Marion County, Illinois - The whole text, 1909 (part 24 of 27)

John W. Hatch

John W. Hatch was born in Lawrence county, Ohio, December 19, 1836, the son of Thomas H. and Katherine /Kehoe) Hatch, the former having been born in Bethlehem, New Hampshire, in 1797. He came to Ohio with his parents when nine years old, having driven all the way across the mountains in wagons. There was no mail at that time and the country was wild. He settled at Wheelersburg. The father of the subject was engaged in the salt business for quite awhile in his younger days, after which he farmed for some time and then went into the furnace business, making pig iron, most of which was shipped to Pittsburg. He was living a retired life near Portsmouth, Ohio, at the time of his death in 1864. He was a money maker and a prominent man in his day. He was one of four children and received a common school education, belonged to the Methodist Episcopal church and was a Democrat. The mother of the subject was born in Winchester, Virginia, in 1795. She came to Wheeling and then to Portsmouth, Ohio, with her parents. Her people were very prominent. Her father was a highly educated man for those times. One of her nephews on her side of the house is now president of a bank in Portsmouth, Ohio. The father of the subject married his first wife about 1835. To them the following children were born: Samuel G., who settled east of Vernon, Illinois, in 1861, and died in

1899. His wife is also deceased. Two children were born to them, one son living in Oklahoma, and the daughter lives near Vernon, Illinois. Ruby G., the second child of the subject's parents, was sixty-six years old at the time of her death. She married John H. Barrett, who is also deceased. They were the parents of four sons and one daughter. John W., our subject, was the third child in order of birth. Several of their children died in infancy.

John W. Hatch was educated in the common schools of Portsmouth, but he received a large part of his education from an Englishman who taught school in Portsmouth for sixteen consecutive years, being a graduate from Oxford College in England.

Mr. Hatch came to Marion county, Illinois, when twenty-eight years old for the purpose of engaging in farming and stock raising. For many years he has been prominent in these lines, buying and shipping much live stock, becoming widely known as a stockman on an extensive scale, and his success has been uniform. Mr. Hatch taught school for two years in a most acceptable manner after coming to this county. He also engaged in the mercantile business near Portsmouth, Ohio, and in Ten - nessee for some time before his first marriage. He was successful as a merchant and had a good trade wherever he launched in this line of business. Since coming to Marion county he has spent the major part of his time farming and stock raising, as already indicated, and for many years was a very busy man. He was always considered an excellent judge of live stock and his deals were usually successful. He is now living in retirement, having acquired a liberal competency to insure a comfortr.ble old age.

Mr. Hatch is the owner of seven hundred acres of land, on which he has made all the improvements, transforming it from its primitive state to one of the model farms of the county. Everything about the place shows thrift and prosperity, a large, substantial and comfortable dwelling, a good system of fencing and everything up to date, all due to the good management and excellent judgment of the owner. His land is located in sections 6, 7, 8 and 18. Although the subject has been a hard working man all his life, he is well preserved and is hale and hearty for one of his age and has a clear business mind. He makes his home in Patoka, where he is surrounded by everything to make life pleasant, his dwelling being nicely furnished and stocked with numerous good books, which the subject delights to read, being interested in good literature of all kinds. He is a well educated and wiely read man and a very instructive and interesting conversationalist.

Mr. Hatch was first married December n, 1862, to Flora Hayward, who was born in Scioto county, Ohio, and to this happy union the following children were born : Floyd E., who is thirty-eight years old in 1908. He lives west of Vernon. He married Clara Nicols, of Patoka, and to them two children have been born. Frank H., the subject's second child, is thirty-one years old and lives west of Vernon. He

The subject's second wife was Julia V. Hull, whom he married February 5, 1901. She was the widow of Capt. H. D. Hull and the daughter of Ephraim and Julia (Black) Martin. She was born in Kentucky and came to Illinois when nine years old. She had six brothers in the Union army and one in the Confederate army. Her family located in Olney, this state.

Our subject is a Republican in his political relations and has held several of the township offices by appointment, but he has never aspired for political office. However, he has always given his best efforts to the enactment of the duties imposed upon him.

Daniel Kugler

A "fragrant weed" in the form of a good cigar has made itself indispensable to many a man. The cigar smoker today in a cigarless world would cut a sorry figure. He would look in vain for something to soothe his troubled mind, for something as an aid to thought and contemplation ; and in his solitary moments he would feel miserable indeed. And so, the cigar manufacturer has become a factor of importance, and cigar making has become one of our foremost industries, employing many hands.

He was born on May 2, 1847, the son of Jacob and Philipina (Hollinger) Kugler, both of Armweiler, Bavaria, the town where our subject was also born. His father was a skilled painter with a creditable record for turning out fine workmanship. He was married three times ; first to the mother of our subject, who bore her husband five children. They were : Jacob, who has been a painter for sixteen years with the Anheuser-Busch Brewing Company, St. Louis, Missouri ; Daniel, the subject of our sketch. Fred, a painter by trade, now in the creamery business in Wachenheim, Bavaria. The other children were Caroline and Simon, now both deceased.

Daniel Kugler received a common school education in the common schools of Bavaria, and at the age of thirteen started to learn the painter's trade with his father and others. In 1865, he came alone to America, and, having remained several months in New York City, went to Henderson, Kentucky. In 1866 he arrived in Centralia, Illinois, and took up the painting business for a time with a local firm. He then started in to learn the cigar making industry with Henry Stuck, with whom he remained for four years, after which he went to Chicago, St. Louis, Missouri, and New Orleans. He then once more returned to Centralia, where he has since resided. He was first located in South Chestnut street, for twenty-six years afterwards he located on Locust street, and in 1902 he opened his present business place at No. 500 South Locust street, on property bought in 1885. He has a fine residence in connection with his business place, and also owns some choice real estate and dwellings in Centralia.

In 1873 his first marriage took place. In April of that year he married Christiana Hirsch, of Cronberg, Germany, and after a successful and happy domestic life she died in 1904. He remarried on November 16, 1906, Sofia Bollier, the widow of Fritz Bollier, of Switzerland, whose death occurred in 1896. Sofia Bollier's maiden name was Pfenninger. She was born in Horgen, Canton of Zurich, Switerland, and came to America in 1878. Her mother and her sister, Julia Tepsin, who owns a dry-goods store, live at Altamont, Illinois. Her brother, Werner, is a farmer and lives near Edgewood, Illinois. Her brother Walter is a farmer at Harmony, Pawnee county, Kansas. Julius, another brother of Mrs. Kugler, is a machinist at St. Louis, Missouri.

Daniel Kugler has one son by his first wife named Daniel, who lived the greater part of his life in Centralia, Illinois. He is a first class jeweler and a musician of note. He now resides at San Bernardino, California. He is married to Lydia Kist, of Vermont, Fulton county, Illinois.

As a business man and as a cigar maker, Daniel Kugler is widely known as the maker of first class brands of cigars. He is a master in his line of business and is a strenuous believer in turning out goods of the best quality, and of giving satisfaction to his patrons.

In social affairs he has that marked characteristic of his countrymen highly developed in him, being a genial spirit in any gathering he graces with his presence. He is a popular member of the Turnverein of Centralia, and has been a member of the Knights of Honor for twenty years, being for twenty years its treasurer. His wife is also prominent in social work, and is an influential member of the local German-American society.

Daniel Kugler, although starting in life with no other asset than his own resources, is now in an assured position of prosperity. His progress has been due solely to his own natural qualities which sharpened by contact with the everyday world of business, have placed him where he can enjoy the later years of his life.

Frank F. Noleman

One of the central figures of the Southern Illinois bar is the gentleman to a review of whose career the attention of the reader is called in the following paragraphs. Prominent in legal circles and equally so in public matters, with a reputation in one of the most exacting of professions that has won him a name for distinguished service second to none of his contemporaries. There is today no more highly respected man in Marion county, which he has long dignified by his citizenship, his name for years having been allied with the legal institutions, public enterprises and political in- terests of this locality in such a way as to earn him recognition as one of the representative citizens of a community noted for the high order of its talent.

Frank F. Noleman is a native of Centralia, Illinois,' where he has spent practically all his life, having been born here, July 2, 1868, the son of Robert D. and Anna M. (White) Noleman, the former a native of West Union, Adams county, Ohio, where his birth occurred on December 29, 1816. He was the son of Richard and Margaret Noleman, people of much sterling worth and pioneers of Ohio. Richard Noleman's father was likewise named Richard. He was a native of Maryland, settled in Pennsylvania in 1787, buying four hundred acres of land in Bedford county, but while yet a young man removed to Ohio, where he continued farming on an extensive scale for those early days and became a man of much influence in his vicinity. In 1840 Richard Noleman, the father of Robert, moved his family from Adams county, Ohio, to Grand Prairie township, Jefferson county, Illinois, where he secured a large tract of land, and, after establishing a new home, died there in 1843, leaving his faithful wife and Robert D., his oldest son, to take charge of the family.

Robert Dobbins, the subject's maternal great-grandfather, was a well known Methodist minister and circuit rider in the early days in Ohio, and he was a member of the Legislature from Greene county, Ohio, for several years ; he was a fine type of Scotch- Irish lineage.

