St. Clair County, Illinois - Chapter 23, 1928

Chapter 23

y^ w'lLLiAM Fletcher Swahlen was horn April 19, 1839, ill at Wheeling, West Virginia. He came of one of the old German Methodist families where worship was strictly observed and duty took precedence over pleasure. He received a thorough education which involved much' cheerful sacritjc& ©in the p->n of his parents. He receiv^-'-'" A. B. degree from the Un. f sity of Pennsylvania, in i!^ In the fall of the same year he came to McKendree as Assistant Professor in the Department of Greek and German. His term of service DR. W. F, SWAHLEN m McKendree began at the same time with that of Dr. AUyn. After four years he was made head of the Department of Greek and German. In 1S66 McKendree gave him the degree of A. M., and in 1S77, he received the degree of Ph. D. from the Iowa Wesleyan University. He was m continuous service in McKendree's faculty for twenty-three years. Aside from his regular duties, he served as Librarian a number of years, and for a long time was Secretary of the Joint Board of Trustees and Visitors. He was also active m the work of the local church. He was licensed as a local preacher, tho never joined the conference or served as pastor. He had musical training as well as literary. He was a good pianist and worked in close harmony with Professor Pesold in building up the Music Department of McKendree. He occasionally supplied pulpits, delivered special addresses, and conducted funerals. Even after he had gone to teach at DePauw, he was occasionally called back to Lebanon or vicinity to conduct the funeral of some former McKendrean. The story is told that he went to preach one Sunday morning in one of the prominent churches of the Southern Illinois Conference. The pastor was away. That was why Dr. Swahlen was there. It so happened that the organist was absent also. He announced the opening hymn. There was no one at the organ to play. He read it thru. Still no one appeared. Dr. Swahlen immediately stepped to the organ, and in his usual efficient way, played the hymn and led the congregation in the singing. He then preached a fine sermon and the people went home impressed with the versatility and capability of the preacher of the day. A few days later. Dr. Swahlen received a letter from a lady who was a member of that church, which closed with these lines:

We would want you for our pastor hen he first came to Lebanon, it was a case of immigra- -on. He made it his permanent home. After ten years of earnest and efficient work had established his character and reputation m the community, he married Caroline V. Hypes, one of the daughters of Uncle Ben Hypes, the old time friend of the college. And thus he became a member of one of the best families in Lebanon. Their marriage occurred in June, 1873. Their three children are: Mrs. Blanche Allen, of Greencastle, Indiana; Dr. Percy Swahlen, of St. Louis; and the youngest, Benjamin.

Dr. Percy H. Swahlen

In 1883 Dr. Swahlen was elected President of McKendree, and continued in the position three years. He signed the diplomas of three graduating classes, aggregating forty mem' hers. Sketches of them will follow. He had several handicaps m the administration of that difficult office. He had been chosen from the members of the fiiculty with whom he had been associated for years m the same great task. Naturally there may have been some jealousy on the part of other teachers. Then, too, this was a period of general decline in the affairs of the college. The debts were increasing and the students were growing fewer. This condition of affairs continued for several years longer before the turning point came. In 1886, Dr. Swahlen declined a re-election and, a year later, secured a position as Professor of Greek in De Pauw University, at Greencastle, Indiana. He remained in that institution until the time of his death, which occurred in 191 5. The body was brought back to Lebanon, a funeral was held in the Methodist Church, and he was buried in College Hill Cemetery. His widow still lives in Greencastle. DR. PERCY H. SWAHLEN Dr. Percy H. Swahlen, the second of the children named above, is now a prominent physician in St. Louis, with offices at the Metropolitan Building. He was born at Lebanon, Illinois, June 4, 1877, and received his early education in the Lebanon public schools. His secondary and college education was received at De Pauw University, Greencastle, Indiana, where his father was Professor of Greek. His professional education was secured at the Marion Simms-Beaumont College of Medicine, which is now the Medical Department of St. Louis University. He then spent two years as an interne at the St. Louis City Hospital. In 1905 he went to Europe and spent somewhat more than two years in special studies in obstetrics and gynecology. So that he became master of whatever knowledge of these subjects could be obtained in the best universities in the world. Doubtless his uncle, Dr. B. M. Hypes, was his great inspiration in these unusual educational achievements. He also had specialized in the same field and was a member of the faculty in the medic. iL college where the nephew was a student. He had this young student in his own home and helped him not only by advice and inspiration, but also financially to whatever extent was necessary to enable him to get the best medical training the world afforded. After Dr. Swahlen's return from Europe, he became Associate Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology in St. Louis University, which position he still holds. He is also obstetrician at St. Anne's Maternity Hospital, and gynecologist at St. John's and St. Louis City Hospital, and Mount St. Rose Hospital. Dr. Swahlen is a leader in his field, and is so fully absorbed in his professional work that he gives very little time to social or club life. He is not married. After the death of Dr. Hypes, Dr. Swahlen was elected in his place on McKendree's Board of Trustees.

