Marion County, Illinois - The whole text, 1909 (part 21 of 27)

Mr. Reed united in marriage to Isabella Benefiel on July 13, 1881. She is the daughter of Robert and Mary (Ingram) Benefiel, of Carlisle, Indiana. She was educated in Edgar county, Illinois. Her father met an untimely death by being killed by a horse.

Mrs. Reed is a member of the Pvthian Sisters, Lotus Temple No. 8, having passed all the chairs. She is a teacher in the First Methodist Episcopal church Sunday school, having been identified with Sunday school work for many years. She is a member of the Ladies' Aid and the Missionary societies of the church. Both Mr. and Mrs. Reed are faithful members of the Methodist Episcopal church.

Politically our subject is a loyal Republican and he takes a great interest in the affairs of his party. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Queen City No. 179, having been identified with the same for the past twenty-five years and having passed all the chairs. He has been representative to the Grand Lodge twice at Springfield, Illinois. He is also a past chief patriarch of the Centralia Encampment No. 75, having represented the Encampment twice at Springfield. He is also a member of Helmet lodge No. 26, Knights of Pythias, and has passed all the chairs in the same.

Julius Reinhardt

Mr. Reinhardt is one of those characters whose integrity and personality must force them into an admirable notoriety, which their modesty never seeks, who command the respect of their contemporaries and their posterity and leave the impress of their individuality upon the lives of those with whom they come in contact.

Julius Reinhardt, jeweler and musician of Centralia, Marion county, and one of the representative business men and honorable citizens of this locality, was born in Lebanon, Illinois, May 16, 1874, the son of Charles, Sr., and Marie (Blass) Reinhardt. The father of the subject was born in Germany, near Saxony, and the subject's mother was born in Bavaria, Germany. They came to America when young and were married in St. Louis, Missouri. They are now both deceased, the father having been called from his earthly labors in 1905 and the mother passed to her rest in 1904. There were eight children in their family, seven of whom are living in 1908, our subject being the youngest in order of birth.

The early education of the subject of this sketch was obtained in the public schools of Lebanon, Illinois. Later he attended Mc- Kendree College, taking a business course in this institution and making a splendid record for scholarship.

The domestic life of our subject dates from September 12, 1900, when he was united in marriage to Alberta Allmon, the representative of an influential family of Salem, Illinois, and to this union two sons and one daughter have been born, namely: Edwin A., Virginia M., and Julian, the two oldest being in school at this writing, 1908.

Mr. Reinhardt's business life properly began in 1889, when he launched in the jewelry business in Centralia, having first located in Buck's drug store, conducting a repair shop. Since that time Mr. Reinhardt has been known as a conscientious as well as a skilled workman. He conducted this business for a period of three years, when he conducted a similar business with like success for a period of two years in Zarbeck's hardware store. He started in with a stock of jewelry in 1889 and he has gradually built up a trade, having been extensively patronized from the first, until he now has a very extensive and beautiful stock of goods in commodious and elegant quarters, and he enjoys a liberal income,' always treating his numerous customers with the utmost courtesy and giving them full value received, having an intimate knowledge of the jewelry business and giving them the benefit of this knowledge by placing the best goods obtainable in his store. In politics Mr. Reinhardt is strictly independent. There are many features of each of the great parties which commend themselves to him, but, from his observation and experience, he has decided that far more depends on the man than on the platform. It has often been demonstrated that party pledges have never yet been fabricated out of indestructible material and sensible people know that more reliance can be placed upon the word and work of a truly honest man than upon the most sacred pledge of the best political party that was ever organized. Hence the man and not the party should be the first consideration of the voter. That the subject is a man of much origin-

The parents of the subject were Presbyterians, but Mr. Reinhardt is not affiliated with any church organization, but his support can always be depended upon in the advancement of any movement looking to the religious, moral, civic or educational welfare of the community. In his fraternal relations he is a member of the modern Woodmen.

Mr. Reinhardt is a musician and is a member of the McNeil's orchestra of the Pittenger Grand Opera House in Centralia, one of the leading musical organizations in this part of the state. Our subject has thoroughly mastered the English language, being able to speak either English or German fluently. He is a man of genial personality, a perfect type of the true gentleman.

John L. Davis

A man of marked individuality, the subject of this review is a typical representative of that large and enterprising class of business men to whom the great commonwealth of Illinois owes much of its prosperity and development, and his record shows him to have been faithful in the performance of his duty in the community, to his neighbors and to himself.

John L. Davis was born in Centralia, Marion county, April 30, 1858, the son of Thomas P. and Wilhemina C. (Beal) Davis, the former having been born in Tennessee, March n, 1827. The mother of the subject was born in Steinfeld, Germany, April 8, 1835. They were married in Belleville, Illinois, in 1853, and they were the parents of ten children, eight boys and two girls, our subject being the second child in order of birth. The subject's father was a carpenter and contractor in Centralia, to which place he came in 1855. His 'death occurred in 1899, and that of his wife November 6, 1908. Thomas P. Davis was a soldier during the Civil war, enlisting in 1862 in Company H, Eightieth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, as a private. He served with bravery and valor in many hard-fought battles in which his regiment participated, and became corporal of his company. He was mustered out in the fall of 1864.

John L. Davis worked first on the fruit farms in Centralia township, until he was eighteen years old, having in the meantime attended the public schools in Centralia, where he received a fairly good education, having applied himself in a most diligent manner to his text-books. He went to work on the Illinois Central Railroad when a young man and continued in the employ of the same until 1901, having given this company entire satisfaction. Two years were spent in the shoe business, and in 1901 he returned to the same business and he is now to be found daily in his store where he has a liberal patronage owing to his courtesy and his intimate knowledge of the shoe business, always giving his customers, many of whom come from remote parts of Marion county, the worth of their money, for he handles a high-class line of goods. His store is well kept, everything about it showing system and careful management. The store is located at 144 East Broadway.

Our subject was united in marriage to Mary C. Marsh, December 16, 1880. She is the refined daughter of R. L. T. and Catherine (Sherwood) Marsh, who were the parents of four children, our subject's wife being the second in order of birth.

The pleasant and comfortable home of Mr. and Mrs. Davis has been brightened by the birth of the following children : Thomas M., who married L. Myrtle Denny, living at Cliffs, Washington ; Ralph R., who married Edith Pease, and who is living in Springfield, Idaho; John June is assistant State Entomologist at Urbana, Illinois; Harley A. is in the Art Institute at Chicago, Illinois; Reba C. is now (1908) at home and is attending high school at Centralia.

John L. Davis, our subject, is a member of the Free and Accepted Masons, Lodge No. 20 1 ; the Royal Arch Chapter No. 93 ; Council No. 28 ; Commandery No. 23 ; Oriental Consistory of Chicago. He also belongs to the Order of Railway Conductors, Centralia Division, No. 112.

In politics Mr. Davis is a Republican and takes a great interest in local affairs, always desiring good men in the county offices and lending his aid in placing them.

serve the public in some official capacity, and has very ably held the office of Alderman for one term and has been on the Board of Education for three terms, during which time the interests of the city and the schools were carefully considered by Mr. Davis and much good accomplished by his suggestions, which were usually followed out. He has filled all the chairs of the lodges of his membership to the Consistory, and is now treasurer in all these four lodges of which he is a very loyal member. He has been secretary of the railroad division of the lodge of Railroad Conductors since 1890, and also was its first secretary, from 1884 to 1886. He was also chief conductor from 1886 to 1888.

Lucian O. Wilson

Among the popular citizens of Centralia, Marion county, Illinois, is the gentleman whose name appears at the head of this sketch, the well known assistant postmaster, who was born in New Albany, Indiana, July 12, 1866, the son of Oliver O. and Maggie E. (Mathews) Wilson. His father's family consisted of three children, our subject being the second child and only son. His parents were both natives of Indiana. Oliver O. Wilson was superintendent of the Indiana Reformatory. He is now deceased, as is also his wife, who passed away March 30, 1900. Our subject was five years old at the time of his father's death.

sketch was gained in the public schools, where he applied himself as best he could and gained a fairly good education. He went to work in the Nail Mill of Centralia, working for two years as a nail cutter, and was later employed by F. D. Rexford, of the Centralia House, and worked there for a period of seventeen years, having given entire satisfaction in each of these lines, being industrious and quick to gain a knowledge of the business. He was clerk and general utility man in the latter's employ. He then went to Boone, Iowa, and managed the Cole Hotel for one and one-half years, selling out and returning to Centralia in March, 1903, where he was appointed assistant postmaster under E. L. Welton. He has very creditably and satisfactorily filled this position to the entire satisfaction of all concerned.

Mr. Wilson in his fraternal relations is a member of Blue Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, No. 201 ; also the Centralia Chapter No. 93; and Council No. 28, Cyrene Commandery No. 23. He also belongs to the Oriental Consistory, of Chicago, also a member of the Mystic Shrine, of Madina Temple, Chicago. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias, No. 26, of Centralia.

loyal Republican. His mother was a membr of the Christian, but he and his wife worship in the Baptist church. Mr. Wilson was at one time a member of the Centralia Volunteer Fire Department.