Robert D. Noleman, the subject's father, returned to Ohio in 1844, and purchased the first steam sawmill brought to this section of the state. The task of bringing it to this state was a most difficult one, the apparatus having been loaded on flatboats, which bore it down the Ohio river as far as Shawneetown, Illinois, where it was placed on wagons. These were drawn by ox teams, about one hundred miles across country to Jefferson county, where it was soon in operation, Mr. Noleman engaging in the lumber business, also trading, in connection with the management of the home place. He moved to Centralia in 1858 and owned one of the first lumber yards in the city, and was eminently successful in this line of business. Soon after the breaking out of the Civil war he turned his attention from his business affairs for a time for the purpose of organizing a company of cavalrymen, which was accomplished June 24, 1 86 1. He furnished most of the horses for the army boys in this county. For his services in raising Company H of the First Illinois Cavalry, Robert D. Noleman was elected captain, the company offering its services for a period of twelve months, at the end of which time his company was mustered out and Captain Noleman returned to Centralia. In recognition of his praiseworthy services in behalf of the Union, Captain Noleman was appointed postmaster of Centralia in 1861 by President Abraham Lincoln, and ably discharged the duties of the same. In 1863 he was appointed Internal Revenue Collector of the Eleventh

Robert D. Noleman was one of the principal organizers of the First National Bank of Centralia in 1865, now known as the Old National Bank, of which he continued to be a stockholder and director until his death, March 30, 1883. He also assisted in organizing the first gas company, the first company for the purpose of mining coal in this vicinity, the first nail mill, also the old fair association, having been a stockholder and director in each of the above named companies. Governor Beveridge appointed Captain Noleman Commissioner of the Illinois state prison at Joliet, which position he filled with entire satisfaction for four years. He was held in high esteem by all who knew him and was recognized as a man of superior ability, always discharging his duties with fidelity and industry.

r:-irah A. Jennings, the first wife of Robert D. Noleman, was the daughter of Charles W. Jennings, of Marion county, Illinois. Her wedding with Mr. Noleman was solemnized in 1847, and she was called to her rest in 1859, leaving one son and two daughters, namely: Walter A., who resides in Springfield, Missouri ; M. Irene is the wife of Judge S. L. Dwight, of Centralia; Ida M. married Berthold Haussler (deceased), formerly a prominent business man of Centralia.

Anna M. White, the second wife of Robert D. Noleman, whom he married in 1863, and the mother of our subject, was a native of the state of New York, a sister of Dr. James White, a well known physician of that state and of Irish parentage. To Robert D. Noleman and his second wife were born our, subject and one daughter, Sadie A., the wife of O. L. McMurry, head of the manual training department of the Cook County (Illinois) Normal.

With such noble ancestry as our subject can claim, it is not surprising that by reason of inherited praiseworthy characteristics he has achieved distinction in his chosen line of endeavor. Frank F. Noleman received his education in the Centralia public and high schools, but being actuated by a laudable ambition to acquire a higher education, he took a course at McKendree College, in which he made an excellent record. He early evinced a desire to study law, which he began in the firm of Casey & - Dwight, of Centralia. Having made rapid progress, he was admitted to the bar of Illinois in 1889 to practice in all its courts. His success has been all that he could desire, for he has always stood high in his profession. No one knows better than he the necessity of thorough preparation for the trial of cases, and no one more industriously applies himself to meet the issues than he. Though of a somewhat ardent temperament, he is always master of himself in the trial of cases, being uniformly courteous and deferential toward the court, and kind and forebearing to his adversaries, and he is regarded by everyone as standing in the front rank of his profession in this part of the state.

Mr. Noleman's domestic life dates from 1894, when he was united in marriage with Margaret Schincller, the accomplished and refined daughter of Fredolin and Mollie (Le- Graen) Schindler, whose family consisted of three children, Margaret having been the youngest and the only daughter. Mr. Schindler is a prominent shoe merchant of Centralia. After a singularly harmonious married life of eight years, Mrs. Noleman was called to her rest on August 13, 1902, leaving one daughter, a winsome little girl, named Irene Elise.

Notwithstanding the fact that the law has claimed the major part of Mr. Noleman's time, he has devoted considerable attention to other business affairs, and has been conspicuously successful. He is a director of the Old National Bank, of Centralia. He assisted in the organization of the Centralia Envelope Company, of which he is a director; also took part in the organization of the Marion County Coal Company, of which he is secretary. He is also a director of the Home Building and Loan Association.

In his fraternal relations the subject belongs to the Masonic orders in Centralia, consisting of the Blue Lodge, Chapter and the Commandery. He also belongs to the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.

Having long taken considerable interest in local political affairs, supporting the principles of the Republican party, Mr. Noleman has been called upon to serve in various positions of public trust, among which are those of City Attorney and City

Clerk, and he has served as director of the Public Library Board for several years, being also the treasurer of the same at this writing (1909). He was partly instrumental in securing the commodious library building, the gift of Andrew Carnegie, for Centralia.

George R. Knight

The subject of this sketch enjoys distinctive prestige among the enterprising business men of Centralia and Marion county, having fought his way onward and upwar in the face of obstacles until he has earned the right to be called one of the progressive men in industrial circles, winning a position among the earnest men whose depth of character and strict adherence to principle excite the admiration of his contemporaries.

George R. Knight, who has built up the Centralia Book, Stationery and Printing Company until it ranks with the leading institutions of its kind throughout the southern part of Illinois, is a scion of sterling pioneer citizens of the southern part of this state, who played well their parts in the formative period of the same, and he has inherited many of their commendable traits of character. He was bom in Fayette county, Illinois, April 9, 1872, the son of John and Louisa (Thoman) Knight, the former having been born in this state in the month of September, 1840. The paternal grandparents of the subject were among the early settlers in this locality, as already indicated. John Knight, father of the subject, a man of considerable influence in his community, faithfully served in the Union army for four years and three months, having been a member of Company F, Seventh Illinois Cavalry, receiving an honorable discharge at the close of the war. He is now living in Vernon, Marion county. Louise Thoman, the subject's mother, a native of Germany, came to America with her parents at an early age. She and John Knight were married in Fayette county, Illinois, about 1866. Their family consisted of six children, two boys and four girls, George R., our subject, who was the third child in order of birth, remained a member of the family circle until he was sixteen years old, having first attended the county schools east of the village of Vernon and later went to school in Vernon.

Mr. Knight's business career began at the period indicated above when he went to work for the Centralia Sentinel Printing Company, with which he remained for a period of twelve years, during which time he mastered the art of printing. Deciding then to start in business for himself, he opened a printing establishment in the city of Centralia under the firm name of Knight & Panuska, the firm continuing successfully for three years, when Mr. Knight bought the interest of his partner and conducted the same for one year, when he sold out to C. R. Davis. Mr. Knight then made a trip to the West and Northwest, covering a period of seven months, after which he returned to Centralia and opened the concern with which he is still identified. The organizers of this company were George R. Knight, Frank Clark and Will Severns, which so continued until 1908, when George R. Knight and his brother, J. O. Knight, bought the interest of the other two members of the firm, and it is now conducted by the Knight brothers, under the firm name of the Centralia Book, Stationery and Printing Company, their modern, well equipped and extensive plant being located on Broadway and Locust streets, facing on Broadway. It is always a very busy place and is liberally patronized, first class work being turned out with rapidity and accuracy, the most up-to-date machinery being used and only skilled artisans employed. Their book store is the largest and most tastefully arranged of any in the state south of Decatur, and they are doing a flourishing business in every department, their trade extending to all parts of the country and is rapidly growing, for their store is equipped throughout with everything in the line of stationery that the public demands. The proprietors have acted on the principle that the best is none too good for their customers, accordingly they have from the beginning handled nothing but the highest quality of goods, and this, too, on a scale which enables them to sell at the lowest possible prices, and to compete successfully with the large houses of the commercial centers. The courteous and kindly treatment accorded customers and their uniformly friendly relations with the public have contributed not a little to the large and growing business which the firm now commands. Thus with the support of the people of Centralia, coupled with the honest, straightforward policy ever pursued, and the sparing of no expense or pains in meeting the demands of their patrons, giving the people confidence in their rectitude and honorable dealing and earning for our subject and his firm a high place in the commercial world.

In his fraternal relations George R. Knight is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Queen City Lodge No. 79; also the Knights of Pythias, Helmet Lodge No. 26; Red Men, Talequah, No. 179; Encampment and Rebekahs, all of Centralia, and he takes much interest in lodge work.

In political affairs Mr. Knight is a Republican, and he has long taken an abiding interest in local and national politics. Reared a Methodist, to which denomination his parents belonged, he liberally contributes to the support of the same.

Charles V. Burt

The record of the gentleman whose name introduces this sketch is that of a man who by his own unaided efforts has worked his way from a modest beginning to a position of influence and comparative prosperity in his community while yet young in life. Throughout his career he has maintained the most creditable standards of personal and business integrity, and without putting forth any efforts to the end of attaining popularity he has achieved it in a local way by the manner in which he transacts the everyday affairs of a busy man. His life has always been one of unceasing industry and perseverance and the systematic and honorable methods which he has followed have won him the unbounded confidence of his fellow men.

