 1872 as a civil engineer. He was offered a position with the Illinois Central Railway Company, but as his father owned a large amount of land his son accepted his advice to stay at home and he became a practical farmer. For two years after his marriage he taught school, and then began farming and finally accumulated over 600 acres. In 1884 he bought the old homestead from the rest of the heirs and this one place has been in the possession of the Raymond family over half a century. Isaac S. Raymond was one of the notable men of Champaign County. For twenty years he was on the board of supervisors, was school trustee of Raymond Township from 1873 until his death, and in 1892 was elected a trustee of the University of Illinois and served six years. He was also president of the Farmers' County Institute for fifteen years and took a lead in every progressive movement in matters of agriculture or civic improvement. The death of this prominent Champaign County citizen occurred July 19, 1915. He married Edith Eaton, a native of New Jersey, on October 17, 1875, and she is still living in Raymond Town- ship. Isaac S. Eaymond was a Mason. He and his wife had two children, John E. and Ruth Cleveland, the latter the wife of W. E. Haseltine of Berkeley, California.

John E. Raymond was born at the old homestead in Raymond Township in section 8 on November 19, 1876. Most of his life has been spent in that community, and he grew up to the well ordered industry of his father's farm. In 1899 he completed the agricultural course in the University of Illinois, and in 1900 he went abroad with Henry Dunlap and assisted in arranging and maintaining the Illinois fruit display at the Paris Exposition. The following year he took up farming in connection with his father, and has since devoted his efforts to the development of an extensive grain and stock farm.

September 3, 1909, he married Grace M. Lane, a native of Hamilton County, Illinois. Mr. Raymond is a Democrat, is a school trustee, a thirtysecond degree Scottish Rite Mason and is an able and energetic worker for anything that concerns the welfare of his community.

W. H. WOODIN, now living in the village of St. Joseph, has had a very active and useful career in Champaign County as a farmer, contractor, business man and public spirited citizen.

He was born at Catlin, Illinois, a son of Moses and Caroline (Walcott) Woodin. His father was born in New York and his mother in Indiana, and they were among the pioneers of Champaign County, coming from Indiana and locating east of St. Joseph, spending several years at Burr Oak Grove. Moses Woodin developed a large business as a farmer. Witlt his three sons he carried on an extensive estate. At one time he farmed the land where the village of St. Joseph now stands. The last time the site of that village was a scene of waving grain the fields were cultivated by the Woodin family. His son Ira drove a team helping grade the railroad through St. Joseph. Ira is now a prominent farmer in Southern Missouri. When the Woodin family came here most of the country was wild, and deer ran over the prairies in large droves. The hunters chased them with hounds, and furnished a sport which the little boys greatly enjoyed watching. The family of Moses Woodin consisted of six children, three sons and three daughters.

W. H. Woodin grew up in this county, received his education in the local schools, and at the age of thirty-four married Sarah J. Sperry. She was born north of Urbana, daughter of Elias and Serena Sperry. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Woodin located in St. Joseph Township and for several years he was engaged in farming. About that time the problem of drainage became acute and the efforts of individuals and communities were concentrated upon its solution. Large sums of money were invested in digging ditches, and Mr. Woodin and others took up ditch contracting. He kept several teams and hired men and built some of the largest ditches in the county. He also did contract work when the Interurban Railway was constructed through St. Joseph.

Always a very busy man, Mr. Woodin has at the same time possessed that public spirit which causes him to sacrifice some of his private interests in order that he may serve the public. He was elected to the office of constable and served sixteen years. He was many times called upon to perform his official duties in St. Joseph, Stanton and Ogden townships and had some trying experiences. He was oftentimes called upon to hunt down hardened criminals and arrest them. The most unpleasant task he ever had to perform was when a warrant was placed in his hands to arrest a woman. Mr. Woodin confesses that he would rather arrest five men than one woman. A woman invariably breaks down and cries, and he would rather confront physical violence than tears. At the present time Mr. Woodin is serving as assessor of St. Joseph Township. Three children were born to him and his wife, one son and two daughters, Lester, Isa and Maud. They were educated in the public schools of St. Joseph Township. Maud obtained a first grade teacher's certificate and did some very successful work in the schools of Champaign County, teaching in the Argo, South Mayview and Tipton schools. She was much beloved personally and for the sake of her work. It is an old saying that death loves a shining mark, and this girl proved the truth of the rule when she was taken away at the age of twenty-two. She was an honored and active member of the Christian Church at St. Joseph. Everything was done by her parents to effect her recovery, but with no avail.

Before her death the Woodin family had been visited by the death angel, when Mrs. Woodin entered into rest. She was a loving wife and mother and a kind neighbor, and many grateful memories wreath her name.

Since the death of his wife Mr. Woodin has continued to live at the old home with his children and since his daughter's death Isa has been his housekeeper. The Woodin family are attendants at the Christian Church, and Miss Isa is one of its active members.

Fraternally Mr. Woodin is a charter member of the Knights of Pythias Lodge and the only charter member of that order living in the village of St. Joseph. He is also a member of the Woodmen Order. In matters of politics he is a stanch Republican, having cast his first vote for that party and has never experienced a change of heart nor has he found a solid reason why he should deviate from the support of an organization which has done so much to maintain the integrity of this country.

JOHN CARL WEGENG has the good fortune to call Champaign County his home from birth to the present time, and his life's activities have been chiefly expressed through the business of farming, in which he has made a notable success. Mr. Wegeng's home is in Raymond Township, near the village of Bongard.

Mr. Wegeng was born in Raymond Township, July 25, 1868, a son of John jind Margaret Wegeng. His parents were both natives of Germany and they came to America a few weeks before their son John C. was born. They located in Raymond Township, where the father became a prosperous farmer and at the time of his death, on December 22, 1898, owned a half section, or 320 acres of land. He also served as school director and was a man of importance in the community in many ways. His widow is still living at Villa Grove, Illinois. They had the following children: Bertha, wife of Pat Mooney of Crittenden Township of this county; Phoebe, wife of John Beatty of Raymond Township; John C. ; Francis of Villa Grove ; Simon, who lives on the old homestead ; Philip of Champaign ; Emma, wife of Henry Mooney of Champaign; Annie, deceased; Martha, wife of Roy Sheppard of Pesotum; and Katherine, a resident of Villa Grove. The father by a previous marriage to a Miss Richter had two sons, Otto, deceased, and August, a resident of southern Missouri.

John C. Wegeng grew up on his father's farm in Champaign County and was educated in the district schools. At the age of twenty-one he began working as a farm hand, continuing for two years, and his father then bought a tract of 160 acres in section 18 of Raymond Township. Mr. Wegeng did his part in developing this land for about three years and then rented a portion of the homestead for five years. At the age of twentynine Mr. Wegeng married, and at his father's death he bought eighty acres of the old homestead, later another eighty acres, and the last addition to his landed property came when Eli Chapman willed him eighty acres. All of this has been highly developed and improved and under Mr. Wegeng's capable direction it is one of the most productive farms in the southern part of Champaign County.

June 4, 1896, he married Margaret Fitzgerald. They are the parents of a fine family of eight children : John T., Pearl M., Eussell Leo, James Francis, Eex Joseph, Mary Dorothy, Frances June, and Euth Marcella. These children have received excellent advantages both at home and in the local schools. Mr. Wegeng has proved himself a friend of education and has served as school director. He is a Democrat in politics and a member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Crittenden Township. His home farm is on Eural Eoute No. 64 out of Longview.

GEORGE M. PORTER, a veteran of the Philippine War, has had a very strenuous and active career, but is now quietly engaged in the business of farming and stock raising near Homer, where he was born November 29, 1881. Mr. Porter represents some old settlers in this section of Illinois. His parents were Charles D. and Effie M. (Custer) Porter. His father was born in Ireland and was brought to America when a child, the family locating in Pennsylvania. The grandfather, Thomas Porter, finally brought his family to Homer, Illinois, and was the first cobbler in that town. Charles D. Porter became a railroad man and was killed at Springfield in 1902. He was switching cars when he slipped and went under a moving train to his death. Mr. Porter's maternal grandfather, Martin B. Custer, walked all the way from Buffalo, West Virginia, to Homer, and for several years clerked for M. D. Coffeen in the latter's store. He also became a commission buyer of live stock for Mr. Coffeen and in that way got his start in life. He became a wealthy man and owned eight hundred and sixty acres in Vermilion County besides lots in Chicago Heights and Danville. Through his daughter, Mrs. Porter, all this property 'eventually descended to his grandson, George M. Porter. Mrs. Effie Porter died at Tampa, Florida, in 1907.

George M. Porter, the only child of his parents, spent his early life on a farm, and secured his education in the common schools. He was seventeen years of age when the war with Spain broke out and he then joined Troop G of the Fourth United States Cavalry. He was all through the Philippine War, and was in active service for four years. After his marriage he returned home and for seven years was a railroad man with the Chicago and Alton. Since then he has had active management of the extensive farm interests he owns in the vicinity of Homer and makes a specialty of feeding cattle and of handling thoroughbred Hampshire hogs.

