Champaign County, Illinois - The whole text, 1918 (part 8 of 23)

Mr. and Mrs. Taylor have no children of their own. They reared a little girl, Lela May Ladd, from the time she was left motherless at the age of eleven years. She is a daughter of James A. Ladd of Urbana. On October 2, 1916, this foster daughter married Leslie W. Faulkner of Champaign, and the young people still live with Mr. and Mrs. Taylor.

Mr. Taylor is a Eepublican in politics. While living in the country he served as township supervisor and as assistant supervisor in the city of Champaign. He has attained the thirty-second degree of Scottish Eite Masonry, and is also a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the. Modern Woodmen of America.

JAMES B. EUSSELL. During his long and active career in Champaign James B. Eussell made his impress on the financial life of the city and was a business man implicitly trusted, and the success he won in material

Mr. Russell was born in the city of Philadelphia in October, 1837. At the close of a long and active career he passed away at his home in Champaign, November 4, 1914, aged seventy-seven. His parents were Jonathan and Sarah (Burt) Russell, the former a native of Philadelphia and the latter of New Jersey.

The late Mr. Russell was educated in the grammar schools of Philadelphia until he was sixteen years of age and then for a time attended an academy in New Jersey. When about twenty-one years of age he married and soon afterward he and his young wife came West to Champaign County. He bought land at Tolono and was getting well started and had considerable business interests when the war broke out.

Early in the war Mr. Russell went back to visit friends and relatives in New Jersey. While there he witnessed many of his boyhood friends joining the army, and he. too, caught the infection and, placing patriotism above all business and personal considerations, he enlisted in Company D of the Twenty-fifth New Jersey Infantry. Mrs. Russell in the meantime had remained in Champaign County. With the assistance of her neighbors Mrs. Russell sold off much of the farm stock and implements and returned to Philadelphia and New Jersey, remaining until the close of the war.

Mr. Russell served in the army ten months, and came out with the rank of sergeant. He and his wife returned to Champaign, and for a time he acted as station agent for the Illinois Central Railway Company, and then entered the prominent old banking house which later became known as Burnham, Trevett & Mattis. Mr. Russell was cashier for that bank a period of thirty years. Failing health compelled him to resign, and he lived retired for some time before his death.-

He was a loyal and active Republican, and was called upon to serve in the office of city treasurer. He was also keenly interested in the welfare of his old comrades of the war and at one time served as commander of the Grand Army post. He and his wife were members of the Presbyterian Church.

Mr. Russell married Harriett Potter Holmes, a native of New Jersey, and daughter of John and Mary (Clark) Holmes. Both her parents died in Bridgeton, New Jersey. Her father was a prominent miller and owned a large mill in the town where Mrs. Russell spent her girlhood. Mr. and Mrs. Russell became the parents of three children : Mary, who died March 6, 1867; Jessie, who became the wife of Bert Spalding of Champaign, and she died September 27, 1904, leaving one son, Russell; and Winfred, born September 18, 1873, and died May 10, 1891.

ROGER FRANK LITTLE. An accomplished member of the Champaign bar, Roger Frank Little is a native of Champaign County, acquired his legal education in the University of Illinois, and has been in active and successful practice for the pa»t eight years.

He was born in Crittenden Township October 19, 1885, and is a son of Egbert P. and Matilda (Merry) Little. His father has lived in Champaign County since 1868 and for many years was a farmer, but is now living retired in the city of Champaign. Other details of the family history will be found on other pages.

Roger F. Little grew up in the country and was educated in the Tolono High School, where he graduated in 1902, after which he had one year in the prermratorv school of the University of Illinois. Mr. Little spent six years in the literary and law department of the state university, graduating A. B. in 1907 and LL. B. in 1909. After his admission to the bar he had two years of apprentice experience in the state's attorney's office, and in September, 1911, began practice with Judge Boggs. Their partnership was continued until Judge Boggs was elevated to the bench in the summer of 1914. Since then Mr. Little has practiced with Chancy L. Finfrock.

On March 14, 1911, Mr. Little married Miss Julia Bush, a native of Champaign County and a daughter of Jared D. and Ellen (Royal) Bush. Her parents now live in the State of Washington. Mr. and Mrs. Little have two children: Robert Bush, born May 6, 1915; and Richard Roy, born December 16, 1916.

Besides the attention demanded by his growing law practice, Mr. Little has found time to serve the public interests and spent two years on the city council. He is a Republican, a Mason and a member of the

JAMES ROWLAND. More and more as time goes on American people appreciate the sacrifices and heroism of that host of men who preserved the Union in the dark days of the '60s. It was a wonderful heritage left by them "Much more by far than all the crowns that Europe's monarchs ever wore, the heritage heroes left - a nation free from shore to shore." Comparatively few of the old veterans of that struggle still survive, and wherever they are found they enjoy increasing respect in proportion to their decreasing numbers.

One of them is Mr. James Rowland, whose country home is in section 6 of Harwood Township. Mr. Rowland was born in Washington County, Ohio, the youngest in a family of seven children born to William and Sarah (Chapman) Rowland. His parents' ancestors came from England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales, and the Rowland family first had its home in the State of Maine and from there came to Ohio.

James Rowland was only three weeks of age when his mother died and has was reared in the home of a Mr. Fowler. He acquired an education in the Ohio public schools and at the age of nineteen enlisted to serve his country. The date of his enlistment was May, 1864, and he joined Company H of the One Hundred and Sixty-first Ohio Infantry. He enlisted at Hiramsburg in Noble County, Ohio, and went into the Army of the Potomac. He took part in the Lynchburg raid, where the Union troops sustained severe losses, and later was in the hard fighting in the Shenandoah Valley, where the gallant Sheridan came to the rescue of the hardpressed Union forces and gained a victory that will always.be celebrated in American history. Mr. Rowland remained with the army until the close of the struggle and was mustered out at Camp Chase, Columbus, Ohio.

Then, at the age of twenty, he came to Illinois with the Fowler family, and his first day in this state will always remain permanent in his memory, since it was the day the news of Lincoln's assassination was flashed over the nation and plunged its entire people into gloom.

At the age of twenty-one, in 1866, Mr. Rowland married Miss Elizabeth Davis, a native of Ohio and a daughter of Jacob Davis. After their marriage they settled on a farm in McLean County, Illinois, living there eighteen years, and then came to Champaign County, where they had their home for over thirty years. In Champaign County Mr. Rowland paid $45 an acre for a farm of 184 acres in Harwood Township. He established a good home here and by wise management and much hard work has created those circumstances which he now enjoys and which have enabled him to liberally support and provide for his family.

Five children were born to their marriage, four sons and one daughter. The oldest, Orloff, died at the age of six years. The second, Laura B., is Mrs. E. A. Wood of Gifford, and they have two children, Atha and Edith, the former the wife of Leland Fowler. The third child, Elmer A., is a concrete and monument worker at Champaign, and his children are Morris, Carl, Lola, Donald and Blanche. T. A. Eowland, the next son, is in the barber business at Sidney, Illinois. H. N. Eowland, the youngest child, is in the grocery business at Green Bay, Wisconsin. Mr. and Mrs. Eowland took much pains to educate their children properly. Elmer and H. N. both attended the seminary at Onarga, Illinois, and H. N. graduated -from the Wesleyan University at Bloomington. The son Bert was a student in the high school at Farmer City, while Laura completed her studies in Paxton College.

Mr. James Rowland has for many years been identified with the Grand Army of the Republic and has attended many state and national reunions of that great patriotic organization and has souvenirs of those occasions in many of the badges which he wore. He has also an interesting record of public service besides the part he rendered as a soldier in the war. He served as school trustee, road commissioner, was assessor five years, and at one time was elected to the office of justice of the peace, but declined to fill it on account of other duties. He is a member of the Masonic order. In politics he is a Republican and has given his stanch allegiance to the party which kept the Union intact in the Civil War and has always furnished the country wise and strong government. After experiences of over half a century Mr. Rowland is today well preserved and active, and it is the ardent wish of his many friends in Champaign County that his years may be greatly extended.

LINDSEY COEBLT. The activities of Lindsey Corbly go far back into the pioneer history of Champaign County. He was here over sixty years ago and he endured the ordeals of life on the frontier. The years have visited his efforts with abundant prosperity. Material possessions have been only part of the riches of his experience. He has lived a life of honor, peace and industry, and now in his declining years, in his home at Paxton, he enjoys the esteem of both old and young.

Mr. Corbly was born at Garrard's Fort in Greene County, Pennsylvania, the third son of William and Rebecca (Stephens) Corbly, also natives of Pennsylvania. The records of the Corbly family go far back into pioneer days of the Pennsylvania colony. His grandfather, Rev. John Corbly, was a pioneer Baptist minister along the frontier line of western Pennsylvania. He was a native of England, but had come to America before the Revolution and first settled in western Virginia and afterwards in Greene County, Pennsylvania. He was instrumental in building the first church at Garrard's Fort. This was a log building and other edifices followed it, while in 1909 the congregation erected their fourth church home, a brick edifice dedicated that year and named the John Corbly Memorial Church. The name was fittingly bestowed to honor one of the most devoted churchmen of the West. The proposition had been long discussed as to some appropriate memorial to this good and worthy man, and it was finally decided to erect a church which would stand for years and recall his good deeds and unselfish labors.