Our subject has by pluck, energy and enterprise, controlled by correct principles and founded upon strict integrity and honor, attained to a position meriting the respect and admiration of his fellow citizens, which they freely accord.

The prominence of the subject of this sketch in connection with the professional and civic affairs of Marion county is such that he is regarded as one of its representative citizens, having for a number of years been one of the leading business men of the thriving city of Centralia, and ever showing by his fealty to high principles and his activity in promoting the affairs of the county that he merits the confidence of all.

A. C. Barnes was born at Richview, Illinois, ten miles south of Centralia, February 13, 1853, tne son °f J- W. ar>d Nancy (Johnson) Barnes, the former having been born in Gallatin, Tennessee, July 2, 1818. He was left an orphan at the age of five years and when twelve years of age he was bound out to a saddle maker for a period of four years, at the end of which time he purchased a horse, saddle and bridle and rode to Mt. Vernon, this state, where he called upon William Thome, the first saddle maker in Mt. Vernon, who refused to give him a job because he was too young, his age then being eighteen years. But nothing daunted, he purchased the material with which to make a saddle which he accordingly did and presented it to Mr. Thorne, who hired the boy for three years. This was in 1836.

Two years later J. W. Barnes was married to Nancy Johnson. He soon thereafter moved to a farm near old Shiloh, later moving to Washington county, where he farmed and lived comfortably until 1888 when he moved to Centralia, where he passed to his rest September 17, 1905, after a successful business career in Centralia, having purchased the L. C. Demmick harness shop in this city in 1888, having stood just south of the old National Bank. His son, A. C., our subject, bought his business. He was living with his son when he died. Nancy Johnson was born in 1813 in Kentucky. Her father was an itinerant Methodist Episcopal preacher, who came to Illinois in 1818 and settled on a farm at Shiloh church, where he farmed and preached and where both he and his good wife passed to the silent land. Four children were born to Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Barns, as follows: L. R., who married Laura Robinson, daughter of Elder J. A. and Eliza Robinson, and they became the parents of six children, one of whom is living. L. R. Barnes was in the famous One Hundred and Eleventh Illinois Volunteer Infantry during the war between the states, under the late Gen. James S. Martin, of Salem, having gone out in 1862 and was discharged at the close of the war, having been in the grand review at Washington City. Louise, the second child of the parents of our subject, married a Mr. Underwood and is now living in Oklahoma, being the mother of four living children, one child deceased. John T., the third child of Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Barnes, enlisted in the Sixtieth Illinois Volunteer Infantry under Colonel Anderson, at Mt. Vernon, and he re-enlisted in 1863. He came home on a furlough. Rejoining his regiment, he remained at the front until the close of the war when he was mustered out. He married and in 1885 removed to Wichita county, Kansas, where he located on three hundred and twenty acres of land. He has a family of four girls and one boy. He now lives at Leota, Kansas.

Our subject, A. C. Barnes, came to Centralia in 1891 with his father. He had received a good education in the district schools of Washington county, Illinois, having left school at the age of sixteen years and went to work for himself. Being a loyal Republican and having taken an interest in political affairs from early manhood, his friends elected him Sheriff of Marion county in 1904 and he served with much credit. When his term had expired he returned to business. In 1902 he was elected Treasurer of the city of Centralia for two years and served in a most acceptable manner in this capacity. Mr. Barnes has an excellent business in the harness and repair

Mr. Barnes married Susan M. Gunn, daughter of J. C. and Caroline Gunn, of Richview, the ceremony that made them one having been performed at Kinmundy, this county, July 20, 1880. He was first married in 1873 to Sarah Anderson, a native of Ohio, and she died at the birth of James, their only son, who was born October 18, 1878. He is now living at Lafayette, Indiana, being in the printing business as a linotype expert. He married Lottie Hadden, of Kinmundy, and they have three children, two boys and one girl.

Our subject ably served for a period of five years on the Board of Education in Kansas, where he lived for several years, and while on the board just mentioned they built two elegant school-houses.

Fraternally Mr. Barnes is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at Centralia, having originally joined that order at Pittsburg, Kansas, in 1886. He is also a member of the Knights of Pythias, having joined Lodge No. 26, in Centralia in 1893. He became a Mason in Salem in 1896, and joined the Modern Woodmen of America in 1897. He follows the example of his people by worshiping with the Methodist denomination.

Our subject is a man of unusual imposing physique, possessing great physical strength and endurance. He also has a strong mind and the power of concentration, is congenial

Jacob D. Breeze

Dependant very largely upon his own resources from early youth, the subject of this sketch has attained to no insignificant success, and though he may have, like many another business man, met with some misfortune and encountered many obstacles he has pressed steadily forward, ever willing to work for the end which he has in view. He has become one of the leading merchants of Centralia, Illinois, and he has built up a business that is known throughcut the county.

Jacob D. Breeze was born September 27, 1868, in Washington county, Illinois, the son of David and Eliza (Baldwin) Breeze. There were fourteen children in their family, eight of whom are living in 1908, our subject being the eighth in order of birth; of those living seven are boys and one a girl. David Breeze was born in Jefferson county, Illinois, in 1844, and died when fifty-two years old, after a busy and useful life. The subject's mother is still living in Jefferson county on the old home place and, although advanced in years, enjoys fairly good health. She was born in Washington county, this state.

Mr. Breeze was united in marriage with Ida V. Walker on October 22, 1885. She was the daughter of G. W. and Esther (Breeze) Walker, being the fourth child in a family consisting of five children. To our subject and wife two children have been born, both bright and interesting, namely: Jewell, whose date of birth is recorded as May 30, 1897; an<i Lottie, who was born October 2, 1899. Both are attending the public schools in Centralia.

After leaving school at the age of eighteen years, our subject went to work on a farm in that neighborhood in. Jefferson county and made a success of this line of work, but believing that the city offered greater inducements to him, he came to Centralia and began the livery, feed and sale business, and for five years made this a marked success in every respect when he sold out and started in the implement and.harness business, which he has since conducted, the firm name being Breeze & Watts. They enjoy a liberla patronage, their trade extending to all parts of the county, for they handle an up-to-date and carefully selected stock at all times, and their prices are always right. Here all customers are accorded the most courteous treatment by the managers and their efficient employes. This store has a floor space of one hundred and sixty by forty feet.

In politics our subject is a Republican and always takes a great interest in political affairs, lending what assistance he can in placing the best men possible in local offices.

Mr. Breeze follows the precepts of his parents and is a faithful member of the Christian church. He is always on the right side of all public questions.

John Schmelzer

Only those who come in personal contact with the subject of this sketch can thoroughly understand how nature and training, habits of thought and action have enabled him to accomplish his life work and made a fit representative of the enterprising business men of Marion county to which he belongs.

John Schmelzer was born in Lebanon, Illinois, September 21, 1866, the son of Jacob and Maria (Moldaner) Schmelzer. The parents of the subject came from Germany and married in Belleville, this state, where they lived for a short time, then moved to Lebanon, Illinois. Jacob and Maria Schmelzer are the parents of eight children, five boys and three girls, our subject being the fourth child in order of birth.

The subject of this sketch was educated in the public schools of Lebanon, Illinois, mostly under Professor Brinkerhoff. He left school at the age of fifteen years and began to learn the jeweler's trade with the firm of Gus Hoffmann, with whom he remained for a period of four years as an apprentice and stayed one year more on regular pay. He applied himself in a most care- ful manner and mastered every detail of this work. At the age of twenty years he went to Greenville, Illinois, and worked for C. G. Dorlith for a period of five years at the jeweler's trade, giving him entire satisfaction and assisting to build up a good trade. When twenty-five years old he came to Centralia and opened up a business on June 10, 1889, at 132 East Broadway, where he has conducted his business continuously to the present time, having built up a very liberal patronage and enjoyed a good business from the first. He has a well equipped and model shop and a carefully selected line of jewelry and his trade extends to all parts of the county. He furnishes all the time service and watch inspection on the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad, also on the Illinois Central for this division.

Our subject was united in marriage on June 10, 1890, to Anna L. Nichols, daughter of John W. and Ella Nichols, of Centralia, in whose family there were five children, Anna L. being the oldest in order of birth. Our subject and wife had five children born to them, two boys and three girls, namely: Vivian Lee; Nellie E., deceased; Herold J.. deceased; Mildred A.; the fifth child died in infancy. Vivian Lee assists her father in his jewelry work and watch inspection for the railroad men.

In politics cur subject lias always been a loyal Republican and has always supported those measures having for their object the development of Marion county and her institutions. He ablv and faithfullv served his city as Alderman for a period of six years, during which time he suggested and helped carry to completion many plans that proved to be for the city's interests and advancement.

In his fraternal relations Mr. Schmelzer belongs to the Free and Accepted Masons, No. 20 1, and to the Blue Lodge, Chapter No. 93, also to the Knights of Pythias, Centralia, Helmet Lodge No. 26, and to the Modern Woodmen of America No. 397, to the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, No. 493. He is also a member of the Turner Society. The parents of the subject were Lutherans in their religious affiliations, but our subject and wife attend the Methodist Episcopal church.

