Marion County, Illinois - The whole text, 1909 (part 23 of 27)

Our subject received his early education in the country schools and worked on the farm until he was nineteen years old. He then lived in Logan county, this state, for two years on a farm. From there he came to Centralia and in 1888 was united in marriage to Sarah L. Reavis, the date of their wedding falling on July 21. Mrs. Sanders was the daughter of Harrem and Alzada (Moore) Reavis. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Sanders has been brightened by the birth of the following children, all bright and interesting: Faith G., who was eighteen years old, November 20, 1908, at this writing; Harry H., who was sixteen years old November I3th; Earl K.. who was ten years, old on August 23d; Samuel R., Jr., was seven years old on November 2Qth ; Dorothy G. was five years old on November 25th.

Samuel O. Sanders lived in Centralia during the winter months of his boyhood, and in 1886 he began learning the marble cutter's trade with J. J. Hathaway, having worked for eighteen months for Mr. Hathaway. In 1888 our subject continued the trade started in Centralia by Mr. Hathaway, the latter having moved to Cairo, Illinois. The former conducted his business in connection with Frazier & Liffel, having been with them until August, 1895. In October of the same year he started into the tomb stone business for himself, which he has since continued with much success, having built up an excellent trade, which extends to all parts of the county and to adjoining counties. He gives the very best service and high grade material for satisfactory prices, consequently his customers are always well satisfied. He has erected some of the most handsome monuments to be found in Centralia and Marion county.

In fraternal relations Mr. Sanders is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Metropolitan Lodge No. 108. He is also a member of the United Commercial Travelers of Centralia, No. 211, and is a member of the Modern Woodmen, No. 391. He is also a member of the Ben Hur Lodge, and both Mr. and Mrs. Sanders belong to the Queen City Rebekahs, No. 224, at Centralia.

In politics he is a Republican in national issues, but in local affairs he votes for the man who, in his opinion, will best serve local interests. Both Mr. and Mrs. Sanders are faithful members of the Christian church and are active in all good works,

The subject of this sketch has shown by a life of industry and rightly applied energy that he is eminently entitled to representation in this work along with other men of force and character in Marion county.

Rev. Charles A. Beckett was born in Clark county, Indiana, near Jeffersonville, February 8, 1860, the son of James A. and Mariah (McComb) Beckett, the former having been born in Clark county, Indiana, where he farmed when he reached maturity. His wife was also a native of Clark county. Charles A. Beckett's parents both died before he was five years old. James A. Beckett died at Savannah, Georgia, January i, 1865, at the age of forty-five years. He was with Sherman on his march to the sea, and he also had two brothers in the Civil war. one of whom. Miles Beckett, lived to return home; the younger brother, William Beckett, was wounded in the knee at Murfreesboro, and died there of his wound.

Rev. Charles A. Beckett went to school in the country, walking two and one-half miles each morning and evening and did the chores at his grandfather's home. He was cared for by his grandfather, Luke S. Beckett, until he was thirteen years old, at which time our subject began doing for himself. He was ambitious to secure an education, and he attended Moore's Hill College in Dearborn county, near Aurora, for one year, when he was about seventeen years of age. He had begun to learn the shoemaker's .trade when thirteen years old. His father owned a fine farm of two hundred and ten acres in Clark county, near the site of the Pigeon Roost massacre. Mr. Beckett was converted and joined the Methodist Episcopal church at the age of fourteen.

When our subject began learning the shoemaker's trade under his brother-in-law, Ed. Covert, he received but six dollars per month for three years. His health having failed, he returned to the farm for a year, then he came back to Mr. Covert and worked one year. He then went to work for the Ohio & Mississippi Railroad Company at Jeffersonville, Indiana. This road is now the Baltimore & Ohio. Here he worked for three years in the yards, in the round-house and in the shops, also on the tracks as track man. Then he went to work for the Ohio Falls Car Company, at Jeffersonville, Indiana, remaining with this firm nearly a year. After leaving this plant he came to Illinois in June, 1883, stopping with an uncle, and spent some time in an effort to learn telegraphy at Noble, Illinois, on the main line of the Ohio & Mississippi Railroad. Desiring to gain a higher education, he entered McKendree College, in St. Clair county, at Lebanon, Illinois. He remained in this school one year, when he decided to become a minister, having been considering this matter for some time. The fol- lowing year, 1884, he began preaching. He entered the Southern Illinois Conference of the Methodist Episcopal church in September, 1885. His appointments were Albion, Rose Hill, Clay City and Noble, on the Calhoun circuit for four years. He then went to Garrett Bible Institute at Evanston, Illinois, in 1892, and he graduated in May, 1895. He then returned to Albion, Illinois, where he preached for one and onehalf years. Then he went to Robinson, where he remained for four years as pastor of the Methodist Episcopal church. During his pastorate here an elegant church house was erected, costing about seventeen thousand dollars. He did this in connection with his other numerous duties. This house would now cost not less than twenty-five thousand dollars, this being the third church he assisted in erecting, previously having built a church at Parkersburg, Illinois, costing twelve hundred dollars ; one at Willow Hill, costing two thousand and eight hundred dollars. From his pastorate at Robinson he came to Centralia in October, 1900, where he remained for five years, the second year erecting the beautiful church building at the corner of Broadway and Elm streets, costing thirty-two thousand dollars.

In 1905 our subject was appointed Presiding Elder of the Vandalia district, continuing to reside in Centralia, where he now lives. His office is, since May, 1908, denominated district superintendent. In his district there are thirty-two pastoral charges, consisting of ninety-six church organizations under the auspices of the Southern Illinois Conference. He was a delegate

Mr. Beckett was united in marriage at .Clay City, Clay county, Illinois, to Lou Peake, daughter of Rev. Burton Peake, of Flora, Illinois. The wedding was solemnized October 26, 1887. They are the parents of a son, Paul A., who is at this writing attending the Northwestern University, having been nineteen years old October 7, 1908. He is in his second year at the university and is making a fine record. There is also a daughter, now eleven years old, who bears the pretty name of Madelon Claire.

Our subject was honored in June, 1908, by McKendree College conferring upon him the degree of Doctor of Divinity. He is chaplain of the Fourth Infantry, Illinois National Guard, having held this post for the past four years. This work he greatly enjoys and appreciates. In politics he is a Republican.

Our subject has done a great work in the ministry, being an earnest worker and an eloquent and forceful sneaker, so that he has endeared himself to a multitude of people and no man in Marion county is held in higher esteem.

Homer Gillett

He who would be eminently successful must possess a definite aim and purpose, which he must pursue with perseverance. This Homer Gillett has done. He was born in Troy, Madison county, Illinois, December 26, 1 86 1, the son of S. B. and Martha A. (Smith) Gillett, whose family consisted of seven children, four girls and three boys, of whom our subject is the oldest member. He was reared on a farm and received his education in the country schools. Leaving school at the age of seventeen years, he began clerking in a grocery store for V. P. Grubb, with whom he remained for about two years, rendering efficient service from the first and giving unmistakeable evidence that he was destined for a commercial career, which he has so ably followed up. He then clerked in a clothing store in Centralia for the London Company, having remained with them for a period of eleven years, during which time he did much to increase the prestige of the firm by his able clerkship. Mr. Gillett then went to the M. Hammer clothing store with which he remained until the firm went out of business, when he went to work for M. Hoffman, with whom he remained for three years, then embarking in business for himself on Locust street, having started a grocery store, which he conducted for four months, when he sold out and opened a clothing store on March 18, 1905. His success was instantaneous, and his trade has rapidly increased until it now extends to all parts of Marion county and has necessitated a constant enlargement of his stock. He is in a building one hundred by twenty-eight feet. He started in the clothing business in a room nineteen by sixty feet. His present quarters have been equipped with steam heat, and is modern in every detail. Mr. Gillett handles clothing and gents' furnishing goods, in all the very best and latest styles, and his stock is always very carefully selected and sold at satisfactory prices, so that he never loses a customer. He is the only American clothier in Centralia.

Our subject was united in marriage to Anna E. Northwood, the date of their wedding occurring January 2, 1883. She is the refined and accomplished daughter of Thomas and Harriett Northwood, both natives of Boonton, New Jersey. Mr. and Mrs. Gillett are the parents of three children, two of whom are living, namely: Raymond T., who is a professor of music in Centralia, where he is known as a very able instructor and gifted in his art; Dwight, the subject's second child, will graduate in the Medical College of St. Louis as physician and surgeon in 1909, and he is making a brilliant record in that, school. These children have received every possible advantage.

Mr. Gillett is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Queen City Lodge No. 179, of Centralia; also a member of the Knights of Pythias, Helmet Lodge No. 26, and the Modern Woodmen of America, No. 397. He is much interested in educational affairs and has been a member of the local School Board for a period of twelve years, still holding the position and rendering valuable services to the cause of education in Centralia. In politics he is a stanch Republican and lends his aid in the support of this party's principles and in all causes looking to the development of his county and state. In religious matters he affiliates with the Presbyterian church. He is a courteous and pleasant man, always agreeable and he has numerous friends, as has also his wife and children..

Mrs. Helen M. Gifford

It is with marked satisfaction that the biographer is permitted to call the reader's attention to the life record of the venerable but genial lady whose friends in Marion county are limited only by her acquaintances. Her beautiful life has been as an open sesame and one that has been influential for good to all with whom she has been associated.

