Jefferson County, Illinois - Biographical sketches, 1909 (part 4 of 6)

Our subject spent his early life in Fairfield, receiving his common school education there. Later he spent a year at the Normal School at Danville, Indiana, and then turned his attention to the learning of his trade, of marble cutting. He began his apprenticeship with John D. Reinhard, of Fairfield, and served in that capacity for three years. He then entered the employment of G. G. Smith, of Mount Vernon, and remained with him for one year, after which he joined the Litchfield Marble & Granite Company, of Litchfield, Illinois. Here he continued for two years, and then went to work for W. M. Morris at Charlestown, Missouri, remaining there for one year. In 1 894 he returned to Mount Vernon, and was again employed by G. G. Smith. In March, 1 896, he removed to Tipton, Missouri, and went into business for himself, continuing there for one year, after which he removed to Montgomery City, Missouri, remaining there until 1901 . He then came back to Mount Vernon and bought out the firm of Johnson & Browder, and since that time has built up quite a lucrative business. He handles high grade material and does first class work, having the most modern equipment known to the trade.

On April 20, 1892, he was joined in marriage to Fannie A. (Burns) Carter, of Mount Vernon, daughter of Jacob Burns, a native of Pennsylvania. She has become the mother of two children, both of whom are deceased.

Mr. Owen belongs to Mount Vernon Lodge, No. 3 1 , Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, and the H. N. Hubbard Chapter, No. 1 60. He is a member of the Eagles and the Modern Woodwall's history of JEFFERSON CO., ILL. 487 men. He affiliates with the Republican party and identifies himself with the progressive element of the community. His genuine honesty and unpretentious demeanor have won him many friends and he holds a commendable place in the esteem of the business men of the city.

John L. Hutchison

Although not enlivened with much of incident or adventure, the life of Mr. Hutchison has been given up to the faithful discharge of the duties that make up the prose and poetry of everyday life. His career has been that of an excellent citizen and a most estimable man and is typical of all that is embodied in the general run of an American experience. His life is an illustration of that sturdy citizenship and determined manhood that have made this country great at home and respected abroad, and given our record to history as an impressive example of rapid development, unhalting progress, and all conquering ingenuity and power. Our land is one of boundless opportunities and the men who have the capacity to see and use this opportunity never fail to make headway. Mr. Hutchison has made practically his own way in the world and is entitled to the full satisfaction of his triumph over circumstances.

John L. Hutchison was born near Mount Vernon, Jefferson county, Illinois, on March 20, 1854, the son of Johnson and Mary E. (Parker) Hutchison, the former being a native of Tennessee, and the latter of Kentucky. William Hutchison, the grandfather of our subject, came to Tennessee from Virginia and later in 1 849 removed with his family to Illinois, settling on a farm near Mount Vernon, where he departed this life in 1864. Several years ago Johnson Hutchison retired from active work in the management of the farm and took up his residence in Mount Vernon, where he ended his days, November 16, 1901 . His companion in Hfe passed to her reward in about 1875. Nine children were born into this family, of whom John L., our subject, was the oldest. The others were: Mrs. Wincy Jane Atkinson, of Cottonwood Falls, Kansas; Mrs. Mary Emer Burk, deceased; Walter Rollo, of Dexter, Missouri; Mrs. Laura T. Frost, of Mount Vernon; William H., of Mount Vernon; Mrs. Almeda Hicks, of Howell, Indiana; Mrs. Rosa Boswell, deceased, and Samuel M., of Mount Vernon.

Our subject lived on the farm until he was twenty-three years old. He received a common school education, and this with the wholesome lessons of self reliance and personal responsibility that come to the boy on the farm, the elements that entered into his equipment for the days that lay before him. Upon leaving the farm he came to Mount Vernon and went into the grocery business. This was in September, 1877. He began at the location that he now occupies, and has been here continuously since that time making thirty-one years of uninterrupted activity. This is certainly a compliment to his business ability and integrity which have never lacked for an abundant patronage, and his store at 221 East Main street is one of the best known establishments in the city, having been so long associated with the growing interest of the community.

Although he has devoted the major part of his time to his business Mr. Hutchison has also kept in touch with life on the soil and now devotes considerable attention to the management of his farm which is located about one mile east of Mount Vernon. This farm shows the result of careful management and intelligent supervision, for Mr. Hutchison has kept fully abreast of the times on questions relating to agriculture, grazing, etc., and this work affords him considerable pleasure as well as profit. His farm is well equipped with the necessary buildings and the other improvements that go to make

Mr. Hutchison's domestic life began on February 14, 1877. when he was joined in marriage to Matilda D. Libengood, daughter of John Libengood, St., this family being natives of Ohio. Seven children have been born to this union, six of whom survive. They are George, of Mount Vernon, a bridge carpenter for the Chicago & Eastern Illinois Railroad; Elmer died at the age of twelve months; Mrs. Essa May Hannon, of Mount Vernon; Mrs. Jessie McFatridge, of New Baden, Illinois; and Eugene, John and Homer, all at home.

Mr. Hutchison belongs to Marion Lodge, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and is one of the senior members of the order. He is in thorough accord with its teachings and is a worthy exponent of the principles for which this noble organization stands.

Willis D. Maynor

One of the most substantial and best known citizens in the vicinity of Woodlawn, Illinois, is the gentleman whose name heads this biography. Willis D. Maynor was bom at Mount Vernon, Illinois, on October 31, 1861. His father, Stephen H. Maynor, came to Illinois from Tennessee and ended his days in Farrington township, this county, on August 19, 1894, having attained the age of fiftysix years. Our subject's mother, Ellen (Ward) Maynor. was a native of Wilson county, Tennessee. She was born February 19, 1843, and still survives. She became the mother of twelve children, of whom Willis was the eldest.

Although he received but a common school education, the farm was his training school and here he acquired the traits of nigged honesty and sterling integrity that have marked him in his later years.

At the age of twenty-one he left the farm and began to familiarize himself with the milling business with a view of taking it up as a permanent work. He began at Spring Garden, Illinois, and remained there as an apprentice for three years, after which he opened up a mill for himself at Woodlawn, Illinois, continuing here for six years. He was a successful miller and enjoyed a good trade, being popular among the people. His courteous manner and fair dealing won for him many warm friends, but on account of ill health he was compelled to abandon the work.

He accordingly disposed of his milling interests in July, 1 898, and entered the mercantile field in Woodlawn, and has continued therein up to the present time. In this he has met with his usual success, as his business methods emd sound sense have enabled him to obtain and hold a commendable patronage. He carries a general stock of merchandise, sufficient in variety and quality to supply all demands and is satisfied with moderate prices.

On November 19, 1887, he was married to Miss Ida M. Scarborough, who was born at Spring Garden, Illinois, on July 22, 1870. She was the daughter of Dr. J. B. and Ada F. Scarborough, well known residents of that locality. They removed to Woodlawn in 1896, and here Doctor Scarborough passed to his reward on September 3, 1908, having attained the age of sixty-six years.

Mr. and Mrs. Maynor are the parents of one son, Guy B., who was born October 1 I, 1889. Mr. Maynor was for three years Collector of Shiloh township, but has made no effort to obtain powall's history of JEFFERSON CO., ILL. 491 litical appointment. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and of the Modern Woodmen of America. He has farming interest in Shiloh township and takes an active interest in all affairs pertaining to the highest interest of the c6mmunity at large.

Elbert M. Walker

The subject of this sketch springs from sturdy New England ancestry and combines many of the characteristics for which his family has long been noted. An enterprising man and representative citizen he has been very closely identified with the material interests of Mount Vernon for a number of years and to him and such as he is the city indebted for its recent remarkable advancement in lines of activity and for much of the prosperity which it now enjoys, Elbert M. Walker is a native of Meigs county, Ohio, where his birth occurred in the year 1843. Milton Walker, his father, was a Vermonter but left that state in an early day, migrating to Meigs County, Ohio, where he followed the trade of wagon making until 1854, when he changed his residence to Wayne county, where he departed this life four years later. Harriet A. Newell, wife of Milton Walker, and mother of the subject, was born in Lancaster, Ohio, and died in Illinois, in the month of October, 1902, at the advanced age of eighty-seven years. Of the eight children born to this excellent couple only two are living, Edmond A., of Wayne county, and Elbert M., of this review, the former, the third, and the latter the fourth in order of birth ; the following are the names of the deceased members of the family : Denesa Vilanda, Arius Milton, Permelia Alvina, Lurinda A., Clinton Heath and Emory Newell.