Reuben G. Fowler

The gentleman whose name initiates this paragraph, who is living retired in Centralia, Marion county, was born in Nauvoo, Illinois, October 10, 1846. When an infant he was taken by his parents to Rock Island, this state, where his early education was received. When eleven years old his father died and he went to live with relatives in Iowa, where he attended school two years. In the meantime his mother had taken up her residence in St. Louis, where the subject joined her and they soon after- ward removed to Sandoval, Illinois. When about fourteen years old he became an apprentice in the machine shops of the Illinois Central Railroad at Centralia, where he worked until after the Civil war broke out. The cost of living then increased and the subject could not maintain himself and help his mother on the wages of an apprentice, so in 1 86 1 he went to East St. 'Louis and secured employment in the Ohio & Mississippi Railroad shops. Soon after, however, he secured a better position at the Eagle Foundry and Machine Shops in St. Louis, which had a large government contract and did repair work on an extensive scale, as war was in progress and skilled workmen were scarce. He remained in St. Louis for some time and prospered, during which time he also worked for Kingsland & Ferguson, manufacturers of agricultural implements and machinery, and in the shops of the Pacific Railroad. He then went to Chicago and secured employment in the shops of the Northwestern Railroad, later forming a partnership with William Fielding and conducting a general jobbing and machine shop. Selling out his interest he went to Rock Island, Illinois, where he worked for his uncle, Fred Hass, who conducted a heating, plumbing, coppersmith, steel and iron works.

After establishing a plumbing business in Davenport, Iowa, which he conducted successfully for several years, Mr. Fowler sold out and became a traveling salesman and constructor for the Illinois Pneumatic and the Western Excelsior Gas companies.

Upon the failure of the latter company he received tools in settlement of his account, which he disposed of to the Northwestern Horse Nail Company, of Chicago. He then entered the employ of that company and for nearly two years occupied the position of boss nailer in the finishing department. Severing his connection with this company he came to Centralia, where he worked at the plumber's trade for several years. In the meantime he also raised small fruits quite extensively and for a number of years owned and operated a threshing machine successfully. In 1892 he engaged in the plumbing business for himself, renting a building for the purpose in the rear of what is now the present business location, at Nos. 233 and 235 South Locust street. His success was assured from the first and he built up a large, lucrative business, one of the most extensive in Southern Illinois, erecting new and modern buildings which are now rented to his sons, who continue the business, Mr. Fowler having retired from active business, having accumulated a competency.

Reuben G. Fowler married Clara B. Dille, of Centralia, and to this union the following children have been born : Tillie, who married a Mr. Ridel; Harry A. married Mattie Adams, of Centralia; John R., who was born in Centralia, March 7, 1881, is unmarried and lives with the subject, being a partner in the plumbing business with his brother, Harry A. ; Hattie married a Mr. Zick, an insurance man, of Centralia ; Carrie married a Mr. Vassell, of Centralia, now with John Schmelzer, the jeweler; Lottie; Mabel and Myrtle are twins. The last three named are living at home. R. G. Fowler has two grandchildren. In politics he is a Republican as is also his two sons, although at the local elections they cast their votes for the men with proper qualifications. Our subject was reared a Methodist, but he and his good wife later became members of the Presbyterian church. Mrs. Fowler passed to her reward January 6, 1907, at the age of fifty years. Mr. Fowler was formerly a member of the National Association of Stationary Engineers, having been a charter member of the order and its first secretary.

Fowler Brothers

One of the most extensive, modern and systematically managed plumbing concerns in Southern Illinois is that conducted by the firm of Fowler Brothers at Centralia, being worthy successors of their father, Reuben G. Fowler.

This firm's place of business fronts on South Locust street and South Second street. They carry a full and complete line of plumbing supplies, heating, electrical and gas fixtures and supplies, also fire clay and fire brick. They have two neat show and display rooms. All the latest, complete, automatic machinery, run by electric dynamos for heating, lighting and plumbing, are to be found here. They also carry a full line of nickel-plated plumbing supplies. An extensive business is carried on and is being constantly enlarged and extended to meet the growing demands of the trade of Southern Illinois and adjoining states.

John R. Fowler, the younger member of the firm, was educated in the Centralia city schools, and began when quite young to learn his father's trade of plumbing. He is a practical and up-to-date artist in his work as well as a good business man. He has a state certificate, awarded to him in 1902 for his thoroughness and proficiency in his chosen occupation. Harry and John Fowler are both members of the National Plumbers and Steam Fitters Association, and are also graduates in this line of the International Correspondance School, of Scranton, Pennsylvania, and they are keeping pace with twentieth century methods. They have a good business and enjoy the entire confidence of their many friends and patrons in Marion county and throughout this part of the state.

Elmer E. Copple

In the development of Marion county the subject of this biography has borne an important part, for he has long been identified with the farming and business life of the locality, and while advancing his own interests he has not been neglectful of his duty to his

Elmer E. Copple was bom January 9, 1862, on the old Copple homestead in Centralia township, this county, the son of Eli Copple, a complete sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this volume. However, it is not amiss here to state that the father of the subject was born January 8, 1820, in Clark county, Illinois, the son of David Copple, a native of Germany, who married Lavina Huckleberry first and later Permelia King. They came to Marion county, Illinois, in 1832 and settled in section 32, Centralia township, where they entered wild land and set about improving it like the rest of the pioneers of that time, and they lived and died at this place. He had only a limited opportunity to attend school in the old log school-houses. Although self-learned he became an excellent speller and scholar. He was a large farmer, stock dealer and breeder. In 1874 he went to Europe and imported some French Norman horses. He never aspired to office although an active Republican. He started in life in a small way, but worked hard and was very successful. He was a member of the Methodist church.

He first married Martha Flannagan, of Jefferson county, Illinois, who died in 1850, and his second wife was Sarah Dolson. The following five children were born to Eli Copple and his first wife: Arminda, who married W. A. Dolson, of Fullerton, Nebraska ; Loretta, who married A. J. Hardley, of Irvington, Illinois; three children died in infancy. Seven children were born to Eli Copple and his second wife, namely: Charles, a farmer in Nebraska; Mary married Joseph Baldridge, and she died in 1899; Julia married H. S. Baldridge, who lives in Seattle, Washington; Willis, a farmer in Centralia township, Marion county, who married a Miss Patton; Elmer E., our subject; Robert, a farmer in Centralia township, who married Lillian Ethel Leonard ; Ada is the wife of T. S. Kell, who now lives on the old Copple homestead with Mrs. Copple.

The subject of this sketch lived at home and attended the neighboring schools. He married September 9, 1883, to Ida A. Baldridge, of Jefferson county, Illinois, who was born in Grand Prairie township, the daughter of Thomas and Mary (Williams) Baldridge, the former a native of Jefferson county, Illinois, and the latter of Virginia. She died in 1870, and Mr. Baldridge was again married, his second wife being Miss M. E. Allen, of Jefferson county, this state. It was in that county that he spent his life on a farm, dying there in 1904. His second wife died in February, 1908.

Four children have been born to the subject and wife, as follows: M. Allen, who married Nellie Root Carpenter, of Centralia, and who are the parents of two children, Lola and Vera; Ralph Roy, who is living at home, is a graduate of the Centralia high school ; Dwight and Ruth are the youngest children.

place in Centralia township. It was then a new place and Mr. Copple has made all the improvements on it, bringing it up to any place in the township. He is regarded as a good farmer and an excellent judge of stock and his farm is carefully managed, yielding excellent harvests of all kinds from year to year. His home place consists of two hundred and forty acres, thirty acres of which are in peaches, apples and pears. This is a most valuable orchard, consisting of a fine variety of excellent fruit, and since Mr. Copple is something of an expert horticulturist, no small part of his income is derived from .this source. He carries on a general farming. His dwelling is a most convenient and substantial one, and his barns and out buildings are of the best.

Eli Copple

The subject of this sketch, who has passed to his rest, is well remembered by the people of Marion county, where he so long labored not only for his own advancement but also for that of the community at large, therefore, it is with pleasure that we give a record of his honorable career in this book, believing that it will be an inspiration to the younger generation who peruse it.

