Sangamon County, Illinois - The whole text, 1912 (part 43 of 46)

As a boy James J. Waters attended the country schools and took a course in Springfield Business College. He was reared on a farm and was fond of all kinds of outdoor sports. He owns 400 acres of excellent farm land in Cooper Township, where he lives, and a house in Breckenridge. He is a man of high character and amiable disposition, and much esteemed by all. He is popular among his fellow citizens and much interested in the general welfare. He is now President of the Farmers' Elevator Company, of Berry and Breckenridge, which institution is profitable and convenient for the farmers of the community. In politics Mr. Waters is a Democrat, and he is now serving as School Director. He and his family are devout members of the Catholic Church and much interested in its good work. Fraternally he is a member of the Modern Woodmen and of the Anti-Horse-Thief Association.

Mr. Waters was married in Auburn, February 15, 1887, Father Finnegan officiating, to Mary Howard, who was born in Sangamon County, June 29, 1859, daughter of Michael and Mary (Shea) Howard. Mr. Howard was born in Ireland, September 16, 1822, and his wife, also a native of Ireland, was born April 1, 1834. He died in Christian County, September 16, 1906, and was buried at Morrisonville, and his widow still 'resides on the home farm in Christian County. All the grandparents of Mrs. Waters died in Ireland. Wight children were born to Mr. Waters and his wife, namely: Mary, 'porn in November, 1888, died in infancy; Anna M., born June 2, 1890; John F., November 30, 1891; Mary A., September 7, 1893; James, May 17, 1895; Michael E., February 6, 1897 ; Alice, October 18, 1899; Ella Arama, April 17, 1903. The seven who survive reside at home. Mr. Waters and his wife have every reason to be proud of their pleasant home and fine family of children.

liam M. Watson, was a native of Kentucky (where his parents were also born), and located in Springfield in an early day. He was for many years a shoemaker and died there at the age of ninety years, having been born in 1809. William M. Watson married Sarah E. Talbott, who was born in Indiana, daughter of Benjamin Talbott, also a native of Indiana, and a tanner by trade.

As a boy George T. Watson attended Lincoln School, in Springfield. He was always fond of ball-games, dancing and music, and his father was a violin player of considerable local repute. The house where he was born was next the Lincoln residence, so that as a child Mr. Watson daily saw Abraham Lincoln and was a playmate of the latter's son Robert, knowing the entire family well. After leaving school he learned the trade of carpenter and during the Civil War was employed in Springfield making cartridges for the Union Army. Having spent almost his entire life in the city, he has always had its best interests at heart, and has been identified with many movements of progress. He was at one time a member of the Volunteer Fire Department. He is a man of social instincts and fraternally belongs to the Odd Fellows. He is a member of the Lutheran Church and in politics is a Republican. He has been fairly prosperous in a business way, has many friends, and is generally liked and respected.

Mr. Watson was married, in Springfield, January 14, 1869, to Miss Sarah Pletz, who was born in Yorktown, Pa., November 28, 1854, daughter of Benjamin and Barbara (Wetz) Pletz, the father born in Pennsylvania, September 14, 1830, and the mother in Amsterdam, Germany, July 21, 1828. Mr. Pletz was a carpenter by trade and moved from Pennsylvania to Illinois: in 1856. He died in Springfield, January 23,. 1901, and his wife died May 29, 1909. The father of Mr. Pletz was a farmer and a native of Pennsylvania, and the father of his wife was a tanner by trade and located in Harrisburg, Pa., after coming from Germany to the United States. A brother of Mrs. Watson, Andrew Pletz, served in Company I, Seventh Illinois Infantry, and was under the command of Gen. Sherman during part of his service. Two sons were born to Mr. and Mrs. Watson: William B., born in Springfield, July 23, 1874, died there September 27, 1876, and Edward, born in Springfield, February 1, 1872, was married there, November 14, 1894, to Cora G. Bell also a native of Springfield. The Bell family were early settlers in Springfield .and prominent citizens. Three children were born to Edward Watson and his wife: Millard Bell, born in Springfield, died January 18, 1909; George E., born March 18, 1897, and Harold, born August 24, 1899.

WATTS, Benjamin, one of Sangamon County's old and substantial citizens, now living in Springfield, TIl., came to the county when three years of age. He was born in the State of New

York, June 10, 1839, son of Nicholas and Elizabeth (Palladay) Watts, both natives of New York, the latter born in Potsdam, the date of his birth being December 30, 1801, and hers 1817. The father of Nicholas Watts came from New York to Illinois at an early date and took up government land in Sangamon County, where he died. He was a native of Massachusetts and the father of sixteen children, nine of whom settled in Sangamon County. He was of Welsh descent The father of Elizabeth Palladay was born in France and emigrated to New York, later moved to Sangamon County, Ill., and died in Bloomington, Ill. Nicholas Watts was a carpenter by trade and located in Illinois in 1842. He and his wife were married in St. Lawrence County, N. Y., and their only child was Benjamin. The father died in Farmington, Ill., May 7, 1843, at the age of fortyone years, four months and eight days.

The childhood of Benjamin Watts was spent on a farm. He lived with his parents until sixteen years of age, and attended school at Atlanta, Ill. He has always taken an active interest in public affairs and is a Democrat in politics. While a resident of Macon County, Tll., he served as Road Commissioner. He is industrious and prosperous, and owns the family home at 1015 South Spring Street. He is considered a useful and upright citizen and is respected by all who know him. Both he and his wife are members of the First Christian Church and interested in many noble causes.

Mr. Watts was married, in Decatur, Ill., December 28, 1864, to Miss Catherine B. Simpson, and they moved at once to Springfield, where they began housekeeping on West Jefferson Street. Mrs. Watts is a daughter of Jordan and Clarissa (Sayre) Simpson, and was born in Cass County, Ill., August 20, 1843. Her father was a farmer and born near Lexington, Ky., July 17, 1808. He came to Illinois as a young man and 'settled first in Gardner Township, Sangamon County, moved from there to Macon County, and finally located at Pleasant Plains, Sangamon County, where he died December 27, 1872. Clarissa Sayre was born in New Jersey, October 31, 1816, and when a child was brought by her parents to: Dayton, Ohio. Her father, John Sayre, moved to Sangamon County in 1834, and she was there married to Jordan Simpson, October 27, 1835. She died Monday, May 17, 1896. The immediate ancestors of Mrs. Watts were all early settlers of Sangamon County, as shown above. Jordan Simpson and his wife were parents of eight children, namely: James W., of Pleasant Plains, Ill.; William J., of Chicago; Mrs. C. B. Watts, wife of Benjamin Watts; Mrs. Margaret Hillyard, of Kansas; Mrs. Julia Johnson, of Kansas City; Mrs. Jeremiah Gibson, of Springfield; Mrs. Lucy Smith, of Chicago; Isaac N., was a soldier in the Civil War and died in 1865.

married (first) Jacob Faust, and had three children, and married (second) Albert Mercer; Della, born September 25, 1885; Bertha, born February 22, 1889; Roy, January 21, 1890; Edgar N., March 18, 1871, in Macon County, married Rhoda Dedman, in June, 1893, and they have no children; Charles N., born in Macon county, April 19, 1874, married Julia Levinger, April 27, 1899, and they have two children, Lela, born in Springfield, February 22, 1900, and Charles E., born November 12, 1902. Mr. Watts and his wife have three great-grandchildren: Velma, Ernest and Lloyd Smith, who are the grandchildren of their oldest daughter, Leora, and children of her daughter, Della (Faust) Smith, who married Elmer Smith, December 25, 1901.

WATTS, James Bates, D. D. S., who is well established in the general practice of his profession in Springfield, Ill., has been prominent in professional circles of the city since 1898, when he opened an there. Dr. Watts is a native of Sangamon County, born near Farmingdale, Ill., May 7, 1875, son of Albert Benjamin and Amelia (Dustin) Watts, natives of Illinois. Albert B, Watts is a successful farmer and stock-raiser of Gardner Township, Sangaman County, and well known in the community. He and his wife were parents of eight children.

The early education of Dr. James B. Watts was received in the public schools of Sangamon County and he spent his boyhood on his father's farm. He attended Northwestern University, at Evanston, Ill., for four years, later received his professional training at the Northwestern University Dental School of Chicago, and graduated from that institution in 1898. In August of the same year he located in Springfield, where he has won a high standing in his profession and a reputation for skill and ability. He is a member of the Sangamo-Menard Dental Society, in which he has served as President, Secretary and Treasurer, and also of the Illinois State Dental Society. He has received thirty-two degrees in Masonry, is a Shriner, and is also affiliated with the Knights of Phythias.

Dr. Watts was married in 1904, to Miss Sallie Mae Buckman, of Sangamon County, daughter of Benjamin and Eva (Deitz) Buckman, natives of Illinois. One daughter has been born to Dr. and Mrs. Watts, Gladys Loraine. The family reside at 203 West Adams Street, and Dr. Watts ocupies an office in the I. O. O. F. Building. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church and active in its good work. They are well known in social cir- . cles and have many friends. Dr. Watts is an enterprising and public-spirited citizen, and in political views is Democratic.

WEAVER, Jacob (deceased), an old and highly esteemed settler of Sangamon County, was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, March 7, 1818, the son of German parents, who were early settlers of Ohio. The father was a farmer by occupation and spent his last days in Sangamon County, where he had brought his family. He and his wife were married in Germany and soon afterward came to the United States, settling in Cincinnati, They were parents of three. sons and two daughters, all of whom are deceased. Jacob Weaver was educated in Pickaway County, Ohio, where his parents lived several years before coming to I[llinois, and during his boyhood he helped his father with the farm work, at which he continued all his life. He came to Sangamon County one year after his marriage and for fifteen years resided five miles south of Williamsville, then came to the farm now occupied by his widow and daughter. He purchased 166 acres of land and developed it into a fine farm, He was an industrious farmer, a good neighbor and a kind husband and father, and endeavored to do his full duty in all the relations of life. He is still remembered kindly in the neighborhood and left a reputation for strict honesty and integrity. He was a Presbyterian in religious belief and active in promoting the general welfare of his community. He was always a Democrat in politics, and a public-spirited, useful citizen.

