Sangamon County, Illinois - The whole text, 1912 (part 4 of 46)

All his life Mr. Bisch has been interested in traveling and he and Mrs. Bisch have been in every State and Territory of the Union. In addition he has traveled extensively in Cuba and Canada, and he and his wife are contemplating a tour of the world in the near future. It is only justice to add that there is not a transaction in his life of which he feels ashamed, nor any that he would wish to live over because of neglect of duty or failure to give just due to others. His record is clean, his honor unsullied, and among his fellow citizens, his name stands for what is best and truest.

BLACK, Frank P., for several years past a resident of Springfield, was born in Decatur, Ill., August 80, 1864, and is a son of John Henry and Elizabeth (McDonald) Black, the former now deceased and the latter a resident of Decatur. Both were born m Ireland, and were brought to the United States by their parents, in early life. For over thirty-five years ` John H. Black was engaged in mercantile business in Decatur, being a shoe dealer. He and his wife became the parents of five sons and one daughter, namely: Frank P., whose name stands at the head of this sketch; E. J., who is in the employ of 'The S. J. Clarke Publishing Company; John G., an engineer employed on the Terminal Railroad, who lives in St. Louis, Mo.; Louis W., manager of the Imperial Laundry Company, at Albuquerque, New Mexico; Haubert B., a mechanical draughtsman and civil engineer, living at Saginaw, Mich.; Miss Marie, living with her mother in the old home at Decatur.

Mr. Black received his early education in Catholic parochial schools and in the public and high schools of Decatur. He attended Decatur Business College for a time and during the years 1882-83 was a student at Notre Dame University, where he won honors in elocution, artistic penmanship, drawing and athletics. The first work in which he was engaged was carrying morning and evening papers, and selling Chicago and St. Louis papers on Saturdays, and later he became clerk in a furniture store. In 1884 he entered the employ of W. F. Busher & Company, shoe dealers, of which firm his father was a member. The partnership was dissolved in 1885 and Frank P. Black entered into partnership with his father in the same business, in Decatur. Although a liberal patronage was extended to the company, a chain of unfavorable circumstances caused their failure in 1887. Mr. Black was employed for a time as reporter and city editor of various local papers, and then he established in his home town, a Catholic newspaper, entitled "The Catholic Eye." He was compelled to discontinue this publication in 1888, however, on account of lack of capital. He next established a produce and vegetable business, using the name Blax Green Grocery, but disposed of his interest in 1889 and accepted a position as traveling salesman for a Boston shoe house, a line for which he was well fitted by training and experience.

In 1891 Mr. Black took up the business of advertising, soliciting contracts to furnish various kinds of special advertising. He furnished programs for Ringling Brothers, Barnum & Bailey, and Forepaugh, in the show business, and later contracted to furnish special programs for race meets. In the latter line he established an enviable reputation, his programs being novel and attractive, showing the colors worn by the various drivers or jockeys, the numbers, the names of the horses, and giving other interesting and valuable information. He furnished them for race meets in nearly every large city in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. He was also employed at times as Clerk of the race course and Starting Judge. His services were in great demand, not only in America, but he received offers of positions in England, Australia and France, to furnish programs similar to the ones which had gained him such a wide reputation at home. While thus engaged he spent the winter months in Decatur and Springfield, devoting his time to newspaper and advertising work. In 1894 he gave up traveling to assume the management of the O. & W. Shoe Company's store in Decatur, and while thus employed a special representative of Paine's Pyrotechnical Display Company, of

New York City, called upon him with an offer of a salary of three hundred dollars per month and expenses, to travel as their advertising representative, through Europe, but for the second time he refused an opportunity to go abroad, on account of home ties. While living in Decatur he was for some time manager of the Riverside Park Theater, and the Crown Roller Skating Pavilion. He was also interested in establishing trading stamp stores in various Illinois cities

In 1896 Mr Black removed with his family to Shelbyville, Ill., where he managed a shoe and gents' furnishing business for B. P. Dearing, holding this position until the death of his wife, after which he accepted a position of traveling salesman for the Hendricks Vance Shoe Company, of Indianapolis. Soon afterward, however, he turned his attention to advertising and special newspaper work, in which he had had considerable experience, and for which he had natural ability. He published several newspaper editions of the industrial and business interests of various cities, and in 1889 formed a partnership in the business of Mr. H. C. Hyer, which lasted one year, then both entered the employ of The S. J. Clarke Publishing Company, publishers of State and county historical works. Mr. Black remained with the firm until 1905, then entered the employ of the Munsell Publishing Company, of Chicago.

On October 27, 1886, at Shelbyville, Ill., was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Black and Mary Louise, daughter of Mathias and Mary Ann (Kinsley) Dilley, who was born in Trenton, N. J., September 5, 1868. Her father was a native of New Jersey and her mother of Dublin, Ireland, and both are now deceased. Five children were born of this union: Francis, born July 26, 1887, and Gertrude, born March 23, 1888, both deceased; Ethel L. M., born February 12, 1889, a stenographer and book-keeper in the employ of the Mitchell Drug Company, Springfield; Grace E., born January 1, 1891, wife of William McKinney, of Chicago; Ruth F., born September 18, 1892, a trimmer In the millinery department of the firm of Westenberger & Wetterer, of Springfield. The three last-named were educated in the Ursuline and Sacred Heart academies in Springfield. The mother of these children died November 28, 1898.

Mr. Black was married (second) at St. Malachi's Catholic Church in Geneseo, Ill., to Miss Minnie Schaefer, born in Hampton, IN., August 12, 1877, daughter of Adolph and Catherine (Dodt) Schaefer, both natives of Germany, who were married at Fort Leavenworth, Kans., when Mr. Schaefer was leader of the Fifth United States Infantry Band. This band accompanied President Grant when he made a tour of the country. Mr. Schaefer gave lessons on the flute to Gen. Nelson: A. Miles, and is an accomplished musician. He is now in the employ of B. F. Bowen & Company, publishers of historical works. By his second marriage Mr.

Black has had four children: Catherine Leonora, born December 21, 1902; Mary Louise, August 9, 1904; Frances Pauline, December 9, 1906; Henrietta Margarette, November 25, 1908.

Mr. Black served eight years as a member of Company H, Fifth Regiment Illinois National Guard, and saw active service in several strikes and riots. He and the other members of the family are identified with St. Agnes Catholic Church of Springfield, and in politics he is a Democrat in National and State politics, but in local elections favors the men and measures he thinks will best represent the interests of the people. He has never sought public office. He is possessed of more than ordinary ability as a salesman and solicitor and has been very successful along several lines of work in this capacity,

BLACK, George N. - Probably there is no one man in the history of Springfield and Sangamon County whose labor, influence and cooperation have been a stronger moving element in their business, political, intellectual and moral development, than the subject of this sketch. Mr. Black rose to prominence through the inherent force of his character, the exercise of his native talent and utilization of opportunities, and the high regard in which he was uniformly held comes through the fact that he was largely an ideal of American manhood. While he had controlled extensive and important business interprises, they were largely of the character that promote public progress as well as individual prosperity, and his efforts were directed along many lines in which the community has been the sole recipient of benefit. His connection with the public interests of the city were of a most practical and helpful character, for he aided in shaping the municipal policy and in promoting the educational, wsthetic and moral development of Springfield. His patriotic citizenship and interest in community affairs found manifestation in his zealous labors for improvements instituted through aldermanic measures, through his efforts in the upbuilding of the public library, and through the institutions of many trade interests affecting the material growth of this portion of the State.

Mr. Black was born in Berkshire County, Mass., March 15, 1833, a son of William M. and Persis (Fuller) Black. In the paternal line he was descended from good old Revolutionary stock. His grandfather, who came from Scotland to America in 1775, served for two years as a captain in the American Army and then as Clothier General of the State of New York, throughout the remaining period of the war. In the maternal line Mr. Black was a direct descendant of John Alden and Dr. Samuel Fuller, both of whom came to America in the Mayflower in 1620. Mr. Black's death occurred April 22, 1908, and the city lost one whom it

After attending the public schools Mr. Black acquired an academic education and at the age of fifteen years came West, locating in Vandalia, Il., where he engaged in clerking for his brother in a general store for two years. In 1850 he came to Springfield and began his business career as a Clerk in the dry goods house of Colonel John Williams, whom he served in that capacity for six years and then became a partner in the business, this relation being maintained for twenty-five years, during which time the enterprise proved a highly profitable one. In later years Mr. Black had been engaged in his ventures. He was President of the Aetna Foundry and Machine Company and a former Director and Treasurer of the Springfield Furniture Company. He was also the sole owner of the business conducted under the name of the Barclay Coal and Mining Company, of Springfield, and a Director of the Sangamon Loan & Trust Company, of the Springfield Iron Company and of the Springfield Electric Light and Power Company, all of which are prosperous concerns and are important factors in the business and commercial life of the city. x

No citizen took a more active interest in the deyelopment of Springfield or worked harder to secure its growth than did Mr. Black, who gave freely of his time and means for the establishment of manufactories and the building of railroads, upon which two enterprises the building and prosperity of a city always depend. He was instrumental in the building of the Pana, Springfield & Northwestern Railroad and was a Director and Secretary of the company for many years; this line is now a part of the Baltimore & Ohio Southwestern. He was one of the ten influential men who built the Gillman, Clinton & Springfield Railroad, now a branch of the Illinois Central, and served as a Director and Treasurer of the company. He was one of the prime movers toward securing contributions for the Springfield & Northwestern Railroad, contributing most generously himself, and continued to operate the road as Receiver and General Manager until 1880, when it passed into the hands of the Wabash Railroad Company. He was one of the promoters and a Director of the St. Louis, Peoria and Northern Railroad Company, and through the advancement of shipping facilities. he contributed in no small measure to the material upbuilding of Springfield and to the development of natural resources of this portion of the State.