Eli Copple was born January 8, 1820, in Washington county, Indiana, the son of David Copple, who was born in Germany and when a young man came to America with his parents, locating with them in North Carolina. Later they came to Clark county, Indiana, where the parents died. David Copple grew to manhood in Clark county, Indiana, where he married Lavina Huckleberry, of German-Irish extract. David Copple and wife located in Washington county, Indiana, in 1818, and fourteen years later they came to Marion county, Illinois, where they both 'died in Centralia township. He was considered one of the valued and leading citizens of the community in which he lived. They were the parents of twelve children, all but one of whom grew to maturity, namely: James lived in Centralia township and was twice married, first to Jane Wells and second to Emily Huckleberry; Elizabeth married Jacob Breeze; Angelina married Henry Bingaman, and they are living in Crete, Nebraska ; Eli, our subject; Christiana married M. P. Hester, of Centralia township, and they are both deceased; Samuel is deceased; John Harvey is also deceased ; Edmund is a farmer living in Grand Prairie, Illinois; Julia married Marion Roper, who is now deceased, but she is living in Grand Prairie; David, now deceased, was a farmer living in Centralia township ; Pollie A. is living in Kansas, having married David Roper, who is deceased. Eli Copple was reared in Centralia township, Marion county, Illinois, and was among the successful farmers of that vicinity, having come with his parents to this county when twelve years of age and located on what is known as the Seven-Mile- Prairie. He was reared among the wild scenes of the frontier and developed thereby a sturdy manhood. He was first married in 1840 to Martha Flannagan, a native of Jefferson county, Illinois, who died in 1850. Two children, who grew to maturity, were born to them. Arminda married William Dolson, who is living in Fullerton, Nebraska; Loretta married A. J. Hartley, of Irvington, Illinois. The subject of this sketch married a second time, his last wife being Sarah Dolson, daughter of Allen and Mary Louisa ( White) Dolson, the wedding occurring in February, 1851. Mr. Dolson was a native of New York, near Albany, on the Hudson river. His wife was born in Georgia. Allen Dolson was the son of Peter and Rachael (Quinby) Dolson, both natives of New York. Mr. Dolson was a farmer. Allen Dolson came west when a boy alone, going to the Platt river country, Nebraska, having lived among the Indians for a time. He descended the Missouri river in a canoe to St. Louis, later to Carlyle, Illinois, and then went to Grand Prairie, Jefferson county, Illinois, where he devoted his life to farming. He entered government land. He came to Marion county, where he and his wife both died. The following children were born to them: Sarah, the subject's wife; Robert, Elizabeth, Melville, all deceased ; Mary is living in Kansas ; Christina, deceased; William, living in Nebraska; Harvey is living in Kansas. The subject and his second wife were the parents of seven children, namely: Charles, a farmer living in Fullerton, Nebraska, was first married to Lucy Jackson, second to Sarah Aver- ill; Mary married Joseph Baldridge, and she is now deceased; Julia is the wife of Harvey Baldridge and they are living in Seattle, Washington ; Willis is living in Centralia township on a farm, having married Henrietta Patton ; Elmer, living in Centralia township; Robert, living on a farm in Centralia township, married Lillian Ethel Leonard ; Ada May married T. S. Kell and they are living with the subject's mother on the old home place, the parents of one son, Cecil Edward.

Our subject started in life under none too favorable circumstances, but his father gave him one hundred and sixty acres of wild land and he worked hard and became successful. He was thrifty and a good manager, and at one time owned as much as two thousand acres. He carried on a general farming and stock raising business and was eminently successful in both, becoming known as one of the leading citizens of Marion county. In 1874 he made a trip to France and imported a large number of Norman horses of a very fine quality. Besides raising some fine horses he always raised many good cattle, hogs and sheep. He was an organizer and leading member of the Farmers' Club of Marion county.

The subject cast his first vote for William Henry Harrison and since that time was a loyal Republican. He was a faithful member of the Methodist Episcopal church and a liberal subscriber of the same.

He erected his first substantial and commodious brick home in 1872 and he and his noble and faithful wife made all the improvements about the place. No man in the county was better or more favorably known than he and everyone remembers him as a very polite and kindly gentleman, as well as a very able business man, and therefore his influence for good in the county was very great.

Milton Payne Hester

A history of the honored and influential lives that have blessed Marion county, Illinois, would be incomplete were there failure to make specific mention of the gentleman whose name appears at the head of this biographical memoir, whose life chapter has been brought to a close by the hand of death.

Milton Payne Hester was born June 4, 1813. in Clark county. Indiana, the son of Mathias and Susan Hester. He grew up in Clark county, Indiana, and in 1839 came to Marion county, Illinois. Mathias Hester was the son of John Lawrence Hester, of Hanover, Germany, who came to America in 1771. The family did not have the necessary three hundred dollars with which to [>ay their passage on the ship, consequently they were sold into servitude for six years in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Later they went to Clark county, Indiana, where they died, having become the parents of the following children : John, who was born February 9, 1763, married Elizabeth Mason, who was born March 25, 1766, and whose death occurred August 8, 1847. He died March 19, 1834. Nancy M. was the second child, who was born in 1765, and who married John Van Demon; Mathias was born July 4, 1766, married Susan Huckleberry, born in 1775, and died in 1859. He died November 22, 1823 ; Elizabeth, the fourth child, was born September 13, 1772, and and she married Conrad Coleman, and they lived at Detroit, Michigan; Anna, who was born in 1774, married Andrew Spangler, died in Fayette county, Pennsylvania ; Susan B., who was born in 1776, died January I, 1845, married Martin Huckleberry; Henry, who was born May 24, 1781, died August 25, 1833, married Rebecca Roberts, who was born in 1780 and who died in 1833-

Mathias Hester was educated in Germany. In 1785 he went to Kentucky, where he lived for two years, and then went back to Pennsylvania for one year, then returned to Kentucky on the Ohio river. They were attacked by Indians at the mouth of the Ohio river and twenty-nine bullets struck their boat. Later, while teaming, moving a white family, he was shot in the head, breaking his skull when he fell off the wagon and he was left for dead when the Indians started to run away. Later they captured him and scalped him and again left him for dead, and the Indians plundered the wagons and took the horses, in fact, everything of value. It was fifteen months before he was able to do anything. This happened near Shelbyville, Indiana, and he stayed with a Doctor Knight who took care of him and who treated him until he got well. Later Mathias stayed with the doctor and cared for his family and plantation. He married Susan Huckleberry. They were the parents of the following children: Rev. George Knight, born September 26, 1794, married Belle Briggs, January 24, 1826. She was born near Glasgow, Scotland, December 12, 1789, and she -died in 1879. He was a preacher in the Methodist Episcopal church. Craven P., the second child, was born May 17, 1796, married Martha T. Leonard, August 25, 1819; she was born August 28, 1799, and died June 19, 1877. He died February 15, 1874. William, the third child, died in infancy ; Mary, who was born 1 798, married William L. Muir May 12, 1816. She died January 5, 1852. Her husband was born January 12, 1792, and died March 5, 1864. Elizabeth, the fifth child, was born in 1800 and died single in 1846. Erne, the sixth child, was born August 3, 1804, and married John W. Lee, August 24, 1824. He was born in February, 1797, and died February 15, 1846. She died November 18, 1885. David was drowned in the Mississippi river. Sarah, the eighth child, was born September n, 1807, and married John Combs, who was born in 1809, and who died January 16, 1885. Rebecca, who was born November 14, 1808, married Lewis McCoy, who was born January 31, 1806, and who died September 7, 1874. William Allen, who was born February 20, 1810, died August 2, 1890. Milton P., the subject of this sketch, was the eleventh child in order of birth. Dr. Uriah A. V., the youngest member of the family, was born in 1816. He married Ella Hudson January 23, 1850, who died in 1866, and he married Rachael Ann Fiscus in 1884. She was born January 27, 1818, and died May 19, 1895. He died September 20, 1893. He lived at Gosport, also Arnold, Indiana.

William P. Hester, our subject, was educated in the common schools. He was selfeducated, but widely read and a good scholar. He devoted his life to farming. In the spring of 1839 he came to Marion county, Illinois.

In 1840 the subject married Christiana Copple, of Washington county, Indiana, the daughter of David Copple. (See sketch of Eli Copple in this volume.) Eight children were born to the subject and his first wife, as follows: David M., born August 16, 1841, married Sarah A. Young. He went to Anderson county, Kansas, and enlisted when about twenty years of age in the Union army, having become first lieutenant. After the war he located near Salem, Illinois; Julia Ann was born October i, 1842, married Mark Young, September 6, 1865. She died June 23, 1880. He lives at Salem, Illinois. William Addison, the third child, was born February 2, 1845. He married Jane Harper in October, 1868. They live on a farm near Mt. Vernon, Illinois. John Combs, the fourth child, was born April 15, 1847, and married Jennie Brock, January 25, 1869. He is a stock dealer at Jefferson, Kansas.

Sarah Elizabeth was born June 6, 1848, and married Harvey Young, April 10, 1876. He is a real estate dealer in Centralia, Illinois. Isaac Owen, the sixth child, was born August 6, 1849, and in 1871 he went to Montgomery county, Kansas, where he farmed until 1875, after which he went to Phoenix, Arizona, where he went into the teaming and contracting business. He contracted on the Santa Fe Railroad. He also engaged in farming. In 1904 he returned to his old home in Illinois on account of his father's failing health, and he has since managed the old place. He has remained unmarried. Samuel Marion was born March 17, 1851, and married Ida Charlton January 3, 1878. He is a farmer near Sandoval, Illinois. Mary Rebecca, the eighth child, was born October 23, 1853, and has always lived at home on the old place. Isaac and his sister, Mary, are living on the old place.

The following children were born to the subject and his second wife: Ella May was born September 17, 1857, is single and living at Centralia, Illinois; Albert V., who was born September 22, 1860, married Addie Taylor, December 12, 1896, a farmer, near Dallas, Texas; Carrie B., was born October 15, 1863, and married Mark Anthony, October 29, 1889, a lumber dealer at Streator, Illinois ; Martha Lillian was born January 20, 1870, and married George Cairns, an engineer on the Illinois Central Railroad, located at Centralia, Illinois.

time the largest land owner in the county, devoting his life to farming and stock raising, being considered one of the leading agriculturists and stock dealers in this part of the state. There are still two hundred and fifty-five acres of valuable land in the old homestead.