On May 30, 1902, Mr. Porter married Fannie B. DeFrates, of French parentage. They have one son, Charles George, born August 3, 1903, and they also have two daughters, Hilda and Dorothy E. Mr. Porter is one of the best known citizens of Homer. He is a thirty-second degree Scottish Bite Mason and a member of various other Masonic bodies, belongs to the Elks, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Knights of Pythias, is a member of the Presbyterian Church at Homer and in politics is a Eepublican.

GEORGE N. LEAS. ,No name can be recalled more profitably for the instruction and enlightenment of future generations in Champaign County than that of the Leas family. One of its representatives is Mr. George N. Leas, a prosperous land owner, farmer and business man at St. Joseph.

His paternal ancestors were from Indiana, while the Argos came from Ohio. The Leas family located in Champaign County in early days. William C. Leas was a gallant soldier of the Civil War. He served his country three years, marching and battling for the cause of the Union, and did not return from the front until the flag was waving in triumph over all the states. After the war he settled down and reared a family of honorable children, educating and training them for the responsible duties of life. He was wounded in the battle of Chattanooga, and just forty years to the day from that event he attended the reunion of Wilder's brigade on the battlefield of Chattanooga, being accompanied by his son George N. and wife.

George N. Leas was one of three children, the other two being daughters. Mr. Leas married Martha Bowers, member of another notable family in Champaign County. She was born in Indiana, November 28, 1870, a daughter of A. J. and Kuth (Raper) Bowers, also natives of Indiana. Mrs. Leas was educated in the Bowers district school in Champaign County.

After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Leas farmed for one year eighty acres of land belonging to his father in Stanton Township. His father was so much pleased with the manner in which his son did the farm work that at the end of the year he placed a deed for the eighty acres in George's Christmas stocking, and at the same time gave a similar deed to his daughter, Mrs. Christie. Later he gave another eighty acres to the other daughter, Mrs. Leigh. William C. Leas was always impartial and treated all his children alike.

For five years Mr. and Mrs. Leas occupied the eighty-acre farm in Stanton Township. About that time Mrs. Leas' father, A. J. Bowers, desired" to sell his place and expressed a wish that some of his family should be its owner. Therefore Mr. Leas with his father, William, bought the Bowers estate, where Mrs. Leas had spent her girlhood. Thus the place is endeared to her by many associations.

A. J. Bowers was a minister of the Dunkard or the Brethren Church. He ministered to the organization at Urbana and also the congregation in the Swearingen schoolhouse four miles southeast of St. Joseph. He was a faithful minister for seventeen years, and during all kinds of weather he never failed to be on hand to hold services. It is the rule of the church of the Brethren that ministers shall serve without financial recompense, and this adds to the merit of Mr. Bowers' splendid fidelity and work. He was a splendid citizen, widely informed in secular as well as biblical knowledge, and his life was one of Christian action. His widow remained at the old homestead with the family of her daughter, Mrs. Leas, until September 24, 1917, when she entered into rest, her husband preceding her to the realm of the dead five years previous. The land of this estate was first acquired from the Government by Benjamin F. Argo, and he sold 120 acres to Mr. A. J. Bowers in 1872. At that time the land had very few improvements. Mr. Bowers owned the property for thirty years, and during that time he beautified the place with commodious buildings, set out fruit trees and shade trees, including a fine grove of evergreens in front of the house and lined the driveway with maples and pines. Thus, as a result of his labors, it was converted into one of the conspicuous country seats of St. Joseph Township. Mr. Bowers took special pride in his fruits, and at one time had seven varieties of yellow peaches growing in his orchard. He practiced agriculture with the faith of the true Christian, believing that where he sowed there also should he reap, and he had many evidences that his diligence and faithfulness were liberally rewarded. He also took pride in his home, and it was one of his greatest pleasures that his daughter's family finally took charge of the

Since he took active charge Mr. Leas has done much to increase the value and attractiveness of the farm, and all is now in a shining state of improvement and cultivation. Mr. Leas is one of the leading stock farmers of Champaign County, has a number of full blooded Percheron horses, Shorthorn cattle and Poland China hogs.

Mr. and Mrs. Leas have two sons, George William and Arthur Bowers, aged respectively seventeen and twelve years. The Bowers district school furnished them their early advantages and George is now a student in the St. Joseph High School.

Mr. Leas and wife spent seven years in western Canada, in what is now the Province of Alberta. They made this change for the benefit of the health of Mrs. .Leas. Mr. Leas now owns 960 acres of the land of western Canadian prairies and is very enthusiastic about the country, and is certain that it is now the greatest land of opportunity in the western hemisphere. While in western Canada they saw much of the scenery of the Canadian Eockies and also visited Portland, Oregon.

Mr. and Mrs. Leas are members of the Christian church, the Prairie Hope Church, a splendid little chapel which was built from lumber taken off Grandfather Leas' estate in Indiana and was hauled by his sons to the site of the present building. Grandfather Leas was a charter member of the church, and thus that place of worship has many happy associations for the family.

In politics Mr. Leas is an active Eepublican, is identified with the Masonic order, and has been a stanch friend of education and schools, having served as director of the local school. Thus the lives of the Bowers and Leas families have been in many ways identified with the best life of Champaign County.

In conclusion a word should be said concerning the life and character of Mrs. Margaret (Argo) Leas and her husband, William Leas, the parents of George N. They possessed many admirable traits of character, but especially were noted for their generous hospitality and kindness to the poor and needy. After her death it was well said that no one could ever take her place in the community. Whenever a needy family moved into the neighborhood this worthy mother, with her heart filled with love, was the first to be there, a ministering angel of mercy, and many a heart and home were gladdened by her presence. They were constant in Christian practice and charity, relieving distress, lightening burdens, enkindling hope, and no one eyer called upon them in vain. It seemed to be Mrs. Leas' special mission to help the poor and unfortunate in 'the bearing of their burdens, and like the woman of old it will be written of her in letters of imperishable gold, "She had done what she could." Father Leas was a devoted member of his church and one of his rules of life was that when he had Sunday visitors they were invited to attend religious service with him or remain at home until his return, recognizing thus his Christian obligation to his church and its importance.

JERRY GORMAN. One of the most widely known men of Champaign County is Jerry Gorman. Mr. Gorman has had an unusual career of achievement. He is a hard working and thrifty Irishman,' never had any special advantages when a boy, and has relied on honest toil and judgment born of experience to. place him in the front rank of farmers and land owners.

laborer, and in 1875 he came to Champaign County. At that time he located on section 7 of Raymond Township, and began as a modest but substantial farmer. His success has been growing year by year, and out of the proceeds of his work as a general farmer and stock raiser he has increased his holdings to 1,200 acres and has some of the best improvements found on any individual tract of land in the southern part of Champaign County. Mr. Gorman is a vigorous Democrat, and he and his family worship as members of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church of Crittenden Township.

He married Mary Fitzgerald, a native of Champaign County, and sixteen children were born to their union. Fourteen of these are still living, named as follows: John, on the home place; Maggie, wife of Terrence Williams of Danville; Mary, wife of Mathew Reynolds of Springfield; Catherine, wife of M. Lowry of Crittenden Township; while the other children, all at home, are named Fannie, Annie, Josephine, Hester, Ruth, Gertrude, James, Jeremiah, Lawrence, and Martin. Truly, this is one of the notable families of Champaign County.

DAVID B. WHITE. For sixty-three years one of the fine farms of Homer Township, Champaign County, has stood in the name of White, which is an old and respected name in this section, where it has always meant good citizenship, sterling integrity and those personal qualities which engender friendly feeling in a neighborhood. The present owners of the old White homestead are heirs of Henry Clay White by his first and second marriages. David B. White was born here November 19, 1871. His parents were Henry Clay and Elizabeth (Stayton) (Sweringen) White.

Henry Clay White was born in Ohio. He was reared on a farm and was accustomed early to the handling of cattle and he often in later years told of a journey he made in early manhood to New York City in company with others, when they drove a bunch of beef cattle to the metropolis. He never complained of the hardships of the trip although he traveled on foot the whole distance there and back. Such an enterprising young man was just such a pioneer as was needed in Illinois and when he came from Ohio he brought his household possessions with him with a team of oxen. They proved very useful in breaking up the tough prairie sod when he settled on his tract of 160 acres on section 20, Homer Township, in Champaign County. He was a man of great enterprise and gave encouragement to many of the early business ventures in' this section, especially the building of mills. Later in life he lent his influence to progressive movements in township and county and was a friend of the County Fair Association. Being better educated than many of the early settlers, his advice was frequently sought, and for sixteen years he served as township commissioner. His death occurred April 16, 1913.

Henry Clay White was thrice married. His first wife was Emily Laborn, and they had four children, namely : Abraham L., who lives in the city of Indianapolis ; Charles F., who lives at Danville, Illinois ; and two daughters who died in infancy, the death of the mother following. Mr. White's second marriage was to Mrs. Elizabeth (Stayton) Sweringen, a widow whose husband had been killed in the Civil War. She had one son, Henry Sweringen, who is now deceased. She was born in Illinois and died in this state. There were children born to the second marriage as follows : John C., who lives at Homer, Illinois ; David B. ; Sadie E., who is the wife of Marley Davidson, of Defiance, Ohio; Frank B., who lives at Danville, Illinois ; James S., who is deceased ; and Elizabeth E., who is also deceased. To the third marriage of Henry Clay White, with Caroline Upp, no children were born.

