Marion County, Illinois - The whole text, 1909 (part 8 of 27)

One bright and winsome daughter was born to the subject and wife, who was given the name of May E., and who is now the wife of William W. Morrow, of Oklahoma City. The subject's wife was called to her rest January. 21, 1878, and he was married the second time, this wife being in her maidenhood. Maggie Bobbitt, daughter of Joseph J. Bobbitt, who was a soldier in the Eighth Kentucky Regiment. She proved a worthy helpmeet and to this union the following interesting children were born : Edith M., now living in Spokane, Washington; Donald C, of Salem, Illinois, is clerk for the Chicago & Eastern Illinois Railway Company. The subject's wife died in April 1890. The subject then married Rose M. Haley, the daughter of Rev. J. L. Haley, a well known Cumberland Presbyterian minister, the date of the wedding falling on July 14, 1891. No children have been born to this union which has been a most harmonious one.

Fraternally the subject has been a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows for thirty-seven years, having occupied the chairs of the same, and he has been a member of the Masonic Fraternity since 1879, a chapter member.

The subject in his political activity had occasion to become intimately acquainted with Governor Oglesby, Gen. John A. Logan, Col. Robert G. Ingersoll. Governor Tanner and most of the noted men of the state.

Air. Haynie delights to recall reminiscences of his great grandfather on his father's side, who was named Donald Campbell, who migrated from Scotland to Norfolk, Virginia, where he bought up all the land between what was then Norfolk and the wharf, which is now known as Campbell wharf. Mr. Campbell died in February, 1795. Mr. Haynie has in his possession a copy of Campbell's will executed February 2, 1795. Donald Campbell's father was Archibald Campbell, who survived his son and died in 1802. There are many descendants of the Campbell family living today in Philadelphia and Virginia.

Charles H. Holt

The biographical annals of Marion County. Illinois, would he incomplete were there failure to make specific mention of the honorable gentleman, whose name introduces this review, who is one of the county's Ablest and most distinguished native sons, for he had the sagacity early in youth to see that better opportunities waited for him right here on his native heath than otherwhere, consequently his life labors have been confined to this locality rather than in distant and precarious fields, and judging from the eminent success he has here attained he was fortunate in coming to this decision - to remain at home. Judge Holt has been prominently identified with the industrial, material and civic progress of the community, having ever stood for loyal and public-spirited citizenship, having been a potent factor in bringing about the wonderful development in this favored section, contributing his influence and energy in the transformation which has made this one of the leading counties of the state, with its highly cultivated farms, thriving towns and villages, its school-houses, churches and all other evidences of progress and culture, and he is today not only one of the leading attorneys and among the most highly honered citizens of Salem, the beautiful and thriving county seat, but is recognized as one of the foremost men at the bar in the state. In all the relations of life he has been faithful to all the trusts reposed in him, performing his duty conscientiously and with due regard for the welfare of others often at the sacrifice of his own best interests and pleasures. Charles H. Holt was bom near Vernon, Marion county, Illinois, October i, 1868, the only child of William H. Holt, and Sarah (Parsons) Holt, the former a native of Union county, and the latter a native of the state of Ohio. They were married in Marion county. The mother of the subject was called to her rest in November, 1892. William H. Holt is living in 1908, and making his home with the subject in Salem. The father was a soldier is the One Hundred and Eleventh Illinois Volunteer Infantry, having enlisted under Col. James S. Martin, who aftenvard became a general. Mr. Holt served gallantly for three years, or until his enlistment expired, his principal services being with Sherman on his march to the sea, and his campaigns around Atlanta. William H. Holt has been a useful and industrious man, scrupulously honest and he yet exercises considerable influence in his community. He and his worthy life companion spared no pains in giving their son, our subject, every possible advantage and encouragement to make the most of life, and many of his sterling attributes and noble traits of character may be traced to the wholesome home influence and uplifting environment in which he was reared. Henry Holt, grandfather of the subject, was one of the first settlers of Marion county, having come here from Tennessee, and participated in organizing the county and many of the county offices were indebted to his sound judgment for their early development. He was a public-spirited man and did an incalculable amount of good in furthering the interests of his community. Like many of the hardy pioneers of those early times, he possessed many sterling qualities and won the admiration of all who knew him.

Charles H. Holt, our subject, attended the country schools during the winter months while living on his father's farm and later the Salem high school, from which he graduated in the class of 1889. Being an ambitious lad from the first he applied himself most assiduously and outstripped many of the less courageous plodders of his day, making excellent grades. After leaving the high school he engaged in teaching with marked success for one year, then, thirsting for more knowledge, he entered Northwestern University at Chicago, taking a prepara- tory course the first year. Believing that his true life work lay along legal lines, he spent three years in a law office in Chicago and then located at Kinmundy, this county, and while living here, where his success was instantaneous, he became popular with his party, which nominated him for the responsible position of county judge, and he was subsequently elected by a handsome majority in 1898, serving two terms with entire satisfaction to his constituents and all concerned and in such a manner as to reflect great credit upon his ability, manifesting from the first that he had unmistakable judicial talent and a profound knowledge of law in its variegated phases.

In 1904 Judge Holt removed to Salem and at the expiration of his term of office resumed the practice of law, with a well equipped and pleasant suite of rooms in the Stonecipher building. He has one of the largest and best selected libraries to be found in Southern Illinois. Not only does the Judge keep posted on all the late judicial decisions and court rulings, but he is a well read man on scientific, literary and current topics, so that his conversation is at once animated and learned.

The Judge is a strong and influential advocate of the principles embodied in the Democratic party and is well fortified in his convictions, always ready to lend his influence and time to the furtherance of his party's interests and assist in placing the best men obtainable in the county offices. He has- served as chairman of the Democratic Central Committee of Marion county, during which time he displayed rare acumen and sagacity in the management of the party's affairs.

Although Mr. Holt's extensive legal practice occupied the major part of his time, he has considerable business interests which he manages with uniform success. He is a stockholder in the Salem National Bank, and also in the Farmers' and Merchants' Bank of St. Peter, Illinois.

Judge Holt's happy and harmonious domestic life dates from 1897, when he was united in marriage to Frances W. Fox, the accomplished and cultured daughter of Dr. Jesse D. Fox, of Kindmundy, this county. Doctor Fox was one of the county's most noted physicians and best known citizens, who died about 1881. The following children have blessed the home of the subject with their cheer and sunshine : Dorothy F.. who was bom in May, 1898; Ward P., born in October, 1900; Frances S., who was born in October, 1904; Charlotte, whose date of birth occurred September 29, 1906. These children are all bright and winsome, giving promise of successful future careers. The Holt home is a model one, the residence being modern, commodious, well furnished and invaded with the most wholesome atmosphere.

Our subject in his fraternal relations is affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Knights of Pythias, having occupied the chairs in both. He is truly a strong and prominent character, and owing to his individual personal traits, which are highly commendable, his past record, which is unmarred by a shadow, his pleasing address, kindly disposition, uprightness and public spirit, the future augurs still greater honors for the subject, for he has gained the undivided esteem and confidence of his fellow citizens throughout Marion and adjoining counties, and such a worthy character is seldom left alone by the public when services of a high order are constantly being sought.

H. D. Evans was born in Marion county, this state, September 30. 1866, the son of O. F. Evans, Police Magistrate, and a native of this county. The mother of Mr. Evans was Lucy J. Tingle, a native of Kentucky, who came here in 1850. The subject's parents are still living in 1908. They became the parents of nine children, four sons and five daughters.

H. D. Evans attended school in Salem, remaining under his parental roof until he was twenty-two years old. He then went to Topeka, Kansas, in 1888, and learned the carpenter's trade, at which he worked twelve or fourteen years, remaining in Topeka three years. He finally returned to Salem and -worked at his trade for two years, when he went near Terre Haute and continued at this trade, and was there married to Nannie Maddock, the daughter of William Maddock, of Atherton, Indiana, on March 7, 1894. Two interesting and winsome children have been born to the subject and wife, as follows: Gladys Marie, whose date of birth occurred June 24, 1895, and Gretchen Irene, who first saw the light of day on August 19, 1899.

After his marriage Mr. Evans came to Salem. Moving on a farm, he remained there one and one-half years, when he moved to Salem and engaged in contracting and the lumber business for four years, after which he went on the road for two and one-half years, selling paints and varnishes. He is now a member of the drug firm of Evans & Harmon, which owns stores at luka, Illinois, and Moorhouse, Missouri.

Mr. Evans is a wide awake, energetic business man of sound judgment and modern business principles, and he has always succeeded at whatever he undertook. He faithfully served the city of Salem as Alderman several years ago. He is a Mason, a member of the Knights of Pythias, and both he and his wife are members of the Christian church, and are well and favorably known to a host of friends in this community.