Mr. Hester was first a Whig and cast his first ballot for William Henry Harrison in 1856. He later became a Republican. His first wife died in 1855, and in the following year he married Martha C. Johnson, of Jefferson county, Illinois, who died October 25, 1884. The subject was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church from the age of thirteen years, and he was always faithful in attendance in the same. He helped organize the first Methodist church in Centralia, Illinois, and was superintendent of the Sunday school and class leader for many years, and always active in church work. Thus after a busy, active and most honorable career he passed to his rest April 8, 1906. He was one of the best known men in Marion county during his lifetime.

Col. Napoleon B. Morrison

The life of the subject of this biography has not been altogether devoid of the spectacular, but has been entirely free from ostentation, and he has never forced himself on public attention, yet his fellow citizens recognize in this venerable character a man of genuine worth, whose every duty has been discharged with commendable fidelity and whose influence has always been exercised for the good of his kind. He has traveled extensively and come in contact with the world in such a way as to quicken his perception, enlarge his mental vision and give him ideas of men and things such as he could not have obtained by spending his life in one locality, and as a result of his altogether consistent career he has won the esteem of all who know him.

Col. Napoleon B. Morrison was born in Waterford, Vermont, Februray 12, 18^4, and reared in New Hampshire by sturdy New England parents. He is the son of Moses F. and Zilpha (Smith) Morrison. Grandfather Morrison was of Scotch-Irish lineage from Londonderry, Ireland, who settled in Londonderry, New Hampshire. Our subject is a direct descendant of Samuel Morrison, who was a charter member of Londonderry. Grandfather Smith was a Revolutionary soldier. He was born in New Hampshire, where he spent his days on a farm. He had eight children, seven boys and one girl ; all lived to maturity.

The subject's father was a graduate of Dartmouth College and became a physician, devoting his entire life to practice, having remained in the eastern states. He was an extensive writer and was assistant geologist of the state of New Hampshire. A number of his manuscripts are yet in perfect condition, and they are considered of much value. He lived to be about seventy years old. He was a Christian man of advanced thought and culture, who could not be tied down to any dogma or creed. He followed his profession with energy, enthusiasm and love, love for the science and love for the patients, therefore he not only became well grounded in his profession but had hosts of loyal friends. He endeavored to discover the cause of disease and treat it from that standpoint.

The subject of this sketch first attended the public schools in New Hampshire, later went to the academy at Newburry, Vermont, where he prepared for college. He then took a course in civil engineering which profession he followed for a period of twenty years with great success in New Hampshire, Vermont, New York, Ohio and Illinois. In 1849 and 1850 he surveyed and located the Marietta & Cincinnati Railroad from Chillicothe to Cincinnati, Ohio, which has since been absorbed by the Baltimore & Ohio Railway, and became a part of that great system. It is now known as the Baltimore & Ohio Southwestern.

In 1862 he settled in Odin, Marion county, where he has lived ever since. Twenty-three years ago", from 1908, he opened the coal mine here which has been running successfully all the time since, and it has been under h;s immediate management ever since it was started. It is incorporated and our subject has been the president from the start. The capacity is one thousand tons daily. Last year the mine produced two hundred and forty thousand

The coal produced here is of a very high grade and always finds a ready market. Colonel Morrison also has large farming interests in this county, and an excellent stock ranch. * He breeds high grade cattle, having some thoroughbreds. His cattle are usually fattened on grass for the market, and no small portion of his yearly income is derived from his shipments of live stock which always demand high prices owing to their fine quality. His farms are kept in a high state of improvement and are up-to-date in every respect, showing that a man of unusual soundness of judgment has their management in hand.

Colonel Morrison has frequently been called upon to display his innate ability in public offices, having faithfully served for twelve years as Police Judge, and he served his people in a most praiseworthy manner in the legislature for two terms, during which time he won an enviable reputation as a law maker, and his advice and sound counsel were always listened to with the greatest respect by his colleagues in the house.

Colonel Morrison likes to tell of the early days. When he was born there was neither mill nor railroad in his section of the state. He was three years old when the first stone was hauled to build the Bunker Hill monument. The entire railroad and telegraph system has been built up since he can remember. He was in Chicago when the contract was let for building the Illinois Central Railroad. Mr. Morrison will soon be eightyfive years old, and is as active and hale as ever, being as active in his business management as at any time during his life. He built the first dwelling house in Odin. He has seen land sell under the government for twenty-five cents per acre that is now worth two hundred dollars per acre. He has long been actively associated with the locating and building of railroads, and is an enthusiastic believer in the useful results obtained by means of railroad facilities.

Colonel Morrison's married life dates from 1853, when he was united in the bonds of wedlock with Lavinia M. Smart, daughter of Judge Hugh and Elizabeth (Hughes) Smart, of Ohio. Six children have been born to Colonel Morrison and wife as follows : Sadie ; Jean, who is the wife of Hamilton Rapp, of Santa Fe, New Mexico. He is an architect, plans and superintends the territorial buildings. Jessie, the subject's third child, is deceased; Helen is the wife of Doctor Fyke, of Centralia, Illinois, and the mother of three daughters, Jean, Helen and Lavinia; Charles Hugh has charge of the coal mine and its interests, and is general manager of his father's business. He was a student of the State University at Champaign, Illinois, and as a business man he ranks high in the county, being well and favorably known to the business world; Vedie, the subject's sixth child, is deceased.

When Colonel Morrison came to Illinois there were neither settlements nor settlers in this part of the commonwealth on all of the broad prairies. From 1892 to 1898 he was a member of the Board of Trustees of the

University of Illinois, and was chairman of the Committee on Agriculture. After an investigation he found there was but one professor and four students in the agricultural college of the state of Illinois. He at once set about remedying this condition, and it was due to his agitation and efforts that this department was brought up to its present day state of efficiency, it being recognized at present as one of the most effective departments of the State University. He has on his own farm an experimental station which is conducted under the supervision of the Agricultural College at Champaign, and also of the agricultural department at Washington. He has as a result of his faithful work, been invited to accompany special trains which have traveled over all the trunk lines in Illinois, giving lectures and practical demonstrations of the excellent work which has been accomplished at the college. On the Illinois Central road he also visited the states of Mississippi and Louisiana in this capacity.

Sidney Breeze

Notwithstanding the fact that the life history of the man whose name appears above has been closed by the hand of death, his influence still permeates the lives of those he came in contact with. His was a life of noble deeds and consistency to the truth in all its phases.

1842, and he passed to his rest July 2, 1889. He was the son of Owen and Margaret (Falkner) Breeze, the former a native of Indiana, and the latter of Kentucky. Owen Breeze came to Illinois when a young man, with his parents, and settled in Rome township, Jefferson county, being among the pioneers of that district. They engaged in farming, and both died in Grand Prairie township. They were the parents of three children. Martha Jane, who married Henry West, is living in Irvington, Illinois; Sidney, our subject; Harriet, who married Joseph Boles, of Jefferson county, this state. Mr. Breeze, our subject, attended the country schools, and the subscription schools and lived at home until his marriage, November 26, 1863, to Maria Stonecipher, who was born October 14, 1843, in Harrison county, Indiana, and a daughter of Jacob and Sarah (Riley) Stonecipher, the former having been born in Harrison county, and the latter of North Carolina. The Stoneciphers are of German descent, and the Rileys of Irish ancestry. Jacob and Sarah Stonecipher were the parents of six children, namely: William, a retired farmer, living in Centralia township; Franklin died during the Civil war, having been a member of Company H, Forty-eighth Illinois Volunteer Infantry. His death occurred in Tennessee. Sarah, the third child, married James Steward, of Centralia, Illinois. Henry and Etta, the fourth and fifth children, are twins. Henry is in the West. Etta is deceased. Marion was the second child in order of birth.

To our subject and wife eight children have been born, namely : Oscar L., a fanner in Jefferson county, Illinois; Alva, a hostler for the Illinois Central Railroad, living in Centralia, Illinois; Gilla died April 5, 1884; Julia Ann married James Holland and is living in Centralia; Clara died June n, 1900; Lawrence died September 14, 1875; Albert is living in Jefferson county, Illinois, on a farm; Zina, a farmer and clerk, is living at home.

The subject's children were educated in the home schools. Zina not only attended the home schools, but he also attended school at Jackson, Tennessee, in the Southwestern Baptist University, where he made a splendid record for scholarship. He has always remained at home with his parents. He clerked in a most successful manner in a store at Walnut Hill, and he has been equally successful as a farmer.

After his marriage Sidney Breeze lived in Grand Prairie township, Jefferson county. In 1866 he moved to Rome township, Jefferson county, Illinois. He bought a farm consisting of five hundred acres in one body, and he was a most successful agriculturist, being known as a man of good judgment and industrious habits. In 195 the family moved to Walnut Hill, where they have since resided. They still own the old homestead. The subject was a loyal Republican, but he never aspired for office. Both he and his estimable wife were members of the Christian church for many years, and were always active in church work. Mr. Breeze is remembered as a man of gentle disposition which won him hosts of friends. In his fraternal relations he was a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, having belonged to this order for a period of twenty-five years, lodge No. 710, Walnut Hill, and he took a great deal of interest in lodge work. He was a useful man, and his good deeds and honorable life will long be remembered by the people of Marion county.