at the age of eleven years was brought to Illinois by his parents and during the ensuing twenty-two years made his home in Wayne county, receiving a common school education the meanwhile and after attaining his majority devoting his attention to various kinds of honorable employment. In 1 876 he came to Jefferson county and engaged in the livery business at Mount Vernon, which he conducted with gratifying success for a period of twenty-six years, during which time he also became interested in the material prosperity of the city and gave his influence and support to all laudable enterprises for the general welfare of his fellow men. In the meantime he embarked in the lumber business and disposing of his livery barn at the expiration of the period indicated he has since devoted the greater part of his attention to this interest, being at the present time one of the largest and most successful lumber dealers in the city as well as one of the oldest, as the twenty-seven consecutive years given to the business would indicate. He first began the lumber business in partnership with Mr. Van Wilbanks since whose death, some years later, he had conducted the enterprise jointly with that gentleman's widow, who still retains an interest in the Mount Vernon lumber yard, the management, however, left entirely to the judgment, discretion and superior ability of the subject. In connection with the lumber trade he has large agricultural interests, owning a fine and well improved farm of three hundred and twenty acres one and a half miles north of Mount Vernon, which he personally manages and which by reason of close proximity to the city is constantly increasing in value. During the last twenty-five years he has also been quite extensively engaged in buying and shipping horses and mules, being associated with S. A. Patterson, of Mount Vernon, with whom he purchases on a large scale for the New Orleans market.

progressive and successful business men in his adopted city. From a comparatively modest beginning he has steadily advanced to his present influential position in commercial circles and being essentially the architect of his own fortune he has won and worthily bears the honorable American title of a "self-made man." While ever laboring to promote his own interests at the same time he has put forth all reasonable efforts within his power in behalf of the common good, being as already indicated deeply interested in the material progress of the community, and a friend to all measures calculated to inspire a wholesome respect for law and order and build up society along moral lines. In addition to his career as a wide-awake public-spirited business man, Mr. Walker has a military record of which he feels justly proud, being among the survivors of the gallant army which crushed the hosts of treason during the days of the Rebellon and restored the government to the condition in which the fathers found it. He enlisted in December, in Company G, Sixty-second Illinois Volunteer Infantry, with which he shared the fortunes and vicissitudes of war for two years, durmg which time he saw much active duty and on one occasion at the battle of Holly Springs, fell into the hands of the enemy and experienced in full measure what it meant to be confined in a rebel prison pen.

Mr. Walker was married in 1866 to Miss Sarah M. Smith, whose antecedents were among the old and well known families of Meigs county, Ohio, where she too was born. Four children resulted from this union, all deceased except a son by the name of Fred E., who is now a prosperous merchant of Mount Vernon and one of the city's most intelligent and enterprising men of affairs. In his political views Mr. Walker is a pronounced Republican and an influential party worker, but has never been a partisan nor a seeker of office. Fraternally he holds membership with the Knights of Honor and Grand Army of the Republic, in both organizations

James A. Allen

This highly honored veteran of the great American Rebellion and retired farmer is a familiar figure about Belle Rive being the worthy representative of one of the pioneer families of Jefferson county. Finding in his native county wide fields in which to give full scope to his industry and enterprise - his dominant qualities - he preferred to remain here rather than seek uncertain fortune in other states, with the result that he is comfortably situated in his old age and has nothing to regret regarding the past.

James A. Allen was born in Jefferson county, Illinois, February 22, 1839, his birthday occurring on that of the great Washington, whom the subject reverences. He is the son of Rhodam and Lucinda (Atwood) Allen. Grandfather Allen was born in Virginia, but moved to Illinois, where he died at an advanced age and Grandmother (nee Wilkinson) Allen also lived to a very old age. They were the parents of five children, and in their religious life supported the Methodist church. Grandfather Atwood, who was born in West Virginia, moved to Kentucky, thence to Illinois, where he died when about sixty years of age. His wife died when sixty-five years old. The subject's father, who was reared in Virginia, moved to Kentucky, later to Mississippi and finally to Illinois in about 1818. > He took up land in Jefferson county, devoting his life to farming and to the ministry of the Methodist Episcopal church. He died at the age of sixty-six years and his wife when seventy-one years old. She, too, was always a Methodist.

Mr. Allen worked on his father's farm until August 6, 1861, when, feeling that it was his duty to offer his services in behalf of his country, he enlisted in Company I, Forty-fourth Illinois Infantry. His first battle was at Pea Ridge, Arkansas; then he fought at Perryville, Kentucky, and at the great battle of Stone River, where he lost the hearing of one ear by concussion. He was wounded at Perryville. He then fought in the sanguinary conflict at Chickamauga, where he received a wound from which he has never recovered, having lost use of his right arm. He served in a most faithful and praiseworthy manner for a period of three years and three months. He was taken prisoner and was confined in the prison at Andersonville and also at Libby prison, the latter for sixtyseven days. Mr. Allen is now receiving twenty-four dollars per month pension on account of his wounds.

Our subject has devoted his life to farming, which he has made a success, having been actively engaged up to 1 890 when he retired and bought property at Belle Rive, Jefferson county, where he has since lived.

Mr. Allen was united in marriage first in 1866 to Elizabeth Taylor, a native of Tennessee. Four children were born to this union, only one of whom is now living, named Norman C, who is married and has five children. The subject's first wife died m 1 873 and he again married in 1875, his second wife being Mary Sursa, who was born in this township (Pendleton). Her father was a native of Jefferson county and her mother of Ohio. Mrs. Allen's father was a soldier in the Union army, a member of Company E, Eightieth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and he died in the service, being buried at Chattanooga, Tennessee.

namely : Inez, the wife of H. B. McMiken ; Fleta, the second child, is the wife of Christopher Henelbach, and the mother of one child ; Mattie, the third child, is the wife of Alba Marlow, and the mother of one child. Fannie, the subject's daughter by his first wife, married Jerry Burns, and to her six children were born. She died April 15. 1907.

Mr. Allen in his fraternal relations is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He also belongs to the Grand Army of the Republic, each of the above organizations to which he belongs being at Belle Rive. Mr. and Mrs. Allen are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. The former is a loyal Republican. Grandfather Allen was an original Abolitionist and he was Constable for one term. Our subject in many ways inherits the worthy traits of his grandfather, and he is held in high favor among the people of his town and township.

John L. Rainey

Holding worthy prestige among the leading business men of Mount Vernon and enjoying the confidence of his fellow citizens, irrespective of party or class, the gentleman of whom the biographer writes in this connection has nobly earned the high position in the commercial world to which he has attained and is worthy of specific mention among the representative citizens of the city and county in which he resides.

John L. Rainey was born August 23, 1 868, in Williamson county, Illinois, and is the fourth in order of birth of nine children of J. T. and Margaret Rainey, natives of West Virginia and Illinois respectively. Buckner Rainey, the subject's grandfather, was a native of West Virginia, where he lived a number of years and reared a family but later moved to Illinois and is remembered as one of the pioneer school teachers of Williamson county. Returning to the state of his nativity some time in the seventies he departed this life near the scene of his birth prior to the year 1 880.

J. T. Rainey, father of the subject, came to Illinois in 1859, and settled in Williamson county vs^here he still resides, a prosperous farmer and stock raiser and one of the substantial and enterprising citizens of his community. His wife is a native of Williamson county and prior to her marriage bore the name of Margaret Perry. Her parents were born in Robertson county, Tennessee, but a number of years ago settled in Illlinois and spent the remainder of their days in Williamson county.

To J. T. and Margaret Rainey nine children were born, of whom the following survive, namely: James L., of Murphysboro, Illinois; E. T., who lives in Thompsonville, this state; Mrs. Laura Martin, of Marion; John L., of this review; Mrs. Sarah E., Otey, Mrs. Joella Howell, and Charles Rainey, the last three residents of Marion, Illinois.

John L. Rainey was reared to maturity in his native county and spent his early life on his father's farm where he learned the lessons of industry, economy and consecutive effort which resulted greatly to his advantage when he left the parental roof to make his own way in the world. Dunng his minority he attended the district schools and at the age of twenty-three severed home ties to carve out his own fortune, taking up, in 1 892, the study of telegraphy in which he soon acquired great proficiency. After becoming a skillful manipulator of the keys he accepted a position with the Wabash, Chicago & Western Railroad Company as agent and operator at Sheller, Illinois, where he continued two years, at the expiration of which period he took charge of the office at Welga on the Wabash Railroad, in connection with which he acted as agent for the American

Express Company and also took service with the H. C. Coal Mill Company, being thus jointly employed for eleven consecutive years, and that too without a single day's absence from duty.

Resigning his position at Welga at the expiration of the time indicated, Mr. Rainey became manager of the large mercantile business of W. S. Matthews at the town of Matthews, this state. While thus engaged he also looked after that gentleman's extensive timber and lumber interests, remaining in his service one year and discharging the arduous and responsible duties developing upon him with credit to himself and to the satisfaction of his employer. Severing his connection with the above enterprise Mr. Rainey in January, 1907, came to Mount Vernon and purchased a half interest in the Zimmerman & Son flour, feed, coal and seed business, subsequently in July of the same year buying out his partners and becoming sole proprietor of the establishment. Since taking possession of the business he has added greatly to its volume until it is now by far the largest and most important of the kind in the city and one of the most extensive and successful in this part of the state.

Mr. Rainey is enterprising and progressive in all that the term implies and in the building up and extending the large and important establishment of which he is the head, has displayed business and executive capacity of a high order. He keeps in close touch with the trade and by courteous and honorable treatment has steadily added to his list of customers and now commands a business second in magnitude to no other of the kind in Southern Illinois and a credit to his ability and energy and an honor to the city. From the beginning his career presents a series of continued successes seldom achieved and possessing to a marked degree the power to bend circumstances to suit his purposes he is projecting his business on still larger lines with every prospect of ultimately attaining the ends which he has in view.