The Class Of 1Ss4 Albert L. Berger

THE CLASS OF 1SS4 ALBERT L. BERGER Albert Lincoln Berger was born in Lebanon, Illinois, February 2, 1865. His father was Dr. Adolph Berger, a native of Manheim, Germany, and his mother was Cecelia Adams, a daughter of Captain Lyman Adams, who was a near relative of John Quincy Adams, and for one year the proprietor of the "Mermaid Hotel," where Charles Dickens was once entertained when he visited Lebanon. Mr. Berger graduated from McKendree in 1884, receiving the degree of A. B., and in 1886 he graduated from the St. Louis Law School with the degree of LL. B. He was a member of the Platonian Literary Society. He was married November 10, 1887, to Miss Estella Hecker, a granddaughter of Colonel Fred Hecker, of Summerfield. She also was a student in Mc- Kendree for several years. Their children were Homer Hecker Berger, who graduated at the University of Kansas and the Harvard Law School; and Cecelia Berger, who died in 1910, at the age of sixteen. Mr. Berger located in Kansas City, Kansas, where he has been engaged in the practice of law ever since. He is a public spirited citizen and a Republican m politics. He h.is .'served as County Auditor, and director of the Exchange State Bank, as well as director of a number of other important corporations. He has served as legal counselor for a number of important organizations in the course of his extensive law practice.

Elmer Bishop

ELMER BISHOP Elmer Bishop was born near Mascoutah. Illinois, in the year 1862. He is the younger son of George and Malvina Bishop, both now deceased. He grew up at Mascoutah, and «in due, course entered McKendree, where he took the Law Course and graduated in 1884, receiving the degree of LL. B. /as a member of the Platonian Literary Society. He \vS- .named in 1890, to Miss Anna Holmes, of Duquoin, Illinois. They have two sons - Raymond and Elmer. Mr. Bishop located in Chicago after his graduation, where he engaged in the practice of law for a period of fifteen years. He IS now employed as a travelling salesman, with his territory m the west. He is a member of the Masonic Fraternity.

Dr. Edward W. Burrl'Ss

DR. EDWARD W. BURRL'SS Edward W. Burruss was born June 14, 1S64, at Carrollton, Illinois. His parents, George L. and Mariah (Wood) Burruss, were natives of Kentucky. He entered McKendree in the fall of 1882, and after completing the Scientific Course, graduated in the class of 1884, receiving the degree of B. S., and later, M. S. He was a member of the Philosophian Literary Society. After leaving McKendree, he entered the College of Physicians and Surgeons in St. Louis, from which he graduated in 1886, receiving the degree of M. D. Since then, he has been engaged in the practice of medicine. He was located for many years at Holly Grove, Arkansas, where he also held the office of postmaster for twelve years. He was for some time United States Pension Examining Surgeon, at Helena, Arkansas. In 1910, he moved to Denver, Colorado, where he is now engaged in the practice of medicine, and is a member of the Denver City and County Medical Society. He was married June 2, 1891, to Johnetta J. Hodge. They have four children - Helen H., Nellie H., Edward W., and Mary. Dr. Burruss is a member of the Congregational Church.

Mrs. Ida Capen Fleming

MRS. IDA CAPEN FLEMING Ida M.iy Capen was born at Alton, Illinois, July 19, i86j. Her father, Alonzo Capen, was born m Massachusetts, and her mother, Phebe Capen, in New York State. She entered McKendree in the fall of 1877 and received the degree of A. B. in June, 1884. Three years later she was granted the degree of A. M. She has done graduate work in the University ot Chicago. In McKendree, she was a Clio. She was married January ii, i88S, to Samuel G. Fleming. They have one son, Capen A. Fleming. In her case, marriage was not a bar to a professional career. She taught several years as grade teacher in the schools of Mascoutah and Lebanon, Illinois. From 1896 to 1905, she was employed in school work at El Dorado, Kansas - first as Assistant Principal, then Principal of the high school; then as Superintendent of City Schools; then as Assistant m Brumback Academy. In 1905 she was elected to the Chair of Latin and Greek in the Southwestern College, at Wintield, Kansas. After one year, a readjustment was made, and she was assigned to the Chair of Greek and French. She was Dean of Women and Secretary of the Faculty of the Southwestern College for many years. She is a member of Grace Methodist Church in Winfield.