Mr. Weaver was married in Pickaway County, Ohio, October 8, 1845, to Mary A. Dean, born in Virginia, June 20, 1823, and her parents were also natives of Virginia, who were early settlers of Pickaway County, Ohio. The Dean family lived seven years in Ohio, then moved to Sangamon County and purchased land, where the father carried on farming until his death. There were ten children in the family, of whom but two survive, Mrs, Weaver, and her brother George, who lives near Quincy, Ill. George Dean was at one time a State Senator in Ilinois. Three children were born to Mr. Weaver and his wife, of whom but one survives, Alice, wife of James Lewis, who has two children, William and Eva. Mrs. Weaver lives on and manages her 166 acres in Section 11, Williams Township, which yields her a good income. Mr. Weaver died on the farm May 15, 1888. Mrs. Weaver is interested in church work and is a member of the Methodist Church. She has the warm regard of a number of friends and is esteemed by all who know her.

WEAVER, John B., one of the most prominent and successful attorneys of Springfield, and candidate on the Republican ticket for the responsible office of County Judge, has been a residentof the city since 1900, and has established a large practice. He was born at Wellsville, Montgomery County, Mo., April 8, 1869, son of Joseph R. and Harriet (Baker) Weaver. The father, who is a civil engineer, was born at Rushford, N. Y., October 13, 1832, and now lives at Freeport, Ill. He came to Freeport in 1857, was married there and later moved to Missouri, where he lived until 1873, then returned to Freeport, where he has since resided. His wife, who was born in Kentucky, January 15, 1842, is deceased.

The father of Joseph R. Weaver was a native of Kentucky and served in the Black Hawk War. He was a playmate and boyhood friend of Daniel Boone and Samuel Kenton, and fought Indians side by side with them. He was the first settler of Freeport, where he erected the first building.

John B. Weayer was educated in the common and high schools of Freeport and Northwestern University, of Chicago, receiving his legal training at the latter institution. His boyhood was spent on a farm and he has always been fond of outdoor life and sports. His entire life has been spent in Illinois, with the exception of the first five years. He lived in Freeport from 1873 until 1900, then moved to Springfield and engaged in the active practice of his profession, in which he has been very successful and is now serving as Police Magistrate. He served a term as Assistant State's Attorney of Sangamon County. He has been interested in many publie enterprises and is one of the brightest and most able attorneys of the city. He has always been a Republican in politics and fraternally is connected with the Masons, being a member of the Knights Templar, Oriental Consistory. In religious views he is a Presbyterian and is a member of that church. He belongs to the Chamber of Commerce and to other organizations of a similar nature.

Mr. Weaver was married, at Galena, IIL, October 3, 1891, to Alice M. Botdorf, born in Rochelle, Ill., May 11, 1872, daughter of John A. and Jennie (Jones) Botdorf, both natives of Wales. Mrs. Weaver had three brothers who served in the Civil War, one under Sherman, one in the cavalry under Sheridan, and one under Grant. Mr. and Mrs. Weaver have no children. They own the beautiful home where they reside at 586 South Glenwood Avenue, Springfield, and are well known in social circles.

WEAVER, Samuel R. - The Weaver family has been well known in Sangamon County for more than half a century, and various members are given mention in this work. The reader is referred especially to that of William H. Weaver. Samuel R. Weaver is a native of Hagerstown, Md., born April 25, 1858, a son of Jonathan and Mary Ann Weaver, natives of that place and the father a carpenter by trade. The father worked in his native town sometime before coming to Illinois. He first located at Mt. Morris and there he became a cabinet-maker and undertaker, and later brought his family to Springfield. He followed his trade in the city and helped erect some of the fine buildings of the early days there. Some of these buildings were handsome residences and among them was included the old Freeman residence. His brother, George Wise Weaver, was a mason by trade and assisted in erecting the State House. The latter was also from Maryland and made

Cotton Hill Township, which he continued until his death, November 14, 1899. The mother died some years before the father. They were parents of five sons, of whom four now survive: William, the oldest, of Cotton Hill Township; Samuel R., whose name heads this sketch ; John L., a farmer, who lives with his brother Samuel; James B. is a resident of Enid, Okla.; George, who was the first-born, is deceased. A brother of Jonathan, David Weaver, was a soldier in the Civil War and starved to death in Andersonville Prison.

In boyhood Mr. Weaver began working in the brick yard of John Lauterbach and also worked for Henry Miller, In this capacity he helped make some of the brick that went into the State House and also the Home of the Friendless. He attended school during the winter months and most of his education was received in the old Third Ward School. Later he engaged in farming in Cotton Hill Township, near Grove City, and also near New City. He has forty acres of good farm land on Section 3 of Cotton Hill Township, where he has lived the past sixteen years, and has met with gratifying success in the enterprise. He is an energetic and practical farmer, as well as a good business man, and has the respect of the community where ne lives. He takes an active interest in local affairs, is a Republican in political views, and is a useful and devout member of the Methodist Church.

Mr. Weaver was married in Springfield, March 3, 1883, to Elizabeth Deweese, who was born in Indiana in 1863, a daughter of David and Nancy Deweese. Her father was a farmer by occupation and came to Sangamon County at an early day. He is now living with a son in Christian County and the mother is deceased. They had children as follows: Charles, a farmer of Christian County; John, on a farm near Taylorville; Peter, living near Pawnee; Edward, deceased; Emma, the youngest of the family; Amanda, deceased; Mrs. Weaver, who died March 31, 1894. Mr. Weaver and wife had children as follows: Ottie, wife of Ray Runyon, of St. Louis, an employe of the Wabash Railroad Company; Flora E., married E. Jackson, a school teacher, who now lives at Houston, Tex., where he is a clerk in a railroad depot; Iva M.. and Lottie Agnes, at home with their father. Mr. Weaver has spent most of his life in Sangamon County, where he has many friends. He well remembers hearing Abraham Lincoln and Stephen A. Douglas speak on the spot now the site of the Springfield postoffice, when he was a Small boy, and was greatly impressed by the event.

WEAVER, William H., who owns and operates a farm in Section 3; Cotton Hill Township, Sangamon County, was born in Hagerstown, Md., February 1, 1850, a son of Jonathan and Mary Ann Weaver, natives of that place. In 1855 the parents came to Mt. Morris, Ill., and the father followed his trade of carpenter there until he came to the farm now occupied by his son William. The two men were living together at the time of the father's death, and had then spent but two years apart. He died November 14, 1899, and the mother some years before him, and both are buried at Oak Ridge Cemetery.

As a boy William H. Weaver began working in a brick yard during the summer months and spending the remainder of the year in school. Upon leaving school he was employed as clerk in the drug store of Thomas Owens, where he remained four years, and in 1869 he removed to his present place. He has been actively engaged in farming ever since and has been successful in his operations. He remembers seeing Douglas and Lincoln in Springfield. He has been a resident of Sangamon County most of his life and remembers the wigwam which stood on the present site of the post-office in Springfield. The Weaver family have been representative of the best interests of their community and have been highly respected as useful and desirable citizens. The father purchased 120 acres of land, which is now the property of William H. Weaver, who operates twenty-five acres of it. He has some of the best farming land in the county and it is well improved and equipped.

Mr. Weaver was married in Springfield April 18, 1882, to Julia A. Baker, who died December 16, 1898, and he married as his second wife, December 25, 1894, Rosetta Crowder, their union taking place at the home where they now reside. Mrs. Weaver's parents were natives of Illinois and both are deceased, her father haying passed away in early life. By his first marriage Mr. Weave. had two sons: Charles F., born June 28, 18838, living on a farm near Glenarm; William A., born January 17, 1886, lives at home. By his second marriage he had children as follows: Bertha M., George E., Mary R., Vena A. Mr. Weaver is a Methodist and all the family are active members of that church. He is a Republican in politics. He stands well with his neighbors and has many warm friends in the county.

WEBER, Charles - E. - There are men in the world who direct their lives according to the Golden Rule, and in consequence can face their fellow men and rest assured that they have carried out the teachings of their religious faith. One of the older business men of Springfield, and one who made an enviable record for himself during the Civil War, is Charles E. Weber, born in Springfield, February 23, 1845, a son of John A. and Mary J. (Long) Weber. The father was born in Galena, Mo., September 15, 1811, while his wife was born in Greensburg, Ky., in 1823. The grandfather on the paternal side came to Springfield from Missouri, at a time when the present city was represented by a few frame houses. Charles E. Weber often went duck hunting where the Court House now stands, being very fond of all outdoor sports. John A. Weber

Reared in Springfield, Mr. Weber received a somewhat limited education, as he was put to work in a brickyard when only ten years old. Later on he embarked in a livery business, which he conducted for forty-eight years, being one of the best known men in his line. From December 28, 1863, when he enlisted in the Tenth Illinois Cavalry, under Colonel Wickersham, until the close of the war, he was a brave soldier, participating in a number of important engagements and was wounded in battle.

Mr. Weber was married at Whitehall, Greene County, Ill., August 25, 1869, to Saran A. Bateman, born at Whitehall, December 25, 1850. Her father was an old pioneer of Illinois coming to the State when there were few residents aside from the Indians. Mr. and Mrs. Weber had two children: Fannie, born October 29, 1872, and George H., born May 15, 1876. Mr. Weber has always been fond of stock and is an excellent judge of horses. He is a member of the Modern Woodmen, Lodge No. 114. He and his family belong to the Methodist Church, and are active workers in it. All his life he has been a Republican, but has never had any political aspirations. Earnest in his endeavors, he has succeeded in material things, and has retained the friendship of those with whom he has been associated.

