Sangamon County, Illinois - The whole text, 1912 (part 1 of 46)

Munsell Publishing Company

_ Roman historians) wrote that the. object of history was "to rescue virtuous acts from the oblivion to which the want of records would consign them."

Biographical Sketches Arranged In Encyclopedic Order

The verdict of mankind has awarded to the Muse of History the highest place among the Classic Nine. The extent of her oftice, however, appears to be, by many minds, but imperfectly understood. The task of the historian is comprehensive and exacting. True history reaches beyond the doings of court or camp, beyond the issue of battles, or the effects of treaties, and records the trials and the triumphs, the failures and the successes of the men who make history. It is but an imperfect conception of the philosophy of events that fails to accord to portraiture and biography its rightful position as a part - and no unimportant part - of historical narrative. Behind and beneath the activities of outward life the motive power lies out of sight, just as the furnace fires that work the piston and keep the ponderous screw revolving are down in the darkness of the hold. So, the impulsive power which shapes the course of communities may be found in the moulding influences which form its citizens.

It is no mere idle curiosity that prompts men to wish to learn the private as well as the public lives of their fellows. Rather is it true that such desire tends to prove universal brotherhood; and the interest in personality and biography is not confined to men of any partic-

The list of those to whose lot it falls to play a conspicuous part in the great drama of life is comparatively short; yet communities are made up of individuals, and the aggregate of achievements - no less than the sum total of human happiness - is made up of the deeds of those men and women whose primary aim, through life, is faithfully to perform the duty that comes nearest to hand. Individual influence upon human affairs will be considered potent or insignificant according to the standpoint from which it is viewed. To him who, standing upon the seashore, notes the ebb and flow of the tides and listens to the sullen roar of the waves, as they break upon the beach in seething foam, seemingly chafing at their limitations, the ocean appears so vast as to need no tributaries. Yet, without the smallest rill that helps to swell the "Father of Waters," the mighty torrent of the Mississippi would be lessened, and the beneficent influence of the

- collectively combine to give motion to the accumulated mass of waters. So is it - and so must it ever be - in the ocean of human action, which is formed by the blending and repulsion of currents of thought, of influence and of life, yet more numerous and more tortuous than those which form the 'fountains of the deep." The acts and characters of men, like the several faces that compose a composite picture, are wrought together into a compact or heterogeneous whole. History is condensed biography; "Biography is History teaching by example."

It is both interesting and instructive to rise above the generalization of history and trace, in the personality and careers of the men from whom it sprang, the principles and infiuences, the impulses and ambitions, the labors, struggles and triumphs that engross their lives.

Here are recorded the careers and achievements of pioneers who, "when the fullness of time had come,' came from widely separated sources, some from beyond the sea, impelled by divers motives, little conscious of the import of their acts, and but dimly anticipating the barvest which would spring from the sowing. They built their primitive homes, toiling for a present subsistence while laying the foundations of private fortunes and further advancement.

Most of these haye passed away, but not before they beheld a development of business and population surpassing the wildest dreams of fancy or expectation. A few yet remain whose years have passed the alloted three score and ten, and who love to recount, among the cherished memories of their lives, their reminiscences of early days. p

Among these early, hardy settlers, and those who followed them, may be found the names of many who imparted the first impulse to the county's and the city's growth and homelike- ness; the many who, through their identification with commercial and agricultural pursuits and varied interests, aided in their material progress; or skilled mechanics who first laid the foundations of beautiful homes and productive industries, and of the members of the learned professions - clergymen, physicians, educators and lawyers - whose influence upon the intellectual life and development of a community it is impossible to overestimate.

Municipal institutions arise; Commerce spreads her sails and prepares the way for the magic of Science that drives the locomotive engine over the iron-rails. Trade is organized, reaching forth to the shores of the Great Lakes and stretching its arms across the prairies to gather in and distribute the products of the soil. Church spires rise to express, in architectural form, the faith and aspirations of the people, while schools, public and private, elevate the standards of education and of artistic taste.

Here are some of the men through whose labors, faith and thought, these magnificent results have been achieved. To them and to their co-laborers, the Sangamon County of today stands an enduring monument, attesting their faith, their energy, their courage, and their self-sacrifice.

[The following items of personal and family history having been arranged in encyclopedic (or alphabetical) order as te names of the individual subjects, no special index to this part of the work will be found necessary.]

AARUP, Peter, a successful dairyman and gardener living near Springfield, was born in Vejle, Denmark, January 15, 1864, son of Wilhelm and Annie (Olson) Aarup, both natives of Denmark, the former born September 16, 1830, and the latter March 15, 1826. The father was for many years Superintendent of the system of waterworks in the city of Vejle, and has now retired on a full-pay pension. He came to the United States at the time of the World's Fair in 1893, and visited his son again in 1906. Both Wilhelm Aarup and his wife were children of Danish parents, who spent their. entire lives in their native country.

Until he reached the age of sixteen years Peter Aarup attended school in his native city, then for two years attended the Horticultural College in Copenhagen, after which he secured positions where he could use his knowledge of landscape gardening, and laid out several handsome parks in his native country. He sailed for America June 20, 1888, arriving in New York July 4. He worked about nine months in Springfield, Mass., then came west, and after spending a month in Chicago came to Springfield, which he reached in April, 1884. He has since spent his time in expert gardening and now has a fine florist and greenhouse business. He has lived in Springfield continuously since

January 10, 1889, Mr. Aarup was married, in Springfield, Ill., to Miss Erikka Klausen, born in Denmark, December 20, 1863, daughter of Edward and Maria (Zesophus) Klausen, both natives of Denmark. Mr. Klausen died in Russia and his wife in Denmark. Children as follows blessed the union of Mr. Aarup and his wife: Annie, born December 20, 1890; Olga, March 8, 1891; Edwin, July 19, 1892; May, May 13, 1897; George, April 15, 1899; Helen, February 17, 1901; John, March 4, 1903. All were

In political principles Mr. Aarup is a Republican, but in local affairs prefers to consider the man rather than the party. As to his religious views he endeavors to follow the Golden Rule as far as he can, and he is always ready to treat his fellows with consideration and fairness. He is most highly esteemed in the community where he lives, and enjoys universal respect and confidence. He is a man of intelligence and excellent business ability and has won success by untiring industry and careful attention to every detail. He owns six acres in Section 10 of Woodside Township and there owns a beautiful home. His land is easily worth $2,000 per acre, as it is on the edge of the metropolis, and is in a most pleasant locality and desirable location. Mr. Aarup has served as School Director and is now a School Trustee. Fraternally he is a member of Camp No. 3338, Modern Woodmen of America, and of the Independent: Order of Odd Fellows.

ACKERMAN, Philip, Jr. (deceased). - With the passing away of a prominent man comes the realization of his many good traits of character, and an appreciation of what he accomplished in his brief span of life. To the dead is given an appreciation seldom accorded the living, and this comes as balm to the wounded hearts of those left behind, who sorrow over their loss and weep for the sound of the voice that is* forever stilled. The family of Philip Ackerman, Jr., was called upon to sustain a sorrow of this kind, when he was taken from this life, September 6, 1896, while in the very prime of useful manhood. He was born in this city November 16, 1859, being a son of Philip and Elizabeth Ackerman, Philip Ackerman, Sr., came to Springfield at an early day and built up a large business, becoming one of the wealthy men of this part of the State.

Philip Ackerman, Jr., grew up in Springfield and from boyhood was esteemed for his excellent, industrious habits. He became an expert bookkeeper and was noted for his faithful and painstaking work. Musical in his tastes, Mr. Ackerman became secretary of the musical club here and was also Secretary and Treasurer of the Capital City Cycling Club. Fraternally he be- longed to Tyrian Lodge No. 333, A. F. & A. M., of Springfield. His religious connections with the Lutheran Church were of the most pleasant and he was regarded as one of its most useful members. In political faith he was a Democrat.

On September 14, 1888, Mr. Ackerman was united in marriage at Springfield, Ill., with Alice C. Fagan, daughter of James and Bridget Fagan. Mr. Fagan was born in Ireland but his wife was a native of Galena, Ill. Both are now deceased, the father dying on September 10, 1896, at the age of eighty-six years, and the mother at the age of fifty years. Mr. Fagan was a farmer, wealthy man at the time of his death. Two children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Ackerman: James Waldo Philip, born August 29, 1889; and Helen Marie, born May 25, 1895, died on July 25, 1895. James Waldo Philip lives at home with his mother and is a bookkeeper. Mrs. Ackerman presides over her pleasant home at No. 918 South Fourth Street, where she dispenses a charming hospitality.

While he never aspired to public office, Mr. Ackerman exerted a strong influence during his too short life. He was recognized as one of the most honorable of men and his strict integrity and devotion to the interests of others committed to his charge made him popular with all with whom he was associated.

ADAMS, Edward, settled in New Haven, Conn., in 1640; moved to Milford 1646; and to Fairfield 1650. By his will, dated 1671, on record in Fairfield, he gave his estate to his wife Margaret and his children, viz: Samuel, Abraham, Mary, Nathan, Nathaniel, and John Adams. Edward Adams was buried in the Mills Plains churchyard and his gravestone is still in existence.