Mrs. Helen Gifford was born in Jericho, Chittenden county, Vermont, September 21, 1828, the daughter of Aaron and Harriet Brownell. Her parents were both born in Vermont, Aaron having been born in 1798 and Harriet in 1804. They were the parents of three children, our subject being the first in order of birth. The Brownell family came from Vermont to Illinois in 1850, settling in Amsville, Boone county, now called Garden Prairie. They bought a farm where they lived until their death, Aaron Brownell dying in 1880, at the age of eighty-two years. Harriet died in February, 1860, at the age of fifty-seven years.

Our subject's early education was gained in the district and select schools of Vermont. She applied herself in a careful manner and became fairly well educated.

On July 4, 1855, our subject was united in marriage with Chester B. Gifford, son of William and Mary Gifford. Chester B. Gifford was born in Sharon, Windsor county, Vermont, October 3, 1815. There were four girls and three boys in this family, of whom Chester was the second child in order of birth. He was in early life a clerk in his father's hotel in Sharon. He afterwards took up railroading and eventually became conductor on the New York Central. After some years of faithful and acceptable service there, he took up railroading on the Illinois Central Railroad as passenger conductor between Amboy and Centralia. He died October n, 1887, in his home in Centralia, after a life of industry and usefulness. He and our subject had had nearly thirty-three years of happy and harmonious wedded life. Chester Gifford has one son, Mills Gifford, by a former marriage, who is now an employe of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad.

Mr. Gifford left his widow a substantial and comfortable home in Centralia, where she lives alone, having thus lived ever since the death of her husband, twenty-one years ago. Although she is in her eightieth year, Mrs. Gifford is a woman of remarkable activity and soundness of faculties. She is happy and cheerful and looks to be not more than fifty-five years old. Her neat and well-furnished home shows that she is a woman of taste and refinement. She is a woman of beautiful Christian character and a faithful attendant at the Methodist Episcopal church, where she is held in high esteem by all the congregation, as indeed, she is by all who know her. She has lived continuously in Centralia since 1859, when she came here with her husband. Her old age is serene and quiet, knowing that her life has been one of uprightness and conscious of the fact that she will be ready when the summons comes bidding her "come up higher."

Edwin L. Watts

The subject of this sketch is recognized as one of the leading citizens of Centralia, where he is known by all as a business man of unusual ability, a man of progressive ideas and at all times ready to do his part in furthering any interest for the public good.

Edwin L. Watts was born in Clinton county, five miles west of Centralia, on a farm, November n, 1873, the son of William M. and Martha (Short) Watts, both natives of Illinois, in whose family there were five children, two boys and three girls, Edwin L., our subject, being the youngest in order of birth.

Our subject received his early education in the common schools of his native community, having applied himself in a careful manner and gained a good education which has later been added to by home reading, and by coming in contact with the world. He devoted his life to farming up to 1904, having been prosperous at this line of work, laying up from year to year a competence and making a comfortable living. But believing that larger interests were to be found in Centralia, he came to this city and entered the livery business in which he was very successful for a period of two years, at the end of which he went into the implement business, having been associated with J. D. Breeze since 1906, the firm being Breeze & Watts, their well known place of business being 321 South Locust street, Centralia. They handle a full line of implements, vehicles, harness, buggies, wagons, drills, seeders, corn shelters and they deal in general stock on a large scale. Their store is always filled with customers and is one of the busiest places of its kind in Centralia. Before coming to Centralia, our subject served as Assessor of Raccoon township in a very creditable and acceptable manner for one year, during which time the interests of the township were as carefully looked after as if they had been his individual business.

Mr. Watts was united in marriage to Mary Patton, November 20, 1895. She is the daughter of T. A. and Lena (Smith) Patton, a well known and influential family of this county.

Mr. Watts' comfortable and cheerful home has been brightened by the presence of the following children : William R., Lenna F., Ruby R., all bright children and making good grades in the local schools.

Mr. Watts is a genial and most companionable gentleman and has many warm and admiring friends among the residents of his adopted city as well as in the township where he lived so long, and the high regard in which he is held not only in business but socially indicates the possession of attributes and characteristics that fully entitle him to the respect and consideration of his fellow men.

Theodore F. Merideth

While yet a young man, the subject of this sketch has won a place of definite success in his community, because of his persistent effort, his honesty of purpose and the exercise of rare soundness of judgment in carrying out his life work, so that the future to such as he holds much of promise.

Theodore F. Merideth was born in Carrigan township, Marion county, June 21, 1872, the son of William and Sarah (Spitler) Merideth, the former having been born in Licking county, Ohio, in 1834. He came to Marion county, Illinois, in 1842 and became a well-to-do farmer and was an extensive raiser of cattle before the stock law of 1864; he was also in the hay business just after the war. He was also in the transfer business at Sandoval for a while. He located south of Odin, when he came here from Ohio, where he was married and still lives in Carrigan township. The mother of the subject used to live in the home of Judge Bryan, father of W. J. Bryan, a member of the old Spitler family of this county. She was born March 3, 1845, and was called to her rest April 24, 1884.

children born to Mr. and Mrs. William Merideth. He was educated in the common schools and has a certificate to teach. He started in life as a coal miner, ' having worked in the mines in the winter and on the farm during the summer months. For many years he operated a hay and straw baler during both the summer and winter months.

Mr. Merideth was united in marriage December 2, 1894, to Etta McClelland, daughter of Perry and Emma McClelland, both old residents of this county. He is still living at the age of sixty-eight years and his wife is now (1908) sixty-five years old.

Five children have been born to the subject and wife as follows: Robert, born July 23, 1895; Ethel, born January 5, 1897; Harry, born September 30, 1898; Ruth, born April 4, 1899; Mamie, born August 5, 1902.

Mr. Merideth's farm, although one of the oldest in the township, having been taken on a Mexican war land grant, is one of the best in the township, for it has been so carefully tilled and well kqit that the soil has not become thin, but excellent crops are reaped from it year by year. The subject does nothing but look after his farm which he keeps well improved and in a high state of cultivation. He has one hundred and sixty acres in section 9. He carries on general farming and stock raising with that rare judgment and discretion that stamps him as one of the modern and progressive farmers of the county. He has a beautiful and substantial home, surrounded by excellent out buildings. He is one of the most industrious and energetic young men of Carrigan township, and is making a good living besides laying by an ample competency for his old age. He is known to be a man of square dealing in all his business transactions and everybody speaks well of him.

Albert E. Quick

Among the alert and progressive men of Centralia, whose efforts have been directed along worthy lines of endeavor, is the subject of this sketch, manager of the Star Laundry Company, which he has made one of the leading institutions of this nature in the county, through his close application to business.

Albert E. Quick was born in Clinton county, Illinois, September 24, 1860, the son of W. F. and Jane (Davidson) Quick, the former a native of Summit county, Ohio, in which state he devoted his attention to farming. He moved to Illinois and died at Harrisburg, this state, in March, 1906. The mother of the subject still lives at Harrisburg. Nine children, four girls and five boys, were born to them, Albert E., our subject, being the third in order of birth. He was educated near Harrisburg, then attended Ewing College in Franklin county, this state, for one year, later taking a course in the Quincy Business College, remaining there for one year. He was well equipped for a business career upon leaving school and entering the cutlery and supply business in St. Louis and Centralia. After conducting this line of work for a period of ten years in a most successful manner he launched in the laundry business with C. L. Mercy, with whom he remained in partnership for a period of five years when Mr. Quick re-organized and started a corporation company, he being the president and manager of the Star Laundry, he having purchased Mr. Mercy's interests in the company. He works a force of twelve girls and four men. Something of the rapid advancement that Mr. Quick has made in this work may be gained from the fact that when this laundry was started only one girl was employed. The Star now does a weekly business of from one hundred fifty to two hundred dollars. Nothing but strictly up-todate machinery is used and the plant is first class in every respect. A dry cleaning department was established in 1908 and the most modern machinery for this department that could be procured was installed. This has grown to be a very successful part of the work as it uses the French dry cleaning plan for all cleaning, silks, woolen and cotton fabrics of the most dainty manufacture on the market, never resulting in shrinking or changing of colors in the least. Mr. Quick certainly has mastered all the details of the laundry business and all work done at the Star is first-class and high grade. His patronage is constantly on the increase.

Mr. Quick's business in both the laundry and dry cleaning departments covers a large territory in Southern Illinois. He is the owner of ninety-five per cent, of the substan- tial and elegant brick plant which he so successfuly manages. His customers always find him ready to serve them in an obliging and straightforward manner and everyone who has had dealings with him attest to his fairness and honesty of purpose. In politics he is a loyal Republican, and in religious matters he was reared in the Baptist faith and he is a faithful supporter of the Baptist church in this city. In his fraternal relations he is a member of the Modern Woodmen. His standing in the business and social circles of Centralia could not be better.

Charles Edmund Fitzgearald

The subject of this sketch is one of the progressive citizens of Centralia township, Marion county, having long been in business in the vicinity of Centralia, where he is at present located, enjoying a lucrative trade in his well managed second-hand store.