Rev. John Corbly was three times married. His first wife was a cousin of President Tvler. The fate of his second wife will be mentioned presently. His third wife was a daughter of Colonel Andrew Lynn, who served with that rank in the Revolutionary War. It was his daughter Nancy Ann who married Rev. John Corbly, and she was the grandmother of Mr. Lindsey Corbly of Champaign County.

Mr. Corbly in his home at Paxton has a book, entitled "Chronicles of Border Warfare," published at Clarksburg, Virginia, in 1831. The pages of that work contain the record of a tragic incident in which Rev. John Corbly figured. It occurred on Muddy Creek, Pennsylvania, May 10, 1781. He and his wife and five children were on the way to church, the wife and children preceding, when a band of savages sprang up from the roadside and fell upon Mrs. Corbly and the children. The infant in the mother's arms was the first victim. The mother was then struck several severe blows, and not falling, was shot through the body by a savage who had chased her husband. A little son six years old and two girls, two and four years of age, were also victims of the savage onslaught. The oldest daughter concealed herself in a fallen log and witnessed all that transpired. She came out before the Indians had retired, and was caught and slain. The only survivors of the massacre were the father and the two younger daughters, who by careful nursing were restored. Both of them grew up, though one died later as a result of the horrible treatment she had received. The other lived, married and reared a large family.

From this and other facts it is clear that the Corblys took a prominent part in the early days of western Pennsylvania. During the Centennial year a paper was published devoted to the prominent pioneer families of Pennsylvania and the Corblys were mentioned in the record.

Mr. Lindsey Corbly's parents spent their lives in Pennsylvania and his father died in 1875 and his mother in 1855. Mr. Corbly acquired his education chiefly in the school of experience, and since the age of sixteen has made his own way in the world. For a time he worked for an uncle who had extensive interests as a live stock man in Ohio. While there he was paid wages of $7 a month. He soon became known as the "boss cattle driver" for his uncle. In those days live stock was never sent by railroad, but always driven overland. One of Mr. Corbly's early experiences was taking a large herd of stock from Missouri to Philadelphia. Much of the country in the Middle West was then wild and infested with lawless people, and he not only experienced many difficulties in getting his stock safely over the natural difficulties of the road but also had to watch closely against highwaymen who sought his money and life.

Mr. Corbly came to Illinois in 1853. locating in Champaign County, but two years later going to Vermilion County as a farmer. In 1863 he located in Kerr Township of Champaign County and gradually built up a large enterprise as a farmer and stockman. At one time he owned over 1,700 acres of land and his business as a land holder and stockman made his name familiar all over central Illinois.

Mr. Corbly has always manifested a public spirited interest in local affairs. In Kerr Township he served twenty years as township trustee, and was one of the members of the first election board at Gibson City and also a member of the first grand jury of Ford County. He was on the first board of commissioners who divided Ford Countv into townships and was a member of the board of supervisors when the University of Illinois located at Champaign. Politically he began voting as a Whig and became an original Republican at the formation of that party over sixty years ago. He has always been stanchly aligned with this party and has been convinced that the best and most enduring principles of real democracy are expressed through the Republican party. Mr. Corbly has had many notable friendships with leading statesmen and many prominent Republicans, including Joe Cannon, have visited his home. He has always been a great admirer of Lincoln and has had personal acquaintance with Generals Sherman, Sheridan and Halleck. The spicy sayings of Lincoln have been treasured by him and have no doubt had their influence upon his life. One of these

On moving to Kerr Township Mr. Corbly selected land which would be especially available for his stock interests. There he reared his family, built fine farm buildings, planted shade trees, and many improvements in that section stand as a monument to his labors and early enterprise.

Since December, 1875, Mr. Corbly has been an active member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He entered church work through the influence of J. D. Bodkin, now secretary of the State of Kansas, and Eev. James Goodspeed.

On February 24, 1856, Mr. Corbly married for his first wife Sarah Wood. She was born and reared in Vermilion County, Illinois, a daughter of Henry and Nancy Wood. Six children were born to this union, three of whom died in infancy. Those living are Henry L., William Sherman and James L. Henry L. Corbly married Julia B. Webber. He is now a retired farmer living at Paxton and his children are Mrs. Fay Flagg, Lindsey R. and Gladys. Lindsey Ross Corbly lives in Haywood Township and married Fay Goodwin of Ford County. Gladys Corbly is a sophomore in the Woman's College of Jacksonville, Illinois.

William Sherman Corbly married Mary A. Yule of Saybrook, McLean County, Illinois, and they reside at Paxton. Their children are : George Y. and Lynn S. George Y. is a farmer in Button Township of Ford County and by his marriage to Jessie Jenkinson has a daughter, Virginia. Lynn S. Corbly is a graduate of the University of Illinois, a successful practicing attorney in Champaign County, and married Marguerite Clark of Paxton.

James L. Corbly married Ellen Sheehan of Ludlow. Their children are Frank, Ralph, "Jimmie Lee," Owen, Ray, Elmer, Marguerite and Pauline (twins), and Irene. Of these Frank married Belle Jackson and they reside on a farm adjoining his father. Owen Corbly married Vesta Wampler and is also a farmer living near his father.

The mother of these children and first wife of Mr. Corbly entered into rest January 17, 1866, after ten years of married life. She was a good woman, a kind neighbor and a loving wife and mother. For his second wife Mr. Corbly married Mary A. Scholl. She was born near Saegerstown, Pennsylvania, daughter of Dr. Peter Scholl and Elizabeth (Woodring) Scholl of Crawford County, Pennsylvania. By Mr. Corbly's second marriage the children are Fred M., Laura F. and Evelyn. Evelyn is the wife of P. A. Kemp of Los Angeles, California, who is a state officer of the Court of Honor. They have one son, Lynn, twelve years old. The mother of these children passed away March 10, 1907. On June 24, 1909, Mr. Corbly married Mrs. Emily Wait. She was born and reared in Vermilion County, daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth Copeland, natives of Ohio.

The daughter Laura F. married Oscar H. Wylie, a prominent Ford County lawyer, at Paxton, Illinois, who has filled numerous important public offices and for eight years was prosecuting attorney of Ford County, proving to be a fearless, honest public official. For four years he was Circuit Court clerk and recorder, at the time being one of the youngest officials in the state. Mr. and Mrs. Wylie have the following children: Mac, Howard, Evelyn, Emily and Francis. Mac, Howard and . Evelvn are all graduates of the Paxton High School, and Mac is a student in flip law department of the Northwestern University and also spent three years in DePauw University, in which latter institution Howard is, a student, and in the fall of 1917 Miss Evelyn proposes to enter. The two younger daughters attend the grade schools.

immense bouquet of roses and chrysanthemums, his favorite flower, a blossom for every year, and another being the reading of a birthday poem composed by Mrs. Wylie. On the occasion of his eighty-fourth birthday, this tribute was so beautifully expressed and tenderly conceived that it deserves the prominence of an insertion in this history. In the midst of the loving family circle and with other friends present, Mr. Corbly listened to the following :

"Dear old father, with your beaming face, Your kindly heart and whole-souled grace, Your sterling worth as pioneer Facing hardships without fear, Always honest and square with the world, Your banner for good ever unfurled, That's a record worth while, I say, For this, your eighty-fourth birthday.

"Also, dear father, sweet is to me The memory of thy charity; Thy childlike faith in God and man, Surprised at evil where thou didst find; Hating deceit with all thy heart Because for you was the honest part, That's a record worth while, I say, For this, your eighty-fourth birthday.

"Again, dear father, I'll say to thee, That when you face eternity, I would thy mantle of Christian love Of charity like that above, Should descend on those you love the best, That our lives with good deeds may be blest, And that our children may also say Our records were good on each birthday."

The record of Mr. Corbly has been such that no history of Champaign County would be complete without its incorporation. He has stood for the sound and worthy things of life in every relationship. On every side may be found witnesses to his unimpeachable integrity and financial responsibility. Some years ago after a fire in Paxton a few scattered leaves from the reports of the Dun and Bradstreet Mercantile Credit Agency were picked up. These gave commercial ratings of different citizens with credit attached of so many thousands of dollars to each one, and when the name of Mr. Corbly was mentioned the rating was fixed in the following significant language: "Good for anything he asks for." That his word has always been as good as his bond is not only expressive of his business integrity but to all those other qualities which are sum and substance of human character.

Mr. and Mrs. Corbly now occupy a pleasant and comfortable home on West State Street in Paxton. There they enjoy the confidence and esteem of a host of friends, and in the setting sun of his life Mr. Corbly has his good wife by his side, also has the solace of his children and the memory of a just and worthy career. It is an unusual retrospect which he enjoys. He has seen a great and magnificent country develop before his eyes and with a most creditable share in its making on his own part. He has prospered, and at the same time has solved the intricate problems of experience, has reared and educated his children and has given them his own example as a guide to true and loyal citizenship.

ALEXANDER MAHAFFIE. An honored survivor of the great Civil War and a substantial retired farmer of Harwood Township is found in Alexander Mahaffie, who was born in Pickaway County, Ohio, in 1835. For many years Mr. Mahaffie has been a respected and esteemed resident of Champaign County and he has been identified with many of the things which have been beneficial to this section.