WEBER, Charles Eldridge (deceased), was one of Sangamon County's most highly esteemed farmers and spent his entire life in the county, where he was born, June 29, 1855. He was a son of John B. and Sarah (Wolts) Weber, the former a native of Virginia. John B. Weber was a Cabinet-maker in early life but later devoted himself to farming. He was one of the early settlers of Sangamon County and there his death occurred. He was married twice, his second wife being Nancy Drennan.

Charles E. Weber spent his boyhood on a farm and attended the schools of Pawnee. He won the entire respect and esteem of his fellows and was considered a useful, desirable citizen, who was interested in the general welfare. He was fond of home and proud of his family, as he had every reason to be. He and his children were members of the Methodist Church, while his widow is a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. In politics he was a Republican, but the last years of his life voted the Prohibition ticket.

The marriage of Mr. Weber took place in Sangamon County, October 18, 1880, Rev. J. J. Hudson officiating, when he was united with Laura M. Nuckolls, born in Sangamon County November 13, 1862, daughter of James M. and Nancy (Drennan) Nuckolls, the former of whom died in 1866, and the latter is now living at Glenarm. Mr. Nuckolls was for many years in business in Sangamon County, conducting a saw-mill and running a threshing machine. Mrs. Nuckolls' father was a native of North Carolina, but died in Sangamon County to which he had emigrated in boyhood. Four children were born to Mr. Weber and his wife: James E., born May 11, 1882, married Bertha A. Brown, is a farmer by occupation, and they live at Divernon and have three children - Geraldine, Nelson and Josephine; Edith, born December 25, 1883, is unmarried and lives at home; Mabel, born May 21, 1885, also unmarried and living at home; George H., born July 16, 1898, unmarried. Mrs. Weber is well known in the community and now owns the farm where she resides. Mr. Weber's death occurred in Nebraska, where he had made a trip, in November, 1901. He died in a hospital and his body was brought home, being interred in Oak Ridge Cemetery. He was a man of pleasing personality and had made many friends, who sincerely mourned his loss.

WEBER, Eli. - Many of those interested in agricultural pursuits in Sangamon County make their homes in nearby towns or cities, leaving their property in charge of a superintendent, while they devote their energies to other lines of activity. An example of this method is found in Eli Weber, owner of an excellent tract of land in Sangamon County, who has been engaged in other lines of endeavor in Pawnee, where he makes his home. Mr. Weber was born in Pawnee Township, Sangamon County, Il., April 26, 1871, a son of George P. and Vienna (Meader) Weber.

John B. Weber, the grandfather of Eli, was born April 7, 1810, in Shepherdstown, Va., and came to Illinois at an early day, locating in Sangamon County, where he died in 1889. In 1849 he had gone to California during the gold rush, but returned in 1851. His wife, Sarah Woltz, was born March 20, 1812, in Shepherdstown, Va., and died in Sangamon County, August 5, 1866, having been the mother of several children. Andrew J., the eldest, born in Springfield, September 9, 1840, was elected Captain and later Major of Company B, Eleventh Missouri Volunteers, and later became Colonel, meeting his death at the battle of Vicksburg; James W., the third son, born November 10, 1844, in Springfield, Ill., was killed by bushwhackers while returning from the war. George P. Weber was born in Springfield, TES December 2, 1842, and during his entire life engaged in farming and stockraising, his death occurring July 26, 1903, at Valparaiso, Neb., and interment being made at Oak Ridge Cemetery. His wife was born in Pawnee Township, April 21, 1843, and they had these children: Miriam M., Sarah A., Timothy M., Eli and Eva; Benjamin R. B., the fourth son, now living in Colorado, married Sarah McCormick and had three children; Charles E., deceased, the fifth son, married Laura Nuckolls and had four children. Amanda married Ethan Mengle and had three children, and Cornelia married Milton Connelly and had one child.

the time of his discharge he was First Lieutenant of the regiment. On the way home the regiment was presented by the citizens of St. Louis with a fine stand of colors and floral pieces, and also given a grand banquet. His brother Andrew J. was a Colonel when but twenty-two years of age, and on June 29, 1863, before Vicksburg, was wounded in the head, dying the next day, June 80th. His remains were escorted to the steamer by the whole brigade and were sent to his home in Springfield, where he was buried at Oak Ridge Cemetery. Col. Weber Was universally esteemed and beloved, and there was much sorrow over his early death. The "A. J. Weber Post" is named in his honor.

Eli Weber received his preliminary education in the country schools and later attended the Illinois Wesleyan College at Bloomington. He remained at home until nineteen years of age, at which time he was married and located on a farm near Pawnee, which consists of 750 acres, and on which he is now erecting the finest residence in Pawnee Township. The home place consists of 440 acres. With the exception of two years spent in Nebraska, Mr. Weber has always resided in Sangamon County, being engaged in farming and stockraising, as well as in the undertaking business, but he has retired from the latter during the past few years. He has been prominent in public matters in this section for quite a period, serving as Supervisor of Pawnee Township for four years, as School Director and as Highway Commissioner. Fraternally he is connected with the Modern Woodmen and the Masons, while his religious connection is with the Golden Rule Church. He adheres to the principles of the Republican party, but for years has cast his vote for the man rather than the party.

Mr. Weber was married in Rochester, Ill., January 2, 1890, to Arminda Shepherd, who was born August 9, 1870, in Pawnee Township, daughter of John H. and Ann (Pyle) Shepherd, the former of whom was born at Woodside, Ill., February 21, 1888, and died April 8, 1903, after a life spent in agricultural pursuits, and the latter of whom was born in St. Clair County, Ill., August 13, 1844, and died at Charleston November 20, 1888, both being buried at Oak Ridge Cemetery. They were married October 6, 1869. Mrs. Weber's paternal grandfather was born June 28, 1806, in Jefferson County, Va., and was married July 3, 1834 to Ellen Miller, who was born June 24, 1818, in Shepherdstown, Va. Both died in Sangamon County, Ill. Grandfather Pyle was a native of Kentucky, in which State he was born October 12, 1806, and he died in St. Clair County, Ill., March 3, 1852, where he had spent his life in farming and stockraising. To Mr. and Mrs, Weber there have been born two children: Ann May, born February 12, 1891, and Bert, born March 26, 1895, both living at home with their parents.

WEBER, William Shepherd, a farmer and merchant living at Zenobia, Pawnee Township, Sangamon County, has been engaged in business at his present location the past forty-two years, and is well and favorably known in the community. He was born in Springfield March 11, 1844, one of the six children born to Philip W. and Amanda M. (Shepherd) Weber. The father was born near Shepherdstown, Va., January 28, 1812, and the mother was born November 8, 1812, daughter of Thomas and Mary (Byers) Shepherd. Thomas Shepherd was born in Shepherdstown November 3, 1774, and died in his native town November 9, 1832. In 1805 he married Mary Byers, a native of the same town as himself, and they had eight children, who came to Sangamon County. He was a son of Thomas and Susan (Hulse) Shepherd, and a grandson of Thomas Shepherd, who emigrated from Wales to Virginia before the Revolutionary War. Mrs. Mary (Byers) Shepherd came to Sangamon County with her eldest son in 1836 and died in the house of her son-in-law, Philip W. Weber, November 25, 1870.

Philip W. Weber removed to Raymond, Miss., in 1835, and in connection with others erected a mill, but sold his interests there and came to Sangamon County in 1887. In 1849 he went to California, returning ten years later, and with his brother, John B., bought land and engaged in farming near Pawnee. He and his wife had children as follows: John P., born March 19, 1840; Mary E.; William S.,.subject of this sketch; Amanda, born March 3, 1846; Sarah C.; and Emma S.

William S. Weber was educated in the Pawnee public schools and in his youth laid the foundation of a useful career. Up to this time, as he is proud to relate, he has never sworn an oath, never tasted liquor in any form, and has never drank a whole cup of coffee. He has never used tobacco in any form, except to smoke (in his entire life) about five cigars. He has robust health and has never been sick a whole day in his life. He enlisted in August, 1862, at Springfield, in one of two companies which were consolidated to form Company K, One Hundred

Twenty-fourth Illinois Infantry, and spent sixweeks at Camp Butler, but as he was so young and was small for his age, he was left out. In 1863 he went to Missouri and tried to enlist, but was again unsuccessful.

Mr. Weber was married at Pawnee, Ill., January 1, 1867, to Miss Henrietta Lough, who was born in Jerseyville, Ill., July 16, 1849, daughter of Lawrence and Hannah (Whitehead) Lough, her father a native of New Jersey and her mother of Wisconsin. Three sons and three daughters have been born of this union: Frank Shepherd, born January 24, 1868; Andrew James, July 27, 1870; Charles Philip, October 14, 1874; Minnie Irene, May 17, 1877; Alice Lorena, September 16, 1882, and Effie May, July 27, 1886.

Mr. Weber is a prosperous farmer, owning one hundred fifty acres of choice farm land in Pawnee Township, and also land in Christian County. He has a good trade and enjoys the confidence and esteem of his patrons. He is actively interested in the welfare and growth of the community along all lines, and in politics is a Republican. He is a member of the Methodist Church and for twelve years was a member of the Masonic Order. He served a number of years as Township Assessor.

WEBSTER, Stephen (deceased), was born in Orleans County, N. Y., June 14, 1825. He spent his entire life (except a few years in Chicago) in his native State, being buried at Mt. Albion, N. Y. His father operated a farm near Hawley and was also a native of New York. His mother, Kate (Littlefield) Webster, was a native of New York. Many of Mr. Webster's ancestors took active parts in the exciting events preceding the Revolution and during the struggle, and were of the old eastern stock of Connecticut.