Charles Edmund Fitzgearald was born in Jefferson county, Illinois, October 27, 1864, the son of James T. and Mary B. (Morgan) Fitzgearald, both natives of Tennessee, having come from that state to Illinois in 1848, settling among the pioneers. James T. was tailed to his reward several years ago, and his widow now lives at Sterling, Colorado, now in her seventy-eighth year. They were the parents of thirteen children, six boys and seven girls, of whom Charles Edmund, our subject, was the seventh in order of birth. These children are all fairly well situated in life.

James T. Fitzgearald, the subject's father, was a soldier in the Mexican war, and while on the march he became exhausted and lay down by a log beside the road and was given up for dead, but his brother-in-law, Middleton Morgan, discovered him as he passed driving a commissary wagon and cared for James T., or he would have perished. He made a gallant soldier and performed much commendable service during that war, and his widow now draws a pension as a result of this service.

While the parents of the subject were living near Fort Girard, Missouri, the Indians set fire to the home and burned up all their books and family records.

Mary B. (Morgan) Fitzgearald, the now venerable mother of the subject, is a member of the famous Morgan family of Washington county, Illinois. Her sister lives at Ashley, at the advanced age of ninety-three years.

Ed. Fitzgearald, as he is popularly known, moved to Marion county with his parents when he was four years old. His early education was gained in the Centralia schools, where he applied himself very studiously and became fairly well educated.

He started his business life by working on the farm and in the coal mines near Centralia, which he continued to work at for some time. Twelve years ago he started in his present business in Centralia in handling new and second-hand furniture, stoves and household goods. He has built up a flourishing trade. He has a large stock of carefully selected goods and his prices are always

Mr. Fitzgearald married Emma A. Crane, July 26, 1883, a representative of a fine family, and she herself a woman of many praiseworthy traits, and to this union three children have been born, one dying in infancy. Maudie, the oldest daughter,, married Walter Beetle, a mine employe, of Centralia, and they are the parents of one daughter, Thelma F. ; Edna, the second daughter, is eight years old at this writing, 1908, and she is making a fine record in the Centralia schools.

Mr. Fitzgearald is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Queen City Lodge No. 179, of Centralia. He is also a member of the Modern Woodmen of America. In politics Mr. Fitzgearald is a faithful Democrat and in religious matters he was reared a Methodist. He is regarded as a man of good business ability, honest in all his dealings with the public.

In enlisting men of enterprise and integrity in furthering its general business activities, is mainly due the precedence and prosperity enjoyed by Marion county, and the firm of which the gentleman whose name initiates this paragraph is a member, is recognized as one of the representative druggists of the county, being engaged in business in Centralia and enjoying an extensive wholesale and retail trade.

H. S. McBride was born in Decatur, Illinois. September 5, 1869, the son of Dr. Alexander and Mary E. (Jones) McBride, the father of the subject having been born in Ross county, Ohio, June 21, 1821. His wife was born in Urbana, Ohio, April 18, 1835, and they were married in the Buckeye state and came to Illinois in 1866, locating in Decatur. They became the parents of three children, two of whom are living, H. S., our subject, and Frank A., who was born in 1875 'n Decatur.

The subject of this sketch began his education at Decatur, where he attended school for two years. He was then sent to Carthage, Missouri, remaining in school there until 1887, where he made an excellent record, and after completing his education, he returned to Decatur and worked as a drug clerk for one year in the employ of A. J. Stoner. He then went to St. Louis and worked for the P. G. Alexander Drug Company for two years and while there took a course in pharmacy in the St. Louis School of Pharmacy. From there he went to Webb City, Missouri, to work for the McClelland Drug Company in whose employ he remained for about two years, when he moved to Mattoon, Illinois, remaining there until 1898, clerking for the Killner Drug Company. He gave entire satisfaction in all these positions owing to the fact that he had an intimate knowledge of drugs and was courteous to customers.

Our subject was one of the patriotic citizens of the great Sucker state, who felt it his duty to assist the cause of humanity when Cuba was being oppressed by the tyr- rany of Spain, and when the Spanish-American war broke out he enlisted in Company A, Fourth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, under Capt. Joseph P. Barricklom and remained in service until the close of the war, having been mustered out of service at Augusta, Georgia. He served at Springfield, Illinois, as first sergeant and was promoted to second lieutenant at Camp Cuba Libre, Jacksonville, Florida, September, 1898.

In 1900 Mr. McBride moved to Centralia and clerked for Will J. Blythe for two years, then for L. H. Reed for four years. He then opened the Red Cross Pharmacy at 204 East Broadway, an incorporated institution under the state laws of Illinois, the company consisting of C. D. Tufts, president ; C. E. McMahon, vice-president ; H. S. McBride, secretary and manager; F. Pullen, treasurer. The room occupied is twentyfour by one hundred feet. It is large, airy and commodious. A general wholesale and retail drug business is carried on among physicians and surgeons, covering a radius of forty miles. The house carries a large, complete and carefully selected stock, and the fixtures and equipment are modern, well arranged and up-to-date in every particular, and a very liberal trade is enjoyed.

H. S. McBride was united in marriage with Ida A. Mattock on September 8, 1895. She war reared at Mattoon, Illinois, and is the daughter of W. D. and Temperance (Hackett) Mattock. Four interesting children constituted the Mattock family, three girls and one boy, Ida A. being the oldest.

pharmacist by all who have had occasion to investigate his work. He is registered in Illinois, Missouri and Florida, and he stands at the front of Centralia's business men. Fraternally he is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, No. 493, of Centralia. In politics he is a Democrat and follows the teachings of his parents in religious matters, affiliating with the Episcopal church.

Truman B. Andrews

Characterized by breadth of wisdom and strong individuality, the achievements of the subject of this sketch but represent the utilization of innate talent in directing energies along lines in which mature judgment and a resourcefulness that hesitates at no opposing circumstances, pave the way and ultimately lead to achievement.

Truman B. Andrews was born in Jefferson county, Illinois, September 25, 1852, the son of Seymour and Martha (Henderson) Andrews, who were the parents of ten children, the subject of this sketch being the third in order of birth. When about four years of age he went to Warren county, Illinois, with his parents, where he remained until ten years of age, then moved to Centralia, where he has since remained, having been identified with the growth of the community and taking a prominent part in its development for a period of over forty-six years at this writing, 1908. He received his schooling in the Centralia common and high schools. Following in the footsteps of his father, he decided to become a merchant, and when he left school he began clerking for his father and later became bookkeeper, with whom he remained assisting in building up a fine trade in the dry goods and clothing business until his father retired about 1890. Truman then went with the firm of G. L. Pittenger, who conducted a grocery store, remaining with the same for four years with his usual success. He then went to work for the Pittenger & Daves Mining and Manufacturing Company, as their assistant secretary in the office work of this extensive enterprise, with which he was identified for six years, giving high class service in every respect. Mr. Andrews then worked in the Centralia Mining and Manufacturing Company, which is operated by the same people as their secretary, remaining as such for seven years, or until they retired from active business. He continued to work or the firm that succeeded them remaining until he bought an interest in the firm of Gillett & Company, clothiers and gents' furnishers. They manage a big and well stocked store and Mr. Andrews is to be found here daily ready to wait upon his scores of customers who know that they will here receive the most courteous consideration and always receive the full value of their money. The stock is kept well up-to-date and is carefully selected at all seasons. This store is one of the most tastefully arranged and neatly kept of any in Southern Illinois and customers are always pleased to visit it where they are made to feel at ease.

The domestic life of the subject of this sketch dates from December 17, 1874, when he was married to Amanda J. McClelland, daughter of John and Margaret McClelland, of Marion county, a well known and influential family. To this union three interesting children have been born, namely: Hallie, Lois and Cinnie. Hallie married Bessie Robinett, of Columbia, this state, and they are the parents of one son, Raymond, born in 1904. Hallie Andrews is firing an engine on the Illinois Central Railroad. Lois is married to L. R. Porter, a blacksmith on the Illinois Central Railroad, of Centralia, and they are the parents of two children, one boy, Emmett, born in 1905, and one girl, Lorena, who is one year old in 1908. Cinnie, the subject's third child, married George Green, of Centralia, where he is engaged in the barber business.

In politics our subject is a supporter of Republican issues. He is a member of the Christian church, having been a deacon for a period of fifteen years, and is also a trustee of the same. In his fraternal relations he is a member of the Modern Woodmen, No. 397; the Knights of Pythias, No. 26; also a charter member of the Knights and Ladies of Honor, having served in many of the chairs of the last two lodges. Mr. Andrews was Township Public School Treasurer; or twenty years, being still in this position. He is greatly interested in educational matters and has always done what he could to further the interests of the local schools. He also faithfully served as Town Clerk of Centralia for a period of six years. He has also been a member of the Centralia City Fire Department for over twenty-five years, having frequently hazarded his life day and night in order to save property.

Frank Prusz

A man of rare business erudition is the subject of this sketch, who has long been identified with the development of Centralia in business lines.