David B. White had educational advantages in the public schools. He has always been engaged in agricultural pursuits and has been farming for himself since 1893. He entertains modern ideas concerning his business and believes in 'the keeping of good stock and caring for them as valuable property, and the use of first class farm machinery. His is one of the best improved farms in the township.

Mr. White was married on March 21, 1895, to Miss Minnie Clutter, who was born in Vermilion County, and is a daughter of Abraham and Matilda (Carrol) Clutter, both of whom were born in Pennsylvania and both died in Vermilion County, Illinois. Mrs. White was the youngest born in their family of five children, the others being: Samuel, who is a resident of Homer; John, who makes his home in Pennsylvania; William, who lives in Vermilion County; and Alice, who is the wife of Wayne Smith, of Danville, Illinois.

Mr. and Mrs. White have two sons: Glenn C., who was born May 6, 1898 ; and D. Gordon, who was born June 8, 1908. Mr. White and family belong to the Presbyterian Church. In politics he is a Eepublican and for twenty years has served as a school director, and it may not be out of place to mention that Homer Township is proud of its reputation for its excellent schools. Mr. White is a Mason and also an Odd Fellow.

BENJAMIN C. PAINE. Among the substantial citizens and large property owners of Champaign County, one who has contributed to his community's welfare and prestige by his splendid citizenship no less than by the honorable success which he has gained in a material way, is Benjamin C. Paine. Belonging to a family that has been well known in the county for more than sixty years, Mr. Paine has maintained the high reputation borne by the family name and in offices of public trust and responsibility has vindicated the faith and confidence placed in his ability and integrity.

Mr. Paine was born near Sidney, Champaign County, Illinois, May 12, 1867, a son of Andrew J. and Elizabeth (Shackelford) Paine. His father, born August 19, 1832, in Worcester County, Massachusetts, was twentythree years of age when he came to Champaign County, Illinois, settling in Philo Township, where he resided for two years. He next purchased eighty acres of land near Sidney, but in 1868 removed to Raymond Township, where he bought a like tract, and this he had increased to 180 acres by the time of his death, September 15, 1903. Mr. Paine was a Democrat in politics and one of the influential men of his community, serving as town clerk for fifteen years and as justice of the peace from 1872 until his death. He was a man of upright character, upon whose judgment his associates depended in matters of business and civic importance, and who took the initiative in movements for the general public welfare. With Mrs. Paine he attended the Christian Church. Mr. Paine was married April 26, 1861, to Elizabeth Shackelford, who was born in Kentucky, came in young womanhood to Illinois with her parents, and died June 2, 1898. They were the parents of three children : Sarah and Leanah J., who are deceased; and Benjamin C.

Benjamin C. Paine was given good educational advantages in his youth, first attending the district schools of Champaign County, later the high school at Sidney, and finally Eureka (Illinois) College, where he was a student for one year. He then returned to the home farm, where he assisted his father until his marriage, when he rented 160 acres of land and worked this for about fifteen years. Removing then to Fairland, he became cashier of the Farmers Bank, a position which he held for two years, and then returned to the farm, where he resumed his general farming and stock raising operations. He is now the owner of 400 acres of land, a part of this being in Douglas County, and he makes his home at Longview, from whence he superintends the work on his property. In business circles Mr. Paine has an excellent standing and his integrity in civic affairs has been no less pronounced. He has served as supervisor, "town clerk, assessor and collector, and in each position has unselfishly devoted himself to a conscientious discharge of his duties, applying his best energies in a proper administration of affairs for the benefit of his community. He is fraternally affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Fairland Camp No. 791; Longview Camp No. 2852, Modern Woodmen of America; and Fairland Lodge No. 327, Court of Honor. He supports the Christian Church in its various movements, and is a Republican in his political views. On October 17, 1889, Mr. Paine married Miss Emma M. Rees, born in Iroquois County, Illinois, daughter of Robert and Harriet (Gibson) Rees, natives of Indiana, who came to Broadlands, Illinois, in 1885. There Mr. Rees died March 9, 1914, and Mrs. Rees in March, 1908. Mr. and Mrs. Rees had twelve children, those living being: Louis of Broadlands; Thomas B. ; Mary, the widow of Gilford Sims of Chicago ; Julia, the wife of J. J. Douthitt of Broadlands ; Emma M., now Mrs. Paine ; Elizabeth, the wife of G. C. Vance of Longview; and Addie, the wife of Charles Levie of Iroquois County. Mr. and Mrs. Paine have three children : Ada Emma, born May 30, 1905 ; Eva Julia, born April 22, 1906 ; and Andrew J., born September 8, 1907.

PETER H. MULLIGAN, present postmaster of Tolono, has been so long identified with the citizenship and farming activities of southern Champaign County as to require no special introduction.

Mr. Mulligan was born at Tolono July 4, 1865. His parents, Peter and Margaret (Lynch) Mulligan, were both natives of Ireland. The father came to this country when a young man, lived in New York about three years, spent another two years in Indiana and then joined the early settlers of Champaign County, establishing his home on a farm near Tolono. There he followed his vocation as a farmer until his death in 1895. His wife had passed away January 4, 1895. They had seven children : Margaret, of Tolono ; William, of Tolono ; Thomas, of Champaign ; Peter H.; Ellen, who died in infancy; Lewis, of Tolono; and Daniel, deceased.

Peter H. Mulligan grew up on his father's farm in Champaign County. He learned the lessons as taught in the district schools and was at home helping his father in the fields until the age of twenty-three. He and his brother Lewis then rented 160 acres of land for a couple of years, after which he bought the farm he still owns in Tolono Township. Mr. Mulligan has lived in the village of Tolono since 1912, and in 1913 received appointment as postmaster and has given all his time to the capable administration of that office.

In April, 1903, he married Elizabeth Sandwell, a native of Philo Township. Their only child died in infancy. Mr. Mulligan is an active Democrat and he and his wife are members of the Catholic Church.

E. CLARENCE CHURCHILL. With the exception of a short period spent at St. Louis, E. Clarence Churchill has passed his entire career in Champaign County, where he is now known as a representative of the class of men who have added impetus and encouragement to business, financial and agricultural development. Mr. Churchill entered the Longview Bank in the fall of 1906, and has steadily risen in prestige and position until at this time he is occupying the office of vice president of this institution, to the success of which his abilities and energies have greatly contributed.

E. Clarence Churchill was born on the family farm in Raymond Township, Champaign County, Illinois, January 23, 1882, a son of John W. and Alice I. (Martinie) Churchill, the former a native of Cortland County, New York, and the latter of Kentucky. His father was stiu a youth when he came to Champaign County in 1857, and when the Civil War came on enlisted as a private in Company G, Seventy-sixth Regiment, Illinois Volunteer Infantry, under Captain Ingersoll. His service began in 1862 and continued until he received his honorable discharge, July 22, 1865, at Galveston, Texas, and between these dates he had seen some hard fighting and some exciting experiences as a soldier. Among the engagements in which he participated were the siege of Vicksburg, the engagements at and around Jackson, Mississippi, the sanguinary fighting at Fort Blakeley, and the battles at Mobile, and while he was with the Federal forces in Georgia, was captured by the enemy and held a prisoner for six months. After his military service was completed Mr. Churchill returned to Champaign County, where he continued to be engaged in agricultural pursuits for a number of years, but finally turned his attention to mercantile affairs and rounded out a long, successful and honorable career at Longview, where his death occurred in 1910. He was one of this community's citizens who was not selfish in his aspirations, giving his support always to enterprises and institutions which assisted the community in it commercial, moral and civic growth. That he was successful in a material way is shown by the fact that before his death he had accumulated about 900 acres of land, in addition to having other holdings and interests. Mr. Churchill and his wife, who is also now deceased, had three children: Mary C., who is the wife of Horace B. Stevens, of Homer, New York; Charles F. and E. Clarence.

After attending the public schools of Longview, E. Clarence Churchill pursued a three-year course at the Westfield (Illinois) College, and with this preparation accepted a position with the American Radiator Company of St. Louis, Missouri. His connection with this concern extended only over a short period, however, for he was offered and accepted an engagement with the Longview Bank in the fall of 1906, and, as before noted, has advanced steadily with this banking house, of which he is now vice president. In addition, in partnership with his brother, Charles F. Churchill, he is engaged in superintending the operations of 680 acres of Champaign County farming land, some of which was purchased by his father at $6 per acre and more of which cost him $20.0 and $212 per acre for its purchase. In banking, business and financial circles, he has established and retained a reputation for sound judgment, reliability and acumen, and the confidence in which he is held by his fellow citizens was recently evidenced by his election to the office of village treasurer, to the duties of which post he is giving -his abilities at the present time. Mr. Churchill is a Republican.

On June 7, 1909, Mr. Churchill was married to Miss Myrtle Goble, who was born in Clark County, Illinois, and they are the parents of two children: Winston Goble, born 'June 23, 1912; and Asenath Irene, born March 6, 1914.

ALBERT R. COOPER, postmaster of Pesotum, has spent most of his life in this county as a practical farmer and also as a teacher, and is one of the dignified and influential leaders in his community.