Rev. Nathaniel C. Childs

Nathaniel C. Childs was born at Chester, Illinois, March 13, 185 S. While employed in the Internal Revenue service at Lebanon, he entered McKendree as a student in 1883, and finished the Law Course in 1884, receiving the degree of LL. B. He was a member of the Philosophian Literary Society. Before coming to McKendree, he had taught school several years, and published the Coulterville Headlight. Following his graduation, he practiced law and edited the Coulterville Republican at that place until 1891. After the death of his first wife, he decided to enter the ministry. Accordingly, in October, 1891, he entered the Theological Seminary of the United Presbyterian Church, at Xenia, Ohio, from which he graduated m 1894. Then for a term of five years, he was pastor of a United Presbyterian Church near Sparta, Illinois; then for eight years at Paxton, Illinois; then for three years at Fairfield, Iowa. He then came to Pinckneyville, Illinois, in 1910, to serve as pastor. On his first charge, he built a new parsonage, and in each of the next two, he built a new church. He does much evangelistic work outside of his own charge; and occasionally occupies the lecture platform. He has been Clerk and Moderator of the Presbytery, and Moderator of the Synod of Illinois. He was married first to Miss Maggie McMillan, June 4, 1890. She died the following year, leaving a daughter, Alice May, who IS now a high school teacher at Piper City, Illinois. His second marriage was to Emma R. Bliss, December 2, 1896. Of this union, there are two daughters - Florence E. and Hazel M.

Mrs. Sadie Deneen Dickson

F. (Ashley) Deneen. She grew up in the town of Lebanon and received her education in McKendree College where her father was Professor of Latin for thirty years. She was a member of the Clionian Literary Society and was active in the work of the society. She graduated from McKendree in 1884, receiving at that time the degree of A. B,, and some time afterward, the degree of A. M. On June 12, 1889, she was married to Frederick J. Dickson, whose father was a member of the Southern Illinois Conference. Mr. and Mrs. Dickson were both reared as Methodists and were actively connected with the work ot the church from childhood. For many ye.irs they lived m New York City, where Mr. Dickson was connected with the New York Life Insurance Company. For some years past Mr. Dickson has served as bank examiner for the State of Illinois, and so the family now resides m Evanston. They have two daughters and one son.

Mrs. Etta Herdman Doud

Etta Herdman was born at Mt. Vernon, Illinois, Septem ber 26, 1864. She is the daughter of William H. Herdman who was born in Noblestown, Pennsylvania, and Mary A, (Kirby) Herdman, who was a native of Louisville, Kentucky, After receiving her preliminary education in Mt. Vernon, Miss Herdman became a student in McKendree in Septem ber, 1882, and graduated in June, 1884, receiving the degree of B. S. She was a member of the Clionian Literary Society. After her graduation, she taught a year in the Bethany School near Godfrey, Illinois, and a year in the Mt. Vernon public schools. In 1886 she was married to Mr. M. F. Doud. For many years, their residence has been in St. Louis. They have three daughters - Grace, Margery, and Virginia. Mrs. Doud is a member of the Church of the Ascension, Episcopal, at Cates and Goodfellow Avenues, St. Louis.

Jacob P. Hirschler

Jacob Peter Hirschler was born January 30, 1856, in Lee County, Iowa, though at the time he was a student in Mc- Kendree, his home was at Summerfield, Illinois. His father was a farmer. He took the Law Course, and received the degree of LL. B. He w.is married in July, 1884, to Miss Eda Burke. We have no recent information concerning him.