Mr. Black also took an active interest in city and State politics. He served as a member of the Municipal Council and for sixteen years was Receiver for the United States Land Office at Springfield, to which position he was appointed by President Lincoln in- 1861. He was an active and an influential Republican and for eighteen years was Chairman of the Republican Central Committee, showing in his control of the political forces strong powers of management and thorough understanding of the conditions, and so controllig all factional elements as to produce harmonious results.

Mr. Black, being a lover of books, had one of the finest private libraries in Springfield, embracing many choice and rare volumes. He was Director of the City Public Library from its establishment and was later President of the same. He traveled extensively throughout America and the Old World and was a man of wide information, possessing that liberal culture which comes from travel and study. He was noted for his social qualities, as well as for his eminent business ability, and in religious faith he was a Presbyterian, having been a regular attendant at the First Presbyterian Church since he first came to this city.

* On the 24th of October, 1859, Mr. Black was married to Miss Louisa I. Williams, of Springfield, Ill., and they became the parents of four children, of whom two are living: John W. and Anna Louisa, the latter the wife of Dr. Stericker, of Springfield. The family has long maintained a foremost position in the leading social circles of the city. Mr. Black, however, numbered his friends in all walks of life, for he was ever quick to note true character worth, and upright manhood could always win his re- is no man in Springfield who did not honor and esteem George N. Black, for throughout his entire career he manifested those sterling traits - honor in business, patriotism in citizenship

BLACK, Henry Clay (deceased). - Faithful performance of duty, earnest endeavor, kindness of heart and honesty of purpose were a few of the striking traits of character of the late Henry Clay Black, formerly a resident of No. 1117 South Third Street, Springfield. He was born in Bond County, Ill., January 22, 1848, a son of James R. and Sarah (White) Black. The education of Henry Clay Black was obtained in the country schools of Macon County, and he continued to reside with his parents for several years after leaving school, learning the blacksmith trade. In 1883 he came to Springfield, where he obtained employment with the Wabash Railroad Company, and continued with that concern until his death. His faithfulness and conscientiousness made him a valued employe and his loss was felt by the company and his fellow workers. He was an Odd Fellow, belonging to Dove Lodge No. 600, of Warrensburg. In political faith he was a Republican, but never cared for public honors. Early in life he joined the Presbyterian Church. The death of Mr. Black occurred May 22, 1889, and his remains were interred in Oak Ridge Cemetery,

The marriage of Mr. Black occurred in Macon County, Ill., September 16, 1877, when he was united with Ellen Cline, born September 21, 1841, in Montgomery County, Ill., daughter of Reuben and Sarah Cline. By a former marriage Mrs. Black had one child, Cora, born in Litchfield, IN., May 18, 1865, who married Frank Underwood, an engineer in the employ of the Wabash Railroad Company. Mr. Underwood came from Van Wert County, Ohio. Mrs. Underwood died, leaving two children: Frank, who died in 1893, and Kern who lives with his grandmother. Mrs. Black is a charming lady, beloved by her family. She has known much trouble but bears it with Christian fortitude and tries to forget her own sorrow in ministering to others.

BLACK, John Williams. - The Black family has been prominently identified with the business interests of Springfield and Sangamon County, Il., for more than fifty years, and has contributed its share to the welfare and development of the community during that time. John Williams Black, who is a native of Springfield, born May 19, 1862, has organized several successful business enterprises and has also been active in public affairs in the city. He is a son of George Nelson and Louisa Iles (Williams) Black, the former born in Lee, Mass., March 15, 1833, and the latter born in Springfield, Ill., December 22, 1840. The Black family is of Scotch and the Williams family of Welsh descent, and Mr. Black, subject of this sketch, inherits to a marked degree the chief characteristics of the two races, whose sons have possessed the sterling qualities of mind and morals that have been of such benefit to the communities in which they have lived.

George Nelson Black came West at the age of fourteen years and resided in Vandalia one year (in 1847-48), then moved to Springfield, Ill., where he resided until his death, April 22, 1908. He not only possessed the perseverance and fortitude of his Scotch ancestors, but had also inherited the energy and ambition of his New England forebears, and was always loyal both to the city of his birth and the city of his adoption, having the welfare and interests of both always at heart. He became a merchant, banker and capitalist. In 1850 he formed a partnership with his father-in-law, Colonel John Williams, the latter of whom had bought out his brother-in-law, Elijah Iles, who was one of the first purchasers of land in Springfield, to which city he came in 1821, being the first merchant to locate there. The mother of George Nelson Black, whose maiden name was Persis Fuller, was a descendant of John Alden, and his grandfather, Captain James Black, served in the Revolution and was afterward clothier or Quarter Master General of the State of New

The childhood of John Williams Black was passed in the old family homestead on South Second Street, Springfield, where he. lived until 1877, then went West with Frank Stuart, son of Maj. John T. Stuart, and spent one year as cowboy on a ranch, twenty miles south of Denver, Col., where he went through one round-up before he was fifteen years of age. The outdoor life was of great benefit to him, developing not only his physical but his mental qualities. He received his early education in the schools of Springfield, spent one year at Denver Collegiate Institute, of Denver, Col., and three years at Shattuck School at Faribault, Minn., where he graduated from the English course in 1881, receiving second honors. He received three years' military training at this school and graduated as a First Lieutenant. He spent eight years of service in the Illinois National Guard, rising to rank of Captain and Adjutant of the Fifth Infantry and serving ten months in the Third United States Volunteer Hngineers, on detached service as aide to Major General James H. Wilson, in Porto Rico and Cuba. General Wilson was in command of the middle division, the only one to get into action, first at Coamo later at Aibinito Pass, along the famous military road that was built by the Spaniards from Poncé on the south to San Juan on the north, about fifty miles in length. Mr. Black was in Porto Rico during the months of July, August and September, 1898, and served with credit to himself and his division.

Upon leaving school Mr. Black began his business career as Collector in the Ridgely National Bank, of Springfield, where he remained five years and was promoted to the position of Teller. In 1886 he left this position to join his mother and sister, who were traveling abroad, and he spent five months with them, in France, Switzerland, Italy, Germany, Belgium Holland, England, Scotland and Ireland. After his return to Springfield Mr. Black engaged in coal mining at Chatham, Il., and later organized the Sangamon Paper Company, which engaged in the manufacture of straw paper at Riverton, Ill. Later the company sold its interests to the Columbia Straw Paper Company. In 1893 Mr. Black with James L. Cook and Irving Barker, organized the Barker Mine Car & Foundry Company, which in 1898 consolidated with the Aetna Foundry & Machine Company, of which he was manager until he closed out the business in 1908 on the death of his father, since which time he has devoted his time to his real estate' interests. Mr. Black has been most successful in a financial way and has forwarded the interests of every enterprise with which he was connected, with energy and ability.

field under Mayor Lawrence's administration, serving one term. He was twice a candidate before the primaries for the office of Mayor, being once defeated and the second time withdrew his name in the interest of party harmony. He is a member of the Governor's Guard Veteran Corps, the Sons of the American Revolution, Modern Woodmen of America and the Illini Country Club. He belongs to the Episcopal Church, having joined that body at Shattuck School, in 1879, under Bishop Whipple, of Minnesota. He is unmarried. Mr. Black is very fond of all out-door sports but is especially partial to hunting and horse-back riding and motoring. He takes great interest in historical reading, as well as books dealing with adventure and military history. He takes a pardonable pride in the deeds and character of his ancestors, both in the State of Illinois and in the early history of the country. He is a man of liberal views on all subjects, having had his outlook upon life broadened through travel and experience.

Mr. Black still resides at the old homestead where he resided with his mother until her death December 23, 1909, and he and his sister, Mrs. George F. Stericker (Louise Black), are the only surviving members of the family,

BLAIR, Francis Grant, State Superintendent of Public Instruction for the State of Illinois, and residing in the city of Springfield, was born in Nashville, Ill., October 30, 1864, the son of William and Mary Jane (Crane) Blair but spent most of his early life in Jefferson County. Here he received his preparatory education in the country schools and the Mt. Vernon High School, from 1884 to 1886 was a teacher in the country schools of that county, and for three years (1886-89) Principal of schools at Malden, Bureau County. He then entered the Illinois State Normal University, graduating therefrom in 1892, after which he resumed teaching, serving as Superintendent of Schools at Leroy, Mc- Lean County, from 1892-95, also filling out an unexpired term at Decatur, Ill. In 1897 he took the degree of B. S. at Swarthmore College, Pa., when he became Principal of the Franklin School at Buffalo, N. Y., remaining until 1899. About this time he was complimented by the offer of a fellowship in Columbia University, but the Eastern Illinois State Normal School of Charleston being about to open, he accepted the position of Superintendent of the Training Department of this institution, remaining there for the next seven years. 3

The position occupied by Mr. Blair from 1899, in connection with the Eastern State Normal School, extended his acquaintance and gave him a wide reputation as a practical educator throughout the State, thus leading to his nomination for State Superintendent of Public Instruction on the Republican ticket, in 1906, as successor to the late Alfred Bayliss, his election in November of that year by a plurality of 147,834 over the Democratic candidate, and a majority over all his opponents of more than 66,000, is evidence of his personal popularity. In 1910, he was a candidate for reelection and was again successful by a plurality of nearly 60,000.