Mr. Cooper was born in Pesotum Township October 7, 1870, a son of John A. and Mary L. (Prose) Cooper. His mother was born in Ohio. The father, a native of West Virginia, first went west to the State of Missouri and from there came to Champaign County in 1863. Locating on a farm in Pesotum Township, he went through the trials and adversities of the pioneers and finally accumulated an estate which enabled him to retire and enjoy life in comfort. The mother died in April, 1880-. They had seven children: Minnie, wife of Frank Dowler, of Hindsboro, Illinois; Myra, who died in childhood; Albert E. ; Laura, wife of Albert Tjossem, of Ellensburg, Washington; Curtis, of Decatur, Illinois; Chester, who died at the age of twenty-one; and Lucy, who died in infancy.

Albert E. Cooper grew up on his father's farm in this county, attended the district schools, and in 1891 finished the course of the Tolono High School. For one year he was a student in the University of Illinois. Mr. Cooper did a splendid work as a teacher, his experience including two terms in Champaign County and four terms in Douglas County, Illinois. After giving up the work of the schoolroom he spent two years on a farm owned by his father in Douglas County, and then returned to the old homestead in Champaign County in 1900 and was a practical farmer on its acres until the fall of 1911.

Mr. Cooper took the civil service examination of the Federal Government and on September 8, 1910, was appointed postmaster of Pesotum under the Taft administration. Under the civil service rules he remains in the office and is giving an administration satisfactory to all the patrons. While living on the farm he was twice elected assessor of Pesotum Township, and has also served as director of the local schools.

June 29, 1898, Mr. Cooper married Miss Nettie Knapp. She was born at Arcola, Illinois. Their family consists of seven children, all living and all in the family circle. Their names are Eva Lena, Hattie Leah, John Maurice, Albert Ealph, Selma Edith, Paul Eex and Guy Anton.

Mr. Cooper is a Eepublican in politics. He is affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Modern Woodmen of America, and with his family worships in the United Brethren Church.

CHARLES FRANK VAN VLECK. It is not so very many years ago since the first American automobile attracted interest and curious comment as it rather cautiously sped up and down the highways of town and country, and few people had sufficient confidence -in the new machine to predict that the time would come when it would practically supplant all other ordinary means of transportation. Its development has been so rapid and substantial that business men in all lines, all over the country, soon found themselves becoming first interested and later concerned with the automobile industry in some way. One of the necessary adjuncts is the public garage, and many men of solid business experience have found that they have made no mistake in investing in enterprises of this kind. One who is doing a fine business at Philo is Charles Frank Van Vleck.

Charles F. Van Vleck was born at Philo, Illinois, August 10, 1870. His parents were Charles H. and Jennie M. (Palmer) Van Vleck, the former of whom was born in the state of New York and the latter at Joliet, Illinois. They came to Philo in 1868 and the father embarked in a grain business at this point, in which he continued to be interested for many years. His death occurred at Philo February 8, 1916, his reputation as an upright business man never having been impaired. The mother died at Philo in October, 1872, when their only child was but two years old. He was educated in the public schools and remained with his father and when twenty-one years of age went into the grain business with him and continued to handle grain in this section for the next fourteen years. After Mr. Van Vleck sold his grain interests he went into the contracting and building business and erected a number of buildings in this vicinity before he went into the automobile business, in which he is greatly pros-

Mr. Van Vleck was married March 4, 1891, to Miss Anna E. Hoover, and they have had three children, namely: Vere, who died at the age of six months; Mary, who is the wife of John Mooney, of Indianapolis, Indiana; and Lorraine, who lives with her parents and assists her mother in dispensing hospitality in their pleasant home.

In politics Mr. Van Vleck is a sound Eepublican and on numerous occasions he has been elected by his party to important public office, at present serving as township supervisor and with the utmost efficiency. Fraternally he is an Odd Fellow and a Thirty-second degree Mason.

JAMES P. MCPHERREN, present postmaster of Homer, and a native of this section of Illinois, has been a successful business man for many years and has exemplified the energetic qualities of the real business "builder.

Mr. McPherren was born in Ford County, Illinois, July 22, 1871, but has spent practically all his life in Champaign County. His parents were Thomas J. and Amanda J. (Eoberts) McPherren. They were born in Indiana and came to Illinois in 1857, locating on a farm in Champaign County. His father died at Homer November 16, 1891, and the mother is now living with her son James. There were ten children in the family : Maria, widow of Dan Miller, living in Indiana; Rachel, deceased; Alice, wife of Nels Christison, of Nebraska; Josephine, wife of J. C. Flanding, of Indiana; Thomas, of Mount Vernon, Illinois; James P.; Robert, of Denison, Texas; Cyrus, living in this state; Mary, whose home is at Homer; and Nellie, wife of L. N. Hall, of Champaign.

James P. McPherren grew up on his father's farm, receiving a common school education, and stayed with his parents and helped manage the farm until 1896. He then took up the contracting business, and for three years was a manufacturer of brick and tile at Homer. Following that for eight years he was a concrete contractor, and then during President Wilson's first term was appointed postmaster of Homer and has looked after the administration of the local post-office to the satisfaction of all his constituents. Mr. McPherren is a Democrat, a member of the Masonic order and belongs to the Methodist Episcopal Church. He married Miss Nellie Trimble, a native of Champaign County.

J. C. McCASKEiN. Of the families that have contributed much to the life and substance of Champaign County during passing years that of Mr. and Mrs. J. C. McCaskrin of Rantoul stand conspicuous.

They came as young married people to Champaign County more than forty-five years ago. . J. C. McCaskrin was a son of Harrison M. and Louisa E. McCaskrin, the former a native of Pennsylvania and the latter of Ohio. The mother's family moved from Ohio to Indiana and entered a Government tract of land. Harrison McCaskrin was a miller by trade and followed that occupation in Tippecanoe County, Indiana. J. C. McCaskrin was the fourth in a family of five children, four sons and one daughter. The daughter, Mary Elizabeth, married Mr. Holliday and moved to Oswego, Kansas. Two of the sons, Reuben B. and George W., were Union soldiers and both lost their lives during the service. When the McCaskrin children were quite young their father died in White County, Indiana, and the widowed mother then took her children back to Tippecanoe County, where she fell heir to the family estate and lived there to see her sons grown to worthy manhood. The other son, Winfield Scott, lived with his mother and cared for her throughout her lifetime, subsequently removing to Kansas, where he died.

J. C. McCaskrin married, in December, 1869, Miss Margaret Cloyd. She was a daughter of John and Elizabeth (Nicewander) Cloyd. The Cloyd family consisted of six children, Maria, William, Margaret, Louisa, Albert and Lydia. They were educated in the public schools of Tippecanoe County, Indiana. John Cloyd was noted for his fine bred stock.

A few months after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. McCaskrin came to Champaign County, Illinois, and built a small house twelve by fourteen feet out on the broad prairie. They also had a small hay stable and one team of horses. This was the equipment with which the industrious young people began their lives in Champaign County. They were willing to work, possessed health and strength, and with those assets the future stretched before them with many rosy prospects. The nucleus of their landed estate consisted of eighty acres. Mr. McCaskrin worked strenuously in early years and gradually paid not only for his first farm but by adding forty acres at a time increased his holdings until he now owns 200 acres of fine, rich land.

Politically Mr. McCaskrin has always given loyal support to the principles of the Eepublican party, though he himself has refused any official position.

A special part of this record should concern itself with the three children, two sons and a daughter, who are the crown of Mr. and Mrs. McCaskrin's career. The sons are H. M. and G. W., and the daughter is Louise. From childhood they showed a bent for study and scholarly pursuits, were educated in the district schools, afterward in the high school at Eantoul, and following their graduation in that institution they entered the University of Illinois, where all of them completed courses. The sons studied law in the University of Michigan and are both alumni of that institution. H. M. McCaskrin is now a successful lawyer at Rock Island, Illinois. G. W. McCaskrin, who formerly practiced at Rock Island, now controls a large law business with offices in the Lincoln Building at Champaign. G. W. McCaskrin has had a life of exceptional activity and many honors. He served as alderman and twice as mayor of Rock Island, and was also a member of the State Legislature. In 1908 he was candidate for governor on an independent ticket. He went to the Legislature as a recognized exponent of the 2-cent fare on railroads in the State of Illinois. He originated and introduced the measure into the Legislature, which was passed in 1905 and brought about the reductions from the long-existing 3-cent fares to 2 cents. While his active part in this piece of legislation brought him the hostility of the transportation interests, it gained for him the approval of the general public, who have long enjoyed the decrease in transportation.

The daughter, Louise McCaskrin, after graduating from the university, took post-graduate work in pedagogy and also musical training under Miss Clara Maud Kimball at the state university. For six years she was a successful teacher in this county, and she then married John D. Stayton. Mr. Stayton was formerly a farmer, but is now successfully engaged in the real estate business at Rantoul. Mr. and Mrs. Stayton have had four children: Laura S., Jean M., Paul M. (deceased) and Leo Cloyd. Education and culture have always been strong motives in the McCaskrin family and have been equally manifested in the Stayton household, where the children are bright and energetic students in the Rantoul High School. Their musical training has been carefully supervised by their mother, and all the children have excellent voices and have contributed notably to many public entertainments. Only recently the baby of the family, Leo, aged five years, gained hearty applause by singing a solo.