Mr. Rainey's domestic history dates from 1 894. on September 1 3th, of which year at the town of Sheller was solemnized his marriage with Lizzie, youngest daughter of George Sheller, in honor of whom the village as named. George Sheller was a native of Germany and by occupation a farmer. He possessed more than ordinary energy and during his residence in Illinois accumulated a handsome estate, which after his death was not only ably and judiciously managed by his widow but very materially increased. Mrs. Sheller was a woman of bright mind, strong character and a superior business ability and tact as the prosperous condition of the farm and other interests at the time of her death in September, 1901, abundantly proved. While remarkably enterprising in the management of her affairs she also possessed those beautiful and amiable qualities of mind and heart which endeared her to her family and gained for her a large circle of friends in her own and other neighborhoods.

Mrs. Rainey was but five years old when her father died, from which time until her marriage she was under the immediate care of her mother, who spared no pains on the training of her children and early impressing upon their minds the necessity of upright characters and correct conduct as the surest passports to honorable manhood and womanhood and to success in life.

Mr. and Mrs. Rainey's union has been blessed with four children, whose names and dates of birth are as follows : Pearl, November 23, 1896; Helen Edna, March II, 1900; John Thomas. October 15, 1903, and Joseph Edward, who became a member of the family circle on the 13th day of March, 1907.

The political views of Mr. Rainey are in harmony with the principles and traditions of the Republican party but he has never been a partisan and with exception of the office of postmaster at the town of Welga, has held no public position nor aspired thereto. Fraternally he belongs to the Masonic Lodge at Steelville.

Wesley Barger Casey

No name is more familiar in Jefferson county than that of Casey and no other family was earlier or more largely identified with its growth and development. The founder was Isaac Casey, a native of Carolina, who came to Illinois at an early day and became identified with the government survey of the southern part of the territory. Previously he had held official positions in Kentucky and was in the government employ many years. He died in 1 85 1 after a long and useful life, at the home of his son. Thomas Mackley Casey, son of the foregoing, was born in Kentucky March 12, 1809, but went with his father to Tennessee and from that state removed to the territory of Illinois in 1817. The trip was made on horseback, the party as usual with pioneers, carrying the frying-pans and rifles and other personal effects. After looking the country over and staking out their claims they returned to Tennessee but in the following spring came back with their families and belongings, the former being more numerous than the latter. Thomas M. Casey's claim included what is now known as the Pleasant Grove neighborhood, four miles north of Mount Vernon. His brother, Abram Casey, selected an adjoining claim and three of the Maxeys who afterwards assumed the relationship of brothers-in-law, also selected claims nearby, the entire holdings being later known as the Casey-Maxey settlement. Thomas M. was a farmer and became an extensive breeder and buyer of hogs, cattle and mules. He was a devout Christian and took much interest in church work, the Pleasant Grove neighborhood having the first place of worship in Jefferson county, and becoming famed all over Southern Illinois as a religious rendezvous. Thomas M.Casey's home was headquarters for the pioneer circuit riders and the wandering evangelists who carried the Bible messages to the dangerous western wilderness. He died October 4, 1868, at the age of sixty-four.

much respected both as a man and citizen. He married Harriet, daughter of WiUiam Maxey, who settled on government land three miles northwest of Mount Vernon, where his grand and great-grandchildren still reside. The Maxeys were among the earliest arrivals in this section and have long been one of the influential families of Jefferson county. Mrs. Thomas (Maxey) Casey was born January 18, 1801, and died at the old homestead March 15, 1877, at the age of seventy-six years.

Wesley Barger Casey, a son of this couple, was born in Jefferson county, Illinois, June 4, 1834. He remained on his father's farm until he reached the age of sixteen years, when he began work as apprentice to a coach-maker at Lebanon, St. Clair county, and later at Troy. He mastered this trade completely and worked at it for many years mostly in Mount Vernon, but eventually became a carpenter and painter. This eventuated into the business of contracting and building which employed his time until recent years. He has superintended the erection of some of the best buildings of Mount Vernon, including the present court-house, and many of the substantial residences. He has lived to see four court-houses built in Jefferson county, the first a log cabin which stood at the present site on the public square. The second was a brick building, with a log jail standing beside it, the third a modern brick structure, was destroyed by the cyclone in 1888, which practically wiped out the city. The present handsome building was begun in 1 888 and finished a year later. Mr. Casey has literary tastes and has done some noteworthy work in that line. When still a boy he wrote and published a serial story and later in life corresponded for Colman's Rural World and other well known agricultural papers. He was instrumental in organizing the Illinois State Grange during the seventies and wrote for the press in behalf of the Patrons of Husbandry. He was the first town Constable of Mount Vernon and later became Justice of the

Peace. Reared in the lap of the Methodist church, as he expresses it, he has affihated all his life with churches and church work. In 1861 Mr. Casey organized at Xenia a company, which subsequently became a part of General Grant's old regiment. He was elected captain but fearing he would not be able to stand infantry service, did not receive the commission. Soon afterward, however, he assisted in organizing at Centralia a company of cavalry known afterwards as Noleman's Cavalry. Eventually it became Company H, First Illinois Cavalry, the first in that branch of the service from the state with the exception of Captain Barker's Chicago Dragoons. Mr. Casey was acting lieutenant on detached duty until the command was mustered out at Corinth, Mississippi, after a service of thirteen months. Afterward Mr. Casey became first lieutenant and adjutant of the Eighty-third Illinois Infantry organized at Monmouth, wdth which he went immediately into service, at Fort Donelson, Tennessee. He was acting assistant adjutant-general at Fort Donelson and Clarksville, Tennessee. He served gallantly and bravely as the record of his command will attest. At the third battle of Fort Donelson he was shot through the arm and during the same engagement a horse fell on him and crushed his leg. He preserved some interesting relics of the war including a written statement of Confederate Generals Wheeler, Forrest and Wharton, concerning the surrender. Mr. Casey made the official report of the battle of Fort Donelson.

After the war Mr. Casey returned to his native county and engaged in building and contracting. In 1873 he embarked in the breeding of fine cattle in partnership with George E. Waring, of Newport, Rhode Island, and established what was known as the Grove Farm branch of the Ogden Farm herd of Jersey cattle. This was the first importation of Jersey cattle into Jefferson county or Southern Illinois and all the Jersey cattle in this part of the state sprang from the herd introduced by Mr. Casey. The Ogden Farm Herd founded by Mr. Waring was the first Jersey herd estabhshed in the United States. Mr. Casey accompHshed much in raising the standard of thoroughbred stock in Jefferson county. For a number of years he was also engaged in raising fine poultry and hogs.

In 1855 Mr. Casey married Lucy A. Mills, of Mount Vernon, who died without issue, in January, 1857. In May, 1858, Mr. Casey contracted a second matrimonial alliance with Mrs. Ann A. M. Allison, of Marion county, by whom he had four children, Mrs. J. Eva Stephens, of St. Louis, Missouri; Elmer A., who died at the age of twenty-six; and two who died in infancy. The mother departed this life in 1 867. Mr. Casey marrid Mary Isabella Thomson, of Albion, Edwards county, who still graces his household. She was born in England and came with her parents to Illinois when three years old and this family with other English immigrants who settled in Albion gave it the name of "Little Britian." Mary A. Casey is the only child by the last marriage.

Joseph W. Simmons

Prominent in the general affairs of Mount Vernon and enjoying distinction in business circles. Joseph W. Simmons stands out as a familiar figure among the successful self-made men in the county and city that have been honored by his citizenship. Characerized by a strong individuality his career represents the result of the proper use of native talent in directing effort and energy. He has been actively identified with the city of Mount Vernon for thirteen years, contributing to its material progress and prosperity, at the same time lending his influence and means to the generous support of all en-

The Simmons family came to Illinois from Tennessee, and settled in Wayne county. John Simmons, grandfather of our subject, was a native of Virginia, and was an extensive slave holder and farmer. He was a man of broad views, however, and held a high place in the esteem of his neighbors. He later removed to Tennessee in the vicinity of Nashville, where Benjamin Simmons, the father of Joseph, was born and reared. Benjamin Simmons enlisted in the Union army at the last call, but did not see much active service on the field. He engaged in farming after coming to Wayne county, Illinois, and continued at that until his retirement a few years ago. Joseph's mother, Mary (Strange) Simmons, was born in Washington county, Indiana. She departed this life in 1900 and was the mother of six children, three of whom survive, viz., Joseph, Benjamin, who lives near Cairo, Illinois, and Mrs. Louisa Clark, of Wayne county, Illinois.

Joseph W. was born on July 7, 1863, near Nashville, Tennessee, and attended school at Hickory Hill, in Marion county, Illinois, and later in the district school near the parental home in Wayne county, having been but a child when his parents came to Illinois. Although the scope of his schooling was thus limited to the common school course, yet he has made the most of his opportunities and has broadened himself through reading and observation, acquiring in his maturer years a fund of knowledge and experience that place him on a level with the best people of the community. In his younger manhood he turned his attention to farming and followed that vocation up till thirteen years ago, as stated above, when he came to Mount Vernon. He became engaged in the car shops for one year, and then began work as clerk in the general store of John Koons, in the building where Mr. Simmons is now located. In

1905 he bought out Mr. Koons and went into partnership with S. M. KilHon. Later Mr. KiUion disposed of his interest to George Carter, who, in turn, sold to M. D. Coleman, the firm name now being Simmons & Coleman. The business is extensive and the stock varied and heavy, the three floors of the building which is one hundred and twenty feet in length being needed to accommodate the needs of the trade. They handle hardware and furniture and also operate a tin shop carrying a full line of tinners' supplies.