Mr. Blair occupies an ew#-officio position in connection with various State Boards, including that of Ex-officio Secretary of the State Board of Education, Hx-officio Trustee of the University of Illinois and of the several State Normal Schools, of the Lincoln Monument and Lincoln Homestead, and as Commissioner of the State Library. He has also been prominently indentified with various other educational and scientific organizations in this and other States, is a member of the National Society for Scientific Study and the State Teachers' Association, has been frequently called upon to deliver addresses before State Teachers' Associations and is author of a monograph of interest on "Pedagogy." He was married at Leroy, Ill., in 1898, to Miss Lillian Cayton, and his home is at 629 South Second Street, Springfield.

Mr. Blair has sustained a high rank in his profession as a practical educator and as an executive officer since his promotion to the position which he has occupied for the past six years. Thoroughly devoted to his official duties, he is doing much to maintain the reputation established for the office of State Superintendent of Public Instruction by Dr. Newton Bateman in the fourteen years of his public service in the early part of the last halfcentury.

BLAKELY, George, a successful farmer of Cotton Hill Township, Sangamon County, is a representative of the thrifty German-American citizens who have had a large share in the development and progress of their region. Mr. Blakely was born at Wurtemburg, January 6, 1849, a son of John and Saloma (Shuler) Blakely, both natives of Germany, where they spent their entire lives. The father was a tailor and also worked on a farm. He was a soldier in the German Army for three years. A half sister of his came to Sangamon County in 1859 and located in Ball Township. John Blakely died in 1879 and his wife about 1876 or 1877.

In youth George Blakely was employed herding cattle. He received his education in the public schools and after leaving school engaged in farm work, which occupation he has since followed. He came to America when he was about twenty years of age and landed in Springfield June 5, 1869. He located on a farm in Ball Township, where he spent twenty years, then lived one year in Christian County, and in 1890 came to his present farm of eightyfive acres of land in Cotton Hill Township. He is a hardworking and intelligent man and has brought his land to a high state of productiveness. He has a good standing in the community,

Mr. Blakely was married in Springfield, 11l., February 20, 1879, to Miss Elizabeth Lenhart, who was born May 27, 1861, daughter of Walter and Anna Lenhart, who came to America in 1855 and located in Springfield. Mr. Blakely and wife have no children, but their two nieces, Addie and Helen Lenhart, have lived with them for the past eleven years. They have a very pleasant home, well situated on Section 4, Cotton Hill Township. Mr. Blakely is interested in whatever affects the general welfare of the community and is ready to perform his full duty as a citizen.

BLAKESLEY, S. F., who has been engaged in business for several years past in Springfield, is a man of enterprise and ability, and is interested in various lines. He deals in paper roofing and is well-known as the manufacturer of Blakesley's enameled roofing paint. He is a tinsmith and also an inspector for the Hartford Steam Boiler Inspection and Insurance Company. Mr. Blakesley was born on a farm at Kickapoo, Peoria County, Ill., September 25, 1853. His paternal ancestors were Pennsylvanians and his grandparents died in the western portion of that State. His father, Frank Blakesley, was born in Pennsylvania and for some years worked at the trade of gunsmith in Warren County. He was an early settler of Peoria County, in 1844 returned to Pennsylvania and spent five years there, and in 1849 again came to Illinois. He died in Peoria County, at the age of sixty years, and his widow later married S. B. Storell and they removed to a farm at Bunker Hill, Kan., where Mrs. Storell died. She had borne Mr. Blakesley ten children, all of whom lived to maturity and three sons and two daughters now survive: Mrs. Peppers, of Kansas; Mrs. Hulda Rush, of Idaho; S. F.: William was a soldier in the Civil War and now resides in Kansas; James, of Fairbury.

Mr. Blakesley attended school in Peoria County until his father's death, at which time the boy was twelve or fourteen years of age, and then went to live in the family of James Gallop, who a few years since served as a member of the State Legislature. Mr. Blakesley worked on the farm during the summer and attended school in winter for three years, then worked two years on a farm for Maj. Reed, at Northampton, Ill., after which he began farming on his own account at Chillicothe, Il. Two years later he engaged in dealing in live stock at Knoxville, and later began selling patent rights on a pump, which he continued after coming to Springfield in 1868. He also built up a transfer business, which he conducted a number of years, and eventually embarked in his present enterprise. He has built up an excellent trade and has the reputation of business integrity and fair dealing. He is a Democrat and fraternally is connected with the Ancient Free

In 1873 Mr. Blakesley married Miss Jennie Butler, daughter of the late William Butler, of Springfield, who was born in Covington, Ky., and reared in Bloomington, where for many years her father conducted a meat market. Children as follows were born to Mr. Blakesley and wife: William, of Kentucky; Randolph, at home; Mrs. Minnie Kron, of Los Angeles. The family reside at 918 Hast Carpenter Street.

BLESER, Jacob. - Through the inventive genius of a few, millions are benefitted. While the majority are content to plod along, there are those who are constantly working to better existing conditions, whose names go down through the ages as the benefactors of mankind. Jacob Bleser, of Springfield, has already revolutionized methods in certain lines of manufacture, and has placed upon the market more than one invention which will preserve his name for posterity. He was born September 7, 1868, in Germany, a son of Jacob and Johanna (Augstein) Bleser, the former a mechanical engineer, from whom Jacob Jr. inherited his love of mechanics. In 1884 the father brought the family to New York City, and from there they came to Springfield. A few years later, however, he died there, but his widow survives. Their children were as follows: Jacob, Katie; Mary, deceased, was a Franciscan Sister; Joseph Peter, an ordained priest, who died in Memphis, Tenn., possessed great musical genius; John, a Franciscan Father, now stationed in China; and Margaret, deceased.

Jacob Bleser Jr. was in his seventeenth year when he came to Springfield with his parents, and had attended school in Germany until the time of the family migration. Upon coming to Springfield, he obtained employment in the molder's shop of the Wabash Railroad. His father dying, Jacob was forced to take the support of his mother and the younger children upon his shoulders, and in order to do this began working for the Illinois Watch Company. So frugal and industrious was he that before long he had bought a home, in which he established his mother. In 1889, believing he could do better, he went to Chicago, engaging with the Western Electric Company. During the following four years he remained with this and other concerns of 'the Illinois metropolis, then returned to Springfield and opened a little book store, at the same time manufacturing artificial flowers. At first he was located at No. 911 Capitol Avenue, but later removed to No. 84 Monroe Street, and still later selected his present location, at No. 823 East Adams Street. There he carries on a general machinist business, making models and dies. Being a born inventor, he is constantly working to improve devices on the market, and among other things has patented was married to daughter of the They have five children: Joseph, Rosa, Christine, Francisca and John. Mr. Bleser is a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church. In politics he is a stanch Democrat and supports the candidates of his party with loyal devotion. Coming to a new country when but seventeen years old, and being early saddled with the care of his father's family, Mr. Bleser has made wonderful progress and deserves great credit for what he has accomplished. He assisted in educating two brothers for the priesthood and helped the others to fit themselves for useful vocations. His family life is a happy one, and in business and church affairs he proves himself true to the faith in which he was reared.

BODE, Franz, a retired merchant of Springfield, was born November 18, 1845, in the Province of Hanover, Germany, and has all the sturdy good qualities of his countrymen. His grandfather, Frederick Bode, was a native of Gelliehausen, Kingdom of Hanover, being the village schoolmaster. His grandmother bore the maiden name of Schomer. They both died in Germany, the grandfather when his son, Frederick was but six years old, in 1808.

Frederick Bode, father of Franz, was born in Gelliehausen, February 11, 1802. He was educated at the University of Gottingen for the Lutheran ministry, his first pastorate being at Hboldshausen, where on December 11, 1839, he was ordained. He held the following charges from 1839 to 1850 at Hboldshausen and from 1850 to the time of his death, March 14th, 1864, at Diidorade at which latter place he was buried on the 17th of March, 1864.

Franz Bode's mother's maiden name was Niemann. He was educated by his father until he was ten years old, when he entered the high school at Osterode, near the Harz Mountains, and there finished his education in 1860. Following this he obtained employment as a clerk in a hardware store at Einbeck, remaining there for four years. He then became traveling salesman for a hardware and lamp manufacturing company, at Magdeburg. At the end of two years he went to Berlin and for a year made that his headquarters, traveling over northern Germany. He then went to Stettin, where he clerked in a hardware house for one year. His next and last place of residence in Germany was the city of Hanover. In June, 1872, he went from Hanover to London, England, where he remained with a cousin, Bernard Ehlers, now deceased, for a short time. Finding it difficult to secure employment, as he did not speak English, he left London via Liverpool, on the steamship "City of Antwerp," for the United States, arriving in New York City, July 3, 1872. Having some means, he spent a few weeks with another cousin, Albert Ehlers of Newark, N. Y., but not being favorably impressed with Newark he came to Springfield, arriving here on the 22d of July, 1872. After some difficulty he found employment with Dr. Lord. At the end of three months he was able to speak English well enough so that he was offered a clerkship at the Western Hotel, which he accepted. Following this he went to Milwaukee and clerked in the Republican Hotel for a time, resigning to go to Denver. However, when he reached Chicago, he decided to see his Springfield friends before going west. Discovering that the Western Hotel was for rent, he and Henry Speckman rented it and operated the same for five years. He next embarked as head salesman in a furniture business and later opened an undertaking business under the firm name of Bode & Homberger, continuing until 1893 when he sold his interest in the business to his partner and retired.

