Jefferson County, Illinois - Biographical sketches, 1909 (part 3 of 6)

Although deeply immersed in business matters, Mr. Arthurs is identified with and a friend to all enterprises which tend to advance the material growth of his city and county or in any way benefit the people. He is a Republican, but not a politician, although well grounded in the principles of his party, thoroughly informed relative to the great questions and issues before the public. He has the courage of his convictions upon all matters of local and general interest and is a splendid type of the intelligent American citizen who loves his country and makes every other consideration subordinate to its welfare.

In religion he is liberal in all the term implies, belonging to no church or fraternal organization, but according to everybody the same right of private judgment which he claims for himself. He is a friend of the church, however, and believes Christianity to be the greatest and most influential factor in modern civilization. He also does considerable charitable and benevolent work, and is ever ready to assist any laudable means for the comfort and welfare of those whom fortune has neglected and to contribute liberally to the various humanitarian institutions which have done so much for the poor and indigent of the community.

Mr. Arthurs is a man of strong domestic tastes and the beautiful and luxurious home on North street is one of the finest and most attractive in the city. It is the one happy place where he can divert himself of the cares and distractions of business and enjoy the quiet atmosphere of a circle which approaches very near the ideal. The presiding spirit in this hospitable household is a lady of intelligent, varied culture and gracious presence to whom he was united in the bonds of wedlock on November 28, 1 888, and who previous to that time bore the name of lola E. Settlemire. Mrs. Arthurs was born at Gillespie, Illinois, and is the daughter of D. O. Settlemire, formerly a prominent resident and manufacturer of Litchfield and fbr a number of years president of the Litchfield Car & Machine Company, of that city. Mr. and Mrs. Arthurs have one child, David Clifford Arthurs, who was born March 8, 1907.

In closing the review of one of the leading captains of industry of Illinois it is only necessary to state that he is a gentleman of progressive ideas and generous impulses, highly esteemed by his fellow men, and filling a place in the public view which has brought him prominently to the front, not only in business circles but in the domain of citizenship as well. Of fine personal presence and commanding influence he moves among his fellows as one born to leadership, nevertheless he is kind and affable, easily approachable, and all who enjoy the favor of his acquaintance and friendship speak in the highest terms of his many sterling qualities of mind and heart.

Robert N. Hinman

The substantial character of Mount Vernon is the result of the energy and integrity of her business men who as a class compare favorably with those of any other city of like importance. The growth of the town has been along lines that make for permanency and for this reason people with means are willing to make investments without fear or hesitancy regarding future values. The subject of this review has done his part in building up the splendid reputations of the city, and holds a high place in the esteem of its leading business men of the city.

Robert N. Hinman was born in Mount Vernon on the 18th day of December, 1 854. His father, Harmon D. Hinman, a native of Vermont, came to Illinois when quite a young man and settled at Shawneetown. He was a brick mason by trade and after many years spent at Shawneetown, he came to Mount Vernon, where he was prosperous and happy. The misfortune of a violent death, however, awaited him, for he was killed by a horse in 1 860, when our subject was but five years old. His wife, Betty (Moss) Hinman, whose parents were natives of Virginia, died in 1 872, at the age of thirty-nine years. She was the mother of five children, the first three of whom, John, Rosa and Alice, are deceased. Our subject was the fourth in order of birth, and the fifth. Alma, is the wife of J. C. Mass, and has her home in New Mexico.

Mr. Hinman has always lived at Mount Vernon, where he attended both the public and the high school. At the age of fifteen, he began work in the post-office, and continued there from 1 870 to 1 887, being the assistant postmaster for the first nine years, at the expiration of which he became postmaster, and continued in that capacity for the next eight years. In December, 1887, he went into the hardware busineses with H. H. Simmons. This partnership continued for three years when Mr. Simmons retired from the business. For the next two years Mr. Hinman operated the store himself, and at the expiration of this time the management was reorganized by the accession of two additional members to the firm, viz., R. P. Moyer andj. H. Irvin, under the name of Hinman, Irvin and Moyer. This association continued for one and one-half years, being broken by the death of Mr. Irvin in 1895. Mr. Hinman and Mr. Moyer contmued in partnership for three and onehalf years. On September 24, 1895, the present firm was organized through the accession of J. J. Matthews, under the name of Hinman and Matthews. Their store is one of the best stocked and economically managed of any in the city, and a large patronage is being enjoyed by the firm.

On December 29, 1875, Mr. Hinman was married to Miss Ella E. Burghart, who was born in New York state. This marriage took place at Ashley, Illinois, whither her people had removed when Ella was quite young. She departed this life, April 1 8, 1 906. She became the mother of four children, Robert E., of St. Louis; Earl B. and Stella E. are at the parental home in Mount Vernon. The fourth, John H., has his home at Bisbee, Arizona.

Mr. Hinman served as Supervisor of Mount Vernon township from 1 905 to 1 907 and managed the office with a great deal of tact and efficiency. In 1890, he served as Mayor of Mount Vernon, and was well received and supported by the people. He is a member of the Odd Fellows and the Masons, and although he is quiet and unassuming in his demeanor, yet he has done much to promote the best interests of the community at large. He and his family are members of the First Methodist church, and Mr. Hinman is one of the trustees. Although a Republican in politics, he espouses only those men and measures that fill, in his judgment, the highest needs of the city, and in this way he contributes to its welfare and prosperity.

Joel V. Baugh

One of the best known and public-spirited citizens of Jefferson county, Illinois, is Joel V. Baugh, editor of the Mount Vernon News, who was born in Mount Vernon, May 19, 1838, and who has spent much of his long and eminently useful life in his home community. He is the son of Downing Baugh, a native of Barren county, Kentucky, who removed to Kaskaskia, Randolph county, Illinois, in the early days, 1820. The father of the subject was a distinguished lawyer, who was born in Barren county, Kentucky, in i 798. He lived in Barren county a short time and then moved to Mount Vernon, Illinois, in 1821. He married Milly Pace. He was prominent in public affairs, and was postmaster of Mount Vernon for many years. He was a home student and began the practice of law when forty-seven years old, having studied law in his spare moments for some time. He was successful from the first and he was appointed Circuit Judge in 1854, winning a record as an honest and upright jurist. During the years 1840 and 1841 he was enrolling and engrossing clerk of the twelfth General Assembly. He was a Probate Justice in Jefferson county for a time. In 1857 he removed to McGregor, Iowa, where he was elected Judge of the City Court. Judge Baugh was one of those sterling pioneers who helped to form and mould the early sentiments of this country. His death, which was deeply lamented by all who knew him, occurred at McGregor, Iowa, in 1888, at the advanced age of ninety-one years. He and his good wife were the parents of eight children, four of whom are living in 1909, namely: Mrs. Mary E. Fly, of Mount Vernon; J. W. ; Joel V., our subject; Mrs. Harriet Thurston, of Hot Springs, South Dakota.

Davis, of Moore's Prairie, Jefferson county. She married Downing Baugh in 1 847 and her death occurred in 1 908, at the advanced age of ninety-seven years.

Joel V. Baugh spent his early life in Mount Vernon, attending the common schools. He early decided to devote his life to journalism, and accordingly entered the office of the Jeffersonian in 1 85 1 , and he has been continuously connected with the business since that time, making a great success and becoming one of the molders of public opinion. He has had occasion to learn the newspaper business in all its details. The first paper started in Mount Vernon was the Jeffersonian, owned by John S. Bogan. It was started in 1851. Mr. John A. V/all and Mr. Baugh were among his employes. The latter worked three years with Mr. Bogan.

In 1862 Mr. Baugh and L. M. Amala, a native of the Sandwich Islands, started the first paper published in the Rocky Mountains outside of Denver. This was called the Mining Life and was published at Central City, Colorado. Mr. Baugh was afterward one of the founders of the Sioux City (Iowa) Journal, in 1864. He did editorial work on many daily papers afterwards. In 1868 he started the Fairfield (Illinois) Democrat, and successfully managed it for eight years. He then went to Evansville, where he did editorial work. He was always regarded as a very capable man, having a felicity of expression and being a painstaking editor.

Mr. Baugh returned to Mount Vernon about sixteen years ago and assumed charge of the News, and later published the Democrat here, which was merged with the News in 1901. It is now published by the Mount Vernon News Company, incorporated, of which our subject is editor.

The domestic life of Mr. Baugh began in 1866 at Marshalltown, Iowa, when he was united in marriage with Mary C. Swanson, of that city. Two sons have blessed this union, Harry B., who is engaged in the restaurant business in Salt Lake City, Utah ; Ernest V. is superintendent of the dining car department of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, with headquarters in Baltimore.

Mr. Baugh has taken considerable interest in politics, but the only office he ever held was that of Police Magistrate of Mount Vernon, which he resigned. He is a Mason in all three of its branches, the Blue Lodge, the Chapter and Commandery. He is a member of the Methodist church. He commands the unqualified respect of all who know him.