Episcopal Church, but Mrs. McCaskrin has always been a member of "the Christian Church, and all the children grew up to support the same faith. Mr. and Mrs. McCaskrin have been closely identified with the interests of Champaign County for many years. They properly take pride in the progress made by their children, and through them they realize their ambitious plans and desires of early years. They have also performed their part in matters of neighborly kindness and good will toward their fellowmen, and as they look back upon a past that is filled with accomplishment and worthy influences they also look to an unclouded future.

CHAELES GEORGE DECKER. Since coming to Champaign County twenty-four years ago Charles G. Decker has demonstrated his thorough capacity and broad knowledge of farming and stock raising. His many years of practical experience contribute to his agricultural equipment, and his entire career has been devoted to the cultivation of the soil.

Mr. Decker was born in Jennings County, Indiana, October 28, 1864, a son of George and Mary (Johannes) Decker. His parents were born in Germany. His father was brought to America when a boy, lived in Ohio and in the early days took rafts of provisions down the Ohio and Mississippi to New Orleans, Louisiana. He finally moved to a farm in Indiana and both he and his wife are now deceased. Their children were : Mary and Margaret, deceased; Eosa, wife of Charles Grunert, of St. Annes, Indiana; Jacob, deceased; Anna, wife of John Schuster, of Cincinnati; Catherine and Lena, deceased; Charles G. ; and Winnie, wife of John H. Meyer, of Cincinnati.

Charles George Decker learned farming in Indiana and for a time had the active management of the home place. It was in 1893 that he came to Champaign County. For eight years he rented land, and then bought his present fine homestead of 230 acres in section 13 of Philo Township. He has made many improvements, has adapted himself to local conditions and besides general farming is handling Percheron horses as one of the chief features of his stock husbandry. He also makes a specialty of Shorthorn cattle and spotted China swine.

Mr. Decker married Elizabeth Johanna Kipper, a native of Indiana. Their five children are Herman Nicholas, Alfred Jacob, Stella Mary, Florence Magdalene and Walter Steven. Politically Mr. Decker is a Democrat. He and his family are active members of St. Thomas Catholic Church and he belongs to the Knights of Columbus.

THOMAS JEFFERSON WOODIN. Of the lives that have been a real contribution to the upbuilding and development of Champaign County during a long period of years that of Thomas Jefferson Woodin deserves more than passing consideration. Mr. Woodin and his good wife live in one of the most beautiful and attractive homes in the St. Joseph community, their home combining the attractions of both the town and country and being located within the village limits.

Mr. Woodin was born in Vermilion County, Illinois, September 6, 1841, and his birthplace was the community known as Butler's Point. He was the second in a family of four sons and one daughter born to Elmore and Rebecca (Springer) Woodin. His father was born in New York State and his mother in Ohio, and both of them came to Illinois with their parents when children. The father served as a soldier in the Black Hawk War.

Mr. Woodin had his early education in the district schools of Vermilion County. He was nineteen years of age when the war cloud arose and excitement ran high because the union of states was threatened. The bravest and best men in the country volunteered their services in that crisis, and in September, 1861, Thomas Jefferson Woodin left his father's home and was one of thirty young men who enlisted at the village of St. Joseph. These recruits were sent to Chicago and joined a company under Captain McWilliams, known as the Chicago Legion. After some preparatory drilling they were sent to Cairo, Illinois, and from there to Corinth, on to Island No. 10, then back to Corinth, where they did guard duty, took part in several of the many campaigns through Tennessee and finally from Nashville moved to the great battleground at Stone River or Murfreesboro. Mr. Woodin and his comrades took an active part in that engagement, one of the severest battles of the war. While it was a hotly contested field it was a virtual victory to the Union troops, and after a long day of fighting the Federals lay down to rest, feeling that the day was won. The next day the telegraph wires carried the glad news of the victory all over the United States. From Stone River the regiment of which Mr. Woodin was a member marched through Tennessee into Georgia and he was on continuous duty in skirmishing and then came the great battle of Chickamauga. During the first day of that battle the Union troops were driven back to Chattanooga. Then on the following day there was a turn of the tide, when the Federals regained the lost ground and Chickamauga became another milestone in the progress of the Union armies through the South. For three months the troops lay in camp and then fought the battle of Missionary Ridge. Mr. Woodin in that battle saw the heaviest fighting of his entire military experience. The Southerners had seventytwo pieces of artillery and thought it impossible for the Union troops to dislodge them. During a brief rest at one point on Missionary Ridge Mr. Woodin had a view of the surrounding country which gave him a prospect of almost the entire battleground. From here he could survey and witness a solid mass of Union troops extending over a four mile front going into battle with the enemy. After Missionary Ridge Mr. Woodin accompanied the troops back to Knoxville, Tennessee, to reinforce Burnside, and after a march of one hundred and fifteen miles they drove Longstreet away and relieved that besieged point. On the 18th of June began the noted Atlanta campaign. Mr. Woodin participated in only part of that hundred days campaign, and at the battle of Mud Creek he was severely wounded, after his division had made a charge and captured the objective and made many prisoners. Taken to the field hospital, he was then sent to Nashville, then to Louisville and finally to Springfield, Illinois, where during the month of August he lay in the hospital suffering with a gangrened wound and with typhoid fever. By careful nursing and with the resource of a strong constitution he recovered from his wound, and he has always given much credit to Mrs. Gregory, his good and faithful nurse, to whom he feels he owes his life.

At the end of the war was the declaration of peace over North and South and Mr. Woodin was honorably discharged in June, 1865, and then returned home.

On March 5, 1878, he married Miss Carrie A. Hunt. Mrs. Woodin was born at Eden in Erie County, New York, October 30, 1854, and when only four years of age, in 1858, her parents came West by railroad to Illinois. She has a recollection of that early journey in her life. Her parents were Jonathan and Caroline (West) Hunt, her father a native of New Jersey and her mother of New York. Mrs. Woodin was only fourteen years of age when her mother passed away on August 25, 1868. She received her education in the district schools of Champaign County, where the Hunt family were among the early pioneers. She completed her studies in the Urbana High School and afterward became clerk in a store at St. Joseph, where she remained until her marriage. After their mar- riage Mr. and Mrs. Woodin located in St. Joseph and Mr. Woodin continued his business as a stock buyer. They prospered, and one after another there came into their home three young sons, named Walter L., Earl B. and Ernest C. Realizing the advantages of an education, Mr. and Mrs. Woodin sent them to the local schools, the St. Joseph High School, and all of them completed the studies and came home proud possessors of diplomas. Earl continued his education in a business college at Marion, Indiana, two years, and took a scientific course at Dixon, Illinois. From there he entered the University of Illinois, having previously won the county scholarship, and he completed a six years' course in four years, graduating as a civil engineer. In that profession he has already gained a most gratifying position. He worked for a time at Ambridge, Pennsylvania, later in Pittsburg, and is one of the competent men in his profession. He married Miss Grace Mast, of Urbana, Illinois, and has a little daughter, Gwendolyn.

The son Walter after graduating from the local schools took a place on his father's farm and is now a practical and progressive farmer in Vermilion County. He married Grace Gibson, of St. Joseph, and they have three children, Agnes dying at the age of one year, and the two still in the home circle are Carl and Lucile.

The son Ernest Woodin entered the University of Illinois, spending one year in the preparatory course, and for four years was a member of the military band. From college he went to Chicago, and starting on a salary of sixty dollars a month with the Gas & Coke Company has been steadily promoted until he now fills one of the high salaried positions with the company.

Mr. and Mrs. Woodin are attentive members of the Church of Christ at St. Joseph and are among its liberal supporters. They give their political allegiance to the Republican party, and Mrs. Woodin has for years been actively identified with the prohibition cause. She is a woman of unusual executive ability and has sought to exercise her influence always on the side of right. In 1897 Mr. Woodin erected a fine modern home south of St. Joseph on a forty acre tract of land, and adjoining their home is a grove of beautiful trees constituting a widely known park of twenty acres, with a fine water supply and one of the favorite spots for picnickers in this part of the county.

During the greater part of her life Mrs. Woodin has been afflicted with poor health. She has overcome that infirmity with a courageous spirit that has kept her constantly striving and has enabled her to rear and educate her boys and send them into the world well equipped for their duties.

Another member of the Woodin household must be' mentioned. This is Mr. Woodin's half sister, Sina B. Richardson. She came into his home at the age of sixteen, an orphan in poor health, and has ably assisted Mrs. Woodin in rearing the sons and did much to encourage them in every way while they were obtaining their educations and coming to manhood. She shared the joys and sorrows of the household, and is one of the most faithful women of Champaign County. Mr. and Mrs. Woodin have made ample provision in case she should survive them that her last days may be spent in comfort and peace. For a number of years she has had active charge of the beautiful park at the Woodin home. In order to encourage the building of the Interurban Railroad Mr. and Mrs. Woodin donated a part of their own land to the road, and their public spirit in this instance has been one of many cases in which they have worked for the betterment and uplift of the community.

ALBERT LEHMAN SOUTHWORTH, living retired at Longview, represents one of the old and substantial families of Champaign County, his people having located here more than sixty years ago and having played worthy and active parts in the development and transformation of Raymond Township.