The parents of Alexander Mahaffie were William and Elizabeth Mahaffie, who moved from Ohio to Indiana when he was eighteen months old. There he grew to manhood and obtained a district school education. When the Civil War came on he demonstrated the sincerity of his patriotism by enlisting, at Loganstown, Indiana, and was mustered in at Laporte as a member of Company F, One Hundred Fifty-first Indiana Volunteer Infantry, which regiment soon marched southward and took station at Nashville, Tennessee. During the time the regiment remained at Nashville Mr. Mahaffie, with many other soldiers, contracted measles, and as it prevailed in a malignant form in his case he was sent to the hospital at Nashville for treatment, but when able to return home was found incapacitated for further military service. When he enlisted he was a robust young man weighing 145 pounds, but when returned to his people he was almost a shadow of his former self and weighed but eighty pounds.

Before entering the army Mr. Mahaffie had visited Champaign County, Illinois, and also Ford County, and in the latter had invested in land, purchasing eighty acres, at $8.50 an acre. After coming back from the army he settled with his family on this place, having married in 1861, but later moved to Middletown in Logan County, and there his first wife died in 1866, and he returned to Indiana. After his second marriage he came back to Illinois and for many years has been a resident of Harwood Township, Champaign County.

In 1861 Mr. Mahaffie was married to Catherine Ann Foster, who died in 1866. They had two sons, Hiram Ellsworth and William Edgar. The former was named for the gallant young officer who was one of the early victims of the bitter feeling engendered by the Civil War and whose tragic death aroused the whole country and made of him a hero. Hiram Ellsworth grew to sturdy manhood, brave and resourceful like the gallant young Colonel Ellsworth, but met an accidental death on the railroad on which he was employed. William Edgar died at the age of twenty-two years. Mr. Mahaffie was married in 1874 to Elizabeth A. Scott, who died in 1905. They had one daughter, Sadie, who was born in Ford County, Illinois. She was educated in the public schools of Hoopeston and was graduated from Greer College in 1896. She returned home to take upon herself the direction of the household, as her mother was in failing health, and ever since has been a devoted daughter to her father as she was to her mother until the former's death. She married Robert M. Hodam, who was born in Ford County, Illinois, and is a son of James and Sarah (Harshbarger) Hodam, natives of Virginia, who came early to Illinois. Six children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Hodam : Lowell, Florence, Harold, Gladys, Claud and Helen, all of whom are being afforded the best of educational advantages. The family occupies a beautiful home, the comfortable residence being surrounded by fine old trees that were set out many years ago by Mr. Burbank.

Robert M. Hodam was educated in the public schools and educational institutions at Normal and Valparaiso. He is a man of large business interests, being manager of the Ludlow Elevator Company for seven years and an experienced man in the grain trade. He is prominent also in public matters, has served as treasurer of Harwood Township and is also a member of the school board. Mr. and Mrs. Hodam are active members of the Methodist Episcopal Church and for the last three years Mr. Hodam has served as superintendent of the Sunday school. He is identified fraternally with the Masons and the Knights of Pythias. Mrs. Hodam is an enthusiastic worker in the Woman's Temperance Union ranks, an earnest and helpful member. She rejoices that a brighter day seems approaching because of the untiring labor of this great body of unselfish women, who have succeeded in encircling the world with the white ribbon of temperance. Mr. Mahaffie and his first wife were members of the Presbyterian Church, and he and his second wife were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He worships with the Methodists at present.

HON. THOMAS J. ROTH. Since 1906 the legal profession of Champaign County has been capably and honorably represented at Urbana by Hon. Thomas J. Roth, former judge of the County Court and a legist of the county for forty-three years. For the greater part of this period Judge Roth was located at Rantoul, but came to Urbana to assume the duties of his judicial office, and upon the expiration of his term remained at the county seat in the enjoyment of a constantly increasing practice.

Hon. Thomas J. Roth was born at Circleville, Pickaway County, Ohio, December 3, 1846. and is a son of Thomas B. and Esther (Ghrist) Roth. His paternal grandfather was a native of Holland who immigrated to the United States as a young man and located with his wife in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Thomas B. Roth, however, was born in Shamokin, Pennsylvania. Mr. Roth's mother's maternal grandfather, Charles R. Morris, was born in Maryland and his wife in New Jersey, and Mr. Roth's maternal grandparents, Jonathan and Mary (Morris) Ghrist, were both natives of Maryland, from which it will be seen that on the maternal side Mr. Roth's ancestry is distinctively American for several generations. As a young man Thomas B. Roth removed to Pickaway County, Ohio, where he lived for a number of years, but in 1856 removed to a farm near Oakland, Coles County, Illinois, making the trip in covered wagons which carried the household goods as well as members of the family, while Mr. and Mrs. Roth, with their youngest daughter, followed with a horse and buggy. From there the family moved to the Joseph Bradbury farm in Edgar County, Illinois, remaining there about twelve years.

Thomas J. Roth made his home with his parents until he was twentytwo years of age, and during this time did much to assist his father in the cultivation of the home farm. In the meantime he was receiving his education in the public schools of Edgar County, where he attended the Paris High School, and finally adopted the profession of teaching, a vocation which he followed for four years. While employed as an instructor he had become interested in the law and had spent some of his spare time in desultory reading in legal literature, but it was not iintil 1872 that he took up the matter seriously, in that year entering the office of Hon. J. A. Eads of Paris, Illinois, where he studied under this able preceptor for two years. He was admitted to the bar at Mo.unt Vernon, Illinois, in June, 1874, and on July 13th of the same year located for practice at Rantoul, Champaign County. Probably Judge Roth had the usual difficulty experienced by the young lawyer in getting a foothold upon the ladder of success, but once his start was made his advance was rapid, and during the thirty-two years of his residence at Rantoul he arose to a position where he was recognized as one of the ablest and most eminent members of his profession in the county. In 1906 he was selected for judicial honors when elected judge of the County Court of Champaign County, which necessitated his changing his residence to Urbana. At the expiration of four years of fine and dignified service on the bench he resumed his private practice, but remained at Urbana, where he has since represented some of the largest and most important interests of the county seat.

On June 24, 1875, Judge Eoth was united in marriage with Miss Anna M. Eubank, who was born in Covington, Kentucky, April 14, 1848, and died June 6, 1913, and was laid to rest in Maplewood Cemetery, Rantoul, Illinois. Two sons were born to this union, namely : Sidney Roscoe, who died March 21, 1917; and Harold Denio, a successful lawyer of Champaign County, who is now serving as assistant state's attorney under Louis A. Busch. Mrs. Roth was very popular in the social and religious life of Rantoul and for twelve years served in the capacity of member of the school board there, succeeding her husband in that position. She was equally popular at Urbana, although not so actively engaged in affairs. Judge Roth is a Democrat. He has numerous business connections, one of which is with the Rantoul Water, Light and Power Company, of which he is president. Fraternally he is identified with the Rantoul Lodge of Modern Woodmen of America, and he and Mrs. Roth were members of the First Congregational Church of Rantoul.

HARRY HERRICK. The invention of the automobile not only brought a new element into business and social life, but in its subsequent development and improvement opened up other industries that have now become as essential to progress as the vehicle itself. The business of dealing in 'automobile supplies engages the attention of many wide awake business men all over the country. Champaign, with its wealth, culture, business enterprise and close contiguity to a rich agricultural section has, perhaps, a larger purchasing class interested in automobiles than many cities of equal size, and all these car owners are, to some extent, dependent on the local dealers in supplies. One of these business men is Harry Herrick, who is doing a large trade in this line and is particularly well qualified because of his practical knowledge of the construction and operation of all the leading types of cars.

Harry Herrick was born in the city of Chicago, September 9, 1877, and is a son of Dwight C. and Belle (Warner) Herrick, the former of whom was born at Baldwinsville, New York, and the latter a native of Chicago, Illinois. The Warner family located in Chicago early and the maternal grandmother of Harry Herrick was a passenger on the first passenger train on what is now the Chicago & Northwestern Railway that went out of Chicago. There were five children born to Dwight C. Herrick and wife in the old home in Oak Park, Chicago, namely : Harry ; a son who died in infancy; Florence, who is the wife of H. K. Hoblitt, who is cashier of the State National Bank at Bloomington ; and Burton S. and Warner, both of whom are residents of Bloomington. Until 1902 the father was in a clothing business in Chicago and then moved to Bloomington and continued in the same line there.

Harry Herrick attended the public schools in Oak Park and was graduated from the high school in 1897. He had determined on a business career and began by becoming a stock boy in a house furnishing company in Chicago, his fidelity and industry being rewarded by promotion, and for two years he was a traveling salesman for this concern. For some time after that he was connected with his father's business and then once more went on the road, this time for a clothing house and with a wide territory, his business travels taking him over Utah, Idaho and Wyoming.

Mr. Herrick continued in that line until 1909, in which year he came to Champaign and here embarked in the automobile business. Mr. Herrick was one of the pioneers in several business ventures in connection with rapid transportation, starting the first completely equipped garage at Champaign and also the first taxicab line. In December, 1909, he drove the first auto truck that ever came into central Illinois, the route being from Pontiac, Michigan, to Champaign. At present he is devoting his entire attention to the automobile supply business, having branch houses both at the Chanute Aviation Field, Eantoul, Illinois, and at Bloomington, Illinois. He is widely known in automobile circles and is president of the Champaign Automobile Club.