Mr. Bode is a member of the Royal Arcanum and Loyal Americans, The St. John's German Lutheran Church is his religious home, A Democrat, he served as a Member of the County Supervisors' Board from 1890 to 1898. On September 15, 1875, he married Caroline Pierik, of this city. She died, 1890, leaving one son, Frank H. Bode, now president of the wholesale grocery firm, Bode, Taylor & Company, of Springfield. In 1891, Mr. Bode married Annie M. Volk, of Springfield. Two children have been born of this marriage: William W., a student at the Interlaken School, at Laporte, Ind., and Marie Caroline, who is attending high school here,

BOGGS, Joseph. - _Very few men of his time had as many friends as the lamented Abraham Lincoln, who delighted in his associations with those of humble birth. If he had never been selected as an instrument of fate to carry out the Divine Will, the cheer and happiness he brought into the lives of those with whom he came in contact would alone have made him great. One of the older residents of Springfield who is proud of the fact that he had the honor to be one of the friends of the martyred President, is Joseph Boggs, residing at No. 812 Hast Miller Street, this city. He was born at Elizabethtown, Lancaster County, Pa., November 17, 1829, a son of George W. and Mary (Uhler) Boggs, natives of Lancaster County, Pa.

George W. Boggs worked as a blacksmith at Elizabethtown, Pa., until he came to Springfield, in 1851, bringing his family with him. For a short time he worked in the city as a blacksmith, then became a butcher, thus continuing until his death, January 2, 1882. His wife died July 6, 1878. They had nine children, five of whom died before the family migration. Those now surviving are: Joseph; Mrs. Jane Mc- Kenzie, living on Spruce Street, Springfield, and Cordelia, who keeps house for her brother.

eighteen years old began learning the trade of saddler, but after working at it a short time in Germantown, Ind., he went to Milton in the Same state, where he learned the shoemaking trade. After completing his apprenticeship, he worked at the trade in Milton, prior to going to Springfield, Il]. His first employer here was his uncle, Martin J. Uhler. Following this he worked for Reuben Coon, being one of eighty men employed, all working at custom-made footgear. Shoes were all made by hand in those days and according to his belief were better made than those turned out by machinery. Still later he worked again for his uncle and is still engaged at his trade, During the latter part of the war he conducted a shop half-way between Washington and Jefferson on Fifth Street. He is one of the best shoemakers in Sangamon County and takes a great pride in his work.

has been, he has set an excellent example of patient, faithful industry, and through his thrift has not only taken care of himself but has provided for his old age.

BOLTE, Henry L., Chief of the Fire Department of Springfield, Ill., is one of the most efficient officials of Springfield. The work of the Chief of a Fire Department calls for ability of no mean order, and for a thorough knowledge of the work. Because of his four years' service on the Call Board, Mr. Bolte was regarded as the man best fitted to succeed Peter Jacobs, resigned, and was appointed May 1, 1909, since which time the affairs of the office have been in his capable hands, and he has already instituted some very necessary reforms and improvements. Mr. Bolte was born in this city, March 4, 1871, being a son of Henry E. and Fredericka (Schumacher) Bolte, the former born at Lehr, Germany, and the latter at Aurich, Germany.

Henry E. Bolte married in Germany and came to Springfield about 1867. By trade he was a fresco painter, and after coming here worked at his calling until the firm of Zimmerman, Bolte & Armstrong was formed. This was the first painting and decorating firm in Springfield, and the house then founded still exists, being one of the best of its kind in the Middle West. Mrs. Bolte had been in the millinery business in Germany and for two years after coming here was Forelady for Levi & Company. Mr. Bolte continued in the firm he helped to found in 1872 until his death, which occurred March 10, 1888. A Democrat in politics, he took no further interest in public events other than casting his vote for the candidates of his party. In religious faith he was a member of the German Lutheran Church. He and his wife had two children, but their little daughter died when seven months old. Mrs.

After attending the German Lutheran School, Mr. Bolte went to the Trapp public school, and when his father died he began working. He had learned the trade of fresco painter under his father and was employed by the new firm of Zimmerman & Armstrong. Mr. Zimmerman died and Mr. Schaunbacker succeeded him. After nine years of work at his trade Mr. Bolte went to Germany for a year, then, returning home, spent six years in the employ of M. Benjamin, a clothier. For the following two years he traveled for the Springfield Supply Company, and then for three years was in Chicago. Returning to Springfield, he was in business here for six years, and on May 1, 1909, was oppointed to his present office. Some of the striking improvements and innovations in the city fire department have been inaugurated by Chief Bolte.

Mr. Bolte is a Democrat and prior to his appointment served as Alderman for the Third Ward for one term. He was also chief usher at the Chatterton Opera House for sixteen years, and is one of the best known men of the city. His fraternal relations are many and pleasant, he belonging to the Fraternal Order of Eagles and Knights of Pythias, and he is also a member of the Theatrical Mechanical Association and the Stage Hands' Union. In religious belief he is a German Lutheran and belongs to the church in which he was baptized and confirmed.

Mr. Bolte was married in Chicago, April 18, 1902, to Estella Manier, of Davenport, Iowa, born near Unionville, Mo., November 6, 1878, daughter of Perry and Anna (Brown) Manier. No issue. It is such men as Mr, Bolte who are making Springfield it is today - a city of whom every loyal son of Illinois feels proud. Progressive, conscientious and capable, Mr. Bolte is giving Springfield a service that cannot be over-estimated and putting his department into magnificent shape to handle any emergency that may arise, quickly and successfully.

BOOKER, John B., a retired farmer living in his comfortable home at 1724 South First Street, Springfield, Ill, is a highly respected citizen of that city, which has been his home about thirteen years. He was born in Orange County, N. ©., December 5, 1830, son of John Brinkman and Phebe (Henshaw) Booker, the former a native of England and the latter of Ireland. The parents emigrated to America and located first in Virginia, but later moved to North Carolina. John Brinkman Booker was a soldier in the Revolution. Neither his parents nor his wife's came to America, but spent their lives in England and Ireland.

The childhood of John B. Booker, subject of this sketch, was spent on his father's farm in North Carolina, where he learned habits of industry. He cared very little about sports but was greatly interested in farming and was of great assistance to his father. In April, 1862, he enlisted in the Confederate Army, in Company F, Forty-fifth North Carolina Regiment, serving three years and three months. He enlisted at Hillsboro, Orange County, under Captain Scales. Mr. Booker participated in the Battles of Gettysburg, Bristol Raid, Deep Gully (N. C.), Falling Water, Wilderness, Seven Days' Fight below Richmond, and many skirmishes. After the surrender of Lee at Appomattox Court House he went to Greensboro, N. C., to join Johnson's Army, remained with them until the surrender of Johnson and then returned home. During his service he was never taken prisoner but was wounded twice at Spottsylvania Court House, in the arm and shoulder. In the light of later events and his present convictions, he does not feel particularly proud of his record as a soldier, but though he fought in a cause that did not win and one that he no longer feels to have been a just one, he served as a brave soldier, fighting for what he believed to be the rights of his fellows, and he was in every way true to the flag under which he fought. However, he has since proved to be as true a citizen of the United States as is to be found today.

Soon after his marriage Mr. Booker emigrated to the State of Illinois, arriving at his destination September 15, 1871, and since that time he has been a resident of Sangamon County. He began farming, and carried on agricultural operations until 1898, then retired from active life and purchased his present comfortable home, where he has every convenience. He is highly esteemed by all who know him and is a man with malice toward no one, aiming to live at peace with others and in a manner which will leave no cloud on his character or reputation. He is reasonably proud of the fact that he never sued anyone or was sued, and that he was never intoxicated and never arrested. Whatever difficulties may have arisen between him and anyone else have always been settled amicably, and in this way Mr. Booker has been able to win and retain a large number of warm personal friends, who have accorded him their utmost trust and confidence. In political convictions he is a Prohibitionist and he is a member of the First Christian Church.

Mr. Booker was married in Orange County, N. C., in August, 1871, to Mrs. Carolina (Roberts) Stone member of a well known family of Rockingham County, N. C., daughter of Michael and Elizabeth (Wray) Roberts, both natives of that State. Mrs. Booker was born in Rockingham County, N. ©., November 26, 1838.. Four children have blessed the union of Mr. and Mrs. Booker, namely: Eugene E., born December 15, 1872, farming near Barry, Ill.; Effie S., born January 14, 1875 is single and resides at home; Noah Oliver, born November 27, 1880 farming near Springfield; Charles Lewis, born February 15, 1888 is engaged in the cement manufacturing business. All were born in Sangamon County.

BOOTH, Amasa S. - In naming the representative citizens of any community, the biographer comes across many cases where the subject has risen from humble surroundings in his youth and achieved success in some chosen line, but he also finds that there are just as many cases where the father has followed a certain business interest with success and the son has taken up the same line and brought himself to the front rank of business men. Amasa S. Booth, a retired capitalist of Springfield, Ill., is an example of the latter class of successful men. Born June 9, 1835, in Exeter, Me., he is a son of Albert and Hannah (Stevens) Booth, who were also natives of the Pine Tree State. Albert Booth was a wagon-maker by occupation and to enlarge the scope of his operations removed with his family to Illinois in 1840, settling on a farm north of Springfield in Sangamon County. Mr. Booth soon found success in his new field, and was there engaged in business until his retirement, which occurred a short time before his death, the latter event happening in Springfield in his sixtieth year. His wife also died in the Capital City, having reached the age of fifty-six years.