James R. Winn

President of the Winn Lumber Company, of Mount Vernon and Waltonville, and a business man of high standing and wide reputation, is a native of Arkansas, born in the town of Hillsboro in the year 1873. His father, Powhatan Winn, who was also born and reared in the same state, was a farmer by occupation and a man of sterling worth in the community where he resided. His mother bore the maiden name of Ada L. Oaks, was descended from an old Ohio family, representatives of which moved to Arkansas many years ago and have since been identified with various parts of the commonwealth. Powhatan Winn was a plain, industrious, law abiding citizen and belonged to that large and eminently respectable class of yeomanry who, in a quiet, unostentatious way, add stability to the body politic and promote the interests of their fellow men. He departed this life in 1898, his good wife preceded him to the silent land in 1 890, the loss of both being profoundly deplored by

The family of Powhatan and Ada Winn consisted of nine children, seven of whom are still living, namely: James R., the subject of this review; Frank W., of Albuquerque, New Mexico; Byron A., of Mount Vernon, Illinois; Richard P., who lies at Pine Bluff, Arkansas; Owen O., Clyde M., and Flora, all three reside in Mount Vernon. Those deceased were Louis M., the third in order of birth, and Everett, who was the youngest of the family. The Winns have long been identified with various parts of the South, notably with the state of Mississippi, of which the subject's father, James R. Winn, was a native. He was a planter and early achieved considerable local prominence in the county of his residence which he served as Sheriff and in various other official capacities, besides taking an influential part in developing the mineral resources of the country and promoting its agricultural interests. In an early day when Arkansas was a new and comparatively undeveloped territory he joined the tide of emigration thither and was among the first settlers and pioneer planters of what is now Union county. He made the journey to the new country under many difficulties and hardships, having been obliged to cut a way for many miles through a dense and at intervals, well-nigh impenetrable forest, into whose depths no white man had ever penetrated, besides encountering many swamps and swiftly rushing streams to cross which required much hard labor and not a few dangers. Shortly after his destination was reached he became a leader in the settlement which he assisted to establish and in due time rose to a place of prominence in Union county, where he was elected Sheriff, besides holding other positions of honor and trust and becoming widely known among the leading Democratic politicians of the state. His influence locally and elsewhere was great and at one time he was earnestly solicited by the leading representatives of his party to accept the nomination for Governor, but refused the honor although well qualified to fill that or any other office within the gift of the people. This publicspirited man and eminently honorable and praise-worthy citizen died in the year 1884 and left to his posterity the memory of a useful life and an honorable name. The early life of James R. Winn, the subject of this sketch, was devoid of thrilling experience and contains little to attract the attention of the writer who seeks to interest his readers by a recital of the exciting or tragic. He spent his childhood under the parental roof in the state of his birth, later accompanied the family to Ohio and thence after a brief residence returned to Arkansas, where he received his education in the district schools and worked several years as manager of a saw mill for a St. Louis lumber firm. Subsequently he embarked in the manufacture of lumber upon his own responsibility and was thus engaged for two years, at the expiration of which time he organized the Winn Lumber Company at Mount Vernon, Illinois, with which he is still connected and of which he is now president and manager.

The Winn Lumber Company is incorporated under the laws of Illinois and since its organization, in the year 1905. to the present time the business has steadily grown in magnitude until it now takes a wide range, the enterprise being liberally patronized not only in Mount Vernon but at Waltonville, where a branch office has been established with most encouraging results. In the management of this large and growing enterprise Mr. Winn displays ability of a high order and he possesses the faculty of foreseeing with remarkable accuracy the future outcome of his own well laid plans. Methodical as well as intensely practical he keeps in touch with every detail of the business and has it so well in hand that his plans seldom, if ever, miscarry, nor is his judgment ever at fault.

among the most enterprising and successful of his compeers in Mount Vernon and Jefferson county. He has done much to promote the material prosperity of the city and give it an honorable reputation among the important business centers of Southern Illinois, and also manifests an abiding interest in other than his own affairs, being alive to all that tends to the general welfare of the community and the social and moral advancement of his fellow men. He is a stockholder in the King City Fair Association, in addition to which he has assisted in inaugurating and carrying to successful issue other enterprises of a local character and lends his influence and support to whatever makes for the progress and best interests of his city, county and state. Financially his success has been commensurate with the energy displayed in all of his undertakings and although somewhat handicapped by a severe bodily injury, the result of an accident by which he lost his left arm, he has moved steadily forward in the accomplishment of his purposes until as already indicated he now occupies a conspicuous place in the business world and is highly esteemed by the people of his adopted city. Like the majority of enterprising men he takes an interest in public affairs and has well denned opinions and the courage of his convictions in the leading questions of the times. He is a Democrat, but not an active politician, nevertheless he is interested in the success of his party and its candidates and endeavors to discharge the duties of citizenship in the intelligent manner characteristic of the wide-awake American who makes love of country paramount to every other consideration. Mr. Winn is unmarried and belongs to no lodge or fraternal organization, despite which he is an important factor in the social life of Mount Vernon and very popular among the many warm friends with whom he is accustomed to associate. Being in the broadest sense of the term a self-made man, he has reason to feel proud of the honorable position in the business world to which he has attained and in view of the fact that he is still in the prime of life his success in the past affords an assurance of its continuance in the future but in still larger measure.

There is no calling, however humble, in which enterprise and industry, coupled with a well directed purpose, will not be productive of some measure of success, and in the medical profession the qualities mentioned are especially essential. Under certain circumstances a physician lacking them may eke out an existence, but he who would be eminently successful must possess a definite aim and must persevere in the pursuit of his purpose, besides having the other necessary qualities of head and heart to render him popular with the public. These the subject of this sketch seems to possess, since he is recognized as one of the honored and influential citizens of Jefferson county, Illinois, where he has long maintained his home, enjoying a wide practice in his chosen field of endeavor and commanding the respect and esteem of the most equivocal order. Doctor Arendale is a splendid illustration of what a man may develop into if he has the grit, industry and perseverance, although surrounded in early life by many obstacles and discouraging environment.

Dr. D. H. Arendale, a well known physician of Mount Vernon, Illinois, was born May 28, 1857, in Marion county, Tennessee, one-half mile from the Alabama state line. His early schooling was quite primitive, having been obtained in the log schoolhouses of those days, in which split logs were used for seats and other similar furnishings. His first effort to gain a livelihood was in carrying produce on horseback, often a distance of twelve miles, seeking a market for various kinds of farm products, and he alwall's history of JEFFERSON CO., ILL. 447 ways succeeded in getting good prices. He was always at work what time he was not in school, having left the log school-house when seventeen years old and desiring to become a doctor he entered Burritte College in Tennessee in 1874 and was accredited with being the most industrious pupil in that school. At a meeting of the faculty a few days before the close of the term it was agreed that Mr. Arendale was the best student in the school. In 1875 and 1876 he attended Doran's Cove high school, where he studied so assiduously that he seriously impared his nervous system, having never completely recovered from the effects of the over-work he did there. While here he mastered most of the higher branches of mathematics, such as geometry and trigonometry, and at the close of the school was designated by the president of Pikeville College as a suitable pupil to demonstrate mathematical work, which he did to the entire satisfaction of all. In 1877 he was tendered a professorship in the William and Emma Austin College at Stevenson, Alabama, and he also taught in the free schools of Alabama and Tennessee, giving entire satisfaction to both patron and pupil. When only eighteen years old he applied to the trustees of a country school, who informed him that it had always required a bearded man to teach their school, but our subject asked to be "tried out" which was done and he taught the school to the end of the term in a most gratifying manner, having among his pupils one boy who weighed over two hundred pounds whom he taught his letters. This was the Island Creek, south of Bridgeport, Alabama.

In 1880 our subject raised a cotton crop, working early and late in order to get enough money together to defray expenses in a medical college. His close application to farm work in Jackson county, Alabama, further demonstrated his determination to succeed, and, useless to say that his subsequent studying of medicine resulted in the acquisition of a carefully trained mind in this line.

He was a private student under Doctor Westmoreland at Atlanta, Georgia, where he received most of his medical training and while there he was complimented by the professor of anatomy in the state medical school upon his profound information in minute anatomy. Doctor Arendale took a course of medicine at Nashville, Tennessee. This was after he had tried to practice medicine at Elk Prairie, Jefferson county, Illinois, where he came in October, 1882. On the day after his arrival while passing the Quinn school-house just as the school closed for the day, noticing a very beautiful young girl among the pupils our subject inquired of Francis Cox, who was driving him, who the young lady was. Upon being told that she was Miss Louie Bodine, he replied, "That's my wife." In less than two months they were engaged and were married in the following month of June, the young couple spending their honey-moon that summer at the subject's old home in Tennessee, and his bride accompanied him to Nashville, when school opened the following fall, where she assisted him with his school work and did her part in economizing. Toward the close of the term their money ran out and they had a hard time to live, having to borrow money of the instructors in the college to defray part of their expenses back to Illinois, having settled in Elk Prairie among their relations. Doctor Arendale fitted up an old building in which they started housekeeping. Although almost poverty stricken and in poor health, resulting in too close application to study, our subject was too selfreliant to ask for help and for the first two years of his married life he never knew one day where he would get something to eat for the following day, maintaining his office in his residence - an old stable. In 1 886 he was appointed postmaster at Elk Prairie and conditions took a better aspect. This was during Cleveland's administration. Doctor Arendale purchased an acre of ground and erected a three room house on it, using the front room as post-office and also keeping a few articles to sell, his stock of goods having been obtained by giving a fifty-dollar note with his mother-in-law for security. His stock consisted of very small quantities of such materials as were used by his neighbors, such as coal oil, which he first purchased in quantities of one gallon at a time, his first stock of tobacco consisting of one dollar and fifty-five cents' worth, and his stock of dry-goods was a half bolt of light shirting, five cent calico. But prosperity came and he soon afterwards purchased such articles in lots of one hundred dollars' worth and his practice having grown in the meantime, he was enabled in the course of two years by his practice, the profits in the store and his salary as postmaster to accumulate the sum of two thousand dollars.