After taking an academic course at Albion, N. Y., Stephen Webster embarked in the drug business, which he continued several years. He also began dealing in grain, and in the latter enterprise became so successful that he devoted his whole attention to it and had entire charge of the great stock yards at Suspension Bridge, N. Y. He became quite wealthy, being a man of industrious habits and considerable energy. One of his best western customers was Algernon Farr, the great stock shipper of Illinois. However, he met serious reverses of fortune and died a poor man. Being of a quiet disposition and a great lover of his home, he never connected himself with any fraternal orders and did not aspire to public office. His religious connections were with the Congregational Church.

January 29, 1863, Mr. Webster was married, at Niagara City, N. Y., by Reverend Webb, to Mary A. Rhodes, who was born at Albion, N. Y., January 25, 1836, daughter of Richard Boone and Charity E. (Bidwell) Rhodes. Richard Boone Rhodes had married (first) November 1, 1832, Nancy Sherwood, of Chautauqua, N. Y., who lived but a short time. The first of the Rhodes family in America was John Rhodes, who came from England in 1680, and one of his descendants, Walter Rhodes, born June 2, 1770, in Providence, R. I., died in 1829. Walter Rhodes was married, in 1792, to Mary Perkins, who was also born in Providence, in 1767, died in 1869, and lived to celebrate her one hundredth birthday, at which time she was able to read and write with ease. The Perkins family also came from England (in 1630), and the grandfather of Richard B. Rhodes, Nathaniel Perkins, born in 1710, was a gunsmith and manufactured guns for the use of the colonists during the Revolution. Mrs. Webster's mother, Charity Bidwell, was a descendant of John Bidwell, from the north of England, who settled at Hartford, Ct., in 1635, married Sarah Wilcox, and died in 1687.

skill and prominence and learned his trade at Pittsburg, Pa., and Jamestown, N. Y., where he learned the secret of tempering by, shade the edge of sharp steel tools of all kinds. He himself afterwards built a factory for making tools at Chautauqua, and later at Waterport, N. Y. He was the inventor of many useful articles and became known in many parts of the country through his intelligence and skill. He firmly be lieved he had discovered perpetual motion, and at one time considered placing his invention on the market. Mrs. Webster distinctly remembers hearing her father describe this invention to her mother. In later life, thinking he was losing his sight, he called a convention of tool makers and gave to them the secret of tempering tools. His father, Walter Rhodes, was also an inventor and mechanic. He erected a shingle mill, flume and water wheel, and was killed by accident at this place. He worked for some time for a man named Curtis, a manufacturer of farm tools, at Albion, N. Y., and while in this position studied to perfect the reaper. Afterwards, while working at Brockport he perfected the real part of this machine that gathers and throws over the bundles. He also invented the "Butterfly" drag that was so much used on land, because it would go between stumps in cultivating. Mr. Rhodes also invented a gate that would swing both ways, and a horse hay-rake that would rake the hay into windrows. When the contractor, who was ready to begin work on the great suspension bridge between Canada and Niagara City, was unable to figure how to get a line across as the first move, Mr. Rhodes solved the difficulty by advising that a kite be flown over. Mrs. Webster herself inherited a great deal of mechanical genius from her father and invented a very practical doughnut cutter, which she had made for her own use and which she heard was afterwards patented, but she receives no royalties on it as her idea was appropriated by others.

Mr. Rhodes, the father of Mrs. Webster, was born April 6, 1807, and died October 20, 1878, and his second wife, who was born May 12, 1813, died November 13, 1872. An ancestor of Mr. Rhodes, John Rhodes, was a member of the famous "Boston Tea Party," and threw the second box of tea overboard, Her parents and ancestors on both sides were very devout Christians as far back as 1600.

Left alone in the world, without a dollar, Mrs. Webster had before her the immediate question of how she should earn her livelihood. In October, 1870, she began working at dress and cloak making, which she continued at Niagara Falls, N. Y., until July, 1877, when she was advised by her old physician, Dr. E. B. Rice, of Niagara, N. Y., to. go west, and moved to Vandalia, Fayette County, Ill., where she remained one and one-half years and one and one-half years at Carbondale, Ill., until 1879, during which time her father and two sisters died, and she then moved to Springfield, in 1880, where she continued at her trade with good success, being able to save some money, but her health failed, and Rey. David More, D. D., formerly of her old home in New York, advised her to go to Florida, where his wife had been taken to regain her health. In 1885 Mrs. Webster went to Deland, Fla., and there purchased a home and worked at her trade, remaining there until 1889, when she sold her home to an attorney from New Jersey, who afterwards sold it to J. B. Stetson, the celebrated hat manufacturer, who built on this fine location one of the most magnificent homes in Florida. Returning to Springfield, Mrs. Webster resumed work at her trade and was able to accumulate some valuable real estate. She is a well-informed woman, of good business ability, taking an intelligent and broad view of most subjects, and justly proud of her success in her own behalf. She is a good conversationalist and has many interesting incidents to relate as a Consequence of her travels and her varied experiences. She is justly proud of her ancestors and their achievements, and takes great interest in learning their history. She has in her possession a letter which was written by her father's mother to her son in 1842, which was simply folded and addressed (no envelope being used in those days) and then sealed and stamped by the Postmaster. Among the choice pieces of property owned by Mrs. Webster is her home at No. 1029 South Third Street. Mrs. Webster is a member of the Central Baptist Church, of Springfield.

WEHRLE, August, who has for twenty-eight years been engaged in the dairy business in Springfield, Ill., is one of the old and honored residents of the city, and has seen and taken part in many changes that have occurred here. He is a native of Baden, Germany, born August 11, 1834, a son of August and Mary Wehrle, natives of Germany. August Wehrle, Sr., was a commissioned officer in the German army, being employed in guarding the German frontier on the line of France. He died in Germany and shortly thereafter his widow came to Springfield, where she remained until her death in 1902, at the age of ninety-two years.

Cincinnati, Ohio, and later to Brooklyn, Ind., but subsequently walked back to Cincinnati, where he remained two years. He then went to Jeffersonville, Ind., where he remained a short time, but again went back to Cincinnati, and commenced working on the river boats running from Cincinnati to St. Louis. In 1859 he transferred his residence to St. Louis, but continued to work on the river and was so engaged until 1865, when he came to Springfield, and this has been his home ever since. For twenty-eight years he was engaged in a dairy business and his efforts met with success. He is a member of St. Vincent's Society and of the Catholic Church. of SS. Peter and Paul. In political convictions he is a stanch Democrat.

In 1861, in St. Louis, Mr. Wehrle was married to Theresa Metzger, a native of Baden, Germany, who died in January, 1908. Of the fifteen children born to Mr. and Mrs, Wehrle the following survive: Burkhart, living at home; Henry, in the employ of the West End Coal Company; Adam; Charles, who is engaged in the transfer business; Emily, the wife of Levi Hurt; Mary, who married John Whitmore; Anna, who is the wife of Gus Opert; an engineer of Danville, Ill.; Eva, the wife of Joseph Loeser, in the employ of the Schneck Lumber Company; and Lena, the wife of Frederick Gramilich,

_WEHRMAN, Henry. - The stability and reliability of the German-born citizens of America, make them the best kind of men to place in positions of trust and responsibility, a fact long ago recognized by those in authority. One of the men who are proud of the fact that they were born in the Fatherland, is Henry Wehrman, of No. 445 West Carpenter Street, Springfield, for twenty-nine years one of the valued employes of Oak Ridge Cemetery. He was born September 12, 1846, in Baden, Germany, being a son of John and Christina (Leishermer) Wehrman, natives of Germany. The father was a stone mason, working at his trade in Germany, where he and his wife spent their lives. They had four sons and one daughter, Mr. Wehrman and a son in Germany being the only survivors.

Like many of his countrymen, Mr. Wehrman gave four years' service to his country, being in the Franco-Prussian War. He had received a good education in his native land, and had been taught farming. In May, 1872, he sailed to America, which stretched out before him as a land of promise, and while he has not realized all his hopes, he has made his life yield him a fair measure of success. Landing in New York, he came direct to Springfield, where he obtained employment on the Hickox farm and remained there two years. For the next two years he was in the employ of the Springfield Rolling Mills, and then entered the employ of the Oak Ridge Cemetery. where he has since remained.

In June, 1872, soon after his arrival in Springfield, he was married to Catherine Boner, also of Germany, where she was born in November, 1851. Her father was a farmer and never came to America. She had a sister and a brother, the latter of whom is deceased, but the former survives, living in Germany. © Mr. and Mrs. Wehrman became the parents of four children: Catherine, wife of John Heisinger of Evanston; Paul, in the employ of the Schnepp & Barnes Company, of this city; Margaret, wife of Louis Connover, of Fort Wayne, Ind., and Gustay, of Springfield. There are two grandchildren in the family. Mr. Wehrman is a Democrat. He belongs to Trinity German Lutheran Church, and is liberal in his support of it. He owns the family home, which is a beautiful one, as well as several other residences in the city, for he has faith in Springfield and proves it by investing in its realty. He is a reliable, honorable man, whose life had been spent in hard work, and deseryes all the affection and respect he has always commanded.