Amasa S. Booth was the fourth of his parents' eight children. He was but a lad of five years when he accompanied the family on their journey to Illinois, and his youth was spent on the farm in Sangamon County, while he secured his education in the common schools. Early in life he began learning the trade of wagonmaker from his father, and the traits of industry, enterprise and sobriety from his mother, and all stood him in good stead in the battle of life. He established a wagon manufacturing plant of his own and this business he continued to carry on until his retirement in 1896. Mr. Booth's business operations were very successful and he proved himself a shrewd, capable business man by making wise investments in valuable city property, of which he owns considerable, and in purchasing farming land, he and his wife being owners at the present time of 2,300 acres of some of the best agriculaural land in Sangamon County. He is known as a public-spirited citizen, one who is always foremost .in joining any movements that have for their object the welfare of the city or county, and as a consequence he fills a high place in the esteem of his fellow citizens.

In 1862 Amasa S. Booth was united in marriage in Springfield to Miss Harriet Richardson, a native of England, and to this union there were born six children, namely: Mary E., John R., William D., Alexander, Amasa Jr., and Jacob. The family is well-known in Springfield's social circles.

BORLAND, Royal Sheldon, of Pleasant Plains, Sangamon county, Ill., now retired from active life, comes of old Pennsylvania stock and has done his full share towards the development and advancement of the community in which he has lived. He was born in Hardin County,

Ohio, February 15, 1851, son of William H. and Sarah A. (Alfred) Borland, who were born and married in Indiana County, Pa., and became pioneers in Hardin County, Ohio. His father had to travel a blazed road to his new home and from that point for a distance of sixty miles to mill at Columbus. He built a puncheon-floor log cabin on a 160-acre claim and cleared 110 acres. It was in this log house that the subject of this notice was born, one of eleven born in that home and one of the total of his parents' twelve children, eight of whom are living. <All of them grew up and married and their parents lived to see them well settled in life. In 1867 Mr. Borland sold his farm and moved to Johnson County, Neb., where he bought a section of land, out of which he eventually gave each of his children a farm. Born in 1810, he was seventy-six in 1886, when he died and at that time was owner of about 800 acres of land in Johnson County, Neb. He and his good wife were devoted members of the Presbyterian Church in Ohio, In Nebraska, there having been no Presbyterian Church established at the time of their settlement, they joined the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which they were liberal supporters and most devout and faithful members. They gave their children the benefit of the best available educational advantages. Mrs. Borland passed away in 1872. Of their living children Hiram A. lives near the old Borland home in Hardin County, Ohio; Sarah Minerva, widow of Langfield Cook, lives at Bishop, Calif.; Daniel M., is a farmer in Van Wert County, Ohio; John M. lives in Morrill, Neb.; Christopher C., is farming near Portland, Ore.; Royal S., was next in order of birth; Melissa J., is married and lives in Nebraska; Amanda M., married Elmore Osbun and lives near Larue, Ohio. Those deceased: Maryanne became the wife of James Baker, and she and her husband have died, leaving four children - the Rev. Warren Baker (of the Christian-Union Church), Hiram (a farmer), William and George Baker, all of whom live in Ohio, and the last named, George, a music dealer and musician, is leader of the Baker Band, of Marion, which has won in many contests with prominent bands in different parts of the country; James Borland was twice married - first to Liddia Kiser, of Hardin County, Ohio, then to Martha Benidict, and died in Kansas; Lawson G., married Maria Young and they both died in Marion County, Ohio, leaving four children; William W. Borland died in Johnson County, Neb., his first wife having been Deborah Sexton, of Ohio, who died after having borne him eight children, and his second wife, Anna Sexton, also bore him eight children.

Royal Sheldon Borland gained an education and began life as a farmer in Ohio. In 1867, when he was seventeen, he went with his parents to Johnson County, Neb. There he continued his studies with such good results that in 1870 he began to teach school, doing farm

March 8, 1874, Mr. Borland married Miss Amy Phinney, born in Cartwright Township, Sangamon County, Ill., May 24, 1850, daughter of Warren and Caroline M. (Arnold) Phinney, natives respectively of Montpelier, Vt., and of thode Island, who came to Sangamon County in 1849. Mr. Phinney was a farmer and blacksmith at Yankeetown, near Pleasant Plains. He went overland to California in 1860 and met with success as a gold miner. He came back around the Horn three years later and located at Pleasant Plains, where his wife died, May 31, 1872, and he died at Carlinville, Ill., November 2, 1900. They are buried in the Baptist cemetery at Old Berlin. Of their nine children seven were born in Sangamon County. Their son Charles H. is a farmer living in retirement at McLeouth, Kan.; Ellen F., widow of William H. Armstrong, lives at Lawrence, Kan., and these and Mrs. Borland are the only survivors of the family. By a second marriage Mr. Phinney had a daughter, Minnie Maud, who is the wife of Shobel Boatman of Carlinville, Ill., and a son, Truman W. Phinney, of Tacoma, Wash. The second Mrs. Phinney was Mrs. Elizabeth Gear. After the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Borland in March, 1874, they came back to Springfield and lived there till 1876, then moved to a farm in Macon County, Ill., where they lived till February, 1877, when they located on the farm of Mrs. Borland's father, in Cartwright township. There they remained till 1893, then bought a beautiful home at Pleasant Plains. In 1894 they occupied it, remaining till 1904, when they returned to Springfield, where they lived till 1908, when they returned to Pleasant Plains.. Three children have been born to them two of whom have died. The other, Ethel Ellen, born December 18, 1889, married Herbert H. Moor in December, 1907, and lives in Springfield. Mr. Moor is a machinist.

Mr. and Mrs. Borland have long been active as members of the Methodist Episcopal Church and they are identified with the Court of Honor. For fifteen years he has voted the Prohibition ticket, believing that by so doing he could best do his duty as a citizen. He is one of the successful men of his part of the county and his public spirit has made him useful to his fellow citizens in many ways.

BOTTORFF, Charles, who owns a small farm near Springfield, has been a resident of Sangamon County nearly fifty years and during that time has carried on farming in various localities within the county. Mr. Bottorff was born near Jeffersonville. Clark County, Ind., December 28, 1836, son of Morrison F. and Mary (Kincaid) Bottorff, the former born in Kentucky, in 1815, and the latter in Clark County, in 1817. The Bottorff family originally came from Germany and the Kincaid family came to Indiana from Pennsylvania, Morrison Bottorff moved from Indiana to Keokuk County, Iowa, in 1849, and remained there until his death, at the age of ninety-two years. He and his wife had five sons and three daughters, and five of these children survive.

The early education of Charles Bottorff was acquired in a log school-house in Clark County, and after accompanying his parents to Iowa he continued to attend school for a time. During his boyhood he worked on a farm in Indiana and later in Iowa, and in 1863 came to Sangamon County, where he has since resided. He has carried on farming at several different places, first locating near Salisbury. He now owns fifteen acres of valuable land, which he has cultivated for the past five years. He has been fairly successful in his operations and has worked hard all his life. He is an intelligent and enterprising business man and much interested in the public welfare and advancement.

Mr. Bottorff was married, in Keokuk County, Iowa, March 26, 1857, to Sarah Antle, who was born near Salisbury, Ill., August 9, 1840. Her father was born in Kentucky, September 13, 1813, and died in Sangamon County, September 15, 1894, and the mother, who was born in Morgan County, Ill., February 18, 1820, died April 18, 1895. Mr. Antle carried on farming some years in Sangamon County, moved to Keokuk County, Iowa, where he lived but a few years, and then returned to Sangamon

County, where he spent the remainder of his life. He and his wife had twelve children, four of whom died in infancy and seven how survive. The Antle family came to Kentucky from Pennsylvania.

Eight children were born to Mr. Bottorff and his wife, seven sons and one daughter, and four children now survive, namely: Elliott A., a farmer living near Williamsville, Ill.; Sidney F., a farmer, lives with his father; John A., of Colorado, and Harry E., of Springfield. There are six grandchildren in the family.

Mr. and Mrs. Bottorff were both personally acquainted with Abraham Lincoln and have many pleasant memories of this great man. Mr. Bottorff is a Baptist in religious belief and politically is a Democrat. He is well-known in Sangamon County, which has been his home so long, and is accounted a representative citizen. He has many friends, who appreciate his sterling worth and genuine kindness, and take pleasure in his society. He has a pleasant home and is surrounded by comforts and conveniences.

BOWE, William Henry. - Among the younger men who hold office in Sangamon County, IIL, is William Henry Bowe, City Treasurer of Springfield. He was born in that city July 31, 1878, son of Patrick and Mary Agnes (Morris) Bowe, natives of Ireland. Patrick Bowe was born in Kells, County Kilkenny, Ireland, January 20, 1854. Mary Agnes Morris was born in County Roscommon, February 15, 1859. They were married in the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Springfield, Ill., August 12, 1877.

Mr. and Mrs. Bowe were the parents of eight children, four of whom are living: William Henry; Stephen Andrew, born December §8, 1884; Mary Agnes, January 18, 1888, and Theresa Ellen, February 25, 1890. The four sons who are deceased were: James Francis, born December 7, 1879, died October 3, 1887; John Thomas, born May 16, 1881, died July 24, 1882; Joseph Morris, born November 21, 1882, died November 5; 1900; and Charles Vincent, born July 28, 1886, died November 4, 1887. James, Joseph and Charles are buried in Lot 65, Block 12, Calvary Cemetery, and John Thomas in Angel Burying Ground in the same cemetery. The parents died in Springfield, the father August 21, 1895, and the mother June 12, 1908.

William H. Bowe received his education in St. Joseph's Parochial School, Springfield High School and Springfield Business College. After leaving school he spent nine and one-half years in the employ of A. L. Hereford, Supreme Chancellor of the Court of Honor, and resigned, this position to accept the Chief Clerkship of the County Treasurer's office, which post he assumed in November, 1906. Having been appointed Treasurer of the City of Springfield, he entered upon the duties of his present official position May 1, 1911.