William A. Hartley

The subject of this sketch wears the proud title of one of the "boys in blue", a title that anyone might justly be proud to bear, for such privilege does not come to many men in a country, and we of the aftermath are glad to respect those of this class, but this is not the only, reason why the subject of this sketch is entitled to representation in a work of this nature, having been a man of industry, honesty and influence during his long life in Marion county.

William A. Hartley was born in Jefferson county, Grand Prairie township, February 25, 1841, the son of Hugh Hartley, who was born in 1805, and who married Nancy Huckleberry. The former was a native of Virginia and the latter of Indiana. William Hartley, the subject's grandfather, a shoemaker by trade, was a native of Virginia, having been born and grew up in Monongahela county. In 1816 he came to Clark county, Indiana, and later moving to Charlestown, Indiana, where he died in

1844. Then Hugh Hartley, the subject's father, came to Jefferson county in 1839. He was married in Indiana. He purchased two hundred acres of wild land in Grand Prairie township. He improved the place and lived there until his death in 1871. His wife died in 1896, at the advanced age of eighty-eight years.

In early life he devoted his time to shoemaking. He was in Chicago when city lots were selling for five and ten dollars each. He served during the Black Hawk war of 1832 in Arkansas, where he remained until the close of hostilities. He was a great reader and debater. He was an active Democrat, although he never held office. He was a member of the Methodist church, and was well known and highly respected by all who knew him. Nine children were born to the parents of the subject as follows: John W., who was in the Mexican war during the second year of the war for one year. He was in Company H, Fourteenth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, during the second year of the Civil war, having been lieutenant in General Palmer's regiment, having served two years when he lost his voice and was compelled to resign. He was the first City Marshal of Decatur, Illinois, and lived there the rest of his life. He was also the first man to run a bakery in that city. He died there in 1901. The second child was named Mary Ann and is deceased; James R. is living in Grand Prairie township, Jefferson county, Illinois. He was formerly a teacher and painter by trade. He was in Company F, One Hundred and Fifty-fourth Illinois

Volunteer Infantry, having served over one year. Martha J., who died in November, 1904, remained single and lived at home. Alfred died in infancy; Hugh, the sixth child, learned the bricklayer's trade. He made a trip overland by Pike's Peak to California and was there two years. After he returned he went to Louisiana. He was in the Confederate army, and died three months before the close of the war, having been buried at Richmond, Virginia. William A., our subject, was the seventh child in order of birth; Clara, who became the wife of Rev. J. C. Baldridge, a Methodist minister, is deceased. He lives in Chicago. Andrew J. lives at Irvington, Illinois, and is a stock dealer and engaged in farming.

The subject was educated in the home schools. After he left school, Mr. Hartley was one of the brave sons of the North, who offered his services in suppressing the rebellion, having enlisted August 18, 1861, in Company C, Eleventh Illinois Volunteer Infantry, at Centralia as a private. He was sent to Bird's Point, Missouri, remaining there until February 5, 1862, where he was drilled. He then went to Fort Henry, tennessee, remaining there four days, when he marched to Fort Donelson and was in the battle there, the regiment he was in losing six hundred men out of .seven hundred and fifty in killed, wounded and prisoners. He was at Fort Donelson until the middle of March, 1862, when he went to Shiloh, and was in that battle. He was wounded April 6, 1862; he was shot through the right shoulder and was sent to a hospital in Tennessee. He ran off from, there and went back to his regiment and the captain ordered him back to the hospital. He was later sent home, where he remained until in August, 1862, when he went back to his regiment, remaining until November 2Oth, following when he was discharged at Cairo, Illinois, after which he returned home. His health was poor and in the spring of 1863 he went to Memphis, Tennessee, where he clerked in a wholesale house, where he remained until the following October, when he returned home and began teaching school at Grand Prairie township, Jefferson county, devoting the following thirty years to teaching in that county, and the following ten years to teaching in Marion county, mostly in Centralia township, having taught fourteen terms in one district. He became well known as an able instructor and his services were in great demand. In 1889 he moved to Walnut Hill, Illinois, where he taught in the winter and worked in a store during the summer months, having worked five years for D. B. Kell.

Our subject was united in marriage April 27, 1865, to Rebecca J. Boggs, a native of North Carolina, the daughter of Joseph B. and Mary (Wyant) Boggs, both natives of North Carolina. Mr. Boggs came to Marion county, Illinois, and settled in Raccoon township in 1858. Both he and his wife are now deceased.

Mr. Hartley has been Supervisor for fourteen years and in the spring of 1908 he was re-elected for two years. He was clerk of the town of Grand Prairie, and was Justice of the Peace at Walnut Hill for six years. He has always been an active worker in the Republican ranks. In his fraternal relations he is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, at Walnut Hill, having joined the lodge there in 1882. He has held all the offices and attended the Grand Lodge. He is also a member of the American Home Circle, also belongs to the Grand Army of the Republic No. 600 at Walnut Hill, of which post he is now adjutant, having held all the offices in this post. The subject and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, having been identified with the same for the past forty years. Mr. Hartley has been industrious and success has attended his efforts, and he has become widely known.

Francis M. Bates

The subject of this sketch is one of the sterling citizens of Centralia township, Marion county, where he has long maintained his home near Walnut Hill, being known as one of the progressive men of the community and always interested in movements looking toward the development of the same.

Francis M. Bates was born in Jefferson county, Illinois, in Rome township, May 15, 1841, the son of James and Elizabeth (Bostwick) Bates, the former a native of Maine and the latter of Maryland. The father grew up in Maine and was well educated. He left that state when a young man and went to Ohio, where he engaged in farming, having devoted his life to the farm. Later he went to St. Clair county, where he bought land and where he lived for several years. Then he went to Jefferson county, Illinois, in the early thirties ; he got a farm there in Rome township, and settled on land which he purchased for one dollar and twenty-five cents per acre. His death occurred there in 1860, and his wife died in 1873. He held no offices, but was an old-line Whig and later a Republican. He was a member of the Baptist church, and she of the Methodist church. They were the parents of thirteen children, namely: Benjamin, James, Sarah A., Belle, George, Francis, Wesley, Mary J. Five children died in infancy.

The subject of this sketch attended the home schools, principally subscription schools. He remained at home until he was twenty years old, when he married on February 20, 1 86 1, to Nancy Martin, a native of Bedford county, Tennessee, and a daughter of Willis and Jane (Stamper) Martin, both of Bedford, Tennessee. They grew up in that country, and were married there. They came to Jefferson county, Illinois, where Mr. Martin secured wild land and settled near Mt. Vernon. He was one of the brave "boys in blue," having enlisted in the One Hundred and Tenth Illinois Volunteer Infantry. He fell sick at Nashville, Tennessee, died and was buried in the National cemetery in 1863. His wife survived until 1893. Nine children were born to them, six of whom grew to maturity, namely : Nancy, William, Mary, James, John, Martha.

Fourteen children, nine of whom reached maturity, were born to the subject and wife as follows : William, a miller, living in Mt. Vernon, Illinois; Spencer is a miller at Walnut Hill, Illinois; Luther is a blacksmith at Mt. Vernon, Illinois; Ida is the wife of Zelter Patton, who is living in Chester, Illinois; Mary married Joseph Root a farmer of Centralia township; Walter is a farmer in Raccoon township, this county; Flora married Irvin Smith and is living in Centralia township ; Mettie is the wife of J. Smith, of Centralia township; Homer is a miller living at Shattuc, Illinois.

After his marriage Mr. Bates located near Mt. Vernon, Illinois, and took up farming, which he made a success of until he heard the call for brave sons to save the Union, consequently he enlisted in Company E, Eightieth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, as as private, on August 25, 1862, at Mt. Vernon and was drilled at Centralia. His first engagement was at Perryville, Kentucky, on October 8, 1862, where he was wounded, having been shot through the left wrist. He was sent to the hospital at Louisville, Kentucky, where he remained for three months and was discharged on account of disability, much to his regret, for he desired to see further service and do what he could to help suppress the rebellion.

After his army experience he came home and worked at farming for several years. Then he engaged in the milling business at Dix, Jefferson county, Illinois. In 1875 he came to Walnut Hill, and bought an interest in the Walnut Hill Flour and Feed Mills, later he bought the entire plant and finally sold the mill in 1905. Since then he has devoted his time principally to farming. He purchased a farm of eighty acres in Raccoon township, and also other land, which he sold, but he still owns a small place which is well cultivated. Mr. Bates has always been a hard worker and success has attended his efforts. He formerly voted th Republican ticket, but in late years has voted the Prohibition ticket. He is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic at Walnut Hill, also a member of the Methodist church at that place. Mr. and Mrs. Bates are fine people and they enjoy the friendship of all their neighbors and extensive acquaintance owing to their good lives.

Horace Bronson

Among the highly respected and influential citizens of Centralia township, Marion county, Illinois, is the subject of this sketch, whose long and active life has been one of usefulness and honor, a native of the great

Empire state, which has sent so many of its best sons into the West. He has kept up the state's reputation for sterling citizenship and loyalty to the government.