Frank Prusz was born in Washington county, Illinois, September 21, 1867, the son of Henry and Mary (Shroeder) Prusz, the parents of eight children, Frank, our subject, being the only living child in 1908. Henry Prusz was born in Washington county, this state, in 1838, and he is now living in Centralia, corner of Third and Walnut streets. He followed farming until 1905, having owned a fine farm of one hundred and forty acres, which he left and moved to town. The subject of this sketch, who was the third child in order of birth, acquired his early education in the common schools of his native county. In his boyhood days he worked on his father's farm and finally took up farming for himself, which he followed for ten years on his own account, having made a pronounced success from the first, but, believing that greater opportunities awaited him in other fields, he sold out and went to St. Louis, where he worked in a planing mill and at carpenter work for five years, having taken readily to the new line of work. He then came 'to Centralia and started in a shop for himself. July 10, 1895, at the corner of Third, Chestnut and South streets. The plant now covers one hundred and twenty by one hundred and sixty-five feet. It is up to date in every particular, being equipped with modern machines, fifteen in number. He has eleven motors of late design and is equipped in every respect to do first class and high grade work. All kinds of boxes, barrels, egg cases, chicken coops and apple cases are manufactured here, also all kinds of mill work is done, including frames, moldings, handles, ^ash and doors, also baskets and strawberry crates, also house furnishings.

The firm of which our subject is the principal force is known as the Queen City Box and Barrel Works. It enjoys a large trade, having an output of one thousand barrels a day. The well known "Magic Cleaner," the best sweeping compound for floors and carpets known, is manufactured here. The trade of this firm extends to all parts of Southern Illinois and many points beyond, and is constantly increasing, owing to the able management of Mr. Prusz and the excellent quality of the work turned out.

Frank Prusz was united in marriage on April 25, 1890, to Jennie Meyer, the daughter of C. G. and Minnie (Dotson) Meyer, who are the parents of ten children, Jennie being the fourth child in order of birth. She was born in Washington county, this state.

Our subject and wife are the parents of four children, named in order of birth as follows: Nellie M., who is living at home with her parents; Willis F. L. is a student in the Centralia public schools ; Allen W. B. is also a pupil in the local schools; Alice A. M. is the youngest living child; Edwin died in his eighth year.

Our subject lives in a modern home at 333 South Hickory street. Mr. Prusz in his political relations is a Republican on national issues, but locally he votes for the best man available. In religious matters he was reared an Evangelical Lutheran, but he is free and liberal in his views on religion and he attends all churches. He is a man thoroughly familiar with the details of the large business which he conducts and is well known in Marion county, his pleasant manner winning the respect of all men.

Boyd M. English

To present in brief outline the leading facts in the life of one of Marion county's busy men of affairs and throw light upon some of his more pronounced characteristics is the task in hand in placing before the reader the following biographical review of Boyd M. English, who was born in Marion county, Illinois, September 2, 1875, the son of J. W. and Mazina ( Parkerson) English, in whose family there were six children, four boys and two girls, of whom our subject was the second in order of birth, and of whom five are living in 1908. J. W. English was born in Tennessee, near Fayetteville, and he came to Illinois in 1871 and settled in Marion county on a farm. One of his brothers was in the Civil war. The father of our subject has been in the contracting business for many years. He lives at 960 East Broadway, Centralia. The subject's mother was born in Marion county, where she married J. W. English. They are highly respected people and have done all in their power to establish their children in life.

Boyd M. English, our subject, received his early education in the common schools. He left school when sixteen years old and engaged in the commission business at Decatur two years, after which he went into the barber business at Mt. Vernon, Illinois, where he remained for one year. He came to Centralia and worked at his trade for several years on Locust street for himself, the firm being known as English & Burge, which was one of the leading shops in the city and widely patronized.

Believing that the barber business was not his proper calling, he launched into the real estate business in 1906 for himself, and his success was instantaneous, having exceeded his expectations. He has a large business and his office is always a busy place, owing to his fair treatment of customers and his intimate knowledge of this line of work.

She \vas reared near Centralia on a farm. Mr. and Mrs. Foster are the parents of five children, two boys and three girls, of whom our subject's wife is the third child. Mr. and Mrs. Boyd are the parents of two children, Madge, born January 17, 1902, and Robert Dean, who was bom November 2, 1903. Mr. and Mrs. English live in a cozy and nicely furnished home at 841 East Broadway.

Fraternally our subject is a member of the Knights of Pythias. Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and the Modern Woodmen of America. In national politics he is a Republican and religiously he was reared a Presbyterian and attends that congregation. Mr. and Mrs. English are pleasant people and are popular in Centralia.

Mrs. Sarah E. Elrod

The many friends of the estimable lady whose name appears above will be glad to learn more of her life history and that of her honored husband and their families, for she has long been well known and popular, with a large circle of friends in Centralia, and now in the golden evening of her age she is happy in the thought that her life has been led along high planes and been productive of good to those it has touched.

Mrs. Sarah E. Elrod was born in Clermont county, Ohio, June 13, 1831, the daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth (Griffith) Simpson. Both parents were born in

Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, about twenty miles from Philadelphia. They were the parents of seven children, Sarah E. being the oldest in the family.

Our subject grew to maturity in her native county and also acquired her early education there. She was united in marriage to William Elrod, May 17, 1854, and they lived in Ohio until 1867, in which year they moved to St. Louis, Missouri, then to the Ulysses S. Grant farm, ten miles west of that city, where the Elrod family had charge of the Grant farm for eight years. Mrs. Elrod knew well all the Grant children, waited upon them and helped them in various ways. William Elrod passed to his rest in Centralia November 29, 1881, after a useful and busy life.

Mrs. Sarah E. Elrod is the mother of seven children, as follows: Elizabeth, who married John Decker, of Orange county, New York, now lives in Cobden, Union county. Illinois, and they have two sons; Clifford married Cordelia Cole, died September ii, 1902, and two children were born to them, one boy and one girl, Clifford, Jr., the son, being a blacksmith in Centralia ; Mary Simpson is a dressmaker and lives with her mother in their cozy home on West Broadway; Clara M. is clerking at Parkinson's store in this city ; Samuel G. is living with his mother; William Thomas married Ellen Parkin and is a railroad and express agent for the Southern Railroad at Marissa, Illinois, and they have five children; Sadie Blanche is a competent office lady at Dr. Armstrong's, one of the lead-

Gen. Ulysses S. Grant's mother, Hannah Simpson, and our subject's father, Samuel Simpson, were brother and sister, making Mrs. Sarah E. Elrod a full cousin of the general. The Elrod family moved from St. Louis to Odin on a farm, where they lived for three years and in March, 1881, they moved to Centralia. After the death of Mr. Elrod this large family of little children with which the mother was left to care for and provide, was a hard struggle to overcome, but she was a woman of great courage and rare business tact and she succeeded in rearing her children in a manner deserving great praise. She had a few cows and sold milk to town people and in this way managed to provide for the children and keep the home together. It was a brave, heroic battle, but filled with more victories than defeats.

Mrs. Sarah E. Elrod, who is at this writing, 1908, seventy-seven years old, is in good health and young for one of her years. .She is of a family noted for their longevity, her father living to be ninety-one years old. Religiously she was reared a Presbyterian, but now worships with the Congregationalists, where her daughters, Sadie and Mary. are Sunday school teachers. Gen. John Simpson, of Cincinnati, is a brother of Mrs. Elrod, whose honorable army record she is glad to preserve. He is a retired officer of the United States army, having been retired since 1906. He enlisted in the Fifth Ohio

Cavalry, September 27, 1862, and was discharged May 28, 1865. He was appointed second lieutenant of the Fourth Artillery, August 17, 1867, and advanced to the rank of first lieutenant of the Fourth Artillery on March 28, 1873. On July 17, 1875, he was appointed captain assistant quartermaster. On April 20, 1892, he was raised to the rank of lieutenant-colonel and assistant quartermaster-general. On February 2, 1901, Ire was raised to the rank of brigadier general, and was finally retired August 18, 1903.

Gen. John Simpson studied at Fortress Monroe and Annapolis military schools, so as to fully equip himself for active and efficient service, being of the Grant lineage, he was naturally a successful soldier.

Samuel Elrod, the second son of William and Sarah E. Elrod, was born in the old log house that General Grant built. William, the third son, and Sadie, the youngest daughter, were born in General Grant's large house on his farm west of St. Louis. The Elrod family is highly respected and has numerous friends.

Charles Miller

For many years Mr. Miller was a widely known railroad man, but is at this writing living in honorable retirement in Centralia, Marion county, where he is held in high favor among those of his acquaintance.

England, December 3, 1844, the son of John William and Elizabeth (Florence) Miller, who were the parents of six children, three boys and an equal number of girls, the subject of this sketch being the fourth in order of birth. John William Miller was born in England in 1815 and passed to his rest in 1866. He was for many years foreman of a large coppersmith shop in the government navy yard in England. He was a skilled mechanic and an inventor, having invented Grant's condenser, a device for turning salt water into fresh water, which is used by those who travel on the ocean. He served his apprenticeship as a coppersmith under Mr. Florence, his father-in-law. When twenty-two years old John William Miller married Elizabeth Florence, who was at that time twenty-nine years old. the date of their marriage being in 1839. Mrs. Miller was born in 1808 and passed to her rest in 1868. They were people of much sterling worth and many of their commendable traits have manifested themselves in our subject.