On April 4, 1903, Mr. Herrick was united in marriage with Miss Katheryn Walls, who is a member of an old Champaign family. She is a daughter of the late W. W. Walls, for many years a substantial business man here. Mr. and Mrs. Herrick have four children : Harriet, Robert W., Arthur James and Richard. Politically Mr. Herrick is a Republican, but he takes a more active part in business affairs than in politics, never failing, however, to give his support and lend his influence to every matter of good government. He is greatly interested in the subject of good roads. Fraternally he is an Elk, and he and wife belong to the Presbyterian Church.

CHANCY L. FINFROCK is one of the younger members of the Champaign bar and for the past three years has been associated in practice with Roger F. Little.

Mr. Finfrock was born in Urbana, May 19, 1892, a son of John H. and Jordena (Johnson) Finfrock. His father was born in Pennsylvania and his mother in Ohio. John H. Finfrock came to Champaign County in 1875. Locating at Urbana, he identified himself with his regular business as a flour miller and was one of the substantial citizens of that district until his death in July, 1896. The mother is still living in Urbana. Chancy L. is .the only survivor of his parents' four children, the other three having died in infancy.

He was graduated from the Urbana High School in 1910 and then entered the University of Illinois, where he completed the law course and received his LL. B. degree in 1914. . In September, 1914, Mr. Finfrock became associated with Mr. Little, and they have one of the well appointed law offices of Urbana, located at 109% Main Street.

GEORGE SCHOON, whose fine farm establishment is in section 32 of Kerr Township, has been a resident of Champaign County almost continuously since he was four years of age. He is a native of Germany, and inherits many of the substantial qualities which have made that people famous under every clime of the world.

Mr. Schoon's parents were Christian and Mary Schoon, and he was one of their two children, John and George. The parents, seeking better opportunities for themselves and for their children, immigrated to America when George was four years of age. Coming to Champaign County, they located near Penfield, and both the boys attended school here and grew up to industrious manhood.

Mr. George Schoon married Miss Mattie Booher. She was born at Blue Grass in Vermilion County, Illinois, a daughter of Benjamin and Frances (Harper) Booher. Her parents were both born at Darlington, Indiana, and settled near Sugar Grove in Champaign County on March 5, 1865. There were thirteen children in the Booher family, Mrs. Schoon being about sixth or seventh in order of birth. With her brothers and sisters she secured her education in the Armstrong school.

Mr. and Mrs. Schoon were married Christmas Day, December 25, 1902. Mr. Booher was a kind and indulgent father, and it was one of his expressed wishes that all his daughters should marry from his home. Thus the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Schoon was made a matter of family celebration, and their wedding was witnessed by many relatives and friends, and altogether it was a scene of pleasure and good wishes which is still a pleasant memory to all participants.

For the first year after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Schoon worked on his father's farm until the father retired to Gifford. The young couple then continued on the Schoon homestead for a time, but for the past thirteen years Mr. Schoon has been the farm manager for Mr. A. A. Arms near Penfield. He has under his supervision 300 acres of land, and Mr. Schoon is widely recognized as one of the most productive farmers of Champaign County. He has found Mr. Arms a prince of a landlord, kind and considerate of the welfare of Mr. and Mrs. Schoon, and their associations have been both profitable and pleasant, each party endeavoring to do the best for the other and working for mutual interests and sharing the responsibilities of the farm.

Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Schoon, two sons and two daughters, named Lena Alberta, Mary Frances, George Harold and Virgil Oakley. These are four bright, energetic children, all of them students in the Penfield school. Mr. and Mrs. Schoon have also given their daughters culture in music, especially the piano, and the girls have eagerly accepted this opportunity and are progressive and hard working students and show signal ability in their musical culture.

Besides general farming Mr. Schoon has been very successful as a stock raiser, particularly in the raising of horses, which seem to thrive under his management. His barns have sheltered a number of Percheron horses. He and his wife are people who believe in enjoying life as they go along, and besides their teams of horses they own a fine Studebaker car. Mr. Schoon believes in operating an automobile on the sane and safe plan. From time to time he and his family have enjoyed some very pleasant trips. Thus they have brought the joys of life into their country home, and the home is one which the children will hardly desire to leave for the attractions of the city.

On February 6, 1916, Mrs. Schoon's mother died very suddenly, and her death was a great shock to the family. Mr. and Mrs. Schoon are active members of the United Brethren Church at Penfield and their children are being reared in the same faith and are attentive members of the Sunday school. Fraternally Mr. Schoon is affiliated with the Woodmen of the World and the Knights of Pythias, and Mrs. Schoon is a member of the Eoyal Neighbors. These social orders have proved valuable factors in their lives and means of broadening life's activities. Mr. and Mrs. Schoon are among the most representative families of Champaign County, and their life's work has brought them many rich rewards. Mr. Schoon is a true American citizen, loyal to the land of his adoption, and has been fortunate in having his lot cast with Champaign County and in the broad opportunities that have come to him through a capable and efficient wife. Mr. and Mrs. Schoon may be found at their pleasant home northwest of Penfield, where they enjoy the confidence and esteem of their neighbors and have a most pleasing retrospect upon days well spent and duties well performed. In politics Mr. Schoon gives his support to the Eepublican party, but votes for principles rather than according to the strict dictates of partisanship.

CHRISTIAN SCHOON was for many years enrolled among the active and vigorous farmers of Champaign County, but from the fruits of his industry long continued he is now enabled to enjoy a life of comfortable retirement in his home in the Village of Gifford.

Mr. Schoon, like many other of the most capable men who have tilled and cultivated the soil of Champaign County, is of German origin. He was born at the Town of Reepshold in the Province of Hanover, a son of George and Sophia (Burns) Schoon. He was the oldest of three children, the other fwo being John and Mattie. Christian Schoon grew up and received his education in Germany and he served three years in the German army in the Seventy-eighth Eegiment of Infantry, being a corporal. He was in the army while Emperor William, the first, was on the Prussian throne and while Prince Bismarck was counselor to the German Empire. This Emperor William was grandfather of the present Kaiser. Mr. Schoon obtained an honorable discharge from the army, and though he rendered faithful and loyal service to the land of his birth, since coming to America he has been equally loyal to the flag of his adopted land.

In 1875 Mr. Schoon married in Germany Miss Mary Monck. She was a daughter of George and Katrina (Ennen) Monck. Seven years after their marriage they determined to better their fortune by coming to America. They took passage on the ship Oder, which on a later voyage was lost at sea. After landing at New York they came direct to Champaign County and for twenty-one years they farmed for that prince of landlords, Azro Arms, on one of Mr. Arms' fine places near Penfield. Mr. Schoon is one of the men who made a success as a farm tenant, and was able eventually to retire with an ample competence for his needs. During all those twenty-one years Mr. Arms never asked him for a contract, feeling assured that he was dealing with an honest man. They depended upon each other's word and there was never a time when a misunderstanding arose which could not be quietly settled. Their relationship indicates how two congenial and honest men may get along in business affairs with mutual satisfaction and esteem.

Mr. and Mrs. Schoon are the parents of two children, George and John. Both were well educated in Champaign County, and besides what .they learned in books they acquired habits of industry and principles of moral integrity from their parents. George is a successful farmer living on the A. A. Arms place near Penfield, and he married Miss Mattie Booher. They have four children, named Alberta, Mary, George and Virgil. John Schoon, who is a mechanic living at Gifford, married Elizabeth Johnson, and they have two children, Christian and Flossie.

When Mr. Christian Schoon came to America he possessed very little money. He was unable to speak a word of the English language, and it was fortunate indeed that his industry and good common sense early attracted the attention of Mr. Arms and brought about that long and continuous employment which has been mentioned. Mr. Schoon has always enjoyed the respect and confidence of his neighbors and friends, and is now serving his fifth consecutive term as a member of the school board and is clerk of the board. He believes in securing the best instruction for children, and has been instrumental in bringing the Gifford High School to its present high state of efficiency. His family are all active members and supporters of the German Lutheran Church at Gifford. Wherever the public has required his services Mr. Schoon has performed them with conscientious ability. At one time he served on the jury during Judge Cunningham's administration, and has always been a great admirer of that noble man.

On coming to America Mr. Schoon made a close study of political problems in this country, and determined to give his support to the Eepublican party and has always followed the principles he thus early acquired, though he supported Mr. Eoosevelt during the Progressive movement. Mr. Schoon gives much credit to his capable wife as a sharer in their mutual joys and sorrows and the accomplishments which now enable them to live without care and anxiety in their home at Gifford.

JOSEPH GORDON. Champaign County lost one of its most industrious and capable citizens in the death of Joseph Gordon at his fine country home -in section 18 of Compromise Township on January 10, 1915. His home had been in Champaign County over forty years and his residence was a continuous record of well directed energy, wholesome influence in the community, of prosperity as a business man and of complete devotion to his family and home.

He was born in County Wexford, Ireland, a son of John and Mary (Whalen) Gordon. When he was twelve years of age the family came to America. There were five sons and three daughters, Joseph being the oldest. An education partly in the schools of Ireland and partly in the United States equipped Joseph Gordon for the serious battles of life.

On February 3, 1874, he married Miss Ellen McQuaid. Mrs. Gordon, who is still living at the old homestead, surrounded by her sturdy sons and capable daughters, was born in Kalamazoo, Michigan, daughter of Thomas and Catherine (Milan) McQuaid. Her parents were also natives of Ireland. She was ten months old when they came to Champaign County, the McQuaids being among the pioneers of Rantoul, where Mrs. Gordon was educated in the public schools. She had one brother, Thomas.