Horace Bronson was born in Oneida county, New York, November 14, 1831, the son of Allen and Triphena (Hudson) Bronson, both natives of Chautauqua county, New York. Allen Bronson devoted his life to farming and in 1859 he came to Illinois, and located in Grundy county. He later went to Dennison, Iowa, and in 1893 went to Odell, Illinois, where he died in 1894, his wife having died in the state of New York. The subject's father married a second time, his last wife being Kate Douglas, of New York state. She died in Grundy county, Illinois. Mr. Bronson was a loyal Republican and an influential man in his community. His wife was a member of the Methodist church. The following children were born to Allen Bronson by his first wife, namely: Horace, our subject; Jay was a soldier in the Civil war in the Seventy sixth New York Volunteer Infantry and located in Detroit after the war, where he engaged in business; Walter, a farmer at Pontiac, Illinois, served in the navy during the Civil war ; James Gordon served in the Fourth Illinois Cavalry during the Civil war after which he located on a farm near Pontiac, Illinois, where he later died ; William, a farmer at Odell, Illinois ; Isaac, also a veteran of the Civil war, is a farmer at Odell, Illinois. The following children were born to the second marriage: Byron is in the United States Signal service, having been stationed in the West for many years ; Fred is a conductor on the Burlington Railroad, located at Galesburg, Illinois; Charles is also a conductor on the Burlington at Galesburg.

The subject attended the home schools in his native community and remained a member of the family circle until 1852, when he went to California by water, where he worked at mining for four years, then went back to New York state and first married in 1856, Margaret Wright, of Utica, New York. She died May 14, 1871. His second wife was Ella Fitzgerald, a native of Centralia, Illinois. She died in 1875. He married a third time to Elizabeth Eberts, of Camden, Ohio. The subject had three children by his first wife, namely: George, who is living in the West; Frank, an electrician in Chicago; Ellen is deceased. The subject had no children by his second wife, but four by his third wife, namely; Grant, a carpenter living at Centralia, Illinois, who married Mary Thurston, and they are the parents of one daughter, Mabel; Albert J. is living at home; Walter is also living at home; Horace is deceased.

In 1857 the subject came to Centralia, this state, and took up farming, which he made a success of until 1869 when he moved to Champaign, Illinois, where he farmed and raised broom corn with great success for a period of thirteen years, and in 1882 he came back to Centralia and located where he now lives, just south of the city of Centralia in section 30, where he owns thirtysix acres of valuable land, where he carries

The subject began making brooms in 1858 and has carried on the same, most of the time ever since. He and his sons have carried on this business in connection with other lines with uninterrupted success. They have no trouble in disposing of all the brooms they can make in the home market, for they are known to be a superior grade and are eagerly sought after.

Mr. Bronson has always been a stanch Republican and he takes much interest in all movements looking to the well being of his county. Mrs. Bronson is a member of the Christian church.

Verne E. Joy

Verne E. Joy was born at Carmi, Illinois, December 12, 1876. He was educated in the common schools, and after receiving a business education spent over three years in Germany, as United States Consular Agent at Selingen and Sonneberg. Mr. Joy became editor and publisher of the Centralia Evening and Weekly Sentinel on November i, 1906, at the time of his father's retirement, who had spent a life-time in the business and had built up a splendid property in The Sentinels. Under the new management the papers assumed a new aspect, reflecting the former training of Mr. Joy on Denver, Pueblo and Colorado Springs papers in addition to his acquirement of the printing trade under his father. The Evening Sentinel was given a new style of

BRIXKERIIOFF'S HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY, ILLINOISmake-up, wire service was added, illustrations secured and the paper has since appeared in eight page form instead of four. New machinery and equipment was installed and the paper has made a remarkable stride forward in circulation and advertising, until at present The Sentinel has the largest sworn afternoon circulation of any daily in Southern Illinois. This paper moved to its own new and well appointed building the last of October, 1908, where it has ample and commodious quarters and is now more than meeting the fondest expectations of its numerous patrons. It now occupies two floors, each one hundred and forty-seven feet long and has practically five thousand square feet of floor space. New machinery, new type and other modern appliances and accessories have been added throughout; a new linotype machine purchased, and it is now one of the most complete and up-to-date equipments for the publication of a newspaper in all Southern Illinois. The mechanical appearance of the paper is very attractive and in a small way equal to any metropolitan paper in the country, and in keeping with the paper's claim of being "Egypt's Greatest Daily." All kinds of job and other high class printing are done at The Sentinel office in a large and separate department.

Col. George L. Pittenger

in the history of that state. His grandfather, a Marylander by birth, migrated to Ohio in an early day and settled in Decatur county, where he engaged in agricultural pursuits, reared a large family and spent the remainder of his life. J. M. Pittenger, the subject's father, was born in Ohio and received his educational training in such schools as his native county afforded. He spent his early life on the family homestead, in Decatur county, and at the proper age assisted his father in the cultivation of the farm and grew up a strong and vigorous physique well fitted to cope with and successfully overcome the many difficulties and discouragements which young men in those days usually encountered at the beginning of their careers. After remaining in his native state until 1846, he moved to Illinois and settled near the town of Monmouth, subsequently changing his residence to Marion county, where he cultivated the soil as a renter and remained for a number of years. Later he disposed of his interests in Marion county and moved to Kansas, where he purchased a section of land and engaged in farming and stock raising. Mr. Pittenger was a man of industry and energy who succeeded well in his undertakings and stood high in the esteem of the people in his various places of residence. A devout member of the Christian church, he demonstrated by his daily walk and conversation the beauty and worth of the religion which he professed and all of his relations with his fellow men were characterized by the integrity and high sense of honor which constitute the Christian and the gentleman.

The life of this estimable man and publicspirited citizen, which was fraught with much good to those with whom he mingled, terminated at his Kansas home in 1903, at the age of seventy-eight years. Matilda Pittenger, wife of J. M. Pittenger and mother of the subject of this review, was also a native of Decatur, Ohio, and a fit companion and help-meet for her husband, whom she encouraged and materially assisted by her judicious counsel and co-operation and to whom he was indebted for no small share of the success and prosperity which in due time rewarded his labors. She died in Marion county, Illinois, in May, 1864, at the age of forty-three years.

Col. George L. Pittenger was born in the latter part of 1844 at Decatur, Ohio, and three years later was brought to Marion county, Illinois, by his parents, where he spent his childhood and youth in the free outdoor life of the farm, his early experience amid the bracing air and rural scenes having had a decided influence in molding and developing a strong character fostering habits of industry and self-reliance. After receiving a common school education, he accepted the position of news-boy on the Illinois Central Railroad, in which capacity he continued until there came the clarion call to the higher duty of maintaining the integrity of the nation, placed in jeopardy through armed hosts of treason and rebellion. In 1862, at the age of seventeen years, he enlisted in Company I, Eighty-ninth Illinois Infantry, with which he rendered valiant service in the defense of the Union, sharing with his comrades the fortunes and vicissitudes of war in a number of noted compaigns and battles, including the bloody engagements of Stone River, Chickamauga, Missionary Ridge, Kenesaw Mountain, Dallas, New Hope Church, and the siege and fall of Atlanta, and numerous skirmishes and minor engagements, in all of which he displayed the courage and gallantry characteristic of the true soldier and patriot and never hesitated at the call of duty, however dangerous. Colonel Pittenger not only served his country faithfully and well, but like many other brave men shed blood in defense of its honor, having been severely wounded in the leg at the battle of Stone River by the explosion of a shell, the injury being such as to necessitate a month's treatment in the hospital, before he was enabled to rejoin his command. Subsequently at the battle of Dallas he was shot in the groin which laid him off duty for a period of ninety days and still later in the bloody battle at New Hope Church, he received what at that time was thought to be a fatal wound in the head, having been injured at Buzzard's Roost prior to the latter action.

By reason of the painful nature of his injury and the long time required for its treatment, Mr. Pittinger did not return to the regiment, but when sufficiently recovered was transferred to the railroad department in which he served until the close of the war. first as fireman and then as engineer on the military roads, transporting troops and supplies for the government.

filled to repletion with duty, bravely and uncompromisingly performed, Colonel Pittenger returned to his adopted state and in a short time engaged in the grocery trade at Centralia, where he soon built up a large and lucrative business. He continued this line of merchandise with success and financial profit until 1904, and during the interim achieved a wide and honorable reputation as an enterprising business man, the establishment which he founded being for a number of years the largest wholesale and retail grocery house in Southern Illinois. In the year 1904, he embarked in the merchandising on a still more extensive scale by organizing what has since been known as the Pittenger & Davis Mercantile Company, and establishing a department store which has grown to mammoth proportions and is now one of the largest and most successful establishments of the kind in this part of the state.

Up to the year 1906, Pittenger & Davis were the largest coal producers in Illinois, employing for a number of years from nine hundred to a thousand men and doing a business second to no coal company in the West and comparing favorably with the old and well established firms of Pennsylvania and the other eastern states. While always having in view his own interests he has also been untiring in his efforts to build up the city and promote its material growth. Among his efforts in this line is the beautiful and commodious opera house which he recently erected and which is conceded by traveling men and others capable of judging to be one of the finest and most tastefully arranged and best managed edifices of the kind outside of Chicago. It was built to meet a long felt want on the part of the public, and under the joint management of Pittenger & Son, nothing has been spared to make it realize the purposes for which it was intended and prove a commodious, comfortable and attractive place of entertainment.