Charles Miller received a common school education in Portsmouth, England, having attended Bowles Academy until he was sixteen years old. After leaving school he learned the blacksmith's trade and also worked for his uncle, who conducted a meat market in Portsmouth. Believing that better opportunities awaited him in America, he emigrated to this country when twentyfour years old, settling first in Chicago. He soon secured employment on the Illinois Central Railroad and at once gave evidence

Our subject was married in England when twenty-two years old to Diana Hyde, daughter of Henry and Elizabeth (Hobbins) Hyde, in whose family there were nine children, four boys and five girls, the wife of the subject being the sixth child in order of birth. Their marriage was celebrated on August n, 1866, at Portsmouth in the Church of England, the ceremony that made them one having been performed by Rev. Baylis. Diana Hyde was also educated in the common schools of Portsmouth. This union has been blessed by the birth of seven children, four of whom are living in 1908. They are: Jessie, who first married Frank Scramlin, by which union one son, Earl Walter G., was born; her second marriage was with Frank Jacobs, and to this union three children were bom, two daughters and one son. They live in Decatur, Illinois. Mr. Jacobs is engaged in the grocery business. Harriet Hyde is the second child of Mrs. Jacobs -and she is eight years old at this writing; Dorthy Grace is four years old and Frank Willis is now three years of age. Henry George Miller, the second living child of our subject, married Nettie Smith and one son has been born to this union, Arthur Glenn, who is a machinist and is living in Chicago ; Lillie May married George William Downing; Alice Louise is a stenographer in Centralia. These are all bright children and are being educated in the local schools.

Illinois Central Railroad, giving entire satisfaction from 1868. In 1889 he became overseer of the shops of this road at Centralia, which position he held until June, 1908, having been recognized by his employers as one of the best men in this capacity they had in their employ, for he mastered every detail of the work and knew how to handle his men so as to get the best results from their work. On the date mentioned above Mr. Miller retired from active connection with the shops on account of the loss of his left eye, which resulted from an accident in the shops. The Miller home is a pleasant and comfortable one, located at 218 East Fourth street, south. Mr. Miller receives a pension of thirty-six dollars and seventy cents per month. In politics he is a Republican and is an advocate of temperance. He was reared in the faith of the Methodist Episcopal church and he still worships with this congregation, where he is regarded as a man of upright principles and a worthy member of the same.

Mrs. Margaret Dunlap

The many friends of the estimable lady whose name forms the caption of this sketch will be glad to learn more of her life record, and they will doubtless be benefited by a perusal of the same, owing to the consistent and praiseworthy life she has led.

May 8, 1839, the daughter of Dr. John and Christina (Spraker) Cornell, the former a native of Albany, New York, and a cousin of Ezra Cornell, the founder of Cornell University, one of the leading institutions of learning in the United States. The mother of the subject was a native of Schenectady, New York, Spraken's Basin being founded by Christina's grandfather. John Cornell was born August 6, 1798, of English parentage, being the descendant of one of three brothers who emigrated from England in an early day. He first practiced his profession in New York, then came to Meigs county, Ohio, in 1830, where he lived and successfully practiced medicine until his death, September 19, 1873, having been known as one of the leading physicians of that place. The mother of the subject passed to her rest August 19, 1877. Mr. and Mrs. John Cornell were the parents of ten children, six girls and four boys, all .having reached maturity, having been of a hardy race.

Mrs. Dunlap taught school for ten years in Ohio. She married when twenty-five years of age. She was educated in the Chester Seminary, in Meigs county, Ohio. She was the eighth child in order of birth. Daniel W. Cornell, Margaret's youngest brother, was a member of the home militia of Ohio during the Civil war. In the family of the mother of our subject were twelve children, ten girls and two boys, eleven of whom lived to reach maturity. Mrs. Margaret Duiilap is the mother of two children, one of whom is living, M. Alberta, who is a graduate of the Centralia high school and who was born February 6, 1879, married Harry F. Turner, November 22, 1904, of Centralia. They have one son, Francis D. Turner, who was born November 3, 1905. They all reside in a neat home at 320 South Poplar street. Mr. Turner is an engineer on the Illinois Central Railroad. Harry F. Turner was born July 9, 1874, at Waterloo, Iowa, the son of Oliver F. Turner. His mother was Luella E. Young in her maidenhood. She is deceased. Mr. Turner is a member of a family consisting of one son and two daughters. William W. Dunlap was born January 17, 1833, in Carroll county, Ohio. In 1859 he removed to Jeffersonville, Wayne county, Illinois. He worked at the carpenter's trade until the Civil war, when he gave free rein to his patriotic feeling, and on July 22, 1861, enlisted in Company E, Fortieth Illinois Infantry, under Colonel Barnhill, of Fairfield, Illinois. Mr. Dunlap performed his duties as a soldier in a faithful manner for a period of three years and three months. He was stationed at Jefferson Barracks, near St. Louis, Missouri. He went out as orderly sergeant, was promoted second lieutenant, and later first lieutenant. He saw some hard service, and he was wounded in the right foot, also lost his right eye, while in a skirmish in the timber near Jackson, Mississipi, on July 12, 1862. He drew a pension of twelve dollars per month. After the close of the war Mr. Dunlap returned home and resumed work at the carpenter's trade, becoming recognized as a very competent workman, and his services were in great demand. Mr. Dunlap was called from his earthly labors May 24, 1905, while living in Centralia. Mr. Dunlap's mother died when he was eight years old, and he was reared by his grandfather Kail, who lived in Carroll county, Ohio. Mr. Dunlap worked at the carpenter's trade all his life from the time he was sixteen years old. Although his parents were Democrats he was a Republican. He was reared in the faith of the Methodist Episcopal church. He was admired by all who knew him for his upright life and his honesty of purpose. No family in Centralia bears a better reputation than the Dunlaps.

Hon. James Benson

The name of the subject of this review has for years been allied with the development of Marion county in many phases, for a high purpose, vigorous mental powers and devotion to duty are the means by which he has made himself useful, and the ambitious youth of this locality who fights the battle of life with the prospects of ultimate success may peruse with profit the biography presented in the following paragraphs.

Hon. James Benson was born February 28, 1838, in Manchester, England, the son of William and Margaret (Bullon) Benson, both natives of Manchester. William Benson served as an apprentice under John

Mellen, of that city, as a machinist, on the Manchester & Darlington Railway, and he finally became an engineer on that road. He was foreman in the shops in 1839, and in that year came with his wife and two children to America, landing in New York City and worked in the marine ship yards as a machinist. He later went to Williamsburg, New York, and was engineer in a distillery and was finally put in charge of the distillery. In 1848 he came to Chicago and worked in the railroad shops for sixteen months. He then had charge of a distillery at Wilmington, Will county, Illinois. He later went to St. Louis and took charge of Henry T. Blow's White Lead and Oil Works. In 1855 he came to Centralia and worked for the Illinois Central Railroad as a machinist, and later took charge of the foundry where he was employed until his death in 1869. His widow survived until 1887. He had six children, five of whom grew to maturity, three living in 1908. Samuel is a machinist in Chicago for the Nickel Plate Railroad, by which company he is regarded as an expert; James, the subject, is the second child; Evelyn is single and is living in Centralia ; John F., who was a machinist, died in Little Rock, Arkansas; Oscar was killed July 4, 1865, by the explosion of an engine on the Illinois Central Railroad at Centralia ; George W. was an engineer on the Illinois Central, and he also worked at Little Rock, Arkansas, where he died.

school and started to learn the machinist's trade at St. Louis, Missouri. In 1855 he came to Centralia and finished his trade. He then went to Champaign, Illinois, where he worked for ten months at his trade, later becoming engineer on the Illinois Central Railroad between Champaign and Centralia, having worked at this for two years. He then went to Columbus, Kentucky, at the opening of the Mobile & Ohio Railroad in the United States government service. He ran an engine to Jackson, Tennessee, and different places, and he was later at the opening of the Memphis & Charleston Railroad. He was master mechanic at Jackson, Tennessee, for the Mobile & Ohio Railroad, and he continued his services for the government until the close of the war. After the war he went to Jackson, Tennessee, where he remained for three years. He was master mechanic there for the Mobile & Ohio, and later went to Selma, Alabama, and was foreman under J. W. Wallace for eighteen months. He resigned partly on account of failing health and came to Centralia, and he and his brothers opened the Benson Brothers' machine shop, in 1871. His brother, Samuel, retired in 1875, as did also his brother John, and the subject then managed the shop alone until February 28, 1907, when he sold out. They built up a large business and the venture proved to be a great success. They had a foundry and blacksmith shop in connection, and did all kinds of repair work.

tive interest in politics, and was Mayor of Centralia for three terms, and was in the City Council for four years. He is a Republican, a member of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers at Champaign.

Mr. Benson was united in marriage in Salem, August 2, 1899, to Sarah Jane Cunningham, widow of Alexander Cunningham, and a daughter of Charles and Caroline (Steffy) Grose, the former a native of Kentucky and the latter of Bloomington, Indiana, where they married. She was attending school there and they ran away and married. Her father was a farmer and stock raiser in Indiana, later moving to Trenton, Illinois. His father was Joseph and his mother was Sarah Jane Grose. They were pioneers of Trenton, Illinois. Mrs. Benson's parents came to this county, locating at Sandoval, in 1857, when there were only two houses there. He conducted a hotel there for several years, later locating in Centralia, where he also conducted a hotel, later in life going to Indianapolis, where he lived with his children until his death, which occurred in 1891. His widow survived until 1900. The following children were born to them : Louisa, widow of Seely Ashmeed, of Indianapolis; Sarah Jane, the subject's wife; Orville, who is now deceased, was an engineer on the Big Four Railroad for many years at Indianapolis, and he married Sophia Haussler ; William is an engineer on the Big Four Railroad at Indianapolis; Benjamin M. is deceased; Sidney, who is deceased, was a telegraph operator on the Big Four for seventeen years

Alexander Cunningham, Mrs. Benson's first husband, was born in Gallion, Ohio. He was an engineer on the Mobile & Ohio. In 1862 he went to Columbus and Jackson, Tennessee, and afterward, in 1869, died. Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Alexander Cunningham, namely: Albert Edward, who was born November 21, 1860, is a machinist in St. Louis, and he married Margaret McHenry, who is the mother of two children, Lulu and Olive; Andrew J. died in 1862; Ida E. died in 1865.