Charles V. Burt was born in Marion county, Illinois, twelve miles east of Centralia, October 25, 1876, the son of Addison and Margaret A. (Morrison) Burt. The father of our subject was born in Indiana, January 3, 1852, and after attending the home schools until he was about fifteen years old, went to Wisconsin with his parents, and about a year later came to Illinois and located on a farm in Marion county, where he resided until 1885, when he moved to Macon county, this state, his death occurring there in 1886. A Republican in politics and a man of excellent repute, he was highly respected by all who knew him. Luther Burt, grandfather of the subject, came from Pennsylvania in an early day. having been born in Washington county, that state, where he grew to manhood, and when the Civil war broke out enlisted in Company F, One Hundred and Forty-seventy Indiana Volunteer Infantry, serving through the war as a private. He moved to Wisconsin in 1866, then to Illinois in 1867, locating in Marion county, removing to Macon county, this state, in 1881. where he now lives. On August 2, 1852, he was united in marriage with Violet Swain, who was born in Preble county, Ohio, and she is still living. Mr. and Mrs. Luther Burt are the parents of ten children, five boys and an equal number of girls.

Mrs. Harriett Morrison, maternal grandmother of the subject, who was born near Walnut Hill, Jefferson county, Illinois, and who is a sister of Squire Andrews, of Centralia, is still living in Marion county and is enjoying good health for one of her advanced age. After the marriage of the subject's maternal grandparents they moved to Little Prairie, where Mr. Morrison died. They were known for many years throughout the community where they resided for the excellent qtfality of sorghum molasses they made, and were largely patronized by the farmers for miles around. No towns were in the county at that time and all goods used in the county were hauled from St. Louis, to which city local products were placed on the market, usually in exchange for goods, provisions, etc. Most of the teaming was done with oxen. The subject's mother was born twelve miles east of Centralia, June 23, 1857, and lived at the old home until she married in 1876, then she moved to a farm on Romine Prairie, seven miles south of Salem in Raccoon township. She now lives with our subject most of the time. Mr. and Mrs. Addison Burt were the parents of four children, three boys and one girl, namely: Charles V., our subject; Frank Le Clare, deceased; Esther D. is married ; Roy C. is also married.

Our subject was about nine years old at the time of his father's death. He remained at home during his boyhood days, attending school in four different places, working in the meantime on the farm during the summer months, which work he continued until his mother moved to Kell, Illinois, where she conducted a hotel. Here Charles V. managed a livery barn with much success for a period of four years, after which he moved to Centralia and worked in the envelope factory for one year, then secured employment at the South Mines for eighteen months ; but, not satisfied with his work, he decided to become a merchant and accordingly went to work in a grocery store as clerk, which position he filled with entire satisfaction to his employer. Finding it to his advantage to give up the grocery business on account of a better opportunity opening up in another direction, Mr. Burt accordingly formed the firm of Burge & Burt, dealing in real estate, farms and city property, their business having been large from the first and has steadily increased, having been so conducted as to gain the confidence of the many patrons of the firm throughout this locality. An extensive business is also carried on in fire insurance,, city and farm, also accident and health insurance.

The happy domestic life of Charles V. Burt began May 31, 1900, when he was united in marriage with Estella Stonecipher. daughter of Hiram and Dorcas Stonecipher, of near Kell, Illinois. Mr. Stonecipher is one of the substantial agriculturists of that

Mr. and Mrs. Burt are the parents of three children, Wandah V., born April 3, 1902; Thaddeus L., who was born October 17. 1903, and one died in infancy, all having been born in the city of Centralia. where the subject has a comfortable and nicely furnished home, where their many friends often gather.

Our subject is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America and is in the team work of the lodge. No. 397, of Centralia. In his political relations he supports the principles of the Republican party, and he and his estimable wife are both members of the Christian church.

June C. Smith

There is no profession more exacting and trying than that of the law, and those who achieve a conspicuous place in this field are men of superior mettle, consequently the fact that the subject of this sketch has made a brilliant record as an attorney-at-law while yet a young man speaks well of his innate ability as well as his properly trained mind and personal attributes.

June C. Smith, one of the most popular of the younger generation of lawyers in Marion county, was born in Irvington, Washington county, Illinois, March 24. 1876, the son of Isaac C. and Alma C.

(Maxey) Smith. The subject's father, who was of Scotch-Irish descent, died in December, 1875, before June was born. Miller Smith, the grandfather of our subject, was one of the pioneer settlers of Walnut Hill and for many years he conducted a general store there, spending the last years of his life in that place and dying there. He had seven sons and three sons-in-law in the Union army, all of whom came out unscathed. Isaac C. Smith enlisted in Company H, Eightieth Illinois Volunteer -Infantry, a regiment organized at Salem, with James Cunningham of that place as colonel and John R. Cunningham, now of Dix, Illinois, as captain. According to Civil war history, this company was in more engagements than any other, having taken part in forty-five battles and skirmishes, among which were the great engagements of Gettysburg and Lookout Mountain, also in Sherman's march to the sea. Our subject carries a watch-charm he prizes very highly, for it was made of laurel wood by his father in 1863 at Lookout Mountain, the memento being from a deceased soldier - his father, whom he never saw. The mother of our subject, now Mrs. Alma C. Watts, is still living in Tonti township on a farm, four miles north of Salem, Illinois. When he was only a boy June's mother and grandfather Maxey moved with him from Clinton county, Illinois, to the state of Washington, where he attended school in the country for about three months in the year. School privileges at that time were very limited.

He spent his time working on a ranch until 1886, when he came to Marion county, Illinois, and labored on a farm in Raccoon township in the Bundyville neighborhood and attended school at Bundyville until he was seventeen years old. The following year he went to school one year at Walnut Hill. He continued to farm until 1898, when he took a two years' course in the Southern Normal University at Huntington, Tennessee, from which school he graduated with high honors from the classic and law courses, receiving the degrees of Bachelor of Art and Bachelor of Laws. In the meantime he read law with McCall & Mc- Call, of the same city. J. C. R. McCall is in 1908, the Judge of the Federal Court for the Western District of Tennessee.

With a desire to be fully equipped for his life 'work, he attended the Northern Illinois College of Law, at Dixon, taking a postgraduate course. Mr. Smith said it then became necessary for him to replenish his somewhat depleted exchequer, which he did by returning to the farm for a short period.

Mr. Smith was happily married on September 30, 1900, to Metta A. Bates, daughter of Francis M. and Mary A. (Martin) Bates, both pioneer settlers of Jefferson county, Illinois, having come to t'nis state from Tennessee. The subject's wife's mother was born in Shelbyville, Bedford county, Tennessee, and came to Illinois when ten years old. Metta (Bates) Smith is the third from the youngest of a family of fourteen children. Her education was received at Walnut Hill, in the district schools. One

Immediately after his marriage Mr. Smith and his wife went to Tennessee, where he at once began the practice of law, but he finally returned to Illinois. He was admitted to the bar in this state April 6, 1904, and has been practicing continuously in Centralia ever since. He was successful from the first, and at present enjoys a liberal patronage throughout the county, being a tireless worker and cool and calculating, unerring and painstaking in his legal work of whatever nature.

In August, 1904, Mr. Smith was nominated on the Republican ticket for State's Attorney of Marion county, and was subsequently elected the following November, being the first State's Attorney to be elected by the Republicans in this county for twenty years, and the second one ever elected in Marion county. This speaks well for his high standing here. He certainly deserves a world of credit for what he has accomplished, being practically a self-made man. He was left fatherless to struggle for an education as best he could, and to obtain unaided a place in the great business world. His success stands for that type of energy, pluck and perseverance that go to make nerve and the brawn of the nation's great men. While in college he worked at carpentry in order to pay his board and room rent.

Dramatic Order of Knights of Khorasson, all of Centralia. He was reared in the Methodist faith, and he and his family attend that church. He is now the junior member of the well known law firm of Noleman & Smith, of Centralia, who enjoy one of the largest practices in Southern Illinois. Because of his genuine worth, his integrity and pleasing address, he is held in high favor by all who know him, and his many friends predict a future replete with honor and success for him.

Harry M. Warner

Harry M. Warner, president of the old National Bank, of Centralia, Illinois, was born October 24, 1864, the son of S. M. and C. E. (Aldrich) Warner, being the oldest of two children. The Warner family has long been well known in Marion county.

Our subject grew up in Centralia. where he was born, and received his early educational training in the local schools and the University at Bloomington, which he attended for one year, obtaining a very good and serviceable education which has later been supplemented by general reading and actual experience with the business world.

When he reached maturity, Mr. Warner was united in marriage with Lillian A. Hobbs, of Dubuque, Iowa, the daughter of Charles and Nancy J. Hobbs, she being the youngest of a family of six children. The date of the ceremony which made Mr. and

Mrs. Warner one, was September 19, 1888. Four children have been born to the subject and wife as follows: Rollin A., born in 1891 ; Emily L., born in 1894; Mildred K., whose date of birth occurred in 1896; Virginia J., who first saw the light of day in 1903.

Our subject began his business career with the Centralia Mining and Manufacturing Company, with which he remained for a period of eighteen years, giving the firm satisfactory service in every respect.