Among the strong and influential citizens of Marion county, the record of whose lives have become an essential part of the history of the section, the gentleman whose name appears above occupies a prominent place, and for manv vears has exerted a beneficial

T. \\. Williams, the well known Justice of the Peace at Salem, Illinois, was born in Silver Springs, Wilson county, Tennessee, May 22, 1837, the son of W. G. Williams, a man of sterling worth and influence, who was born and reared at Silver Springs. He came to Illinois in 1845, locating in the northern part of Marion county which is now embraced in Kinmundy township, where he developed a farm, making a comfortable home and a good living during his residence there. Thomas Williams, father of W. G. Williams and grandfather of the subject of this sketch, came to Illinois with the family in 1845. He was a North Carolinian by birth and a fine type of the true Southern gentleman. He followed farming all his life. He died in Kinmundy. W. G. Williams died in 1904, at the advanced age of eighty-seven years. The mother of the subject was Mary Morning, a native of old Virginia and a woman of many estimable traits. She passed to her rest in 1852. Mr. and Mrs. W. G. Williams were the parents of nine children as follows: Elizabeth, widow of R. G. Williams, who now lives in Foster township, Marion county; T. W., our subject; Othnial, who is living at Raleigh, Saline county, Illinois, was a soldier in the Civil war; Joseph died while in the Union army; G. H. also died in the Union army; George M. was killed while in the Federal ranks ; Henry N. also died in the Union army; Carroll died in infancy; Mary Jane is the wife of John Carman, living at Kinmundy, this county.

The subject's father married the second time, his last wife being Martha Boczkiewicz, and by this union five children were born as follows: Piety Smith, now deceased, who lived in Hamilton county, Illinois; W. G., Jr., who is living in Hamilton county; F. O., who is also a resident of Hamilton county; John V., is a Baptist minister, living at Galitia, Saline county, Illinois; Priscilla died at the age of ten years.

T. W. Williams, our subject, was raised on the farm and attended the common schools where he diligently applied himself and received a fairly good education. After he reached maturity he bought and sold live stock, making this business a success from the start, having much natural ability as a trader. He lived on the farm for twentyfive years. He also made a marked success later dealing in live stock and grain, becoming widely known not only as a man of unusual industry but also of scrupulous honesty.

Having taken a lively interest in politics and becoming well known throughout the county he was sought out by his political friends for positions of public trust, having first served as Deputy Sheriff in 1890 of Marion county for a period of two years, with the greatest satisfaction to all concerned and reflecting much credit upon his innate ability as an official. In 1893 he became Deputy Circuit Clerk, in which capacity he ably served for five years. Mr. Williams was postmaster at Kinmundy, Illinois, in 1885, during Cleveland's first administration. He had previously been living on his farm, but he then moved to Kinmundy and from that town to Salem in 1900 for the purpose of assuming the duties of Deputy Sheriff. In all of his official career not the shadow of suspicion of wrong has rested upon him, and he has given uniform satisfaction to all concerned in whatever place he has filled. He was the Democratic nominee for Sheriff in 1894, but was defeated by a Republican candidate.

Mr. Williams' early life was devoted very largely to school teaching, having won a lasting reputation throughout Marion county as an able instructor and his services were always in great demand. He followed this line of work from the time he was twenty-one until he was forty years old, having taught not only in Marion but also Hamilton and Saline counties. He has given his time to the duties of the office of Justice of the Peace, to which he was elected in 1900. He is also engaged in the hotel business, being the present proprietor of the Williams House, which he has managed fof ten years. Owing to the courteous treatment and excellent accommodations which the traveling public finds at this house, it has a liberal patronage and has become well known to those finding it convenient to stop at a well kept hostelry.

The domestic life of Mr. Williams began when he was united in marriage with Juliet Boczkiewicz on March 27. 1859. She was a representative of a highly respected and well known family of this county. By this union the following interesting children have been bom: Henrietta, the wife of George M. Hargrove, of Fayette county, Illinois; Annetta, deceased; Alfe, the wife of W. W. Newis, of Salem ; W. W., of Centralia, this state; Walter, of Ashland, Cass county, Illinois; T. S., of Salem.

Mrs. Williams was called to her rest in 1881, and Mr. Williams was married again in 1884 to Nannie L. Williams, a daughter of T. C. Williams, of Kinmundy, a well known family of that place. There have been no children by this union.

Fraternally Mr. Williams is affiliated with the Masonic order, having belonged to this lodge since he was twenty-five years old. He is a member of the Baptist church, and judging from his sober, upright, well ordered daily life one would conclude that he believes in carrying out the sublime precepts and doctrines embraced in both the lodge and the church to which he belongs. Mr. Williams is a man of striking personality, portly with a proper poise of dignity to his military bearing which makes him a conspicuous figure wherever he goes. He is a pleasant man to meet, always kind, affable, well mannered and congenial: these commendable traits coupled with his industry and genuine worth make him a favorite in Marion county and wherever he is known, and he justly merits the high esteem of which he is the recipient.

James B. Lewis

Few men in Marion county occupy as prominent position in public and political affairs as the well known and deservedly popular gentleman whose name introduces this article. His has indeed been a busy and successful life and the record is eminently worthy of perusal by the student who would learn the intrinsic essence of individuality and its influence in moulding opinion and giving character and stability to a community.

James B. Lewis, editor and publisher of The Marion County Democrat, and one of the leading journalists of southern Illinois, is a native of Nicholas county, Kentucky, where his birth occurred on the i4th day of November, 1852. His father, O. M. Lewis, who was born and reared to manhood in the state of New York, migrated about 1835 to Ohio where he spent the ensuing ten years, and at the expiration of that time removed to Kentucky where he made his home until his death in the year 1862. O. M. Lewis was a man of fine mind and superior intellectual atainments, having enjoyed excellent educational advantages in his native state, graduating when a young man from Alfred Center College. After finishing his education he engaged in teaching, which profession he followed with marked success in Carlisle and Maysville, Kentucky, until the breaking out of the war with Mexico, when he resigned his position and entering the army served throughout that struggle while still in his minority. Later when the national sky became overcast with the ominous clouds of approaching Civil war he was among the first men of Nicholas county to tender his services to the national government, enlisting in 1861 in Company H, Eighteenth Kentucky Volunteer Infantry, in which he soon rose to the position of captain, and as such served with a brilliant record until August, 1862, when he was killed while bravely leading his men in the battle of Richmond, Kentucky. This was one of the bloodiest of the war, the Eighteenth Kentucky, a veteran regiment, losing two-thirds of its men, while the losses of several other regiments were almost if not quite as great. Mr. Lewis is said to have been the most popular man in his regiment, and was almost idolized by his own company, during his entire period of service. The Grand Army Post at Carlisle, Kentucky, where he enlisted, is called the O. M. Lewis Post in his honor. Although a man of scholarly tastes and habits, and for many years devoted to his books and studies he inherited the martial instinct also being descended from fighting stock on the maternal side, his mother having been a Lawton, a relative of the late General Lawton, one of America's most distinguished heroes, who lost his life in the Philippines. O. M. Lewis was born on August 30, 1824, married in 1850 to Elizabeth Mann, of Nicholas county, Kentucky, and became the father of eight children, only three now survive, namely : Mrs. Louisa L. Davidson, of Patoka, Illinois, James B., of this review and Airs. Anna J. Burns who lives in Fresno,

California. In September following her husband's death, 1863, Mrs. Lewis, with her three children, moved to Marion county, Illinois, and located about two miles east of Patoka, on a farm of one hundred and sixty acres which had been purchased by Mr. Lewis some years previously. In 1865 she became the wife of George Binnion, of Marion county, who was also a soldier during the war of the Rebellion and the son of Francis Binnion, the second marriage resulting in the birth of two sons, Daniel H., and Frank. At the time of his death, which occurred in the month of July, 1907, at the remarkable age of one hundred and seven years, Francis Binnion was the oldest man in Marion county, if not in the state.

James B. Lewis spent his childhood in the state of his birth, and when eleven years old was brought by his mother to Marion county, Illinois, with the subsequent history and progress of which his life has been very closely interwoven. At the proper age he entered the public schools of Patoka, where he pursued his studies until completing the common and high school branches, the training thus received was in Milton, Wisconsin, where he earned an honorable record as a close and painstaking student. On quitting college he turned his attention to teaching, but after devoting several years to this field of work and finding it not altogether to his liking he discontinued it and took up the study of medicine. After a course of reading under the direction of competent local talent he entered the Eclectic Medical Institute at Cincinnati, where he continued his studies and researches until receiving his degree in the year 1878, following which he opened an office in Patoka and in due time built up an extensive practice which proved as successful financially as professionally, and which earned for him an honorable reputation among the leading physicians and surgeons of Marion and neighboring counties.