Mr. Bowe is connected with several fraternal orders, having joined the Court of Honor as a beneficiary member in 1897; the Knights of Columbus, in 1901; the Loyal Americans, in 1902; the Fraternal Order of Owls, in 1909; and the Red Men, in 1910. He also belongs to the Chamber of Commerce, Associated Charities, and other organizations of a similar nature. In political views he is a radical Democrat. He resides at the northwest corner of Hleventh and Reservoir Streets.

BOWERS, Clark, a retired farmer residing in Riverton, Ill., is a veteran of the Civil War and a substantial, representative citizen. He was born in Clinton County, Ohio, February 16, 1830, son of Reuben and Loretta (Ludington) Bowers, the former born in Germany and the latter in Pennsylvania. The father came to America as a young man and settled in Clinton County, where he was engaged in farming many years. He moved to Logan County, Ill., where he carried on farming from 1837 until a year prior to his death, when he located in Tazewell County and engaged in farming there. He was a soldier in the Mexican War and was the father of six sons and five daughters, all of whom are deceased except Clark.,

The education of Mr. Bowers was received in an old log schoolhouse in Logan County, and in boyhood he helped his father with the farm work, remaining at home until he was a young man, then learning the trade of shoemaker. However, most of his active life was spent in farming in Tazewell County. He removed to Sangamon County in 1880, but since about 1900 has lived retired from- active life.

and in politics is a Republican. He takes pride and pleasure in his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and has well earned the rest he enjoys. He has met with success in his operations and owns a pleasant home in Riverton.

Soon after the beginning of the Civil War Mr. Bowers enlisted in Company C. Sixteenth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, served one year, and was discharged at Memphis, Tenn., being sent back to Peoria (from where he had enlisted) on account of an injury he had sustained in service. He is affiliated with the having borne three sons and two daughters, and four children are now living: Sarah, the oldest, married Jeff Green and lives in Newman, where her husband is engaged in the livery business; Joseph, of Sherman, Ill.; Henry, of Riverton, in the employ of the Illinois Traction System; Martin, also a resident of Riverton. There are twelve living grandchildren and three great-grandchildren in the family.

BOYLE, William (deceased)._-No section of Illinois has rewarded its farmers more generously for their efforts than Sangamon County, for many men who have there labored to bring forth the fruits of the soil, have become wealthy, finally retiring from hard work. Land there has greatly increased in value since the days when an acre of it sold for a few dollars, but while the soil has enriched the farmers, to them are due the present values and the general prosperity of the agricultural class. Among those who for many years have been progressive farmers of this locality, must be numbered the late William Boyle. He was born in Ireland, July 12, 1848, a son of John and Mary (Gibbon) Boyle, natives of Ireland and farming people.

William Boyle attended school in Ireland, and learned to farm with his parents, whom he finally left to go to Scotland. From that country he came to America, locating in Springfield, which remained his home until he purchased land in Sangamon County. This he developed until he had one of the best farms in his part of the State. He eventually retired, moving to Springfield, where his death occurred October 11, 1908, at St. John's hospital. While a Democrat by preference, he did not desire public office. -He belonged to Lodge No. 113, Modern Woodmen, of Springfield. A Catholic, he identified himself with the Church there, and was one of its most interested members.

field, Hattie Swords, a native of Ireland. and Mrs. Boyle had children as follows: born June 18, 1887; Sarah married Charles Miner, of Springtield; Isabella, born January 20, 1889,, and Ellen, born February 8, 1896. Mrs. Boyle resides at No. 1700 North Eighth Street, with her three unmarried daughters, and the four are charming ladies, who gather about them a delightful circle of triends. They are active in church work, and are highly regarded in the city.

BOYNTON, Ervin D., general farmer and stockman, whose busines ability is universally recognized the county over, is one of the most representative men of Sangamon. He was born December 15, 1858, on Section 30, Cartwright Township, near his present home on Section 18 of the same township. His parents were Charles and Paulina (De Mary) Boynton. The father was born in Westfield, Vt., June 3, 1822, and when only eight years old lost his parents so he made his home with an uncle, receiving only a district school education. When he reached his majority, Mr. Boynton left Vermont, coming direct to Springfield, where he spent but a short time, locating in Cartwright Township in 1843. Working by the month until he had saved some money, he bought a sawmill, selling it at a profit. He then bought and sold several others, the last one being disposed of after he had hauled it to Mt. Pleasant, Ia. He then invested in 160 acres of land in Cartwright Township, paying $3 per acre for it, and embarked in the business of buying and selling cattle. When the cattle were ready for market, he drove them to St. Louis or to Buffalo, N. Y. On September 8, 1850, he married, he and his wife commencing their housekeeping in a very primitive manner, but because of economy and good management, they soon became very prosperous. Mr. Boynton lived on this farm until his death, which occurred April 2, 1897. At this time he owned 1,000 acres of land, in addition to the 200 acres he had given each of his children. He was an active member and Deacon of the Baptist Church of Berlin. In politics he was first a Whig and later a Republican. Always bearing his full part in public matters, he was one of the representative older farmers of Sangamon County. His widow survives, making her home with Ervin D. Boynton and her daughter, Mrs. Warren, of Berlin. She is a most loveable lady, who has attained the age of eighty-three years, and is still very active in the Baptist Church. Five children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Boynton, of whom two survive, Mr. Boynton, and Ella, wife of C. B. Warren, a banker of New Berlin. He. is connected with the Warren-Boynton Bank of New Berlin, one of the strongest banking institutions of the county.

Ervin D. Boynton attended district school and Brown's Business College of Jacksonville, and then returned to the farm, where he assisted his father. On November 18, 1880, he married Kate L. Carrington, of Riverton, Iowa, born in New Berlin, November 27, 1860, daughter of Wesley and Cassie (Grant) Carrington, natives of Kentucky, whose families were early settlers of Illinois. Mrs. Boynton's grandfather Was a cousin of General Grant. Mr. Carington moved to Riverton, but later went to Missouri, where he died, but his widow survives, living with her daughter, Mrs. Robert Oder, of Oklahoma. After their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Boynton settled on their farm on Section 18, Cartwright Township, on which they have made many excellent improvements, developing it into one of the finest properties in the county. They have a beautiful home with all modern improvements, including hot and cold water, hot water heat and electric lights. The barns and other out-buildings are in like modern condition, and here they enjoy life surrounded by city conveniences. Wight children have been born to them: Lora, born October 3, 1881, married R. Gardner, a contractor and builder of Arapaho, Okla.; Delia, born December 80, 1884, married H. Clyde Irvin on December 8, 1909, he being a farmer near Scranton, Ia.; Charles S., born October 3, 1886, married Lela Zane of Pleasant Plains, daughter of Robert H. Zane, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work; Ben B., born October 1, 1888, taking a six years' course in the law department of Ann Arbor, Mich., a most brilliant student, possessing every requisite for a prosperous future; Edgar D., born December 14, 1890 at home; J. Farman, born November 21, 1898; Ruben R., born October 30, 1896, and Rhenna L., born May 16, 1899. The older children haye been carefully educated and Mr. Boynton plans to pursue the same course with regard to the younger ones.

For many years Mr. Boynton has been actively engaged in feeding and shipping stock, his annual shipment being about 500 head of cattle, but recently he has been leaving much of the details to his sons. In his home was put the first telephone in this part of the county, he having helped to organize the Boynton Telephone Co., in 1901. The company started with only forty patrons, but now have about 1,000, and the service is as nearly perfect as it is possible for any to be. He was also one of the organizers of the Building and Loan Co. of Pleasant Plaines, of which he was President for several years. The Warren and Boynton State Bank, of New Berlin, was another enterprise in which he has been largely interested, helping to organize it in 1897 and serving as its President. This bank does a general banking business and is a very reliable institution. C. B. Warren is Cashier. Mr. Boynton owns 1,066 acres of land, all in Cartwright Township, which is highly developed. He has always advocated improvements and cheerfully paid the large increase in his taxes resulting from their inauguration. For fifty-two years he has made his home in Cartwright Township and is very much attached to it. Fraternally he belongs to the Knights of Pythias, the Court of Honor, D. O. K. K.'s and the Modern Woodmen of America. Politically he is a stanch Republican, and was the first of his party to be elected Supervisor from his township. He held this office for four years but since then has declined public office. In 1881, he was elected School Director, made Clerk of the Board, and for twenty-nine years has continued to give his services to his district, advocating the payment of good wages, and the erection of substantial school houses. Mr. and Mrs. Boynton are members of the Pleasant Plains Baptist Church, and have many friends in it as they have all over the county.

BRADFORD, William Austin, Attorney-at-Law. - A man yersed in the laws of the country, as differentiated from the business man or politician, has always been a recognized power. He can always be depended upon to conserve the best and most permanent interests of the whole people, and without the practical judgment of such men, the efforts of the statesman and the industry of the business man and mechanic, would prove futile. The reason for this is not far to seek. The professional lawyer is never the creature of circumstances. The profession is open to talent and no definite prestige or success can be attained save by indomitable energy, perseverance, patience and strong mentality. All of these attributes are possessed by the successful attorneys of Sangamon County, and of them one who has attained an enviable preeminence is William Austin Bradford, of Springfield.

Mr. Bradford was born in Sangamon County, nine miles west of Springfield, August 16, 1875, a son of William Talbot and Grizella Ann (Parkinson) Bradford. The father was born in Sangamon County, near Bradford Station, on the farm he now owns, while his wife was born on the Parkinson farm in Curran Township, Sangamon County. For years William T. Bradford was a farmer, but he now resides at No. 131 Walnut Street, Springfield. Both the Bradford and Parkinson families were among the very earliest pioneers of the county and are associated with its early history, as reference to that part of this work devoted to the general records of the county will show. Bradford Station was named for James Bradford, grandfather of William Austin Bradford.