Mr. Southworth was born in Erie County, Ohio, August 14, 1850, son of John Randolph and Anna (Akers) Southworth. His father was a Connecticut man by birth while his mother was born in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. It was in 1855 that the family came to Champaign County and settled on a tract of raw and unimproved land in section 29, Raymond Township. The father lived there and cultivated the soil until his death in 1885, while the mother passed away in 1893. They were the parents of six children: Mary Adelaide, widow of Martin B. Reed, living in Colorado; Julia Ann, deceased; Horace Franklin, deceased; Albert L. ; John J., of Danville, Illinois; and May Lilly, wife of James Watts, of Fairland.

Albert L. Southworth has had an active career, was reared on the home farm in Raymond Township, attended the local schools, and at the age of twenty-three left home and went to Parsons, Kansas, where he lived on a farm for seven years. His next experience was near Soda Springs, Colorado, where he spent three years as a miner. On returning to Champaign County he rented the home place for about three years, and again went back to Kansas and did farming for seven years. Since then he has lived at Longview and is retired. Mr. Southworth is a Democrat in politics.

JOHN T. FREEMAN. Because of the intelligence and good judgment of many of the large farmers of Champaign County, this section of the state contributes much to the general food supply and scarcely any other industry is so well worth engaging in or so compensating when everything else is considered. One of the wide awake, modern and prosperous farmers of this section of Illinois is found in John T. Freeman, who owns large tracts of cultivated land in Homer and Ogden townships.

John T. Freeman was born in Champaign County, Illinois, July 25, 1854, and is a son of Thomas and Nancy (Redman) Freeman, both of whom were born in Ohio. From that state they came to Illinois and during the first year lived in Vermilion County, moving in 1851 to Champaign County and settling in Homer Township, where Thomas Freeman engaged in farming during the rest of his active life. He was born in 1826 and died in 1908. His wife was born in 1826 and died in 1902. They were estimable people and are kindly remembered by their neighbors. They were the parents of six children, namely : Mary M., who is deceased ; Edmund R., who is a resident of Ogden, Illinois ; John T. ; James J., who also lives in Homer Township; William H., who died at the age of two months; and Martha, who died in infancy.

John T. Freeman grew to manhood on his father's farm in Homer Township and gained his education in the district schools. His first farming venture on his own account was in the vicinity of Ogden, Illinois, where he remained for three years. He then moved to Homer Township and bought 380 acres lying on the State Road, his present acreage and the location being as follows : 160 acres in section 29, Homer Township ; 100 acres in section 32, Homer Township; 120 acres in Ogden Township situated in sections 29 and 30. Mr. Freeman carries on general farming and according to the most approved methods.

The parents of Mrs. Freeman were John P. and Mary (McMahn) Silkey. The father was born in New Jersey and the mother in Ohio. They came to Champaign County in 1863 and at first Mr. Silkey worked at his trade, that of a tinner, but later went into the monument business. They were well known and highly respected people. They had six children, namely: Thomas E., who lives at Danville, Illinois; Joseph B., who is a resident of Royal, Illinois; Fremont, who is deceased; Jennie B., who is the wife of John T. Freeman ; Charles M., who lives at Mt. Pulaski, Illinois; and Annie M., who is the wife of James H. Freeman, of Ogden, Illinois. .

In politics Mr. Freeman is a Republican and for six years he served as commissioner of highways, " giving universal satisfaction. He has belonged to the Masonic fraternity for many years past and attends the lodge at Homer.

JOSEPH E. JOHNSON. While he is still a young man, the career of Joseph E. Johnson has been one filled with successful participation in a number of ventures, and in its range and activities has invaded the fields of both commerce and finance. In the former direction he is at the head of a grain and lumber business that is recognized as one of the necessary commercial adjuncts of Broadlands, and in the latter capacity he is cashier of the Bank of Broadlands and a man of much financial knowledge and ability. Likewise, Mr. Johnson is a citizen who has spent his entire life at Broadlands, is well acquainted with its needs in a civic way, and has always been eager to further its interests.

Joseph E. Johnson was born at Broadlands, Champaign County, Illinois, September 11, 1881, and is a son of Charles J. and Barbara (Mack) Johnson, the former a native of Sweden and the latter of Bohemia. Charles J. Johnson was about at his majority when he immigrated to the United States in 1877, and his first location was on a farm in Ayers Township, Champaign County. During the remaining active years of his career he continued to follow agricultural pursuits with much success, but recently has retired and he and Mrs. Johnson are living at Broadlands, in the enjoyment of all the comforts and conveniences which may be won through industry and right living. They are the parents of three children: Anna, the wife of Ira Laverick, who is engaged in farming in Ayers Township; Joseph E., of this notice; and William H., who is engaged in farming in Douglas county.

After attending the public schools of the vicinity of his home Joseph E. Johnson further prepared himself by taking a course at Brown's Business College at Champaign. While a youth he had thoroughly learned the business of farming through assisting his father during the summer months, and when his commercial course was completed he returned to the homestead, where he sp.ent five years at the vocation of agriculturist. He then decided to put his business training to some use, and, coming to Broadlands, entered the Bank of Broadlands as bookkeeper. He retained this position for three years, when, because of his general ability, fidelity and industry, on January 1, 1917, he was given the post of cashier and still retains this office. In the meantime, during the time he was acting as bookkeeper, he had entered commercial affairs on his own account, having founded a lumber, coal and grain business, which he built up to large proportions. After assuming the duties of cashier Mr. Johnson found that his responsibilities were too heavy and he was compelled to drop the coal business, although he still handles lumber and grain in large quan- tities. He is one of his community's sound and substantial business men, and his personal probity of character has done much to increase the business of the bank with which he is connected. He is a Republican, but not a politician or office seeker, is fraternally identified with the Masons, and his religious connection is with the Methodist Episcopal Church.

Mr. Johnson was married February 10, 1904, to Miss Lulu D. Morris, and to this union there has come one son, Charles Morris, born October 2, 1909, and now attending the public schools.

JAMES M. CUHRENT. One of the oldest business men in Champaign County is James M. Current, of Homer. He and his family have conducted a grain business for a great many years in this and in Vermilion County. His life has 'been one of constant activity and from small beginnings he has acquired a competence and an honorable reputation.

Mr. Current was born in Vermilion County, Illinois, January 21, 1842, a son of William and Mary (Bastion) Current. His parents were both born in Virginia, his .father in 1803 and his mother in 1807. His father located in Vermilion County among the pioneers in 1826 and six years later was a soldier in the Black Hawk War. He was a farmer and his death occurred August 6, 1851. There were fourteen children in the family, and four sons are still living: George, now in the Soldiers Home at Danville, Illinois ; James M. ; Isaac, of Danville ; and Samuel, who lives in Nebraska. Another son, Samuel, was a soldier and was one of the guards at Lincoln's funeral in Washington.

James M. Current grew up in Vermilion County and remained there as an active farmer until 1871. For three and a half years he was in the meat and grocery business at Danville, but in 1875 moved to a farm six miles southeast of Homer in Vermilion County. In 1892 he engaged in the grain business at Fairmont, and in 1901 moved his business headquarters to Homer, where he is still active, though now past seventy-five years of age.

On October 18, 1859, when not yet eighteen years of age, Mr. Current married Miss Mary E. Lynch. Six children were born to them: William H., now associated with his father in business; Abraham L., of Danville; Mary Jane and Sarah Melissa, both deceased; Martin A., of Danville; and Fay R. Fay R. served three years as mayor of Homer. He is an active member of the Masonic Order. Fay Current married Florence Giddings, a native of Kentucky, and four children were born to their marriage : George J., deceased ; Victor V. ; Vernon R., deceased ; and Alta Belle. The son William H. married for his first wife Lovina Gibson and they were the parents of six children : Etta and Frank, both deceased ; Fred; Bertha, wife of Ralph Kelsheimer; Clark; and Seymour. William H. married for his second wife Gretchen Whitshof.

James M. Current is a Republican in politics, a member of the Masonic Order and has long been active in the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is a local preacher and at the special request of the official board he delivered a sermon at Homer on his seventy-fifth birthday.

FRED W. HOWELL. While the greater part of Champaign County may be included in the agricultural belt, many of the finest farms may be found in Homer Township, where the type of citizenship is high and unusually intelligent. Modern methods prevail, the farmers use the very best farm machinery and are generally open minded, yet practical, as to improved ways of carrying on their important industries. One of these well informed agriculturists is Fred W. Howell, who has lived on his present farm in section 29 since he was eleven years old. He was born in Homer Township, July 23, 1885, and is the only child of his parents, Samuel W. and Savannah (Brown) Howell, natives of Indiana, who are now living at Fort Collins, Colorado.

Fred W. Howell obtained his education in the public schools. He was reared on the farm now owned by his parents and has made farming and stockraising his business. He has 160 acres here, well developed and richly cultivated and has made such substantial improvements that all the surroundings are comfortable and a prevailing air of thrift is immediately noticed. v

Mr. Howell was married on February 1, 1912, to Miss Edna Snyder, who was born in Champaign County and is a daughter of Monroe and Flora (Bowen) Snyder. The father of Mrs. Howell was born in Illinois and the mother is a native of Ohio. They reside in Indiana, where Mr. Snyder is a farmer. Mr. and Mrs. Snyder have seven children : Mrs. Howell and Eoy, who are twins, and the latter is a resident of Urbana, Illinois; Jessie, who is the wife of Floyd Harvey, of Wesley, Iowa; Nellie, who is the wife of Ward Euddicil, of Homer; and Mattie, Hazel and Herman, all three of whom live with their parents.