Dr. Lewis brought to his chosen calling a mind well disciplined by intellectual and professional training, and it was not long until his practice took a very wide range, embracing not only the town and a large area of adjacent country, but not infrequently were his services sought at other and remote points for treatment of difficult and critical cases in which a high degree of efficiency and skill were required. He continued his professional business with encouraging success until the fall of 1884 when he was elected Clerk of the Marion Circuit Court, and the better to attend to his official functions here moved within a short time to Salem where he has since resided. Doctor Lewis discharged the duties of the clerkship with credit to himself and to the satisfaction of the people, and during his incumbency of four years won the esteem and confidence of all who had business to transact in his office, proving a most capable, judicious and obliging public servant. In February, 1889, shortly after the expiration of his official term he established "The Marion County Democrat," which he has since conducted, and which under his able business and editorial management is now one of the best and most influential local papers in the southern part of the state, in many respects comparing' favorably with the more pretentious sheets of the larger metropolitan centers. The political creed of The Democrat is indicated by its title, and as a party organ it has had much to do in moulding opinion, formulating policies and directing public affairs, the doctor being an elegant and forceful writer, a courteous but fearless antagonist and in discussing the leading questions and issues of the day he wields a trenchant pen and makes his influence felt not only on these but on all other matters which the enterprising journalist is supposed to bring to the attention of the public.

The Democrat office is well equipped with the latest modern machinery and appliances for first class work in the art preservative, and in its mechanical make up the paper is fully abreast of the times, all that constitutes a first class newspaper being systematically arranged and a model of neatness and typographical art. Aside from its political phase it is designed to vibrate with the public pulse and in addition to the news of the day, its columns teem with much of the best current literature and it has also became the medium through which the productions of a number of rising local writers are given publicity.

In brief The Democrat is a clean and dignified and interesting family paper as well as a popular and influential political organ, and its steady growth in public favor bespeaks for it a future of still greater promise and usefulness. Not only as an editorial moulder of opinion does Mr. Lewis make his influence felt in directing the affairs of his town and county, but as an enterprising public spirited citizen, with the welfare of the community at heart, he has ever been interested in whatever makes for the benefit of his fellow men, encouraging to the extent of his ability all worthy measures and takes the lead in movements having for their object the social, intellectual and moral advancement of those with whom he mingles. On the 1 2th day of September, 1877. Mr. Lewis was united in the bonds of wedlock with Mona I. Quoyle, daughter of Capt. T. H. and Rebecca Quoyle, of Salem, the marriage being blessed with six children, four of whom are living, the other two dying in infancy. Anna L., the oldest of the family, is the wife of E. H. Barenfauger, a contractor of Salem. Orin M., the second in order of birth is associated with his father in The Democrat office and has achieved honorable repute as an enterprising and capable newspaper man. Before entering the field of journalism he served four years in the United States navy, having visited nearly every country of the old and new world, and completely encircled the globe while with the squadron under the command of Robley D. Evans or "Fighting Bob," one of the most distinguished admirals of his time. Thomas O., the second son, is a locomotive fireman at the Chicago & Eastern Illinois yards in Salem, while Owen W., the youngest of the number is also connected with the Chicago & Eastern Illinois Railway, holding the position of store keeper at Salem. In his fraternal relations

Mr. Lewis is a Mason and an Odd Fellow, belonging to the lodges of those organizations in Salem and manifesting a lively interest in their deliberations. While not actively engaged in the practice of his profession he is fully abreast of the times on all matters relating to medical science, being a close and diligent student and an untiring investigator, and by keeping in touch with the trend of modern thought maintains not only his interest in the healing art, but the honorable position to which he attained while devoting his entire time and attention to the ills of suffering humanity.

During the entire period of his residence in Salem as a physician, public official, editor, as the center of his family circle and as a citizen he has made good his title to the honored name inherited from his ancestors, besides adding to its luster by a strict adherence to duty in every relation to which he has been called.

Obediah F. Evans

The history of the loyal sons and representative citizens of Marion county, Illinois, would be incomplete should the name that heads this review be omitted, for it is eminently consistent that a record of his labors and achievements, and a tribute to his worth and high character as a business man, public official and enterprising, broad minded citizen be made at this place.

Police Magistrate of Salem, Illinois, is a native son of this county, having first seen the light of day here on March 23, 1844. His father was James Evans, who was a grandson of W. W. Evans and the son of Obediah Evans, Sr. James Evans was born in West Virginia, December 7, 1819, and with his father emigrated to Marion county, Illinois, in 1830, settling near Salem, being one of the sterling pioneers that did so much for succeeding generations. In 1838 he was married to Kizzire Morrison, daughter of Joseph Morrison, of Revolutionary fame. To this fortunate union nine children were born, four sons and five daughters. When the national government was in need of loyal sons to save it from disruption, this patriotic father and three sons enlisted in its defense, he on August 9, 1862, and the sons on August 25, 1 86 1. The father returned home in 1865 after gallant service, leaving two sons behind him who had sacrificed their lives on the altar of their country, having fallen in battle, one at Shiloh and the other at Franklin, Tennessee. The third son, Obediah, our worthy subject, was only seventeen years old when he enlisted. After performing conspicuous service and conducting himself with as much bravery and martial spirit as the older members of his regiment, having borne the brunt of battle at the momentous and sanguinary conflict at Shiloh, Tennessee, toward the close of that great engagement he was struck by a canister and seriously wounded so that his discharge from the army was a necessity, greatly to his regret. After the war Mr. Evans returned to his home in Salem. James Evans was called from his earthly labors October 24, 1898. The subject's mother, a woman of beautiful Christian character and numerous commendable attributes, was called to her rest in 1877. Grandmother Evans was the third person to be buried in the cemetery at Salem, her death having occurred in 1834. Joseph Morrison, grandfather of the subject, on his maternal side, died at the age of seventy-six years in 1836. He is buried at Mt. Maria church, seven miles south of Salem. The ancestry of the subject were numbered among the best and most industrious people of their day and generation. Our subject's domestic life dates from November 10, 1863, when he was married to Lucy J. Tingle, the accomplished and genial daughter of Lloyd Tingle, a well known citizen of Henderson county, Kentucky, and to this union nine children have been born, namely: Charles E., born September 8, 1864; Harry D., president of the Salem Drug Company, of this city, whose date of birth occurred on August 30, 1866; Nellie Grant, wife of J. W. Asbury, of O'Fallon; Illinois, was born in 1868. He is a school teacher, and they are the parents of five sons and one daughter. Carrie Belle, the fourth child, is the wife of Ed. F. Munier, of Springfield, Missouri, who is a machinist. She was born in 1870 and is the mother of two sons and two daughters, one pair of twins. Ida Frank, the fifth child, who was born March 23, 1873, is the wife of W. N. Huff, living on a farm south of

Salem, he being a carpenter by occupation, and they are the parents of seven children, three sons and four daughters ; Anna Lee, who was born in April, 1876, is the wife of T. M. Lutz, who is engaged in the railway mail service at St. Louis, Missouri, and they are the parents of two boys ; George G., who was born in 1881 is in the United States army now (1908) located at Camp Keethley, Philippine Islands ; Lucy Blanche, who was born in 1883, is the wife of W. F. Periman, a machinist employed by McMackin & Vursells Hardware Company at Salem, Illinois; Marshall J., who was born in 1887, is single, living in Salem and a carpenter by trade.

These nine children are comfortably situated in life and they received every care and attention possible by their solicitous parents, and as a result of the wholesome home environment and the uplifting influence that was always thrown around them, all of the children have made honorable and useful men and women. The subject has twentysix grandchildren, seven sons-in-law and daughters-in-law and one grand-son-in-law. Neither Mr. Evans nor any of his children has ever lost a child, a most remarkable record for such a large family. In rearing his family Mr. Evans did not think it at all irksome to work fourteen hours a day, if necessary.

Our subject was engaged in farming and stock buying for several years after his marriage, and he was engaged in buying horses and mules for the firm of Evans & Davenport, the latter an old resident of Salem and an uncle of Hon. W. J. Bryan. Mr. Davenport practiced medicine for a number of years. After this Mr. Evans went on a farm south of Salem and bought timber land, having cleared over three hundred acres of heavily timbered land and marketed it. In 1898 he retired from the farm and moved to Salem and again engaged in buying horses and mules. In whatever he engaged the result was always the same - gratifying success. He was a very successful agriculturist, keeping his farm up to the high standard of Marion county's valuable farms, and he is regarded as one of the best judges of horses and mules in the county.

In 1900 Mr. Evans was elected Justice of the Peace and he filled this office with entire satisfaction to all concerned, his decisions having been at all times fair and impartial and seldom if ever being reversed at the hands of a higher tribunal. In the same year Mr. Evans began to deal in real estate, opening up a nicely furnished office in which he also soon added insurance and since that time he has devoted the major portion of his time to the office, building up an excellent business and becoming widely known for the unusual fairness of his deals and the public has been pleased to put explicit confidence in him when any matters of these lines are to be transacted.