For the past eleven years, dating from 1897, Mr. Warner has been president of the old National Bank at Centralia, one of the soundest banking institutions in the state, whose numerous patrons would indicate the explicit faith they have in its management.

In his political affiliatons Mr. Warner is a Republican, and his support can always be depended upon in furthering the interests of Marion county, whether in a political, educational or moral way. He affiliates with the Episcopal church. He has numerous business interests besides his bank, and his home is modern, comfortable and well furnished, where Mr. and Mrs. Warner are often hosts to fneir friends, who are many and loyal, owing to their creditable standing in Centralia.

D. S. Petrie

extensive business, having been a good manager, which has resulted in definite success, due entirely to his own efforts, which are always directed along honorable lines.

D. S. Petrie was born in Clinton county, Illinois, August 7, 1862, the son of A. J. L. and Mary F. (Sharp) Petrie, the former having been born in North Carolina in 1828, and the latter near Belleville, St. Clair county, Illinois, in 1839. There were eight children in this family, of which our subject is t'ne second in order of birth.

The subject of our sketch grew to manhood in Brookside township, Clinton county, and received his education in the country schools. He was reared on a farm, and he left school when seventeen years old, and worked on his father's farm until he was twenty-three years of age, at which time he was married to Mary F. Holly, daughter of T. J. M. and Mary J. (Boatwright) Holly, both daughter and mother having been born in Washington county, Illinois. T. J. M. Holly was born in Alabama. The wife of our subject received her education in the common schools of Washington county, this state. To D. S. Petrie and wife one child was born, named J. Nelson, whose date of birth occurred June 21, 1889. He became an apt student at an early age and graduated from the Centralia high school, and he is at this writing attending the University at Champaign, this state, taking a special course in electrical engineering, in which he is making a brilliant record, and he gives every promise of a successful future in this line of work. J

Our subject took a liking for the carpenter's trade, and is doing the work of a general mechanic while working on his father's farm. He did many fine pieces of work in order to show his natural skill and ability. He became a contractor and successfully carried on this work for several years while living in Brookside, having built for himself on his farm a very neat and comfortable dwelling. He learned his trade from various sources and with a number of carpenters, and with much personal study in architectural plans and drawings. His unusually strong body and mind and his genial nature, give hjm an easily approachable demeanor, all of which gives him great ' success in his work.

He guarantees entire satisfaction in all his building, and no complaints are ever heard after he has finished a job, for no better or conscientious workman could be found than Mr. Petrie. He has a commodious and modern home and shop at No. 620 South Pine street, where he prepares for all kinds of contracts, work on houses, barns and general construction work from the foundation to the finished product. Everyone who has had occasion to know anything of his work speaks very flatteringly of his skillful workmanship and his honorable and square dealing.

While in Brookfield our subject filled the office of Constable for four years and School Director for two terms. In politics he is a Republican.

Mr. Petrie has been thrifty and he owns five houses and several lots in Centralia, all of which he has acquired by hard and honest toil. He is a strong man of unusual energy and consequently accomplishes more than the average man. He believes in a square deal for every man, and he is very liberal in his views of all public matters. He has a beautiful home in which he takes a great pride, being a devoted husband and kind father.

Henry Heser

Henry Heser, a well known engineer on the Illinois Central Railroad, of Centralia, Marion count}-, is a respected citizen and a man who is blessed with a large circle of friends. He has made his way in life with credit to himself and has always possessed the virtues of self-reliance and independence. He comes of German- American parentage and has inherited and developed to a marked degree the- best qualities of both races. He is now in his thirty-fourth year and, notwithstanding his long and arduous railroad life, he is still a splendid specimen of masculinity. His domestic relations have always been of a serene and happy character and he is now in a position to enjoy the fruits of his years of endeavor.

Belleville, Illinois, on the second of September, 1874, the son of Charles and Lizzie (Heherer) Heser. Charles Heser was born in Germany, in 1848, and came to the United States from a European port in a sailing vessel at the age of twenty-one. The voyage across the broad stretch of Atlantic Ocean occupied during his trip some fifty-two days. On landing in this country he worked for some years in New York state as a moulder and carpenter. His mother was born in St. Clair county, Illinois, in 1848. Six children were born to them, of whom four are living and two are dead.

Henry Heser was the second eldest member of his family and was reared in Centralia and his educational training was imparted to him in the township schools. In 1890 he started in to learn the carpenter trade in the car shops of the Illinois Central and continued at that occupation for eight years. Then he changed to firing engines and worked in that way for three and a half years, until 1900. when he became an engineer on the road between Centralia and Cairo.

Henry Heser has a comfortable home at 102 1 South Poplar street. Centralia. He married, on May 10, 1899. Fanny Haug, daughter of Abraham and Julia (Daubs) Haug. Eight children were born to her parents, she being one of twin sisters. She was born at Huey, Illinois, and was educated there. Abraham Haug was a blacksmith by trade. He was born in Germany and came to this country at the age of twenty. Mother Haug was born in Shavvneetown. Illinois.

To Mr. and Mrs. Henry Heser four children have been born, namely: Henry Heser, Jr., bom July 19, 1900; Frida M., born June 2, 1902; Carl, born February 21, 1904; Elizabeth Nellie Heser, born March 20, 1907.

Our subject belongs to the Auxiliary Engineers G. I. A., of Centralia, and the Henry Lodges of the B. & L. E. He also belongs to the Knights of Pythias Lodge. He is a Republican in politics and was reared a member of the German Lutheran church, while his wife belonged to the Methodist Episcopal faith. Henry Heser and his wife are well liked and respected and have a large and sincere circle of friends.

Emile R. Lederman

The subject of our sketch is one of the gifted men from Europe who have placed their musical talents at our disposal, having come to us from a musical land - picturesque Switzerland - famed for its (Tyrolean) ballads and yoddeling songs. He was born in Berne, the capital of Switzerland, en April 6, 1859, and was the son of Frederick and Anna M. Lederman, both natives of Switzerland. The family consisted of three, boys of whom Emile R. was the youngest.

Mr. Lederman received a liberal and substantial education in his native city of Berne, attending first the elementary schools and passing in the usual course of the academic schools, the highest in the republic. From his youth he evinced a passion for music, accentuated, no doubt, by his natural surroundings, and his musical "bent" soon took a practical trend, as both his parents were accomplished musicians. He was sent to the Berne Musical Conservatory where he applied his talents strenuously, putting more than usual concentration into his studies. He studied under the noted professors Methfessel R. Weber and C. Munzinger and graduated with distinction in the regular order. His mother died in 1874, and in the next year, accompanied by his father, he bade good-bye to the scenes of his youth and sailed for America in August of 1875. Arriving in New York City, they went direct to St. Louis, Missouri, where they remained one year, where Emiel R. taught music.

In September of 1876, Mr. Lederman began in all earnestness his musical career in classes and individual tuition. His teaching points were : Lebanon. Trenton, St. Louis and in Carlyle, Illinois. He continued this work for eight years, organizing in each city musical societies, bands and forming choruses.

In 1884 he came to Centralia and at once entered upon active and aggressive work. He organized a large German male chorus class and an English one, each of which he conducted for ten years. He was also conductor of the Centralia Philharmonic Society. During this time his private tuition work, piano, violin, and voice culture, was even more successful. For twenty-two years he held the position of organist of the Baptist church. Recently for two years he has been

On December 20, 1899, Mr. Lederman led to the marriage altar Harriett Adamson, the accomplished daughter of J. E. and Anna M. Adamson, of Scranton, Pa. Their family consists of one son, Emile Telle Lederman. born July 17, 1901.

Air. Lederman is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and of the Ben Hur Lodge, and is a well versed man in fraternal work. In politics he is of liberal sympathies.

Mr. Lederman's success in the profession which he has followed is in no small measure due to his genial and kindly disposition, his personality seeming to radiate good fellowship. He is an especial favorite with the younger people of the comunity, many hundreds of whom he has taught. He leads a most active life, every moment of his working day being occupied with work in chorus and individual teaching in his studio on Broadway, situated over the Hartman Department store.

Chauncey House

The great Empire state has furnished many sturdy sons who have come into the West and been potent factors in promulgating its civilization. Among this number is the gentleman whose name appears above, whose long and useful career has been one of honor.

Chauncy House was born in Holley, Orleans county, New York, July 29, 1828, the son of Joseph and Abigail (Southwick) House, the latter the daughter of Samuel Southwick. Joseph House was born in Herkimer county. New York. He was a fanner and a physician, having practiced medicine for many years. He died at the age of seventy-one. He came to Illinois in 1846, and went to Chicago, where he practiced medicine for three years, after which he went to Rockford, where he was engaged in practice for two years, then he settled in Marengo, McHenry county, Illinois, in which county his death occurred. He was the father of five children, two boys and three girls, Chauncey House, our subject, being the second in order of birth. The maternal grandmother of the subject died while Abigail, the subject's mother, was an infant, and she was reared by the Leffingwell family. Her grandmother was seventy-two years old when she passed away in Otsego county, New York.