The subject and wife have one daughter, Nellie, who is the wife of Isaac Coe. They live on a farm near Centralia. They have one son, Isaac, Jr., who was born October 31, 1908. Mrs. Benson is a member of the Episcopal church. Mrs. Coe belongs to the First Baptist church. Ex-Mayor Benson, our subject, is favorably known throughout this locality, and he is regarded as one of Centralia's most worthy citizens.

Samuel R. Wild

The subject of this sketch, who has been called to a higher plane of action in the course of natural human events, still exerts an influence on those whom his life touched for his noble character made its impress on everyone, and no man ever lived in Centralia who was truer to high ideals than he.

ter, England, August 2, 1834, the son of Robert and Mary (Rolliston) Wild, both bom at Oldham, England, where they spent their lives, the father of the subject having been a bookkeeper for thirty years. They both died in England. To them were born two children. Ann, the other child, besides our subject, died in infancy. Robert Wild was three times married. One wife was a Miss Briley. His third wife was Mary E. Burton. He had one son by his second wife, whom he named Briley, and who died in England, and he also had one child by his third wife, who was named Burton, and who also lived in the mother country. The subject of this sketch received only a limited schooling, however, he is an educated man, having been a close student all his life. He lived at home until he reached maturity, and he served an apprenticeship of seven years with Platte Brothers, until 1862, when he and his wife came to America on the "United Kingdom", a steamer which sank the next trip. They landed in New York City, where they lived awhile, and also in Boston for several years, after which they came west and located in Centralia, Illinois. Mr. Wild entered the Illinois Central shops as a machinist, and later became an engineer and ran on the road for eighteen years ; then went to Mt. Vernon, Illinois, remaining there awhile in the Louisville & Nashville shops. They were moved to Howell, Indiana, and Mr. Wild declined to move his family, and consequently he secured a position with the Air Line, now the Southern Railroad, as a foreman of the engineers, and he was regarded as a most efficient railroad man. He passed to his rest August 29, 1893. Eight children were born to the subject and wife as follows: Edith Ann died in infancy; Mary E. married W. B. Goodale, of Centralia; Sarah Edith married Harvey England, and they are living in St. Louis. Robert died at the age of twenty-one years, having remained single; Gussie died when young; Morton and Burton were twins and both died young; Bertha married Charles Brown and they are living at Howell, Indiana.

The subject was a member of the Episcopal church. He was a Republican in his political affiliations, and worked for the success of his party. He served as Alderman and City Councilman; also served the city of Centralia as a member of the Library Board. In his fraternal relations he was a Mason, belonging to Centralia Lodge No. 201. After serving his apprenticeship in the Centralia Lodge, completing the same March 15, 1878, he passed as a fellow craftsman April isth following, and was raised to the degree of Master Mason April 20, 1878. He was very well known and highly respected by all.

Samuel R. Wild married. February 25. 1857, at Prestwick church, near Manchester, England. He made two trips back to his old home on a visit and Mrs. Wild made one trip. Mrs. Wild was known in her maidenhood as Ann Randall, who was born January 7, 1837, at Oldham, near Manchester, England. She is the daughter of David and Mary Morton, both of Oldham,

England, where they always lived. The father of Mrs. Wild was for many years a slosle major (or foreman) in a cotton factory. Five of their children grew to maturity, namely : Martha, deceased ; Sarah, deceased; Ann, the subject's wife; John Thomas, deceased; Mary, who is living in Boston, Massachusetts, married John Barsley, who is now deceased. Mrs. Wild is a very pleasant lady, and she has a comfortable and nicely furnished home.

Harvey R. Livesay

One of the representative farmers of Marion county is he whose name initiates this sketch, being one of the men of industry who have contributed to the general welfare of this community, while he is accorded the fullest measure of respect throughout the county where he has long resided.

Harvey R. Livesay, the present efficient Supervisor of Foster township, was born May 10, 1861, in Washington county, Illinois, the son of Alfred Livesay, a native of Tennessee, and Hannah (Logan) Livesay, a native of Washington county, Illinois. The maternal grandfather of the subject, James R. Logan, was born in South Carolina and resided in Tennessee until he came to Washington county, Illinois, where he had a well improved farm that he lived on to the time of his death, which occurred in 1860. He was a member of the Methodist church and was a local exhorter.

The father of the subject came to Washington county, Illinois, when a boy with his parents. He grew to maturity there, purchasing land in that county. In 1866 he went to Missouri and later came to Marion county, Illinois, and bought land in Patoka township, six hundred acres, mostly government land and unimproved. He was a successful farmer and was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. He was a Democrat and active in politics, and was well known throughout the county. His death occurred April 22, 1883. His widow still lives in Patoka township, on the old home place. She has been a faithful wife and mother, and a woman of beautiful Christian attributes, consequently she enjoys the friendship of a large number of the residents of Marion county. To her and Mr. Livesay thirteen children were born, named in order of birth as follows : William, a druggist, in Iowa ; Lizzie, who is single and living at home with her mother; Berry, is merchant near Odin, Illinois; Hester, who is living in Patoka township; Ransom, a farmer of Patoka township; Marshall, a farmer in Foley, Missouri ; Lydia, deceased, was the wife of Robert Quale; Harvey R., our subject; Allen, deceased; Daniel, a farmer of Patoka township; Clinton, also a farmer in Patoka township; Etta, living in Patoka township; Eddie died when young. These children are fairly well situated in life.

The subject of this sketch received a limited education in the home schools, and he remained at home until he reached the age of twenty-two.

Mr. Livesay was united in marriage in February, 1883, to Mollie Chick, of Foster township, and she was called from her earthly labors in 1895. The subject has five children, all living at home, namely : Howard, Edgar, Virgil, Asa and Mollie.

After his marriage the subject lived in Patoka township for about seven years, when he bought the farm where he now lives in section 29, Foster township. He owns sixty-two and one-half acres in the home place and thirty-eight acres in section 19, also eighty acres in Patoka township, all under a high state of improvement and well cultivated, producing excellent crops from year to year. He raises all kinds of grain and hay, and does a general farming business in a manner that insures success from year to year. He has devoted his life to farming and therefore has mastered all its details, being now recognized as a very careful and systematic worker. He keeps some good stock of all kinds in his fields and barns. He has a comfortable and well furnished dwelling. He has always been a hard working man, and while he has met with some reverses, he has never let discouragement down him, but with renewed courage has set to work again and accomplished definite success. He is a loyal Democrat, and at this writing is ably serving his township as Supervisor. He takes much interest in politics, and is always ready to do his share in promoting any movement looking to the development of his county. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. In his fraternal relations he is a member of the Farmers' Society of Equity, of Indianapolis, Indiana. In this section where he has lived for so many years and mingled with the people in business and politics, no one has ever heard anything derogatory to his honesty.

Jacob J. Reichenbach

One of the influential citizens of Centralia, is the gentleman to whose career the attention of the reader is now directed, who is ranked as one of the city's leading business men, a man of excellent endowments and upright character.

Jacob J. Reichenbach, the well known shoe dealer, was born in St. Louis, Missouri, March 22, 1857, the son of Henry and Anna M. (Apple) Reichenbach, the father having come to this country from Germany in 1856. In his family were seven children, four boys and three girls, our subject being the oldest. The people of Anna M. Apple were also from Germany, having left that country in 1856, first settling in St. Louis, where they remained for two years, later moving to Columbia, Monroe county, Illinois. Henry Reichenbach was a shoemaker by trade, which he followed for some time, then embarked in the tavern business, having successfully managed the Reichenbach House, in Columbia, for many years. He was drafted in the Union army during the Civil war. while living in Monroe county, this state, and enlisted from there in 1862, serving one and one-half years. He was in Libby prison for about two months when he was exchanged. Receiving a thirty days' furlough he returned home, then went back to the ranks and was mustered out at the close of the war at Springfield. After his service in the army he returned to the shoe business, which he followed until 1880; he then keot a tavern and later a saloon. He drew a, pension and his widow, who still survives, also draws a pension as a result of his army record. Henry Reichenbach died in Columbia at the age of sixty-six years.