Recognizing his innate ability as a judiciary and because of his former record of honor and his poularity, the friends of Mr. Evans elected him Police Magistrate of the city of Salem in 1906, having been elected on the Citizen's ticket for a term of four years. Our subject affiliated with the Republican party up to 1884, but becoming dissatisfied he turned Prohibitionist for one year, directing his efforts to the success of this party, after which the Union Labor party was organized in Marion county and he cast his lot with them until 1891. At this time he helped organize the Populist party. He became Chairman of the County Central Committee, Chairman of the Congressional Committee, and a member of the State Committee. In 1896 when Bryan was first nominated for President he felt there was no longer need of the Populist party and he has since been a Democrat. In 1898 he was Chairman of the Populist State Committee. In 1890 he was elected Justice of the Peace as a Democrat and served four years. He is a great admirer of Mr. Bryan, having known five generations of this family.

Mr. Evans is a man of exemplary habits, temperate in all things and a man of good repute. He says his motto has long been, "Meet life with a smile," and "Always say no at the right time and in the right way and you will always be a success." With this end in view he has made life not only pleasant for himself and family, but also to those with whom he has come in contact, being regarded by all who know him as a pleasant, kind, affable, honest, public-spirited gentleman of the highest type, and a better, abler or more widely known and popular man than Mr. Evans could not be found within the borders of Marion county where he has spent his eminently useful life

Frank A. Rogers

In touching upon the life history of the subject of this sketch the writer aims to avoid fulsome encomium and extravagant praise, yet he desires to hold up for consideration those facts , which have shown the distinction of a true, useful and honorable life - a life characterized by perseverance, energy, broad charity and well defined purpose. To do this will be but to reiterate the dictum pronounced upon Mr. Rogers by the people who have known him so long and well.

Frank A. Rogers, the present popular County Treasurer of Marion county, was born in Omega, this county, April I, 1871, and while still a young man has left the indelible imprint of his strong personality upon the locality where he has spent his life. The father of the subject was William A. Rogers, a native of Tennessee, who came to this county in 1854. He was engaged all his life in agricultural pursuits, and he was a man of great influence in his community, and was Supervisor of his township for fifteen years, also Justice of the Peace for twenty years, and he was chairman of the County Board at the time of his death, February 24, 1891. The subject's mother was Rebecca Chapman in her maidenhood. She was born in Omega township, this county, November 25, 1846, and is still living in 1908 on the old homestead. She is a woman of refinement and gracious personality which has won hosts of friends. To Mr. and Mrs. William A. Rogers the following children were bom: Leva, who died in infancy; the second in order of birth was our subject; Luther A., living at Wellington, Kansas; Giles N., of luka, Illinois; Daniel C, deceased; Leo Delbert, of Pocahontas, Iowa ; Paul, of Omega township.

Frank A. Rogers lived at home until he was twenty-one years old, assisting with the work about the farm until he had acquired sufficient education to begin teaching. Being an ambitious lad he always applied himself diligently to his text-books and consequently outstripped most of the common plodders that made up the roll of contemporaneous school-fellows in his neighborhood, and he has since greatly added to his early foundation in educational matters by coming in contact with the world and by systematic home study. But few men are to be met with in the state of Illinois who are any better informed on current topics of a general nature than Mr. Rogers, for he has always been a close student of the trend of events, politically, scientifically and in other leading issues. He followed teaching for a period of seventeen years in Marion county, during which time he established an envied reputation as an instructor and his services were in great demand. He was not only popular for his superior text-book learning, but his kind and pleasing personality, his peculiar insight in the characters of his pupils, which made it easy for him to control and properly direct each pupil, made him popular with all classes of people.

Mr. Rogers always took a deep interest in political movements, being a stanch advocate of the principles and policies of the Democratic party, with which he has been affiliated from the time of attaining his majority, and he has ever lent his aid in furthering the party's cause and is well fortified in his political convictions, while he is essentially public-spirited and progressive. Being animated with the laudable ambition for political preferment and his general popularity having been long ago well established, it is not strange that his fellow citizens singled him out for offices of public trust, and he held the office of Supervisor of Omega township for two terms. He was also chairman of the County Board and County Board of Review in 1903. He was nominated for County Treasurer on the Democratic ticket August 4, 1906, by a majority of eight hundred and was easily elected over a strong opponent the following November, and is serving the duties of the office with great credit to himself and to the entire satisfaction of all concerned, not only his constituents but members of other parties as well, being generally regarded as one of the best officials the county has ever had, especially in the Treasurer's office. The subject has made his home in Salem since December, following the election.

The subject's happy and harmonious domestic life dates from September 25, 1892, when he was united in marriage to Lillie M. Kagy, who was born April 7, 1875, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William B. Kagy, a well known, highly respected and influential family of Marion county. Mrs. Rogers is a highly cultured and accomplished lady of pleasing manner and many commendable attributes of mind and heart and she presides over their comfortable and cozy home with grace and dignity and she is popular among the best class of Marion county's estimable women.

The following bright and interesting children have come into the home of our subject and wife, thereby adding cheer and sunshine to the family circle: Herschell, born June 28, 1894; Hazel, born October 5, 1897; Vernon V., born April 15, 1902, surviving only till October 4th, the same year; Rolla, who was born August 5, 1904.

Mr. and Mrs. Rogers are consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal church. They are both held in high esteem for their friendly manners, wholesome domestic life and upright public lives which have resulted in winning and retaining the friendship of all who know them.

where he has lived from the time of his birth and where he has gained personal prestige and success in one of the most noble and exacting of all vocations to which a man may devote himself, being engaged in the practice of his profession at Salem and controlling a large business as physician and surgeon, while he has gained precedence by reason of his devotion to his profession and his marked ability as an exponent of advanced and practical medical science, at the same time establishing a record of honor.

Dr. Carlos A. Feltman was born in Salem, Illinois, September n, 1856, the son of Charles Feltman, a man of much sterling worth and influence in his community who was born in Strausburg, Germany, and was one of the earliest German settlers in Marion county, Illinois. He was a successful baker for many years and later was engaged in the mercantile business at which he was equally successful, having built up an excellent trade with the surrounding country districts. He spent nearly his entire life in Salem and passed to his reward in 1875. The subject's mother, who was a woman of many admirable attributes, was known in her maidenhood as Mary Appel. She was born in Frankfort-on-the-Main, Germany, and she passed to her rest in 1888. The parents of the subject were married in St. Louis, Missouri. They received a fairly good education and were people of refinement and high character, having reared their children, of whom there were eight in number, in a wholesome atmosphere which modified and deeply influenced their subsequent careers. Following are the names of their children : Emfl, deceased ; Ellen, who married R. E. Fletcher and who died in Grand Junction, Colorado; H. C, deceased, was a prominent attorney at law and was grand scribe of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at the time of his death ; William W. is deceased; the next in order of birth was Carlos A., our subject; Lenora, deceased; C. E., who is with the Eli Walker Dry Goods Company, of St. Louis, Missouri ; R. E., who is in the mercantile business at Grand Junction, Colorado.

Doctor Feltman remained a member of the home circle until he reached manhood, having attended the common schools in Salem until he finished the prescribed course. Being a diligent student he made excellent grades and received a good education. He went into newspaper work, believing that journalism offered peculiar attractions. He worked as a printer for three years. In the meantime he felt that his calling was in another direction, the more praiseworthy art of medicine, consequently he began studying during spare moments and finally entered the Louisville Medical College at Louisville, Kentucky, where he remained one term, after which he attended the Eclectic Medical Institute at Cincinnati, from which he graduated with high honor in 1882 in the same class with Dr. M. D. Foster, the present Congressman from this district. Our subject showed from the time he first entered medical college that he had a peculiar aptitude and unusual talents for this line of endeavor and his subsequent life.

Doctor Feltman returned to his native community after graduation, beginning practice at Salem. His success was instantaneous and his ability became so generally known that he was selcted to the important post of United States Indian Physician at Fort Apache, Arizona, during President Cleveland's first administration. He was eminently successful in this new field, but he finally desired to return to his native state, and in 1888 began practice at Beardstown, Illinois, which he carried on with the greatest success for a period of fourteen years, building up a very large practice and becoming City Health Officer, also a member of the Board of Education. He was also Secretary of the Pension Board under Cleveland's second administration, also Coroner of Cass county from 1896 to 1900; later County Physician of Cass county. After filling all these positions to the entire satisfaction of all concerned, showing pronounced innate executive ability as well as superior medical skill, in 1900, greatly to the regret of his large patronage, Doctor Feltman moved away from Beardstown, locating at his old home in Salem. Useless to say that his practice was large from the first, for he had long ago firmly established a reputation here. He is a member of the Board of Education at Salem and is County Physician. He was nominated by his party for Coroner in 1908 and his nomination was regarded by not only the Democrats, but members of other party affiliations as well, to be a most fortunate on. He was elected at the ensuing election by a large majority over his opponent.

The domestic life of Doctor Feltman dates from January i, 1888, when he was happily married at Salem to Mayme E. Fulks, the refined and accomplished daughter of T. Charles Fulks. She received a fairly good educational training and is a representative of a well known and influential family.