Nathan son of Edward and Margaret Adams, was living in 1714, and deeded land to Nathan, Jr., who settled at Greensfarms, now a part of Westport, and in 1712, married Rebecca Clappan, daughter of Peter Clappan, a large land-holder in Norwalk and Fairfield. Nathan, Jr., died early in life leaving two sons, Nathan and Nathaniel Adams. Nathan Adams married Mary Burr of Fairfield. Nathan and Mary Adams had twelve children viz: Peter; Nathan; Joshua; Molly, who married Barnabas Marvin; Sarah, who married Obadiah Wright; Betsy, who married Burr Keeler; Anna, who married John Hurlbutt; and Jabez, Aaron, Stephen, and Daniel, (latter dying without issue) and Benjamin, who joined the English Army in the Revolutionary War and was never heard from afterward. Aaron, son of Nathan and Mary Adams, married Rhoda Hanford, daughter of Rhineas Hanford, on March 4, 1784, and had seven children, viz: Jabez, born Jan, 28th, 1785, Sally, born September 28th 1787, married Dan Taylor, Aaron born April 9th 1789, Zalmon Isaac, born June 11th, 1792, Polly, born April 19th, 1794, married Burr Bennet, and Betsy, married Rhineas Hanford. Aaron (III), for his second wife married Hannah Morehouse and had five chil- dren, viz: Nelson, married Eliza Mallory, Amanda, married Clark Gruman, Malvina, married Coley Bartram, John B. married Jane Burr, and Esther, married Samuel Gorum. Jabez, son of Aaron (I), married Anna Bennet, and had five children, viz: Catherine, married Frederick Morehouse, Wm. H., married Elizabeth Bradley, Eliza A., married Andrew Nash, George S., married Polly Coley, Mary, unmarried, and Aaron, Jr. married Sally Hecock.

Isaac, son of Aaron and Rhoda Adams, married in 1813, Sally Nash, daughter of Dennis and Sarah Nash, of Westport, Connecticut. Isaac and Sally Adams had seven children, viz: Charles Isaac, Henry Burr, Francis, John Quincy, Edson and Julia Nash. Edson married Hannah J. Jayne, in 1854. Died in 1888.

ADAMS, John Porter. - Although- pioneer days are now a thing of the past, memories of them are present with those who passed through their hardships and participated in the early struggles which have resulted in present developments. Looking back upon those days, however, though there are some who believe that the lessons they taught, and the molding of character that resulted from self-denial, more than made up for what was lacking in other ways. An excellent representative of those now engaged in tilling the soil which the efforts of pioneers redeemed from the wilderness, is John Porter Adams, of Section 15, Loami Township. He was born in Clark County, Ky., October 30, 1858, being a son of Robert and Sarah (Black) Adams, both natives of the same locality, and the families on both sides were numbered among the pioneers of that great State.

Robert. Adams had five children by his first marriage: John P.; James R., a farmer of Wilson County, Kan., Martha, wife of A. Anderson, a farmer of Oklahoma, eight children; and two who died in infancy. After the death of his first wife, he married again, his second wife being Lucinda Aldridge, who reared her step-children as her own. By the second marriage there were eight children, five of whom are surviving: Ellen, wife of William MecPheeters, of Dodge City, Kan.; Anna, wife of George Shertz of Kansas; Minnie, wife of William White, of Kansas; Ettie, wife of Homer Bristo, and Claud. Robert Adams moved to Hendricks County, Ind., about 1882; thence to Neosho County, Kan., locating on a farm, where he died in 1890, leaving an ex- In politics he was a Democrat. An earnest member of the Christian Church, he aided in its support, and advocated good educational advantages. His widow survives him, residing in Kansas.

John Porter Adams was educated in the several localities in which the family resided, remaining at home until he attained his majority, when he commenced working by the month for others. In 1887 he left Kansas and, coming to Loami Township, Sangamon County, found employment, continuing to work by the month for five years, when he married, and in 1893 rented a small farm. In 1894 he moved to Curran Township, renting 160 acres, and was so successful that in 1901 he moved to Chatham Township and rented 280 acres. In 1904 he sold his personal property and came to Section 15, Loami Township, where he bought seventy-five acres, paying $100 per acre. Since then he has so improved the property that it could not be bought today for double the price. Early in his operations Mr. Adams recognized the fact that nothing pays like a good grade of stock, and carries nothing but that kind, raising cattle, horses, hogs and sheep. His farming is carried on scientifically and he knows how to secure abundant crops and large returns on all his investments.

On December 24, 1891, Mr. Adams was united in marriage with Elizabeth Carson, daughter of W. P. Carson, one of the pioneers of this locality. Mr. and Mrs. Adams are the parents of children as follows: Claud, born in Curran Township August 10, 1894, and William, born in the same township September 15, 1896. They have been carefully reared, well educated and are sons of whom any parents might well be proud. Mr. Adams has always given his support to every measure he deemed would work out for the betterment of his community and is now serving as Clerk of the School District, being identified himself with the Republican party. Both Mr. and Mrs. Adams are active members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church and take their religion into their home and daily life. During all of their married life Mrs. Adams has been her husband's cordial sympathizer and assistant, and he appreciates how much of his success is due to her influence while her children rise up and eall her blessed. Never forgetting the lessons inculcated in his father's home, Mr. Adams has endeavored, with the hearty cooperation of his wife, to surround his sons with tie same elevating influence. This high standard of living has influenced others outside the home circle and it would not be possible to estimate properly the good these two have accomplished in their own quiet way. Mr. Adams is an excellent farmer, a loyal citizen and a homeloving man, whose pride in his fine farm and still finer family is fully justified.

ALLEN, Alfred M., a retired farmer, living at Pawnee, owns a comfortable home in that village, and also 160 acres of excellent farming land in Christian and Montgomery Counties, Ill. He was born in a log house, near Jerseyville, Ill., November 14, 1853, son of Augustus L. and Betsey L. (Davis) Allen, the mother born in Vermont, February 3, 1824, died at New Douglas, Ill., August 15, 1875; and the father, born in

Vermont, April 22, 1818, died in Montgomery County, Ill., September 29, 1858. Augustus L. Allen was a farmer. His widow married (second) John C. Long, who died in Missouri. Augustus L. Allen was a son of Alfred B. and Violet C. Allen, who had children as follows: Adeline ©., born February 23, 18 - , died July 25,

Alfred M. Allen was the only child of his parents, and was educated in New Douglas, Ill. He lived with his mother until her marriage to Mr. Long, then lived in Montgomery County until he came to Sangamon County, where he worked at farming two years, and in 1874, returned to New Douglas, where he spent a year in a mercantile business. In 1876, he worked at farming by the month, and in the same year attended the Centennial at Philadelphia. In the spring of 1877, he began farming on his own account, which he continued with excellent success until 1900, when he brought his family to Pawnee in order that his children might have better educational advantages than they had heretofore enjoyed. He continued to carry on farming, however, until 1908, and has since been retired. He is very fond of all outdoor sports and has always been very energetic in his work. He has spent rather an uneventful, hardworking life, but is one of the sterling, useful citizens of his community having the respect of all who know him. Always been fond of reading, he now subscribes to ten daily and monthly periodicals. He is an earnest Christian, and a friend to all. His old family bible is fifty-six years old, and he owns several fine volumes of good works. He has always kept an account of his business deals and makes a note of everything he thinks will be of use to him, not purchasing so much as a postage stamp, unless he makes a note of it, and in like manner keeps account of his receipts, so that at the end of a year, or a month, he is able to review his various transactions. He is a Democrat in principle, but, in local matters, votes for the man rather than the party. He has served as School Trustee. Though not a member of any religious organization, he is a regular attendant of the Presbyterian Church.

Mr. Allen was married, January 1, 1879, in Taylorville, Ill., to Ella McCoy, born in Sangamon County, December 17-1857, her father a native of Virginia, and her mother of Illinois The father, Martin Macbride McCoy, a farmer, died near Divernon, Ill., and the mother, Elinor Mc-

Coy, near Palmer. He was of Scotch descent, but his ancestors were early settlers in Virginia. Mrs. McCoy was a daughter of a Mr. Laswell, an early settler of Springfield, where he conducted a flour mill. Mrs. Allen was one of the following children: Joseph, Thomas, Max, Andrew, Charles, Catherine, Fannie and Ella.

Six children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Allen: Rolla M., born April 14, 1880, died February 14, 1895, in Montgomery County; Orlan, born February 2, 1890, in Montgomery County, died there August 17, 1899; Mearl, born in Montgomery County, June 11, 1885, is unmarried and runs an interurban car between St. Louis and Springfield; Zola, born January 23, 1881, married W. Manning, lives on the old home farm of her father, issue - Willard and Ernest, born on the farm; Lelan, born October 9, 1892, lives with his father in Pawnee; Vernon, born July 15, 1898, lives with 'his father. Mrs. Allen is now in a hospital at Jacksonville, Ill., and Mr. Allen has taken a mother's place, so far as he could, to his youngest son, since he was six months old. Mr. Allen has a fine family of children, all of whom are a credit to him.

ALLEN, Jobn. - Fortunately Sangamon County still has some of its noble veterans of the Civil War and its people are never weary of according a full measure of appreciation to those who defended the Union in its darkest hour. One of these old soldiers who is also a representative farmer of his locality, is John Allen, of Spaulding, Clear Lake Township. He was born in the county, April 11, 1844, a son of William and Martha (Cherry) Allen, the former born in Clark County, Ky., and the latter in Clear Lake Township.

William Allen emigrated to Sangamon County as early as 1840, locating in Clear Lake Township. While operating a farm there, he furnished ties for the construction of track for what was then the Great Western Railroad, but now the Wabash; he also furnished lumber for the present Court House, and a number of residences which were being put up in Springfield and locality. He was a busy man, but found time to enlist for three months' service in Company A, Missouri Rifles, at the expiration of which time he was mustered out at St. Louis. His death took place March 4, 1873, in Missouri, where he had moved. His wife had passed away in 1854, in Adair County, Mo. John Allen is proud of the fact that not only was his father, a defender of his country, but that his grandfather, Benjamin Cherry, served in the Black Hawk War, his name appearing on the list of soldiers enlisting from Sangamon County.