The early education of the subject of this sketch was obtained in the public schools of New York. As a student he was given credit, then the number of pupils were added, and the amount prorated to the parents for the days attended by each pupil. After attending these schools he went to a select school at Hindsburg, Orleans county, New York, for one year in 1845, under Nelson W. Butts, who was a graduate of the State Normal School at Albany. Our subject taught school the following year, 1846, in a country town and "boarded around" with the parents of the children whom he taught. Then our subject moved with his parents to Chicago, where he manufactured pills and other remedies and did the agency work for his father's medicines, assisted by a young Mr. Post, the son of his father's partner in the business. In 1848 our subject returned to Albion Academy in New York, and was there about two years until 1850, when he returned to Illinois. After traveling over the state for awhile he began teaching again, his first school here being at Bronsonville, DuPage county, near Wheaton. His certificate was secured from Prof. Warren R. Wheaton, founder of Wheaton, Illinois, and also the founder of Wheaton College.

Mr. House then returned to New York, locating near Albion, and took charge of his father's farm, making extensive improvements in many w^ays. He bought out a health resort and located at Barry's Springs, Orleans county, which he also improved very extensively, installing many modern repairs and amusements. Among the patients at the springs were George M. Pullman and William Tousley, both of Albion, New York. Our subject conducted a sanitarium and hotel at this place for two years when he sold out and moved to Garden Prairie, Illinois, where he bought a lumber yard and three hundred and twenty acres of land. He bought grain and did a general business for two years. He was then called to Rockford, Michigan, to take charge of a pine mill and lumber yard, owned by his father. After two years of very hard and slavish work in the milling business, he came to Centralia, Illinois, November i, 1863, and lived with a Mr. Gifford. He went to work for the Adams Express Company, remaining in the employ of this company for a period of five years, going from that position as bookkeeper in the division superintendent's office of the Illinois Central Railroad, with which company he remained for a period of twenty-five years, never losing a day in all that time. He was cashier for the company during many years. His duties were to make out pay rolls and adjust fire claims and similar work.

Mr. House resigned this position to accept that of superintendent of the Centralia street car lines, which position he held for about six years. The cars were run with mules. He sold his interest in the line and it was transferred to an electric line under the direction of the Francis Brothers of St. Louis. About this time the health of the subject gave way, and he is now living in quiet retirement. He owns four splendid pieces of property in Centralia and one in Cairo, this state. His comfortable home is located at 135 South Elm street.

Chauncey House was first united in marriage with Ellen M. Bronnell, on June 2, 1855, the daughter of Aaron and Harriett (Barney) Bronnell, and his second marriage was to Mrs. Jennie C. Busbey, daughter of Russell and Miss (Farlton) Busbey, who resided in St. Mary's county, Maryland. This family came from England and Mr. Busbey had brick shipped from that country with which to build houses. In politics our subject is a Democrat, and in re- ligion an Episcopalian. He is a Free and Accepted Mason in good standing, a member of the Knights of Pythias. Mr. House has been trustee of the Centralia public schools for many years.

One of Centralia's busiest and most successful business men is the subject of this review, whose record has always been one of unquestioned integrity, which has resulted in his winning a place of high standing in the industrial and social circles of this community.

Andrew J. McClelland, who is engaged in the transfer and storage business, was born in Marion county, Illinois, April 21, 1860, the son of John and Margaret (Piercy) Mc- Clelland, the former a native of this county, where he was born in 1825. He followed farming all his life and died in Roseburg, Oregon, August 24, 1907, at the age of eighty-one years. The mother of the subject was born in Indiana in New Washington, in 1837. She is living in Oregon at a ripe old age. John and Margaret McClelland were the parents of seven children, four boys and three girls, our subject, Andrew J., being the oldest son and the fourth child in order of birth. He received his early training in the common schools of Marion county. Being of a very robust body and powerful of build, he early became a full hand at all farm labor. He left his father's farm while yet in his teens, and went in debt for a team and wagon, and began teaming, which business he seems to have been well fitted for, for he is one of the few men in this line who have won a competency and built up a good thriving business. He has four teams constantly occupied in moving all classes of goods and merchandise. He handles car load lots for people living out of the city, making a specialty of moving pianos and household furniture, understanding thoroughly all the details of this line of business, and he fills all orders promptly and to the satisfaction of his customers. He has five employes.

Mr. McClelland was united in marriage September 5, 1882, to Amy Larsh, daughter of Paul and Sarah E. Larsh. She was born in Ohio, where her parents lived. To this union nine children were born, as follows : Charles W., who married Edna Patterson, lives in Centralia ; James E. ; Howard H. is single and living at home, assisting his father in the business ; Frank is single and is living at home with his parents; Albert is single and living at home, as is also Ralph, William, Myron and Olga. James E. is married to Carrie Garrett, the daughter of Charles and Sallie Garrett, and they are the parents of two children, one boy and one girl.

Andrew McClelland is a Democrat in his political affiliations. His parents were members of the Christian church, and he and his family also worship with this congregation, while his wife attends the Methodist church, of which she is a member. In his fraternal relations, Mr. McClelland belongs to Castle Lodge No. 26, Knights of Pythias ; also the Red Men Lodge No. 167, of Centralia. Mr. McClelland is a man of unassuming disposition, somewhat reserved, yet always ready to do his duty in all things, being kind, frank and open, possessing the essence of homebred honesty. He is held in reverence by his children, and has a large business acquaintance.

Clark B. Netherton

Mr. Netherton, proprietor of the leading meat market of Centralia, and one of the city's representative business men and public-spirited citizens, is a native of Monroe county, Illinois, and one of a family of nine children, whose parents were William and Amanda Netherton, both born and reared in the county of Monroe. William Netherton, whose birth occurred on the i3th of October, 1836, followed teaming in an early day from his part of the country to St. Louis, and later turned his attention to other pursuits, spending all of his life in his native county. Amanda Cavanaugh, his wife, who belonged to one of the old and highly esteemed pioneer families of Monroe county, died in 1908, at the age of seventy-two years. Of the nine children born to this estimable couple five are living, all being well situated and highly regarded in their respective places of residence.

Clark B. Netherton was born December 15. 1 86 1, and enjoyed such educational advantages as the common schools of his native county afforded. Early obliged to rely upon his own resources for livelihood, he turned his attention to any kind of honorable labor he could find, and being endowed with a strong, vigorous physique and an active and handy turn of disposition, he was never without employment at liberal wages. His industry and excellent habits becoming widely known, his services were eagerly sought by those desiring competent and trusted help and it was not long until he began to rise in the world and become one of the substantial and enterprising young men of the community in which he lived. On October 25, 1888, he entered the employ of James Adams, of Centralia, proprietor of one of the largest and most successful meat markets of the city, and in due time, acquired proficiency and skill in the business, and a familiarity with its every detail. After remaining with the above gentleman for nearly seventeen years, he resigned his position, and on May 29, 1905, opened a meat market of his own on Broadway where the new Sentinel-News office now stands, but subsequently removed to his present location on South Locust street, where for two years he has conducted a very large and lucrative business, his establishment, as already stated, being one of the largest and most successful of the kind in the city.

Mr. Netherton's long experience in the line of business which he follows enables him to realize the wants of his customers and to meet the same regardless of pains or expense. From the beginning of his enter- prise until the present time, he has been actuated by an ambition to keep a first class and fully up-to-date market, and to treat his patrons fairly and honorably, the result being a constantly growing trade, with a corresponding advance in public favor until he is now one of the most popular as well as one of the most enterprising and successful men of the city in which he resides.

Politically Mr. Netherton is a Democrat, but very liberal in his views and principles, and he has ever manifested a lively interest in public matters, and given his support to enterprises and measures having for their object the advancement and prosperity of his county and state. Fraternally he is identified with the Order of Maccabees and religiously is a friend of all churches and religious organizations, having been reared by Baptist parents and early trained under the influence and teachings of that denomination. He is in hearty accord with all that makes for moral worth and a high standard of manhood and citizenship.

On the Qth day of February, 1882, Mr. Netherton was united in marriage with Mary E., daughter of William and Emily C. Bean, a union resulting in the birth of ten children, namely: Oscar C. ; C. H., deceased ; Ralph E. ; Harvey C. ; Florence A. ; John R. ; Edna M. ; Eva R. ; Fred R. ; Edgar C. ; the youngest child is deceased. The eight living received their educational training in the public schools of Centralia, all except the oldest son being at home and with their parents, constituting a mutually happy and contented domestic circle. Oscar C.

married Millie Pliski and lives in Chicago, the other sons assisting their father in the meat market, and giving promise of ultimately becoming intelligent and substantial business men.

I. D. Lear

A well known citizen of Centralia, Marion county, is the subject of this sketch, whose life has been replete with honor and success owing to the honest and careful business methods he has elected to pursue from his boyhood days.