WEICE, George (deceased). - The German character is one that commands great admiration, for it stands for much that is best in a community. The German-Americans are among the best class of citizens the country knows. Carefully trained in their trades, the Germans come here prepared to give good, hard work in exchange for the remuneration offered, and they save with careful thrift out of what they earn, so that in a short time they own their homes. The home owner is more interested in securing good, stable government than he who moves with every passing fancy. It is for these and other equally cogent reasons that the Germans are welcomed in any community. One source of Springfield's prosperity is the fact that Germans have settled there in large numbers, and among one who carried out every good feature of his countrymen was the late George Weice, for many years a contracting painter of that city. Mr. Weice was born in Hesse Darmstadt, Germany, December 21, 1831, a son of John and Margaret Weitz, farming people of Hesse Darmstadt, which remained their home until deaths,

George Weice grew up on his father's farm, receiving a good education in his native tongue, but he was ambitious and, having learned the trade of painter, resolved to seek a new field of operation in America. Consequently he came, in 1859, locating in Springfield, which continued to be his home until his death, December 20, 1871. His remains were interred in Oak Ridge Cemetery. For years he was a successful contracting painter, and won the confidence of his patrons by his excellent work and conscientious attention to the terms of his contracts. He was a Mason and Odd Fellow, belonging to the Springfield lodges of beth orders. His political sentiments made him a Republican, and he was a consistent member of the Lutheran Church.

In 1859, Mr. Weice was married in Springfield, to Sophia Machatans, born in Saxony, Germany, daughter of Godfreid and Mary (Jacobs) Machatans. Came to America and located in Springfield, Ill., both are buried in Oak Ridge Cemetery. Mr. and Mrs. Weice had five children, two of whom survive: Minnie, born August 31, 1861, living with her mother, and Louis, residing at No. 400 West Monroe Street, who was born in 1869. Mrs. Weice owns the family residence at No. 211 West Jefferson Street, which has been her home since 1860. She is a most excellent woman, devoted to her children, and kind and neighborly in her associations with those about her.

the skill and artistic ability of those who aided in their building and decoration, will the name of John Weisz be remembered, for he aided in the interior decoration of these structures, as well as in that of many of the private residences of the city. Although he has passed from this life his work remains, and the memory, as well, of his many excellent traits of character, which won him so many warm personal friends. Mr. Weisz was born in Hesse Darmstadt, Germany, in 1836, a son of John Weisz, also a native of Germany, who was a farmer and weaving-mill owner. He and his wife came to America at an early day (1852) and to Springfield when it was a village. They engaged in farming in its vicinity and made a specialty of raising garden truck for the Springfield market. This was their work until death claimed them.

John Weisz was educated in Germany and there learned the wagon-making trade, but after he accompanied his parents to America, learned that of a painter and decorator, and established himself in business, earning and retaining a large trade. His work was artistic in the extreme, and so well done as to make it eagerly sought by those who appreciated good effects. He continued in business until the time of his demise, in 1879. In religious faith, he was a German Lutheran, as are his widow and children, and in politics he was a Republican.

Mr. Weisz was married in Springfield, in 1861, to Augusta Schwarberg, born in Hanover, Germany, June 22, 1839. Her parents never emigrated, dying in Germany, where they were born. The father was a school-teacher in Hanover, where he was very well known. Mr. and Mrs. Weisz had seven children, four of whom survive: August R., traveling salesman for the Illinois Watch Company, has been with the company for a number of years; John is also in the employ of this company; Charles is a resident of Chicago, and Louise lives at home. Mrs. Weisz owns her beautiful home at No. 719 South Ninth Street, as well as considerable other property in Springfield, having been left well-to-do through the watchful care of her husband, who provided well for his dear ones before death took him away from them. He was an excellent example of the best class of German-American, and well deserved the success which attended him.

WELCH, Abednego Richardson. - There have been many changes in Sangamon County during the past forty years, and those who located in the 'sixties and 'seventies bear witness to the truth of this statement. More than anything else has the value of farm land altered, now being so valuable that a number of the farmers are specializing on a few acres, producing some of the finest fruit and vegetables to be found on the market. A farmer who has grown with the advance in everything, is Abednego Richardson Welch, of Springfield Township, born in Washington County, Ind., October 24, 1837, a son of

The parents came to Indiana at a very early day, but later migrated to Morgan County, Ill., where the father died in 1875, having been a farmer all his life. His wife passed away when sixty-one years old. The paternal great-grandfather was a Revolutionary soldier. As Enoch F. Welch moved about to a considerable extent during the boyhood of Abednego, the latter did not receive much education until he was twentytwo years old, when he paid for tuition. He worked for his father, learning how to farm, and when he began for himself adopted this calling, and has continued in it all his life. In 1863 Mr. Welch came to Sangamon County, and since then has not been more than a mile from home, For twenty-seven years he has lived on his present farm of seven and one-half acres, which he has developed into a fine property.

Mr. Welch was married in Springfield, in January, 1864, to Elizabeth Hammonds, a daughter of Harrison and Delila Hammonds, who came to Illinois at an early day, from Indiana, but both are now deceased. Mrs. Welch died November 13, 1883, having borne her husband children as follows: Permelia, wife of George lLangfield, a farmer of Sangamon County ; Lucy, wife of William Brown, a miner; Hester, wife of William Hahn, a dairyman; Rosetta, and four who are deceased. Miss Rosetta had the misfortune to be born blind, but her father has given her so superior an edueation that she has many resources that might otherwise be denied her. There are sixteen grand children and one great grand child in the family.

The family are members of the Christian Church. Mr. Welch is a Democrat and is enthusiastic in his support of its candidates and principles. His devotion to his blind daughter is a beautiful thing, and she repays his love and care with a touching affection. The family stand high in the neighborhood, and Mr. and Miss Welch have many warm, personal friends who appreciate their excellent qualities.

WELCH, George Merrit, who resides in his pleasant home at No. 409 West Canedy Street, which represents years of frugality and hard work, is now the trusted watchman of the Rayfield Auto Company works, Springfield. He was born in Tonawanda, Erie County, N. Y., January 2, 1849, a son of George W. and Margaret (Forbes) Welch. The Welch family was founded in this country by the grandfather, who came from Ireland, locating in Clifton Park, N. Y., where he was a timberman, being killed by a log which rolled on him. George W., father of George M. Welch, was born in the village of Clifton Park, and became a merchant there, but died at the very early age of twentytwo years, of cholera. His widow married Nelson A, Neher, now a resident of Springfield,

George Merrit Welch attended school but little, for being left half orphan when only five months old, he never knew a father's care, and as early as possible had to earn his own living. Until he was fourteen years old he lived with his Grandfather Forbes, and then began working on a farm at fifty cents per day. When he was sixteen years old he began working on the tow path of the Hrie canal, but after one summer at this became a steersman on a boat, continuing thus for two seasons. His attention having been called to Illinois, he came to Lanark, Carroll County, and was a clerk in his Uncle Edgar Welch's store for nearly two years. Following this he went to work in a saw-mill at Alpena, Mich., being in it during the summer and scaling logs in the woods in the winter. At the close of three years he moved to Monroe, Mich., and worked in a lumber yard owned by Caleb Ives, and also scaled logs for him, eventually being made general manager of Mr. Ives' business After two years there he journeyed to New York for a short visit. On his return west he reached Toledo, when his' funds gave out. He had nothing to eat and no place to sleep, and was feeling discouraged, when he met his former employer, Mr. Ives, who appeared as glad to see him, as he was to meet the man for whom he had worked so faithfully. Mr. Ives sent Mr. Welch straight to Cincinnati, Ohio, to do some collecting for him, and Mr. Welch spent eighteen months in that city, looking after Mr. Ives' interests there. His next venture was as agent for a patent fire kindler, operating in Jackson and vicinity. Once more he went back to New York, and thence to Rutland, Vt., where he worked in a foundry owned by Thomas Ross, and while there worked on some of the columns for the Albany State House. In 1880 he returned to Illinois, going to work on the Wabash Railroad as fireman, and running out of Springfield., From this he worked up to be engineer, continuing in the employ of this railroad for twelve years. Then, leaving the road, he operated a switch engine in the rolling mills. Going to Pine Bluffs, Ark., he was fireman on the Cotton Belt Railroad, being promoted to the position of engineer, but at the expiration of three years came to Macomb, Ill., and ran a stationary engine at the pottery plant for a year. Coming again to Springfield, he was salesman for the Springfield Paper Company for seven years, afterwards engaging in various lines of work, and is now watchman of the Rayfield Auto Company works.

On April 28, 1886, Mr. Welch was married in the Central Baptist Church to Anna M. Lindsay, of Springfield, daughter of Isaac and Sarah (Elder) Lindsay. Five children have been born to them: Arlena B., unmarried; Annie Louise, at home; Howard and Harold, twins, and George. Mr. Welch is a consistent member of the Central Baptist Church. Politically he is

'a Republican, but. his inclinations have never led him to seek office. WELDON, Lawrence. (Vol. I, p. 582.) WELLS, Richard R. - Industry, perseverance, intelligence and good judgment are the price of success in agricultural work in these modern days of farming, when the hard, unremitting toil of former years has given way to the scientific use of modern machinery and a knowledge of the proper treatment of the soil. Sangamon County has many skilled farmers, who treat their vocation more as a profession than a mere occupation, and take justifiable pride in their accomplishments. Among them may be mentioned Richard R. Wells, of Salisbury Township. Mr. Wells was born on Section 34, Salisbury Township, December 12, 1871, a son of . James H. and Margaret (Sackett) Wells. James H. Wells was born on a farm in Clark County, Ind., May 31, 1834, and was compelled early in life to begin to work for himself, his parents having died. He was married July 8, 1852, to Margaret J. Sackett, and they began

There they remained until 1853, in which year Mr. Wells purchased his first piece of land on Section 34, Salisbury Township, on which there was a small frame building. Aided by his good wife, he worked from sunup to sunset, year after year, to cut the timber and haul it to Springfield for the market, Mr. Wells added to his property piece by piece, and as soon as he had a good start, began erecting substantial buildings and making a comfortable home for those to follow him. At the time of his death he was the owner of 1100 acres of land and was considered one of the leading men of Salisbury Township. He was a strong man politically, being many times Supervisor of his township, and was always trying to further those interests which would be of benefit to his community. He passed to his reward July 18, 1902, having been married fifty years the eighth of that month. His widow still survives and is making her home in Salisbury, having reached the age of seventy-seven years. Of their six children five grew to maturity: L. M., who is one of the successful farmers of Salisbury Township and owner of a 'part of the old homestead, married Rose Kern, and they had ten children: Harriet E., widow of A. B. Hohimer, residing at Chatham, Ill., has eight children: Mary, wife of George Kern, residing in Springfield, has eight children; Selia, wife of Marshall S. Grider, has three children; and Richard R.