Prosperity has attended the efforts of our subject since those days and he observed the larger opportunities that were to be found at the county seat. Mount Vernon, where he moved.

Since locating in Mount Vernon he has practically retired from the active practice of his profession and has devoted his time and attention to real estate and the management of the Palace Hotel, the latter being one of the leading and most successful in the city, recently rebuilt and refurnished. Through hard work, economy and self-denial the doctor and his wife have accumulated a competency, owning valuable property in Mount Vernon in addition to profitable investments in California.

Frank Snyder

who have in hand the management and control of large and important enterprises. The gentleman whose name initiates this article and who holds the important position of superintendent of the Mount Vernon Car Manufacturing Company is entitled to distinction as one of the progressive business men of Jefferson county, having for several years been officially connected with the leading industrial enterprises of Southern Illinois and earned an honorable reputation among the captains of industry throughout the state.

Frank Snyder is a native of New York and the only child of John and Elizabeth Schultz Snyder, both born in the Empire state, the father a farmer by occupation and dying when the subject was three years old, the mother being called to her final rest when her son was a mere babe. The subject was born on December 22, 1 850, and being bereft of his parents at a tender age was early in life thrown upon his own resources. After the death of his father he was taken by his grandmother with whom he lived until his thirteenth year when he began earning his own livelihood by working on a farm to which kind of service he devoted the five years ensuing, meanwhile as opportunities permitted he attended the district schools of his native county and in due time made fair progress in the common English branches, but the greater part of his education, however, consists of the valuable practical knowledge obtained by contact with the world and his fellow men, and the close and intelligent observation which develops and strengthens the mind and enables it to grasp and solve the great problems which must ultimately be met by everyone obliged to carve out his own destiny. At the age of eighteen young Snyder began working at carpentry and soon became not only an efficient but a skillful mechanic whose services accordingly were much in demand. He followed this trade for a number of years, principally at or near his native place, but in 1872 he went to St. Louis and entered the employ of the Missouri Car and Foundry Company of that city, accepting a position in the carwall's history of JEFFERSON CO., ILL. 451 pentry department at a daily wage. His services proved eminently satisfactory to his superiors as his advancement from time to time attests and in 1878 he was assigned the important and responsible duty of superintending the erection of new cars and additional shops, which task he performed in due time very creditaby to the company.

Mr. Snyder continued with the above firm until 1882, when he accepted a similar position at St. Charles, Missouri, where he remained four years. Severing his connection with his employers at the latter place in 1886 he became assistant superintendent of the Litchfield Car & Machine Company, Litchfield, Illinois, and so ably and faithfully did he discharge the duties of the place that he was subsequently, 1 887, appointed by the president, superintendent of the works, a position of great responsibility which he worthily filled during the following three years. When the Mount Vernon Car and Manufacturing Company was established Mr. Snyder resigned his position at Litchfield to accept the general superintendency of the new concern, a place he still holds and in which he has displayed a technical knowledge of every detail of the plant, contributing greatly to the continuous growth of the business and doing more than any other man connected with the enterprise to place it upon its present solid basis and give it an honorable reputation for which it is now distinguished.

Mr. Snyder has spared no reasonable effort to promote the interests of the large and growing establishment with which he is identified, making every other consideration subordinate to this one object and as indicated above all connected with the concern concede that much of its phenomenal success is directly attributable to his energy, foresight and systematic methods of management and they look to him to lead the enterprise to still greater achievements.

As may be readily inferred from the foregoing brief account of his rise from an humble and obscure position to the high and responsible place he now occupies in industrial circles, Mr. Snyder is a man of remarkable ability and superior judgment, whose enterprising spirit no difficulties can daunt or discourage. With a tenacity of purpose as rare as it is admirable he seems to possess the faculty of moulding circumstances to suit his ends and of forseeing with remarkable accuracy the future outcome of present action. These with other equally strong and well defined characteristics peculiarly fit him for leadership in great and important undertakings and enable him to obtain the largest possible results where many men would fail. His success in surmounting difficulties and reaching his present influeritial position in the industrial world as well as a prominent place in the community affords a slight idea of the business capacity and untiring energy of one who since early youth has been obliged to rely entirely upon his own efforts while making his way through life and achieving a standing among his fellows such as few attain. In the broadest and most liberal sense of the term he is a self-made man and as such ranks with the most enterprising and successful of his compeers, discharging every obligation as becomes a true citizen and showing himself worthy of the confidence reposed in his integrity and honor by those with whom his lot has been cast.

Mr. Snyder is a Republican in politics and takes an active interest not only in party questions but in public affairs as well. He is a friend of education and has been president of the township School Board for a period of four years, during which time he was largely instrumental in bringing about the erection of the handsome new building recently completed and now considered one of the finest. He has achieved a standing among his fellows such as few attain. In matters religious he is a regular attendant of the Presbyterian church of Mount Vernon and one of the most liberal contributors to its support. Mr. Snyder is a Mason of high degree and an influential worker in the Blue Lodge, Chapter and Commandery, holding at this time the position of eminent commander of Patton Commandery

69. He is also identified with the Order of Ben Hur, Knights of Honor and Knights and Ladies of Security, and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, in addition to which organizations he keeps in touch with various private charities and is ever ready to respond to the call of sickness, poverty and distress. Socially he is esteemed by a large circle of friends and admirers and his popularity with all classes and conditions of people is limited only by the range of his acquaintance.

Mr. Snyder is a married man and the head of a household that is well known in the best society circles of Mount Vernon. The lady who now bears his name and presides over his home was formerly Miss Sarah E. Rites, of Springfield, Illinois, but at the time of her marriage, in the year 1 872, a resident of St. Louis, Missouri. Mr. and Mrs. Snyder have no children of their own, but some years ago the latter's niece became an inmate of their home and on her they have lavished the same wealth of love and affection they would have shown one of their own flesh and blood. They took the child when quite young and have reared her with great tenderness and care, sparing neither pains nor expense in providing for her education and fitting her for the refined circles in which she is destined ultimately to move. The young lady possesses remarkable musical talent and is now in Leipsic, Germany, prosecuting her musical studies under the direction of some of the great masters of that and other European cities.

Jasper N. Pettit

The Grand Army button marks Mr. Pettit as a patriot of the first rank and his social and religious relations are in perfect harmony with what is highest and best in his daily intercourse with his fellow men.

Jasper N. Pettit was born in Crawford county, Pennsylvania., April 22, 1844, was the son of Windsor and Eliza (Burger) Pettit, the former being a native of Pennsylvania, and the latter of New York and of German descent.

After their marriage in Pennsylvania the parents of Mr. Pettit removed to Starke county, Illinois, later to Iowa, and from there to Jefferson county, Illinois, in 1865. He followed farming, but sold his farm a few years before his death and came to Mount Vernon, where he lived in retirement until his death, at the age of seventy years. He was an ardent Republican and both he and his companion were devout members of the Methodist church. Mrs. Burger, mother of Mrs. Pettit, came to Illinois also, and ended her days here, living to an advanced age. Her husband died in the East a number of years previous.

Mr. Pettit received his education in the district schools of Iowa and Illinois and remained under the parental roof until 1862, at which time he enlisted in Company I, Twenty-seventh Iowa Volunteer Infantry. This was the beginning of a long and trying experience, the details of which were such as were common to the brave boys who have preserved for us our precious heritage of "liberty and union, one and inseparable." His first battle was at Red River, Arkansas, followed by such conflicts as those at Nashville, Mobile Bay, and the various other campaings and battles in which his regiment took part. His term of service lacked eight days of being three years in length, and he was mustered out at Clinton, Iowa, in August, 1865. Mr. Pettit's brother, George D., enlisted in the Ninth Iowa Cavalry, and served also for three years.

After returning from the war Mr. Pettit came to Jefferson county, Illinois, and took up his residence on the farm he now occupies. This farm is made up largely of rich bottom land, and embraces eighty-three acres. Mr. Pettit has spared no pains or effort in bringing the farm up to the best in the neighborhood. He has put up modem buildings, and has five hundred trees, mostly apple. He has given considerable attention also to stock raising, his horses and mules bringing most excellent prices in the market, while his Jersey Red hogs are constantly m demand by breeders and stock buyers.

On February 1 4, 1 869, Mr. Pettit was married to Miss Eliza C. Johnson, a native of Jefferson county, and daughter of Thomas C. and Sarah J. (Frost) Johnson, both of whom were born in Tennessee.