John Allen did not enjoy the educational advantages of the country boy of today, but went to school in a primitive log building in Clear Lake Township, at the same time assisting his father, with whom he remained until his enlistment, May 11, 1861, at St. Louis. Discharged, August 14, 1861, from Company A, First Missouri Volunteer Infantry, in which he had en- listed for three months, he remained at home until July 25, 1862, when again he offered his services, in the One Hundred and Fourteenth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, from which he was mustered out May 380, 1865. During his service, he participated in many engagements including the siege of Vicksburg and the battle of Guntown, Miss., where he had the misfortune to be taken prisoner. From there he was sent to the infamous Andersonville, and for eleven terrible months underwent hardships which no mere words can describe.

Broken in health and spirits after his dreadful sufferings, he returned to Sangamon County, and from 1865 to 1871 was engaged in farming. Following this he went to Jasper County, Mo., where he continued farming for three years, then returned to Clear Lake Township. After trading stock for a time, and traveling about in the prosecution of his business, he opened a meat market in Riverton, and for twenty years was one of the leading retailers in his line in the county. In 1898 he went to the southern part of Missouri, engaging in sheep raising, but five years later came back to Sangamon County and, locating in Spaulding, once more engaged in a meat business. Drawn to New Mexico, he took up a claim there in 1908, but is now farming in Clear Lake Township, where he owns ten acres of land, valued at $200 per acre.

The marriage of Mr. Allen occurred in Clear Lake Township, to Alice Mann, on April 2, 1867. She was born in Sangamon County and died there in 1904. Her parents came to the county from Kentucky, locating on a farm in Clear Lake Township, where they spent the remainder of their lives. Children as follows were born to Mr. and Mrs. Allen; William, of Riverton; Edwin, of Springfield; Ernest, deceased; Robert, of Clear Lake, residing with his father, as does Chester; John, of New Mexico; Frank, of San Francisco, is in the regular army; Carrie, wife of Frank Clippenger, of Riverton, where he is a carpenter ; Josephine, wife of Richard Rogers, of Riverton; Jessie, wife of Bert Taylor, of New Mexico; Mae, wife of Joseph Thompson, of Springfield; and Emma, also of Springfield.

Mr. Allen is a stanch supporter of Republican principles, having learned them from his warm personal friend, Abraham Lincoln, with whom he was very intimate. The two often went swimming together and Mr. Allen felt the loss of the great man as though he had been a blood relative.

ALLISON, Isaac F. (deceased), a farmer all his life, was born in Virginia in 1803, but was reared in Kentucky, where he married Deborah Callarman, in 1827. They moved to Sangamon County, where he farmed for thirty years, and then went to Crawford County, where Mr. Allison took up land, but after two years, on December 23, 1869, he died in Kansas, where he had removed. The family remained in Kansas six years, but were driven out by the grasshoppers and returned to Sangamon

County. Mrs. Allison died May 15, 1860, firm in the faith of the Methodist Church. In politics Mr. Allison was a Republican. Their children were: John W. died in the Mexican War, being in Colonel Baker's regiment; Joseph married Hannah Kneudson and died in Sangamon County; John W. (II) died in Kansas; Susan died at the age of nine years; Elizabeth E.; James died in Sangamon County, having married Julia Dunham; Ruth M. died in Sangamon County; Elizabeth, of Springfield. a

Miss Elizabeth Ellen Allison, born on the Athenswood Road on her father's farm, four miles north of Springfield, February 14, 1887, attended Liberty School and received an excellent education. She taught school for five years in Kansas. She is a member of Laurel Methodist Church, and when able is among its efficient workers.

AMBROSE, George J., a well-known citizen of Springfield, Ill., who has filled various public offices in Sangamon County, is a native of the city, born February 22, 1874, and is a son of John Ambrose and Bridget (Hickey) Ambrose, the parents both natives of Limerick, Ireland, the father born June 7, 1848, and the mother February 2, 1847. John Ambrose came to America in 1865 and located in Springfield. In his native country he had followed the trade of coal miner, but after coming to Springfield he engaged in grocery business, in 1881 locating at the corner of Nineteenth and Washington Streets, and continuing in that business until 1899, when he retired from active life. His death occurred February 14, 1908. He was prominent in many circles, was a member of the Court of Honor, the Western Catholic Union and the Catholic Church, and in politics was a Democrat. When a young man he had been drafted for service in the English Navy. His widow now lives in Springfield. They were parents of five sons and one daughter: George J., the oldest; Thomas F., also of Springfield; James died in 1895; Catherine E. married Henry E. Hanselman; John was killed March 8, 1893, on the tracks of the Wabash railroad, while on his way to school, being then eight years of age; Stephen died July 5, 1899.

Mr. Ambrose received his academic training in St. Mary's School at Springfield and later took a course at Springfield Business College. Upon leaving school he worked two years in his father's grocery store, then worked four years in the mines, and December 5, 1898, was appointed Deputy Clerk of the county, continuing in office until August 30, 1907, when he took the position of Clerk, serving in the office until January 10, 1911. In his public service he has shown himself practical and efficient, and in the primaries held February 28, 1911, was a candidate for the office of Commissioner.

Mr. Ambrose was married November 1, 1898, to Catherine Moore, a native of Springfield, born August 6, 1876, daughter of James B. and Frances (Walker) Moore, the father born at

Westchester County, N. Y., May 14, 1852, and the mother in Springfield, April 2, 1858, and died there May 4, 1908. Mrs Ambrose was one of ten children, seven of whom are now living: Catherine (Mrs. Ambrose) ; William A., of Springfield; Mary L., deceased; James B., of Chicago; Daniel, of Springfield; Nellie died in infancy; Laura died in infancy; Stephen T.; Michael Joseph, of Springfield; Alexander, of Chicago. To Mr. Ambrose and wife eight children have been born: George, born May 26, 1899, died October 14, 1906; Stephen F., born July 26, 1900; Mary C., June 8, 1902; John, April 27, 1904; Francis, September 23, 1906; Elizabeth, October 1, 1908; Helen, February 2, 1909; Rose, March 15, 1911. Mr. Ambrose is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America and the Court of Honor, and belongs to the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, of Springfield. In politics he is a Democrat and has always taken an active interest in public affairs. He has spent most of his life in the city, where his character is well known, and he has many firm friends.

AMRHEIN, Christoph - When one line of business has been conducted by the same family generation after generation, the father passing his interests down to his sons, along with his knowledge, gained through many years of practical experience, and they in turn passing it along to their sons, the excellence of the product of that business is assured. Christian Amrhein, who conducts one of Springfield's leading baking establishments, comes of a long line of bakers of Germany, which country has the acknowledged reputation of furnishing the leading bakers of any country in the world. Mr. Amrhein was born in Germany, -December 29, 1864, and is a son of Lorenz and Mary (Kizetener) Amrhein, both of whom died in the Fatherland. : Mr. Amrhein's grandfather was a well-known baker in Germany, where the family had conducted the same business for more than 400 years, and the branch of the family in that line in the old country is now represented by Mr. Amrhein's brother Carl, to whom he paid a visit in 1908. Christoph Amrhein learned the baking trade of his father and came to Springfield direct from the place of his birth, arriving in this city October 13, 1881. Being enterprising and energetic, he soon established a place of his own and for twenty-nine years has been rated among the leading men in his line in the city. He is a Catholic in his religious views, the family being prominent in German Catholic circles in the city, and is connected with the Western Catholic Union, St. Vincent's Society and the State Federation of Catholic Germans, of which latter he is the President. He is a Democrat in politics but is liberal and votes rather for the man than the party.

years went back to Germany, returning to Springfield in 1862, and again going back to the Fatherland in 1868. The father's death occurred in 1904, but the mother still survives. Five children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Amrhein, namely: Mary, born December 4, 1886, residing at home; Nicholas, teller in the First National Bank of Springfield; Kate, at home; Carl, who is working with his father; and Louisa. All of the children received good educations in the parochial school of SS. Peter and Paul's Catholic Church.

ANDERSON, George W., a retired engineer living at Springfield, Ill., is a veteran of the Civil War and a well-known and highly respected citizen of the city. He was born near Salem, Marion County, Ill., November 7, 1835, son of Crittenden and Elizabeth (Breeze) Anderson, the father born in Scotland and the mother in Hanover, Germany. Crittenden Anderson was a cabinet-maker and followed this trade most of his life. He came to America as a young man and settled at Bowling Green, Ky., where he lived many years, then moved to Salem, Ill, where his remaining years were spent. His wife also died at Salem.

The paternal grandfather of Crittenden Anderson came to America from Scotland before the Revolution, served as a soldier in the Continental Army, and at the close of the struggle returned to Scotland for his family. He lived to be one hundred ten years of age and the father of Crittenden Anderson lived to the age of eighty-five years.

George W. Anderson received a meager education in a little log school-house near his birthplace, which he attended about three months altogether, and as both his parents died when he was small he had his own way to make early in life. He went to Vermont as a boy and found employment in a large mill there, where he learned to be a stationary engineer, and was working at that occupation when but fifteen years old. After remaining in Vermont about four years Mr. Anderson moved to Chicago, Ill., where he became employed as engineer on a construction train for the Illinois Central Railroad Company. He remained with this company until the war, when he enlisted for one hundred days in Company C, Eleventh Illinois Volunteer Infantry. At the expiration of his term of service he re-enlisted in the same company, which was later consolidated with Company C, Eleyenth Missouri regiment. He served three years and three months and was mustered out at Jefferson City, Mo. He participated in many important battles, among them : Chickamauga, Corinth, Fort Donelson, Jackson (Miss.), Atlanta, and many others. He served under General Lew Wallace and Colonel Ransom. He won a good record and is an influential member of Wallace Post G. A. R., of Centralia, Il.