Richard R. Wells received a district school education and was reared to the life of a farmer, remaining at home until his marriage, March 10, 1892, by Rev. Goff, to Miss Cora V. Campbell, who was born in Cartwright Township, June 4, 1873, daughter of William V. and Mary E. (Valentine) Campbell. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Wells remained on the Wells homestead for one year, but in the spring of 1893 they removed to another farm belonging to Mr. Wells' father, and in 1895 again moved, locating on their present place on Section 34, Salisbury Township, which is now one of Sangamon County's best farms. Mr. Wells has 252 acres of land in one body in a high state of cultivation, where he raises large crops and breeds an excellent grade of livestock. They have a beautiful home, furnished with 'all the modern improvements, including heat, water and light, and it is ably presided over by Mrs. Wells. Mr. Wells is affiliated with the Modern Woodmen of America.

Mr. and Mrs. Wells have been the parents of three children, one of whom died in infancy. The others are: Earl E., born November 20, 1892, died April 10, 1911, buried in the family lot, in Richland Cemetery; and Beulah Belle, born October 25, 1896, who lives at home.

WELSH, John V. (deceased), for many years a farmer in Sections 2 and 3, Ball Township, Sangamon County, where he owned a farm of 160 acres, was an industrious, useful citizen, who worked hard to bring his land to a high state of development and cultivation, and was held in high esteem by all who knew him. He was a kind neighbor, a good husband and father, and was interested in the welfare of his community. Mr. Welsh was born in Lovettsville, Loudoun County, May 1, 1857, a son of William and Mary Welsh, both natives of County Tipperary, Ireland, who emigrated to Virginia and there spent the remainder of their lives. The parents of both died in Ireland. John V. Welsh was reared on a farm and received his education in the public schools of his native State. He always had a cheerful disposition, was a man of steady habits, and was much interested in whatever work he had in hand. He was fond of dancing and similar diversions. As a young man he came to Sangamon County to join a brother who had preceded him there, and spent the remainder of his life in farming operations in that county. He was a devout member of the Catholic Church of the Immaculate Conception, of Springfield, and in politics was always a Republican.

Mr. Welsh was married at Auburn, Ill., January 80, 1883, Father Finnegan officiating, to Miss Mary A. Heffernan, born in Sangamon County, August 15, 1858, daughter of Edward and Catherine (Keefe) Heffernan, natives of County Tipperary, Ireland, both deceased and buried in Calvary Cemetery, Springfield. They emigrated to America and were married in Ohio. The father died on Mr. Welsh's farm August 29, 1905, and Mrs. Heffernan died in Springfield in 1894. Six children were born to Mr. Welsh and wife, four of whom survive: William, born March 7, 1887, died January 17, 1897; James, born June 18, 1895, died October 7, 1898; Josie, born December 30, 1883, was married in New Mexico, to Charles Faylor, and they now live in Pueblo, Col.; Ellen, born

Marie Albers and they live on a farm in Ball Township and have two children, Mary Ellen, born May 19, 1909, and Anna Josephine, born January 17, 1911; John, born May 7, 1891, lives at home. Mr. Welsh died on his farm March 12, 1896, and was buried in Calvary Cemetery, Springfield. His widow still resides on the home place with two of her children, John and Ellen. Mrs. Welsh is well known in Sangamon County, where her entire life has been spent, and has a large number of friends there.

WELSH, Patrick, a retired citizen of Springfield, has lived in the city sixty years. He was born in County Limerick, Ireland, about 1834, and is a son of John and Mary (McGrath) Welsh, who lived on a farm seven miles from the City of Limerick. The father died and the mother married again. Patrick Welsh received his education in his native country and as a boy accompanied his mother and step-father to America, They landed in Quebec, Canada, and the young man found employment in,a furniture factory in Troy, N. Y. He was married, while a resident of the State of New York, to Miss Bridget Hogany, and they came to Springfield, Ill., where he found employment on the Wabash Railroad. He was employed in various capacities and eventually purchased two acres

Katy Christy, who also died in Springfield. Mr. Welsh married (third), February 2, 1878, Miss Kate Maron, who was born in County Monahan, Ireland, a daughter of Barney and Catherine (Finnegan) Maron. She came to America as a child but her parents died in Ireland.

By his first marriage Mr. Welsh had two children, John and Michael, of San Francisco, Cal. By his second marriage he had one child who died at the age of fourteen years, By his third marriage he had children as follows: Patrick, went to Australia; Bridget, Mrs. John O'Laughlin, of Springfield; Nora, Mrs. Charles Walls, of Springfield; Daniel Richmond, died at the age of fourteen years: Catherine and Bernard Hugh, at home; Mary Frances and Margaret Emma. Mr. Welsh bas witnessed many important changes and improvements in Springfield since locating there and has contributed his share toward promoting the best interests of the community. He is upright and reliable and well liked by his many friends. He is an active member of St. Joseph's Church and in politics is a stanch Democrat. He was a close friend of Abraham Lincoln and often played ball with him.

WENNEBORG, Henry. - Nothing is surer to result in good government and the establishment and maintenance of excellent schools, than the location in a city of men who have for their main object in life the founding ofa family. The Germans look forward to this, taking pride in their children and in owning their homes ` and for this reason, and also because they are industrious and thrifty, they are warmly welcomed in this country. One of the representative German-Americans of Springfield is Henry Wenneborg, now living retired, at No. 609 North Calhoun Avenue. He was born in Germany, April 16, 1842, a son of Rudolph and Christina Wenneborg, also natives of Germany. During the Franco-Prussian war of 1812-14, Rudolph Wenneborg was a soldier, and after his term of service expired, he returned home to take up his trade of blacksmithing. He spent his life in Germany, both he and his wife dying there.

Henry Wenneborg was educated in Germany, and in accordance with the excellent custom of that country, was taught a trade, selecting that of blacksmith. He served in the regular army of his country for six years, but in 1866, came to Montreal, Canada, where he remained four months. Not liking it there, he came on to Springfield, where he had friends, and soon found employment as a blacksmith. Until three years ago Mr. Wenneborg worked at his trade, becoming one of the best-known men in his line in the county, and winning friends by his efficient work and genial manner. However, in 1907, feeling that he had earned the rest, he retired, and since then has not been actively interested in any business matters.

Mr. Wenneborg was married in Springfield, June 27, 1867, being then united with Louisa Sauer, born in Germany, October 10, 1841. Her parents never came to this country, but lived and died in Germany. The following children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Wenneborg: William, of Farmersville, Ill., a member of the firm of Wenneborg & Company; Jennie, wife of Wilbur Morris, of Springfield; Otto, of Farmersville, Ill., with the Wenneborg Coal Company; Elizabeth; Henry, with the New West Coal Company; Anna, wife of Edward Mittendorf, a tailor; and Emma, wife of Charles Anderson, a tailor of Springfield. There are twenty-two grandchildren in this family. Mr. Wenneborg is a member of St. John's German Lutheran Church, towards which he subscribes liberally.

WENNEBORG, Otto - Honest endeavor conscientiously directed along any line will meet with success, and Otto Wenneborg, the veteran blacksmith of Springfield, has proven this in his long and useful life. He was born in Hanover, Germany, February 16, 1832, a son of Rudolph and Christina Wenneborg, both of Germany. They died in their native land, where the father was a blacksmith. He had served as a soldier in the Franco-Prussian war of 1812, and was a good, industrious man.

Otto Wenneborg received a public school education in Germany, but came to America in 1857 and direct to Springfield. There he learned the blacksmithing trade, and has worked at it ever since. He has established a reputation for hon- est work, and now has customers who came to him when he first started in business for himself. His home at No. 1805 Ledlie Avenue, is the one in which he established himself on coming to the city.

He was married in Germany to Caroline Sauer, born in Hanover, Germany, whose parents passed away in their native land. Four children have been born to Mr, and Mrs. Wenneborg: Anna, wife of George Steffen, a butcher ; Minnie, wife of Nels Johnson; Mary, wife of A. Speitel, of Quincy, Ill.; Otto H., a blacksmith in the employ of the Springfield Cooperative Company. Mr. and Mrs. Wenneborg have eleven grandchildren, of whom they are very proud. The family belong to St. John German Lutheran Church, in which they have always taken an active part. Mr. Wenneborg is a Democrat in political affiliations. He possesses the German characteristics of industry, thrift and perseverance, and, while proud of his adopted country, his heart inclines towards the Fatherland, and he keeps up many of the customs he and his wife brought with them when they sought a new home,

WERNER, Charles. - After a useful life spent in hard work and as an official of the county, Charles Werner is now living retired at No. 551 South State Street, Springfield. He was born November 1, 1853, at New Haven, Conn., a son of Charles and Marie (Sharp) Werner, natives of Germany, the former born Feburary 28, 1829, and the latter October 28, 1831. The father was a machinist and engineer.