The domestic life of Mr. Simmons dates from 1884, at which time he entered the marriage relation with Miss Ellen Gaskill, a native of Thorntown, Indiana, and a lady of many estimable qualiities of mind and heart, as is attested by the large circle of friends that hold her in esteem and affectionate regard.

Mr. Simmons is a member of the Modern Woodmen and of the American Home Circle. He has positive convictions on the political questions of the day, and is a profound advocate of the principles espoused by the Democratic party.

Conspicuous among the pioneers sent out from the Old Dominion to wrestle with the dangers and difficulties of the western wilderness, was John Sandford Gee. Born in Virgnia, January 1 0, 1777, he was married in his twenty-first year to Susan Tudor, the ceremony taking place July 1 0, I 798. His spirit of adventure had been whetted by the tales of daring and heroic achievement in Kentucky under the leadership of the celebrated Daniel Boone. He longed to join these devoted pioneers, but did not succeed in crossing the mountains until 1803. He settled in what is now Metcalf county, entered land and engaged in farming, after the rude methods prevaihng at that day in the sparsely settled state of Kentucky. In addition to farming, he carried on surveying which was a profitable business in the formative period of the new commonwealth. Sandford Gee lived a useful and industrious life, became prominent and popular as one of the leading pioneers of the "Dark and Bloody Ground" and was gathered to his fathers at a ripe old age. He left a worthy son to succeed him in the person of William Gee, who was born October 16, 1810, at the old Kentucky home. On October 3, 1837, when twenty-seven years old he united his fortunes with Malinda Billingsley, one of the amiable and resolute girls of his neighborhood. The children resulting from this union were: John A., of Tamaroa, Illinois; I. G. Gee, who is the subject of this sketch; W. S., of Tarkio, Missouri; M. D., of Mountain Grove, in the same state; and Henry M., deceased. The father moved to Illinois in October, 1852, and settled about four miles east of Tamaroa, in Perry county. About 1883, he went to Nebraska, but after a residence of three years, returned to Illinois and located at Tamaroa where his long and active life was terminated by the summons that eventually comes to every human being. In his younger days, he taught school, later became a proficient surveyor, but his main business was farming. He and his wife were charter members of the old Paradise church in Perry county, which was organized in 1 853 in a barn near where the present meeting-house stands. During these forty-eight years of church relationship, this sturdy couple were faithful to every duty. William Gee departed this life in May, 1890, and his faithful partner survived him only a few years.

I. G. Gee, the second in order of birth of their children, was born in Simpson county, Kentucky, September 19, 1841, and was eleven years old when his parents emigrated to Illinois. He worked on the farm in boyhood, later taught one term of school, and then began the study of medicine. After graduating from the Eclectic Medical Institute of Cincinnati, in 1865, he engaged in the practice near Gitzgerrell, in the south part of Jefferson county. In 1892, after a prosperous and popular career in this profession, he retired and located at Mount Vernon for a life of more leisure. He has prospered as the result of ability, energy and strict devotion to business. He has extensive farming interests, besides other valuable investments. He is a stock holder and vice-president of the Third National Bank, president and stock holder of the Waltonville Bank, conducted by I. G. Gee & Company, and also a stock holder in the Mount Vernon Car Manufacturing Company. He has served as City Alderman and Supervisor of Mount Vernon township. He is president of the Royal Building and Loan Company, of Mount Vernon, and quite prominent in Masonic circles by virtue of his membership of the Blue Lodge, Royal Arch Masons and Knights Templar, branches of that ancient order. Personally, Doctor Gee is a fine specimen of physical manhood - large, well built, over six feet in height, always wearing a broad white hat, his picturesque appearance recalls the best Kentucky type. He is justly proud of his family history and few men have had a more worthy line of ancestors. On December 26, 1 867, Doctor Gee was married to Elzina J., daughter of J. J. Fitzgerrell, a native of Gibson county, Indiana, who came to Jefferson county many years before the Civil war and reared a family here. He was born in 1815, settled in IlHnois in 1839, and died on his old homestead June 30, 1887, after a long, blameless and useful life. The five children bom to Doctor and Mrs. Gee were: James William, who died in infancy; John S., deceased; Harl L., a physician of Mount Vernon; Earl, who died when six years old; Knox, cashier of the bank at Waltonville, of which his father is senior partner. Doctor and Mrs. Gee are members of the First Baptist church of Mount Vernon.

Louis L. Emmerson

The subject of this sketch is essentially one of the leading business men of Mount Vernon and enjoys an honorable reputation in commercial and financial circles throughout the entire state. As a merchant and banker he has wielded a strong influence in promoting the material interests of his city and county, and as a citizen is broad minded, liberal and public-spirited, taking an active part in public affairs and in many respects has exercised the functions of a leader among his fellow men. The family of which Louis L. Emmerson is an honorable representative is an old and highly esteemed one which figured conspicuously in the early history of Kentucky and later became mfluential m the pioneer settlement and subsequent development of Edwards county, Illinois. Allen Emmerson. the subject's grandfather, was a native of Kentucky, and a man of much prominence in his day. He went to Indiana when a young man and after a residence of a few years at the town of Princeton, that state, changed his abode about 1817 to Edwards county, Illinois, where in due time he became an influential factor and where he spent the remainder of his life, dying in the year 1876, at a ripe old age. He was County Judge for many years, held various other local offices and did much to advance the material interests of Edwards county and make it one of the finest and most progressive sections of Illinois. When twenty years old, Allen Emmerson married a young lady nineteen years of age by the name of Samantha Mounts, a lineal descendant of General Montgomery, of Revolutionary fame, and a niece of David Crockett, the celebrated frontier huntsman and Indian lighter and a representative from his state in the National Congress. Mr. and Mrs. Emmerson had fourteen children, twelve of whom grew to maturity, and the good old couple lived to celebrate the sixty-fifth anniversary of their marriage, shortly after which event

Jesse Emmerson, second child of Allen and Samantha Emmerson, was born in Indiana in 1813, and as early as 1817 accompanied his parents to Edwards county, Illinois, where he grew to manhood and became a leading citizen. He too, was prominent in public matters, served as Sheriff and County Clerk and in other official capacities and accumulated a large fortune for the period in which he lived. His wife, Fanny Suardet, was born in Geneva, Switzerland, and when a young woman came to America with a brother, who went to California, the sister stopping temporarily at New Harmony, Indiana, where she met the gentleman who subsequently became her husband. They were married at Albion, Illinois, and remained in that town until the death of Mr. Emmerson in June, 1893, some time after which the widow removed to Olney, where she now resides. Jesse and Fanny Emmerson reared a family of four children, the oldest of whom, Morris Emmerson, is editor of the News-Herald, at Lincoln, Illinois, and an influential man of that city. Charles, the second son in order of birth, is cashier of the First National Bank of Albion and a business man and financier of wide repute. Mrs. Otto Krug, of Sullivan, Indiana, is the third of the family, the youngest of the number being Louis L., of this review.

Louis L. Emmerson, was born December 27, 1863, at Albion, Illinois, and spent his early life in that town, receiving his educational discipline in the public schools. On quitting his studies he accepted a clerkship in a mercantile house of Albion in connection with which he also served for some time as secretary of the Agricultural Association of Edwards county, the meanwhile becoming familiar with business and earning an honorable reputation among the enterprising young men of the city.

law, embarked in the dry goods trade at Sullivan, Indiana, but after a year at that place returned to Albion and subsequently in December, 1 886, came to Mount Vernon, where the firm of Emmerson & Crackel was continued eight years, during which time they built up a lucrative patronage and forged to the front among the leading merchants of the place. For five years of the above period the business was conducted where the Waters drug store now stands and it is a fact worthy of note that the store of Emmerson & Crackel was the only dry goods house in the city which escaped destruction in the terrific cyclone of February 1 9, 1 888.

Leaving the above location at the expiration of the time indicated the firm moved to the room now occupied by the Mammoth clothing store, but after three years at the latter place, Mr. Emmerson disposed of his interest in the concern to the Crackels and engaged in the furniture trade in partnership with J. N. Johnson. The firm thus constituted lasted several years and did a successful business in what is now known as the Johnson building. In 1899 Mr. Emmerson and A. W. B. Johnson organized the Boston store, one of the leading mercantile enterprises of the city, and held an interest in the business until about 1904, but in the meantime, February, 1901, became identified with the Third National Bank, which he has smce served in the capacity of cashier.