Henry W. Louis

HENRY W. LOUIS Henry William Louis was born in Columbus, Ohio, August 23, i860. His father, William Louis, was born and reared near "Bingen on the Rhine," and his mother, Elizabeth Wentzel, at Giesin, Germany. When he was eight years of age, his parents moved to Illinois and settled near

Newton, in Jasper County. He secured what education could be obtained in the country schools and taught until he had saved enough money to enter McKendree College in 1882. He never completed the regular college course, but graduated from the Law Department in 1884, receiving the degree of LL. B. He was a member of the Philosophian Society. He was married to Miss Elizabeth Jane Virgin, June 3, 1885. Of their three children, only two are living - Elizabeth Beatrice and Howard Ellis. Henry William, Jr. died in infancy. After his graduation, Mr. Louis became Principal of the O'Fallon public school, which position he held until 1890, when he entered the employ of the American Book Company. He is now the general representative of that company for the state of Tennessee. His residence is at Jackson, Tennessee. He is a Knight Templar and a thirty-third degree Scottish Rite Mason, an Odd Fellow, an Elk, and belongs to several of the leading fraternal benefit associations.

JUDGE ROBERT J. McELVAlN Robert J. McElvain was born at Duquoin, Illinois, March 20, 1849. His father was of Scotch-Irish descent, and his mother was a native of North Carolina. He entered Mc- Kendree in the fall of 1883 and graduated in June, 1884, with the degree of LL. B. He was a member of the Philo Society. He was married in January, 1874, and has one son. He has made the profession of law his chief business ever since he was admitted to the bar. He was States Attorney of Jackson County, for four years and County Judge for eight years. He has served one term in the lower house of the lUinois Legislature, and four terms as State Senator. He is a member of the Christian Church, the Elks, and the Knights of Pythias, of which last he was Grand Chancellor in 1900.

WILLIAM W. McKEE William Wmthrop McKee was born January 16, 1863, at Bunker Hill, Illinois. He was a son of William W. and Mary (Snedeker) McKee. His father was a teacher. He was in McKendree for four full years and completed the Classical Course, receiving the degree of A. B. He was a Plato, a Republican, and a Methodist. He intended to make the law his profession, but planned to spend a few years in teaching first. He was one year Adjunct Professor of English in McKendree. His promising career was cut short by an early death only a few years after his graduation.

Dr. Hosea H. Moore

Department of the University of Michigan in iS6i. He then practiced medicine for a number of years in Washington County. He then moved to Lebanon, and although he was a middle aged man with a family, enrolled as a student in McKendree. After completing the Scientific Course, he graduated in 1884, receiving the degree of B. S., and later, M. S. He was a member of the Philosophian Literary Society. The greater part of the time since then, he has been located at Fairfield, Illinois, having a number of other interests in addition to his medical practice. He was a director of the First National Bank of Fairfield. He owned a large farm in Wayne ' County, where he put into effect some advanced ideas in agriculture and stock raising. In i8qo he was elected to the Illinois Legislature on the F. M. B. A. ticket, and was one of the three members of the Farmer's Mutual Benefit Association who held the balance of power in the Legislature during the famous "deadlock" which resulted in the election of General John M. Palmer to the United States Senate. He was married in 1865 to Miss Ellen Walker, of Washington County. Three of their children are living - Mrs. Mary E. Moats and William E. Moore, of Fairfield, and Dalton P. Moore, editor of the Olney Times, of Olney, Illinois. Dr. Moore died at his home in Fairfield, January 7, 191 3, and his funeral was conducted by the Masonic Order, of which he had been Worshipful Master for many

James F. Tribble

James F. Tribble was born in Ray County, Missouri, Aug. 4, 1858. His parents were English. He became a student in McKendree College in 1882 and graduated in 1884, receiving the degree of LL. B. He was a member of the Philosophian Literary Society. He was twice married - in 1881 and in 1901. The children of the first marriage are Maud, Herbert, and Joe; of the second, Foster and Mary. He was for twenty-five years principal of the school at Batchtown, Illinois, but resigned in 1908 to become cashier of the Bank of Richwoods, at Batchtown. He is a member of the Methodist Church, the Masonic Lodge, the Modern Woodmen of America, and the Mutual Protective League.

Thomas H. Tuttle

THOMAS H. TUTTLE Thomas Henry Tattle was born May 10, 18';';, in Jefferson County, Illinois. At the time he was m McKendree, his home was at Ashley. He took a law course and received the degree of LL. B. He was a Plato, a Republican, and a Methodist. After graduation, he went west and began the practice of law m Chanute, Kansas. We have no recent information concerning him.