Mr. Werner raised a company during the Spanish-American War, of which he was made Captain, but saw no active service. A strong Democrat, he has represented his party upon numerous occasions, being elected and serving as Commissioner of Highways for twelve years, Supervisor of Clear Lake Township eight years (serving as Chairman of the Board one year) ; was for two years on the County Board of Review, and for four years was Sheriff of Sangamon County. In each office he gave the people a loyal, honorable service, and gained an undying reputation for integrity and uprightness. Fraternally he is a Mason, Modern Woodman of America, Red Man, Royal Neighbor, and also belongs to the Farmers' Alliance and the Knights of Labor. His religious affiliations are with the Catholic Church.

On October 10, 1882, Mr. Werner was united in marriage, at Riverton, Ill., with Elizabeth Fitzgerald, born in Springfield, December 1, 1861, daughter of Morris and Ellen (Flynn) Fitzgerald, natives of Ireland, the former born April 13, 1839, and the latter, Ostober 1, 1839. Mr. and Mrs. Werner became the parents of the following children: Charles A., born December 7, 1883; Ellen E., born November 23, 1885 ; Marie H., born August 1, 1887; Catherine M., born February 19, 1890; Maurice P., born June 28, 1892; Elizabeth D., born July 8, 1894, and Amelia, born August 29, 1897.

WERNER, Charles, Sr., (deceased). - There is no nation in the world that has given the United States so much. material for the making of good citizenship as has the Fatherland. The German, thrifty, sober, industrious and reliable, can always be depended upon to do his full share, and more, in the upbuilding of any community in which he finds himself, and to this race America owns much of its present prosperity and invincibility. One of the early German families of Sangamon County, was that of Werner, which was founded in Springfield more than half a century ago, by Charles Werner, who was born in Germany, June 5, 1829.

Charles Werner came to the United States with his parents, first settling in New Haven, Conn., and coming thence to Sangamon County, Il]. Charles had been educated in the common schools of his native country, and there also learned the trades of machinist and cabinetmaker. In 1857 he located in Springfield, where he was employed by the Wabash Railroad Company seven years, and the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy two years, and then purchased a small farm in Clear Lake Township, and by steady, industrious work added to it from time to time, until at the time of his death he was the owner of 300 acres of fine farming property. In 1895 he retired from active pursuits and settled in Springfield, where his death occurred August 5, 1902. His widow, now occupies a fine resipence at No. 1102 North Seventh Street, Springeld.

Mr. Werner was a Democrat in politics, but never cared for political honors. He was a faithful member of SS. Peter and Paul Catholic Church.

Mr. Werner was married in New York City, to Mary Scharp, who was born in Germany October 28, 1828, a daughter of Philip Scharp. The surviving children of this union are: Charles, who was Sheriff of Sangamon County, from 1906 to December, 1910, married Lizzie Fitzgerald, and resides at 551 South State Street, Springfield; Amelia, the widow of Will. iam Curry, residing in Springfield; and Augusta, the wife of William Black, who is connected with the Sattley Plow Works.

WERNER, Joseph, dealer in dry goods and groceries, is a man whose determination to succeed has made him victor, and whose reputation for honorable dealing is based upon his habit of paying his debts collectable in spirit as well as reality. His career as a merchant is one that demonstrates that a man can attain material success without violating his conscience, and he is known as one who gives his strength, his knowledge and his money to the support of all measures tending towards the advancement of the city. Mr. Werner was born in Zempelburg, Germany, June 26, 1863, a son of Jacob and Glaser (Buena) Werner. The father was born in the same place as his son and was educated there. He served his three years in the army, being engaged in the Franco- Prussian War, in which he received a medal for bravery. His life work was making stained glass under contract. His death occurred at his home in Germany in 1906, when he was either seventy-nine or eighty years of age. He was twice married, his first wife being mother of Joseph Werner, and she bore him two other children: Samuel, of Chicago, and Mrs. Johanna Alexander, of Germany. The second wife was Flora Beyach, and she bad one son, Siegbert, a resident of Chicago.

Joseph Werner attended school in Germany and his record in college was so high that he had the privilege of serving in the army one year at reduced expenses. In April, 1861, he came to the United States, landing in New York City. From there he came direct to St. Louis, where he joined his brother and went to work as a salesman in a dry goods store, being soon promoted to position of shipping clerk. Within a few years he was able to purchase a cigar, store and then began manufacturing fine cigars, being for twelve years thus engaged. His next business venture was operating a hotel, fourteen months later, in 1892, he resumed clerking and kept books at Kenneth, Mo. In 1896 he came to Springfield and for a time sold cigars until he saved a sufficient amount to start a small grocery store on Hleventh and Madison Street. After four years in this location his business increased to such an extent that he felt justified in buying the property at No. 1131 East Madison Street, where he opened a store, conducting it as a first-class grocery. Within four years more he built his present residence and added dry goods to his stock. He now carries a full line of dry goods, shoes, smoked meats and groceries, and controls an immense trade. He has bought several other houses and lots and is now a heavy property owner. His residence at No. 301 North Fourteenth Street is a new one, the former one, at No. 1131 Madison Street, having been destroyed during the riot in August, 1908. During that troublous period a lynching: occurred in front of his building.

Mr. Werner was married in St. Louis to Miss Freda Benjamin, who died in that city. He was married in Springfield in 1902, to Anna Hornstein, a native of Roumania. They have three children, Simeon, Buena and Jerome, and an adopted daughter, Esther. Mr Werner is a member of the Jewish Church and is one of its consistent supporters. He is a liberal. Republican. Fraternally he belongs to the Knights of Pythias, of which he has served as Past Chancellor, and was Representative to the Grand Lodge about twenty-three years ago. In 19038 Mr. Werner visited Europe and traveled through the principal cities and countries. His father, who was then seventy-seven years of age, and interests of Springfield have assumed mammoth proportions, and are requiring the efficient services of a number of the city's best business men to control them. Aside from being the State capital, Springfield is the center of a vast, rich farming community, that looks to it as a source of supply, and to meet the requirements of these customers the merchants offer special inducements in both quality and prices, carrying large and varied stocks. One of the most reliable of these mercantile firms is that operated under the name of Westenberg-

George L. Westenberger was educated in Springfield, and upon leaving school entered the employ of Reisch & Thoma, dry-goods merchants, gaining practical experience, which has since been very useful to him. In February, 1906, he and C. J. Wetterer formed the firm of which he is now the head, and from the start the young merchants enjoyed a large trade. Their connections are such as to enable them to secure first-class goods, and they display them attractively and give the best of services and prices.

One of the most pleasant events in the Westenberger family, occurred February 7, 1910, in the celebration of the golden wedding of Mr. and Mrs. Gerhard Westenberger. After the celebration of nuptial high mass at SS. Peter & Paul Catholic Church, the aged bride and groom, of fifty years ago, were showered with rose leaves. They then held a reception which lasted the remainder of the day, and throughout the evening. The eight daughters of the couple assisted in receiving the guests in the evening, and a fine musical program was rendered. Guests from outside the city were present, as well as many from Springfield and vicinity, and the occasion will not soon be forgotten.

George L. Westenberger and his wife are consistant members of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, taking an active part in its good work. He is a member of the Knights of Columbus, and can always be counted upon to do his full share of the work of that order, and he is also a member of St. Vincent's Society. His attention to business, his knowledge of its exacting requirements, and his pleasant, genial manner, have been strong factors in securing his success and establishing him firmly in the confidence of the public.

man who knows how to take advantage of them, and of the opportunities offered in a city like Springfield is sure of success. The well-known firm of Whalen Brothers, dealers in fancy and staple groceries, enjoys a large trade, and controls an immense business, that extends throughout Sangamon County. The two brothers, James William and John T. Whalen, are natives of Springfield, the former born May 17, 1881, and the latter, February 28, 1879. They are sons of Thomas and Bridget (Houlihan) Whalen, natives of County Waterford and County Limerick, Ireland, respectively. In 1854 Thomas Whalen came to America in a sailing vessel, consuming nine weeks in the voyage. After landing in New York, he came to Springfield, and began work on the Chicago & Alton as a railroad blacksmith. After years of fruitful endeavor, he retired, fourteen years before his demise, which occurred November 19, 1904. His wife survives, living at No. 1040 Patton Avenue. He was a man of high principle and simple habits, who, although a stanch Democrat would never permit the use of his name on the party ticket. From the time of the building of St. Joseph's Church, he was one of its most liberal and consistent members, and brought up his children in the Catholic faith. They were: Patrick J., Mary Ellen,- Kate, Alice, John, Elizabeth and James W. Elizabeth died at the age of three years.

James William Whalen attended St. Joseph's Catholic school and the Trapp public school, leaving at the age of sixteen years. For the following two years he worked on a farm, then entered the employ of the grocery house of P. H. Gibbins, giving a faithful service of seven years. At the expiration of this time he and his brother, John T., embarked in their present enterprise at No. 78. East Adams Street, which is still conducted by them, and has increased in importance and volume. Like his father, he is a Democrat, and does not desire office. He is a member of the Church of the Immaculate Conception, and is one of its most liberal supporters.

John Thomas Whalen supplemented his education with a business training in the employ of Crowley & Rogers, grocers. Later entered the employ of the firm which was employing his brother, James W., and was elevated to the position of manager. The two brothers belong to the same church, and are alike in political opinions. John T. also belongs to the Knights of Columbus. -On April 19, 1905, he married, in Springfield, Cecelia Frances Dillon, daughter of John Dillon, no issue.

These two young men are energetic and accommodating, and naturally have made many friends. They carry at all times and season a full and varied line of choice goods in their line, which they offer at attractive prices. As the quality is of the best, and the service excellent, the firm is well established in the confidence of the buying public.