Mrs. Pettit's grandfather was a physician and practiced medicine in this country in early days. Her parents were members of the Methodist Episcopal church. South, and both lived to exceed the age of sixty years.

Mr. and Mrs. Pettit have become the parents of three children. Mary was born in 1872 and is the wife of Robert Moss, a farmer m Jefferson county, and the mother of two children ; Charles A. was born in 1874, is married and has two children; Thomas W. was born in 1877, and died at the age of seven and one-half years. Mr. and Mrs. Pettit are congenial neighors and active workers in the Methodist church, in which Mr. Pettit has been steward and trustee for over thirty years. He has served many terms as superintendent of the Sunday school and both he and his wife are active teachers in the work at the present time.

The subject of this sketch has made proper use of his opportunities and he has prospered in his business from year to year, conducting all his affairs successfully and carefully, displaying in all his actions an aptitude for careful and correct management. He has not let the accumulation of a competency affect in any way his actions toward those less fortunate and he always has a cheerful word for those with whom he comes in contact and he occupies a notable position among the influential citizens of Jefferson county, both in a business and social way.

E. W. Peters, the well known secretary and general manager of the Jefferson County Lumber Company, was born in the northern part of Germany, March 25, 1862, the son of John Peters, also a native of Germany. John Peters and his son, our subject, came to America in 1 866, settling in Baltimore, Maryland, where they lived one year. From that city they came to Bunker Hill, Illinois, where the subject's father lived until his death, April 13, 1908. He was a shoemaker by trade and a most accomplished workman. The mother of the subject was known in her maidenhood as Antje Park, who was also a native of Germany. She still lives at the old homestead at Bunker Hill. Mr. and Mrs. John Peters were the parents of nine children, six of whom are living in 1909, namely: E. W., our subject; Anna Noel, of Bunker Hill, Illinois; John, also of Bunker Hill; Mrs. Frances Best, also living at Bunker Hill; Charles, of Bunker Hill; Edward, of Nokomis, Illinois.

Mr. Peters received his schooling and early educational training at Bunker Hill. Having a business bent he early decided^ to enter the lumber world, and accordingly in 1901 he became associated with the Jefferson County Lumber Company as secretary and manager. He had lived at Pana, Illinois, for a period of thirteen years prior to coming to Mount Vernon, where he was employed in the capacity of yard manager of a lumber company. The firm with which he is at present connected is one of the largest in this locality and it does a thriving business. Mr. Peters has mastered this line of business and the customers of this company know that they will receive courteous treatment and get a square deal here.

Mr. Peters was united in marriage in May, 1902, to Mrs. Pearl (DeGroot) Wiggs, who was born and reared in Illinois. She is the representative of a fine old Southern family of considerable influence in their community.

The beautiful home of the subject and wife has been blessed by the birth of three children, namely: William, Anna and Frances. One boy, Frederick, the son of Mrs. Peters by her former husband, lives with our subject.

Mr. Peters is a public-spirited man, always interested in the development of his community, and while living at Pana, he ably serVed as Alderman for two years. He belongs to the Knights of Pythias, the Modern Woodmen and the Methodist church. In his political relations he supports the Republican party.

The Jefferson County Lumber Company is a corporation and as already intimated is one of the substantial and most important industries of the county, and it is steadily and rapidly growing in scope and importance, doing an extensive business with remote localities and much of its recent prosperity is unquestionably due to Mr. Peters' excellent management. Our subject is a fine fellow to know, pleasant, a big, hearty fellow of fine physical appearance, a man of sound judgment, prudent habits and frugal industry; and all who have formed his acquaintance since coming to Mount Vernon are his friends.

Beechworth Brumbaugh

The progenitor of the family of this name, so long identified with mercantile interests in Jefferson county, was a native of Germany, who came to Pennsylvania when a young man. He settled near Kittanning, Armstrong county, and reared a family. Among his children was Joseph S. Brumbaugh, whose birth occurred on the Pennsylvania homestead. After growing up he became a merchant, removed to Illinois in 1857 and located at Middleton, Wayne county, where he was engaged in business for many years. In 1 872, he transferred his scene of operations to Dahlgren, Hamilton county, where he resumed and prosecuted the mercantile business until his death in April, 1884. The manner in which he met his wife involved something of a romance. When still a young man, he had gone to California and thence to Australia in search of gold. In the latter country he met Bridget Maria Fox, who was born in Ireland, but went to Australia with relatives in her young girlhood. After his marriage to this lady at Sidney, Mr. Brumbaugh remained in that country four or five years, during which time he made two fortunes. He returned to America in 1 856, visiting his wife's family in Ireland, en route, and when he reached the United States, located at Kittanning, Pennsylvania. Subsequent to this he went through his experiences in Illinois, as described above. By his marriage with Bridget Fox he had six children : Beechworth ; Doretta, wife of Nathan Sturman, deceased; Sidney, deceased; Lizzie J., wife of S. N. Hollowell, of Dahlgren. Illinois; Ida M., wife of W. B. Hollowell, of St. Louis; John P., of Mount Vernon.

Beechworth Brumbaugh, eldest of this family, was born near Kittanning, Pennsylvania, January 5, 1857. He spent his early life in Dahlgren, Illinois, attending the public schools and later entering Hamilton College at McLeansboro, where he remained during two terms. During the intervals of school he had helped his father in the store and thus acquired an elementary acquaintance with the mercantile business. In 1875 he embarked in business for himself at Middleton, but two years later removed to Dahlgren and went into partnership with his father. After five years in this connection, he resumed business on his own account in the same city and continued this until 1 888, when he removed to Mount Vernon. After eight years here, he was engaged in the commission business in New York City for seven years, but in 1 903 returned to Mount Vernon and resumed business at the old stand, which he has given considerable celebrity under the name of the "Bee Hive." He is one of the prosperous merchants of the place and regarded as a man of excellent judgment, both as a buyer and seller.

In 1882, Mr. Brumbaugh married Anna D. Friel. of Mc- Leansboro, by whom he had three sons: Fred, deceased; Willie, and James E., the last two mentioned being residents of St, Louis. His second wife was Laura C. Mayer (nee McLaughlin), whom he married at Mount Vernon in 1905. The only child by this union is Beechworth Brumbaugh, Jr. Mr. Brumbaugh has prospered and has considerable property interests outside of his mercandise operations. He owns two good farms in Williamson county, Illinois, and several pieces of valuable city real estate, including the building in which his store is located. Mr. and Mrs. Brumbaugh are members of the Methodist Episcopal church and enjoy a wide circle of acquaintances and friends.

The medical profession has a number of able representatives in the city of Mount Vernon, among whom is the well known and successful physician and surgeon whose name furnishes the caption of this sketch. Although younger than the majority of his compeers Doctor Poole made commendable progress in his chosen calling and now commands a very extensive practice which has been as successful financially as professionally and which is steadily growing in magnitude and importance. He is a native of Jefferson county, Illi- nois, and the fourth of a family of five children whose parents, W. H. and Amelia Poole, were born in Tennessee and Illinois respectively, but who have spent their married life in Mount Vernon, where the father located in the year 1860. W. H. Poole learned the trade of wagon making when a young man and soon afterward locating in Mount Vernon started the first wagon making shop in Jefferson county, which he operated for a number of years with encouraging financial results. An efficient mechanic who always took great pride in his work, his vehicles early acquired sqch a reputation for excellence that his establishment was taxed to its utmost capacity to meet the demand for them and for many years his wagons had an extensive sale throughout Jefferson county and were preferred to any other on the market. As evidence of his skill and superior workmanship a number of the Poole wagons are still to be found in various parts of the county and although subjected to the usual rough usage of the farm and highway during the last thirtyfive or forty years are still in good condition and bid fair to answer the purposes intended for many years longer. The maiden name of Mrs. W. H. Poole was Amelia Davidson. Her parents, Hardin and Asynith Davidson, were natives of Ohio, but in an early day moved to Jefferson county, Illinois, locating at Mount Vernon, where they reared a large family of fourteen children, the majority of whom grew to maturity and became well settled in life. Mrs. Poole, who is a native of Mount Vernon, has borne her husband five children, as follows: Fannie E., Gertrude M., Edith B., Dr. Charles J., of this review, and Ida B.

William Poole, the Doctor's grandfather, was a Tennessean by birth and a cooper by trade. He was of Irish extraction, and is remembered as a good mechanic and a man of great industry and energy whose influence made for the material advancement of his community and the moral good of those with whom he came into contact. He had nine sons, all of whom adopted his own trade.

and became good workmen and respected citizens. William Poole came to Illinois a few years after his son, W. H., settled in Jefferson county and spent the remainder of his days in Mount Vernon, where his death occurred in 1890. Several of the doctor's ancestors were noted for longevity, his great-grandmother, Mrs. Davis, having lived to the remarkable age of one hundred and seven years ; she had a sister who was ninety-eight years old at the time of her death and other members of the family were past the allotted three score and ten milestone before called to the other world.