The Third National Bank, of which Mr. Emmerson was one of the organizers, succeeded the Evans & Gee Banking Company, and is now one of the most successful and popular institutions of the kind, not only in Mount Vernon, but in Southern Illinois. It is ably managed by well known and responsible men, has an extensive patronage in Jefferson and neighboring counties, and has proven a valuable addition to the business of the city, ranking, as already stated, among the solid monetary institutions in this part of the state and steadily growing in public favor. Aside from his interests in

Mount Vernon, Mr. Emmerson is connected with important enterprises elsewhere, being president and director of the bank at Kell and a director of the Waltonville Bank at Wahonville. For the past seven years he has been secretary of the Mount Vernon Building & Loan Association, and among other local interests with which he is identified are the Mount Vernon Ice & Storage Company, the Mount Vernon Car Manufacturing Company, the National Hosiery Company, to all of which he sustains the relation of director. He is also secretary of the Steel-Smith Dry Good Company, Birmingham, Alabama, and a director and leading spirit in the Mount Vernon Chautauqua Association, besides being connected with various other hnes of benevolent work in the city and elsewhere.

Mr. Emmerson has always manifested a commendable interest in the material progress of Mount Vernon and the social and moral advancement of the people. He took a prominent part in establishing the Carnegie Library and the Mount Vernon township high school and served as a director of both enterprises at the time of their organization. He also displayed great ability as a politician and for a number of years his influence has been felt in the councils of the Republican party, locally and throughout the state, being at this time State Committeeman for the Twenty-third Congressional District. He was appointed by Governor Deneen a member of the State Board of Equalization for the same district and is now serving in that capacity besides holding various other posts of minor note, in all of which he has discharged his duties ably and faithfully and fully meets the expectations of his friends and the demand of the public. In 1893 he was elected to the City Council and while a member of that body was largely instrumental in bringing about a number of public improvements, including among others the paving of many miles of streets which has greatly added to the attractiveness of the city as well as to its material progress. He served one term as president of the city School Board and was one of the first directors of the township high school, but by reason of a technicality in the election of the latter board did not serve.

Mr. Emmerson is prominent in secret fraternal work, being a thirty-second degree Mason and for a number of years high priest of Hubbard Chapter, No. 160. He is now grand Royal Arch captain of the Grand Chapter of Illinois, and during the first three years of its existence, was eminent commander of Patton Commandery, No. 69, being a charter member of the same and influential in its affairs ever since the organization went into effect. He belongs to Danville Council, No. 37, Royal and Select Masters, at Danville, Illinois, and the Medina Temple Mystic Shrine, at Chicago. He is also a leading member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. He took an active part in establishing the organization at Mount Vernon and during the first two years of its existence served as exalted ruler.

Mr. Emmerson was married on September 22, 1887, at Grayville, Illinois, to Miss Annie Mathews, daughter of TTiomas and Eliza Mathews, of that town, the union being blessed with two children. Aline, born July 16, 1893, and Dorothy, whose birth occurred on the 22d day of August, 1 896. Mr. and Mrs. Emmerson are esteemed members of the First Presbyterian church of Mount Vernon and actively interested in the work of the same. Mr. Emmerson is especially zealous in the Sunday school and has long been one of its most efficient teachers, having at this time a class of more than fifty members to whom he gives the benefit of his profound Biblical knowledge and wide information on general religious subjects. He is a careful and critical student of the Scriptures and an earnest and sincere believer in the truths which they reveal and ever since arriving at the years of accountability he has endeavored to shape his life in harmony with the teachings and example of the man of Nazareth.

Mr. Emmerson's success in business has enabled him to accumulate a handsome competency and he is now ranking among the* financially solid and well-to-do men of his city and county. His home at the junction of Seventh and Jordon streets is one of the finest in the city and the center from which radiates a grateful influence reaching to all parts of the community and benefitting all with whom it comes in contact. It is not too much to say that Mr. Emmerson is one of the most public-spirited men of Mount Vernon and his deep interest in behalf of charitable, benevolent and other humanitarian enterprises, has gained for him the lasting regard of the many who have been benefited and permanently assisted by his liberality. Personally he is the most genial of men, a warm friend and delightful companion. In the social circles he and his estimable wife are exceedingly popular and all of his relations with his fellow men have been marked by the affable manner and high sense of honor characteristic of the courteous and refined gentleman.

James H. Maxey

The family by this name has been familiar in Jefferson county almost from its organization as the Maxeys came early, multiplied fast and became in time one of the most widely distributed connections in this part of Illinois. They were mostly identified with agricultural pursuits and contributed much toward the progressive agriculture for which Illinois is famous. The name is synonymous with thrift and solidity, enterprise and growth, good citizenship, public spirit and success in all the affairs of life. The work of those who bear this honored name and the blood relationship resulting from numerous intermarriages have made the Maxey connection one of ness have escaped their activities. James H. Maxey, one of the younger generation in this popular pioneer family, has well sustained the traditions with his name. His father, James C. Maxey, of whom a sketch appears elsewhere in this volume, owns a fine farm in Shiloh township and has devoted his life to agriculture. James H. Maxey was bom on this Jefferson county farm on the 26th day of May, 1865, and was reared in the manner best fitted to equip young men for success in life. His early education was obtained in Webber township, supplemented by the practical knowledge derived from work on the farm and association with those engaged in this important pursuit. In 1886 just after reaching his majority, Mr. Maxey came to Mount Vernon and entered the employment of the Louisville & Nashville Railroad Company, as assistant storekeeper of their shops. He retained this position two years, giving entire satisfaction to his employers but at the end of this time decided to engage in farming, for which he had a natural inclination. After spending a year on the farm in Shiloh township he removed to another in McClellan township, where he made his home for another year. Abandoning agriculture for the time being he took up his abode in Mount Vernon, and spent twelve months as agent for the Louisville & Nashville Railroad. The next twelve years were spent in the produce and ice business which he prosecuted with success and profit. In 1904 he became secretary-treasurer and manager of the Mount Vernon Ice & Storage Company, a corporation doing an extensive local business and of which he has held the active management up to the present time. The company has an annual business of five thousand tons of ice and also does a large storage business. Mr. Maxey is also the local manager for the Standard Oil Company and has held this position for fifteen years. He has displayed fine business judgment in directing the affairs of this great corporation and shown himself to be possessed of exceptional talent for admintration and organization. His activities, however, are by no means confined to the management of the companies with which he is connected at Mount Vernon. He owns a farm of one hundred and sixty acres in McClellan township and one somewhat smaller in Mount Vernon township to the management of which he gives sufficient time to see that they are conducted on progressive and profitable lines. He thoroughly understands farming and takes much pleasure in his active connection with the agricultural interests of the county. Mr. Maxey served two years as a Democratic member of the City Council from the First ward, and held the office of Tax Collector for one year. Mr. Maxey belongs to three branches of Masonry, the Blue Lodge, of which he is past master, the Chapter and Commandery. He also holds membership in the order of Modern Woodmen.

On October 3, 1888, Mr. Maxey married Miss Mary, daughter of the late Willis A. Keller, by whom he has had two children, Lester and Helen. The former, who is now nineteen years old and a youth of great promise is a student of the Illinois State University. Those who know him best predict that he will sustain the best traditions of his family and realize the fondest hopes of his father. Mr. and Mrs. Maxey are members of the First Methodist Episcopal church of which he has been financial secretary for a number of years. No residents of Mount Vernon enjoy higher esteem than they, and they are welcome in the most select of the city's social circles.

George F. M. Ward

Among the sturdy emigrants who came out of New England to enrich the West with their energy and enterprise was a fine family, the Wards, of the best Colonial stock of Connecticut. Henry

"Ward, a native of Waterbury, grew up on a farm and pursued the industry throughout his adult life. He married Lucy Adeline Todd, of Harwinton, in the same state, and removed to Illinois in 1858, settling on a farm in Williamson county, two miles south of where the city of Cartersville now stands. He died at DuQuoin, Illinois, March 1 3, 1 900, at the age of eighty years, having been preceeded to the grave by his wife about four years previously. They had six children, all but one of whom was born before the departure from the East. Of these, Elmonia, Willian Dwight, John Nelson and Samuel W. are dead. The living children are Julius Henry, the second born, and George F. M., who was the fourth child.

George F. M. Ward was born in Harwinton, Connecticut, October 11,1 854, and was consequently four years old when his parents came to Illinois. As a boy he worked on his father's farm, attending the district school at intervals during twelve years, until the removal of his parents to Carbondale, Illinois, where he was a pupil in the old district high school. In 1 873 he entered the clothing store of M. Goldman as a clerk, but in May, 1875, formed a partnership with John Hayden and put into operation the Carbondale Marble Works. Having an opportunity to sell out at a good profit and wishing to finish his education, he disposed of his interest and entered the Southern Illinois University. A few weeks thereafter, having been offered a position and being anxious to better his fortunes he left school to engage as clerk in the clothing store of Joseph Solomon at DuQuoin, Illinois. Remaining there until July 1 , 1 879, he formed a partnership with Mr. Solomon and on August 1, 1879, opened a clothing store at Mount Vernon, Illinois, under the firm name of Ward & Solomon. In June, 1883, he purchased his partner's interest and with the exception of having a partner in one of the departments for a few years he has conducted the business alone, adding department after department until he now has one of the largest stores in Mount Vernon.