Two interesting children, who, in their youth, give promise of successful and happy future careers, have added cheer and sunshine to the cozy home of Doctor and Mrs. Feltman. Their names are Blanche and Mabel, nineteen and seventeen years old, respectively, in 1908. They are both apt students and of winsome personalities.

Fraternally our subject is a member of the Masonic Order, the Woodmen and the Independent Order of Foresters, and his daily life would indicate that he believes in carrying out the sublime precepts of each. He is a strict Presbyterian in religious faith. However, he is not a member of any church, although all his family subscribes to the church in Salem.

Doctor Feltman is of a public-spirited nature, genial personality, uprightness of principle and habits of industry. He is regarded by the people of Marion county as one of their ablest and most eminent citizens.

William Kell Bundy

The life of the early settlers in any community has ever contained much to interest and entertain us. There is something romantic about the ruggedness of their lives and the uncertainties they had to face which holds a fascination for us today. The family of the subject of this sketch were among the earliest inhabitants of the county in which they lived, and the hardworking lives they lived were much more eventful than the life of the average farmer of today.

William K. Bundy was born in section No. i, Centralia township, Marion county, Illinois, on May 4, 1827, and was the son of Frederick and Mary Bundy. His mother, whose maiden name was Wilson, was born in North Carolina, coming from the region of the famous Blue Ridge Mountains. Frederick Bundy was the son of Jonathan Bundy, of Tennessee, who came to Marion county, Illinois, as early as 1825 or 1826, settling near Walnut Hill, where he soon afterward died. His wife belonged to a well known family of Tennessee named Dorcas. They had four children, all sons - Robert, John and William, who settled in the vicinity of Walnut Hill, and the father of the subject of our sketch, Frederick Bundy, who settled in section No. I, Centralia township.

Frederick Bundy's father-in-law, John Wilson, married in his native state of North Carolina. He was a farmer who on becoming attacked with the western fever, went westward to Illinois. There he settled northeast of Salem. On the death of his first wife he married a widow named Jones. Their married years must have been happy ones, for upon a third matrimonial venture he espoused another widow named Kelley. After a long and active life he died on the farm. The children by his first wife numbered seven. In regular order they were: Mary, Nancy, Jane, Margaret, Samuel, Dorrington, and Sylvester. Mary, the eldest daughter, was the mother of the subject of our sketch. The children born to John Wilson's second wife numbered three.

Frederick Bundy, living in a different period from ours, had no chance to go to school. His education had to be self-obtained. He did not fail to sieze the opportunities which came his way, and so became a remarkably well informed man. At the time the family came to Illinois the journey was made in the old time cumberous team wagons. The family of the mother of our sketch also arrived by means of the same mode of travel.

Centralia township at the time Frederick Bundy settled there in 1826, was as yet in its original wild state. As may be supposed, wild game and beasts of prey of many varieties abounded there, particularly wolves. He remembered the howls and blood-curdling "ki-yiings" of the timber-wolves, to which he lay awake listening on many a night inside of the rough log-cabin which he had built with his own hands, In time he cleared the land and erected for himself a suitable home, and otherwise much improved the property which embraced four hundred acres. For years he carried on an active farming business and raised considerable amount of stock. Frederick Bundy was politically a staunch Democrat, and in those days he had to go over to Salem at election times to record his vote. In religious life he was a member of the Christian church. His wife died in February, 1848, and the demise of the inseparable companion of his life's journey was a great loss. He died in the fall of 1849, having, however, married secondly Elizabeth Walker, and leaving a son by that marriage. He had eight children by his first wife, the eldest of which was the subject of this sketch, William K. The others were: Alexander, who married first Margaret Breeze, and afterwards another member of that family, and who is a farmer in Washington ; Nancy Jane, deceased, first married James Harper, and afterwards Reuben Alderson; Dorcas married Sydney Harmon, both of whom are dead; Jeanette, who married, also died; John joined the One Hundred and Eleventh Regiment, Company H, at the outbreak of the Civil war and died while in the service of his country ; Robert was also in the Civil war, enlisting in Jefferson county, Illinois, and died of small pox during his term of service; Sallie, another daughter, married Thomas J. Hollowell and lives in Washington with her husband.

The life of William Kell Bundy, the subject of this sketch, has been an adventurous one. In early life he received the limited education afforded at the only available local institutions of learning - the subscription schools. He remained at home doing nee- essary work on the farm until 1847, when at that martial period he enlisted in Company C, No. i, United States army for the Mexican war. His military career began by his being sent to Alton, Illinois, and later to Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, and later - participated in the march across the desert to Santa Fe. He was on the march sixty days, which was a tedious one. Later he took part in the advance upon old Albuquerque, the Mexican capital. Here he remained until 1848, where he did guard duty, and finally marched back. On his return he remained with his father superintending the old homestead until the latter's death, at which time he bought forty acres of it, on which he lived for fifteen years. In 1863 he changed to his present abode in section No. 6, Raccoon township. At different times the area of his land increased until he had at one time three hundred and fifty acres; the greater part of which he has since divided among his children. All the improvements on the place have been the fruits of his labor and supervision. He has principally raised stock on the farm, cattle, horses, sheep and hogs, and has also evinced an interest in the fancy and finer breeds.

William K. Bundy married first Elizabeth, the daughter of Isaac and Sarah Mc- Clelland. Isaac was an early settler in Marion county, Illinois, near Walnut Hill. He followed the occupation of farmer and stock dealer. On the death of his first wife, Mr. Bundy married a second time on October 20, 1887, Mildred Annie Gaines, of Sumner county, near Nashville, Tennessee. She was the daughter of Henry Gaines. Her mother's own name was Marian Bradley, of Nashville, Tennessee. They came to Marion county, Illinois, in 1850, and settled in Stevenson township. There Henry Gaines and his wife farmed during the remainder of their lives. He died in 1850, and his wife in 1856. They had eight children, of which Mildred Annie, the second wife of William K. Bundy, was the seventh. Of the others, Hazel married C. Tracy; P. D. is a farmer in Stevenson township ; Josephine, the third, is dead ; Martha is also dead ; Henrietta E., the widow of Sidney Charlton, lives in Odin township; Agnes is still on the farmstead and is single; Z. T. lives in Jefferson county. The second marriage of William K. Bundy has given him the following children, seven in number. Mary Rebecca, the wife of John French; Sarah Jane, who is Mrs. Robinson, living at Sedalia, Washington; Elizabeth, who married John Lament, since deceased, lives in Oklahoma; Josephine, who married George West, of Odin township; Isaac M., who is a farmer in Raccoon township married Sarah Johnson ; Fred, who lives at home and is unmarried, went through the Spanish-American war as a member of Company G, Third Regiment U. S. another child, Catherine died young.

Though now in his eighty-second year, William Kell Bundy possesses a mind of unusual transparency. He is still well able to review in detail the memories and exploits of a long and varied career.

first vote for a presidential candidate was recorded years ago when it went to James K. Polk, who figured in an eventful election. In religion he is a member of the Christian church, in the interests of which he has ever been active. He is now in the mellow period of a long life which has always been at the service of home and country. He has fulfilled the duties of a long life; he is surrounded by an affectionate circle of sons and daughters; he has the friendship and good wishes of a host of friends. Is not this as much as any of us can hope for in the evening of life.

The physician who would succeed in his profession must possess many qualities of head and heart not included in the curriculum of the schools and colleges he may have attended. In analyzing the career of the successful practitioner of the healing art it will invariably be found true that a broad-minded sympathy with the sick and suffering and an honest, earnest desire to aid his afflicted fellow men have gone hand in hand with skill and able judgment. The gentleman to whom this brief tribute is given fortunately embodies these necessary qualifications in a marked degree and by energy and application to his professional duties is building up an enviable reputation and drawing to himself a large and remunerative practice, being recognized as one of the leading physicians of this locality and a man of honor and integrity at all times.

Dr. J. T. Jones was born in Foster township, Marion county, Illinois, August 26, 1861, and "his sober wishes never learned to stray," consequently he has preferred to remain on his native prairie rather than seek uncertain fortunes elsewhere. His father is Eli W. Jones, a native of the same township and county. Grandfather James Jones was an early pioneer of Marion county and a man of many sterling qualities which have outcropped in our subject to a marked degree. He was a Southerner of the finest type. His residence was used in an early day for the purpose of holding church services, he being an active and ardent Methodist. He is living at this writing, 1908, in Foster township on a fine farm where he has become influential and widely known. He was Circuit Clerk from 1872 to 1876. He makes his home at present in Vernon. He was a soldier in Company H, Twentysixth Regiment, Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and he served through the war, having marched with Sherman to the sea and lost a leg in the final battle at Bentonville, North Carolina, the last battle fought by Sherman. He was in many hard fought battles of the Army of the Tennessee, being in the Fifteenth Army Corps, and in all he took part in about thirty engagements. After the war he returned to his farm. The maiden name of the mother of the subject was Mary Ryman, a native of Pennsylvania. Her father was Dr. J. R. Ryman, who was an early Methodist minister, later becoming a physician. He came to Marion county when a young man, and was at one time

Circuit Clerk of the county and also School Commissioner, being one of the founders of the Western Christian Advocate at St. Louis, Missouri. He died about 1877. The mother of the subject is living at this writing. Three children were born to these parents, our subject being the only one now living. The subject's maternal grandmother was Martha Dickens, a daughter of Samuel Dickens, a pioneer Baptist minister.