After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Gordon started out to make a home for themselves and provisions for their family. Five miles from Eantoul Mr. Gordon bought eighty acres of land at $40 an acre. He possessed all the qualifications which the successful farmer requires. He and his wife had youth, energy, industry, and they were willing to sacrifice many conveniences in order to provide for the future. After five years on their first farm they moved to Compromise Township, and subsequently bought 160 acres three miles southeast of Gifford, which in course of time was developed into their permanent home. When they went there the land had very few improvements. There was a small three-room house but no fruit or shade trees. Mr. Gordon planted with his own hands many fruit trees and shade trees, and these now give the home one of its most attractive aspects.

Fourteen children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Gordon. Their names in order of birth are : Charles N., Thomas F., Joseph E., Catherine G., Mary E., Anna E., Agnes T., William B., Margaret A., John R., Loretta F. and three others, Emily, James and John, who died in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Gordon early realized their responsibilities as parents and took strict pains to see that their children would have the best of educational advantages. Besides keeping them in the local schools, they gave them the advantages of the high schools at Gifford and Penfield. Charles completed his education in the Brothers School at Peru, Illinois, Anna was a student in St. Joseph's Academy at Bloomington, and Mary attended the Sisters School at Champaign. Charles N. Gordon, who lives at Penfield, is a merchant, proprietor of a large general store, married Ellen T. Collins, and for his second wife Ellen Dwyer. Their children are Frances and Eugene. Thomas F. Gordon, a farmer in Compromise Township, married Bessie O'Connor. Joseph E. Gordon married Catherine Nolan, and their children are Helen, Joseph, Paul, Mary, Emily, Rita and Charles. Catherine G. Gordon is the wife of Edward Nolan, and they live in Compromise Township. Their children are Mary A., Ruth and Josephine. Mary E. Gordon married John Nolan, a farmer. The other children are still at home. William B. is active manager of the farm, with the assistance of his brother John. Their well

Mr. Gordon during his long residence in Champaign County became known not only as a very capable farmer but as a kind neighbor, a loving husband and a dutiful father. He was devoted to the welfare of the Catholic Church at Penfiekl and he and John Fleming carried the first petition to solicit funds for the building of the present church. In politics Mr. Gordon was an active Democrat. His sons have filled different positions of public, trust, William B. having been trustee of the school board of Compromise Township, while Joseph E. has been supervisor and Thomas is now filling the office of township treasurer. Thus in many ways the name of the Gordon family has been identified with the substantial interests of Champaign County.

That Mr. Joseph Gordon was a farmer and business man of unusual ability and judgment is evidenced in the fact that at the time of his death his estate comprised 1,120 acres of the fertile lands of Champaign County.

W. M. EALEY, who has followed a varied and active career as a teacher, minister of the Gospel and as an earnest, hard-workijng citizen in whatever capacity life has called him, has for many years been a resident of Champaign County.

He was born near Brazil in Clay County, Indiana, May 18, 1853, a son of William and Wealthy (Hicks) Ealey, his father a native of Kentucky and his mother of Indiana. His mother was born August 30, 1834, and is still living at Urbana at the age of eighty-three. William Ealey went into the Union army from Indiana as a member of Company F of the One Hundred and Forty-ninth Indiana Infantry. After nine months he was discharged from duty on account of illness. He was a farmer by occupation, and in April, 1891, removed to Champaign County, Illinois, where his death occurred in August, 1895. Of his five children W. M. Ealey is the oldest. Clara J. is the wife of John Gibbens of Clay County, Indiana; Sarah A. is the wife of John Barnett of Saskatchewan, Canada; George, a resident of Clay County, Indiana; and Emma, wife of Albert Muncie of Brazil, Indiana.

W. M. Ealey grew up in Indiana, attended country schools and at the age of sixteen qualified as a teacher. He was actively engaged in the work of this profession for twenty years. He finally entered the ministry of the Christian Church and in 1889 removed to Urbana, from which point he carried on his work in the Gospel for a number of years until he retired about eight years ago. However, he has continued to preach funeral sermons and has officiated at more funerals than possibly any minister of any other denomination in this section of Illinois. In January, 1890, Mr. Ealey built the home in Urbana where he still resides, a two-story stucco residence.

He was married January 1, 1875, to Louisa Presnell, a native of Clay County, Indiana. They were married for over twenty-one years, and at her death on January 25, 1896, she left eight children: Minnie, who lives at Saline City, Indiana; Cora, wife of Angus McLean of Ohio; Homer, who for four years and four months was in the United States navy and is now living in Champaign ; Elmer, foreman of a planing mill at Urbana; Edgar of Modesta, California; Effie, wife of George F. Hensel of Denver, Colorado; Grace, wife of Charles Tillotson of Urbana; and Miss Burdelle, an art teacher in the public schools of Urbana. On December 25, 1901, Rev. Mr. Ealey married Susanna H. Harris of Bellefontaine, Ohio, a daughter of Rev. J. G. Harris, a minister of the English Lutheran Church and one of the best educated men in the State of Ohio in his day. Eev. Mr. Harris was a linguist, being the master of eight languages and preached in both English and German. He was of English descent.

Mr. Ealey is now serving his second term as township assessor. Politically he is a Republican and has been a member of the Masonic order for thirty-nine years and also belongs to the Eastern Star, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and Rebekahs and the Court of Honor. He is a faithful member of the Christian Church.

PHINEAS LAWRENCE WINDSOR, librarian of the University of Illinois, is one of the ablest men of his profession in the state. He is a native of Illinois, and had a wide experience in library work both in the East and West before he entered upon his present duties.

He was assistant in the New York State Library in 1899, and from 1900 to 1903 was in the copyright office in the Library of Congress. From 1904 to 1909 Mr. Windsor held the post of librarian to the University of Texas at Austin. He then accepted his present duties as librarian and director of the Library School of the University of Illinois.

In 1913 he was president of the Illinois Library Association, is a life member of the American Library Association and a member of its council from 1909 to 1913, and is a member of the Bibliographical Society of America. In 1904 he edited the Handbook of Texas Libraries and has been a frequent contributor to library publications.

Mr. Windsor was born at Chenoa in McLean County, Illinois, February 21, 1871, a son of Rev. John Alexander and Amy (Arnold) Windsor. He acquired a liberal education, graduating Ph. B. from Northwestern University at Evanston in 1895, during 1897-99 was a student in the New York State Library School at Albany, and during 1899-1900 was a student in the Albany Law School and a member of the staff of the New York State Library.

Mr. Windsor married, January 1, 1902, Miss Margaret Fursman Boynton of Lockport, New York. He is a member of the Delta Tau Delta College Fraternity, the Methodist Church and the University Club of Urbana.

L. H. BLUE. Hardly a more attractive rural home can be found in the entire scope of Champaign County than that of Mr. and Mrs. L. H. Blue, situated on Rural Route No. 21 out of Rantoul and section 8, some seven miles from that city.

This home has been the product of Mr. and Mrs. Blue's united endeavors and industry since they married, and it is with a pardonable degree of pride that they enjoy its comforts and satisfactions. Mr. Blue was born near Rantoul and is a son of John H. and Lena (Satthoff) Blue, energetic and worthy German people who came to this country in early life. Mr. Blue was educated in the North View and Thresher district schools.

His happy marriage occurred in 1904, when Miss Bertha J. Cook became his wife. She was born in Champaign County, a daughter of Lyona B. and Mary E. (Parker) Cook. She was educated in the Amity school.

Mr. and Mrs. Blue after their marriage became renters on the old Hutchinson estate four and a half miles west of Thomasboro. A year later they removed to Ford County, and there farmed eighty acres of rented land for six years. Throughout they were possessed of the ambition to acquire a home of their own, and called to their aid the utmost thrift of their German stock and their native habits of economy. With money Mrs. Blue inherited from her father's estate and money saved by their several years as renters they bought eighty acres seven and a half miles northwest of - Rantoul.

Their place is on the corner of cross roads and their home is beautifully situated on an eminence of land from which the ground slopes away in all directions. Their home in summer time is almost kept from view by a magnificent grove of maple, hackberry, butternut, walnut and evergreen trees. They have carefully studied and worked out a fine landscape gardening which would do credit to an artist in that field.

In this home Mr. and Mrs. Blue have enjoyed the happy companionship of their two children. Eldon Louis was born in 1907 and Glen Emerson was born in 1912. The family are active members of the German Lutheran Evangelical Church. Politically Mr. Blue is a Republican, and has manifested his public spirit whenever the occasion required his services. He is a member of the local school board and serving as clerk, and is also on his two year term as a road commissioner. Mr. Blue has been treasurer of the North Prospect Telephone Company six years, and is a director of the Farmers Mutual Insurance Company of Dix Township in Ford County. This company is one of the large ones in central Illinois, and has $2,000,000 of insurance in force.

HON. ROY C. FREEMAN. The science of justice and statutory law both require keen perceptions, well trained minds and intellects beyond the ordinary, and each is a distinct branch of what is technically termed "law." The simple fact that an individual is admitted to the bar is of itself prima facie evidence of the possession of superior intellectual endowments, although some who pose as legists are unprincipled and others incompetent as such, in competition with the profession generally ; but when lawyers are elected for office, especially the executive and judicial, those of the best reputation for honorable conduct and legal ability are generally given the preference. The career of Judge Roy C. Freeman, county judge of Champaign County, has been such as to demonstrate that he deserves membership in the latter class, and that he has fairly earned the honor which his position indicates and the confidence of the people of the county.