Incorporation papers were filled with the Secretary of State in January, 1909, incorporating the Mammoth Shoe, Clothing and Dry Goods Company as a corporation to carry on a wholesale and retail dry goods, shoe and clothing business. G. F. M. Ward is president of the company; Will T. Forsythe is vice-president; Isaac Vermillion, second vice-president, and Henry Ben Ward, secretary and treasurer. This was made necessary owing to the fact that the busineses of the firm had grown to such an extent that it was no longer possible for one man to oversee the details of all departments and while G. F. M. Ward will still be at the head of the business as general manager the details of the special departments will be left to the new members of the firm, each of whom is well and favorably known throughout the country, being men of marked business ability in their chosen lines of endeavor as well as men of high integrity, and under their management this popular store will doubtless continue to grow.

Mr. Ward has been quite prominent in his adopted city, not only as a merchant, but fraternally, socially and in politics. For many years he has been a director in the Mount Vernon Car Manufacturing Company. He has laid out two additions and two subadditions to the city, with nineteen others. He purchased the ground and laid out Oakwood cemetery and has been president of its association for many years. This cemetery is considered the best kept of any in all Southern Illinois, every dollar received from the sale of lots or otherwise being spent in improving and beautifying the grounds. Mr. Ward was largely instrumental in obtaining a coal supply for the city and was secretary of the Mount Vernon Coal Company during the life of that corporation. He has always taken an active interest in school and was several times elected president of the Board of Education. He has twice been honored with the mayoralty of the city. His term in this office extended from April,

1889, to April, 1901, and the second for two years from April, 1903. During his first term the city bought the Electric Light and Heating Plant, which was afterwards sold to the Citizens Company. Mr. Ward also served as Alderman in 1885 and altogether has done much to establish his claim as one of the most progressive and public-spirited of Mount Vernon's citizens.

June 2, 1880, Mr. Ward was married to Miss Sarah Elizabeth, daughter of Dr. Benjamin W. and Emeline Pope, of Du- Quoin, Illinois. The three children are Dr. Todd Pope Ward, born February 16, 1881, Mrs. Leora Pope Ham, born September 4, 1882, and Henry Ben Pope Ward, born June 21, 1885.

Andy Hall. M. D.

The well known physician and surgeon to a brief review of whose career the following lines are devoted has attained worthy distinction in the line of his calling and today he ranks among the eminent members of his profession, not only in the field to which the larger part of his practice has been confined, but he also enjoys a wide reputation throughout the state. While easily the peer of any of his professional associates in the general practice, he stands especially high in surgery, to which branch of the profession his fame securely rests.

Dr. Andy Hall is a native of Hamilton county, Illinois, as is also his father. Col. H. W. Hall, the latter for many years a successful farmer, but now living a retired life in the city of McLeansboro. Col. H. W. Hall served through the Mexican war in General Taylor's command, took part in all the battles in which his regiment was engaged and at the expiration of his period of enlistment retired from the army with the rank of quarter-master sergeant. At the breaking out of the great Rebellion he was among the first of the patriotic men of Hamilton county to respond to the call for volunteers and in that dread struggle he also earned an honorable record as a brave and gallant soldier. He was mustered into the army as captain Company A, Fortieth Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and at the close of the war was mustered out as lieutenantcolonel of his regiment. He was with his command through all of its varied experiences of campaign and battle, participating in many of the most noted engagements of the war, including Fort Donelson, Shiloh, Corinth, Vicksburg, Jackson, Mississippi; Missionary Ridge and Kenesaw Mountain, the various engagements around Atlanta and after the fall of that stronghold marched with Sherman to the sea, thence through the Carolinas to the national capital, where he took part in the Grand Review, the closing scene of one of the greatest wars of which history has made record. At the battle of Missionary Ridge he was shot through the arm and in other actions had many narrow escapes as he was an intrepid soldier and ever ready to encounter danger while in the discharge of his duty. At the ripe old age of eighty-four, he is now spending the evening of a long and useful life in comfort and content, honored and esteemed by all who know him.

John Hall, the doctor's grandfather, was a Kentuckian by birth, and among the early pioneers of Hamilton county. He too was a tiller of the soil, also worked for a number of years at the blacksmith trade and became one of the most respected and influential citizens of the community in which he lived. He died at a ripe old age, but his memory is cherished as one who led the van of civilization into what is now among the most progressive and prosperous sections of Illinois. The maiden name of the doctor's mother was Julia McLean. She was born in Franklm county, Illinois, where her father settled many years ago. moving from his native state of Ohio. Mrs. Hall, who is of Scotch descent, is still living and hand in hand with her aged husband is moving onward toward the twilight of the journey's end, honored and esteemed by a large circle of friends.

Col. H. W. and Julia (McLean) Hall are the parents of nine children, six of whom are living, namely: John C, a practicing attorney, of McLeansboro; C. M. Hall, a farmer, of Dahlgren, Illinois; Mrs. R. M. Knight, of Hamilton county, Illinois; Dr. W. W. Hall, of McLeansboro; Mrs. John Norris, also of that city, and the subject of this review. The deceased members of the family were Dr. W. F., Maggie, and James P. Hall, all of whom grew to maturity, the first named becoming a successful physician and highly esteemed in his profession.

Dr. Andy Hall, whose birth occurred on January 10, 1865, was reared on a farm south of McLeansboro, and until seventeen years of age lived at home and assisted his father in varied duties of agriculture. After attending the country schools and the schools of McLeansboro until about eighteen years old he taught one year and then took a literary course in the Northern Illinois Normal School at Dixon. In 1 887 he entered the medical department of the Northwestern University, Chicago, where he prosecuted his studies until 1890, in April of which year he was graduated with an honorable record, and the following June entered upon the practice of his profession at Mount Vernon, where in due time he gained recognition and his proportionate share of patronage. At the breaking out of the Spanish- American war he was appointed surgeon of the Ninth Illinois Infantry, with which he served with the rank of major and surgeon until the cessation of hostilities. While with the army he was stationed for a time at Springfield, Illinois, and Jacksonville, Florida, later at Savannah, Georgia, thence was transferred to Havanna, Cuba, where he remained four months, during which period his duties were very arduous and his success gratifying. He was mustered out of the service at Augusta, Georgia, and returning to Mount Vernon, resumed the practice of his profession, but at the expiration of five weeks closed his office and again joined the army and was sent to the Philippine Islands as a surgeon.

Doctor Hall achieved high distinction as a surgeon in that faroff part of the world and performed many of the most difficult operations known to the profession, besides meetmg with signal success in the treatment of diseases, not a few of which were peculiar to the trophical climate and difficult to combat. During his stay of a little more than a year he was stationed at San Isidro, Florida Blanca, Baler, Nova Liches and Mangatarem, serving in Funston's Brigade, Lawton's Division, and experienced many of the vicissitudes incident to military life in the tropics.

While serving as surgeon of the post at Baler he became a member of a scouting party which was scouring the forests for Filipinos. The doctor became separated from the balance of his party and while alone and unarmed with the exception of a revolver suddenly came upon a Filipino soldier armed with a Mauser rifle, who was standing guard over two priests of the Franciscan Brotherhood. The doctor got the drop on the Filipino and liberated the priests, who told him that they had been prisoners for more than a year. Their names were Juan Lopez and Felix Minaya.

Returning home via Japan and the Hawaiian Islands in the year 1900 the doctor reopened his office at Mount Vernon and it was not long until he was again at the head of an extensive and lucrative professional business, his ability as a surgeon and the prestige of his military service gaining for him a practice second to that of none of his compeers.

idea of Doctor Hall's eminent standing in the noble calling to which his life and energies are being devoted and it goes without the saying that he is now the peer of any of his professional brethren as a family physician, bringing into exercise all the gentleness, sympathy and moral rectitude required in such a nature. In the domain of surgery his success has gained for him almost a state wide reputation, as he is frequently called long distances to perform operations requiring a high degree of proficiency and skill and it is not extravagant praise to say that in his special line of practice he has few rivals and no superiors in the southern part of Illinois.

Among the most difficult and delicate of his professional work in Mount Vernon was the first successful ovariotomy operation, and the first successful operation for an intussusception ever performed in this part of the state, also the first successful removal of cataract by a local surgeon, besides a number of other operations calling for the highest order of surgical talent.

Although devoted to his profession and making it paramount to every other consideration, Doctor Hall has not been unmindful of his obligations to the community nor of the duties of citizenship. He takes an active interest in public affairs and for some years has been a recognized leader of the Republican party in Mount Vernon, having been elected Mayor of the city in 1 897, but resigned the position the year following to enter the army. At this time he is a director of the Jefferson State Bank, a member of the City Library Board and a member of the local board of United States Pension Examining Surgeons, besides being identified with various other interests of more or less importance. Like the majority of enterprising publicspirited men, the doctor is an ardent Mason and stands high in the order, being a leading member of the Blue Lodge and influential in other branches, including the Chapter and Commandery degrees. Professionally he is identified with a number of medical societies and associations, among which are the Jefferson County Medical Association, the Southern IHinois Medical Association, Illinois State Medical Association and the American Medical Association, with all of which he keeps in close touch and in the deliberations of the first two ecpecially, he takes an active and prominent part.