Dr. Charles Judson Poole was born June 27, 1874, in Mount Vernon, Illinois, and received his preliminary education in the schools of his native city, graduating from the high school in the year 1893. Having decided to devote his life to the noble and humane work of alleviating the suffering of his fellow mortals, he began the study of medicine shortly after finishing his literary education, and in 1 896 entered the Medical College at St. Louis, where he prosecuted his studies until completing the prescribed course, receiving the degree of Doctor of Medicine, in the year 1900. Immediately following his graduation he .located at the town of Shiller, where he remained one year, at the expiration of which time he chose the larger and more mvitmg city of Mount Vernon in which to exercise his professional talents. His subsequent career in this field fully realized his expectations and won for him a conspicuous place among the successful physicians and surgeons of Jefferson county. Doctor Poole is a close student of medical science and has kept in touch with the latest advancement in his profession, being familiar with the recent discoveries in medicine and skillful in applying what he considers efficacious to the treatment of diseases. He combines many of the characteristics of the ideal family physician, including the pleasing personality and the faculty of gaining the confidence not only of patients but of their friends, also, without which some of the ablest medical men frequently fail to effect cures.

As already indicated his career since locating in the city of his birth has been eminently satisfactory and he now numbers among his patients not a few of his erstwhile boyhood friends and companions and many others who had reached years of maturity when he was but a lad in kilts and knickerbockers.

Doctor Poole avails himself of every opportunity to keep abreast of the times in all matters relating to his chosen calling and to this end holds membership with the Jefferson County Medical Society, Southern Illinois Medical Association, the State Medical Association and the American Medical Association, being familiar with the deliberations of these bodies and a regular attendant of those of a local character and a participant in the discussions of the same. He is also identified with several secret fraternal organizations among which are the ancient and honorable orders of Masonry, Knights of Pythias, Red Men, Woodmen, Royal Neighbors, Mystic Workers, Ben Hur and the Knights and Ladies of Security.

Although devoted to his profession the doctor manifests an abiding interest in public and political matters, and lends his assistance and influence to all worthy enterprises for the good of his city and the social intellectual and moral welfare of his fellow men. He is a Republican and for some years has been one of the leading workers of his party in Jefferson county, being at this time a member of the County Central Committee and a judicious and trusted adviser in political councils as well as an active and successful campaigner. Aside from representing his ward in the City Council he has held no elective office nor does he permit aspiration to public position interfere with his professional duties, being first of all a physician and making everything else subordinate thereto.

Doctor Poole was married August 13, 1899, to Miss Grace Daniel, daughter of H. P. Daniel, of Waltonville, the father a pioneer citizen of that town and an ex-soldier of the great Civil war. Doctor and Mrs. Poole are highly esteemed in the social life of

Mount Vernon and have many warm friends both in the city and country. They are Baptists in their rehgious behef and influential members of the church in Mount Vernon, contributing Hberally to the material support of the organization and taking an mterest in furthering its good work in the community. One child has been born to them, a daughter by the name of Maeryta M., whose date of birth fell on the 25th of April, 1900.

Louis F. Reichel

A great many of the most energetic, successful and reliable business men of America are either foreigners or direct descendants of people of foreign birth. Among the most prominent of this class are the Germans, who are so numerous throughout the land, making a splendid contribution to the thrift and stability of our population.

Among the citizens of Woodlawn, Illinois, one of the most representative in character is the subject of this review, Louis F. Reichel, dealer in implements, farm machinery and vehicles. He was born in Chicago, Illinois, on the 14th day of May, 1880, the son of Robert and Amelia (Rusch) Reichel, both natives of Germany. These parents came to Woodlawn in 1882 and here Mrs. Reichel answered the call of the death angel October 16, 1903. She was the mother of eight children, of whom our subject is the only surviving member.

As intimated above, Louis was but two years old when his parents came to Woodlawn, and it was here that he received his early education and training, and here he has spent the major portion of his life. He was educated in the village school and also took a course at Henney College, Irvington, Illinois. After reaching maturity he decided to follow a mercantile career, and accordingly entered into the service of his father and learned the business through this means. He continued in this relationship until 1903, and enjoyed a profitable experience, acquiring from his father many fundamental ideas regarding business methods, and developing his own aptitudes and skill along these lines. At the date above mentioned he withdrew from the partnership with his father, and entered into business for himself and has continued this up to the present time. He has had a steady and substantial increase in patronage and is doing business now on a more extensive scale than ever before. He carries a varied line of implements and vehicles, and does all kinds of work in wood and iron.

On the 21st of November, 1905, Mr. Reichel was joined in marriage to Miss Myrtle Scarborough, who was born in Jefferson county, and is a woman who evinces considerable skill in the management of her domestic affairs. She has become the mother of one child, Walter.

Mr. Reichel has been a member of the village Council and takes an active interest in all matters that pertain to the common welfare. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and also of the Modern Woodmen of America and stands well in the esteem of friends and acquaintances.

Hon. George B. Welborn

One of the problems confronting the citizens of any community is that of securing competent men to represent them in the Legislative halls of their state and country. Men of strong qualifications are usually difficult to obtain, for the reason that their business mterests are such as to require all of their time and attention. Occasionally, however, one is found who will for a while forego the pressure of personal affairs and will champion the cause of his constitu-

George B. Welborn

even though it means a sacrifice. In the character of Hon. George B. Welborn we have such a citizen, and a few facts regarding his biography are herewith appended.

Mr. Welborn was born at Mount Vernon, Indiana, on the 3d of September, 1854, being the son of Dr. E. E. and Frances (Boswell) Welborn. When George was three months old, his parents removed to Centralia, Illinois, where for three years Doctor Welborn was engaged in the practice of medicine. He then removed to Mount Vernon, where he practiced his profession in connection with the management of a drug store, being engaged thus for about twelve years. He changed his location at various times to other towns and ended his days at Denver, Colorado. 1892. There were eight children, six still living, five in Colorado, in the family of whom our subject was the eldest.

George B. received a common school education and later attended the well known institution at Irvington, Illinois. During the years of his earlier manhood, he was engaged in various occupations and while living at Hoyleton, Illinois, operated the drug store in partnership with his father, continuing there for eight years. In 1 882 he came to Woodlawn and began business as a druggist, also. He had continued this up to the present time and is enjoying a large patronage, hie carries a full line of stock and has the confidence and support of the people and medical profession.

In 1882 he was appointed postmaster of Woodlawn and has filled the office with the exception of eight years up to the present time. Being a staunch Republican, he has been called upon frequently to assist in the management of the party's affairs. For twenty-four years he has been a member of the Republican County Central Committee, and for two years was its chairman. Other offices of a local character have been filled by him, such as that of School

On November 5, 1908, he was elected to the lower house of the State Legislature, and will no doubt render creditable service in the cause of fair and honest legislation.

Mr. Welborn was married at Centralia, Illinois, on New Year's day, 1882, to Miss Nellie E. Pratt, daughter of Frank and Teressa (Lynch) Pratt. Six children have graced this union, viz: Hattie, wife of Charles R. Slade; Arthur P., who is now postmaster at Woodlawn; Frank E., Laura, Nellie and George.

Mr. Welborn is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and he received the Knights Templar degree. He also belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Modern Woodmen of America. He is president of the Woodlawn Bank, and is a stockholder in the Spingler Mercantile Company, besides having considerable land interests in the adjoining township.

He is affable in disposition and through his unselfish devotion to the interest of the people has won a high place in the esteem of his many friends and acquaintances. It is to such men of wide experience and unselfish devotion to the public interests that the citizens of our state are looking for the conservation of our present liberties.

Among the native sons of Illinois who have achieved distinction in prefessional life and attained to positions of honor and trust in the service of the public is A. C. Millspaugh, the present Clerk of the Appellate Court of the Fourth Appellate District, and since 1 902 a prominent citizen of Mount Vernon. Mr. Millspaugh is dewall's history of JEFFERSON CO., ILL. 467 scended from good old Revolution stock and is deserving of especial notice among the representative men of his county and state. Daniel Millspaugh, his great-grandfather, the first of the family of whom there is any definite knowledge, was a native of New York, where his antecedents settled in colonial times, and a soldier in the war for Independence. He was among the first to reach the scene of action and fought behind the breast-works of Bunker Hill, in which battle he received a painful wound but not severe enough to prevent future service, as his subsequent career abundantly attests. Among the children of this sturdy patriot was a son by the name of John Millspaugh, who was born in Orange county. New York, and by trade was a millwright. He reared a family and died many years ago in his native state where a number of his descendants are also sleeping the sleep that knows no waking.

John Millspaugh, Jr., son of the aforementioned John, and father of the subject, was also a native of Orange county, but when young, went to Kentucky, where in due time he married Miss Sarah Bogan, whose people were among the pioneer settlers of that state. While still a young man, he migrated to White county, Illinois, and after a residence of a number of years in that and other parts of the state removed in 1876 to Gallatin county, where he spent the remainder of his life, dying in the month of October, 1 899.