Mr. Howell has never been very active in politics nor has he been an office seeker, but he is a careful and interested citizen and has always voted with the Eepublican party. He is a Mason of many years standing and belongs also to the Loyal Order of Moose.

JEHU EVERETT DAVIS, a prominent banker and business man of Pesoturn, has pursued a very active career ever since leaving school. He represents one of the old established families in this section of Champaign, County.

Mr. Davis was born at the village of Pesotum July 4, 1874, a son of James Edwin and Lavina (Crawford) Davis. Both parents were born in Ohio and came to Champaign County in 1867, locating at Pesotum, where they still reside. His father has been in the grain business and in other activities for many years.

The only child of his parents, Jehu Everett Davis was well educated in the local schools, and at the age of sixteen entered the Wesleyan University at Bloomington, where he pursued special courses for two years. For one year he attended the business college at Valparaiso, Indiana. His first regular position was with the firm of Baughman, Orr & Company, bankers at Tuscola, Illinois, where he remained fourteen months. He then bought B. Gardiner's undivided interest in the lumber, implement and harness business at Pesotum and was connected with that enterprise seven years. Then with his father in 1907 he organized the Bank of Pesotum, the first financial institution of the town. On account of failing health he sold his interests there and on April 1, 1912, bought from William Kleiss an interest in the Kleiss & Gilles elevator at Pesotum. He is still connected with the local grain firm of Davis, Burton & Gardiner, though since July, 1912, his chief time has been devoted to banking. At that date Mr. Davis organized the Farmers & Merchants Bank of Pesotum, of which lie is cashier. P. J. Gates is president and Henry Pfeffer, vice-president. The bank has a capital stock of $30,000 and every year since its organization it has paid ten per cent dividends to its stockholders.

Mr. Davis married October 14, 1897, Loutie G. Gardiner. Mrs. Davis was born in Champaign County, daughter of Benjamin and Adeline (Coffin) Gardiner. Her father was born in Canada and was an early settler in Champaign County. Mr. and Mrs. Davis have three children : Mildred, born September 13, 1900; Constance, born February 3, 1903; and Helen, born February 15, 1914.

Mr. Davis besides his very busy life in practical affairs has served as township school treasurer for ten years and one of his very active interests is his membership in the Methodist Episcopal Church and Sunday school. He has been Sunday school superintendent twelve years. He is a Democrat, a member of the Masonic Order, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and the Modern Woodmen of America.

MERIT V. CUPPERNELL and his wife, Mary M., were both born near Sackett's Harbor in New York State, were married there and in 1870 came to Champaign County, Illinois, where they spent the rest of their years, performing the duties of their home and private business and also extending their influence widely throughout the community.

On coming to Champaign County Mr. Cuppernell located in Rantoul, where he engaged in the milling business. He was at first employed by Peter Myers. As the years went by strict attention to business and economy enabled him to buy a mill of his own, and he operated that until the end of his life. For his permanent home he purchased eighty acres of land a half mile southeast of Eantoul, and gave his children an environment of the wholesome country atmosphere. He and his wife had nine children, four daughters and three sons growing up and two dying in infancy. These children were named Addie, Horace, Allie, Delia, Mayme, Bert and Arthur. All of them attended district school and also the high school at Eantoul. Addie and Allie both completed their studies at Eantoul.

Addie Cuppernell was married in 1882 to Mr. J. B. Martin, a printer by trade. In 1889 they moved to Homer, where Mr. Martin for twenty-two years owned and published the Homer Enterprise. He was a thorough newspaper man and was also public spirited in relation to everything that went on in his community. He served in the town council and was one of the most devoted members of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Homer. He liberally supported that church and served it as trustee and member of the official board. In 1911 the death angel claimed this worthy man, death coming suddenly. He went to his office in the morning and was soon afterwards stricken by death. His death marked the passing of one of Homer's most capable citizens and his memory is still green in that community. Only a day or so before, at the Sunday evening church service, he had spoken cordially with most of the members of the congregation, and none felt that death was so soon impending. Mr. and Mrs. Martin were congenial people and she enjoyed the work of her church as much as her husband. For six years she was president of the Ladies' Aid Society. Mr. Martin was a fine type of the true American, was affiliated with Homer Lodge of Masons, and also with Lodge No. 199, Knights of Pythias, and the Tribe of Ben Hur. He died at his post with his armor on, and the place of this good man has not yet been filled. A beautiful memorial service to his memory was held at his old church, and the edifice was unable to accommodate the great crowd that gathered to pay their respect to his good work. A testimony meeting was also held in the school and each child, one by one, arose and told of some kind deed or word by which Mr. Martin had benefited them.

Horace Cuppernell has his home in Urbana. He is a member of the Woodmen of the World and the Knights of Pythias. He married Addie Carpenter, and their seven children are Abbie, Clarence, Lena, Merit, Horace, Thomas and Frank.

Allie Cuppernell is the wife of Mr. W. E. Trees of Mulberry. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias and with his wife worships in the Christian Church.

Bert Cuppernell had an interesting career in which his energy and ambition took him far. For a number of years he held a Government position in the agricultural department at Washington, and by attending night school graduated in pharmacy. He died there at the age of thirty-three years. He possessed much ability and left many friends to mourn his loss.

Merit and Mary Cuppernell were devout members of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Eantoul. Fraternally he was a Mason and both he and his wife were active in the Eastern Star, as is their daughter Mayme. In politics he was a Eepublican. He reared his sons to honor the same political party. The parents gave the best of themselves to their children and the latter do credit to their rearing. The Cuppernell home has always been noted for its hospitality and has been a center for the radiating kindness of worthy and tender-hearted people. In the last days of the parents the presence of their children at. home, Arthur, Delia and Mayme, was a source of continual comfort and by their devotion these children were able to repay in some measure the care bestowed upon them during their childhood. They relieved their parents of many responsibilities in the conduct of business matters, and it is a grateful matter of record that some reference to these worthy people, both parents and children, can be included in this publication.

JOHN P. HUDSON is one of Champaign County's most successful farm owners and farm managers. He is a young man, and for all his success to date has the best years of his life still before him.

Mr. Hudson was born in Sidney Township of this county November 12, 1885, a son of Albert and Mary (Deer) Hudson. His father and mother were both natives of Champaign County and his father has been a very successful farmer and land owner, but is now living retired. The mother died in 1893. There were five children in the family : Elsie, wife of George Brash, of Decatur, Indiana ; John Poke Hudson ; Sophie, wife of Howard Rogers, of Gifford, Illinois; Robert, now deceased; and Jesse, of Homer, Illinois.

John P. Hudson grew up on his father's farm and had the advantages of the district schools. When he was twenty years of age he began farming as a renter on 200 acres, and after a successful experience there for two years went to Ohio and rented a 160 acre farm owned by his father. Mr. Hudson lived in Ohio five years and then returned to the home place, of which he manages 160 acres and rents eighty acres. In improvement and cultivation this ranks among the best kept farms in Champaign County. The Hudson home is on Rural Route No. 57 out of Sidney.

Mr. Hudson married an Indiana girl, Miss Iva Murrah. They have four children, Vera, Vivian, Vernon and Mary. Mr. Hudson is a Democrat and is affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at Sidney.

MARTIN V. MOORE. One of the most interesting old time citizens of Homer Township is Martin V. Moore, who when a young man enlisted from this county and went out to fight the battles for the preservation of the Union, and in all the years since then has maintained the traditions of honor that actuated him on many a hard fought battlefield.

Mr. Moore was born at Eugene, Indiana, a son of Enoch and Adaline (Force) Moore. His father was a native of New York State and his mother of New Jersey. Enoch Moore when a small boy migrated with his.

family to Indiana. This was in the year 1832. From old New York State they traveled by water around the Great Lakes to Chicago, and reached that settlement when old Fort Dearborn was still standing and only, a short time after the organization of the village of Chicago, which then, contained only a few houses. Indians were perhaps more numerous than white men, and while the Moore family were there the Indians were receiving their last payment from the government. The Indians who lived in and around Chicago were great fishers and brought a large quantity of fish which they sold to the captain of the vessel that brought the Moores. Some of the children of this family had never seen an Indian before. Martin Moore was one of the five children of his father's second marriage and there were also five by the first union. Martin's brothers and sisters were Anson B., Jane L., Angeline and Howard. Howard Moore when a boy was a student of the late Judge Cunningham of Champaign County. Judge Cunningham was at that time a young man employed as teacher in the school at Eugene, Indiana. Many pleasant recollections are retained of this old neighborhood school. -The boys once in a spirit of mischief led horses upstairs and it required a long time and much trouble to get them down. The boys and girls thought a great deal of Cunningham as a teacher and he was very popular. The board urged him to remain for another term, but just then he decided to study for the bar.

When Martin V. Moore was six years of age he lost his father by death. The responsibility and care of the children were then thrown upon his widowed mother, who did all she could under the circumstances.