DANIEL Z^ VERNOR Daniel Zenas Vernor was born at Nashville, Illinois, February 14, 1864. His parents were Daniel H. and Jane L. (Mitchell) Vernor, who both died while their son was still in his youth. He became a student m McKendree in September, 1880, and graduated m 1884, receiving the degree of B. S., and later, M. S. He was married December 25, 1888 He has been m business for many years in Olney, Illinois. He was vice-president of the Illinois State Sunday School Association for four years, and president of that body one year. He is an Elder in the Presbyterian Church at Olney, Illinois. While at McKendree. he was a member of the Philosophian Literary Society.

Thomas Nathaniel Camp was born near Troy, Illinois, March II, 1859. He was a son of Thomas and Elizabeth (Johnson) Camp, who were both native Americans, of English ancestry. His mother died only three days after his birth, and his father when he was only three years old. His home during the years of his youth was with his maternal grandmother, Mrs. Eleanora Johnson, who with her son and daughter, William and Amanda Johnson, moved to Lebanon about the year 1865, in order to be within reach of good educational advantages. He entered McKendree in 1881 and graduated m 1885, receiving the degree of A. B., and later, A. M. He was a member of the Platonian Literary Society. He taught in the public schools for a year after his graduation, and then secured a position as reporter for the St. Louis Republic. He was afterward employed in the same capacity by the St. Louis Chronicle and other journals in the same city. According to the testimony of a prominent newspaper man of St. Louis, he became an expert in his chosen line of work. He retired from newspaper work in 1899. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church. In 1888 he was united m marriage to Mary A. Brand, of Summerfield. They have four children: Walter M., Martha E., Estella A., and Eleanora L. Camp. The last is a graduate of McKendree. WILLIAM J. CLUCAS

William John Clucas was born on the Isle of Man, south of England, March 10, i8j8. He came to America with his parents at the age of ten, and lived for a time in St. Louis. A few years later he came to Lebanon, which place was his home for the remainder of his life. He was married to Mary Scott. To them were born two sons and three daughters, of whom all except one were students at McKendree. After passing middle life, he entered the Law Department of Mc-

Kendree and received the degree of LL. B. m 188';. He has held the offices of Justice of the Peace, City Attorney, and Postmaster of Lebanon. He was a member of the I. O. O. F. and was prominent in lodge work. He died at Lebanon,

CHAS. F^ DEW Charles Frank Dew w.is born in Kansas City, Missouri, March 20, 1866. He is a son of H. B. and Sarah E. Dew, who were of English ancestry. He entered McKendree in 1883 and graduated in 1885, receiving the degree of B. S., and later, M. S. He was a member of the Platonian Society. After his graduation, he spent a number of years in educational work, having taught in Illinois, Missouri, and Minn' esota. He occupied the position of superintendent in several places. He then studied law and was admitted to the bar in 189J. He has for a number of years past been practicing law in Centralia, Illinois. He has been three times elected to the office of City Attorney in that city. He was married November 25, 1908, to Miss Hattie Porter. He belongs to the Masonic Fraternity, and to the Modern Woodmen.

Rev. Louis M. Flocken

Louis Michael Flocken was born at Cincinnati, Ohio, April II, 1861. He entered McKendree in 1879, and completed the course in iSS^;, receiving the degree of A. B., and three years later, A. M. He entered Boston University School of Theology in 1886, graduated in 1889 with the degree of S. T. B. While in McKendree, he was a member of Plato. He was married to Miss Myrtie Anna Carter, of Newton, Illinois, September 9, 1885. Their two sons are Louis Carter and Robert Hinckley. They are both graduates of the Wesleyan University. Mr. Flocken has been at work continuously in the work of the pastorate in the New England Conference. In 1904 he enjoyed an extensive trip abroad as a delegate to the World's Sunday School Convention, at Jerusalem. The itinerary included the Madiera Islands, Gibraltar, Algiers, Malta, Athens, Constantinople, Smyrna, Ephesus, Damascus, Palestine, Egypt, Naples, Rome, Venice, Florence, Milan, Switzerland, Paris, London, etc. He has given many illustrated lectures on his travels. He has also written numerous magazine articles on religious and philosophical subjects, such as "The Place of Philosophy in Bible Study" and "The Influence of Greek Philosophy on the Formation of Christian Doctrine."

George E. Lehman

George Ethan Lehman was born in Lebanon, Illinois, May 28, 1864. He is the son of John H. and Mary (Burton) Lehman. His mother is still living at her home in Lebanon.