John Millspaugh was a physician and rose to high standing in the profession to which he devoted his energies and talents until his death. In many respects he was a remarkable man and made his presence felt for good among his fellows. A sturdy character, combined with noble aims and high ideals enabled him to wield a wide influence and such was his regard for morality that he always endeavored to realize in his own personality his high ideal of manhood and citizenship. As a result he lived a pure, upright and noble life, never indulged in any kind of intoxicants nor touched tobacco in any form, never uttered a profane oath, but always adhered religiously to the truth both in word and action. By reason of temperate habits he grew old, and although eighty-three years of age when called to the other world he never used glasses, and his other physical powers were as vigorous almost as in the days of his prime. Mrs. Millspaugh also reached a ripe old age and departed this life in 1889. The family of this estimable couple consisted of nine children, among whom there has been but one death, although the youngest now living has passed the half century mark of his earthly sojourn. It is doubtful if the state offers another such example of longevity in a family as large as this, or of as fine physical development and splendid health among its members, both the latter characteristics being largely the result of temperate living and high moral aims on the part of the parents.

J. W. Millspaugh, the oldest of the family, lives at Shawneetown, Illinois; Mrs. Margaret E. Joyner, the second in order of birth, resides in the town of Equality, Gallatin county; after her in regular succession are Daniel, a farmer, of Gallatin county ; Mrs. Emma Fowler, of the same county; Robert L., of Shawneetown; J. M., a farmer and stock raiser who lives in the county of Gallatin, as does also W. L. Millspaugh, a resident of Equality, the subject of this review being the youngest of the number.

A. C. Millspaugh was born September 26, 1858, in White county, Illinois, and remained with his father until attaining his majority, assisting with the labors of the farm, the meanwhile, during winter seasons, attending the public schools. His last term of school was at Shawneetown after reaching the age of twenty-one, being obliged to pay five cents per day tuition, to earn which he worked of mornings and evenings at any kind of labor he could find. The schools of ShawTieetown at that time were considered among the best in Southern Illinois and animated by a desire to add to his knowlwall's history of JEFFERSON CO., ILL. 469 edge, young Millspaugh diligently studied and took advantage of every opportunity to fit himself for some honorable calling and rise above the common place. Later he worked for a few years in the Circuit Clerk's office at Shawneetown and while thus engaged devoted his leisure time to the study of law for which he early manifested a decided preference. He also served as City Clerk of Shawneetown and after his admission to the bar in 1 889, was elected City Attorney, the duties of which office he discharged in an able and satisfactory manner, meanwhile building up a lucrative law practice and forging rapidly to the front among the rising young members of his profession in the county of Gallatin.

Subsequently Mr. Millspaugh was honored by being elected Mayor of Shawneetown and after filling the office with credit to himself and to the satisfaction of the public resumed the practice of law which he conducted with success until January, 1 897, when he was appointed Chief Clerk of the Southern Illinois Penitentiary at Chester, which position he held by successive re-appointments during the six years ensuing. While serving in the capacity he was elected in 1 902 Clerk of the Appellate Court of the Fourth District, composed of thirty-four counties in the southern part of the state, being the only Republican thus honored since the court was established in 1877, a period of thirty-four years previous to his election.

Resigning his position with the Penitentiary after six years of faithful service, Mr. Millspaugh in December, 1902, entered upon his duties as Clerk of the Court and the better to perform, removed the same year to Mount Vernon, where he has since resided and with the interests of which he has been actively identified. The political career of Mr. Millspaugh presents a series of successes seldom equaled in the history of the majority of public officials in that he has been victorious in every contest in which he took part and equally fortunate in the matter of his appointment, in which he was opposed by quite a number of splendidly equipped competitors from different parts of the state. His election as City Attorney, City Clerk and Mayor were in regular succession, then his appointment over several estimable contestants and lastly his election to the clerkship of the Appellate Court and his re-nomination for in 1 908 and re-election to the same positipn.

Mr. Millspaugh on January 14, 1894, contracted a matrimonial alliance with Miss Julia Scanland, of Shawneetown, whose father, the late William Scanland, was for many years a leading business man and prominent citizen of that city. The marriage was without issue. Mr. Millspaugh is greatly interested in secret fraternal work and belongs to several orders, including the Free and Accepted Masons in which he has taken a number of degrees from the Blue Lodge and Royal Arch to that of Sir Knight, holding membership unto the former at Shawneetown and the Chapter and Commandery at Mount Vernon. He is also connected with the Knights of Pythias in this city, the Knights of Khorassan and Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks in East St. Louis. In his personal relation he is exceedingly popular and possesses those qualities which win and retain warm friendships. As stated in a preceeding paragraph, his career has been one of continuous advancement and prosperity, the result of industry, integrity and the high sense of honor which commands respect and confidence and never permits its possessor stoop to anything narrow or in the least degree, low or degrading. As a lawyer he might have achieved marked success had his attention not been directed to other lines of endeavor, in the political arena. His course has ever been above criticism as v^itness his election to an important office in a district where Democratic success has long been beyond the suspicion of doubt and as a man and citizen he is broad minded, liberal and progressive, a true type of the enterprising self-made American of today.

Clarence W. Harriss

In the list of representative citizens of the city of Mount Vernon, the name of Clarence Harriss deserves consideration. Although his personal preference is to keep himself in the background, yet his quiet demeanor and unassuming ways have won for him a high place in the esteem of friends and fellow citizens.

Mr. Harriss was born in Perry county, Illinois, December 7, 1866. His father, the Rev. J. Carroll Harriss, is also a native of Perry county, and is now living at DuQuoin, Illinois. He has been actively at work in the ministry for the last thirty-two years, and is a veteran of the Civil war, having enlisted in 1862 in the Eightyfirst Illinois Volunteer Infantry and served throughout the war. His experience in this historic conflict was not unlike those of many more of the boys who wore the blue but it seems that he was destined to suffer to as full an extent as could be endured without falling into the hands of death itself.

For eleven months he endured the doom of a prisoner of war, eight of which were spent in Andersonville, an experience which needs no comment to the modern reader, inasmuch as the conditions and management of that institution are now matters of history, gruesome and unthinkable as many of them were. Mr. Harriss participated in many of the hard-fought battles of the war, such as Vicksburg, Champion Hill, Guntown, Mississippi, Red River campaign, etc. At Vicksburg he received a serious wound in the arm from a bursting shell and at two other times he received gunshot wounds that were not of a serious nature. At Guntown, Mississippi, he was made prisoner and the time thus lost has always been a matter of regret to him, not on account of personal suffering, which was severe, but because of being compelled to remain inactive when his greatest desire was to be in the forefront of the firing line.

Jordan Harriss, grandfather of our subject, was a native of South CaroHna, and came to Perry county, Illinois, in 1828, following farming. He was born on May 7, 1800, and died in March, 1874. He was a plain, honest citizen, thrifty and industrious.

Our subject's maternal ancestors came to Illinois from Tennessee. His mother, Valeria (Thornton) Harriss, was the daughter of William Thornton, a Baptist minister, who came to Perry county, Illinois, early in the fifties. When Clarence was two years old, his mother died, leaving two children, the other child being a daughter, Viola, who is now the wife of Aaron King, of Ewing, Illinois. In 1 870 our subject's father was married to Miss Eliza Strait, daughter of Judge Strait, one of the pioneer judges of Perry county. Seven children were born to this union, viz: Walter H., a Baptist minister, now of Blue Island, Illinois; Herschell S., deceased; Alva, who died in infancy; Mrs. Grace H. King, of Blue Island, IlHnois; Wilfred Carroll, deceased; Judson E., now in the law school of the State University of Illinois, Earl B., clerk in the Illinois Central Railroad Company's freight office at DuQuoin, Illinois.

Our subject received his early education in the common schools of Perry county. In 1882, he enrolled for the classical course at Ewing College and applied himself assiduously to his studies, graduating from that institution in 1888. He was for four years principal of the DuQuoin high school and was principal of the academic department of Ewing College in 1890-91. In 1895 he entered the law office of Judge A. D. Webb, with whom he formed a partnership, this relationship continuing up to the present time. Mr. Harriss gives special attention to abstracting of titles and clerical work, and is especially proficient as an abstracter. His thorough methods and unimpeachable integrity have won for him a wide circle of friends and patrons.

On July 7, 1 898, Mr. Harriss was joined in marriage to Miss Grace Herdman, daughter of William H. Herdman, a pioneer of Jefferson county who lived in this vicinity for over fifty years before his death in 1904. Mrs. Harriss is a woman of refined manners and excellent taste. She was a teacher in the public schools before her marriage.

Mr. Harriss takes an active part in the general affairs of the community. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity and has, since 1901, been secretary of H. W. Hubbard Chapter No. 160, Royal Arch Masons. He belongs to Mount Vernon Lodge, No. 3 1 , Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, and to Patton Commandery, No. 69. He takes a deep interest in the political welfare of the county, city and community. He was president of the Mount Vernon School Board in 1903.

Mr. Harriss is a member of the First Baptist church at Mount Vernon. He has for seven years acted as superintendent of the Sunday school and is at present acting as such. He is prouder of this honor than of any that could be given him. His home, his family and the Sunday school are the objects nearest and dearest to his heart.

John T. Whitlock. M. D.