Jacob J. Reichenbach was educated in the public schools of Columbia, Illinois, where he received a fairly good education. His first work was done in St. Louis, in the shoe business with C. A. Cole & Company, with whom he was connected for a period of two years. He then went into a general store in Columbia, Illinois, at the age of sixteen years, the firm being Reid & Schueler, with whom he remained for three years. He had made a success of his work in both places, but he desired to enter railroad service and studied telegrahy, receiving employment on a railroad when twenty years old. Later he returned to the shoe trade with F. Schindler, of St. Louis, and was connected with him for a period of six years in St. Louis. He then came to Centralia and established the St. Louis Shoe Store for that gentleman, in 1883, remaining with the same and biulding up a fine business until 1895. Then he was with G. L. Pittenger in the grocery department of his store, remaining in the same for two years. He then purchased an interest in the Davis & Pulsifer Shoe Company, which is now the Davis & Reichenbach Shoe Company, located on the corner of Broadway and Locust streets, in this city, which is recognized as one of the most up-to-date shoe stores in this part of the state, and where many customers are constantly to be found, for they always get full value received and are accorded the most courteous treatment. Our subject has been the manager and treasurer of the firm since its inception.

Our subject was united in marriage September 21, 1 88 1, with Ellice Boeringer, daughter of William and Caroline Boeringer, of Hermann, Missouri, she being the third child in order of birth, in a family of seven children, consisting of three boys and four girls.

Nine children, seven of whom are living, have been born to our subject and wife, named as follows : Fred, Pearl, Millie, Etna, J. C, Caroline, Viola. Fred married Rosa Bates, of Centralia, and they have one son. The remaining children are all single and living at home. They have received good common school educations. Millie is one of the teachers in the Centralia public schools in the second grade.

Mr. Reichenbach has always taken a great interest in his county in civic, educational and material lines, and has ever done what he could in furthering the public welfare. He is at this writing serving his fourth term as a member of the local Board of Education. He is a member of the Turner SoiRIXKERHOFFS HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY, ILLINOIS.

Owen Breeze

One of the representative citizens of Centralia, whose friends were limited only by the circle of his acquaintance, and who was regarded by everyone as a useful and conscientious man, always ready to perform his duty in all lines, was the subject of this sketch.

Owen Breeze, whose gentle spirit has passed to the silent land, was born in Orange county, Indiana, November 19, 1818, the son of Robert and Peggie (Copple) Breeze, both natives of Orange county, Indiana. He was a farmer and he came to Jefferson county. Illinois, in 1857, buying a farm. later going to Washington county, this state, where he purchased a farm, afterwards moving to Marion county, where he died. His wife died in Jefferson county, Illinois. They were the parents of fourteen children, only one son, Jonathan, and one daughter, Catherine, are now living. Jonathan lives in Jefferson county, Illinois. Mrs. Catherine Fouts, the daughter, lives in Centralia.

The subject of this sketch had little chance to attend school. He did not even learn to read and write, but by habits of close observation he developed into a splendid business man, and made a success of his life work. He was first married to Margaret Fortner, of Jefferson county, who died in 1873, and he married a second time in March, 1875, to Sarah Ann West, widow of William R. West, who was born April 22, 1834. He was in Company F, Eightieth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, during the Civil war, and he died at Chattanooga, Tennessee. Mrs. Breeze was the daughter of James C. and Margaret (Rainy) Baldridge, the former a native of North Carolina, and the latter of Kentucky. He was nine years old when he came (1820) with his parents to Illinois, who settled in Jefferson county. James C. was the son of Donton Baldridge, who first settled near Walnut Hill, and later got land in Grand Prairie township, Jefferson county. He managed a mill and also owned a large tract of land. Eleven children were born to them.

Four children were born to Mrs. Breeze by her first marriage to William R. West, namely: Andrew, who died young; James A., a farmer in Jefferson county, in Grand Prairie township, who married Effie Copple, to whom one son, Willard, has been born ; Iva died in infancy ; Hattie married Amos Miller, of Jefferson county. They reside in Grand Prairie township, and are the parents of two children, Elsie and L. D.

No children were born to the subject and wife. Mr. Breeze had five children by his first wife, namely : Martha J., widow of Henry West, of Irvington, Illinois; Sidney, who is deceased, was a farmer in Jefferson county; Harriett, who married Joseph Boles, lives in Jefferson county; two children died young.

On December 12, 1861, Mr. Breeze responded to the patriotic feeling which had been dominant in his nature for some time, and enlisted in Company F, Forty-ninth Illinois Volunteer Infantry. He became sergeant and served until April 21, 1863, when he was discharged at White Station, Tennessee. He was sick a great deal of the time he was in the service. He lived the early years of his life in Jefferson county, Illinois, on Walnut Hill Prairie, and later moved to near Irvington, Illinois, where he lived until 1880, when he moved to Centralia. where he lived retired until his death, in January, 1878. He devoted his life to farming, also dealt extensively in stock. He was very successful in each, and was highly respected for his honesty in his relations with his fellow men. Although a strong Republican and interested in the success of his party's principles, he never held -office. Mrs. Breeze has been a faithful member of the Methodist Episcopal church for the past fifty-six years. She is a woman of pleasing manners, and her pleasant home is often the gathering place for her many friends.

Samuel A. Jolliff

The subject of this biographical review is one of the old and honored citizens of Carrigan township, having spent his long and eminently useful life within the borders of Marion county, a life that has been honorable at all times.

Samuel A. Jolliff was born July 8, 1830, at Central City, Marion county, Illinois, the son of James and Elizabeth (Jackson) Jolliff. The father of the subject was born in Kentucky. The subject's paternal grandfather was in the Revolutionary war, having served under Washington until its close. He had seven different discharges from the war department of the United States. The father of the subject came to Central City, this county, October 15, 1829. He learned the miller's trade in Kentucky, and for many years operated a water mill on Crooked creek, Marion county, near Central City, at the old Jolliff bridge. He was County Judge for twelve years in Clinton county, and Justice of the Peace for many years. He was a prominent man in politics in his time. He was a Baptist and liberal minded man. He died in 1876, at his home near the Jolliff bridge. He was the first settler here of this old family. He served in the War of 1812, under command of William Henry Harrison. The subject's mother was born in North Carolina and came to Kentucky when young, where she married James Jolliff. The subject is the only living member of a family of seven children. He received a limited education in the pioneer schools.

Our subject went to California in 1852, during the gold excitement. He has seen a great deal of the world, has been in Panama where the canal is being built, and in numerous places of interest.

gust 12, 1862, in Company G, One Hundred and Eleventh Illinois Infantry, under the command of R. W. Jolliff, his brother, who was captain of that company. After a faithful service he was discharged June 6, 1865, with the rank of sergeant, having taken part in all the important battles of the One Hundred and Eleventh Regiment.

Our subject bought wild land from the Illinois Central Railroad after he returned from the army. It is located in section 6, and he has made all the improvements on the same, and it is one of the choice farms of the township. The county was very thinly settled when the subject came here. He paid the railroad company the first money they ever received from their land. Mr. Jolliff knew the man who built the first house in Centralia, and made the brick for the depot.

Mr. Jolliff was united in marriage on the 25th of December, 1857, to Mary L. Kinyon, and to them four children were born, all of whom are deceased. Mr. Jolliff's second wife was Eliza J. Alexander, by whom two children were born, both deceased. The subject's third wife was Rebecca J. Wisher, whom he married January 2, 1867, and to this union six children were born, namely: Minnie A., born October 21, 1867, married Edwin O'Niel on December 22, 1885, and to whom nine children were born, only four of whom are living, and they reside in Clinton county; Ulysses B. was born May 6, 1869, and married Etta Ward in 1890. They are the parents of five children and are living in McLean county, this state; Chester was married to Mary Smith, December 14, 1892, and they had three children, two of whom are living and one dead ; Bertie, the fourth child, was born June 5, 1875. She is deceased. Winifred B., the fifth child, who was born November 14, 1876, died November 20, 1906; Bertha V., the youngest child, was born January 2, 1880, and died at the age of three years.

The subject's wife is the daughter of Thomas Wisher, who was born January 26, 1820. He was a carpenter and farmer. He married Harriett Horner, who was born in 1818, in Ohio, and who lived in Patoka, this state. The father of Mrs. Jolliff died February 27, 1892, and her mother passed away April 29, 1891.

Mr. Jolliff is a Republican and a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. In business he has been watchful of all details of his work, and of all indications pointing toward prosperity. He has gained success, yet it has not been the only goal to which he is striving, for he belongs to that class of American citizens who promote general prosperity.