Roy C. Freeman is a native of Champaign County, having been born in Homer Township, on the farm of his father, July 13, 1880, a son of John T. and Jennie B. (Silkey) Freeman. His father has passed his entire life in Champaign County, where he has won his way to the ownership of a handsome property and a position among the leading agriculturists and stock raisers of this section, his home still being in Homer Township. In his native county he has gained the reputation of being a man of ability and resource, who is straightforward in living up to his business engagements and in discharging his civic responsibilities. Mrs. Freeman, who also survives, is a native of Tuscarawas County, Ohio. Roy C. is their only child.

Roy C. Freeman was brought up on his father's farm, but his early tendencies were shown to lie in the direction of a career other than that of an agricultural life, and he was given the necessary encouragement by his parents. His early education was acquired in the country schoolr following which he enrolled as a student at the high school at Homer, which he attended for three years, and from which he was graduated in 1898. He then entered the literary department of the University of Illinois, but in the fall of 1899 went to the University of Michigan, as a-- special student, taking literary work. His law work was started in the fall of 1900, and in June, 1903, he was graduated with his degree from the University of Michigan, and soon thereafter admitted to the bar of that state. Returning to Illinois, in October, 1903, he was admitted to the Illinois bar, and in December opened an office for the practice of his profession. The young legist was not long in attracting a good clientele of representative people in the general practice of his calling, and after about ten years of successful professional business his name began, to be mentioned as a judicial possibility. Finally he was persuaded to allow his name to be used in this connection, and in November, 1914, he was the successful candidate for the office of county judge. He took office in December of the same year and has . remained in the same capacity to the present time. His record has been in harmony with that which he established as a lawyer, and in his office he has administered the law with the broadest intelligence and a keen regard for equity. The judge on the bench fails more frequently, perhaps, from a deficiency in that broadmindedness which not only comprehends the details of a situation quickly and that insures a complete self-control under the most exasperating conditions than from any other cause; and the judge who makes a success in the discharge of his multitudinous delicate duties, whose rulings are seldom reversed, and before whom counsel and litigant come with an unshakable confidence, must possess that broad-mindedness referred to in in addition to well-rounded character, finely balanced mind and splendid intellectual attainments. From Judge Freeman's past record and the confidence in which he is universally held it is assumed that he is just such a jurist.

Judge Freeman was married August 16, 1'905, to Miss Lillian A. Burdick, who was born in Champaign County, Illinois, and to this union there have been born three children: Beulah May, who died in 1910; and Gladys Irene and Hazel Bernice. Judge Freeman is a Eepublican. He has been interested in the success of his party and for some years has been active in politics. For about six years prior to his election to the county judgeship he served in the capacity of assistant state's attorney. As a fraternalist he belongs to the Knights of Pythias and to the Blue Lodge and Council of the Masons, being past thrice illustrious master of the latter.

CHESTER W. RICHARDS. Members of the Richards family have been active figures in business affairs in Champaign County for over half a - century. The name is especially identified with the First National Bank of Urbana, of which the late Patrick Richards was for many years president and of which his son, Chester W. Richards, is now vice-president. Chester W. Richards is a lawyer by profession, and has an extensive general practice in all the courts of this county.

The late Patrick Richards was born at Quebec, Canada, December 17, 1835, but soon after his birth his parents removed to Utica, New York. He was reared in that city, was educated in the public schools, and gained his first opening in the business world as a drug clerk. He was with a very large drug establishment at Utica and remained there several years. He not only performed the routine duties assigned him, but made his position an opportunity, for thorough study and mastery of the details of the business. On reaching his majority he removed to New York City, and had further experience as a prescription clerk. His thrift also enabled him to save a few hundred dollars, and with this comparatively small capital he removed to Champaign County in 1862. His first location was at Tolono. Soon afterwards he opened a small stock of drugs and sundries in that village and employed all the resources of his skill and recent experience to build up a business. His choice of location was fortunate, since the surrounding country was comparatively new and there was a ready demand for his stock of merchandise. His store soon came to be recognized as the leading one of its kind over a large tract of country. His trade grew and at one time his stock inventoried at something more than $17,000.

In 1882 Patrick Eichards sold out his drug business at Tolono with the intention of retiring. Eetired life soon proved tedious, and removing from the village of Tolono to Urbana he acquired stock in and also some share in the management of the First National Bank, which was then, however, a private banking institution. With the incorporation of the First National Bank he became its president, and he held that position until his death on January 1, 1899. At his death the bank had a capital stock of $100,000, and was secure in its position as one of the leading financial concerns of Champaign County.

Patrick Eichards was married May 22, 1865, to Amelia I. Morgan, daughter of W. E. Morgan and a native of Fleming County, Kentucky. They became the parents of three children : Gertrude, Clarence M., and Chester W.

Chester W. Eichards was born at Urbana, July 28, 1883, 'about a year after his parents removed to that city. He was educated in the Urbana public schools, graduating from high school in the spring of 1902. Not long afterwards he took up the study of law in the University of Illinois, and received his degree LL. B. in 1906. Mr. Eichards has been actively engaged in practice at Urbana since 1907. His law offices are in the First National Bank Building. From 1908 to 1911 he was corporation counsel of the city and since 1911 has been master in chancery of the Circuit Court of the county. Besides the duties of this position, the demands made upon his professional time and energy, and his official relations with the First National Bank, Mr. Eichards was further honored and given further responsibilities when on April 17, 1917, he was elected mayor of Urbana.

He has always taken an active part in Eepublican party affairs, and is a member of the First Baptist Church, superintendent of its Sunday school, is a Knight Templar Mason and a member of the Knights of Pythias and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. Mr. Eichards married Miss Angie Casey of Chicago, daughter of Charles E. Casey, a broker of that city. They have two children : Chester William, Jr., and Elizabeth Ann.

DANIEL E. MCHAHRT. Among the numerous families whose activities of life have contributed toward the upbuilding of Champaign County we are pleased to mention the name of McHarry.

William McHarry was a son of Daniel and Elizabeth McHarry, born in Strenraer, Scotland, in 1856. Daniel McHarry had preceded his family to America, became a soldier in the Civil War, and lost his life in the service. His family followed him to America when William was fifteen years of age. They came first to Mackinaw, Michigan, later moved to Chicago, and from there to Champaign County, where they engaged in farming.

William McHarry wedded Miss Maggie Tweedy, a native of the same place in Scotland. The two families, Tweedy and McHarry, immigrated to America together when Maggie was ten years of age. After the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. William McHarry they began their wedded life two miles north of Eantoul, settling on prairie land. For a number of years they rented the land they farmed, and there this sturdy young Scotch couple began to carve out a future for themselves and found a permanent home. By practicing strict economy and being industrious they were finally able to purchase a farm for themselves. Three children came to gladden their home, which the fond parents named Nettie, now Mrs. Parker of Paxton, Illinois, Jessie and Daniel E. The children attended the district school, and later Daniel and Jessie became students of the high school of Eantoul, graduating with honor. Later Miss Jessie became a student at the University of Illinois, graduating in 1911 in literature and art and attaining the degree of A. B. She then specialized in history and in 1913 took the degree A. M., after which she was employed as principal of the high school of Bantoul, filling in a satisfactory manner that position for four years. She was also employed as teacher in the high school of Pontiac, Illinois. At the present writing she is is carrying three courses in history and one in education at the university. When one considers the amount of work faithfully performed in that number of years, the good seed sown in the lives of our young students, thus fitting them for life's duties, we can in a measure appreciate the value and worth of one whose influence is thus far reaching, and say, "All honor to whom honor is due." Miss Jessie is an interested member of the Phi Beta Kappa, Kappa Alpha Pi Atheneum literary society of the university.

Daniel McHarry, the only son of William McHarry and wife, wedded Miss Geil Smedley, a daughter of Elmer and Sarah (Bundy) Smedley, natives of Indiana. She was born at Salem, Indiana.

The Smedley family migrated to Illinois when Geil was three years of age. The family consisted of two girls, Hallie and Geil. Geil received her education in the high school of Eantoul, graduating from the same. She is a cultured and winsome little wife. Daniel McHarry resides on the old McHarry estate, busily engaged in managing the farm. He is extensively interested in raising Shorthorn cattle and has some fine blooded horses. He is one of the progressive farmers of Eantoul. He believes a farmer should enjoy the useful things of life, and puts in practice these ideas. He farms his estate with an "International Titan" traction engine, making that engine do the work of eight horses, plowing, disking and preparing the soil for the grain. He also makes it do the heavy work of the farm, doing the belt work, running the ensilage cutter and filling the fine large silo which he built himself, having a capacity of seventy tons. He has also installed a smaller gasoline engine which runs the feed grinder, pumps all the water for the stock and farm purposes, and the ladies of the house think its best service in lightening labor is that of running the washing machine. He has a fine water system in the house, where hard or soft water may be had by simply turning a faucet.