Illinois Central Railroad Company as engineer. working in this capacity until 1879, when he located in Springfield. He did no work for about a year after coming to the city, but later took a position with the Barker Mine Car & Foundry Company, aS engineer, and worked for them fifteen years, after which he run a dummy engine for the old Springfield Street Car Company. For the past few years Mr. Anderson has retired from more active life, but is now employed as janitor for the Kumler Methodist Church. He is an active and useful member of this church and one of its most valued workers. Fraternally he belongs to Egyptian Lodge No. 102, A. F. & A. M., of Centralia, and Metropolitan Lodge No. 108, I. O. O. F., of Centralia. He has made many friends in Springfield and has been able to accumulate some property. He resides at 485 North Fourth Street.

Mr. Anderson was married (first) in Marion County, Ill., in May, 1857, to Miss Mary Hughey, a. native of Dublin, Ireland, who accompanied her parents to America and with them located at Boston, Mass., where she became a teacher in the higher grades of the public schools. She was a woman of high education and rare culture and very successful as an educator. Three sons and three daughters were born of this wnion, of whom but two survive: Otto, an electrician of Springfield, and Margaret, wife of James Lowe, a brick mason and contractor of St. Louis. The mother of these children died in Centralia, in 1875, and Mr. Anderson married (second), in Centralia, Miss Emma J. Keane, a native of Indiana, who died in 1895. Mr. Anderson married (third), in Springfield, Margaret Fowkes, a connection of the Ridley family, early settlers in Sangamon County, Ill., where she was born, August 11, 1845, near the village of Sherman. Her grandfather served in the War of 1812 and her father was a soldier in the Civil War, enlisting at Winterset, Iowa, in Company F., Fourth Iowa Volunteer Infantry. The latter was wounded and discharged before the end of the war. Mrs. Anderson also had an uncle who served in the war. Her father was one of the old settlers of Sangamon County and a prominent citizen. Five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren have been born to Mr. Anderson.

ANDERSON, L. S. - It would be difficult to state just how much has been accomplished by photography in the last four or five decades, to say how -much nearer it has brought the peoples of the world together, to give its real educational value or to say what an important position those who are engaged in this profession hold. In the family circle, however, the photographer is an important personage, and he is generally held in real affection by those who have first been carried to him in arms to be photographed in their baby clothes, later proudly stand before him in their bridal garments, and still later take to him, as they themselves had been taken, their offspring, to put down in print the record of the today that will never come again. L. S. Anderson, one of the best-known photographers of Springfield, who still occupies the same stand that he first took when locating in the city, was born April 30, 1847, in New York State, a son of Rev. Lewis and Susan (Pratt) Anderson.

Rey. Lewis Anderson was a minister of the Methodist Church, who came to Illinois in 1852, and for the last years of his life resided in Rockford, where he was pastor of the Methodist Church, and where his death occurred at the advanced age of eighty years.

L. S. Anderson secured his education in the schools of Rockford, where he resided until twenty years of age and then went to Chicago where he learned the trade of photographer, working in that city for two years. In 1871 he came to Springfield and began work for Charles Payne, but soon engaged in business on his own account, and with the exception of two years he has occupied his present location on the north side of the Square. He has been very successful since coming to Springfield, now has one of the largest photographic studios in Central Illinois, and commands patronage for miles around. He is a member of Navarre Lodge No. 142, Knights of Phythias, of which he is Past Chancellor, and he has also served in the Grand Lodge. His politics are those of the Republican party and his religious faith that of the Methodist Church.

On September 13, 1875, Mr. Anderson was married in Springfield, Ill., to Miss Sadie E. Bartram, who was born in Springfield February 6, 1858. Mrs. Anderson's father was a soldier during the Civil War, being First Lieutenant of his company, and his death occurred shortly after the close of hostilities. Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Anderson, namely: George C. aged thirty-five years, in the employ of the Springfield Utility Company, married Hattie Arkles, of Chicago, and they have one son Norbert; Mrs. Hermione McConnell, aged twenty-three years; Harold L. Anderson, aged twenty-one years, second operator ~ at the Anderson Studio, married Mabel M. Clouser, of Spalding, Ill.; Susie Mae Anderson aged eighteen years. The family is well and favorably known in Springfield social circles.

ANDERSON, Tavner. - The Anderson family is one of the best known in Sangamon County, its representatives ranking among the leading men of the central part of the State. One of the progressive farmers of Cartwright Township, who belongs to this family, is Tavner Anderson, residing on Section 1. He was born on Section 11 of this township, January 7, 1862, a son of Thomas F. and Martha L. (Childs) Anderson, fine old pioneers, whose names are associated with all that is best in the county's development. The father has passed away, but the mother survives, to be an object of veneration to her offspring. A more complete sketch of the Anderson family is given elsewhere in this work.

Tayner Anderson grew up on the homestead, and after completing his district school course, attended school in Springfield. Returning home, he resumed farming living with his parents until his marriage, November 28, 1888, to Anna I. Watts, daughter of Albert B. Watts, of Farmingdale, a sketch of whom appears in this volume. After marriage, the young couple bought land, living upon it one year, when in 1889, Mr. Anderson bought a portion of his present farm. In 1900, he erected his present residence, and on January 1, 1901, he entertained the neighbors with a housewarming. This beautiful home is thoroughly modern, with hot water and acetylene lights. In his farm work, Mr. Anderson shows the same progressive spirit he displayed in planning his house, and the results justify his methods. He specializes on short horn cattle.

Mr. and Mrs. Anderson became parents of the following children: Charles, born August 20, 1889, at home; Albert Franklin, born December 8, 1891, attended the agricultural department of the University of Illinois at Champaign, and is now at home; Earl Tavner, born April 29, 1895, was accidentally killed August 29, 1909, by falling from a horse, and was buried at Farmington Cemetery; Lester Watts, born November 15, 1897; Martha Amelia, born April 17, 1900; Walter Dustin, born July 15, 1904; Lucretia, born September 7, 1906; Elizabeth Jane, born November 28, 1908; Ethel, born July 29, 1910. Mrs. Anderson agrees with her husband regarding the importance of a good education, and plans to give the children every possible advantage.

Mr. Anderson now owns 820 acres, the greater part of which is under ` a high state of cultivation. During the years he has lived in the community, Mr. Anderson has been privileged to witness many changes, all of which justify his grandfather's confidence in the future of Sangamon County. Not only has Mr. Anderson made his mark in the agricultural world, but he has found time to bear his part as a member of the Christian Church, of which his wife is also a member, and to be a good citizen. No measure of any importance which has as its aim the improvement of the township or county, ever comes up without Mr. Anderson investigating it thoroughly. A good judge of stock, his advice is often asked, and he gives it gladly, for he believes in scientific farming and is trying to bring his children to his way of thinking. As he, himself, grew to manhood, following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather, so does Mr. Anderson hope to have his sons follow him, and that they may carry on the good work, he has so ably inaugurated, is his dearest wish.

ANDERSON, Thomas F. (deceased), was numbered among the honored pioneers of Sangamon County and contributed his full share towards its development and material advancement. He was born in Cartwright Township September 11, 1829, a son of Moses K. Anderson, born in Butler County, Ky., November 11,

1803. Moses K. Anderson lost his parents when he was twelve years old and was taken by relatives to that part of Davidson County which is now Cheatham County, Tenn. Here he married Cassarilla Stroud, born November 12, 1812, in Dickson County, Tenn., the ceremony taking place September 13, 1827. Two years later they landed in Sangamon County, locating in what is now Cartwright Township, where they entered a large amount of land, becoming heavy land owners. Mr. Anderson was a man who foresaw a great future for Sangamon County, and did all he could to bring it about. In politics he was an aggressive Democrat, holding many local offices, and was prominent in the militia organizations, having been drill master in early days. Soon after coming here he was elected Captain of a company and in a short time was promoted to rank of Colonel, and then Brigadier-General. Finally he was appointed Adjutant-General by Gov. Carlin, continuing to hold that office by successive reappointments until 1856. During this period he was called upon to exercise his prerogatives during the Mormon troubles at Nauvoo and during the Mexican War. Later in life he moved to Springfield and for six years was a Member of the City Council, and for twenty years was Justice of the Peace. A record of his hardships and sufferings, especially during the winter of the great snow, in 1830, would fill a book. In all of them he bore himself as a brave man should and came out of them all strengthened for his life work. The children born to himself and wife were: Thomas F., Millie Ann, Sarah J., Mary E., Malinda E., Cynthia A., George W., Merlin A., Willard Wickliffe, William Wilks. Mrs. Anderson died December 31, 1850. After her death General Anderson married Mrs. Marian F. Hall, whose maiden name was Stroude. He was a lifelong member of the Christian Church and gave freely of his means to its support.

Thomas F. Anderson was reared among typically pioneer surroundings, early learning how to work. Like many young men of his period, he married upon reaching his majority, the ceremony taking place December 25, 1851, when he was united with Martha Le Childs, born in Sangamon County, December 8, 1833, daughter of Stephen and Hannah (Lyman) Childs, natives of Vermont, who came to Ilinois, settling in what was then old Sangamon County, sixteen farmers coming together. All of them prospered and lived to see their children grow up around them. There they died. Mr. and Mrs. Childs took a prominent part in the religious and educational development of the county, as is elsewhere related.

Immediately following his marriage, Thomas F. Anderson began farming on the property now the home of Mrs. Anderson, and there he died September 24, 1898. Six children were born to them: Laura, who died in infancy; Charles, born April 26, 1855, married Katie Fogarty, of Farmingdale, issue, one daughter, Laura, born

February 2, 1879, lives with her grandmother, her father having died August 22, 1879, and her mother October 29, 1900; Edward, proprietor of the Merchants Transfer Company, of Springfield, formerly Principal of the Trapp School, of that city, born June 14, 1857, married Lillian McCullough, issue - Mary, Edith and Harold; Henry B., born December 29, 1859, now has charge of the homestead, married Lena Armbruster, July 1, 1908, issue, James A. H., born November 27, 1906, and in the following month the young mother died; Tavner, born January 7, 1862; and Hattie, born November 10, 1875.