After a course at the district schools, William A. Bradford attended the Springfield High School, from which he was graduated, in the Class of 1894. Following this, he spent two years in the literary department of the Illinois Wesleyan University, at Bloomington. For the next three years he was engaged in taking a law course in the Northern Illinois College of Law, at Dixon, Ill., and when he was graduated from it in 1900, it was with the degree of LL.D. In August of the same year Mr. Bradford came to Springfield, where he opened a law office, continuing alone until December, when he formed a partnership with Henry A. Converse, now assistant District Attorney, and this association lasted until Mr. Bradford was appointed Master-in-Chancery in September, 1905. He was reappointed two years later, in 1907, and held that office until May 1, 1910, at which time he formed a partnership with Albert D. Stevens, under the firm name of Stevens & Bradford. This firm was dissolved in November, 1910, and Mr. Bradford is now practicing his profession alone. He is a strong Democrat in his political views, and is a power in his party.

On June 22, 1905, occurred the marriage, in Chicago, of Mr. Bradford and Clemence Crews, born at Mt. Vernon, Ill., a daughter of Hon. Seth F. Crews, an attorney of Chicago, and his wife, Helen Ridgway (Slocum) Crews, both of whom are now residing at Oak Park, Ill. Mrs. Bradford was one of five children born to her parents. Mr. Crews served in the General Assembly and has been very active in politics as a Republican. Mr. and Mrs. Bradford have two. children, Helena Crews and Virginia Crews. Mr. Bradford belongs to the K. of P. No, 262, having passed all the chairs and served as Representative to the Grand Lodge. He also belongs to the D. O. K. K., of which he was Supreme Representative, to the Imperial Palace from Medinah Temple No. 99, at San Francisco, in 1902. In religious faith he is a Methodist and not only active in the church to which he belongs but has served two years as Superintendent of the Sunday School. The law has in Mr. Bradford a stern, inflexible exponent, although personally he is a man of deep sympathies and wide interests. Although in the very prime of life, Mr. Bradford can look back upon much that he has successfully accomplished, and his progress is the result of his painstaking efforts, coupled with native ability.

BRADSHAW, Elijah, a prominent and successful farmer of Ball Township, Sangamon County, was born in Pike County, Ill., July 18, 1830, and is a son of Jonas and Betsy (Sawyer) Bradshaw, the former a native of North Carolina and the latter of Illinois. Jonas Bradshaw moved from Pike County to Logan County, in 1847, and his wife died in Pike County, about 1837. His father was a native of North Carolina and died in Richmond, Va., while Mrs. Bradshaw's father was a native of Illinois and died there.

After receiving his education in the subscription schools of Illinois, Elijah Bradshaw worked on the home farm until the death of his father and afterwards worked in a mill and in a cooper shop, but later again turned his attention to farming. He moved from Pike County to Logan County and in 1847 located in Sangamon County, soon afterwards came to his present farm, where he owns 163 acres of excellent land. He has always worked hard and has brought his farm to a high state of cultivation. In 1871 he spent several months visiting in Texas, but otherwise has spent his entire life in his na- tive State. He has a good standing in his community aS a man of reliability and integrity and has many warm friends. He is a Republican in political principles, but generally votes for the man rather than the party. He is not connected with any church, but in his daily life endeavors to follow the Golden Rule and is a kind friend and neighbor. He has served for the past twelve years as School Director and is also serving as Road Commissioner. He is not affiliated with any fraternal organizations.

Mr. Bradshaw has been twice married, first, March 4, 1852, to Lila Shoup, who died in Sangamon County, in April, 1870, her children all having died in infancy. Mrs. Bradshaw was a daughter of Jacob and Sarah (Downing) Shoup, the. former a native of Pennsylvania and the latter of Ohio, and both died in Sangamon County. Mr. Bradshaw married (second) Emily Shoup, a cousin of his first wife, December 3, 1874, and she died May 12, 1888. She was a daughter of James and Ellen Shoup, both natives of Ohio, the former of whom died in Logan County, Ill. Two children were born of this union: John, born in 1875, and George T., September 19, 1879. John was married, March 17, 1904. to Myra Newcomer, and they now live with his father. They have two children, Helen E., born March 29, 1906, and Marjorie, born May 17, 1910. George T. Bradshaw was married, in 1901, to Lillie Mayberry, and they live near Pawnee and have one child, Bernard W.

BRANSON, Edward R., formerly connected with various newspapers in Springfield, Ill, and now practicing law in that city, is respected by all who have the pleasure of knowing him, and stands high in social and professional circles. He was born in Petersburg, Ill., June 27, 1875, and is a son of Judge Nathaniel W. and Fannie D. (Regnier) Branson, the former born in Jacksonville, Ill., May 29, 1837, and the latter in Petersburg, October 29, 1887.

Nathaniel W. Branson graduated from Illinois College in 1857, studied law in his native city, with David A. Smith, and in January, 1860, was admitted to the Bar, entering upon the practice of his profession at Petersburg. In 1867 he was appointed Referee in Bankruptcy for the Springfield District, a position he held thirteen years. He was elected to the General Assembly in 1872 and re-elected in 1874; served as a Delegate from Illinois to the National Republican Convention in 1876, and for several years was a member of the Board of Trustees for the State Institution for the Blind at Jacksonville, part of the time as President of the Board. He became prominent in his profession and his ability and fitness for the positions of public trust to which he was elected were generally recognized. He was one of the most highly respected citizens of Petersburg, and spent a large part of his life in that city. Mr. Branson died at.Ottawa, Ill., February 27, 1907, and his demise was widely mourned. He had served ten' years as a mem-

Edward R. Branson was educated at Illinois College and the University of Chicago. He was one of six children, four of whom died in infancy. He early showed a taste and fitness for newspaper work, and was at different times connected with the "Illinois State Journal," "Illinois State Register," and ° "Springfield News" of Springfield, and for one year owned the "Lincoln News." He began practicing law in 1908 and now has an office in the Ferguson Building in Springfield. He was editor-in-chief of 'Lawyers' Brief-Notes and Selected Cases," a publication designed for the use of lawyers exclusively, and has had other experience in text-book writing and legal editorial work.

He was married November 24, 1909, to Alma L. Schneider, of Athens, Ill., who died eighteen months later. Mr. Branson is a member of Clinton Lodge No. 19, A. F. & A. M., of Petersburg. He is identified also with the Authors' Club and the Commercial Association of Springfield.

have given rise to many conditions which require deepest thought and constant reading to handle. One of those who are bringing to the work of their profession the enthusiasm of youth and the careful training of latterday jurisprudence is Sidney Smythe Breese, of Springfield. He was born near Carlyle, Clinton County, Il., January 14, 1878, being a son of Sidney Samuel and Caroline Stewart (Moore) Breese. the former born at Kaskaskia, the first Illinois State Capital, August 13. 1835, and the latter at Belleville, St. Clair County, Il., September 16, 1836.

The Breese family history is interesting, as the following proves; In Trinity Church Yard, New York City, stands a unique monument, not far from the graves of Alexander Hamilton and Charlotte Temple, on which appears this epitaph:

This is the in memorian, prepared by Sidney Breese, one of the merchant princes of his day, to mark his own grave. He was a Welsh gentleman who, after some years of service in the Royal Army, came to America and settled in New York, in 1756; and died, leaving one son,

Samuel. This son Samuel lived in New Jersey, was a colonel in the Continental Army, and by profession a lawyer. His son, Arthur Breese, was born in that State, graduated from Princeton, adopted the law as a profession, and moved to Whitestown, near Utica, N. Y. Here he married Catherine, daughter of Judge Henry Livingston, of Poughkeepsie, who had served as Major in the Revolutionary Army.

- Henry Livingston was a member of that famous family of New York, all descendants of the Earl of Linlithgow; Robert Livingston came to America from Scotland, and among his descendants are found Chancellor Livingston, of Declaration of Independence fame, Brockholst Livingston, of the United States Supreme Court, and Edward Livingston, President Jackson's Secretary of State.

The sister of Arthur Breese married Dr. Jedadiah Morse, and from this union sprung Professor Samuel Finley Breese Morse, inventor of the telegraph.

To the marriage of Arthur Breese and Catherine Livingston were born nine children, among the most famous of whom were Samuel Livingston Breese, Rear Admiral_of the United States Navy, who served in the War of 1812, in the war with Mexico, and in the Civil War; and Sidney Breese, United States Senator from Illinois and Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Illinois, grandfather of Sidney Smythe Breese.

Sidney Breese was born in New York State, July 15, 1800, graduated from Union College in 1818, and on December 24, 1818, responding to an invitation from Elias Kent Kane, arrived in Kaskaskia. Here he was appointed Assistant Secretary of State and commenced the study of law, being admitted to the bar in 1820. He Was successively Postmaster, Assistant Secretary of State, State's Attorney, United States District Attorney for Illinois, first official reporter of the Supreme Court, Judge of the Circuit Court and later of the Supreme Court, and United States Senator. In 1831 he published Breese's reports of the decisions of the Supreme Court of Illinois, which was not only the first law book published in Illinois but the only one of any kind. In 1823 he married Eliza Morrison, daughter of William Morrison, of Kaskaskia, cousin of Colonel Don Morrison, and aunt of William R. Morrison (Horizontal Bill). In 1832 Sidney Breese served with distinction as Lieutenant-Colonel in the Black Hawk War. He was elected Judge of the Circuit Court in 1835 and moved from Kaskaskia to Carlyle, Il. In 1841 he was elected Judge of the Supreme Court, and in 1842, United States Senator. Sidney Breese was one of the originators and active promoters of the Illinois Central Railroad, and on his report as Chairman of the Committee on Public Lands, was based the grant of alternate sections of land to the State of Illinois, for the building of that road. He was also one of the originators of the Pacific road, and as early as 1846 he pointed out the acquisition of the Philippines by the States. In 1849 he retired from the States Senate, and in 1855 was again elected to the Circuit Bench. Two years later, in 1857, he was once more elected to the Supreme bench, where he remained until his death, in June, 1878. He was twice Chief Justice of that Court. Judge Breese was the father of fourteen children, six of whom, two daughters and four sons, survived him. Of these four sons, one was a Captain in the United States Navy, and one a Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps, both serving through the Civil War; another was a lawyer and served in the Civil War as Lieutenant in the regular army; the fourth son, Sidney Samuel Breese, was a farmer. and became the father of the Mr. Breese of whom we write.