Mr. McHarry is a true type of an American, and believes in enjoying the good and useful things of life. He owns a fine Auburn five passenger car, which he understands thoroughly and runs sanely, making it a pleasure for his family to enjoy. The McHarry family are attentive members of the Congregational Church and liberal supporters of the same. Politically Mr. McHarry supports the Eepublican party. He is broad minded, however, and believes in supporting principle instead of party, believing the man who will render the best service to the public is the one worthy of his support. The McHarry homestead has ever been noted for its hospitality. Their lives have been closely associated with Champaign County and they have experienced the joys and sorrows incident to the usual lot of humanity. In 1913 a great sorrow visited them in the death of the dear father, who entered into rest. He was a loving husband, an indulgent father, a kind neighbor and true friend.

The lives of the McHarry family have been such that it garlands the name with pleasing memories of deeds of kindness and helpfulness. The family may be found at their pleasant home two miles north of Eantoul. The widowed mother is comforted by the presence of her children and is able to look back over their lives with pleasure to days well spent and duties well performed. f

WILLIAM L. CRAY, M. D. The professional services of Dr. William L. Gray in Champaign County cover a period of more than a quarter of a century. In the quiet performance of his duty he has attended a large private practice, and has likewise become well known through his work in behalf of local institutions and as a citizen. Doctor Gray is in the front rank of surgeons in this section of Illinois.

Doctor Gray was born in DeWitt County, Illinois, January 23, 1866. His parents were Worship and Mary Elizabeth (Salisbury) Gray. His father, who was born in County Cavan, Ireland, in 1833, came to America, and about 1863 located in DeWitt County, Illinois, becoming a farmer. He also for many years did an extensive business as a stock and grain buyer and shipper. His death occurred in 1905 when about seventythree years of age. After coming to Illinois he married Mary Elizabeth Williams, a widow. She died in 1908. By her first marriage to Mr. Williams she had three children: Ella, wife of Silas Hand, at Champaign, well known in real estate circles; and Ira and Annie, deceased. Worship Gray and wife also had three children: Fred S., living in Florida; Doctor Gray; and Worship, now deceased.

Doctor Gray during his boyhood attended the country schools and also the graded school, and his higher education was largely the product of his own earnings and steadfast ambition. He entered the Keokuk Medical College, from which he was graduated M. D. in 1891. Immediately after graduating he began practice at Champaign and has been steadily identified with that city ever since. He has sought every opportunity outside the range of his personal observation and experience to improve his skill and ability. In 1898 he spent some months in the Post-Graduate Medical School at Chicago, was also in the clinics of the famous Mayo Brothers at Eochester, Minnesota, and has attended schools and hospitals in Boston and New York. In 1914 Doctor Gray went abroad for study and travel and was in London, England, when the great European war broke out.

For the first ten years after locating at Champaign Doctor Gray was in general practice, but has since specialized in surgery and in consultation. He has been surgeon of the Burnham Hospital at Champaign since 1895, and is district surgeon of the Illinois Traction Company and of the Bell Telephone Company.

On April 10, 1888, he married Miss Olive Anderson, a native of Champaign County. They are the parents of two children : Hubert W. and Muriel Olive. Doctor Gray served twenty years as a member of the Board of Education in Champaign, serving eight years of the time as president of the board, and for eight years was health officer. He is a member of the Masonic order and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.

HOWARD WREAN. From the occupation of railroad engineer, which he followed for a number of years, Mr. Howard Wrean has turned to the quiet and productive resource of farming, with an excellent estate in section 6 of Harwood Township. Mr. Wrean is one of the competent agriculturists of Champaign County, and he and his family are people of many associations in this section.

Mr. Wrean was born near Ludlow, a son of George and Amelia F. Wrean, his father a native of Nova Scotia and his mother of Denmark. They married in Pennsylvania and were the parents of seven children, all of whom grew up and received their education in the public schools at Ludlow. When George Wrean came to Champaign County he located on a farm west of Rantoul and later bought 170 acres a mile and a half northeast of that town. Here his promising career as a farmer was cut short after a resi-

Mr. Howard Wrean married Miss Frances C. Marquette. She was born at Philo, Illinois, a daughter of James and Cornelia_(Ennis) Marquette, her father a native of Ohio and her mother of PhilaiMphia, Pennsylvania. They married at Philo, Illinois. The Marquettes are of French ancestry, but the family has been in this country for a number of generations. Mrs. Wrean was one of two children. Her brother, Thomas Ennis, was given as his middle name the name of his mother's family. Mrs. Wrean was named Frances Coyle, the second name being given in honor of some special Quaker friends of her mother in Philadelphia. Mrs. Wrean was a small child when her father died, and was seventeen years old when she lost her beloved mother. Mrs. Wrean and her brother were educated in the Philo High School, where Mrs. Wrean graduated. She then took up educational work and for a number of years was a successful teacher in Champaign County. For one year she taught in Urbana and was also a teacher in the Ludlow High School. While at Ludlow in her work as teacher she became acquainted with Mr. Howard Wrean, and this friendship ended in their marriage.

They were married December 22, 1901, in Chicago, and they lived in that city for one year. Mr. Wrean was then an engineer on the Illinois Central Railway, and continued that work for two more years with home at Champaign. Later they went out to Idaho and bought a ranch near Idaho Falls, and from there returned to Champaign County and located on the old Wrean homestead near "Ludlow. Here they have an attractive home and Mr. Wrean is making a great success as an agriculturist, chiefly with the crops of corn and oats. Some years he has threshed as high as eighty bushels of oats to the acre.

Mr. and Mrs. Wrean have one son, Joy Thomas, who is now fifteen years of age and is prepared for the second year of high school at Ludlow. Mr. and Mrs. Wrean are active members of the Presbyterian Church at Philo. Mrs. Wrean's brother is also a member of that church and their lives since childhood have been identified with that community. Mr. Wrean is a member of the Masons, of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Firemen and Engineers and is a Republican in politics.

The lives of the Marquette and Wrean families have been closely identified with Champaign County for many years, and the people of that name have been known for their kindness, hospitality and general worth. Among the most valued personal friends of the family was the late Judge Cunningham, who until his death was actively interested in the preparation of this history of Champaign County. Mrs. Wrean has the vivacity of temperament and the energy betraying her French ancestry and is a splendid type of womanhood and a most capable homemaker.

WILLIAM E. SCHOWENGERDT, M. D. As even the layman finds wonder and interest in scanning the progress made by medical science from time to time, it is not remarkable that trained medical men should continue enthusiastic students and thereby still further deserve the faith and confidence of those who seek their healing ministrations. No men of any profession are so continuously students as are physicians, and the more competent and skillful they are the more closely do they devote attention to investigating the cause, prevention and cure of disease. They usually are real founts of wisdom ; in fact, they must be. The city of Champaign has a very representative body of physicians and surgeons, and in the foremost rank stands Dr. William E. Schowengerdt, who has been identified with the professional, civil and social life of this city for two decades.

William E. Schowengerdt was born in Warren County, Missouri, September' 16, 1872. His grandparents were both natives of Germany and were early settlers in Warren County, Missouri, where Doctor Schowengerdt's parents, Henry and Louise (Schoppenhorst) Schowengerdt, were born, the former in 1842 and the latter in 1846. The father during life was a farmer. His death occurred in Lafayette County, Missouri, January 2, 1909. The mother survives and resides at Higginsville, Missouri. They reared a family of seven children: Louis, who is engaged in farming at Higginsville, Missouri ; William E. ; Albert, a farmer at Higginsville ; Ernest, a farmer at Mayview, Missouri; Lizzie, who is the wife of Henry Held, also of Higginsville; and Eobert and Emma, both of whom live at Higginsville.

Sometimes an ambitious and talented youth has difficulty in impressing upon his family the strength of his inclination in the direction of choice of career, but Doctor Schowengerdt was more fortunate. From the age of twelve years and all through his school days he cherished a desire to study medicine, a course in college being a necessary preliminary. In his father, in his nineteenth year, he found a benefactor who enabled him to pursue the collegiate course by lending him enough money for the expenses of one year away from home, but with the understanding that this sum should be finally repaid, in justice to his other heirs.

Under these circumstances William E. Schowengerdt enjoyed a year of study in the Central Wesleyan College, located at Warrenton, Missouri. After returning home he entered upon the study of medicine under Dr. A. Braecklein of Higginsville, Missouri, with whom he remained a year and then entered the Missouri Medical College at St. Louis, from which well known institution he was most creditably graduated March 23, 1897. It was on the first day of the following June that Doctor Schowengerdt entered into medical practice at Champaign, Illinois, where he has continued active and successful ever since. In addition to- attending to a large practice, for the past twelve years he has served as city health officer.

Doctor Schowengerdt was married April 28, 1897, to Miss Sophie Eabsahl, who was born in Missouri, and they have one son, William Henry, who was born in July, 1904. Doctor and Mrs. Schowengerdt are members of St. Peter's Evangelical Church. Although not unduly active in politics, Doctor Schowengerdt conscientiously supports principles he believes to be right, being affiliated with the Eepublican party, and at times has accepted official position in a professional capacity or as a member of the board of education. He is identified with a number of representative fraternal organizations, including the Masons, the Odd Fellows, the Modern Woodmen and the Order of Ben Hur.

CHARLES BIECH. The farming community around Eantoul has no more progressive and public spirited citizen than Mr. Charles Birch, whose home is in section 21 of Eantoul Township. Mr. and Mrs. Birch have a model country home, and though still comparatively young they have surrounded themselves with ample comforts and have been able to liberally provide for a growing family of children.