The second son, Edward Anderson, sent his two daughters to high school and gave them the musical training their talents entitled them to receive. Mary has been for several years pianist for Evangelist Torey. Edith married Charles E. Butler, one of the Rev. Billy Sunday's singers. Mrs. Butler has also often charmed the vast congregations with her beautiful voice. They have one child, Lillian, the great-grandchild of dear Grandmother Anderson. Mr. Anderson was a strong Democrat and was active in his party, holding many of the township offices. He was an excellent judge of stock and bred some that ranked with the best the county ever produced. A consistent member of the Christian Church, he was active in its work and that of the Sunday School.

Looking back over sixty years, Mrs. Anderson can scarcely realize all of the changes that have taken place in her community. Not only has she seen marvelous changes effected, but she has been called upon to mourn not only members of her own family and her devoted husband, but the neighbors with whom she was always on such friendly terms. But one of them survives, the rest having gone on as pioneers into the Heavenly Kingdom. Mrs. Anderson, lovingly called "Grandma" by half the township, is one of those noble women who bore upon their shoulders so many of the hardships of settling the new country. No complaints ever left her lips, as she labored by her husband's side, ever smoothing his way and that of her children. Prosperity came to them, but if it had not she would not have repined, but would have bound up the wounds gained in the battle of life, and sent her dear ones forth to labor anew. Church and home have ever known her tender ministrations and effective work, and no fair estimate can be made of the good she has accomplished, for so little of the aggregate has ever been allowed to become public. Her children, grandchildren and one great-grandchild all tenderly cherish this grand old pioneer wife and mother.

ANDREW, John - While an Englishman never forgets the land of his birth, he readily adapts himself to the different conditions of a new land, and becomes one of its most desirable citizens, for- the people of Great Britain are born colonizers. Sangamon County has been fortunate in that it has secured so many resi- dents of English nationality, among whom one notable example is John Andrew, now living retired in Springfield. Mr. Andrew was born in Lanecastershire, England, August 380, 1848, being a son of James and Sarah (Scholes) Andrew, natives of Oldham, England. The father was a weayer, rounding out a useful life in his native land, as did his wife. John Andrew had one brother, who also came to America. When last heard from this brother, William, was living at Bradford, Pa.

John Andrew came to America in 1868, after having received a good common school education and learned the trade of a machinist. ` He sailed from Liverpool in August, landing in New York September 8, and went from that city to Philadelphia, but after a short time went to Fall River, Mass. This not suiting him, he went to Lowell, Mass., and later returned to Philadelphia, where he worked at his trade. His next change was made when he moved to Chattanooga, Tenn., where he spent a year, then he went to St. Louis. This continued his home until 1874, when he came to Springfield, securing a position with the rolling mills, remaining with this concern until it closed. He was then in the employ of the city government as engineer at the pumping station for six years, and still later became first engineer at the old shoe factory, but since 1904 he has lived retired, feeling that he has earned his rest. In politics he is a Republican but has never desired public office.

The marriage of Mr. Andrew took place in Dewitt County, Ill., November 1, 1876, when he was united with Bridget Reynolds, born in Ireland, a daughter of James Reynolds, who brought his family to America in 1868, settling in Dewitt County, where he farmed until his death. Mr. Reynolds and wife had four sons and three daughters, those living being: John, of Clinton, Ill., a machinist; William, a park policeman of Chicago; Mrs. Celia Cunningham, of Springfield, and Mrs. Andrew. Fifteen children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Andrew, seven of whom survive: Elizabeth, wife of Ralph Suymon, of the Franklin Art Company, of Springfield; Katherine, wife of John Muller, a carpenter in the employ of the C. A. Power Planing Mill of Springfield; Sarah, wife of William Kramer, a baker; Celia, James, John and Frank, all at home. Mr. Andrew owns his pleasant home, a store, and several other pieces of property in Springfield, having accumulated them by hard work and persistent saving. Being a keen shrewd man, he has been able to invest his money to advantage and now is enjoying the result of his foresight.

ANSELL, Oscar, proprietor of the Oscar Ansell Machine Shop, on South Third Street, Springfield, is a practical machinist and an enterprising business man. He established his present enterprise at the location it still occupies, in 1889, and has been steadily increasing his output since. He was born in Elmira, N. Y., November 27, 1863, and came to Springfield with his parents in boyhood, receiving his education in the schools of the latter city. His father, William Ansell, was born in Peru, N. Y. March 21, 1832, and when four years of age accompanied his parents to Riga, Monroe County, N. Y., where he grew to manhood. He did not attend school after he was ten years old, but began at that age to work on a picker in a woolen mill. He worked successively at carding, spinning, weaving and finishing. He was married, at Elmira, May 18, 1856, to Miss Elizabeth Oliver, who was born in England, January 4, 1888, and came to the United States with her mother, brothers and sisters, when she was five years old. She is a daughter of John and Mary (Davis) Oliver. John Oliver located at Auburn, N. Y., and for a few years carried on farming in the vicinity, then moved to Elmira. He was a woolen worker by trade and before his death located in Springfield, Ill. His wife also died in Springfield.

William Ansell located in Springfield in 1866, and for twenty-four years was employed at Thayer's woolen mill. Later he worked eleven years in the city electric light plant. He purchased his present home in Springfield in 1868. William Ansell enlisted, at Elmira, N. Y., as private in Company B, One Hundred Sixty-first Volunteer Infantry, and was discharged at the end of the war. His wife is a member of the Second Presbyterian Church and in politics he is a Republican. He belongs to the Masonic Order. He and his wife had children as folows: Oliver died at the age of six years; Cora A., Mrs, Chisholm; Oscar, Mary Elizabeth; Fred died at the age of twenty-three years; Jane Scott; Alice D. married W. S. Wooley, of Auburn, II.

Stephen G., father of William Ansell, was born at Portsmouth, England, and was a carpenter by trade. He came to the United States about 1820 and settled in St. Lawrence County, N. Y.. where he married Jane York, a native of Yorkshire, England. Later he moved to Monroe County, N. Y., where his death occurred. His children were: Thomas, of Elkhart, Ind., married Jane Story, of Lagrange County, Ind.; George C. deceased; Annie married John Ransom, of Rochester, N. Y.; Mary Ann married John Hoffman of York, Pa.; Stephen, of Pennsylvania; Edmund deceased; William. John York, father of Mrs. Stephen G. Ansell, came to the United States from Yorkshire, England, and died in Monroe County, N. Y.

Oscar Ansell left school at the age of thirteen years and went to work in a rolling-mill machine-shop, which was about three miles from his home. As there was then no street car he walked both ways. After completing his apprenticeship he worked as journeyman machinist until embarking in his present enterprise. He has been obliged to increase his capacity because of increased business, and now employs fourteen men.

Ansell owns a handsome residence at 109 Allen Street, Springfield. He is a self-made man and is active in the councils of the Republican party. He served six years as a member of the City Council. He and his family are members of the Second Presbyterian Church and he is a member of the Knights of Pythias.

APGAR, LeRoy. - The varied interests of Springfield are of such magnitude that almost every branch of commercial activity is represented. Where so much building is being constantly done there is, of course, an ever-growing demand for hardware, and supplying it is engaging the attention of one of the live business men, LeRoy Apgar, who, through practical experience, knows just what is needed. He was born in Springfield, Ill., March 25, 1885, a son of Aaron Apgar. The father was born in Ohio and for fifty-four years made Springfield his home. He became well known as a skillful carpenter, working on some of the largest buildings in the city. In 1846 he made the trip across the country to California in a wagon, and returning, settled down in Springfield, where he died fourteen years ago. The mother died when LeRoy was but three weeks old.

The motherless lad grew up in Springfield, where he went to school, and his records show that he was a bright pupil of good, industrious habits. After working for some time in a brick yard he learned the carpenter trade, at which he worked for six years, and, although he was successful, he then decided to embark in a hardware business, having recognized the possibilities of such an enterprise. His faith has been justified, for he has been very successful and now controls an excellent trade in all kinds of hardware and kindred goods.

On February 6, 1907, Mr. Apgar was united in marriage, in the city of Springfield, with Lillian Clayton, who was born in 1882, no issue. Mr. Apgar belongs to the Retail Clerks' Union, and takes an interest in the organization. He is a Methodist and a Republican. Industrious, progressive, and public-spirited, Mr. Apgar is a valued citizen and one who can always be depended upon to do his full duty whatever the circumstances.

ARMSTRONG, William Henry. - TIllinois would still be a prairie State in reality if it were not for the fact that, years ago, there came into ita

- brave, hardy people who were filled with a determination to conquer the wilderness and make for themselves comfortable homes on the government Jand. Every county in the State has its list of names of pioneers who settled there, brought up their children to assist in the work of developing the region, and left their mark upon the agricultural, industrial, educational, political and religious life of the community where they located. The Armstrong family is one which has many representatives in different parts of Illinois, and one of them now residing in Mechanicsburg Township, Sangamon County, is William Henry Armstrong. He was born at Atlanta, Ill, May 3, 1876, son of Leonard J. and Mary (Judy) Armstrong, and a grandson of John Armstrong, of Kentucky, and Jacob and Martha (Musick) Judy. Both the Armstrong and Judy families came to Illinois in pioneer days, making the trip in the usual fashion of the times, with a covered wagon, and all were farmers. Mr. and Mrs. Judy retired and located in Atlanta, where they died.