After finishing the pubhc schools, he entered McKendree and graduated in 1885, with the degree of B. S. He was an active member of the Philosophian Literary Society. For a number of years he taught school, and then went into business as a retail merchant in St. Louis. In 1896 he organized the St. Louis Delivery Company and operated this hne until 1904, when he went into business as a building contractor. He followed this till 1909, when he went into the hardware business, in which he is still engaged. He was married July 14, 1887, to Miss Sallie Whittaker, a St. Clair County girl. They have two daughters, Ruth A. and Marie L. The latter is now Mrs. Walter L Moon. She lives in St. Louis, and Mr. Moon assists his father-in-law in the hardware business. The family are all Methodists and attend the Waggoner Memorial Church in St. Louis. Mr. Lehman belongs to the Retail Hardware Dealers Association of St. Louis. Besides his business property, he owns a splendid residence in St. Louis.

Robert C. Noleman

ROBERT C. NOLEMAN Robert Casey Noleman was born at Centralia, Illinois, November 12, 1861. His parents, Edward S. and Mary (Casey) Noleman, were early pioneers of Illinois. He entered McKendree in 1880 and graduated in 1885, receiving the degrees of B. S. and LL. B. He was a member of Philo. After his graduation, he went to Nebraska and practiced law for twenty years, a part of which time he held the office of County Attorney. He then went to California, and for a number of years maintained a law office in Los Angeles. He later returned to his native city, Centralia, where he practiced law until his retirement from active business only a short time ago. He was married in 1888, to Miss Julia Hickey. They have four sons and one daughter. Mr. Noleman is a member of the Masons, the Odd Fellows, and the

Horace Napoleon McKee graduated in 1885, receiving the degree of A. B., and later, that of A. M. He was a member of the Platonian Society. Some time after his graduation, he went to Chicago and engaged in the real estate business. We have no recent information concerning him.

Eddy Ransom

EDDY RANSOM Eddy Ransom was born at Spring Garden, Illinois, November 29, 1864. He was a son of Rev. Albert and Catherine Ransom, who were both native Americans, but of Scotch ancestry. His father was a member of the Southern Illinois Conference. He became a student in McKendree in 1883 and graduated in 1885, receiving the degree of B. S., and later, M. S. He was a member of the Philosophian Literary

Society. He was gifted m music and made that his principal occupation for some years. He traveled for a time with a theatrical troup, was married, had one child, and in 1892 mysteriously disappeared. His relatives have not heard from him, nor have they been able to secure any trace of his whereabouts since that time.

Rev. Arthur P. Sharp Ethan F. Staats

Arthur Page Sharp was born at Meridan, Warwickshire, England, March 26, 1858. He is a son of Henry and Eliza Sharp, who are of English nationality. He came to America in his eighteenth year and settled in Mt. Carmel, Illinois. He entered McKendree College in September, 1881, and graduated in 1885 with the degree of A. B. Three years later he received the degree of A. M. He graduated from Boston University School of Theology in 1888 with the degree of S. T. B. He was Jacob Sleeper Fellow at Halle an der Salle, Germany, in 1895-1896. He graduated D. D. (cum laude) from the Chicago Seminar of Sciences in 1906. While in McKendree, he was a member of the Platonian Society. He was married June 30, 1887, to May Louise Harris, daughter of Rev. Joseph Harris, who was many years professor of Mathematics at McKendree College. They have four children: Harold Harris, Marjorie May, Otto Page, and Arthur Norman. He joined the New England Conference in 1888 and has served eight pastoral charges, and was Superintendent of the Lynn District. He retired several years ago, and his death occurred in September, 1927. ETHAN F. STAATS

William O. Thompson

Ethen Freeman Staats was born m West Virginia, August 22, 1857. His father, Lewis Staats, was a farmer near Sumner, Illinois. He entered McKendree in 1878 and completed the course and graduated in 1885, receiving the degree of A. B. He was a member of Philo. He entered the ministry for a while, but not finding the work of a Methodist preacher congenial, he studied medicine, and has followed that profession during his active life, at Beman, Missouri. WILLIAM O. THOMPSON

William Owen Thompson was born May 8, 1865, '" Johnson County, Illinois. He is a son of Rev. F. L. Thompson, who was for many years a prominent member of the Southern Illinois Conference. He graduated from McKendree in the class of 1885, receiving the degree of A. B. He was a member of the Platonian Literary Society. He was a Methodist and a Republican. He followed various occupations after his graduation. He was for a time a druggist; he was in the business of photography in Alton, Illinois; and was engaged in the publishing business in Chicago. He was