WHEELER, William R. - The old soldier of today has every reason to be proud of the record he made when, in young manhood, he marched off in defense of his country. By those who never heard the roar of cannon, or the cries of the wounded and dying; who never tramped through miles of swamp, or trudged over ankle deep dusty roads; who never went for days without sufficient food or water, or spent months in hospitals or (worse still) prisons, the services of the soldiers of the 'sixties, can never be fully appreciated. Those who suffered, know, and one who distinguished himself as a brave patriot when his country had need of him, and since then has shown sympathy for his fellow soldiers, is William R. Wheeler. He was born in Union County, Ky., May 6, 1840, a son of Jesse and Permelia (Harper) Wheeler, natives of North Carolina and Kentucky, respectively. The father was a mechanic and cabinet-maker, who moved from North Carolina to Kentucky, and there died,

William R. Wheeler moved from Kentucky to Shelbyville, Ill., and then to Wilson County, Kan., in 1866. He next went to Menard County, I., later coming to Springfield. He enlisted in the ninety day service, on April 17, 1861, and at the expiration of that period, reenlisted for three years, in Company A, Twenty-first Illinois Volunteer Infantry, serving under Colonel U. S. Grant. He participated in the battles of Fredericksburg, Perryville, Stone River, Murfreesboro, and others less important, always doing his full duty. He was discharged at Camp Butler in 1865. Mr. Wheeler was a farmer for some years, then identified himself with the sawmill industry, and is now an engineer.

Mr. Wheeler was united in marriage in Wilson County, Kan., January 21, 1869, with Queen E. Markwell, born in Menard County, 111., June 30, 1852, coming of an old family of Kentucky. Mr. and Mrs. Wheeler became parents of the following children. Francis N., Minnie E., William J, and Alexander - born in 1872, 1874, 1876 and 1878, respectively. Mr. Wheeler owns his home at No. 1609 East Glenn Street. Quiet and retiring in disposition, he has never been active in public matters, but supports the Republican party and the Baptist Church, of which he is a consistent member. He also belongs to the G. A. R., and is prominent in it because of his war record. ;

WHIPPLE, John H., a retired carpenter and builder living in Springfield, Ill., is a veteran of the Civil War and a highly respected citizen. He was born in what is now Casey, Ill., Febuary 2, 1889, son of Henry and Elizabeth (Hoard) Whipple, the former born in Switzerland County, Ind., March 20, 1818, and the latter born in Bourbon County, Ky., in 1816. His father was a native of Indiana, who died in Ilinois, and her father, a native of Virginia, was a Slave-holder and died in Indiana. Both served in the Black Hawk and Mexican Wars. Henry Whipple was a carpenter and builder, moved to Illinois in 1532, lived there five years, returned to Indiana, and in 1882 moved to Springfield, where he died in 1906. Elizabeth Hoard came to Illinois as a young woman and there met Mr. Whipple. They were married in Casey, Ill., in 1888, and became parents of four sons and four daughters. He was interested in various enterprises and worked for a time at milling.

John H. Whipple attended subscription schools in his native State until thirteen years of age, then worked for six years in the Southwestern car shops, at Madison, Ind. When nineteen years of age he moved to Columbus, Ind., where he began working at the trade of carpenter, and after the Civil War moved to Elgin, Ill., where he lived until July 10, 1867, the date of his location in Springfield, which has since been his home.

April 21, 1862, Mr. Whipple enlisted in Company D, Sixty-seventh Indiana Infantry, and served to the end of the war, first under Captain Abbott and later under Captain Simms. He enlisted at Columbus, Ind., and was discharged at Indianapolis, in October, 1865. He was taken prisoner at Munfordville, Ky., was paroled and sent to Indianapolis, and afterward rejoined his regiment. He served part of the time under General McClernand, of Springfield, and participated in the Battles of Green River, Nashville, Cumberland River, and many skirmishes. He is a member of the G. A. R. and has every reason to feel pride in his war record.

Mr. Whipple was married, at Columbus, Ind., August 12, 1862, to Miss Lena Zucksworth, who was born in Saxweimer, Germany, November 6, 1840, daughter of Christian and Henrietta (Limerexoll) Zucksworth, both natives of Germany, who came to America, located in Ohio, and later moved to Indiana, where they died. They were parents of twelve children and Mr. Zucksworth had three children by a former wife. He was a tanner by trade. Two children were born to Mr. Whipple and his wife: Florence, born in Elgin, February 19, 1865, married John Bennett, professor in Doane College, Crete, Neb., and they have two children, William, aged thirteen years, and Carl, aged seven; Annetta, born in Elgin, February 13, 1868, died in Durango, Cal., unmarried, December 23, 1896. Mr. Whipple was reared in the Methodist faith but has never joined any church. His wife is a member of the German Lutheran Church. In politics he is a Democrat and he has been a member of the Masonic Order forty-one years. He is well known in Springfield and resides at 1085 South Spring Street. He is upright and reliable in all relations of life and has the confidence of all who have had dealings with him.

WHIPPLE, Sylvester, a well-known musician of Springfield, 111., was born at Madison, Jefferson County, Ind., July 14, 1860, son of Henry and Elizabeth (Hoard) Whipple, the former born in Switzerland County, Ind., March 17, 1820, and the latter in Gallatin County, Ky., February 28, 1821. Henry Whipple was a cabinetmaker and in 1880 moved to Springfield, Il., Where he followed his trade. He died there in 1905, at the age of eighty-four years, and his wife died in 1880, at the age if sixty-nine years. They had been married in Coles County, Ill., May 19, 1889, and ten children were born to them.

The education of Sylvester Whipple was received in the public schools of Madison, Ind. He was always fond of ball-playing, fishing and other outdoor sports, and had a well-defined taste for music from boyhood. After leaving school he began working in a chair factory, where he remained two years, then pursued the study of music more thoroughly than he had before been able to do, and made a specialty of learning piano tuning, which he has since followed, moving to Springfield from Jefferson County, Ind., in order to have a better field for his work. He has built up a good business and has an excellent reputation among the people for whom he has worked. He is a man of quiet disposition, caring little for public affairs, and being very much devoted to his family and nome. He owns property at 1115 North Tenth Street, where the family reside. Mr. Whipple is a Methodist in religious belief and in political views is a Republican. He joined the Maccabees November 7, 1889, and November 19, 1903, became a member of the Order of Ben Hur. He is of a genial, kindly nature, and readily makes friends.

Mr. Whipple was married in Springfield, September 5, 1888, to Miss Mary E. Shultz, born June 14, 1868, daughter of Dr. Levi and Delilah Shultz. Her father was born August 13, 1840, and died December 18, 1883. Mrs. Whipple's mother was born April 25, 1840, and now lives in Springfield. Both the grandmother and great-grandmother still survive, the latter being eighty-two years of age. Children as follows were born to Mr. and Mrs. Whipple: Wesley S., born June 10, 1892; Helen E., November 28, 1895; Dorothy A., March 22, 1903.

WHITE, Daniel V., a progressive farmer of Sangamon County, and a man whose family has been closely connected with the development of that part of the State, resides on Section 27, New Berlin Township. He was born October 2, 1864, in Island Grove Township, a son of John D. White, the latter born in Vigo County, Ind. He comes of Scotch-Irish ancestry, the family having been founded in South Carolina, where his grandfather, John White, was born, and the latter's father, Thomas White, was also a native of that State, where he was born in 1789. The grandfather moved from South Carolina to Tennessee and subsequently to Vigo County, Ind., becoming one of the pioneers of that locality and a founder of the Presbyterian Church there. There he reared and educated his children, passing away March 11, 1852, while his wife died June 26, 1869. There were four sons and two daughters in his family, all of whom reached maturity: Josiah died at the age of eighty years; John D., deceased; Rachel J. died at the age of sixty-three years; Margaret, deceased, married a Mr. Woods; Thomas P. and James G.

John D. White maried Mary J. Luce, December 29, 1868, and in the spring of 1864 moved to Sangamon County, buying land in Island Grove Township, but in 1878 he sold his personal property, making a trip to California. Not liking that State, he returned to Island Grove Township, and in the spring of 1879 bought S00 acres on Section 20, New Berlin Township, becoming one of the prosperous men of that locality. He added to his possessions until at the time of his death he was one of the largest landowners of the county. His death occurred in June, 1905. A strong Democrat, he supported the candidates of his party and was never known to scratch his ticket or to miss an election. A good Presbyterian, he lived up to his creed and was ever ready to assist the unfortunate. Four children were born to himself and wife: Daniel V.; Thomas A., a farmer residing in Indiana; Gill P., a farmer of New Berlin Township, and one who died in infancy. Mrs. White is now residing with her eldest son. In adition to their own children Mr. and Mrs. White reared a little girl, Katie, now the wife of Frank Skaggs, of St. Louis, Mo.

After completing his course in the district schools, Daniel V. White had the further advantage of attending the Jacksonville Business College, from which he graduated in 1884. Following this he worked on the home farm until 1887, and on March 2nd of that year married Elizabeth King, born in New Berlin Township, daughter of Jeremiah King, now living in Springfield, aged eighty years. Mr. King was one of the early settlers of the locality and a representative man. His wife died in 1885. After marriage Mr. and Mrs. White located on the family farm in Island Grove Township, operating it until 1901, when they bought 160 acres on Sections 26 and 27, New Berlin Township. For a number of years Mr. White has given much attention to breeding short horn cattle, and has been exceedingly successful in this line of work. At the head of his herd he has a pure breed

` Bates short horn bull, bought of F. K. Thompson. His product is so excellent that a ready sale is found for his cattle. Mr. White also breeds draft and road horses and Berkshire hogs. Like his father, Mr. White is a Democrat and a Presbyterian. He has served for twenty years as Clerk of the School Board, and for two terms has represented his township on the Board of Supervisors, now occupying that office. He has always stood for the best interests of the people and is now a member of the Committee on Asylums and Hospitals.