Leonard J. Armstrong and Mary Judy were married in Atlanta, December 24, 1872, following which event they rented land nearby and operated it for two years. They then moved to Piatt County, Ill., where they bought a farm, living upon it until their demise, the mother passing away April 28, 1897. They had children as follows: William Henry; Frank L., born January 24, 1878, of Kindersley, Canada; Junietta, born February 17, 1880; Mrs. T. J. Campbell, of Deland, Ill.; Albert M., born April 10, 1882, of Sangamon County; Nellie May, born April 10, 1885, Mrs. R. O. Copeland, of Arcola, Ill.; Roy L., born March 5, 1887, of Sangamon County ; Bertha B., born October 3, 1888, of Deland; John J., born May 7, 1891, lives with his brother William H.; and Earl E., born October 16, 1892, died February 10, 1893.

William Henry Armstrong was educated in the public schools of Deland, remaining at home until he was twenty-six years old. At that time he bought 160 acres of land in Piatt County, hiring a man and his wife to keep house for him. Later he sold this farm, buying 360 acres in the same county. In the fall of 1904, he sold this property, buying 489 acres in Mechanicsburg Township, which he has since devoted to general farming and the raising of Shorthorn cattle, Duroc-Jersey hogs and Plymouth Rock chickens. In 1910, he bought 160 acres near Waggoner, Montgomery County, Ill., which is being operated for him by his brother Roy.

Mr. Armstrong was married March 15, 1905, to Elizabeth D. Holton, born April 3, 1875, in Lincoln, Ill., daughter of Rev. T. T. and Ellen Holton, the former a minister of the Christian Church. Mrs. Armstrong died September 3, 1906. On February 3, 1909, Mr. Armstrong married Mary Agnes Fullenwider, born October 12, 1885, at Mechanicsburg, daughter of Homer and Jennie (Ragland) Fullenwider, natives of Mechanicsburg, Ill., and Fisherville, Ky. Mrs, Armstrong was educated in Mechanicsburg schools, attending the high school there, and is a lady of charming personality, who shows a gracious hospitality to her guests. Mr. Armstrong is a member of the Christian Church, while his wife is a member of the Methodist denomination. In politics he is a Republican and is now serving his district as School Director. He is a live, progressive young man and is making a decided success of his life work, ably assisted by his wife. Understanding every detail of farming, he is inculeating new methods and is a recognized authority on agricultural matters. Socially he and his wife are important factors in the township

ARNOLD, George W., dealer in Pilot acetylene generators, Pleasant Plains, is aS well and favorably known as any business man in his part of Sangamon County. He is a native of Miami County, Ohio, born October 6, 1865, a son of John and Hannah Arnold. The latter was born in Virginia and early in life was taken by her parents to Miami County, where she grew to womanhood and where she met and was wooed and won by Mr. Arnold. They were married about 1848. Their son John lives at Loveland, Colo.; their daughter Mary, widow of Charles Eklaw, lives at Paxton, Ill.; their son George W., is the immediate subject of this sketch. The family came to Illinois in 1868 and settled on a farm in Cartwright Township, Sangamon County. Mr. Arnold died in the following year and Mrs. Arnold survived until 1894. They were reared in the faith of the Dunkards, but she became a member of the German Baptist Church. For some years after her husband's untimely death, Mrs. Arnold remained on the farm, but eventually moved to Pleasant Plains where she passed away.

When his father died George W. Arnold was only about four years old. He was brought up on the farm and educated in the public schools. In 1885 he came with his mother to Pleasant Plains, where, at the age of twentyone years, he embarked in general merchandise trade. He was thus engaged in 1886-91, then sold out his business to become a carpenter and builder. After a time he became a member of the building firm of Harnett and Arnold, his partner being J. P. Harnett. They erected the Sangamon College building, the store building of John Lehman, and many other sightly public structures, and some of the finest village and farm residences in that part of the county are monuments to their skill and enterprise. In 1902 Mr. Arnold disposed of his partnership in this business to Mr. Harnett and engaged in his present venture as dealer in Pilot acetylene generators. He has installed lighting plants in many of the leading public buildings and private residences in his part of the State. The automatic acetylene generators that he handles have made their way in competition with gas and electric systems of illumination. It is probable that Mr. Arnold has found an advantage in his intimate practical knowledge of building. His skill in placing the lights adds much to their efficiency.

March 10, 1886, Mr. Arnold married Miss Ardia Hamilton, daughter of R. F. and Tabytha (Purvins) Hamilton, pioneers in Sangamon county who have gone to their reward. Mrs. Arnold was born in Cartwright Township. She has borne her husband seven children, two of whom died in infancy. Their son Hoyt A., born August 1, 1888, was educated in the public school at Pleasant Plains and entered the em- ploy of a concern controlling a chain of fiveand ten-cent stores and made himself so proficient and so useful that he was given charge of an establishment at Iowa City, Iowa. Lee H. Arnold, born April 5, 1890, finished his course in the Pleasant Plains school. In 1906, he entered the United States Navy and was stationed on the flagship Connecticut and made the tour of the world with the Atlantic squadron, visiting many important foreign ports. When the squadron, consisting of sixteen vessels, sailed for Seattle in 1908, Mr. Arnold went to San Francisco to witness its departure. On the completion of the voyage in 1910, Lee, having served four years, was honorably discharged and has found a satisfactory business connection with a five- and ten-cent store at St. Paul, owned by a company that has about 400 such enterprises in different cities of the United States. Rollie Arnold, born September 16, 1896, is in school; Phyllis, born February 27, 1902, and George H., born June 7, 1904, are the "babies" of the family.

Mr. Arnold has been satisfactorily successful in life and knows no dearer duty than properly educating his children and settling them in useful occupations. His home is one of the most modern in the vicinity, with up-to-date heating and illuminating apparatus, and all else to correspond. In politics he is a Democrat and as such has been elected to several important local offices. He has ably filled the office of Town Clerk and in the spring of 1909 was chosen Tax Assessor for the second term. He and his wife are active and helpful members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of Pleasant Plains.

ARNOLD, John H. - Those who gave up their lives on the battlefields of the Civil War, did not suffer after all as have those who lived to carry in their bodies during forty-five years or more, the reminders of what it cost to save the Union. It is easy enough for one who has never faced the death-belching guns of war to rise to heights of oratory over the high call of patriotism; true heroism lies in living when each day is a long-drawn-out agony because of a response to that same spirit of loyalty to flag and country. The man who enjoys the distinction of being Springfield's oldest living veteran of the Civil War is John H. Arnold, who was fearfully wounded at the Siege of Atlanta, after years of faithful service. Mr. Arnold was born in Clay County, Ky., and comes of good, honorable, brave, Kentucky stock. The date of his birth was January 1, 1883, so that he is now (1912) seventy-nine years old. His parents, Anderson and Nancy (Pierce) Arnold, were also born in Clay County, Ky., where the father died, but the mother moved to Springfield when John H. was six months old, and lived there until she passed away in 1898. The Arnold family is a fighting one, for Grandfather Arnold and his son, Anderson Arnold, both served in the Black Hawk War, distinguishing themselves as brave and loyal men,

John H. Arnold was educated in Springfield, but early learned to work on a farm, and was engaged in that peaceful occupation when he felt constrained by his love of his country, to enlist, in 1862, in Company E, Wighty-fifth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, serving under General Sherman. He participated in the battles of Perryville, Big Spring, Buzzard's Roost, Lookout Mountain, Gordon's Mill, Peach Tree Creek, Stone River, North Chickamauga, and others of less importance. At the Siege of Atlanta he was the color bearer and thus was the target for the enemy. When he fell, still clinging to the flag, which he bathed with his blood, he was riddled by nine bullets. He has never fully recovered from this, although he has earnestly endeavored to round out his life industriously and uncomplainingly. He is an honored member of Stephenson Post, G. A. R, and also belongs to the Volunteers of America. In politics he is a Republican, steadfastly upholding the principles he fought to have established, and for which Abraham Lincoln was martyred.

Large, born in Winchester, Scott County, Ill., October 29, 1870. Her father served through the Civil War, and spent his mature years in Springfield. One child has been adopted by Mr. and Mrs. Arnold, Richard Harvey Ellsworth Arnold, born August 16, 1907. The family residence at the corner of Phillips and Ohio Streets, is owned by Mr. Arnold, and is surrounded by a large lawn which covers a double frontage. During his life Mr. Arnold has had many experiences and at all times has obeyed the call of duty, regardless of what it might cost him.

Mrs. Mildred A. Arnold was born in Winchester, Scott County, Ill., October 29, 1870. She is a daughter of Alexander and Mary Frances (Cothern) Taylor, her father born in Kentucky, in 1841, and her mother in Virginia, in 1842. The former died in 1893 and the latter in 1907. Mrs. Arnold's maternal grandfather, William Burnwell Cothern, emigrated from Virginia to Illinois by wagon, settling in [lliopolis, where he farmed. Both the Cotherns and Taylors were old Southern families and extensive slave owners.

Mrs. Arnold belongs to a family of six children born to her parents: Alexander; William ; Belle, wife of George Guthrie; Leonora, wife of James Stofer; Mary Ann, wife of James Woods, living near Springfield; and Mrs. Arnold.

In May, 1890, Mrs. Arnold was married in the English Lutheran Church, to James Large, later a member of the Illinois General Assembly. One child, John M., was born April 2, 1891. In 1903 she became the wife of John H. Arnold, as before noted. She is interested in current events and keeps herself posted with regard to them. She is devoted to her home and husband, but is also active in social matters, and possesses a pleasant, genial manner, attaches people to

ASH, George W. - The pioneers who came to Sangamon County never imagined that land here would some day be held at the fancy prices now prevailing, and yet they themselves laid the foundations for this wonderful advancement, and to them should be given full meed of praise. One of the men who is fortunate enough to be the owner of some of this high-priced farm-land is George W. Ash, of Section 12, Williams Township. He was born in Ashville, Miss., March 13; 1848, a son of Ira and Amanda Y. Ash, both of Mississippi, the father being born June 22, 1815. These parents married, July 28, 1838, in Louisiana. From there they came to Illinois in 1850, locating north of Springfield, in Sangamon County, on a farm of 160 acres, which the father bought and farmed until his death in 1853, his wife dying in the same year. They had two sons and two daughters, all of whom are deceased except George W. Ash and his sister, Mrs. Harvey F. Bruce, who resides on a farm north of Springfield.