Doctor Jones spent his boyhood on his father's farm, attending the country schools at Fosterburg, and when the family came to Salem in 1872 he attended school in in Salem in 1872 he attended school in Salem from 1872 to 1878, graduating from the high school here in 1878 with high honor. After leaving school he clerked one year in a store at Vernon, but believing that his true calling lay along medical lines rather than the mercantile, he began the study of medicine, making rapid progress from the first. He entered the St. Louis Medical College in 1880 from which he graduated in March, 1884, having made a brilliant record for scholarship. He located first at Warsaw, Missouri, practicing there with eminent success until 1889, when, much to the regret of his many friends and patients, he left that town and came to Vernon, Illinois, where he remained, building up a lucrative practice, until 1907, in which year he came to Salem, having moved his family here a year previous. Doctor Jones took a post-graduate course in the medical department of the University of St. Louis in 1906. He has been very successful in his practice in Marion county, having a large business at present and he is often called to other localities on serious and important cases where his superior medical advice is sought by local practitioners whose skill has been baffled, and his counsels are always followed by gratifying results.

The domestic life of our subject dates from April 25, 1891, when he was united in marriage with Carrie E. Bennett, who was born and reared in Salem, the accomplished and refined daughter of ]. J. Bennett, an early pioneer of Marion county and was the first president of the Salem National Bank, which position he held until within a few years of his death. Mary Oglesby was the maiden name of the subject's mother, who was the first girl baby born in Salem. Her great-grandfather, Mark Tully, entered land on which the city of Salem is built. He gave the site where the court house stands. This family was one of the best known in the early history of the county.

Our subject and wife have two children, a bright boy and a winsome girl, the former, Don Paul, having been born January 28, 1892, and the latter, Nellie, was born May 22, 1895.

Doctor Jones has been thrifty and has accumulated a fair competence as a result of his well directed energies. He owns a valuable and highly improved farm in Foster township, and has numerous real estate holdings in Marion county. He is a member of the county, state and national medical associations, and he belongs to the Masonic

The home of Dr. and Mrs. Jones is modern, cozy, nicely furnished and is presided over with rare grace and dignity by the latter who is often hostess to warm friends who hold her in high esteem. This worthy couple is regarded by all classes as meriting the confidence and regard which are unqualifiedly proffered to them.

O. A. James

The subject of this sketch is not the example of a man whom the inscrutable caprice of fortune or fate has suddenly placed in a conspicuous position in the business world but he has attained to the same through careful preparation during long years of toil and endeavor, for he realized early in his career that success comes to the deserving, and that to be deserving, one must be industrious and persistent, so he forged ahead, surmounting obstacles that would have daunted and diverted the course of less courageous spirits.

O. A. James, the popular and efficient assistant cashier of the Salem State Bank, who has, while yet a young man, left the indelible imprint of his personality upon the people with whom he has come in contact, was born in Salem, Illinois, in 1879.

of a fine old Southern family. He came to Illinois in 1853, settling in Williamson county, where he lived for twenty-five years, having been reasonably prosperous during that time and becoming known as a hard worker and a man of the best habits. He then came to Marion county, settling near Alma, where he also remained a quarter of a century, developing a good farm and making a comfortable living by reason of his habits of industry and economy. Desiring to spend the remaining years of his life in the city and enjoy a respite from his arduous agricultural pursuits, Mr. James moved to Salem in 1902 and he has since made his home here.

The grandfather of the subject on his paternal side was John Wesley James, .a native of Tennessee, and an excellent farmer who passed to his rest about 1893 after a long and honorable life. His death occurred in Williamson county, this state, where he spent the major part of his life.

Joseph L. Wnorowski, the subject's grandfather on his mother's side, was born in Russia and received his education in the city of Moscow. He came to America when thirty years old, finally settling in Salem, Illinois, where he spent his remaining years, dying about 1890.

The subject's mother was known in her maidenhood as Sophia E. Wnorowski, who was born and reared in Salem where she received a common school education and developed many praiseworthy characteristics. She is living at this writing (1908). Six children were born to the parents of the subject, five of whom are still living, named in order of birth as follows : Mrs. Florence Brasel, of Cartter, Illinois; O. A., our subject; Mrs. Berdie E. Stroment, living in Salem, this county ; Guy L., of Wooden, Iowa; Mrs. Jesse Brasel, living at Terre Haute, Indiana.

These children all received a good common schooling and were reared in a home of the most wholesome atmosphere, consequently they have developed characters of a very commendable type.

Our subject attended the common schools of Salem, from which he graduated in 1897. But being amibitious for more learning and to become a teacher, he later attended the Carbondale State Normal School for some time. Not yet satisfied he entered Austin College at Effmgham; then took a course in the Eastern State Normal at Charleston, thus gaining a splendid education, for he made a brilliant record for scholarship in all these institutions.

After leaving school he began teaching, which he followed in a most successful and pfaiseworthy manner for a period of five years, having taught three years in Marion county public schools, one year as principal at Central City, Illinois, and one year as principal of the high school' at Kinmundy, in all of which he showed that he not only had acquired a great fund of serviceable knowledge which he had a penchant for readily and clearly dispensing, but that he possessed the other necessary prerequisites of head and heart to make a first class and a high grade educator, and his reputation had overspread the bounds of Marion county, causing his services to be in great demand, when, much to the regret of pupils and school boards he gave up his teaching and accepted the position as assistant postmaster at Salem the duties of which he attended to in a most able manner for a period of two years, when he resigned to become Deputy Circuit Clerk, having been appointed for a period of four years, and here he again displayed his great innate ability as a careful and painstaking business man by handling the duties devolving upon this position with all dispatch and alacrity and in a most satisfactory manner to all concerned, when after a year in this office he tendered his resignation to become assistant cashier in the Salem State Bank, which very responsible and envied position had been proffered by the heads of that institution after they had carefully considered the names of many young and talented business men for the place, believing that Mr. James was the best qualified to handle the work in this connection, and the praiseworthy manner and wonderful technical skill he has displayed in this responsible position since taking up the duties of the same, shows that the managers of this institution were wise in their decision and selection. Mr. James is still thus connected with the Salem State Bank and has given entire satisfaction and increased the popularity and prestige of this already popular and sound institution.

faithful and consistent member of the Christian church. He is known to be scrupulously honest, courteous and a gentleman of the highest address and honor and owing to the fact that our subject is yet quite a young man and has achieved such a place of honor and trust the future augurs great things for him.

Augustin Robert Williams

By reason of numerous rare innate qualities, together with his pleasing personal qualities, together with his pleasing personal address, his honesty of purpose and his loyalty to his native community, Mr. Williams has reached a conspicuous round in the ladder of success in his chosen field of endeavor and justly merits the high esteem in which he is held by all who know him.

A. R. Williams, the popular and well known teller of the Salem State Bank, Salem, Illinois, is a native of Marion county, having first seen the light of day in the city of Salem on December 15, 1875, the son of Rowland H. Williams, a native of New York City, who was born near Delaney street. He early decided to leave the congested metropolis and seek his fortune in the freer and less trammeled West, and consequently in casting about for an opportunity to properly get his initial start in the business world he decided to try Ohio and soon set out for Columbus and finally located near that city, then in about 1870 he came to Salem, Illinois, where he elected to remain, being impressed with the superior prospects of the place. He was proprietor of the Salem Marble Works for a number of years and at the time of his death, which occurred on December 10, 1890, he was postmaster of Salem, this important appointment having been made in recognition of his valuable services and his unflagging loyalty to the principles of the party then in power. He also showed his loyalty to the Union by enlisting in the Eighty-fifth Ohio Volunteer Regiment, serving with credit throughout the war between the states.

The grandfather of the subject on the paternal side of the house was Robert Williams, a native of Wales, he and his good wife having settled in New York and later coming to Ohio. His wife, late in life, came to Salem where she died. The grandmother of the subject on his maternal side was a native of Tennessee. She, too, died in Salem where she had lived only a few years, having been called to her eternal sleep shortly after the war.