The married life of Doctor Hall dates from January 1 , 1892, at which time he chose a wife and helpmeet in the person of Miss Anna L. Glazebrook, daughter of Joseph Glazebrook, a native of Kentucky, but long a resident of Jefferson county. This union has been blessed with three children, Marshall W., born August 17, 1895; Andy, Jr., bom April 14, 1898. and Wilford, who first saw the light of day August 1 2, 1 904. Doctor and Mrs. Hall have a very interesting family and with their children form a well-nigh ideal home circle. They belong to the Baptist church of Mount Vernon and are interested in all lines of religious work, and in the benevolent enterprises of the city. Their names are also well known in the best society circles of the community.

John Tipton

This successful farmer and influential citizen comes from Revolutionary ancestry and is worthy of special notice among the leading men of Jefferson county. He is a man of high character, a kind neighor, and a public-spirited citizen, and his influence has always been on the side of civic righteousness and a strict enforcement of the laws of the land.

John Tipton was born in Eastern Tennessee, in 1838. His paternal great-grandfather, William Tipton, was a soldier in the Revolutionary war, and rendered valuable service to the infant Re- public as a member of the Continental army. He not only endured the privations incident to that memorable struggle, but suffered the loss of an eye and an arm on the field of battle. Yet he counted this as nothing compared to the gains won for posterity in the form of greater liberties and individual freedom.

The children of William Tipton emigrated to Tennessee, where Grandfather Tipton ended his days, having reached quite an advanced age, as did also his companion, who was the mother of four children. One of these four was Isaac Tipton, father of our subject. He followed farming in Eastern Tennessee, and ended his days in that locality. His first wife became the mother of six children. He was married a second time and several children were born to this union also. Our subject, John Tipton, was reared on the farm, growing up to manhood among the surroundings that have developed the strong traits that have marked him as a man.

When twenty-two years of age he came to Jefferson county, Illinois, and engaged in farm labor for about one year. At this time the Rebellion came into full swing and Mr. Tipton answered to the call of the President for troops as did also his oldest brother, Jacob Tipton. Our subject enlisted in Company I of the Forty-fourth Illinois Volunteer Infantry and was soon in active service. The ancestral patriotic fire had not been lost, and he continued at the front for over four years, participating in such conflicts as that of Pea Ridge, Perryville, Chickamaugua, Murfreesboro and Missionary Ridge. Later he was at the battles of Knoxville and Nashville. His company was then transferred to Texas, where Mr. Tipton remained until mustered out. He then returned to Jefferson county and has resided here ever since. He has devoted himself to farming and has made a success of his work. His farm of two hundred acres is one of the best in the county, and is adorned with about seventy acres of valuable timber. He has an excellent residence.

a good barn, and all necessary improvements. Mr. Tipton is thoroughly familiar with the needs of the soil and manages the rotation of crops to a good advantage.

His domestic life began in 1 867, when he was joined in marriage to Miss Anna Bates, a native of Kentucky. She became the mother of four children, only two of whom are now living, and passed to her reward on January 20, 1878. She was a worthy mother and companion, and was a member of the Methodist church.

Later Mr. Tipton took as his second wife Miss Mary Ann Preslar, who was bom in North Carolina. Two children have been born of this union, both of whom are living. She is a member of the Baptist church to which she is loyally devoted.

Mr. Tipton affiliates with the Republican party, and takes an active interest in local as well as state and national affairs. He is energetic and progressive and is worthy of the high degree of respect and esteem in which he is held.

R. K. Weber

The subject of this sketch occupies a prominent place among the representative men of Mount Vernon and his career, which thus far has been one of great activity and usefulness, presents a striking illustration of what can be accomplished by a young man of character and energy, when directed and controlled by principles of integrity and honor. His rise from the humble position of a country pedagogue to the honorable station he now holds with one of the leading industrial establishments of Southern Illinois, indicates a worthy ambition and abilities of a high order and in view of his continuous advancement and his present influence in the world of affairs.

his many friends are justified in the prediction that he is destined to fill a still larger place in business circles than the one he now holds.

R. K. Weber, vice-president of the Mount Vernon Car Manufacturing Company, is a native of Illinois and dates his birth from the 13th of September, 1870, having first seen the light of day in the town of Fairweather, Adams county. John Weber, his father, who was also born and reared in the same county, was in early life a farmer but later engaged in merchandising at Barry, Pike county, where he still resides, holding at this time the position of cashier in the State Bank of that place. The Weber family is of German origin and its first representation in the United States was John Weber, the subject's grandfather, a native of one of the Rhine Province and by occupation a tiller of the soil. He came to this country when a young man and spent the remainder of his days in Adams county, Illinois, where his death occurred a number of years ago.

Before her marriage the subject's mother was a Miss Rose Perkins, a native of Adams county, and a lady of many estimable traits. Her people came from England in Colonial times and at the breaking out of the war of the Revolution several of her ancestors entered the American army and rendered valiant service in the cause of Independence. Her father, who is still living, is a business man and for some years has been engaged in banking in David City, Nebraska.

John and Rose Weber are the parents of four children, namely: H. P., a lawyer, of Chicago; Jeanette, wife of L. E. Crandall, of Aurora, Illinois; R. K., subject of this review, and Cora, who died in 1 898, when eighteen years of age.

R. K. Weber spent his childhood and youth at Barry and after receiving a preliminary education in the public schools of that town, entered the State Normal School at Normal, Illinois, which he atwall's history of JEFFERSON CO., ILL. 527 tended three years with a creditable record. Completing his studies in that institution he devoted the following year to teaching in a country school district of Adams county, and then took a course in a commercial college at Springfield with the object in view of fitting himself for a business career. Leaving the latter institution with a mind well disciplined by intellectual and professional training, Mr. Weber in 1 890 came to Mount Vernon and accepted a clerkship in the general office of the Mount Vernon Car Manufacturing Company in which capacity he served until the reorganization of the company some years later, when he was made secretary, his promotion to that important position being by the unanimous vote of the board of directors. His services as secretary proving eminently satisfactory to the management of the enterprise as well as highly creditable to himself, he retained the place until 1 908, when he was further honored by being elected vice-president, succeeding W. C. Arthurs, who, in June of that year, was elected to the presidency which office he still holds. Since becoming identified with the Mount Vernon Car Manufacturing Company Mr. Weber has labored earnestly for its success and making his employers' interests his own, his services have been eminently creditable and satisfactory, contributing much to the growth of the business and to the honorable reputation which the company enjoys among the leading industrial establishments of the state. He has been devoted to the duties of his office and in the discharge of the same has demonstrated a high order of ability as an executive and rare judgment and foresight in his relations with the patrons of the company and in extending the range of its influence. While ever manifesting an intense interest in the growth and success of the enterprise with which he is officially connected he has not been negligent in matters relating to the prosperity of the community or in the duties of citizenship, being in touch with everything calculated to benefit the city of his residence and abreast of the times on questions and issues concerning which men and parties divide.

Mr. Weber is an earnest advocate of the principles of the Repubhcan party, and an active worker and judicious adviser in its ranks and councils and though not a partisan in the sense of seeking office he has been honored from time to time with important local positions, having represented his ward in the Common Council of Mount Vernon and served the city very efficiently as treasurer. In addition to his connection with the large industrial establishment previously mentioned he has other interests of a business nature in the city, including the Mount Vernon Jewelry Company, of which he is vice-president. Mr. Weber also has a vital interest in the social life of Mount Vernon and in various ways has labored for the advancement of his fellow men, being an active and influential member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks through the medium of which excellent organization much good has been accomplished for the poor and indigent of the city to say nothing of the splendid fraternal spirit which prevails among the membership.

He is also identified with the Pythian Brotherhood, in which he has held important official positions at intervals, while worthy charitable and humanitarian enterprises, regardless of order or designation enlist his sympathy and support.

The domestic life of Mr. Weber began in 1893, when he was united in the bonds of wedlock with Miss Iva Hill, daughter of Sanford Hill, one of the well known and highly esteemed citizens of Jefferson county. Mrs. Weber was born and reared in this county, received a good education in the public schools and is a lady of estimable character and sterling worth, whose friends in the social circles of Mount Vernon are as the number of her acquaintances. Two daughters bless and grace the Weber home, in whom are centered many fond hopes and bright anticipations, their names being Rose Mildred and Bernadine. Mr. and Mrs. Weber reside at 712 East North street.

George W. Highsmith

Among the men of Jefferson county who have risen to high standing and demonstrated ability to fill worthy positions of honor and trust is the well known gentleman and capable official of whom the biographer writes in this connection. George W. Highsmith, Clerk of Jefferson county, is a native of Illinois and the son of Lewis and Frances Highsmith, the former a native of Crawford county, Illinois, and the latter born in Kentucky, but early settlers of Crawford county, Illinois, where the mother died when the subject was a child about six years old. Thirty-two years ago the father moved to Jefferson county where he engaged in agricultural pursuits and where he still resides, having reached a ripe old age and being well situated as far as natural comforts are concerned. At the breaking out of the great Civil war, he enlisted in the Forty-seventh Illinois Infantry and with which he served until the downfall of the Rebellion, participating in the seige of Vicksburg and all the other notable battles in which his regiment was engaged, earning an honorable record as a soldier and later becoming widely known as an enterprising and praiseworthy citizen.