Sidney Samuel Breese married Caroline Stewart Moore, daughter of Smyth Moore and granddaughter of Risdon Moore, a Senator from the St. Clair district in the twenties, and prominent in the convention fight of 1824. She is also a sister of Charles C. Moore, a member of the House of Representatives in 1885, during the Morrison-Logan senatorial fight. The marriage of Mr. Breese and Miss Moore occurred in June, 1859, near Carlyle, Ill., and they had four sons and four daughters, three of the latter dying in infancy. The father died February 18, 1891, his widow still surviving him and þeing (1910) in excellent health.

Sidney Smythe Breese was educated in the Carlyle High School and Marmaduke Military Institute, of Sweet Springs, Mo. His boyhood was a happy, healthy one, for he enjoyed all athletic sports. Having decided to become a lawyer, Mr. Breese commenced studying in the office of State's Attorney Thomas E. Ford, at Carlyle, taking his bar examination at Ottawa, Ill., in March, 1899, and receiving his license to practice at the April term (1899) of the Supreme Court. On December 11 of that same year he moved to Springfield, where he commenced the practice of law, in which he is still actively engaged, having become one of the prominent exponents of his profession in Sangamon County.

Politically Mr. Breese is a Democrat and he takes an active interest in party matters, especially in municipal affairs. He is a strong believer in the Commission form of Municipal Government and was one of the active members of the Committee of lawyers which drew the Bill for that purpose which passed the Legislature at the Special Session in 1910. He has been a member of the Board of Supervisors of Sangamon County and is President of the Civil Service Commission of Springfield, having been appointed to that position by Mayor John 8. Schnepp June 7, 1909. Mr. Breese is a prominent Mason, being Past Master of St. Paul's Lodge No. 500, A. F. & A. M., and is Right Worshipful District Deputy Grand Master of Masons of the Thirtieth Masonic District of Illinois. He was made a Mason in Scott Lodge

No. 79, Carlyle, Ill., December 2, 1899 and after moving to Springfield affiliated with St. Paul's Lodge. He is Past Chancellor of Percivale Lodge No. 262, Knights of Pythias, having joined the order at Carlyle, but transferred to the Springfield lodge. Although he holds membership in no church Mr. Breese was baptized and reared in the Episcopal Church.

On June 13, 1908, Mr. Breese was married at Milwaukee, Wis., to Miss Grace May Moran. She died at Springfield April 2, 1909, after a married life of a little over nine months. No issue. Mr. Breese is a young man of delightful personality, and is social by nature. Being fond of good reading, he has read extensively, not only along the line of his profession, but on general topics as well, and takes pride in being well posted on public matters. Energetic, thorough, and determined in action, Mr. Breese is a factor to be reckoned with in Springfield affairs.

BRENNAN, James (deceased). - Some of the representative men of Sangamon County have gone to their last reward after having spent a life of earnest endeavor in behalf of their loved community. Certain names are associated with the pioneer history of the county, whose representatives came from other parts of the country, or from foreign shores, there to build better than they imagined. To them is due the credit for the magnificent condition of Sangamon County today. Their children, born and reared in the atmosphere of pioneer conditions, developed into stalwart men and women, able to deal successfully with the more complicated problems of advanced civilization.

One of these representative pioneer families bore the name of Brennan, and one who for many years was a leading factor in the life of Buffalo was James Brennan. He was born in Ireland March 12, 1825, a son of Irish parents, who died in their native land. The young man was educated in Ireland, being reared on a farm, but was not satisfied with the opportunities offered him there. He eagerly listened to all he heard of the land beyond the seas, and in 1855, leaving home and kindred, set forth, filled with hopes and ambitions. Landing in New York, he came direct to Sangamon County to engage in farming, continuing that occupation until the day of his death. In 1858 he bought ten acres of land near Buffalo, in Buffalo Hart Township, upon which he erected a comfortable house.

This continued to be his home and in it he died, September 2, 1908, after having lost his wife on May 24th of that year. For fifty-one years this house had been their home, and the two were greatly attached to it. In it their children were born, and they had suffered the loss of some of them while under its roof.

Mr. Brennan was married in Springfield, in January, 1858, to Mary McGarry, born in Ireland, in May, 1834. Her parents died in Ireland. Seven children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Brennan, four sons and three daughters, and of them five survive: William resides in Springfield, being a clerk in Squire Connelly's office; James lives on a farm near Buffalo; Minnie, wife of Timothy Duggan, lives on a farm in Buffalo Heart Township; John and Emma live on the farm that is the homestead. There are nine living grandchildren in this family.

The Democratic party always held Mr. Brennan's support, he supporting its principles and candidates with unfaltering loyalty. From boyhood he was a deyout member of the Roman Catholic Church, giving it a warm and generous support and dying firm in its faith. The life of such a man as Mr. Brennan points its own moral. Coming to a new country, poor and friendless, he worked hard and made a home for himself and his family. While caring for his wife and the children sent them, he never forgot his duty as a citizen, nor neglected his religious duties. Whenever a neighbor was in trouble he turned instinctively to the genial, warm-hearted Irishman, while his wife depended upon Mrs. Brennan for assistance in various family troubles. James Brennan and his wife rejoiced in the happiness of their associates, but their friendship was best felt when sorrow entered a household. Then it. was that they proved themselves and built up in the hearts of all who knew them a monument more enduring than any fashioned of marble, and infinitely more priceless. The children of this most excellent pair have every reason to be proud of their descent from such parents. They were proud of their children and interested in their welfare, and, while they sorrowed over those who were taken away, they bowed to the decree, realizing that they had only been lent for a short period. To such as these Sangamon County owes much, and their children an infinite debt they can

BRENNAN, Owen J. (deceased), was a representative, useful citizen of Springfield, Il., where he lived from 1894 until his death, which occurred May 15, 1908. He had been for twentyeight years an employe of the Chicago & Alton Railroad Company, and had reached a position of responsibility and trust through close application to his duties and careful attention to every detail of the work he had in hand. He was a man of sober, industrious habits, devoted to his home and family, and enjoyed the society and companionship of his many friends. Mr. Brennan was born near Belfast, Ireland, December 23, 1860, a son of John and Margaret (Dodd) Brennan, both born near Belfast. The father was a land inspector and a prominent man in his community.

The childhood of Owen J. Brennan was spent in Ireland and Scotland, where he received his education, and after leaving school he found employment as foreman in a mine in Scotland. He emigrated to America in 1879 and subsequently entered the employ of the Chicago &

Alton Railroad, locating in Alton. After he had been in the employ of the company nine years he moved to Springfield and was promoted to the position of foreman .of electricians for the road. His death was the result of an accident. He was trying to prevent a wreck on the road at Granite City, Ill., and was killed by a passenger train. He was buried in Bloomington, Ill,

Mr. Brennan left a widow and one son. He was married, at Joliet, Ill., October 6, 1890, to Miss Nora Roland, born in Joliet February 15, 1860, daughter of Edward and Mary (Mahar) Roland, both natives of Ireland. He was raised near the city of Limerick and she was born in Tipperay but reared at Waltham near Boston. Three children born to Mr. Brennan and wife in Alton died and were buried in the cemetery there, and one son died in Springfield, being buried in Calvary Cemetery. The only surviving child, Thomas Hmmett, was born in Springfield, October 14, 1897, and is attending school there. Mr. Brennan was a member of the Catholic Church and in politics was a Democrat. He took no prominent part in public affairs and never cared to hold public office, being engrossed in his private affairs and his work. However, he was interested in the improvement and welfare of his community and gave his support to many good causes.

BRENNAN, Patrick (deceased). - Supply and demand create trade, and in a city like Springfield, where the population is changing and the influx at times is so great, the business of handling foodstuffs is always a profitable one. Ever since the seat of the State government was moved to Springfield in 1839, the grocers of the city have flourished, and one who once held his own with the leading ones in his line, was the late Patrick Brennan. He was born in County Meath, Ireland, in 1825, a son of Thomas and Catherine Brennan, natives of Ireland, and had all of the quickness and keenness of his people, combined with a genial manner and engaging way that made him friends everywhere.

After a boyhood spent in his native place, where he secured a parish school education, Patrick Brennan came to the United States in 1845, finally locating in Springfield. At first he found employment as a brick molder, but gradually worked his way upward until he became one of the leading grocers of the city, and was interested to a considerable extent in the pork packing industry. In all of his undertakings he showed a keen perception of values, and his success was due to his own business sagacity and unaided efforts. He was a Catholic, belonging to the Church of the Immaculate Conception, and, when his death occurred in July, 1880, his remains were interred in Cavalry Cemetery. His political affiliations with the Democratic party were pleasant, but he did not aspire to public office.