Mrs. Elizabeth Virgin Louis

MRS. ELIZABETH VIRGIN LOUIS Elizabeth Jane Virgin was born near St. Jacob, Illinois, May 12, 1863. She was reared on a farm, attended the public schools, and then entered McKendree in the fall of 1882. She graduated in the class of 1885, receiving the degree of B. S. She also received a diploma in Elocution. She was a member of Clio. She was married June j, 1885, to Henry W. Louis, of the class of 1884. They have two children living - Elizabeth Beatrice and Howard Ellis. She is a member of the First Baptist Church in Jackson, Tennessee, where they have lived for many years. She is also an active member of the Order of the Eastern Star.

The Class Of 18S6 Charles U. Armstrong

THE CLASS OF 18S6 CHARLES U. ARMSTRONG Charles Union Armstrong was born near Piasa, Macoupin County, Illinois, Feb. 27, 1864. His parents, Louis P. and Mary Allen Armstrong, born respectively in Pennsylvania and Delaware, were of English descent. After spending his youth on the farm and attending the public schools, he entered McKendree m the fall of 1881. He graduated in 1886 with the degree B. S., and two years later, received the degree LL. B. He was an active Philo during his college years. He was married December 3, 1896, to Miss Mary E. ChaiEn. They have two children, a son and a daughter. Mr. Armstrong has been practicing law almost ever since his graduation, and is a prominent member of the profession at Santa Maria, California, where he now resides. He is a member of both the Odd Fellow and Masonic Fraternities.

Charles L. Brown

CHARLES L. BROWN Charles Lincoln Brown was born on a flirm near Lebanon, Illinois, July 25, 1865. He is a son of Luther and Caroline E. Brown. He was educated in the public schools of Lebanon and then entered McKendree, and after finishing the Scientific Course, he graduated in 1886, receiving the degree of B. S., and later, M. S. He immediately entered McKendree's Law Department and graduated from it in 1888. He was a member of the Philosophian Literary Society. He was married October 19, 1892, and has one son living - Kenneth D. Brown. He has spent his professional life thus fiir in the practice of law. He was employed in the Law Department of the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railroad Company from October, 1889, to July, 1912. He is now a member of the firm of Brown and Baer, engaged in general law practice, in San Francisco, California.

Rev. John N. Geisler

REV. JOHN N. GEISLER John Nicholas Geisler was born in a log house in the town of Lukin, Lawrence County, Illinois, m the year 1858. His flither was German and his mother Scotch. His father was one of the three m the village who voted for Abraham Lincoln at his first election, and one of the ten who voted for him at his second election. The father's politics being unpopular, the son had many political contentions among his school fellows, which sometimes led to blows. For this reason, his preparation for college was largely obtained at home. He came to McKendree with little besides his great thirst for learning; and after five years of struggle with adversity and deep draughts from the fountains of knowl' edge, he graduated in 1886, with the degree of A. B. The same year he entered Boston University School of Theology and there received the degree of S. T. B. m 1889. He entered the New England Southern Conference m 1890, and since that time has labored faithfully as pastor of the Christian flock wherever the authority of the Church has placed him. He was a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows - Encampment, Royal Purple Degree. His death occurred m 1924.

Ira D. Kingsbury

IRA D. KINGSBURY Ira Dale Kingsbury was born at Carlyle, Illinois, November 12, 1866. His father was Darius Kingsbury, a lawyer, and Mary E. Hazard, both born in America, and descendants of old New England families. He entered McKendree College in 1883 and graduated in June, 1886, receiving the degree of B. S., and the corresponding master's degree in 1889. He was a member of the Platonian Literary Society. He was married April 27, 1897, to Miss Sibyl Lee Capelle, of Carlyle, Illinois. After graduation, he studied law, but did not enter upon the practice of this profession. In 1891 he moved to Rochester, New York, where for two years he was engaged in the wholesale fruit business. In April, 1893, he entered the employ of the Lawyers' Co-operative Publishing Company. In July, 1895, he engaged with the Bausch and Lomb Optical Company as credit man, which position he held until October 15, 1907, when he resigned to accept the position of financial manager for L. Adler, Brothers and Company, manufecturers of men's fine clothing, which position he now holds, and since November, 191 1, he has been a member of the company. He is a member of the Protestant Episcopal Church and has belonged to the Masonic Fraternity since 1889. He was secretary of the Rochester Public Health Association from 1899 to 1907, and while holding this office, he was prominent in the first public efforts for organized preventative work against the spread of tuberculosis. For many years he has been an active member of the National Credit Men's Association and the Rochester Association of Credit Men, being an ex-president of the latter body, and at present, a director in the former. He is a member of the Rochester Club, the Automobile Club of Rochester, and the Oak Hill Country Club. JOHN S. C, NICHOLS