The mother of the subject was known in her maidenhood as Margaret Keeney, a native of near old Foxville, Illinois, this county, the daughter of A. W. Keeney, who moved from Indiana to Marion county where he settled on a farm, but moved to Salem during the Civil war. He had a son killed in the battle of Shiloh and this caused him to desert the old farm homestead and move to Salem. He was associated with Seth Andrews in the Salem Milling Company of Salem for many years. The last few years of his life he lived in retirement. He passed away July 2, 1890. The mother of the subject, a woman of many praiseworthy traits, is still living in 1908.

Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Rowland H. Williams, one having died in infancy. Frank L. Williams, the living brother of the subject, was born in Salem May 25, 1 88 1, and is a well known contractor.

A. R. Williams, our subject, spent his boyhood in Salem attending the local schools, having graduated from the Salem high school in 1893, after making a splendid record for scholarship. Mr. Williams was with Cutler & Hays in the mercantile business, during which time he added very much to the prestige of the firm and won scores of customers from all over the county by reason of his courteous treatment and conscientious work, and the fact that his services were so long continued by this firm is a criterion that they were eminently satisfactory in every particular. Desiring to better fit himself for a business career which he soon determined should be his life's chief aim, he entered Brown's Business College at Centralia, from which he graduated with distinction in 1906.

The unusual ability of Mr. Williams was soon known to the business people of Salem and when the State Bank became in need of an efficient and reliable teller, no one worthier of the place could be found than our subject, consequently he was entreated to accept this important post, which he did on December 26, 1906, after resign- ing his position with Cutler and Hays, much to their regret, for they well knew that they would have much difficulty in filling the place of such a valuable man.

Mr. Williams has shown rare business ability in handling his new position and has given entire satisfaction to his employers from the first, having become known as one of the most trusted and thoroughly efficient bank tellers in this part of the state.

A. R. Williams was married to Miss Olive M. Peters, of Sandoval, Illinois, October 25, 1908. She is a daughter of D. M. and Lydia (Neff) Peters. Fraternally Mr. Williams is a member of the ancient and honorable order of Masons, a member of Cyrene Commandery No. 23, Knights Templar, of Centralia, also a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at Salem; he is also a member of the Woodmen and the Modern American Fraternal Order.

Charles D. Merritt

The subject of this sketch is the representative of an old and influential family which has been identified with the history of Marion county from the pioneer days and he is a worthy scion of such noble ancestors as he can claim, for all the years of his manhood have been characterized by an unfaltering devotion to his country's good and his interest in the improvement of his native locality has been repeatedly shown by the aid he has given to plans for the general improvement and advancement. His name is a synonym for integrity in business affairs, and his life history proves conclusively that success may be won through perseverance, strong determination and diligence. Charles D. Merritt was born in Salem, Illinois, where he now resides and where he has spent his entire life on September 2, 1863, the son of John H. Merritt, a native of New York City, where he was born in 1830 and where he made his home until 1850. He was a printer by trade and was very adept in his art. The grandfather of the subject was John W. Merritt, who was born July 4, 1806, in New York City. He was a lawyer by profession and achieved considerable notoriety as an able member of the bar. He came to Illinois about 1850 and located in Salem and where in November, 1851, he established The Salem Advocate, which he successfully managed for a few years, after which John H. Merritt, father of the subject, managed the paper with continued success for a number of years and then disposed of it. In 1876 he established The Marion County Herald and in 1879 he purchased The Advocate again and consolidated the two papers under the name of Herald-Advocate, which he continued to successfully edit up to the time of his death, February 3, 1888. After the consolidation, which rendered this fearless exponent of the people's rights one of the strongest papers of its kind in this part of the state, the property increased gradually in value and had a wide patronage, for it was ably managed and Mr. Merritt's editorials were always eagerly read, especially when great issues were before the local people for settlement, for they knew that his ideas were always of great weight and that he was ever ready to defend the rights of his locality.

- Grandfather Merritt, after a long and eminently useful life was called from his earthly labors in 1879. The Merritt family is of French descent. The grandmother of the subject was known as Julia DeForest in her maidenhood. She is a native of one of the Eastern states, where she was born February 14, 1808, and she passed to her rest sometime before her husband. The mother of our subject was formerly Margaret Bumgardner, who was born in Ohio, November 16, 1837. She is now living in Salem and is known as a woman of high culture and many commendable traits. Seven children were born to the subject's parents, two of whom are living at present. The names of these children follow :

Willis, who was born in 1860, died in 1893; Frank, who was born in 1862, died in infancy; Charles D.. whose name appears at the head of this sketch ; Fred, whose date of birth was 1865, lives in Salem; Harry, deceased : Omer, who is also deceased ; Maude, who was born in 1876, died in 1879. These children were given every attention and advantage possible by their parents.

his entire life in Marion county and he received his primary education in Salem, having made a good record in the local cshools, completing the prescribed course.

When only sixteen years old he took a position with C. R. Rogers as a delivery boy and drove the first delivery wagon ever driven in Salem. From this he went into his father's newspaper office in 1881 and he has been identified with the printing business ever since. At this writing he is conducting one of the best, most extensive and modern job printing offices in this part of the state, having established this plant here in 1897, since which time he has been doing a lucrative business.

When his father died in 1888 our subject became editor and proprietor of The Herald-Advocate, which he successfully conducted until he sold out in 1892 to Charles E. Hull, the present proprietor. Mr. Merritt not only understands the minute and great art of wielding the printer's ink, but he also understands handling the editorial end of a paper, although his work has been very largely in the mechanical department.

Our subject was united in marriage on October 11, 1887, to Carrie Hall, the daughter of Henry R. Hall, a well known family of Sandoval, Illinois, and four children have been born to this union, named in order of birth as follows : Dean, who was born June 12, 1889; Hall, who was born October 4, 1891 ; Fay, who was born November 4, 1894; Margaret, whose date of birth occurred March 25, 1901. These children are

Mr. Merritt has always been a publicspirited man and he has been favored with many offices of public trust, having filled the office of City Treasurer of Salem for one year and City Alderman for two years, and while in these capacities he rendered the city valuable services, discharging his duties with the same care and detail as if it had been private affairs and he secured many things that were beneficial to the residents of this place, having been instrumental in no small degree in securing the present splendid and up-to-date electric light plant, in fact, it will be remembered that Mr. Merritt was the Alderman who made the motion that gave to Salem its present lighting facilities. He is now a director of the Salem School Board and he also served for four years as a school director some years ago. He takes an active interest in school affairs, and during his incumbency in these offices he did much to strengthen the present efficient system.

Our subject belongs to the following lodges, in which he takes a just pride: Free and Accepted Masons, Blue Lodge and Chapter, the Salem Eastern Star; the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Subordinate and Encampment, also the Rebekahs, the Improved Order of Red Men at Odin, Illinois; also the Modern Woodmen of Salem and the Modern Americans at Salem. He served as assistant grand scribe of the Grand Encampment of the Odd Fellows of the State of Illinois for two years. At the

Mr. Merritt is an active Democrat and has always done what he could in furthering his party's principles. His name is indelably associated with progress in the county of his birth and among those in whose midst he has always lived he is held in highest esteem as a result of his upright life and fidelity to right principles.

The subject has always sought to inculcate in the minds of the young the higher things of life, the beauties of mind and soul known only to those who are willing to devote themselves to a career of self-sacrifice, hospitality, persistency and uprightness, and during the long years of his professional life Mr. Quayle succeeded in carrying out the principles in his daily life that he sought to impress upon others.

J. R. Quayle was born in Peoria county, Illinois, December 5, 1859, the son of Robert Quayle, a native of the Isle of Man, a full blooded Manxman. He was an influential and high minded man, whose sterling traits are somewhat reflected in the life of his son, our subject. He migrated to America about 1856, locating first in Henry county, Illinois, where he farmed. After living there for a short time he moved to Peoria county, later to Marion county in

January, 1866. He was a hard worker and made a success of whatever he undertook. He was called from his labors in September, 1879, while living in Marion county. He was a great Bible student and he read and talked the Manx language fluently. James Quayle, grandfather of the subject, was born, reared and spent his entire life on the Isle of Man, and his death occurred there. His wife was a Miss Harrison, who reached the remarkable age of ninety-six years.

The mother of the subject was Ellen (Corlett) Quayle, also a native of the Isle of Man, where she, too, was reared, and where she married Robert Quayle. She was a woman of many estimable traits, having led a wholesome life and in her old age was the recipient of many kindnesses at the hands of her many friends and neighbors.

She made her home on the old homestead near Vernon, Marion county, until her death, September 6, 1908, where the Quayle family moved in 1866. This family consisted of the following children, named in order of their birth: Elizabeth, who died in 1880; J. R., our subject; Anna, the wife of Nathan Roberts, of Patoka, this county; Thomas E., who lives in section 12, this county, on a farm; James C., also a farmer in Patoka township, Marion county; Kate, who is the wife of J. C. Bates, of Patoka township ; Mollie, who makes her home with her mother; Mona, the wife of G. I. Arnold, of Foster township, Marion county.