Mr. Birch was born in Piatt County, Illinois, a son of Thomas and Jane (Thompson) Birch. His parents were natives of Ireland and came to this country in early life. Mr. Charles Birch received his education in the schools of Piatt County, and from early manhood has followed steadily and sturdily the vocation of farming.

natives of Ireland. Mrs. Birch received her education in Champaign. They started their married life at Bondville in this county, and being without capital to buy land of their own they rented a tract and farmed it six years. Both of them exhibited business capacity and were willing to live economically and simply in order to get a start. About eight years ago they bought 160 acres contained in their present farm. Their home is four and a half miles northwest of Eantoul. They have excellent building improvements and conduct their farm on a business like basis. They also own 180 acres in Moultrie County, Illinois.

The children born into their home are named Mary, Genevieve? Ward, William, Margaret, Ilene and John Joseph. These children have been well educated in the Ludlow Center School, and Mary, who completed the eighth grade, is now a student in the Eantoul High School. Mr. and Mrs. Birch attend the Catholic Church at Eantoul, and were both reared in that faith. Politically Mr. Birch votes as a Democrat. He is the type of man who believes in making his citizenship count for good to the community as well as for his own and family's prosperity. When a meritorious undertaking is broached he is sure to give it his unqualified support, and, so far as his means permit, his financial assistance. This has been proved on numerous occasions. He has a special interest in the oncoming generation and is willing to sacrifice something of his own benefit in order that the children may have adequate school advantages. He is serving as a school director and has been a justice of the peace and township collector. Fraternally he is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America.

FRANK A. PARKER, D. 0. Among the different recognized schools of the healing art, the science of osteopathy has undoubtedly made notable progress within the last decade. Its principles have been found to be so sound and its cures of the ills of the human body so remarkably successful that its practitioners can show lists of satisfied patients each year increasing, from every walk of life. Among the leading osteopathic practitioners at Champaign no one is better known or more thoroughly relied on than Dr/ Frank A. Parker, who has been engaged in the practice of his science here since 1906.

Frank A. Parker was born in Ford County, Illinois, November 6, 1866. His parents were Henry J. and Susanna (Walton) Parker, the former of whom was born in New York and the latter in Ohio. Both are now deceased. The father was a merchant and also was a farmer in Indiana.

The youngest of a family of twelve children, Frank A. Parker had no exceptional advantages in youth but grew to the age of eighteen years as a farm hand during the summer seasons, attending the common schools during the winters. This educational training was later supplemented with a course of instruction at Valparaiso, Indiana. He was ambitious and an agricultural life as a finality did not appeal to him. Therefore he went to Chicago, the great city that has been largely built up through the brains and strength of the country boys who have sought and found opportunity there, and for three years he. was connected with one of the great express companies of Chicago, in the capacity of bookkeeper, in the meanwhile keeping wide awake for a better position. An opportunity finally came and he accepted a humble position with the Hammond Packing Company at Hammond, Indiana, with the promise of promotion if deserving, and there continued, rising step by step until he had become assistant purchasing agent. This rise represented nine years of such close and strenuous work that his health gave signs of failing and he found it advisable to sever his relations with the company in order to engage in some work that would give him outdoor exercise.

insurance in Champaign. In the meanwhile his attention had been called to the success which was attending the practice of osteopathy, in some special cases, and this led to increasing interest and finally to a determination to apply himself seriously to the study of the science. Therefore, in the fall of 1904, he enrolled himself as a student in the American School of Osteopathy, the fountain head, at Kirksville, Missouri, where he continued until he was graduated in 1906. He returned then to Champaign and opened an office and has been in active practice here ever since, his remarkable success testifying to his thorough knowledge as well as to the merits of his school of healing.

Doctor Parker was married August 20, 1898, to Miss Clara Mashino, who was born in Kansas, and they have two children, Griffith H. and Euby Maurine. Doctor and Mrs. Parker are members of the First Baptist Church. Their home is in a very pleasant part of the city, their residence being at No. 133 West Park Avenue.

Although an independent voter, Doctor Parker is by no means an indifferent citizen; on the other hand, zealously working for city improvement, especially along sanitation lines, and for the general moral uplift that none so well realize the desperate need of as does the physician. He leads a busy and useful life, finding in his profession a congenial career, hence has but little leisure to give to social or fraternal activities, although for many years he has been a valued member of the local lodge of Knights, of Pythias,

JOHN D. SELTZER, now living retired at Villa Grove, spent many useful and productive years in Champaign County. These years dealt pleasantly with him and in response to his energy and good judgment rewarded him with one of the finest farms in Raymond Township, which he still owns, and he is able to look back upon his past years with a great deal of satisfaction, born of practical achievement and the performance of the many duties that are assumed by public spirited citizens like Mr. Seltzer.

He is of old Pennsylvania stock and was born in Schuylkill County of that state April 6, 1843. His parents, Michael and Mary (Fryer) Seltzer, were natives of the same county. His father was a farmer, later engaged in the hotel business and for nine years served as superintendent of the Alms House in Pennsylvania. Going west, he lived about three years in Kansas, and through the inducement of his son John finally located in Champaign County. He and his wife had seven children : Francis and Abraham, both deceased, were Union soldiers in the Civil War ; Rebecca, now deceased ; Charles, also a veteran of the Union Army; John D. ; Amanda; and Elizabeth, wife of Joseph Borda, living in Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania.

John D. Seltzer grew up in his native state, but early in life came west to Illinois and spent a year and a half farming around Naperville in the northern part of the state. In 1871 he came to Champaign County. His advent into the county was attended by some interesting circumstances.

While living at Naperville he had acquired a handsome team of horses. He drove this team from Naperville south into Champaign County, and for a great many years it has been a matter of jest with his friends that he was overtaken when about a mile out of Urbana on his way to Tolono by the Champaign County sheriff and was accused of having stolen the team. Champaign County people were not as accustomed to such fine horses fortyfive years ago as they are today, and Mr. Seltzer's team had been the object of much admiration while he was stopping in Urbana. A few wiseacres at Urbana decided that such a fine team could not have been justly owned and acquired by their driver, and the only other plausible explanation was that they had been stolen and were being driven away for disposal. The sheriff, therefore, went in pursuit merely on this suspicion, but Mr. Seltzer soon convinced him and the deputy that they had an innocent man to deal with.

On settling in Champaign County Mr. Seltzer bought 160 acres of railroad land in section 30 of Raymond Township. For this land he paid only $12.50 an acre. Later he bought another quarter section for $15 a_n .acre, and finally 160 acres more at $30 an acre. This last quarter section "he sold some years ago for $120 an acre. Mr. Seltzer lived on his land, cultivated it to the staple crops, planted trees, tiled and ditched the low places, and left it to remove to Villa Grove in as complete a condition for practical and diversified farming as any other place in Raymond Township.

John D. Seltzer married Sarah Erb, widow of Richard Davis. She was the' mother of one child by her first marriage, Charles Davis, a resident of Raymond Township. Mrs. Seltzer died February 26, 1908. She and Mr. Seltzer had five children : Elnora, widow of William Hays and living at Allison, Colorado; Amanda, wife of Jacob H. Joseph of Sidell, Illinois; Lydia, wife of Michael O'Neil of Longview, Illinois; John Franklin, who occupies the old homestead and is referred to in a later paragraph; Susie, wife of George W. Ewin of Villa Grove.

Mr. John D. Seltzer is an active Democrat. He was highway commissioner and for twenty years school treasurer of his district in Ravmond Township. He belongs to the Grange or Patrons of Husbandry.

John Franklin Seltzer is the son who is capably managing the old farm in Raymond Township, and was born in that township on section 30 October 7, 1879. As a boy he attended the district schools, afterwards attended the high school at Champaign, and took a business college course .in Danville. For nine months he had experience as a merchant at Fairland, and then returned home and took charge of the farm of 440 acres. He now has the active management of 280 acres and is also overseeing a large ranch of 400 or 500 acres in Montana. He is a busy farmer and stockman and has shown that he possesses much of the sterling ability in this direction of his father.

February 11, 1903, John F. Seltzer married Annie Kimmel, a native of Pennsylvania and a daughter of Jacob and Amanda (Seltzer) Kimmel. Both her parents are now deceased. Mrs. Seltzer was one of nine children, the oldest and the youngest, both sons, having died in infancy. The second child, Robert, lives at Orwigsburg, Pennsylvania. The third child, a daughter, died in infancy. Her brother George is deceased and her sister Estella is the wife of Arthur F. Young of Orwigsburg, Pennsylvania. Mrs. Seltzer is the sixth in order of birth. Lottie is the wife of Newton Delbert of Orwigsburg, Pennsylvania. Andrew is the youngest of the living children.

Mr. and Mrs. John F. Seltzer had three children : Frank, who died in infancy; George K., born March 29, 1906; and John J., born October 20, 1907. John F. Seltzer is a Democrat, has attained the thirty-second degree in the Scottish Rite of Masonry, belongs to the Mystic Shrine and is affiliated with the Modern Woodmen of America.

HOWARD NASH. The handling of real estate is a business of many angles and can scarcely be honorably and successfully carried on without a thorough knowledge of land values and also an understanding of many problems of law. Not every dealer, however, so carefully prepares himself for this line of activity as has Howard Nash, one of Champaign's most prominent real estate men, whose course in law and extended travels. have been but a part of his education for what he early determined to make his lifework. His success along this line has certainly justified his foresight in preparing for the work.