Colonel Pittenger is essentially a selfmade man, and what he has accumulated is the result of his own industry and successful management. From the humble station of a news-boy on the railroad, he has steadily advanced to the high place in the business world which he now occupies.

Colonel Pittenger's honorable military record entitles him to the esteem and confidence of every true patriot and lover of his country and its institutions, and the scars and wounds secured on the bloody field of conflict not only attest his loyalty, but constitute the patents to an honorable nobility.

Colonel Pittenger's continued advancement and great success in the business world have not been permitted to interfere with his obligations to his fellow men and his duties to the public. As already stated he has long been interested in whatever tends to benefit the community and as a factor of the body politic he gives his allegiance to the Republican party, and has been one of its trusted counselors and influential leaders in county and state affairs, besides taking an active part in a number of national campaigns. He is loyal to the principles of his party and as a reward for valuable political services was appointed colonel on the staff of Governor Tanner, and later in the staff of Governor Yates, which position he filled with becoming dignity and through the medium of which he became widely and favorably known among the leading public men of the state. Between Governor Tanner and himself a warm personal friendship was maintained for many years, the two having been comrades during their military experience in the South, and it was there that the intimacy which bound them together in such close and tender ties had its origin.

The Spanish-American war afforded Colonel Pittenger another opportunity to demonstrate his patriotism and love of country, for no sooner had the struggle commenced than he began recruiting a regiment which on being completed he was elected colonel without a dissenting vote. Although of brief duration his career as a commander of his regiment was eminently creditable and honorable to himself and a source of pride to his friends and fellow citizens of Marion county. Although never an office seeker nor an aspirant for public honors, the colonel from time to time has filled various positions of responsibility and trust, including besides those already mentioned and others, that of president of the Illinois Bureau of Labor, the duties of which he has always discharged in an able and satisfactory manner for the past six years, and still holds the appointment, adding much to his reputation as a capable and high-minded official. For a number of years he has taken a leading part in all the larger enterprises for the improvement of Centralia, erecting four modern business blocks which have been valuable contributions to the city's material prosperity, besides the opera house already mentioned and many private residences.

The domestic chapter in the history of Colonel Pittenger has been one of ideal character and it would be impertinence to more than lift the veil from the sacred precincts, where much of his inspiration, courage and confidence have originated and where the grateful influence supplied by the presence of an intelligent and refined wife and mother prevail. Mrs. Pittenger, formerly Lizzie Willard, the congenial daughter of Capt. George Willard, of Marblehead, Massachusetts, was born in St. Louis, and the ceremony by which her name was changed to the one she now so honorably bears, was solemnized in the year 1868. Two children have been born to this marriage, the older of whom, -a daughter by the name of Carrie, became the wife of John Calvin Brown, died at the age of twenty-seven years, leaving one child, a dear little girl, Fae Pittenger Brown, who lives with her grandparents and gladdens and brightens their hearts and home. George, the second in order of birth, and his father's partner, is a young man of exemplary character and superior business ability and stands high in the esteem of his fellow citizens of Centralia. He was born in the year 1879, and was married in 1905, to Estell Kupferle, of St. Louis, Missouri.

Sufficient has been said of our subject to prove him entitled to a place in the front ranks of the brave, energetic, self-made men of his adopted state, those who, by well directed enterprise and unswerving honor have wrought nobly and well and who from the pinnacle of large success look back over lives of honor and rectitude in which is found little to criticise, but much to commend.

Although well known and highly esteemed the subject of this sketch is inclined to be averse to any notice savoring of adulation and prefers to let his achievements rather than the fulsome praise of the chronicler speak for him, and in giving this sketch only facts are adhered to meriting recognition.

A. M. Seley, retired florist, was born at Cambridge, Vermont, June 28, 1829, the son of Samuel and Charlotte (Moore) Seley, the former having been born in the state of New York, where he worked on a farm. He died in Vermont. The subject's mother was also born in the state of New York and died in Vermont. Six children four boys and two girls were born to the parents of our subject, A. M.. being the third in order of birth.

When seventeen years old, our subject went to Massachusetts, then to Keene, New Hampshire, where he worked at his trade, that of comb-maker, which he had learned at Holleston, Massachusetts. After working at this trade for eight years, giving his employers entire satisfaction, he came to Marion county, Illinois, settling in the hamlet of Centralia in 1854, and began work in the station house of the railroad. At that time there were no houses on the prairie and Centralia could not then be called a town. He boarded at Central City and carried water two and one-half miles in jugs to be used for drinking purposes. The same year,

1855. It was necessary to haul lumber twenty miles west of Centralia, the nearest railroad point, to build the houses in this vicinity. The local mines were then unheard of. In 1873, our subject helped put down the first mine, No. i, with F. C. Cole as his companion. While thus engaged he met with a severe accident, by the wire rope which was used to pull up the coal catching around his left leg which was broken twice and three ribs were broken, his hip was also broken and he lay for some time unable to move.

Our subject was Street Commissioner of Centralia for two years. Being a good carpenter, Mr. Seley was employed by the Illinois Central Railroad Company for nineteen years in construction work and in various departments. He was also engineer and in the shops and round-house. He gave this company entire satisfaction in every capacity and won the hearty approval of his employers.

Residence Of F. P. Miller

Mr. Seley was proprietor of a green-house for a period of twenty years, having made a great success of this work for which he had peculiar natural endowments. He began when the business was in its infancy and saw it grow to vast proportions. He finally sold out to J. W. Ross and has retired from active business. He became widely known as a florist and was one of the leading men in this line of work in Southern Illinois. He was married first to Henrietta Howe, a native of Massachusetts, the daughter of William Howe, and to this union one son has been born, George H. Seley, living at Thomasville, Missouri. Our subject's second marriage was to Susan Giles, the -date of their wedding occurring December 25, 1900. She was the daughter of Clark and Margaret (Sweeney) Johnson. There were four children in her father's family, two boys and two girls, of whom our subject's wife was the oldest.

In politics Mr. Seley is a Republican, having first voted for James Buchanan and he has voted for every Republican candidate since then with the exception of one, and that was because he could not get to the polls to cast his ballot. Four of the subject's brothers served in the Union army during the War of the Rebellion. Our subject was Alderman of Centralia for seven terms. He was reared a Baptist. Mr. Seley has lived to see Centralia develop from a wild prairie site to a prosperous city of twelve thousand inhabitants and he has kept pace with her industries and assisted very materially in her development. He resides in a beautiful and comfortable home at the corner of South and Maple streets where he is happy with his good wife. Mr. Seley is the only railroad man living in Centralia, who was here fifty-eight years ago, being the last and only one of the original number of men who were first identified with railroading here. Mr. Seley is well known throughout this locality and has scores of warm personal friends who admire and respect him for what he has done in the development of the community.

Franklin Pierce Miller

No resident in Centralia township, Marion county, is deserving of specific mention in a book of this nature more than the subject of this sketch, owing to the fact that he has led a very industrious and honorable life, and is widely known as one of the leading fruit dealers in the Middle West.

Franklin Pierce Miller was born in Caledonia, Pulaski county, Illinois, October 23, 1852, the son of Henry and Catherine (Coover) Miller, the former a native of North Carolina and the latter of Maryland. Henry Miller, who grew up in North Carolina, was a farmer and he also engaged in real estate speculation. He located in Jonesboro, Union county, Illinois, in the early settlement of the county, and was one of the pioneers of that locality. His father was a pioneer merchant there and also run a tannery. He was accustomed to take leather to St. Louis and trade for merchandise. The subject's grandfather Miller raised a large family and died in Union county, this state. The father of the subject had only a limited education, but he later devoted much time to home-study and became a well read man. He was a Democrat and took much interest in political affairs, a member of the German Reformed church, in which he took a great interest, while his wife was a member of the Lutheran church. The subject's mother had the first cook stove brought into Jonesboro and also owned one of the first sewing machines, which she operated for many years. Henry Miller passed away in 1872, at the age of fifty-seven years, and his wife survived until 1898. The following children were born to them: George, now deceased, having died at the age of fifty-seven years, married first a Miss Castleman, and his second wife was Addie Phillips. He died near Anna, Illinois. He was a teacher in early life, and later a commission merchant in Chicago. Andrew J., the second child, is deceased ; he was a merchant at Cobden, Illinois, and married Allie Phillips; Alice, the third child, married Arthur Moss, who is deceased; she is living at Anna, Illinois; John, the fourth child, who was a merchant at Anna, Illinois, and who married Mollie Green, is deceased. Franklin Pierce, our subject, was the fifth child in order of birth. Mary married James N. Dickison, a merchant and a director of the First National Bank at Anna, Illinois. David Watson is a grain and lumber dealer at Winnebago, Minnesota; Caleb Monroe lives at Anna,

Illinois; he is a farmer and fruit grower in Southern Illinois. He owns about four hundred acres of fruit, all kinds of vegetables, devoting especial attention to asparagus growing. He owns the opera house block and other valuable real estate and is interested in the bank at Anna.