J. R. Quayle, our subject, attended the country schools east of Vernon until 1880, working at intervals on his father's farm. He was always a close student and made the most of his opportunities. After completing the course in the common schools he was not satisfied with the knowledge he had gained and entered school in the University at Valparaiso, Indiana, taking the teachers' course, also a commercial course. He made a brilliant record at this institution for scholarship and good deportment.

Believing that teaching was his proper field of activity Mr. Quayle began his first school in 1878 and he taught the major part of the time up to 1906 with the greatest success attending his efforts, during which time he became widely known not only in Marion but adjoining counties as an able instructor and his services were in great demand. He was not only well grounded in the text-books employed in the schools where he taught but his pleasing personality made him popular with his pupils, the various phases of whose natures he seemed to understand and sympathize with, so that he inspired each one to do his best in the work at hand, and many of his pupils have since won distinction in various lines of endeavor, all freely admitting that their success was due in a large measure to the training and influence of Mr. Quayle. The teaching of our subject was confined to Marion county

Mr. Quayle has been twice married. His first wedding occurred January 8, 1889, to Lyda E. Livesay, the accomplished daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Livesay, a well known family of Patoka township, Marion county, and to this union four children were born as follows: Guy, born in 1891, died at the age of seven years; Gladys E., born in 1892; Fanny, now deceased, who was born, in 1897; Roberta, who was born in 1900.

The subject's first wife was called to her rest in June, 1906, and Mr. Quayle was married December 15, 1907, to Ida M. Quails, daughter of Alfred Quails. She is a member of an influential family of Salem and was born and reared there.

Mr. Quayle has been an influential factor in politics in his county, always assisting in placing the best local men available in the county offices and his support can always be depended upon in furthering any worthy movement looking to the better interest of the community and county. In 1883, 1888 and 1889 he was Tax Collector of Patoka township, having been easily elected to this office and performed the duties of it in a most satisfactory manner. He was chosen by his friends to the responsible position of Supervisor in 1901 and 1902 and elected County Clerk on the Democratic ticket in 1906, and is now, 1908, serving his first term. He is said to be one of the ablest men in this office that the county has ever had, being careful and painstaking as well as congenial and friendly so that all his constituents are very highly pleased with his record. They predict that he will become a very potent factor in local politics in the near future.

Mr. Quayle is a member of the Masonic fraternity, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Eastern Star, the Rebekahs and the Woodmen. He takes a great deal of interest in lodge work and his daily life would indicate that he believes in carrying out the noble precepts of these commendable orders.

Mr. Quayle is not only a public-spirited and honorable man in his official and business life, but he leads a most wholesome home life and sets a worthy example for his children and others, delighting in the higher ideals of life as embraced in educational, civic and religious matters. Both he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church and no people in Marion county are the recipients of higher respect and genuine esteem from their many friends than thev.

Benjamin M. Smith

In studying the interesting life histories of many of the better class of men, and the many of the better class of these, and the ones of unquestioned merit and honor, it will be found that they have been compelled, very largely, to map out their own career and furnish their own motive force in scaling the heights of success, and it is such a

Benjamin M. Smith, the well known cashier of the Salem State Bank, was born in Central City, Illinois, December n, 1877, the son of Samuel J. Smith, a native of St. Clair county, Illinois, and a gentleman of many sterling traits who became a man of considerable influence in his community, some of whose commendable characteristics are inherited by his son, our subject. Samuel J. Smith came to Marion county when a young man and was engaged in the milling business of which he made pronounced success, having been in the county several years when the Civil war began, and he continued in this business during the progress of the Rebellion. He took much interest in public affairs. He was County Treasurer and County Clerk for twenty years and Deputy County Treasurer for four years. During his long official record he conducted the affairs that were entrusted to him in a manner that reflected great credit upon his ability and in a way that elicited much favorable comment but no criticism from his contemporaries and constituents. He was called to his rest April 5, 1906, after an eminently successful and useful life.

The subject's grandfather, Benjamin J. Smith, who was a native of the old Pine Tree state (Maine), is remembered as a man of unusual fortitude and courage, having been a composite of the usual elements that go into the makeup of pioneers. He came west in early life and was one of the first settlers of St. Clair county, Illinois, of which county he was at one time Sheriff, one of the best, in fact, that the county ever had. He was an active business man all his life, having been in the commission business in Chicago for a number of years, where he became well known in the business circles of the city in those days. He was born in 1801, and after a remarkably active career, reaching a venerable age, passed to the silent land when in his ninetieth year.

The mother of the subject was in her maidenhood Mary E. Martin, who was born in Ohio on a farm near Wellsville. She is in many respects a remarkable character, benign, affable and her influence has always been wholesome and uplifting, so that even in the golden evening of her life she is a blessing to those with whom she comes in contact. She is the mother of three children, namely: Irene, who died in infancy; Irma, a woman of fine traits; and Benjamin M., our subject.

Thus after a resume of the subject's worthy ancestors we are not surprised that he has achieved unusual distinction in his community, and to him the future evidently has much of good in store.

Benjamin M. Smith attended school in Salem, graduating from the high school where he had made a splendid record for scholarship and deportment. Feeling that he was destined for a business career, and following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather, he early began preparations to enter the industrial field, and in order to prepare himself more thoroughly took a course in the Bryant & Stratton Business

College at St. Louis, Missouri, standing in the front rank of his class when he graduated in 1900. Mr. Smith has been actively engaged in business since he was sixteen years old and he showed at that early age that he was destined to the highest success. He seems to be best fitted to the management of banking institutions, although he turns everything into success that he undertakes. He has been cashier of banks for seven years in 1908. He was cashier of the Haymond State Bank, now the First National Bank at Kinmundy, Illinois, for two years, during which time the business of this institution greatly increased. Then he came to Salem and became associated with the Salem State Bank of which he is a stockholder and director and one of the organizers, in fact, one of the moving spirits of the institution. Mr. Smith was also a director in the bank at Kinmundy and is still a stockholder in the same. Both these institutions recognize his unusual industrial ability and peculiar aptitude for managing the affairs of a banking concern and the officials are not reluctant to give him all due credit for the great work he has done in placing these banks on a firm foundation and making them among the solid and well Icnown institutions of their kind in this part of the state.

Fraternally Mr. Smith belongs to the Masonic Order, Knights Templar; also the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Knights of Pythias, the Woodmen and the Eagles, and one would judge from his consistent daily life that he believes in carrying out the sublime principles and doctrines of these worthy orders. In politics our subject is a loyal Democrat, but he has not found time to take an active part in political affairs. However, he believes in placing the best men possible in local offices and his support can always be depended upon in the advancement of any cause looking to the development and betterment of his community and county.

Our subject is a very strong character in every respect and although he is yet quite a young man he has shown by his past excellent and praiseworthy record that he is a man of unusual industrial ability and the future will doubtless be replete with honors and success for him.

Frank A. Boynton

Through struggles to triumph seems to be the maxim which holds sway for the majority of our citizens and, though it is undeniably true that many a one falls exhausted in the conflict, a few by their inherent force of character and strong mentality rise above their environments and all which seems to hinder them until they reach the plane of affluence. It is not the weaklings that accomplish worthy ends in the face of opposition but those with nerve and initiative whose motto is, "He never fails who never gives up," and with this terse aphorism ever in view, emblazoned on the pillar of clouds, as it were, before them, they forge ahead until the sunny summits of life are reached and they can breath a breath of the purer air that inspires the souls of men in respite. Such has been the history of Frank A. Boynton and in his life record many useful lessons may be gained.

Mr. Boynton was born four miles east of Salem in Stevenson township, April 18, 1 86 1, the son of John Boynton, a native of Haverhill, Scioto county, Ohio, who came to Illinois about 1859, settling on the farm on which his widow now resides. John Boynton was a prosperous and influential farmer all his life. He ably served as school director of Stevenson township for many years, and after a very successful and useful life he passed away in 1900.

The grandfather of the subject on his paternal side was Asa Boynton, who was a native of Haverhill, Massachusetts, who migrated to Ohio in an early day and settled on the French "grant" in Ohio, and the place where he settled was named Haverhill, after the Massachusetts town from whence he came. He was, like many of the early pioneers, a man of sterling qualities, brave and a hard worker.

The subject's mother was Eliza Copenhagen, born near Ironton, Ohio, on the land where the town is situated. Her people came from Virginia, having been among the fine old Southern families who migrated from that state to Ohio in the early days. She has made her home on the old homestead in Stevenson township from that time to the present day, and there she is held in highest esteem by a host of acquaintances and friends. Eight children were born to Mr. and Mrs. John Boynton, six of whom are living at this writing (1908). Their names are: Asa died when fourteen years old; Frank, our subject; Elmer, of Salem, Illinois; Lucy who passed to her rest in 1905; Loren K., of Ruleville, Mississippi; John Ellis, who lives with his mother in Stevenson township; Delmont, who lives in Stevenson township on a farm joining the parental homestead ; Ida, who lives with her mother.