George W. Preston

John Strong Curtis Nichols was born near Noble, Illinois, January 6, 1864. His parents were Joshua D. and Esther (Curtis) Nichols, both natives of New York. He entered McKendree in 1884 and graduated in 1886, with the degree of LL. B. He was a member of the Platonian Literary Society. In 1892 he was united in marriage to Miss Ruby McMurtry. They have five children - three boys and two girls. Since leaving college, he has been engaged in a variety of occupations, among which are law practice, farming and merchandising. For a number of years he has been president and cashier of the First National Bank of Noble, Illinois. He is a member of the order of A. F. 6s? A. M. GEORGE W. PRESTON

George William Preston was born in Mercer County, Pennsylvania, November 7, 1867. He is a son of S. H. and Mary J. Preston. He came to Illinois in early youth and entered McKendree College in 1882. He graduated in the class of 1886, receiving the degree of B. S. The next year he received the master's degree from his alma mater. He was a member of the Philosophian Literary Society. He later attended Kenyon College, where he received the degree of B. D. in 1893. In 1902 he received the degree of LL. B. from the University of Buffalo (N. Y.). He has successfully filled the following positions: Clerk of the State Board of Health of Illinois, 1884-1887; then for a year he was Professor of English Language and Literature in Hillsboro College (Ohio) ; the next year he was Superintendent of Schools, Loveland, Ohio; then for two years he was President of Georgetown College (Ohio); in 189 j he was ordained a priest in the Episcopal Church and served as rector of parishes in Ohio and Pennsylvania until 1899; he was then for some years General Missionary of his Church for Southern Illinois and Dean of Chester: later he lived for some years in St. Louis, but in 191 4 he moved to Colorado Springs, Colorado, where he now resides. He was married to Clara Louise Day m 1901. Their children are William Day, Mary Louise, and George. SAMUEL SLADE Samuel Slade was born at Pana, Illinois, March 35, 1865, and was accidentally killed at San Luis Obispo Bay, on the Pacific Coast, being thrown against a rock by an ocean wave, February ij, 1898. He was a son of Samuel and Martha Slade, who were both native Americans, though the father was of French and the mother of English ancestry. From early childhood until he went to college, he lived near Piasa, Macoupin County, Illinois. He became a student in Mc- Kendree in 1881 and graduated in 1886 with the degree of B. S. In 1888 he completed the Law Course in McKendree and received the degree of LL. B. He was married to Miss Elizabeth Blevins, of Oskaloosa, Kansas, May 2j, 1889. Their son, Marshall, and daughter, Esther, both died in early childhood. Their youngest daughter, Maria, graduated from the University of Kansas, at Lawrence. After teaching school two years, Mr. Slade began the practice of law at Eads, Colorado. He was elected County Attorney of Kiowa County, Colorado, in 1889, and District Attorney in 1891. He resigned this office and moved to Pueblo, Colorado, where he practiced law until failing health induced him to move to Santa, Maria, California, where in 1895 he became a member of the law firm of Slade and Armstrong, which was dissolved by his death in 1898. In 1893 he held the position of Clerk of the Judiciary Committee in the Colorado Legislature. In California, he was Clerk of the Senate Committee of Education and Public Morals. He held the highest office in the Knights of Pythias Lodge, and was a member of the Finance Committee of the Grand Lodge of California. He also belonged to the Masonic Order, the Independent Order of Forresters, and the Order of Eastern Star. He was a trustee of the City Library Association. He was a Republican in politics and doubtless, had he lived, would have exerted a wide influence in that field. A published History of the City of Pueblo says of him: "Mr. Slade, though not numbered among the pioneer lawyers of Pueblo, yet by strict application to his chosen profession, has written his name high up on the list of the city's able attorneys, securing the reputation of being an able lawyer and a true gentleman, thorough, careful, and conscientious."