When Mr. Moore was ten years of age M. D. Coffeen, who was a resident of Illinois, was making a business visit to Eugene, Indiana. He saw Martin Moore down on his knees playing marbles with other boys and going up to him pleasantly asked if he did not want to take a ride. Like all boys Martin was ready for any adventure that promised novelty, and after obtaining the consent of his mother Coffeen brought him down to old Homer, Illinois. There he grew up in the home of Mr. Abraham Yeazel, Thus was Martin V. Moore introduced to Champaign County in the month of May, 1849.

While growing up he learned the lessons of industry and of good thrifty habits, and these were of even more value to him than the lessons he learned in school. He was twenty-two years of age when the war clouds arose over the country and with his brother Anson B. he enlisted at Homer in Company C of the Twenty-fifth Illinois Infantry. They were mustered in June 1, 1861, and soon went to St. Louis, where they received their arms and accouterments from the arsenal. They were next sent to Jefferson City, Missouri, took part in the engagements at Lexington and Booneville in the attempt to drive General Price out of the state, later were stationed at Holla in southern Missouri, and then had some skirmishes around Springfield, Missouri. The first big battle was that of Wilson Creek. Mr. Moore was under the command of Captain C. A. Summers, and the general leading his brigade was the noted Sigel. It was at Wilson Creek that General Sigel was deceived by the Rebel troops coming up dressed in Union uniforms and carrying the Union flag. The rebels did not open fire until they were quite near and General Sigel was compelled to retreat. After the next winter at Rolla they were again in the field fighting General Price and took part in the battle of Pea Ridge, Arkansas, where the Union troops practically sealed the victories of the campaign, as a result of which the Confederates permanently lost Missouri. In Pea Ridge the forces of which Mr. Moore was a part were nearly surrounded by the Confederacy. General Sigel, when told that surrender was imperative, responded, "I never was beaten." Curtis, then his superior in command, insisted upon surrender, but Sigel interposed, "Give me the command and I will whip them- in two hours." Curtis replied, "Take it." Sigel asked, "Put it in black and white." The order was written, Sigel took command, gave the order for battle, and the result is known to every reader of Civil War history. After that Mr. Moore went to Little Eock, Arkansas, and soon afterward was sent to Pittsburg Landing to help out Grant, who was sorely pressed in that great two days engagement. During the Tennessee campaign he was at Murfreesboro, in camp for a time at Nashville, also at Knoxville, and then spent the winter at Nashville. General Bragg had massed a great army at Murfreesboro and General Rosecrans, in command of the Federals, moved down upon that point and fought the historic conflict known as Murfreesboro or Stone River. During the subsequent months Mr. Moore covered a large part of Arkansas, Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee and Kentucky. He was also in the early advance through the heart of the Confederacy towards Atlanta and the heaviest fighting he ever saw in the war was at Chickamauga. He also fought at Missionary Ridge, but before the opening of the Atlanta campaign his term expired and he was mustered out at Springfield, Illinois, September 5, 1864.

Returning home to Homer Township, Mr. Moore in 1865 married Sarah A. Hayes. She was born in Homer Township, daughter of Moses and Martha Hayes. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Moore rented a farm in Homer Township for two years and then located on land which Mrs. Moore had inherited, situated in section 17. Here they undertook the task of making a permanent home and had behind them strength, courage, hope and industry, so that the future was absolutely unclouded.

At that time their own land and much of Champaign County was a virgin prairie. It was possible to go from their farm to Tuscola without seeing a single tree, while one might make a journey from Homer to Chicago and never encounter a fence. Mr. Moore, aided by his capable wife, has accomplished what he set out to do and has made his particular portion of Champaign County truly to blossom as the rose and meet every test of fruitfulness and beauty.

To Mr. and Mrs. Moore were born two children, Abraham and Martin V. The son Martin died in infancy. Abraham was educated in district school No. 10 and has always lived at home with his parents and is now active manager of the old farm.

Reference to his brother Anson B., who was his companion in arms during the war, has already been made. Anson was one of the brave color guards appointed with five others to guard the color bearer at the battle of Missionary Ridge. These color bearers were always a conspicuous object to the enemy and the musketry fire was usually concentrated upon the standard of colors. In the battle of Missionary Ridge Anson Moore was mortally wounded and his brother Martin saw him only once after he was wounded until he died.

Mr. Moore's other brother, Howard, has lived at the Moore home for many years. These three brothers, who were deprived of each other's companionship in boyhood, are united in later days and have found a great deal of pleasure and mutual aid in each other's company.

Politically Mr. Moore is a Republican, and has sustained the principles by ballot which he fought for as a soldier. In fraternal matters he is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and his son Abraham is enthusiastic in the work of the local lodge and also in the Knights of Pythias and the Woodmen. Throughout his service as a soldier Mr. Moore kept a diary and put down all the interesting things that occurred. This diary makes most interesting reading today, and recalls with great vividness the many fearful scenes through which he passed as a soldier and it is also valuable in that it enables the people of the present generation to better understand and appreciate the sacrifices made by those gallant boys of the '60s for the preservation of the Union. Mr. Moore, though more than half a century has passed since the war, possesses a splendid memory and is considered an authority on many old time events of both then and of later occurrence.

FRED A. MESSMAN. The business interests of Broadlands have an energetic and progressive representative in the person of Fred A. Messman, who belongs to the younger generation of men engaged in commercialenterprises in Champaign County. To a very considerable extent it is this element in any community, especially outside of the large cities, which infuses spirit and zest into the activities of the place. Mr. Messman is a pronounced type of this class of tireless workers, and during his comparatively short career has been identified with agriculture, the buying of grain, and the implement and harness business, to which last named he at present gives the greater part of his attention.

Mr. Messman was born in Ayers Township, Champaign County, Illinois, April 7, 1886, a son of Charles and Minnie (Dohme) Messman, natives of Germany, the former of whom came to the United States at the age of fifteen years and the latter as a child. For a number of years Charles Messman was engaged in farming in the vicinity of Sadorus in Sadorus Township, but at present is retired from active operations and a resident of Broadlands,. where he is held in high esteem as a substantial citizen. He and his wife have been the parents of the following children : Carl, who is engaged in farming in Homer Township ; Albert, a resident of Tolono; Amelia, who is the wife of Bobert Smith, of Allerton, Illinois; Henry, whose home is in Douglas County; Louisa, the wife of Herman Struck, of Eaymond Township, this county; Fred A., of this notice; and Marie, the wife of Otto Struck, of Raymond Township.

Fred A. Messman was given his education in the country schools and until he was twenty years of age remained on the home farm. At that time he became a renter in Homer Township, where for two years he worked a 200-acre farm and subsequently went to Ayers Township, where he rented 260 acres. At the end of three years he was able to buy an eighty-acre farm in Ayers Township, and to this he has since added by industry and good management until today he is the owner of 360 acres, which land is being worked by renters. After engaging actively in agricultural work for some year Mr. Messman became a grain buyer for the Broadlands Grain and Coal Company, although he still retained his farming interests, and in January, 1917, bought a one-half interest in an implement and harness business. He is an exceptionally enterprising young man and thoroughly competent in business transactions. The honesty of his dealings is fully recognized by his fellow townsmen, and although his advent in Broadlands is of recent date, the patronage which he enjoys presages a successful future.

. Mr. Messman was married December 25, 1916, to Miss Ida Marity, a native of Douglas County, Illinois. A Republican in his political adherence, Mr. Messman has taken quite an active part in public affairs, having served three years as a member of the town council and being the present assessor of Broadlands. He belongs to the Lutheran Church and has done his full share in supporting worthy and worth while movements.

ARCHIBALD B. CAMPBELL went through a long and thorough appren-. ticeship in business affairs, at first as a railway employe, afterwards as a newspaper editor and publisher, later as postmaster, and for a number of years before his death as a banker at Tolono, where he was one of the effective leaders in business and civic affairs.

Mr. Campbell was born in Ayrshire, Scotland, August 4, 1870, a son of Archibald B. and Christina (Stewart) Campbell. His parents were both natives of the bonny land of Scotland. The father followed the business of contracting for the laying out of estates. He died in the old country in 1872. The year following his death the widowed mother brought her family to America and joined her sister at Tolono, Illinois. She died there October 19, 1916. She was the mother of seven children : Alexander A., who died April 26, 1888, was cashier of the Bank of Tolono; Jennie, wife of G. L. Baker, of Champaign ; Mary, widow of Eobert Leslie, living at Pittsfield, Illinois; John, who died at the age of three years; William S., who died in Tolono in 1896 ; Peter S., of Urbana ; and Archibald B.

Archibald B. Campbell had no recollections of his native land, having been brought to America in early infancy. He grew up at Tolono, attended the grammar and high schools, and in 1887, at the age of seventeen, began earning his own way as a worker for the railroad company. He spent four years in the railroad office, and then in 1891, at the age of twenty-one, took charge of the Tolono Herald, which he leased for three years and then bought the plant. He conducted this weekly journal on a flourishing scale for several years.

July 13, 1897, Mr. Campbell was inducted into the office of postmaster at Tolono and served for over six years, finally retiring in December, 1903. On February 4, 1904, Mr. Campbell had the responsibility and distinction of opening the doors of the Citizens Bank of Tolono. The principal stock-; holder of the bank was Mr. Isaac Eaymond, who became the first president. Mr. Campbell from the first served as cashier, and the majority of the patrons of the institution associated him almost synonymously with the, bank itself.