Lewis and Frances Highsmith were the parents of four children, two of whom died in infancy, Mrs. Belle Collins, George W., and their father being the surviving members of the first family. By a subsequent marriage with Emma Painter Mr. Highsmith became the father of three children, all deceased and still later he took a third wife in the person of Julia Williams, who bore him the following children: Samuel C, of Chicago; Albert C, deputy County Clerk; Mrs. Laura J. Reece, of Jefferson county; Walter Clark, of Mount Vernon ; Lewis Carl, of the same place ; Anna Florence, Harlin Curtis and Julia E., the last three still with their parents.

ian by birth, but as long ago as 1 825 migrated to Crawford county, Illinois, of which he was a very early settler. He became a man of considerable local prominence, represented the above county in the eighth General Assembly and sent as captain in the Black Hawk war. He was a man of strong character and great personal influence, did much to promote the material development of the part of the county in which he settled and departed this life about the year 1872, honored and respected by a large circle of friends and acquaintances.

George W. Highsmith was born January 9, 1862, in Crawford county, Illinois, and at the age of fourteen years accompanied his father to the county of Jefferson, where he has since lived and with the history of which his life since 1872 has been very closely interwoven. After a preliminary educational training in the public schools he became a student at Ewing College, where he prosecuted his studies until completing the prescribed course, after which he turned his attention to teaching, a profession for which his tastes and talents were peculiarly fitted. Mr. Highsmith taught for twentyone consecutive years in the schools of Jefferson county, during which time he achieved an enviable reputation as a capable and painstaking instructor, his long retention in the same district attesting the high esteem in which he was held by pupils and patrons. Meantime he devoted his vacations to farming, in which he has always been interested and gained as high repute tilling the soil as he did in teaching the young.

Mr. Highsmith served his township as Justice of the Peace and filled the office to the satisfaction of all who had business to transact in his court, his rulings being eminently fair and his decisions impartial. He was also Collector for %ome years and subsequendy was elected Supervisor, discharging the duties of both positions with credit to himself and the public and gaining the good will of the people irrespective of party ties. A Republican in the most liberal meaning of the term and an active and influential political worker, he rose in time to the leadership of the party in his township besides becoming quite prominent in the county and state affairs. In 1 904 when his party cast about for an available candidate for the office of Circuit Clerk, the choice fell to him and after his nomination he entered manfully into the campaign, leading as many supposed a forlorn hope by reason of the formidable Democratic majority, but determining to weaken the opposition if it could be accomplished by hard work and honorable means. When the votes were finally counted, he was found to have defeated his opponent by a decisive majority, being the first Republican ever elected to the clerkship, a unique distinction of which he has every reason to be proud.

Mr. Highsmith's election to the position he now holds was a just tribute to a very worthy and honorable man and the capable manner in which he has conducted the office has fully met with the high expectation of his friends and fellow citizens of all parties and all shades of opinions. In 1908 he was re-nominated and after a hard-fought battle he was defeated by a very small majority.

On September 21, 1888, Mr. Highsmith and Miss Mattie Hayes, daughter of Gilbert W. Hayes, of Spring Garden township, were united in the holy bonds of wedlock, the marriage being blessed with eight children, whose names and dates of birth are as follows : Claudie Eugene, August 1 , 1 889, died on the 6th day of August, 1901 ; Loretta Belle, November 7, 1892; Lula May. September 23, 1895; Nora Gertrude, April 14, 1898; Alva Lloyd, July 3, 1901 ; Almena, January 12, 1904, died October 20th of the same year; Sarah Aline, February 6, 1906; the youngest, William, born September 4, 1 908.

spected communicants of that church and aHve to every good work under the auspices of the local congregation with which they are identified. Since becoming a resident of Mount Vernon he has shown commendable interest to all enterprises and mecisure which tend to the advancement of the city and on the leading questions and issues of the day he is widely informed and in no small degree a leader of thought among his fellow men. A reader, a thinker and a close and intelligent observer of current events, he has proud and liberal ideas and his opinions always carry weight and command respect. He is deservedly popular throughout the county, possessing the power and tact to win and retain strong friendships.

In the fabric of some lives are woven many varied and useful experiences and these often result in a broad conception of one's duties to his fellow men and his obligations as a citizen of one of the grandest and greatest republics of the world. Not only do these results accrue to the individual but his sympathies are broadened and deepened and his viewpoint is often fixed to a much better advantage for himself and for others by a proper perspective of his relations in life.

In the case of the subject of this review, W. S. Chaney, of Belle Rive, Illinois, we have an illustration of the type of man indicated above. Mr. Chaney has come to advanced years over a pathway that has led him into numerous situations, filled at times with cheerful prospects and covered at other times with shades and shadows of lowering clouds, or darkening skies. Out of it all he has come to see and to know that the web of life has in its warp and

W. S. Chaney was bom in East Tennessee in 1838 and was the son of William and Betty Ann (Stubblefield) Chaney, also natives of Tennessee. He was one of nine children, all of whom reached their majority. His paternal ancestors were of Irish descent, his grandfather being a native of Virginia, coming later to Tennessee, he became an extensive land owner, having owned the land where Morristown now stands. He reached the age of eighty years as did also his companion in life. They were the parents of twelve children, all of whom lived to maturity.

Mr. Chaney received a common school education and was reared on the farm, where he remained until 1861 . He cast his first Presidential vote for John Bell. At this time he emigrated to Illinois, making the trip with wagon and their one child. They settled in Montgomery county, but one year later removed to Jefferson county, where they have since made their home.

In 1 864 our subject enlisted in the Ninth Tennessee Cavalry at Gallatin, Tennessee, and began his career as a soldier in the guerilla warfare of Eastern Tennessee. He was involved in several engagements with Morgan, the famous raider, and was present at the battle of Greenville, where the Confederates lost one of their good generals. He was mustered out in September, 1865, and returned to Illinois, entering the mercantile business, at which he continued for about twenty-five years. He then turned his attention to his farm on the outskirts of Belle Rive, and over which he exercises direct supervision, although he continues his residence in town.

Mr. Chaney 's first marriage was in Tennessee, in 1859, to Miss Nancy E. Witt. She departed this life in 1862, having become the mother of two children, both of whom are dead. In 1 863 Mr. Chaney was married to Miss Mary M. Vaughn, of Jefferson county, Illinois. Twelve children were born to this union, six of whom survive, they are: AUie, wife of T. D. Summers; Lena, wife of Orly Waters; Nellie, wife of E. E. Karn; Harry W., William F. and Raymond H.

The mother of these children departed this life on February 16, 1908. Later Mr. Chaney took as his third wife Mrs. Florida L. Stevens, an estimable Christian lady and a member of the Baptist denomination.

William C. Reece

Perhaps no other resident in Shiloh township, Jefferson county, is more familiar with the local official affairs than the subject of the present review, William C. Reece, who was born in the township on the 20th of October, 1866. His father, Baily P. Reece, was a native of Tennessee, having come to Jefferson county in an early day, and devoted the major portion of his time to farming. He attained the age of sixty-four years and was a resident of Shiloh township at the time of his death. The mother of the subject, Rebecca (Bullock) Reece, was bom in Jefferson county, and was the daughter of David Bullock, also one of the pioneers of the county. She was the mother of three children, viz., Cora B., wife of Jefferson Thomas; William C, our subject, and Anna M., who died at the age of thirteen years.

William was reared in Shiloh township, and has spent almost all of his life within its borders. He received such education as was offered by the common schools of the district, together with the training in self-reliance and habits of industry that his parents tried to inculcate within him as he grew to maturity. For three years William was employed as fireman by the Iron Mountain Railroad Company, but he finally decided to abandon that work, and returned to the township of his birth. He became engaged in mercantile business, and has occupied several locations in various parts of the county. He has met with success in all of his ventures and has been fortunate in his business enterprises. He did not devote himself exclusively to business, however, and took up farming during several intervening periods. As opportunity presented itself, he took advantage of trade offers, and in this way acquired not only financial gains, but also helpful experience, and formed a wider circle of friends and acquaintances. He now owns a productive and well kept farm in Shiloh township.

On the 3d of November, 1889, Mr. Reece was married to Miss Mary Thomas, daughter of L. H. and Martha Thomas, who were the parents of three children, of whom Mrs. Reece was second in order of birth.

Mr. and Mrs. Reece are the parents of four children, as follows: William J. B., Ruby F., Flossie M. and Mary Blanche. Mr. Reece has been called upon at various times to serve the people in an official capacity. He has held the office of Supervisor of the township and has been chosen Constable and School Director for several terms. His interest in township affairs has been an inspiration to the citizens of the vicinity, and has resulted in the improvement of the tone of society in general. His affiliations have been with the Democratic party, but the question of justice and a fair deal are two elements that are always to be found in his analysis of duty. He is a member of the Tribe of Ben Hur, and has had much influence in promoting the welfare of that order in this neighborhood. He is also a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Woodlawn Lodge, No. 522.

Hon. James H. Watson

Space will permit scarcely more than a recapitulation of the various interesting topics met with in preparing the biography of Hon. James H. Watson, but we shall endeavor to give our subject the fullest possible justice.