George W. Ash was educated in the schools of Springfield, at the same time working on the homestead, thus learning how to farm profitably. Adopting farming as his occupation, Mr. Ash looked about him for a good location, and selecting Williams Township, moved there forty years ago. Ten years later he moved on his present farm of sixty acres, which is now worth $250 per acre.

On December 23, 1875, Mr. Ash was married in Williams Township by Rey. Worlds, of the Presbyterian Church, at Springfield, to Miss Laura Smith, born in the township, Aug. 8, 1856, daughter of Philip and Rebecca (Hendricks) Smith, he of South Carolina. Her mother was born in Kentucky, where the father moved, later coming to Sangamon County, where they became pioneers of Barclay. Later they removed to a farm north of Barcley, where the father lived until a few years prior to his death, which occurred in Williamsville, his last home, and there the mother also passed away. There were seven sons and five daughters in the Smith family, of whom three survive: Mrs. Ash; Henry, a resident of Kansas, married to Harriet Kenneman, five children; and John, a resident of the homestead in Williams Township, married Amanda Brown (second wife), three children; his first marriage having been to Marthat Williams, two children. Mr. and Mrs. Ash became the parents of three sons and five daughters; Rebecca, wife of George Marsh, of Springfield; five children - Bessie, Willard, Harold, Alberta and Helen Mary; Oscar married Adla Hanson, who died January 9, 1908, after bearing him two children, the surviving one being Lora, and he married (second) Lillian Henselin, of Minnesota, where they reside; one child, Philip H.; Lula married James Ferry and they live in Indiana and have four children - Eva, Hazel, Lloyd and Mary; Daisy married James Burge and they have one child, Earl; Leo married Ruth Hawker, of Ewing, Mo., and they reside in Springfield and have no issue; and Mary, living at home, as do Fay and Edith.

For a number of years Mr. Ash has been a Methodist and has given the church his hearty support, both in money and work. He believes in the good influence of churches and has brought up his children in the faith he supports. A hard-working man, he farms scientifically, rotating his crops, using improved machinery, and raising a good grade of cattle, having proven by experiments that nothing but the best pays on a farm. His children are a credit to him and his most excellent wife, and they greatly enjoy a family reunion, when the married ones return with their families to enjoy once more the hospitality of the homestead. There is no more beautiful sight than a man and his wife surrounded by their children and grandchildren, all of whom are making the most of their opportunities and developing fine characters. It is such people as the Ash family who form the great backbone of any nation, for they always prove to be reliable, substantial, and willing to advance, although conservative enough to consider first and see if proposed improvements are for the best interests of the majority.

ATHERTON, Dr. Albert, retired physician and banker, has done much to impress his personality on the community in which he has long lived and labored, always with a sense of his responsibility to the public. He was born in Morgan County, Ill., October 23, 1828, a son of Jonathan Atherton. The father was born in Dutchess County, N. Y., in 1803, a son of the Rey. Theophilus Atherton, also of New York nativity. The family of Atherton is of Engglish descent and is related to that of the Harpers represented by the proprietors of the great publishing house of Harper & Brothers and their successors. The Atherton family was established in New York before the beginning of the last century. Rey. Atherton settled in Pickaway County, Ohio, about 1820. Not only was he a pioneer there in the work of the Presbyterian Church, but was also an educator and farmer. Jonathan Atherton was reared on the farm and educated under his father's able supervision. He married Ann Johnson, a native of Dutchess County, N. Y., and a daughter of Richard Johnson, who became a pioneer settler in Pickaway County. In 1826, about two years after his marriage, he moved with his wife to Dlinois and they located among early settlers in Morgan County, where he developed a good farm, on which he reared a family of children and died about 1862. His widow lived some years after his death and passed away at the residence of the immediate subject of this sketch. She had three children who reached maturity, the survivors being Dr. Albert Atherton and a daughter, Mrs. Alice B. Howard, of South Dakota.

Dr, Atherton grew to manhood in Morgan County, and attended public school until he was prepared to enter Illinois College at Jacksonville. As an aid to his medical studies and as a useful experience, he taught school several terms. He studied for his profession at Arcadia, Morgan County, and took lectures in St. Louis, Mo., in the winter of 1851-52. He graduated with the Class of 1853 and began practice at Cartwright, Sangamon County. In time his ride was widely extended. He was an active and successful member of his profession in the county until about 1870, when he began gradually to put aside professional cares. During the Civil War period he was a stanch defender of the Union. He has been an ardent Republican since the organization of the party in 1856, but has never been an aspirant for public office. Soon after coming to Sangamon County he bought land near Pleasant Plains, where he developed a farm which he still owns. It contains 160 acres and is under successful cultivation. He established a drug store and grocery at Pleasant Plains, which he conducted profitably for some years. He was one of the organizers, about 1880, of the bank of Tracy, Bukman and Company, later the bank of Atherton, Richardson and Company, which has long been known as one of Sangamon County's solid financial institutions. In 1906 it was reorganized, with increased stock, as the Pleasant Plains State Bank, with Dr. Atherton as President and A. Q. Irwin as Cashier.

Dr. Atherton married, in August, 1856, Miss Sarah Ann Hayes, a native of Lancaster County, Pa.. daughter of August Hayes who, after she had been reared and educated in her native town, became an early settler in Illinois, to which State he brought his family. The writer is able to include the following items of interest concerning the children of Dr. Atherton. Elma C. married Robert Lane, the present Mayor of Pleasant Plains; Albert is a leading merchant at Jacksonville, Ill.; Mary Alice is Mrs. George Harnett, of Springfield, Il].; August lives on a part of the old family homestead; Edward J. is Assistant Cashier of the Pleasant Plains State Bank and is represented by an independent sketch in this work; William, prominent in public and political matters, is Supervisor of Cartwright Township and is operating the Atherton homestead; Mabel is the youngest of the survivors; two have died - Franklin, aged four years, and LeRoy in infancy. Dr. and Mrs. Atherton are prominently helpful in the work of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

ATHERTON, Edward Jonathan - The banking institutions of the country, controlling the financial affairs of the people, have to associate with themselves men whose names carry weight. Their officials must be of unblemished character and high standing, or the business suffers. The Pleasant Plains State Bank is fortunate in having among its officials a young man of the con- is a son of Dr. Albert Atherton, and his wife Sarah Ann (Hayes )Atherton, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work. Mr. Atherton graduated from Whipple Academy, Jacksonville, Ill., Class of 1890, the first class to receive diplomas from the institution. He then taught school for eight years, later attending the Indiana University, at Bloomington, and at the close of his junior year entered the senior class of the Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware, Ohio, graduating with the Class of 1901, with the degree of A. B. Immediately thereafter he entered the Pleasant Plains State Bank, where he is now Assistant Cashier. He ably discharges the duties of his important position.

The marriage of Mr. Atherton took place on June 30, 1902, at Sycamore, Ill., when he was united with Sadie-Chenoweth Athons. Mr. and Mrs. Atkinson have two children - Tracy Leon and Dwight Wilbur. Mr. Atherton is a Republican in politics and a Methodist in religion. He is one of the most reliable and conservative young men of Pleasant Plains, and he and his charming wife have gathered about them a congenial circle of friends.

ATKINS, Palmer. - The power of the press has always been recognized and the men who have assisted in establishing and maintaining that mighty influence have borne more than their part in molding public opinion. It is almost impossible to carry through any project without the support of the newspapers of a community, and many a man of measure has been defeated because of a luck of harmony between the promoters and the press. One of the veteran newspaper men of Springfield is Palmer Atkins, whose services are gratefully remembered by the many to whom he was, for a number of years, the mouthpiece of popular demand. He is now living retired at No. 1416 South Seventh Street. For nearly fourteen years he was connected with the "Illinois State Register." As is true of so many Americans, Mr. Atkins traces his ancestry back to one of three brothers on his fathers side who came to this country from England in 1750. They came of sea-faring stock of a family of whalers or merchantmen. These brothers located at Middletown, Conn., and two of them who engaged in the whaling trade, were lost at sea. The third, Seth, the great-great-grandfather of Palmer Atkins, died at Middletown. His grandson, Seth, went to Lewis County, N. Y., being an early settler of the place, and engaged in farming. His son, also Seth, and father of Palmer Atkins, was born in Middletown, Conn., in 1819, but was reared in Lewis County, N. Y. He became wellknown as a manufacturer of stoves, making a specialty of manufacturing stove fronts. In

1856 he came west with his family from New York City, which had been his home for some years, and located in Chicago. Later he moved to Monmouth, Warren County, Il., where he had charge of the Pattee Plow Works. His death occurred there in 1892. In political affiliations he was a Democrat. Palmer Atkins was his only child, born of his marriage in New York State to Jane Palmer, daughter of John Palmer, Superintendent of the Erie Canal. Mrs. Atkins died in Chicago, in 1857.

The Palmer family were originally from Nottinghamshire, England, and Walter Palmer, who was born in England in 1598, came to Stonington, Conn., in 1653. He married Rebekah Short. Mr. Atkins' great-grandfather, John Palmer, was a member of the Continental Army from Connecticut. His son, also named John Palmer, grandfather of the subject of this sketch, was in the war of 1812, while his uncle, George Palmer, also a son of John Palmer Jr., served in the Mexican War, being fatally wounded at the battle of Chepultepec, near the city of Mexico. This, with the military career of the subject of this sketch, makes four successive generations who established a war record from the Revolution to the Civil War period.