I. D. Lear was born near Culpeper, Virginia, May 12, 1843, the son of Henry Lear, of Virginia, who was an engineer of a boat, "Forest Queen", on the river. When the subject was one year old he moved to Pennsylvania, settling in Westmoreland county. Having lost his mother at the age of four years he was reared by a step-mother. Henry Lear ran an engine for some time for a large still house. The early education of our subject was obtained in the common schools of Pennsylvania, and in Hamilton county, Ohio, and in the common schools of Cincinnati and Harrison. He worked on a farm during the summer months. He also worked at farm labor after coming to Illinois, having located in Marion county in 1859, and worked here until the breaking out of the Civil war, when he responded to his patriotism by enlisting in April, 1861, in Company G, Twenty-second Illinois Volunteer Infantry, under Capt. James S. Jack- son and Colonel Daugherty, of Carlyle. The subject was at first at Camp Institution, at Belleville, for three months, subject to a three years' call. He was sworn into service at Kagyville, Illinois, in May, 1861, and was sent to Cairo and to St. Louis, encamping on the Missouri side of the river at Bird's Point. He was later in the engagement at Charlestown, Missouri, in August of that year, also in the fight at Belmont, having been wounded in the right arm. He was sent to the hospital at Cairo, where he was confined from November 7th, until December 27th following, when he came home, where he remained until May, when he was ordered to return to the army and unite with his regiment at Corinth, Mississippi, to be discharged, but he remained with the regiment for a year and was orderly for General Palmer. He went to Florence and Athens, Alabama, then to Nashville, Tennessee, with General Palmer, who brought provisions for ten thousand to relieve the garrison at Nashville, Tennessee. He remained there for four months, when he was discharged and came with three hundred convalescent soldiers to Louisville, Kentucky. They were met twelve miles from that city by the enemy who took all letters from them. He bought a horse at Nashville and rode home, visiting Camps Morgan and Forest, where he was fed and given his liberty. While stopping at a hotel in Kentucky on his way home, Confederates tried to take him out, and the next day also tried to take his horse. After several trying experiences he reached Louisville, where he received his pay, all in gold, from the paymaster.

He returned to luka, Illinois, and met Lizzie Jackson, niece of his captain, J. S. Jackson, and they were married in September, 1867, at her home in Frankfort, Kentucky.

Mr. Lear was a farmer and merchant up to the fall of 1866, at each of which he was successful. He was candidate for Sheriff, of Marion county, having been elected by eleven votes on the Democratic ticket, he being the only man on the ticket who won, the county going one hundred and seventyfive Republican ; this shows his unquestioned popularity in the county. He served this office in a most capable manner for a period of two years, after which he bought a farm in Marion county and resumed agricultural pursuits, following the same for three years, when he sold out and went into the hay and grain business, which he followed very successfully until 1879, when he was again elected Sheriff by a majority of four hundred, and again made a most excellent record for two years, being a candidate for reelection, but was defeated at the polls. He then went on the road as a commercial salesman in Southern Illinois for a St. Louis firm, selling groceries, which line of work he followed for sixteen years, giving the firm satisfaction in every respect. He then conducted the hotel in Kinmundy for eighteen months. He is now living in Centralia, and is interested in the "Wizard Floor Cleaning Company", a Chicago firm, Mr. Lear having the agency or Illinois and Indiana.

Dozier, who is single ; and Laura Ethel, who is a graduate of Brown's Business College. The mother of the subject's wife has lived with the subject and wife for twenty-four years. She was born in Lexington, Kentucky, and is now seventy years of age. The subject's wife was born in Louisville, Kentucky. Mr. Lear is a Democrat and in religious matters is a Christian Scientist. He draws a pension of fifty-five dollars.

The Merchants' State Bank Of

This institution was organized under the general laws of the state of Illinois, on the 22d day of May, 1900, for the purpose of conducting and transacting a general banking business, receiving deposits payable on demand or on time with interest, making loans on personal as well as on real estate securities, discounting commercial paper, and engaging in such other business as is customary to conservative banking institutions. The promoters of the enterprise were B. Pullen, J. Hefter, E. S. Condit and W. D. Richardson, all well known and prominent citizens.

The bank opened its doors to the public on the 23d day of May, 1900, with a paid-up capital of fifty thousand dollars, and has been in successful operation ever since.

E. S. Condit, assistant cashier, who were retained in office by annual election until January, 1906, when the president, B. Pullen, and the assistant cashier, E. S. Condit, retired from office, the former on account of ill health, and the latter through removal to Chicago.

D. Richardson, president ; Jacob Peifer, vicepresident ; Joseph Hefter, cashier, and J. S. Condit, assistant cashier, all of whom are in office in 1909. The present directors are W. D. Richardson, Jacob Peifer, Joseph Hefter, W. E. O'Melveny, Robert Barren,

On December 8, 1900, a savings department was added to the institution, which met with great success. The new department became very popular, and at present hastwelve hundred accounts with deposits aggregating one hundred and twenty-five thousand dollars.

In the fall of 1903 a new building was erected for a banking house on the old Dr. McCord lot on the corner of East Broadway and Pittenger avenue at a cost of twenty-eight thousand two hundred dollars. This stone structure, a very fine addition to the city of Centralia, is a guarantee of the stability of the bank and a proof of the public spirit of the officers of the institution. At the same time a safety deposit vault was installed, which gained a well deserved popularity.

ploying four regular employees, and aided by its officers and directors, seven in number, all of whom are prominent professional or business men, promises "a bright future.

The deposits now amount to two hundred and thirty-five thousand dollars, the loans and discounts to one hundred and twentyfive thousand dollars, and their holdings in bonds, most of which are Centralia and school bonds from the immediate vicinity, amount to fifty-one thousand six hundred and sixty dollars.

The bank enjoys the confidence of the entire community. During the last panic the bank paid its deposits in cash, dollar for dollar, without borrowing a dollar or impairing its assets in the least. No restrictions were made to any of its customers during this period, which is a proof of the most able management of the institution by its officers, and deserves the confidence of anyone who wishes the services of a bank.

Joseph Hefter, the cashier of the institution, has had forty years' experience in the banking businss ; he is courteous and accommodating, and tries to do all he can to further the interest of the bank's patrons with advanced business ideas.

The assistant cashier, J. S. Condit, and the entire bank force are always ready and willing to promote the interest of the bank and its customers.

Harriet Leonard

This well known lady who occupies a conspicuous position among the best society circles of Centralia, is a native of Marion county, Illinois, and a member of one of the old and highly esteemed families of the southern part of the state, has borne well her part in life, and is deserving of more than a passing notice in a record such as this volume purports to be. Her family name was Harriet Frazier, and she being the fifth of six children whose parents, Simpson and Julia Frazier, were among the earliest settlers and widely known people of Marion county, having moved to this part of the state when the country was a wilderness and taken an active interest in the development of its resources. Simpson Frazier was a man of intelligence and high social standing, much better educated than the majority of his pioneer neighbors, and for a number of years he labored earnestly for the mental improvement of those about him, and put forth every effort at his command to introduce schools and disseminate knowledge among the people of his own and other communities.

Harriet Frazier, whose birth occurred on the 27th day of December, 1854, was reared under excellent home influences, early acquired habits of industry and self-reliance, and while still young eagerly reading everything in the way of literature to which she could lay her hands. In due time she entered the public schools of Centralia, where she made commendable progress in the usual branches of learning, and after finishing the prescribed course, continued to improve her mind by private study and a wide range of reading, in this way becoming familiar with the world's best literature, as well as keeping in touch with the times on all matters of local and public interest. On the 6th day of October, 1878, she was united in marriage to Walter Leonard, of Jeffersonville, Indiana, a high minded gentleman, and for a number of years a successful teacher, the ceremony being solemnized in Centralia, by Rev. A. Martin, the pastor of the Christian church of this city. Mr. Leonard was born in the year 1852, received a good education in Centralia schools, and as stated above, devoted about ten years of his life to teaching, retiring from the profession at the expiration of that time to engage in business. Opening a general store in Centralia he soon built up a lucrative patronage, and for a period of seventeen years was the head of one of the largest and most successful mercantile establishments of the kind in the city. He was a man of high character and unimpeachable integrity, always manifested a lively interest in the intellectual advancement of the city of his residence, and was also a leader in various enterprises and measures for the moral advancement of the community. His father, Rev. Silas W. Leonard, was one of the first ministers of the Christian Disciple church in Centralia, and in addition to building up the cause of the current reformation in this city he was also instrumental in organizing a number of congregations and spreading the doctrines peculiar to the church in other counties of Centralia and Southern Illinois. He was one of the compilers of a book, a collection of hymns, called the "Christian Psalmist". Walter Leonard grew up under the influence of pious parents and profited by the instruction received in his childhood and youth, becoming in after years a symmetrically developed Christian gentleman and a potential as well as an active factor in promoting the cause of religion and education among the people with whom his lot was cast. During his residence in Centralia he became prominent in many lines of good work, rose to high standing among the business of the city and enjoyed the respect and confidence of all with whom he mingled. He died at his home in this city November 14, 1906, at the age of fifty-four years, and in the prime of his physical and mental powers, his loss being greatly deplored by those who knew him best, and who had learned to prize him for his sterling worth.

To Walter and Harriet Leonard nine children were born, seven of whom are living, namely : Ora, who married Albert Coppie, and makes her home with her mother; Daisy, Shirley, Bessie, Harry, Josie and Raymond, all residing at home and constituting a very happy and pleasing household. Mrs. Leonard's home on South Locust street is a favorite resort, not only for her friends who are many, but also for the best society circles of the city, being the abode of a genuine old-time hospitality. A lady of intelligence and beautiful character, Mrs.