The Whitlocks were a substantial old Virginia family that sent out its sons to enrich various states of the West and thus left a good record wherever they settled. R. R. Whitlock, when a young man, left the Old Dominion to try his fortunes in Tennessee, but eventually went to Kentucky and finally pushed on to the promising younger commonwealth of Illinois. He arrived about 1856 and established a home in Field township, Jefferson county, where he ended his earthly career in 1874. For many years he held a position in the post-office department at Memphis, Tennessee, but was compelled to give this up on account of his health. He served as captain of a company during the Civil war and contributed five sons to the service of his country during that great conflict. His son, George L. Whitlock, who was born in Tennessee, spent some time in Kentucky, but found his way to Illinois in 1 854, settling first in Marion county for a year and then removed to Jefferson county. He finally secured a farm in Field township and in this place he has been living since 1861. He enlisted in the Eightieth Regiment Illinois Cavalry and served honorably with that command during the Civil war. He married Margaret F. Patton, a native of Kentucky, while he was a resident of the state, and his bride came with him to the Prairie state, where their fortunes have been closely linked together for over sixty years. They have had ten children, namely: Robert B., who died in 1904; Mrs. Eldora J. Frost, of Field township; John T., the subject of this sketch; Mrs. Doke Lenty. of Farrington township; George E., a resident of Mount Vernon; Mrs. Sarah A. Holtzclaw, of Shiloh township; William P., of Field township; Mrs. Alta Carpenter, of Johnson City, Illinois; Mrs. Maggie Brown, of Field township, and Jessie B., also of Field township. Most of these children lived in Jefferson county and nearly all on farms adjoining that of their father.

John T. Whitlock was born near Dix, Jefferson county, Illinois, November 15, 1860. After finishing his studies in the local schools, he spent nearly five years at Ewing College in Franklin county. From there he went to Shurtleff College at Upper Alton, taking the literary course and graduating in the class of 1 887. After teaching a year in the Spring Garden high school, he began the study of medicine, later entered the Missouri Medical College at St. Louis, and obtained his degree in 1890. He opened an office at Dix and carried on a successful practice there for twelve years.

meantime taking a post-graduate course at the Chicago PolycHnic College. After his location at Mount Vernon, he took a post-graduate course in the New York Polyclinic and altogether obtained a thorough and up-to-date medical education.

A short time after coming to the county seat he opened the Mount Vernon Hospital in connection with other physicians, but these he subsequently bought out and was sole manager for about three years and a half. Eventually he disposed of his interests and severed his connection with the institution and since then has devoted his entire time to his large general practice. Doctor Whitlock is a member of the Illinois State, Southern Illinois and Jefferson County Medical Societies and president of the last named. He is director of the Ham National Bank and owns a large farm in Dodds township, besides a cosy residence and office at 812 Main street. He has served four years as Coroner and was elected as a candidate of the Republican party. His fraternal connections are with the Knights of Pythias, Modern Woodmen and Ben Hur.

Doctor Whitlock has been twice married, first in December, 1 884, to Mary Billingsley, a Kentucky lady, resident for some years at Ewing, Illinois. She died in March, 1886, leaving one son, John Kelley Whitlock, six days old at the time of his mother's death, and now a farmer in Field township. In August, 1894, Doctor Whitlock married Cora Clark, a native of Jefferson county. He stands high both in his profession and as a good, all-round citizen, reliable, enterprising and public-spirited. His great-grandfather was Thomas Whitlock, who came to Illinois at a very early day, settling at Dix, in Jefferson county, where he kept tavern on the old Vandalia and St. Louis stage line. The family is perhaps the oldest in Jefferson county, as it has been represented here by six generations. The Whitlocks have been potential factors in the development and growing of this fine agricultural section.

Progress along all professional lines forms one of the prominent characteristics of the age in which we live. Startling discoveries in science are announced to a wondering world with amazing frequency, and achievements in the fields of industry and invention are a constant source of astonishment, even to those of the most sanguine and optimistic turn of mind. In the domain of medicme the advance has kept pace with modern achievements m other hnes, and many diseases and ailments that were once the scourge and terror of mankind are being rapidly brought under control and will, no doubt, become entirely stamped out of existence. Among the promising young men in this profession in Jefferson county is the gentleman whose name introduces this article.

Dr. Thomas B. Williamson was born in this county in 1884. and is the son of Thomas and Dora (Phillips) Williamson, the former being a native of Kentucky and the latter of Illinois. Doctor Williamson's grandfather was an Englishman, having emigrated to America, and settled in Kentucky, where he engaged in farming and stock raising. He was an expert judge of good stock and was successful in raising fine blooded horses, achieving a reputation which was far more than local in its scope. He died in 1871, having attained the age of eighty-seven years. Three children were born to him, one of whom, our subject's father, came to Illinois in 1861. He settled in Jefferson county and devoted himself to farming, and departed this life in 1 884. His companion died at the age of thir-» ty-four. Thomas was the only child born to this union.

Our subject was educated in the McLeansboro schools, where he finished the high school course. Following this he spent two years at Ewing College, and then decided to make preparation for the practice of medicine. He accordingly became a student in the

Medical College of St. Louis, from which he graduated in June, 1906. He spent one year in active work in the Metropolitan Hospital of St. Louis, after which he came to Opdyke, where he has followed his profession up to the present time. He has built up a good practice, and has readily established himself in the confidence and esteem of neighbors and friends. His skill in diagnosing diseases and thorough knowledge of modern methods of treatment have enabled him to achieve success in the face of many unfavorable conditions.

On August 5, 1906, Doctor Williamson was joined in marriage to Miss Lillian D. Kern, who was born in Franklin county, this state. One daughter has graced this union, viz., Lucille Frances, born December 13, 1907.

Our subject takes an active part in the social and public life of the community. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, the Royal Neighbors, and the Modern Woodmen, acting as examining physician for the last two orders.

Doctor Williamson is a Republican, and he maintains a strict stand for integrity in the discharge of all public obligations. His church affiliations are with the Baptist denomination.

Frank P. Farmer

One of the best known real estate and insurance agents in Jefferson county is the gentleman whose name forms the subject of this article. Mr. Farmer has had a wide acquaintance and a varied experience and has built up a remunerative business which brings him constantly in touch with a large number of the citizens in the county.

on August 1 , 1 852. His father, James W. Farmer, and his grandfather, John Farmer, were natives of Blount county, Tennessee. His father came to Illinois when a young man and settled on a farm in Washington county. He was a man of positive convictions and unalloyed patriotism, having practically given his life for the service of his country during the Mexican war. He was wounded at the battle of Buena Vista, a bullet having passed entirely through his body. The wound was dressed by drawing a silk handkerchief entirely through it. Although he lived for twelve years after the event took place, he never recovered from the effects of the shock and his death came as a result of this misfortune. Our subject's mother, Sarah (Waters) Farmer, was also a native of Tennessee. Her death took place three years before that of her husband. She was the mother of ten children, of whom Frank P. was the youngest. The other surviving children are Samuel L., residing at Elk Prairie, this county; Mrs. Sarah HoUenbeck of Cape Girardeau, Missouri, and Mrs. Pauline Reed, of Richview, Illinois.

Mr. Farmer was reared on the parental homestead in Washington county, Illinois, living at Ashley for the major part of the time. He received such education as was afforded by the common schools of the district, but he has not let his education stop at the doors of the school room, for he has made his elementary schooling the tool for the acquirement of additional training and equipment for the business of life. After reaching his majority he spent several years at railroading, and later turned his attention to barbering. He continued at the latter occupation for about twenty years, coming to Jefferson county in 1 888. He opened up a shop here in the meantime and made a good general acquaintance with the people of the city.

in 1891, was made Chief of Police by Mayor Watson, and served for a period of two years. He was a fearless and progressive officer, and did much to bring about some needed changes in the management of his department. Owing to his efforts, the city police were uniformed, and the working plans of the force were proportionately improved. His zeal for the enforcement of the law was highly commendable and he was sustamed by the better element of the city. One experience while in office almost cost him his life. While engaged in suppressing a disturbance caused by a gang of toughs, he was seized and unmercifully beaten, so much so that for a time his life hung in the balance. After lying in bed for seven weeks, he was finally able to get out again, and ultimately recovered his health.

After leaving the work of the department Mr. Farmer became tower man for the Louisville & Nashville, the Wabash & Chester railroads, contmumg m that department for over seven years. His usual care and thoroughness characterized his work here, and during that period he had but one slight accident.

Following this he returned to barbering and continued at this trade for three and one-half years, and in 1905 began his present venture, viz., that of handling real estate, insurance and collections. He has built up an extensive business and handles both accident and fire insurance. He occupies suites five and six in the Allen building and a visit to these commodius quarters cannot fail to give one a favorable impression of the business-like atmosphere.

In 1874 Mr. Farmer was married to Miss Ida M. Crowder, daughter of William Crowder, of Jefferson county. Three children were born to this union, two of whom survive, the second, Gertrude, being deceased. Rolla E. was born March 28, 1875. Gussie I., born January 19, 1881, is the wife of Murphy Redix, now living at Howell, Indiana.

Rolla E. is train dispatcher for the Queen & Crescent Railroad, and is located at Danville, Kentucky. Mr. Redix is railroad conductor on the Louisville & Nashville Railroad, and has had several years of successful experience in the railroad work.