Palmer Atkins was born on the site of old Fort Stanwix (N. Y.), of Revolutionary fame, August 28, 1842, and lived in New York State until he was fourteen years of age, when he was brought by his parents to Chicago. After studying in the public schools of both New York and Illinois, he attended the seminary at Mt. Morris, Ill. When only seventeen he began learning the printer's trade in the office of the "Dixon Telegraph," remaining there until the outbreak of the Civil War, when he enlisted as a private, joining the first company organized in Dixon, May 24, 1861. This was Company A, Thirteenth Illinois Volunteer Infantry. Although a mere lad, he endured hardships bravely. The company was mustered into the United States service May 24, 1861, by Capt. John Pope, afterwards Commander of the Army of the Potomac, for three years' service or during the war. Their first. engagement was at Wilson Creek, Mo., when Gen.

in the battle of Pea Ridge, in which the regiment lost 187 out of 460 men, and in the unsuccessful campaign against Vicksburg, was with Gen. Curtis in Arkansas, and later took part in the battles of Jackson, Champion Hills, the siege of Vicksburg, Lookout Mountain, Missionary Ridge, Ringgold Gap and Madison Station. From the latter the regiment was ordered home to be mustered out. During the greater part of this time Mr. Atkins acted as staff printer and special messenger at Gen. Grant's headquarters, taking many of the cipher dispatches. On April 19, 1864, while at Huntsville, Mr. Atkins was detailed to take charge of all the mail of the Fifteenth Army Corps, commanded by Gen. John A. Logan, which heavy responsibility was faithfully discharged by him.

He was finally discharged June 18, 1864, and returning home, resumed his printing business. He has always been foremost in advocating all public measures he has believed would result in the betterment of his community, and is rightly considered one of the representative men of Springfield. He is a member of Stephenson Post No. 30, G. A. R., also of Springfield Lodge No. 465, I. O. O. F., of which he is Past Grand Master, and he and his wife are members of the Second Presbyterian Church.

ATKINSON, George W., who has been a resident of Sangamon County for more than sixty years, and now lives retired from an active life in the village of Riverton, is a native of Piqua, Ohio, born January 7, 1837. He is a son of William and Rachel (Nevius) Atkinson, both natives of New Jersey and the father a blacksmith by trade. William Atkinson followed his trade several years in his native State, then removed, by wagon, to Ohio, where he lived until 1849, the date of his coming to Illinois. Besides working at his trade he bought and sold cattle and horses, driving them to market. The family made the trip from Ohio to Illinois by wagon, consuming several weeks on the journey, and on the way the son, George W., then a young man, counted fifty-four deer. They remained in Springfield a few months, having arrived there November 15, 1849, occupying a house near where the Chicago & Alton Railroad depot now stands. They spent four years on a farm on Fork Prairie, and in 1855 moved to the old Prather farm near Sherman, where they spent two years, then the father purchased 320 acres of land in Shelby County, where he lived about eight years and then returned to Fork Prairie and spent two years there, after which he removed to Missouri. He lived in the latter State but a short time, then returned to Fork Prairie and spent the remainder of his life with his son George, his wife having died in Missouri.

John Atkinson, father of William, served in the War of 1812, as also did Jacob Nevius, father of Mrs. Atkinson. To William Atkinson and his wife nine sons and three daughters were born, of whom seven survive: John, aged ninety years, living in Iowa; Mrs. Catherine Brooks, of Dayton, Ohio; Mrs. Hannah Magell, deceased; Jacob, a retired farmer and stock buyer, living in Iowa; Elbert, having a blacksmith and wagon shop at Anamosa, Iowa; Zenith L., a blacksmith living in Iowa; Thomas B., who conducts a blacksmith shop in the West, and George W.

After the death of his father George W. Atkinson continued farming until 1900, when he retired from active life and purchased a comfortable home in Riverton, which has since been his home. He was a resourceful and intelligent farmer and became very successful, being now possessed of considerable property.

of James Bashaw and his wife, of Kentucky, who were early settlers of Sangamon County, where they spent the remainder of their lives on a farm. Mr. and Mrs. Bashaw were parents of four sons and two daughters. Mrs. Atkinson died in 1877, having borne her husband five children, four of whom are living: Harriet married Trylene H. Trotter, proprietor of a blacksmith shop at Riverton; Lecta, married George W. Cockrell, and they live on a farm near Rochester ; Nicholas B., a resident of Pekin; Walter, living in Riverton. Mr. Atkinson has five living grandchildren. He is a Republican in politics and is a member of the Baptist Church. He is well regarded as a public-spirited and useful citizen, and highly esteemed in his community. He always had a warm friendship for Abraham Lincoln, and in his younger days frequently ran foot races with that illustrious man and also had his company in maby games of marbles. Mr. Atkinson takes an active interest in the public welfare and is willing to lend his active support to any worthy cause for the public good.

AUXIER, Daniel Jefferson (deceased), for several years a resident of Springfield, was born near Mason City, Mason County, Ill., in 1844. His father, John Auxier, was a Kentuckian, moved to Illinois at an early day, and became owner of a large tract of land in Mason County, including the present site of Mason City. He was an extensive dealer in land and stock, and became a stockholder in the first railroad built in that section of the State. He ws a thorough and able business man and successful in his enterprises. He died suddenly at his home near Mason City. He married Eveline Lane, of a good Southern family, who went to live with her son William, at Bismarck, and died there. Children as follows were born to this union: Daniel J.; William; Benjamin, went to Missouri to live; Mary, Mrs. Alvin Dowell, of Saint Marys, Kan.

Daniel J. Auxier was about ten or twelve years of age when his father died and he lived with his widowed mother until going West, after his marriage. He received an ordinary education and his father was preparing to send his children to college when his own death occurred. Daniel J. continued to carry on the home farm for many years. He was married, in Springfield, October 3, 1870, to Miss Caroline Lucinda Patterson, of Springfield, daughter of Isaac D. and Sarah (Hall) Patterson, the former of whom is deceased. Mr. Auxier lived on the home farm four years after his marriage, then moved to Cass County, Iowa, where he bought a farm of 160 acres. At the end of four years he sold his Iowa farm and located in Springfield, becoming foreman in a rolling mill, and later worked fifteen years in a lumber yard, where he was employed until his death. He was a devout member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and a strictly temperate, good man. He was honest and upright in all his dealings and had a large number of friends. In politics

Children as follows were born to Mr. and Mrs. Auxier: Ella Vern, was married October 10, 1900, to Sylvester Dillard, and they have one child, William J.; Sadie Evelyn married William White, of Springfield. Mr. Dillard was born at the old Dillard homestead, four and one-half miles northwest of Springfield, in January, 1874.

AVOLT, Christopher. - Riverton is the home of some of the most substantial men of Sangamon County, who having retired from various lines of industrial activity, seek a congenial home where they can enjoy urban advantages without the restrictions which attend residence in larger centers of civilization. One of these men is Christopher Avolt, of Riverton, formerly one of the most prosperous of carpenters. He was born August 26, 1889, in La Salle, Ill., a son of John and Catherine Avolt, natives of Germany, who transmitted to their son many of their sterling German characteristics. John Avolt came to America in young manhood, locating in La Salle, Ill., where he lived until his death. While he and his wife were the parents of three sons and one daughter, Christopher Avolt is the only survivor.

Mr. Avolt grew up in La Salle, attending the primitive school of his day and working on his father's farm. Later he learned the carpenter trade, working at it in La Salle for many years. When the war broke out he enlisted from La Salle in Company H, Eleventh Illinois Volunteer Infantry, serving three years, and being discharged at Vicksburg, Miss. He participated in many engagements, including those of Fort Donelson, Vicksburg, Shiloh, Corinth and many others, and being wounded in the first named. He served as Corporal of his company, and was a gallant and brave soldier. At the close of his military experience, he returned to La Salle, remaining there until 1872, when he came to Springfield. Being a skilled workman, he there found ready employment, and worked at his trade until he settled in Riverton, which has continued to be his home. Mr. Avolt belongs to Stephenson Post, No. 30, G. A. R. In political convictions he is a Republican, being proud to belong to the party Abraham Lincoln helped found.

The marriage of Mr. Avolt occurred in La Salle, Ill., in 1868, when he was united with Anna Hughes, born in Wales. Her parents came to America, first settling in La Salle, where they lived for several years, later going to Riverton, where both died. Mrs. Avolt died in Riverton, in 1886, leaving a sorrowing husband and six children to mourn her loss. These children are: Maggie, wife of Ferd Volkmar, of St. Louis; Elizabeth wife of L. G. Duncan, a carpenter and builder of Riverton, with whom Mr. Ayolt makes his home; John, of Pawnee, IIL; Thomas, of Riverton, and David, of Girard, Tl., as well as one who is deceased. There are two grandchildren in the family. Mr. Avolt owns property in Riverton, and is in receipt of a pension from the government in grateful appreciation of his services. He has worked hard all his life and has done his full duty, both as a soldier and as a private citizen.

AYERS, Eugene Morgan. - This is the age of the young man. Many of Springfield's most successful business men are still under forty, yet have attained material prosperity. Of these the majority have worked their way up from comparative poverty to affluence, and among them one deserving of more than passing mention is Eugene Morgan Ayers, born in Perry, Pike County, Ill., December 2, 1875, a son of Lewis and Katherine Eleanor (Morgan) Ayers, natives of Pennsylvania and Upper Alton, Ill. The father is a painter by calling and is now residing in Chicago, but the mother died in 1899. Eugene M. was their only child. Lewis Ayers is a Republican and a member of the Christian Church, in which he takes an active part.

Eugene M. Ayers has fought his way up. Leaving school at New Salem, IN., when only thirteen years old, he came to Springfield to work in the Wabash shops. After eight months in the planing department he was errand boy at Weems laundry for two years, then found employment on the Wabash railroad as peanut boy. A year of this gave him the experience he felt he needed before embarking in his present business, which he has successfully prosecuted ever since.