Mrs. Caroline E. Cole

The following record is that of one of Marion county's most highly respected and estimable elderly women whose life has been modeled after high ideals, and so lived as not to give offense to those whom it touched.

of John and Anise (Mulkey) Huey, the former a native of North Carolina. Caroline E. was one year old at the time of his death in Clinton county. The mother of the subject was born in Missouri and passed to her rest when our subject was seven years old. Caroline was reared by an uncle, Joseph Huey, a brother of her father, who lived in Clinton county. She received a fairly good education in the early common schools of her native county, and when she was twenty years old she was married on February 19, 1857, to John Cole, a thrifty farmer, and to this union seven children were born, four of whom are living at this writing, namely: Permelia M., who married George Fisher, has three children, one boy and two girls. Mr. Fisher, who was a boiler maker, is now deceased, and his widow lives in Centralia. John T., the subject's second child, married Anna Young and they became the parents of two children, one of whom is deceased, Myrtle M., being the living child ; John T. is a machinist in Centralia, doing scale work; Corda M., who married Clifford Elrod, who is now deceased, leaving Corda M. two children, a son and a daughter ; Harriett Isabel has been a clerk in the local post-office for over ten years; Mrs. Cole has lived in Centralia for over thirty-six years in 1908. She educated all her children in this city and she has become known to a large circle of friends during her long residence here. John Cole, her husband, passed to his rest January 25, 1872. He was one of the gallant soldiers in the Union army from this county, having enlisted in August, 1862, in Company I, One Hundred and Eleventh Illinois Volunteer Infantry, having enlisted in Centralia, and went with Col. James S. Martin, of Salem, and under Capt. Alfred Nichols. He went into camp at Paducah, Kentucky, where he remained three months, and was in service three years, having been discharged in June, 1865. He was in many well contested fights, and was in the grand review in Washington City at the close of the war. He received a pension of twelve dollars per month. He was a Republican in politics. Both he and Mrs. Cole were reared Methodists, and they lived within six miles of each other in their youth. Mrs. Cole's father-in-law, Peter Cole, was a class leader in the Methodist church. He was born in Kentucky, and his wife, Jane (Huston) Cole, was born in the state of New York. Jane Cole died October 10, 1864; at the age of fifty-five years. She was the mother of twelve children, six boys and six girls. John Cole, husband of our subject, was the fourth son in order of birth in the Cole family. The four oldest sons in this family all served in the war of the Rebellion, three were in the Union army and one in the Confederate army. All of them lived to return home in Marion county. They fought on opposite sides at Chancellorsville. The greeting of the home coming of the one was not like that of the other three. In this community it was looked upon as a shame and a disgrace for a member of any family of loyal Northerners to go into the Confederate army.

Mrs. Caroline Cole, our subject, is unusually well preserved for one of her age. She and her daughter live in a neat and comfortable home on South Poplar street, near the post-office, where the daughter is employed. The Cole family bears an excellent reputation wherever its members are known.

Charles S. Huddleston

Dependent very largely upon his own resources from early youth, the subject of this sketch has attained to no insignificant position, and though he has encountered many obstacles, he has pressed steadily on and has won an eminent degree of success, and is today one of the foremost business men in Marion county, being the owner of a large marble and granite works in the thriving city of Centralia.

Charles S. Huddleston was- born near Mt. Auburn, Kentucky, February 27, 1867, the son of George P. and Melinda (Pribble) Huddleston. Grandfather Huddleston was born in Pennsylvania and moved to Kentucky in an early day, where he spent the remainder of his life and where he died. He was a Confederate soldier and died from disease contracted while in the service. His wife died when about fifty-two years old. Their family consisted of nine children. Grandfather Pribble was a native of Pennsylvania, who moved to Illinois in 1882 and died the following year at the age of sixty-five years. His wife died at

The father of our subject remained in Kentucky until he was forty years old, when he moved to Illinois in 1881. He was a soldier in the Eighteenth Kentucky Volunteer Infantry in the Union army. He was wounded and captured at the battle of Richmond, Kentucky, and was discharged on account of the wound, and he carried his arm in a sling for two years as a result of the same, the bone in the shoulder joint having been shattered with a bullet. His wound still gives him much pain and he draws a pension. He now makes his home with our subject. He holds to the faith of the Christian church. The mother of the subject passed to her rest when thirty-four years old, and was buried in the beautiful Mt. Auburn cemetery. She was also a faithful member of the Christian church. George P. Huddleston was a farmer and carpenter in his active life, having devoted twenty years to his trade with marked success. He had a brother, Charles I., who was also a soldier in the Union ranks, having enlisted from Kentucky and served through the war, having been with Sherman on his march to the sea. He came out of the war on a mule which he captured while on a foraging expedition and which he rode in the grand review at Washington. Another brother, John, also enlisted from Kentucky in the Union army, and another brother. Peter, was also in the Union service, having also been with Sherman and served to the end of the war, receiving' an honorable discharge. Lorenzo, another brother, was in the Federal ranks. He died soon after the close of the war.

Charles S. Huddleston, our subject, first attended school in Kentucky, which state he left when fifteen years old and came to Illinois, in which state he went to the public schools for four or five winters. He had to walk nearly three miles each way to school. During this time and until he was twenty years old he worked on the farm, after which he served eleven years as a letterer and carver on marble and granite. After four years he became superintendent of the works, so efficient had his services been. He continued as superintendent for a period of seven years. Then the owner died and Mr. Huddleston was selected to close up the business, which he did in a most satisfactory manner and finally bought the business without the payment of one dollar, all being in time notes, which he paid when clue and had the business clear of. indebtedness. This was in 1901, and he has since conducted the works successfully. It is now the largest works of its character in this locality and is well patronized, yielding1 the owner a handsome income.

Mr. Huddleston was united in marriage in 1891 to Jennie Baldridge, who was born in Irvington, Illinois, the daughter of James and Lydia (Pitchford) Baldridge, a native of Illinois.

born to the subject and wife, namely : Neva, born in 1892, is in her second year in high school in 1908; Ruby was born in 1895, is also in school; Nina, born in 1898. is in school.

In his fraternal relations our subject is a member of the Knights of Pythias, the Woodmen, also a member of the United Commercial Travelers. The subject, wife and two oldest children are members of the Christian church. Mr. Hnddleston is a charter member of the Young Men's Christian Association and still retains his membership in that society, which boasts of the second largest membership in the state. In politics he is a loyal Republican and is now filling his second term as Alderman from the Third ward of Centralia in a most able and praiseworthy manner.

Rev. J. F. Rosborough

Our subjct's life labors have been confined principally to the pulpit, and his name is synonomous with all that constitutes upright and honorable manhood, and he has earned for himself the sincere and honest appreciation of the community at large, and has surrounded himself with a coterie of faithful admirers and friends.

Rev. J. F. Rosborough was born in Gibson county, Indiana, January 5, 1857, tne son of Green and Manesa (Carter) Rosborough. The former was born in Gibson county, Indiana, in 1827, and the latter was born in Posey county, Indiana, in 1830. The parents of both were from Tennessee. On the mother's side the descendants were from the Huguenots. There were ten children in the family of Green and Manesa Rosborough, six boys and four girls, the subject of this sketch having been the eighth in order of birth.

The subject of this sketch was reared on a farm and at the age of eight years came with his parents to Lawrence county, Illinois, where he attended the district schools and worked on his father's farm until he was twenty years old. Thirsting for higher learning he took a course in Merom College, Indiana, where he made a splendid record, and after which he taught school for a number of years in Illinois and Kansas. His services were in constant demand wherever he was known. When thirtythree years old, in 1890, he began the ministry, which has proved to be his true calling, judging from the eminent success he has attained. His first work was begun in Lawrence county, then he preached in Crawford and Richland counties, Illinois, and at this writing, 1908, has been in the ministry for a period of eighteen years. Six years of this time were devoted to the work in Salem. Marion county. He was at Sandoval and Odin, this county, for two years. He has been at Centralia for six years in the Christian church, where his ministry has been very fruitful of good works, as it has ever been, resulting in general good, not alone in his congregation, but to all others. He has always had a deep interest in true reform.

The Christian church of Centralia, of which our subject is pastor, was organized December 31, 1856, with eight members, as follows : Jacob Frazier, Harriett Frazier, Daniel Meyers, James McCartney, Jane Mc- Cartney, Margaret Whitton, Simpson Frazier and Louisa Hawkins. Elder John A. Williams assisted in the organization and served as its first pastor with great success, building up the church. The church in 1857 moved from Central City to Centralia and built a house of worship the same year. In 1866 this house was destroyed by fire. In 1872 the present structure was built. In 1909 a large and imposing house of worship was begun, the cost of which was thirty thousand dollars. It will be one of the handsomest and most commodious in this part of the state when completed, and the new structure has been secured largely through the efforts of Rev. Rosborough.

The following pastors have served this church : J. A. Williams, John Boggs, Silas W. Leonard, George P. Slade, John Ross, Marshall A. Wilcox, Henry Van Duzen, Clark Bradon, W. G. Filler, A. Martin, A. W. Ingram, J. B. Burroughs, Guy Wattens, C. B. Black, C. W. Marlow, S. A. Cook, William Branch, J. H. Smart, Paul H. Castle, J. H. Stoller, G. W. Thomas and J. F. Rosborough, the present pastor. The membership is now four hundred, and the Sundav school has an enrollment of three hundred and sixty, with a home department. Following is the present board of officers of the church: A. Murrie, Watson Jones, T. B. Andrews, D. C. Brown, S. A. Frazier, O. R. Bert, Marshall Thomas, A. Rittinghouse, F. M. Phillips, Riley Davis, Mrs. M. A. Burt, Mrs. D. C. Brown, Mrs. A. Murrie. The church has a flourishing Ladies' Aid Society. It has also a Mission Circle, senior and junior, also Christian Endeavor societies, senior and junior.

Rev. Rosborough's domestic life dates from March 9, 1884, when he was united in marriage with Clara M. Carroll, the refined and cultured daughter of C. F. and S. M. (Crater) Carroll, of New Comerstown, Ohio. Six children have been born to the subject and wife, named in order of birth as follows: O. A., who married Harriett Brown, of Centralia, this county, now of Chicago; Wilfred H., Mary, Paul A., Jennie A., James McLean. All these children are, except the first named, living at home, having received good educations in the public schools and all giving much promise of bright futures. Our subject and wife are popular among a large circle of friends in Centralia, and their home is often the gathering place for numerous admirers.