Mr. Farmer is a member of the Marion Lodge, No. 1 3, Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He is an active worker in the order and he has contributed much to its success in this vicinity. He is also a prominent worker in the Modern Woodmen of America, Camp No. 1919, and was sent as a delegate by that lodge to the national convention, held at Peoria, Illinois, 1908. He adheres to the Democratic party and believes heartily in making the party come up to the level of the people's expectations, inasmuch as the party should be the expression of that which is the highest and best in the thought of the public.

Albert Wilson

Mr. Wilson's name is associated with progress in the county of his birth and among those in whose midst he has always lived he is held in highest esteem by reason of an upright life of fidelity to principles and a kind regard for his fellow citizens and by reason of his industry and close application to his work he has succeeded in a material way and is one of the representative citizens of Templeton township.

Albert Wilson was born in Ohio, but reared in Jefferson county, IlHnois, the date of his birth being 1853. He is the son of Hugh and Clista E. (Hill) Wilson. Grandfather Wilson was born in Ireland, and came to America and settled in Ohio, in which state he lived on a farm and died at the age of seventy-five years. Grandwall's history of JEFFERSON CO., ILL. 481 mother Wilson passed away when about forty years old. She and her husband were Presbyterians, and to them eight children were born, all of whom grew to maturity. A brother of the subject's grandfather Wilson died while in the Civil war, having been a member of an Ohio regiment. George Hill was the subject's maternal grandfather.

Hugh Wilson, father of the subject, was educated in Ohio, to which state he was brought from Ireland when a boy. He lived in the Buckeye state until he was about thirty years old, engaged in farm work. In 1862 he enlisted in the Union army. Company E, Eightieth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and was killed in Kentucky by guerillas. He was buried in that state, having served about a year. He left a widow. He was twice married and the father of six children, two by our subject's mother who was his first wife and who died early in life. She was a Methodist, as was also her husband.

Albert Wilson was reared on a farm and attended the public schools in his home community when a boy. He worked on the home place until he was twenty-five years old when he began railroading, which he followed successfully for a period of ten years. He worked in a car shop at Mount Vernon for six years, and also worked in a general store as clerk for a period of six years. He has been postmaster at Belle Rive for seven years, and in whatever capacity we find him he gives the greatest satisfaction for he attends strictly to his business, whatever he may have in hand, and useless to say that success has attended his efforts.

Mr. Wilson was united in marriage in 1881 to Rose Guthrie, a native of Jefferson county. Her people were from Ohio. Her father was a soldier in Company E, Eightieth Illinois Volunteer Infantry. He returned home and died from a disease contracted while in the service. Two children were born to our subject and wife,

J. Claude, born in 1883, is single and is living at home with his parents; Stella, born in 1888, is also single and is living at home. J. Claude Wilson is a member of the Masonic fraternity, the Royal Arch at Mount Vernon and the Blue Lodge at Belle Rive. The subject and wife and their daughter are members of the Methodist church. In politics Mr. Wilson is a Republican.

He likes to tell of his father, who was a man of sterling character, and be relates the interesting details of his death. Hugh Wilson was an orderly sergeant in the Federal army, was captured and sent to Libby prison. He was wounded while building breastworks and it was some time before he was able to attend to regular duty. He was detailed to carry mail between the two armies. A band of guerillas captured him, took him into the woods and murdered him. The band was led by the once noted Sue Mundy, who was a resident of the community where he was captured. Most of the citizens there were in sympathy with the Union cause. They discovered that a Union soldier had been murdered, finding his body in the forest and on it a letter that had been pierced by the ball that had entered the heart of Mr. Wilson. This letter was from his wife at Mount Vernon, Illinois. They buried the remains and sent the sum of four dollars, which was found on the body, to Mrs. Wilson. They also had photographs of the remains taken. The subject has one of these pictures. The subject's father was shot five times and stabbed twice, as is shown in the following extract from the Louisville, Kentucky, Journal, under the caption, "Sue Mundy Again; Her Atrocities."

"A correspondent writing from Jeffersontown, in this state, under the date of October 14, furnishes some details of the operations of the outlaw under Captain Berry in that vicinity.

"We published last week an account of their depredations at Harrodsburg. After passing Conley's toll-gate, the outlaws started for their camp, in Spencer county, twelve miles from Jeffersontown.

"A number of the citizens on the road were met, halted and robbed of their valuables. Mr. Finley was knocked down and relieved of his watch and money. Abraham Fink was robbed of his fine horse, and all the money he had about his person. Mr. and Mrs. Haller, Mr. Phillips and lady, Mrs. James Goose, and others were treated in the same cavalier manner, halted on the highway and robbed of their purses and valuables. About eight o'clock in the forenoon, the marauding gang, with Berry and Sue Mundy at its head dashed into Jeffersontown and took forcible possession of the place.

"A negro boy belonging to Mount Vernon was mounted on a horse, armed in the most complete manner and rode with the gang. He stood guard over the horses in Jeffersontown, while the scoundrels were scattered about the town engaged in robbing the people. Sue Mundy dismounted at the Davis house and had her canteen filled wath whiskey. The negro recruit had learned the duties of his vocation, and in the coolest manner imaginable relieved a number of his Ethiopian brothers of their pocket change. The outlaws had captured a Federal soldier along the road and retained him as their prisoner.

"After plundering the town the guerillas mounted their horses and departed from the place, moving on the Heady road. They proceeded to a dark ravine in the woods of Mr. Joseph Latherman, where a halt was ordered and subsequent developments proved that they murdered their prisoner in cold blood.

"The discharge of a firearm was heard in the vicinity by several parties, but they were ignorant of the cause. A short time after the reports were heard, James Simpson on his way to Jeffersontown was met in the road by the outlaws and robbed of twenty-seveni dollars in money. He observed that Sue Mundy's pistol was empty and the fresh stain showed that it had but very recently been disi charged. While Mr. Simpson was being robbed this she-devil engaged in reloading the revolver. She pointed the muzzle at the breast of Mr. Simpson and smiled with fiendish satisfaction at his embarrassment as she capped the tube of each barrel of the cylinder.

"After being released Mr. Simpson road directly to Jeffersontown and related his adventure. He was informed, that with the prisoner in Federal uniform the party numbered eight when in town. He met but seven on the road, and was positive that no prisoner accompanied the outlaws.

"The citizens at once surmised that the soldier had been murdered, and following the trail of the guerillas, they approached the dark ravine, and found that their worst apprehensions were only too true. The day passed and the moon looked down from a cloudless sky. The dead body of the prisoner was discovered. He was stretched upon his back and rays of the moon fell softly upon his cold, white, upturned face, bathing it in a ghostly light adding a strange, fearful power to the ashen hue of death. His body was marked with five pistol shot wounds and two deep stabs, as if made by the keen edge of a dagger. All circumstances go to prove that the murder was committed by one hand and that hand. Sue Mundy's, the outlaw woman, and the wild daring leader of the band. By a record in a small memorandum book found upon the dead body it was learned that the name of the murdered man was Hugh Wilson. Upon his person was also found a letter dated Mount Vernon, Illinois, and presumed to be from his wife as it commenced with, "My dear husband." She wrote in an affectionate manner and spoke with loving fondness of their pleasant home, and little darling ones who "sent their love to Pa." This letter, from the home of his love, and written with so much tenderness, was found in his bosom, pierced by balls and stained with the crimson blood that gushed in warm life-torrents from his heart. A new mound has been heaped in the little graveyard at Jeffersontown, and there the murdered soldier sleeps. After the perpetration of this cold blooded, fienish outrage the outlaws rode directly for their camp. They were pursued a short distance by a party of mounted citizens from Jeffersontown, but without effect. Sue Mundy, the tigress, seems to be wholly abandoned; lost to every kind, womanly feeling and exulting in scenes of blood, leads her desperate followers on to the perpetration of the most damnable outrages. Her many atrocities will be remembered and we trust will be the means of bringing her to the gallows."

William L. Owen

Among the substantial business men of Mount Vernon, we here make mention of William L. Owen, well known throughout the country as a dealer in high-grade monuments. Mr. Owen was born at Fairfield, Illinois, on the 30th day of May, 1 866. His father, William M. Owen, was a native of Cave City, Barren county. Kentucky, and came to Illinois with his parents when about ten years old, settling near Fairfield, in Wayne county. He followed farming and became a local preacher in the Methodist church, and held several township offices. His death occurred near Fairfield, on December 22, 1902. James Owen, grandfather of our subject, was also a native of Kentucky. He was one of the pioneers of Wayne county, and passed to his reward near Fairfield in 1869. Our subject's mother, Nancy C. Owen, this being her name before marriage also, was the daughter of Epaphroditus Owen, who was also one of the pioneers of Wayne county. His home was the third house built in Fairfield. Mrs. Owen was bom in 1 832 on the farm where she still lives. She was the mother of six children, all but one of whom are still living, only one death having occurred in the family within fifty-two years. The children are, Mrs. Abigail Schell, of Fairfield, Illinois; Edwin M., deceased; Mrs. Lonetta V. Nicholas, of Fairfield; William L., Charlie F., and May, the last named being still home with her mother.