Leonard fills a large place in the social life of the city, while her heart and hand are ever open to the cry of poverty or distress. Among the sick and suffering she is a veritable angel of mercy. She is a woman of unusual energy and ability, as the keeping of her children together and planning for their future abundantly attest, and she looks after her business interests and manages her affairs with judgment and discretion such as few women possess.

Mrs. Leonard was well born, and inherits from a long line of sturdy ancestors many of the amiable qualities and sterling virtues which have made her so well known and popular among her neighbors and friends. She is connected by the ties of blood with a number of prominent families throughout the United States, being a cousin of the Pearcys, of Ohio, Indiana and Michigan, all eminent as teachers and professors in various colleges and institutions of learning in their respective states, besides being closely connected with others equally prominent in educational work and professional life.

Thomas J. Wright

The subject of this sketch is well known in Centralia township and Marion county in general. For a great number of years he was a familiar figure as a conductor on the Illinois Central Railroad, where his friendliness and geniality won for him a host of friends and acquaintances. Since his retirement from active railroad life he has engaged in the life insurance business on behalf of that great New York industrial insurance company, the Metropolitan. In his new calling, Thomas J. Wright has been as successful, if not more so, than in his first. At any rate it is a position more suitable for his advanced years, and in it he has made record progress, for he brought into his work in the insurance line all the forcefulness and pleasing characteristics that have ever been embodied in his personality.

Thomas J. Wright was born in Lafayette county, Wisconsin, on March 4, 1846, and is the son of John M. Wright and Baily M. Brady. His father was born near Lancashire, England, and came of an English family. On coming to this country with his parents he later married Baily M. Brady, who was born near Dublin, Ireland, in 1829, and died at East Dubuque, at the age of fifty-two, in the north part of the state of Illinois. They reared a family of four children, three boys and one girl, of whom Thomas, the subject of our sketch, is the eldest.

Thomas J. Wright received his education in the public schools of Benton, Wisconsin, and East Dubuque, Illinois, and the common schools in that place. At the age of eight years he moved with his parents to East Dubuque, afterwards moved to New York state, then back to Iowa, and from there to Centralia, Illinois. For two years he was a clerk in the news and cigar stand at the Illinois Central depot, and acted as newsboy for two years. For four years fol- lowing he acted as a passenger brakeman on the Illinois Central; then as a baggageman on freight trains for nine years. At the expiration of that time he was promoted and made a freight train conductor, in which capacity he remained for nine years. He was then made passenger train conductor and occupied the same position when he located in Centralia, and filled that position until his retirement from active railroad service nine years ago. During his life on the Illinois road he was a diligent and faithful employee and stood high in the estimation of his fellow railroad workers. Upon leaving the Illinois Central he interested himself in the industrial insurance business, connecting himself with the Metropolitan, of New- York. He has continued to labor in this profession up to the present time, and his active propagandist work along the life insurance canvassing line has resulted in his having saved many an untimely widow and many a helpless family from destitution. Thomas J. Wright has been looked upon by the company he represents as one of their largest producers of business in his section of the state. He possesses many of the qualities which bring success in his line of work, and is both tactful and aggressive.

Thomas J. Wright married Mary N. Nichols, the daughter of James H. and Julia (Busby) Nichols, both natives of Pennsylvania who came to Illinois. Their family consisted of two girls. The marriage of the subject of our sketch and Mary Ann Nichols took place October 26. 1871.

They have had two children. Maud, who married Amos A. Hobbs, a manufacturer of map cases and lives in Chicago; Gladys, the second daughter, is at home witli her parents. Thomas J. Wright and his wife and family live a happy domestic life in their comfortable and substantial home at 218 South Maple street. He is in prosperous circumstances and owns real estate in Chicago and in East Dubuque, and also eighty acres of land in Kansas.

In politics Thomas J. Wright is an enthusiastic Republican. He is an acute observer of public affairs and keeps himself well posted on the political happenings of the day. Both he and his wife are Episcopalians, as are also his daughters. They are attentive to church duties and are popular in religious circles.

In fraternal affairs Thomas J. Wright is very prominent. He is an influential Mason and belongs to Masonic lodge, Blue Chapter No. 178, Amboy, Illinois, and the Council, Commandery and Consistory at Centralia and Freeport, Illinois; he belongs to the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Lodge No. 493, Centralia; and also to the Order of Railroad Conductors, No. 112, Centralia. In Masonic affairs the subject of our sketch is the swordbearer in the Commandery to which he belongs and third vail in Chapter.

Arnold Saxer, the successful wholesale and retail merchant of 626 East Broadway street, Centralia, is known and respected throughout Marion county. Thirty-five years have now passed since he came to the United States from his native Canton of Zurich in Switzerland, that land of snow-clad Alpine heights, and sturdy, active mountaineers. - For many years Switzerland has continued to send us many of her strong and healthy sons and daughters, who, once they arrive in the United States, start upon the careers of desirable and industrious citizens.

Arnold Saxer was born in Zurich, in the Canton of the same name, Switzerland, on July 29, 1854. He was the son of J. J. Saxer and Berina, his wife, who had a family of two children. They were : Emma, who was born in 1846, and who still lives in Switzerland, and Arnold, the subject of our present sketch.

Arnold Saxer came to America in the year 1873, and settled in St. Louis, Missouri. He had received a good education in Switzerland, as good educational laws and good educational facilities have received much attention for a great many years in the Swiss Cantons. Our subject was trained in the common and high schools, was an apt pupil, and derived much benefit from his schooling. In St. Louis he entered the wholesale and retail business and later married Amanda Stahman, of that city, on the 8th of November. 1877. and nine children were born to this union, namely : August, Arnold C., who lives in Newr York; Louis H., who lives in St. Louis; John J., a midshipman at the Annapolis Naval Academy; Verina, Amanda, Elzie, Florence and Lillian, all of whom are at home. August Saxer married Ada Brenton, of St. Louis, and is in the treasurer's department of the Annheuser-Busch Brewing Company.

In the year of 1887, the subject of our sketch came to Centralia, locating at 128 East Broadway street, where he worked for Henry Kurth for ten years. In 1898 he branched out into business for himself and ^ince that time he has been most successful. He was elected for one term City Treasurer and carried out the duties of office with credit. In fraternal and society circles, he is very prominent and is an active member of the following lodges: The Knights of Honor, the Eagles, the Treubund, the Turn-Verein and the Grutlig-Verin. In political affairs he takes an observant interest and is a Republican. He was reared a member of the Protestant Evangelical belief. He is the owner of some property in Centralia, including his business place at 626 East Broadway. He has been successful in all ventures in which he has interested himself and has the reputation of being a conservative business man. He is in his fifty-fourth year and many more years in which to perfect and expand his commercial enterprises will very likely be his. His uprightness and integrity have shown him to be a worthy citizen.

A great proportion of our German- Americans are of the first generation, having left the "Fatherland" in their youth, and the love they bear for the land of their birth does not preclude nor hinder them from becoming good, hard-working American citizens, their steady measured industry having brought them to the fore in large numbers in every avenue of life.

In Jacob Touve, Centralia possesses a German-American citizen of the highest type, a man who has arrived in the front rank mainly by the qualities that have characterized him all through life, self-reliance, energy and common sense. He was born in Rhinish Bavaria, Germany, on the I4th of October, 1838, the son of Jacob and Louise (Sattaner) Touve. His father was a wood turner by trade, who brought his family to America in 1867. The family settled in Centralia, where the elder Jacob remained, dying in 1869 in Atchison, Kansas. His wife died in Pleasant Hill, Missouri, in 1870. Their family consisted of six children, two boys and four girls, Jacob being the third child born to them.

Jacob, the subject of our sketch, preceded his family to America, arriving here in 1856, and going first to Wisconsin. In 1860 he went to St. Louis and engaged in the barber trade, and in 1863 on the 3d of November he removed to Centralia, where he has been located in the barber trade for the past forty-five years. For several years he engaged in the gents' furnishing business in

His marriage took place on September 27, 1865, when he espoused Magdalena Muerley, daughter of Joseph and Eva Muerley. The marriage ceremony was performed by John Williams in Salem, Illinois, the wedding party having driven over there from Centralia in a buggy. Mrs. Touve was one of four children born to her parents. To Jacob and Mrs. Touve nine children, three sons and six daughters, have been born as follows : Louisa, Sophia, Clara, Bertha ; Oscar, an employee of the Colorado Midland Railroad ; Lesetta M. is in the millinery business and resides with her parents ; Jacob J. is a timekeeper in the Illinois Central Railroad shops; Walter B. follows his father's occupation, and Anna an infant, is deceased. Sophia married Albert S. Owen, an engineer on the Big Four Railroad at Mattoon, Illinois, where they are living and has one girl. Clara married William L. Derlith, a jeweler of Centralia. Bertha is at home with her parents.

The life of Jacob Touve has been an eventful one from the time of his arrival in this country. When not quite eighteen years old he went to work for three years as a wagon maker, ten miles from Milwaukee. He obtained his citizenship papers in 1866 from Judge Bryan, and the first president he had the honor to vote for was Ulysses S. Grant. In the politics of the day he is a staunch Republican and has been quite active in the political life of Centralia. He has been for two years City Collector, and filled the office of City Treasurer with distinction for two years. In Masonic affairs he has taken an active part, being one of the oldest living members of the local masonic fraternity. He has also been a Turner. Thought reared a Catholic he is not now a member of any orthodox church. All the members of the family are gifted musicians and their accomplishments have rendered them very popular in social life.

Jacob Touve has a nice comfortable home in which he with his wife and the unmarried members of his family live very happily. His business place at 112 East Broadway is equipped throughout with first-class tonsorial appliances. In his shop there are four chairs of the improved type, and the lavatory attached contains two porcelain baths, He has been thirty-three years in his present location and during that long time he has experienced a steady flow of prosperity.

Lydia E. Connell

Our subject has the distinction of being one of the oldest living residents of the township in which she lives in Marion county. She comes of an old and illustrious New Hampshire family; her grandfather, on her father's side, fought in the war of the Revolution, and was a personal acquaintance of General Washington. She is the possessor of the old family Bible, which contains the records of the births, marriages and deaths of the members of her famliy for many generations. Since the time of her settlement in Centralia in 1867, the years have seen the increased prosperity of both herself and her children.

Lydia E. Connell was born in Wilton; New Hampshire, on the ist of October, 1827, and was the daughter of William and Cloah (Holt) Connell, both natives of Wilton, New Hampshire. William Bales Connell, who was a farmer and trader, moved to Ohio in the year 1835. He was born in 1777 and died in Ohio in 1872, at the advanced age of ninety-five. His father, as we have stated, fought in the Revolutionary war and knew General Washington as he, also, did. Our subject's mother, too, was a native of Wilton, New Hampshire, having been born there in 1782, and she died at the age of seventy-two, in the year 1855, in Ohio. She was the mother of nine children, Lydia, our subject, being the only one now living.

Lydia E. Connell was educated in the local common schools of her native township in New Hampshire, and afterwards went for one year to the Hancock Ladies' Academy, in Hancock City, New Hampshire, and she afterwards taught school for seven years in Ohio. On June 10, 1852, she married Zachariah A. Connell, the son of a Methodist Episcopal minister, Zachariah Connell, who was born in Ireland on the nth of September, 1794, and came to America at the age of three years with his parents. Lydia E. Council's husband was a harness maker by trade and a skilled and industrious workman. He was born in

Worthington, Ohio, on May 14, 1831, and died June 26, 1889, in Centralia, Illinois. Three children were born of their marriage, namely: Charles A., who is deceased; George C. and Ida M. George C. married Adalaid Swartout, of Centralia. They had one child, a girl, now deceased. George C. is a harness maker in Centralia. Ida M. married Thomas B. Cunningham, of Centralia, on June 28, 1883, the marriage being performed by the Rev. J. M. Green, of the Presbyterian church. Mrs. Cunningham is the mother of three children, Hazel A., Donald C., and Percival C. The two latter children are still in school. Hazel A. holds a position in the City Real Estate office of B. M. English. Mrs. Cunningham's husband, Thomas B., was the son of Matthew J. and Esther (Little) Cunningham, well known residents of Centralia, now deceased. Eight children were born to them.

Lydia E. Connell moved with her husband from Ohio to Illinois in the year 1867, and settled in Centralia, where Zachariah A. opened a flourishing harness making business. He, himself, was a soldier in the Civil war and served his country for two years. He enlisted in May, 1862, in Columbus, Ohio, in the Forty-third Volunteer Infantry under Col. J. Kirby Smith, and fought in the protracted two days' fight at Corinth, Mississippi, in which engagement he contracted acute rheumatism. During his two years' absence Lydia took upon herself the work of bread-winner for her family. Her three children were little at the time, the youngest being but three years old. She taught school for one year, took in sewing, and did her own garden work with the occasional help of thoughtful neighbors. Her daughter, Ida M., was well educated in Ohio and in Centralia public schools. She was a seamstress for ten years previous to her marriage. She also held the important position of public librarian of Centralia for four years. Zachariah A. Connell was a staunch Democrat in politics, and was old enough to vote for President Tyler at the time of his election. Thomas B. Cunningham, husband of Ida M., daughter of our subject, is a Republican in politics and a member of the Congregational church, as are the members of the family. Lydia E. Connell was reared in the Baptist faith. The family all live at 410 South Sycamore street, in a comfortable and substantial home, which is the property of the subject of our sketch.

J. Vv. Tate Lumber Company Incorporated

The individual who is at the head of this sketch was born in Marion county, Illinois, January 26, 1862, and is the son of Robert E. and Sarah E. (Wooters) Tate, both of whom were born in Marion county, and were the parents of three children, two of whom are now living, son and daughter.

The father, Robert E. Tate, for some years followed the livery business with his son, and also farmed. He was, at one time, a member of the City Council and was a

The subject of this sketch, J. W. Tate, received his early education in the common and public schools of Centralia. Being of an active disposition both of body and mind, his natural bent was turned to that of business and commercial enterprises. He was first interested with his father in the livery business, where they handled many horses in buying and selling and trading for some ten years. After this he changed his occupation and was or about three years in the implement business, then embarked in the lumber business, which has more or less engaged his attention for the past eleven years. Their offices are at 217 North Oak street. The building and property of the Tate Lumber Company has a frontage of two hundred feet, and one hundred and sixty feet deep, where he and his partner, and his son, can be found at regular business hours, where they handle all kinds of lumber and building materials, also implements, such as wagons and buggies, and a general line of farmers' supplies, in fact everything up-to-date in the lumber line.

J. W. Tate was married to Ella Showier March 8, 1885. To this union were born three children, Hulda E. Tate, now living at home with her parents; Robert E. Tate, who received his education in the Centralia schools and is one of his father's main assistants in the lumber office ; Mildred Tate, who is now attending the public schools of Centralia.

religious matters his parents were members of the Methodist Episcopal church. He has been a member of the City Council, owns a controlling interest in the Ice and Cold Storage plant of Centralia that does a large and flourishing business. He also owns the Walnut Hill Pressed Brick Company, in which he is largely interested, the output of which is about two million bricks a year. The company makes a dry pressed brick for lime work, and their machines of all kinds for various patterns of outside and inside brick work. Mr. Tate also owns a very fine stock farm of two hundred acres north of Centralia, where he raises thoroughbred race horses of the Kentucky variety, keeping constantly on hand thirty or more head. He is the proud possessor of the mare Mamie Algol, which took the world's record of three miles in February, 1907. Mr. Tate is also a member of the Masonic Blue Lodge, Chapter, Council, Oriental Consistory of Chicago and is also a Thirty-second Degree Mason. He is also a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and the Knights of Pythias, also of the Modern Woodmen, but carries most of his insurance in the old line companies.

Mr. Tate enjoys a large acquaintance in the various commercial fields of his activity. He is a man who is well posted in the routine of daily affairs, is a "hale fellow well met," and a true friend to his fellow man. He is a man who can thoroughly be depended upon, his word being as good as his bond, and he is one of the substantial citizens of the city of Centralia and Marion county.

Mrs. Elizabeth J. Anderson

This estimable lady who is now in the serene years of her life, on the last incline of the hill, can look backward over a career with no regret for past deeds, for hers has been a life replete with good deeds and faithful service.

Mrs. Elizabeth J. Anderson, widow of A. M. Anderson, was born in Blount county, East Tennessee, March 12, 1834, the daughter of D. R. and Lavina Wheeler, the former a native of near Vergennes, Vermont. A. M. Anderson was born in Washington county, Illinois, December 12, 1831, and after an eminently useful life his spirit passed to its rest on October 9, 1904. He was educated in Washington county. He owned and successfully managed a fruit farm. He also sold agricultural implements for a number of years. In 1864 he enlisted in Company D, Thirteenth Illinois Cavalry, under Colonel Davis and went out as second lieutenant. He became ill from using bad water and was in the hospital for several months, but he never received his discharge papers. He got a pension of fifteen dollars per month under Cleveland's administration. In politics he was a Republican and he was was reared by Methodist parents.

Mr. Anderson was married to Elizabeth J. Spencer, near Dubois, Washington county, this state, by Rev. J. A. Robinson, of the Methodist Episcopal church. The subject of this sketch came to Illinois with her parents when a few months old in September, 1834. Her father, D. R. Spencer, was a whale fisherman on the Atlantic coast for several years. He sailed on the "Diana" and the seventy-four ships on that expedition had many thrilling experiences while pursuing the leviathans of the deep. She and her husband both came from old line Whig families of the East, Elizabeth, our subject, being the oldest girl of a family of seventeen children, twelve of whom are living in 1908. The mother gave birth to two pairs of twins, a boy and girl in each. There were nine boys and eight girls. John W. Spencer, brother of our subject, was a soldier in the Civil war as commissary-sergeant in Company D, Thirteenth Illinois Cavalry. He is now living in Columbus, Kansas, owning large interests in coal mines in Kansas and also a large farm in that state.

When the husband of Mrs. Anderson returned from the army in 1865, he bought and managed a flouring mill in Tamaroa, Perry county, Illinois, which was burned by the rebels. He afterwards sold out and bought a home in Centralia, where their two children were born and reared, Charles R. having been born September i, 1865, died in infancy ; Harry Spencer, the younger son, was born in Centralia, June 8, 1868. He is single and cares for his mother. They live at 5 1 1 South Locust street, where they own a neat and comfortable residence property.